Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Amanwella. Tangalle, Sri Lanka.

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Just off the southeast coast of India lies the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Often overshadowed by its popular neighbors, India and The Maldives, Sri Lanka is at the cusp of a tourism overhaul. Due to it’s vibrant culture, fusion food, sublime beaches, and kind people, Sri Lanka is one of 2016’s must-travel destinations.

By far, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious accommodation is the Amanwella, situated on a mature Coconut Grove just outside the town of Tangalle in southern area of the island. This contemporary beachfront property is reminiscent of my time at the Amankila in Bali because of the strong Asian influence in the architecture of the property as well as it’s use of natural colors and textures. Accessed only a thin and windy gravel road, you open up to a large red pebbled courtyard which leads you to the stunning (and private) crescent-shaped beach.

There are 30 identical suites that are divided between oceanfront and hillside views. Unlike many Aman properties, Amanwella has the option to connect two Suites via a shared courtyard, which is perfect for traveling families. The Suites each come with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to reveal a private terrace and plunge pool.

There are also a number of dining venues at the hotel so you’ll never feel a repetitiveness with meals. The Restaurant is located adjacent to the Arrival Pavilion and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sample the local fisherman’s catch of the day in an intimate and romantic dining experience that combines Asian and Mediterranean influences. The Lounge Bar is a more casual dining venue, but with similar panoramic views to The Restaurant. Be sure to grab a cocktail and paired cigar there at sunset. The Pool Terrace is the perfect place for alfresco dining and a refreshing coconut drinks. The adjoining Beach Club also offers lunch and a private beach BBQ dinner, ideal for you and your loved one.

The Amanwella Spa is the quintessential place for a little R&R. Listen to the sounds of the waves crashing below you on the beach while you indulge in their signature massage, the Abhyanga Massage, which is a traditional Ayurvedic massage including warm oils to remove impurities from the body. If you want a little more action and a little less rest, explore Sri Lanka’s Mulgirigala Rock Temple or try your hand at surfing with one of Amanwella’s expert surf instructors. While Sri Lanka’s weather is pretty moderate year-round, be sure to visit between November-April and go whale-watching!

Sule Shangri-La. Yangon, Myanmar.

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With tourism increasing to more than 5 million travelers a year, Myanmar is the last unchartered tourist destination left in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is still truly authentic, beautiful, but as soon as the tourism and development starts to pickup “affordable” will be out the window. Which is why it is one of our top destinations in 2016 to visit, explore pagodas, cuisine, and culture.  The Burmese are also quickly trying to learn english, so don’t be surprised if a genuinely nice person comes up to you on the street with a, “Hello, whats your name”?

When staying in the city’s capital, there is only place you should stay: Sule Shangri-La, formerly known as the Traders Hotel. The hotel exterior is modern while the interior has the classic Shangri-La luxury mixed with details from Myanmar culture. Double crystal chandeliers adorn the lobby and well as bright peacock murals along the lobby bar. Hand-carved wooden art pieces are showcased throughout the hotel. Many local artists are represented in the hotel, each with their own creative depictions of Burmese stories.

The 484 rooms at the hotel are recently remodeled with modern amenities with a distinctive Asian tradition. Each room comes equipped with a large window that looks out onto the city, river or Shwedagon Pagoda. Flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, fine linens and marble bathrooms complete the guest experience. Stay in one of the Horizon Rooms and Suites, which are situated on a higher floor, with the best views of the city, Yangon River, and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. For a little extra, you can upgrade to these rooms and enjoy private check-in/check-out, exclusive access to the Club Lounge with daily beverage and ‘happy hour’, Buffet Breakfast at the lounge while enjoying the 360 panoramic views of the city.

There are multiple dining options that offer international cuisine or more daring traditional Burmese cuisine. Summer Palace is the hotel’s signature Chinese Restaurant, specializing in Cantonese Dim Sum and authentic Chinese dishes. If you’re in for a adventure, try the chicken feet cooked in an aromatic sauce.  Also, don’t forget to order our fresh and creamy Mango Pudding for dessert. Head to the Gallery Bar for their crowd-favorite Happy Hour and be sure to order the “Mandalay Sour”. The hotel’s renovation also included the three other venues – Café Sule for international flavours and Asian favourites; the iconic Peacock Lounge, perfect for listening to the piano with a fresh fruit cocktail, and the Gourmet Shop serving freshly baked goods, snacks and beverages.

