Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Singita Sweni Lodge. South Africa

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Aside from the luxury that is truly apparent at this lodge, Singita orchestrates an interdependent relationship between communities, wildlife, and tourism that ensures true sustainability therefore blazing a trail that is rarely achieved anywhere else. Located on 33,000 acres of tranquil and private ground, Singita Sweni Lodge is nestled in the trees of Kruger National Park. This Lodge was designed to be intimate and luxurious while also keeping the African culture alive in every aspect of the Lodge.

There are six one-bedroom suites, each with locally handcrafted art and furniture. The Lodge is modern yet rustic, everything is open-air to give you the feeling that you are connected with the wildlife and that any adventure is possible. One of the most amazing aspects of Singita Sweni Lodge is their spa. They have a holistic and healing approach to their treatments, which can be enjoyed on your private deck or at the spa. Do not miss their two signature treatments Monkey Orange and Ndzi Lorhe Africa, which translates into “I Dreamed of Africa”.

One of the key components of Singita is their collection of wine, including some of the continent’s most sought-after private reserves. Their wine list encompasses approximately 222 labels and 20,000 bottles in the Singita cellars alone. This is an amazing thing for anyone who decides to stay at any of the Singita Lodges because they are all-inclusive (i.e. wine all-day, every-day).

At Singita, there is a never-ending list of activities. One of the most rewarding activities would be visiting The Singita School of Cooking. It is a unique community development program where guests can go and cook traditional dishes taught by local young men and women. Their stargazing safaris are also one-of-a-kind. There is perhaps no more inspiring experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars while being surrounded by wildlife. The must-do activity, of course, is the Game Drives. While nighttime drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa, daytime game drives provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals. During your stay at Singita Kruger National Park, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, famously large prides of lion, white and black rhino, buffalo, hippopotamus, cheetah and sable.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Mwiba. Serengeti Plains, Tanzania.

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Heard of Mwiba Lodge? No? Well you’re not alone, the lodge is so new and exclusive it doesn’t even have it’s own website yet! Known in circles as the safari lodge where the super-famous go to hide, Mwiba is in a league of it’s own. When you arrive, the staff is there to warmly great you with champagne and hand-towels after your journey to the camp. The camp is so expansive and exclusive; the only thing around seems to be the wildlife. Mwiba Lodge is located on 125,000-acre private wildlife reserve in the heart of the Serengeti Plains and was designed to make you feel as if you have the private reserve all to yourself.

There are only 8 tents, all beautifully identical; the only thing that changes is the view. The tents are sophisticated but understated; however they offer the height of luxury and serenity. The lodge and the tents are situated on the big beautiful Arugusinyai River, so Tents 1 – 4 are low and along the riverbed, while Tents 5 – 8 are higher up on stilts and offer more of a tree house feeling. Anywhere in the world you can eat a meal indoors, so at Mwiba Lodge most meals are eaten outdoors, to truly soak up the atmosphere and wildlife. While the menu varies and caters to each group’s individual needs, it is consistently traditional Western palates, featuring dishes such as butternut squash salad, steak, and a fig tart with a South African Cabernet.

The center of Mwiba is the main lodge. The entrance is set amongst two massive boulders, narrowly set apart, that open up into an elegant and vast space. The view from the main lodge expands miles across the Serengeti Plains. There’s also a stone fireplace, a bar and a separate library accommodating the beautiful main lodge. Coming this close to the great outdoors most people only get to experience through National Geographic. It is awe-inspiring and had me speechless. It is an indescribable feeling seeing an animal so magnificent out in the wild, and something you need to experience for yourself.

All the activities, meals, etc are very flexible and adjustable to each guest’s needs and desires. Because the Lodge is on a private reserve it creates a lot of flexibility within the schedules of each guest. Guests are offered private bush walks (with a well-equipped guide) and night game drives with a spotlight, which in a lot of places are prohibited. Mwiba truly is the way of the future for African safaris. It is the only place in the world that you could dangle your legs in their infinity pool, cocktail in hand, as elephants and zebras come to drink at the springs below. I can honestly say that falling in love at Mwiba Lodge would not be a hard fête.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Six Senses Con Dao. Vietnam

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Six Senses Con Dao begs the age-old question, “If I were stranded on a beautiful deserted island…”, in the best way possible. This is one island I would not mind being stranded on (given that it comes with wifi and some fresh sushi). Six Senses wanted Con Dao to be remote, but still accessible. It is a truly breathtaking location and also a marine and national park. National Geographic Traveler rated con Dao one of the top eco-lodges because of their commitment to sustainability.

