Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Eolo. Patagonia, Argentina

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This week we focused on Southern Patagonia, known for it’s barren seascapes, glacier lakes, and proximity to the Antarctic Circle. Long before we arrived, glaciers chiseled and carved these majestic landscapes into a beautiful array of shapes and colors.

Which is why we wanted to show you our favorite place to relax and experience all that Patagonia has to offer.

Eolo, also known as Patagonia’s Spirit, is located in El Calafate, in southern Patagonia along the Andes Mountains. Due to its ideal climate and bountiful nature, a thorny bush native to that region grows extremely tasty fruit popular with the natives. So popular in fact, that it has it’s own legend. The location provides such magnificent scenery; one might think that this backdrop is actually out of a movie set. Your only neighbors are the mountains, the sky and the stars. The hotel has only 17 suites each with different views of the Lago Argentino, La Anita Valley, Torres del pain, or the Rico Branch. The hotel’s design is modern, but still has a rustic vibe to match the hotel’s location. Filled with warm earthy tones, Eolo embodies a homey country lodge, filled with a friendly and inviting staff.

We think that the most amazing views in the house are that of the restaurant and bar, which overlooks the giant, creamy blue glacier lake, Lago Argentino. While watching one of the grand sunsets, order a glass of red wine from the bar, their wine cellar is expertly and handpicked. For dinner, order the Lamb Al Asador, better than any lamb dish out there! Since you’ll be staring at Lago Argentino for all of your meals, you might want to request a room with a different view for your stay. Our favorite room would have to be one of the Corner Suites because they come with 180-degree views of the property.

Eolo has the best excursion staff who have all already lived, or are from, Patagonia, so the expert guides know their way around the area like the back of their hand. The hotel can coordinate adventure excursions while you’re staying at the hotel. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance excursion, the hotel provides horseback riding treks across trails and mountains. Some other excursions include a 4×4 trek on Estancia Cristina to a lookout point of the Upsala Glacier and 4×4 trek on to the top of the mountain to the Chile border lookout. But my favorite excursion, for you thrill-seekers out there, would be minitrekking to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. The staff at Eolo will prepare a backpack full of healthy and yummy snacks for your trek, which takes up most of the day. One cautionary note: There is a hole in the ozone layer above Patagonia, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Llao Llao Hotel. Patagonia, Argentina

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The month of October is all about Argentina. Summer in Argentina is right around the corner which means the trees are blooming, the cities are vibrating, the warm weather is finally here, and the long awaited polo season is finally here. 

After visiting this part of the world three times in the past five years, it’s safe to say that this month will be one of my favorite months on the Posh Voyage’s blog.

Starting with the Patagonia region, today we are featuring our favorite hotel in the mountains of Patagonia, Llao Llao.

Experience Patagonia in a luxurious setting that perfectly combines the rustic of nature with the plushness of a 5-star hotel. Situated spaciously between the Moreno and Nahuel lakes and the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountains, this is hotel is breathtaking in a non-understated way. The hotel was built in 1938 while the territory was completely un-inhabited. A fire partially destroyed the hotel in 1940, but it managed to come back and reopen at Llao Lao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa. The hotel is handcrafted from Cypress and Pine-hemlock trees and contains two wings: Ala Bustillo and Lago Moreno.

The Bustillo Wing is part of the original hotel overlooking the Cerro Lopez mountain peak and Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. The charming history of the hotel is found imbedded within each of the 162 rooms, 11 studios, and 12 suites. The Lago Moreno Wing is a blend of classic Llao Llao style and modern Patagonian design. The Lago Moreno Wing comes with 43 deluxe studios, 17 Lake Suites, 2 Master Suites, and 1 Royal Master Suite overlooking Lake Moreno and Mt. Tronador. The standard rooms are on the smaller side, but a tall person could fit in them just fine! Our favorite room would be the Lake Moreno Cabin. It has majestic views and all the amenities of the hotel while feeling like you’re on your own private land. It has two bedrooms- perfect for a family or couples’ getaway.

This resort is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. They have every outdoor activity imaginable including windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, and even mountain repelling. They offer 4 types of guided walks: Aerobic, Recreational, Nordic, and Naturalistic. Depending on your inclination towards hiking, each of these walks offers something different. The hotel staff’s favorite walk is the Recreational walk. The guide will take you on a 2-3 hour trek to gorgeous destinations depending on the weather and group’s personal opinion. If you’re there in the winter I would opt for the Nordic Walk, they provide you with telescopic poles to keep you from slip and slide.