Saffire Freycinet. Tasmania, Australia

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Tasmania, an island best known for it’s population of the popular cartoon character, the Tasmanian Devil, is also one of the top places for a romantic and magical journey in Australia. The landscape is filled with both Glaciers and volcanoes, rainforests and farmland. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of food, relaxation, and nature, Saffire Freycinet goes above and beyond your expectations. What I love about the hotel is that everything has a local connection; they get their wine from the vineyard over the hill, the seafood freshly caught in the bay, and the produce from a farm down the road.

The rooms are modern yet cozy, with ceiling-to-floor windows, and incredible views. I prefer the Signature Suites because they come with a private deck lounge perfect for breakfast in the morning or a sunset cocktail. If you’re looking for an experience more intimate, opt for the Private Pavilions, they come with their own private kitchen and you’ll never have to leave the room because the chef comes to you! The concierge will tailor your stay for every occasion, and they have even gone as far to write out “Happy Anniversary” in the gravel outside of a guest’s room for their silver anniversary.

Head chef at Palate, the hotel’s culinary masterpiece, Hugh Whitehouse believes that, “…showcasing the best of the season allows us to offer a more balanced and textured dining experience.” The multi-course degustation menus change nightly to offer you a wide variety of eats and adventures. The food is superb and the wine list is extensive- you couldn’t ask for more.

Saffire Freycinet offers a wide variety of complimentary journeys to spice up your stay. From meet-and-greets with Tasmanian Devils to Oyster shucking and sparkling wine tasting (while standing in 4-feet of water int he bay no less), to Pelican Bay canoeing and guided mountain walks, the nature-lover in you (no matter how small) will be surprised at how much fun you have. For the ultimate luxury experience, charter a boat and explore Tasmania’s coastline, with frequent stops to explore deserted beaches and picnic along the cliffs.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

101 Hotel. Reykjavik, Iceland.

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Because of it’s direct flights from the East Coast and accessibility from Europe, Iceland is going to be one of the top destinations to visit in 2016. With some of the best luxury boutique hotels in the world, Iceland is a destination perfect for any season. With the annual Summer Solstice Festival in June and up to 20 hours of sunlight a day, the list of possible activities are endless. Known for it’s expansive and rolling landscapes, filled with glaciers, hardened lava, and natural hot springs, your inner outdoorsman will be filled with joy.

Your first stop on your tour of Iceland should be the capital, Reykjavik. It is the cultural, social, and economic heart of Iceland. Forward-thinking design hotels have been the new trend in Reykjavik, and the 101 hotel is at the forefront of this movement. The hotel has a minimalist and sleek design with splashes of modern art and natural textures such as wood, stone, and glass. The rooms have the same general design, but opt for the Junior Suite with Balcony, especially if you’re there over the summer. The balcony overlooks the harbor and it is the perfect place to have breakfast in the morning.

Icelandic food can be hard to stomach, especially if you’re a picky eater. They love to pickle their food, including their meats. So if you want to dip your toes into the culinary scene, head downstairs to the 101 Hotel’s Kitchen, where they serve modern Icelandic food with an international twist. The hotel also has a wonderful art gallery that showcases leading Icelandic and international artists.

Insider Tip: 101 Hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik, walking distance from some of the best sights and attractions in the city, which means it can get a little noisy so bring some ear plugs!

Pousada Maravilha. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

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Once considered a political prison, Fernando de Noronha is nowadays known as one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. I also find it to be the best-kept secret in Brazil.

This remote island located in a heavenly Archipelago is 340km off the Northeast coast of Brazil. Although it’s not the easiest place to get to, the long journey will be well worth it, trust me.

The island is covered with exotic forest and features volcanic rock formations, turquoise waters and a rare marine wildlife. The Brazilian environmental Association brilliantly limits the number of visitors to 700 per day to ensure that the island can remain an unspoiled gem and not have it turn in to a overcrowded theme park.

Pousada Maravilha is the frosting on the cake. This spectacular Pousada, or hotel, is nestled in between a mountainous region overlooking one of the 16 secluded beaches in FDN. The 8 ultra-luxurious bungalows are modern, simple and beautifully decorated, but always staying true to the surroundings.

You might be asking why come all the way here for a spectacular island if there are so many gorgeous one close to home? Easy, the snorkeling and scuba is rated one of the best in the world. Did I also mention is one of the surfing capitals of the world?