At Six Senses Con Dao the design is contemporary mixed with the essence of a traditional fishing village. Our favorite room is the very spacious two-level villa with one super comfy bedroom, which is located on the upper floor with magnificent ocean views plus an ensuite bathroom with your very own private infinity-edged swimming pool. The rooms are simplistic but the views are breathtaking.

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine prepared by Miss Lan and her team at Vietnamese at the Market using recipes that have been passed down from mother and grandmother. The Vietnamese kitchen also offers daily specials.  By the Beach is the main restaurant with panoramic ocean views and gentle sea breezes, specializing in locally caught seafood, fruit, vegetables and herbs bursting with flavor while Destination Dining offers barbecues and picnics at any place of your choice.

The best adventure at Con Dao is a 30 minute ride by speedboat that leads to the beautiful island of Bay Canh where the fun begins; a two to two and a half hour trek through the dense forest leads you to one of Con Dao’s most important landmarks. Construction of the Bay Canh Lighthouse was between 1883 and 1885 is located one of the highest points in on Bay Canh island at 226 meters above sea level.

At Con Dao, you can have the utmost romantic vacation or a memorable family vacation, it caters to everyone and molds to whatever kind of trip you are looking for!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

qualia. Hamilton Island, Australia

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders, but can you imaging vacationing in the heart of it? Located on Hamilton Island is the world-class qualia Resort. qualia in Latin means “a collection of deeper sensory experiences” and this resort exemplifies that. Island-inspired architectural sculptures in specimen timbers, sandstone and glass, frame the surrounding landscape of Australian Eucalypts and the Coral Sea. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a bottle of champagne to start off their trip, indicating that this is strictly a relaxation, no-kids-allowed stay-cation.

The beautiful and secluded rooms are designed to enlighten and relax the senses. The rooms are designed with minimal, yet elegant, style so that your focus is on the ocean and surrounding forest life. Each pavilion faces the water with extraordinary views. However our favorite pavilion is the Windward pavilion because of its private sun deck and infinity-edge plunge pool melting into the Coral Sea.

Treat yourself to dinner at the Long Pavilion, where the ambiance is pure romance thanks to the backlit patio from the sun’s rays. Indulge yourself in Japanese culture as they showcase some of the finest sake matched with fresh Australian sashimi grade fish. For a more relaxed dining experience, Peach Beach pavilion has equally stunning views and some of the best snack food around (hint: try the steak sandwich).

qualia hosts numerous annual events including the annual outdoor performance of the Australian Ballet through the Pas de Deux Weekend in Paradise series, culinary weekends featuring top chefs from Australia as part of the Great Barrier Feast series and the annual Audi Hamilton Island Regatta that takes place every August.

Their spa treatments are thoughtfully designed to rebalance the synergy between mind and body and to capture the essence of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. The products used have been selected because they embody the Spa qualia ethos, which is to provide a unique Australian experience whilst respecting your health and wellbeing along with their precious environment. If you are weary from your long travels, you must do the Jet Lag Revival treatment, if this can’t help you then I don’t know what will!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

North Island. Seychelles

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Ever wondered where royalty goes to escape the hoards of paparazzi and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation? Well that would be North Island, 15-minutes from the big island of Mahé. This was also the honeymoon destination of the world’s most darling couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton, which in itself describes the exclusivity and luxury of this private island.

North Island is a sanctuary for those seeking unspoiled beauty and privacy. The whole island is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of their local flora and fauna. With only 11 villas on the island, Seychelles and African craftsmen decorate each home lightly and naturally to convey the essence of the island, beautiful and 100% natural. Our favorite villa would have to be the honeymoon suite because…drum roll please… it comes with its own private beach! What could possibly be better than that?

The Piazza is the natural focal point of the Island, gathered around and beneath a large Indian almond tree. The architecture blends ovals and minimalist lines that lead the eye to the uninterrupted 360-degree views of beach, tree and the inner Island. The island is home to a tortoise and marine sanctuary, just swim a few feet out into the water and you will be greeted by these friendly critters.