Llao Llao also has a gorgeous mountainside private golf course, offering 360 degree views of the lakes and mountains. If you’re not a cold weather fan, this is the perfect place to escape the winter and enjoy the outdoors in the summer weather December through February. Or, if you’re in the mood for some skiing mid-July, Mount Catedral is open to the public in general. Personalized and exclusive assistance could be found in our mountain lodge “Llao Llao” at the base of Mt. Catedral during the months of July and August.

Those who have stayed at Llao Llao rave about the exceptional service and surprise those with even the highest of standards. Many people cannot go just once, most of their guests are returning for their 3rd or 4th time! Picture yourself sitting by the fire after a long day of skiing or hiking enjoying a courtesy sunset cocktail, is it perfection? If so, I think it’s time to head to Patagonia.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Peninsula. Paris, France

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The first word that comes to mind when I think of The Peninsula Paris would be grandeur. This Peninsula Paris is located in a late 19th century Haussmanian building, which first opened in 1908. The hotel closed for restoration (costing almost 1 billion dollars gasp!!!!) and re-opened in August 2014, nearly 6 years in the making. The heart of the hotel is in their stunning lobby. Adorned with curved ceiling, glistening chandeliers, marble floors, and contemporary furnishings, the grand entrance welcomes guests with a feeling of awe. An installation called “Dancing Leaves”, located in the lobby, is made of 800 hand-blown crystal leaves, but that is not the most impressive thing. In fact, 20,000 pieces of gold leaf have been applied throughout the public areas of the hotel, making the hotel to actually seem shimmering.

The rooms are inspired by Parisian architecture and fashion. Covered in soft tones of grey and cream, they are equally timeless and modern. Each room comes with the traditional Peninsula functionality, equipped with the latest tech gadgets, perfect for the modern luxury traveler. All the lights and switched are controlled with an iPad, which some find confusing and others love. The Premier Suite is amazing, best views in the house! The 1,075 square foot room has views of Avenue Kleber and the Eiffel Tower. In the mood for some oysters and champagne in the City of Love? Order it without ever having to leave your bubble bath for two from the interactive digital control tablet.

L’Oiseau Blanc, The hotel’s sixth floor restaurant, serves up no only stunning French cuisine, but also some of Paris’ most stunning views. Lili is the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant. The interior is modeled after the drama of a Chinese and French opera. Sit at the chef’s table and order the dim sum! If you’re just looking for a drink and a smoke, head to Lounge Kleber, a discreet lounge perfect for a cigar and a dirty martini.

The Peninsula Paris Spa is over 1,800 square meters of pure luxury. The menu of Oriental, Holistic, and European-inspired treatments would satisfy even the weariest of travelers. The Peninsula Paris is the hotel of the future in the way they combine the traditional with the futuristic. Classic glamour is seen in every detail of the hotel while their policy on the latest up-to-date technology is very apparent. This hotel is sure to find itself becoming a landmark of Paris like the monuments it surrounds.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Armani Hotel. Milan, Italy

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The Armani Hotel in Milan is a true fashion-lover’s dream. Created by Giorgio Armani himself, his aesthetic and personal style is embodied in every aspect of the hotel. Located just around the corner from the luxury shopping streets of Via Montenapoleone, this is the perfect spot for those wishing to stay in the middle of all the action during Fashion Week.

The hotel is designed to be a “home-away-from-home” which is in line with the Armani philosophy. From the moment of booking to the time of arrival, your lifestyle manager is there to ensure that all your requirements are anticipated discreetly. From customized spa treatments to personal shoppers, your lifestyle manager almost seems like your invisible fairy godmother.

The 95 guestrooms of this spectacular hotel are both sensual and simple, and to stay in a room personally designed by Giorgio Armani is a gift within itself. Our favorite room in the house is the Armani Signature Suite. Not only does the grand winding staircase make you feel as if you’re in an actual home, the suite comes will a full-service bar, private gym, cinema, and spacious living room. So actually, we take it back, this may be better than your own home! Each room also comes with Armani amenities; sigh, if only it came with Armani clothing.

On the top floor of the exquisite Armani Hotel, is the 1,000 square meter Armani/Spa. A relaxed, quiet, and calm space, this wellness spa overlooks the Duomo Cathedral, The spa features many different treatments and a magnificent relaxation pool with a glass roof and walls. The spa comes with 3 different types of therapies: MU (for stillness), Libertà (for freedom), or Fluidità (for fluidity). My personal favorite is the Fluidità massage for energizing and travel recovery; I’m always looking for ways to battle the jetlag!

On the 7th floor you will find the Armani/Ristorante and the Armani/Bamboo Bar. The Armani/Ristorante has simply divine food and features a unique Enoteca with an impeccable selection of wines. Opt for the Chef’s table and tasting menu, whatever he cooks up will make your taste buds smile. The Armani/Bamboo has such fantastic cocktails; it may just make you want to dance your way over to Armani/Privè, the nightclub by Armani. Whatever your reason for traveling to Milan, this is definitely the place you should stay.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Connaught Hotel. London, UK

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From the moment you arrive to The Connaught Hotel in London, the staff sweeps you off your feet and into a chair by the fireplace with a cup of tea. As soon as you enter the lobby you feel as if you’ve been transported to a grandeur and more modern version of Downtown Abbey. The glam of the 1920’s London is still very apparent in the overall theme of the hotel. Each room at The Connaught is fit for a prince or princess, but the Signature Suites are le crème de la crème!

If you have the resources (cough cough enough money), the best suite in the hotel (and maybe London) is The Apartment. Through two giant blue wooden doors is this 3,068 sq. ft haven. The suite comes complete with two bedrooms, adorned with four-poster king beds, vaulted ceilings, and a 24-hour butler. The suite also comes with a living room + fireplace, dining room for up to 8 guests, and large wrap around balcony with the best views in London. If you are a local, don’t worry, you can rent it out for a birthday party, cocktail party or even a staycation.

After the butler has taken you to your very chic room and unpacked your clothes for you, head down to the Tea Room for fresh scones and mouth-watering pastries. Or, if tea is not your thing, substitute tea for some afternoon champagne in the hotel’s own champagne room, the rosé is fabulous! If you’re looking for a snack or informal meal check out Espelette, the décor and fine foods with surely give you the energy to take a walk around the beautiful neighborhood of Mayfair. After your walk, have dinner at Hélène Darroze’s two Michelin-starred restaurant. Expect expressive French cuisine and hand picked fresh ingredients, it is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.

Another amazing aspect of The Connaught is their Aman Spa, the only one of its kind in London. They emphasize tranquility and rejuvenation. I recommend the Spa Signature Treatment: Inspired by Thailand, it will leave you detoxified and energized. After you’ve been detoxified, head to The Connaught bar to be re-toxified. The Connaught has a refined and rare selection of whiskies. They offer whisky and bespoke chocolate tasting for the brave, or talk to Agostino Perrone, the master behind the mix. A world-renowned bartender, his expertise will shake you up the perfect cocktail for whatever mood you are in. Without a doubt, The Connaught is a unique hotel guided to making your stay as classy as classy gets.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Crosby Street Hotel. New York City

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As you can imagine, I am very particular about hotels in New York. There are so many options (old and new) and I always feel like I need to narrow down my options to three hotels max for my readers. The Crosby Street Hotel, part of the fabulous Firmdale Hotels, is definitely up there, next to the Surrey and The Mark Hotel.

New York City is known for is art and historic culture, and yet rarely you find the two mixed into a hotel. With 86 rooms on 11 floors the Crosby Street Hotel is definitely a spacious place in the perpetually crowded NYC.

Placed in the center of a cobblestone street in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, this reformed parking lot hotel is in true minimalist form to match the neighborhood’s industrial history. Made of brick, stone, and glass compliments the surrounding urban landscape. Kit Kemp, the owner’s wife, definitely has the perfect eye to make this happen.

From the moment you set foot inside, you will be wowed. Once you arrive at the hotel, head over to The Crosby Bar for their staple, the Tiger’s Eye, or delight yourself in a yummy champagne cocktail.

The hotel itself is comprised of original and usual pieces for a hotel. Collaborations with local designer and artisans help decorate the hotel. Along with the lobby, the Drawing Room, Sculpture Garden, and Crosby Terrace are each unique in style. The Sculpture Garden is a quiet sanctuary for the guests; it is away from hustle&bustle and noise of the city. The Crosby Terrace is a sunny little spot open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea all day. Order the Ruinart Tea, which comes with scones, tea sandwiches, and your choice of tea. Talk about lavish!