The Island’s restaurant is famous for their “no-menu” concept; the chef develops a menu based on your preferences and desires using organic and locally grown or harvested ingredients. To work off that hand-made Wagyu beef burger, cool forest trails are at your disposal or warm seas to dive into. You can also enjoy fishing or kayaking expeditions! An evening cruise complete with an Indian Ocean sunset is the perfect way to finish the day.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Le Sirenuse. Positano, Italy

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This beautiful and family-operated gem of a hotel is located in the breath-taking Amalfi Coast, Positano to be exact. Le Sirenuse opened in 1951, when the Marchesi Sersale turned their summerhouse into a charming Hotel, overlooking the bay.

Today Le Sirenuse has 58 rooms, furnished with all the comforts of a luxury hotel, while maintaining the atmosphere of a private home. No wonder why celebrities like Reese Witherspoon love staying here.

All 58 rooms, each one being very different from one another, are decorated with antique and contemporary furniture coming from Europe and the East, following the eclectic style, which is so characteristic of their charm. The bathrooms are made of marble and hand made tiles. All but two have a whirlpool bathtub, which is double size, but watch out! You might not be able to get out…

Their Michelin starred restaurant, La Sponda, is an unforgettable experience. Lit by four hundred candles, it creates the essence of romance and magic. The spa uses products by AVEDA to assure organic and hypoallergenic treatments. A must try spa treatment is the Le Sirenuse Signature Massage, it is especially great to help you sleep and recover form jetlag.

Their pool terrace is full of lemons trees and surrounded by flowers. Next to the pool is their famous Champagne & Oyster bar, can you say aphrodisiac! The best part about vacationing on the Amalfi coast is the access to the beautiful and warm turquoise waters. Explore the coast from the sea on one of the hotel’s boats or by renting a private boat.

There is so much to see and so much time, because in Positano time stops and it seems as if you could live there forever.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Wauwinet. Nantucket, MA. USA

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When you think of Nantucket you think of all-American past-times such as sailing, tennis, and fishing. However, The Wauwinet, located in the northeast corner of the island of Nantucket, is also recognized worldwide for its superior service, outstanding cuisine and luxurious accommodations. What looks like a tiny Bed and Breakfast, is a charming blend of history and sophistication.

As soon as you set foot at the Wauwinet, the breathtaking landscape and views, historical architecture and a variety of amenities will make you fall in love with this one-of-a kind destination.

The historic hotel has 32-guestr rooms as well as 4 charming cottages. Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated with one-of-a-kind furnishings with hand-stenciled finishes, 400-thread-count Pratesi linens, and an abundance of fresh Nantucket wildflowers.

My favorite room at this hotel would have to be One-Bedroom Cottage Suite; it has the essence of privacy but in actuality is still very cozy. While the rooms may be small, the beds are delicious, you’ll never want to get out they’re so comfy!

The biggest surprise was the hotel’s restaurant. Topper’s is one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the island and recognized around the United States. However, don’t even think about ordering anything other than their New England clam chowder, it is to die for. The other must is the lobster roll, you will not be disappointed.

While the town of Nantucket has so many activities and fun things to do year-round, the best time of the year to go is the Fourth of July. The celebrations are wonderful and the island does it’s own fireworks show. This holiday is truly something to be experienced here at least once in your life and if you do so, your stay at the Wauwinet will make it all the better!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cheval Blanc Randheli. Maldives

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Cheval Blanc, the high-end hotels brand of LVMH Moët Hennesy, has open its doors to the most awaited property thus far, Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives. Here you will not only feel the utmost privacy and luxury, but you will also feel like you are on a whole other tropical planet.

Surrounded by shimmering blue turquoise waters, Randheli is located on the Noonu atoll, only 40- minutes from Malé. Only a few minutes away is the wild island of Maakurandhoo, take a stroll on the islands’ spotless beaches and it will invariably summon up a Robinson Crusoe story.

The concept of the hotel is to match the energy of the island to that of its villas, but don’t be fooled, “villa” is an understatement. There are huge cathedral style ceilings, four- post beds, personal ocean-side infinity pools, and is decorated with all the blessings of the ocean: pearls, corals, and seashells. On one side of the villa, you have the lush gardens and trees and on the other, the glittering lagoon.