The rooms of this contemporary hotel are each unique- with their own color palette and personality. Each room is spacious and light with floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows. I usually opt for the one-bedroom Crosby Suite, the views are utterly spectacular and the rooms come with a living room and dining area. The design is uber chic- the purple, gray, and green interior matched with the high-ceiling chandelier is perfection.

Don’t miss what I think is the best service any hotel can offer: They have a pressing and unpacking service for those who are pressed for time, which is especially useful for the on-the-go New York Fashion Week crowd. In the meantime, just go grab a quick bite at Balthazar, which is 15 ft away.

One of the most unique things about this hotel is the Rooftop Kitchen Garden. It is situated on the 12th floor of the hotel. This garden is an urban vegetable patch managed by the hotel’s head chef Anthony Paris. It supplies the hotel’s restaurant with fresh seasonal produce such as melons, blueberries, tomatoes, and herbs. Whatever the occasion for your visit to NYC, The Crosby Street hotel is one of my personal favorites and the ultimate in combining art and luxury.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Abu Camp. Botswana

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Your entrance to Abu Camp, which is only reachable by plane, is an experience in itself. Flying over the Okavango Delta, you soar over Buffalo, Giraffes, Rhinoceros, Cheetahs, and Elephants. This camp was created to transform the idea you had about Wilderness Collections and elephants. Guests of Abu Camp are offered a rare and exclusive experience to be hands-on with the African Elephants within the camp. This 450,000 acre private game reserve is located on the largest inland delta on the planet which means more animals and sightseeing than anywhere in the world.

Pathways link the camp’s six guest rooms and main area. Each room is open-air canvas and very spacious. Each room is decorated differently and with it’s own style. My favorite room has amazing elephant wall décor, suitcases for a table and a zebra print rug. Each room is truly chic and would satisfy anyone’s need for comfort and luxury. The camp itself sits on a lagoon and each room has a panoramic view of the delta. “Even mealtime is romantic,” said one guest Will Taylor, “each meal is different, sometimes they will set up a spectacular meal on the deck or out in the bush”.  The best meal at Abu Camp is definitely the fresh baked pizza from the pizza oven on the pool deck. This is also a great activity for kids as they can choose their own toppings and make their own pizzas, supervised by one of the Abu Camp chefs. Abu Camp even has movie nights where they set up a large outdoor screen and hand out popcorn!

The absolute most amazing experience about this camp is the Elephant herd that is in residence at Abu. It is an unparalleled chance to immerse yourself into the elephant herd. You can get to know the elephants of all ages, from playful babies, to teenagers, to the wise adults, led by the grand ol’ matriarch Cathy. Abu Camp encourages you to take walks with these beautiful creatures in the morning and experience a safari trip from the back of an elephant. If this doesn’t impress you nothing will!

Other activities include fishing in the Delta, you could catch some yummy Tilapia if you’re lucky, guided game reserve tours, and canoeing a few other options. However, if you are seeking the ultimate immersion into Abu Camp and the elephant herd, look no further than the Star Bed. On request, guests can reserve this bed for a night and sleep and a large, raised high above the ground, with an unobstructed view of the starry night sky. Below you are the elephants’ sleeping quarters and they will drift you to sleep with their melodic sounds.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Mnemba Island. Tanzania

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Beyond lodges all over the world are known for their 5-star quality and their 5-star management however, Mnemba Island Lodge gets 6 stars. With only 10 guest cottages, you know that anyone who is blessed enough to be able to stay there is going to be just like you, seeking luxury, privacy, and just a hint of adventure. This is a place where no other toys or gimmicks are needed, just the sapphire ocean, sugarcoated sand, and your significant other. If your dream is to play Robinson Crusoe in the most pampered way then Mnemba Island Lodge is the place for you.

Set on a private island off the northeast tip of Zanzibar, &Beyond Mnemba is an unpretentious paradise in it’s own league. The 10 palm-frond guest bandas are each situated directly on the beach for private (you may have one or two antelope come to visit) sunset views. The sea breeze keeps the bandas cool throughout the day and night, while the rooms are filled with soft, natural fabrics and traditional woodcarvings. Enjoy sunset and ocean views on your private barazas (swhili word for meeting place). That night, enjoy your own light show in the African moonlight while dinner is brought to you on the beach. The staff is uber-friendly and loves to join you at your meals for a drink or some fun conversation. This is something that is true throughout all of the &Beyond lodges, the staff is one-of-a-kind. They are the magic ingredients at Mnemba and their commitment to helping guests’ create long-lasting memories is so genuine.