If you are hungry or parched from your journey to the island, there are no shortage or restaurants or bars at this hotel. Breakfast is available al fresco at WHITE and simply fare (think pizza and pasta) is a great mid-day snack at Deelani. Dyptique is a 2-side restaurant for dinner, both with a 9-course set menu, one Japanese and one Spanish. After dinner head to Le 1947 Bar and order up a French 75 and try out their cigar lounge.

Their Spa is so exquisite that it had to be located on it’s own island. Guerlain has created a range of treatments and massages specially adapted to the Maldives and exclusively for Cheval Blanc Randheli. I recommend the Randheli sun ritual; this sensorial and relaxing face and body treatment prepares your skin for tanning and prolongs your healthy glow after sunbathing. The spa also offers traditional hammam baths and private candlelit yoga sessions. A Leonor Greyl hair spa, a make-up studio and an authentic barbershop complete the beauty halt.

This hotel is also very child-friendly. For the littlest of travelers, Le Carousel offers a range of cultural, playful, and sports activities: child yoga, submarine pictures safari, and treasure hunts galore. Cheval Blanc Randheli genuinely sets new, stellar standards in the Maldives. The professionals at Randheli are sure to make your trip to the Maldives one blissful stay!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons du Cap Ferrat. Cap Ferrat, France

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Though it goes without saying, because even the name instills its prestige, Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat is one of the most renowned and sophisticated hotels I have ever had the privilege of staying at. Even before you walk through the huge open doors to reception, the 17-acre property makes you feel like you have stepped on some famous French landmark.

This hotel has attracted everyone from celebrities to royalty, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the tip of the Mediterranean sea, Cap Ferrat has some of the most beautiful views in the South of France as well as its own garden, which for me turned into a maze of flowers and aromas.

This oasis extends into every detail of the rooms and suites. Each room comes with a stunning view of the Cote d’Azur, beautifully hand-picked artwork, and all white furniture. The elegance of the rooms is unparalleled and if you’re up for it, book the Roof Top Suite. Your views will extend from Monaco to Cannes and it is unlikely to be forgotten.

The gem of this hotel is Club Dauphin. An infinity pool sits on the edge of the Mediterranean and there is beach access to the water where you can go cliff jumping, if you dare! The coolest part about this is you have to take your own cliffside elevator down to the club! The club also comes equipped with a poolside restaurant/bar and you must not miss their marinated tuna at the poolside restaurant, it is unbelievably fresh. The pool is also very child-friendly, with a 2-foot wading pool attached to the main pool.

Eat at La Veranda, overlooking the ocean and the bright town of Nice. People come from all over trying to eat at this restaurant so it is imperative you make a reservation. Although I would consider myself a foodie, the cherry on top to a restaurant for me would be the dessert menu, and boy has Cap Ferrat outdone itself. Do not miss an opportunity to order the Pot au Chocolat  and thank me later.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Laucala Island. Taveuni, Fiji

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Apply to stay? Excuse me?

I figured if the only way you can arrive is by private airplane, it couldn’t get more exclusive than this.

It seems like Dietrich Mateschitz – the Austrian Red Bull mogul – was on a caffeine high when he decided to spend whatever was necessary to build the second most glamorous island hotel on the planet.

Laucala is one of the 332 islands in Fiji, it is a paradise only few can afford yet many desire. The hotel is a compilation of 25-villas  (1-3 bedrooms) scattered around the exotic isle making you feel like you are part of The Swiss Family Robinson plus 25 staff members at your service ready to fulfill your every need.
All the villas feature private outdoor showers, pool and the first class amenities. The island-esque décor tricks you into thinking you are still in the middle of the jungle but you come to realize you are not when everything you touch is smooth and comfortable.

The property has 5 restaurants to ensure you don’t repeat a meal or restaurant during your stay. The self-sustaining property grows its own fruits, vegetables and livestock so you can expect to get the highest quality every bite of the way.

There are also infinite activities offered like horseback riding, golf, yoga, fishing, spa between others.
One last thing, keep in mind this exclusive property is a magnet for the wealthy and the good-looking few. There is only one other island hotel that I can think of that is more over-the-top than Laucala. Curious to know which one it is? I will give you a hint; it’s a favorite getaway for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

No clue yet? Not to worry, it will be featured as the “Hotel of the Week” this month.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.