A day in Mnemba goes a little something like this: at a pre-arranged time, morning tea and breakfast will be delivered right to your banda. One of the best aspects of the lodge is their quality of food. Guests rave about how fresh and delicious everything is for a small island off-coast. Breakfast is then followed by a leisurely walk on the beach or some casual snorkeling. After a brief lunch siesta it’s time to start diving! A short boat ride takes you out to the coral reefs, where you can explore the colorful marine life. If you happen to spot a pod of dolphins, jump right in and swim with these sociable sea creatures. When you get back from your dive, wash off the salt in your private glass beaded shower. Get excited for the succulent seafood dinner that awaits you when you are ready. My favorite thing about this lodge is its ability to make you feel relaxed but stimulated at the same time. If I could have another honeymoon this is where I would go!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Kenya

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Staying at Cottar’s 1920s camp is like taking a time machine back to the golden age of elegant British safaris. Located on 6,00- acres of private conservancy, the camp is situated right next to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the latest addition to the 7 Wonders of the World. Each tent is covered in rich warm colors and textures, taking luxury safaris to new heights. Staff members will put hot water bottles at the foot of your bed to heat up the chilly nights, just one example of the thoughtfulness of the staff. The camp has ten tents in total. The camp is situated to ensure that tents are private and quiet whether you are traveling with a family or on your honeymoon. What’s truly amazing about the camp is the sincerity and friendliness of the staff and management; it is a rarity that is a breath of fresh air.

One of the new additions to the camp is the Cottar’s Homestead, a private home designed by Calvin and Louise Cottar and built by hand using indigenous and eco-friendly materials. What is great about this home is that it is the only real private luxury home in the Masai Mara, making sure your experience is one-of-a-kind. The home has breathtaking views onto the savannah plains where guests can enjoy the annual wildebeest migration, a spectacle for all. Cottar’s Private Homestead is rented only on an exclusive basis and comes with a dedicated staff of eight people. If and when you come to stay at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, this is the experience I recommend the most!

Cottar’s Camp creates and organizes individually tailored safari experiences, from personalized itineraries to hand-selected safari guides; each expedition will be unique to the next. They aim to provide but the right amount of adventure, adrenaline, elegance, and comfort to their safari trips. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the largest concentration of terrestrial animals on the planet, which makes it the most exciting place to go on a safari.

What is also so special about the camp is that they received the Zeitz Foundation’s Global Ecosphere Retreat accreditation, a global recognition for leadership in sustainable tourism. Only ten elite camps in the world are awarded this honor. Cottar’s 1920s camp has made it their mission to not only educate their guests on conservation and sustainability, but also to incorporate it into every aspect of the camp, which is why this camp is easily one of the best safaris in Africa.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Giraffe Manor. Nairobi, Kenya

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Picture this: You’re blissfully asleep in your comfy four-post bed. You hear a soft rustle and quiet thump at your window. You look up, there’s a Giraffe staring back at you from the with the expression, ”good, you’re awake, now give me a snack”. Giraffe Manor is one of the only hotels in the world where you can feed a giraffe from you window. The staff is impeccable and so nice they treat you like family. “There is no schedule for anything, because you are at home”, said Barbara Coppel.

The manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous Nairobi forest. The manor itself is made of stone with ivy growing up the sides reminding me of a grand historic 1930’s house. The manor is filled with big brass plumbing, from the shower-head to the doorknob and its beauty has been known to inspire writers from all over the world. Some rooms come with balcony that seem to stretch across the plains—the views are expansive. The giraffes feed from several of the rooms such as Betty, Daisy, Jock, Finch Hatton Suite, Kelly and Helen, however all the rooms are equally magnificent! This manor is perfect for a family safari trip. They really cater to people of all ages and their family rooms can sleep up to 5 people.

Each room boasts art deco pieces and fantastic views. Each room has it’s own distinct personality to match the Giraffe’s own individual personalities. But the most fascinating part of this hotel, aside from its grandeur, is its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffes. They often visit morning and evening during your meals in hope of a little treat before retiring back to their forest sanctuary. During your stay I recommend going to the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about these endangered creatures and it also features a guided walking tour.

Giraffe manor also offers sightseeing vehicles to take you on local excursions, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where guests can meet, feed, and even adopt (OMG!!!!) baby elephants. They even had a baby rhino last year. The best time of the year to go would be June, July, and August (their winter). Of all the safaris in the world, this is a truly unique place that must be experienced to grasp all Giraffe Manor has to offer.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.