Constance Tsarabanjina. Madagascar

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If you’re looking to have your own explorer-esque moment, the tiny islet off the coast of Madagascar called Tsarabanjina is where to start. Begin at a slow pace, climbing up hills and down to sapphire waters, white sandy beaches surrounded by wildlife. Exploration is often encouraged at Constance Tsarabanjina, the 5-star hotel that occupies this islet. In fact, the islet of Tsarabanjina is very sacred, on the small peninsula of the eastern beach is found the tomb of the Sakalava kings of the Mitsio islands.

The hotel has a definite rustic-chic charm to it, with grass-thatched roofs and large wooden structures, the architects wanted the hotel to blend in with the aesthetic of the surrounding environment. The 25 villas are split into two categories: North and South Beach. Each villa has a unique simplistic design and faces out to the sea. One of the most popular villas is Villa Number 14 on North Beach and Villa Number 1 on the South Beach. They are the most private of each of the villas due to their location.

The Hotel is all-inclusive and often times for me that means eating a very repetitive meal. This is not the case at this Constance, they have a rotating menu of the freshest seafood and seasonal delights. Choose from lobster, prawn, crab, squid, octopus and fish, which can be served to you sashimi style or grilled. They are also famous for their Zebu (Malagasy Beef) and duck dishes.

One of the highlights of this islet is it’s abundance of activities in such a small proximity. Madagascar is known for some of the best diving in the world and Constance does not disappoint. There is a PADI Diving Center on the Island and a resident Marine Biologist who accompanies the crew on all snorkeling and diving trips. If you’re more a sport fisherman, there are also many guests constantly flocking the island for big-game fishing. Tsarabanjina is also home to the country’s national bird, the Malagasy Fish Eagle, as well as many other species.

Come explore Tsarabanjina and find out what you’ve been missing at every other island hotel. Perfect for travelers at any age trying to find their inner Robinson Crusoe.

 

Photos courtesy of the hotel

The Little Nell. Aspen, Colorado.

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Often when you think of Aspen you think of luxury home rentals and condos. The Little Nell is changing the game, it is the place to stay, eat, and drink in Aspen. With Aspen Mountain at their back door and the chic town at their front, this hotel is perfectly located to optimize your Aspen experience. The Little Nell has garnered 5 stars and 5 diamonds for their exceptional service and restaurants. When designing the hotel, they wanted to keep the natural and rustic aesthetic of the outdoors, but with a cosmopolitan design to match the lifestyle of Aspen.

Chicago designer Holly Hunt styled their 52 guest rooms, 26 premium guest rooms, 8 suites, and 6 signature suites. Most rooms feature private balconies and all feature warm gas log fireplaces. While you cannot go wrong with any of the rooms, The Little Nell suite particularly blew me away. It has wall-to-wall windows, and two wrap-around balconies with fabulous views of Aspen Mountain, whoever Nell is would be proud to have this named after her. If you’re in need of more room, The Little Nell also offers private residences for a one-night stay or a one-month stay.

Feeling peckish? Dine at Element 47, The Little Nell’s fine-dining (but “Aspen casual”) option. Awarded the 5-star Restaurant Award, this is one dining option you wont want to miss. If you’re not too full from lunch or dinner, head over to the Element 47 Bar for an after-dinner drink. Insider Tip: look over the wine list first, it’s extensive and offers some of the best wines in the world. For an apres-ski dining option, head to Ajax Tavern. It offers a mountain-side patio with spectacular views and casual glamour. Their Ajax Colorado Lamb Bolognese makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Being a 5-star hotel, it’s expected that the hotel would offer luxury amenities, but The Little Nell goes above and beyond. For those traveling with dogs they have luxury pet amenities such as a puppy jet lag kit and a special dining menu. The Little Nell has partnered up with Audi of America to offer hotel guests a complimentary opportunity to experience luxury driving in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Slip behind the wheel of a 2015 Audi A8L TDI or Q7 TDI and enjoy the ride.

Mar Adentro. Los Cabos, Mexico

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We live in a technological era, but most hotels have decidedly chosen to stay on the outskirts of this era, incorporating the bare minimum of technology. In comes the new hotel Mar Adentro by Encanto, high-tech luxury accommodation in a very low-tech region, Los Cabos Mexico. Designed by renowned Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés furnished by Poliform, the Italian brand renowned for the craftmanship, this new hotel is going to be the standard at which all other Los Cabos hotels should aim for. The hotel doesn’t even open until December 1st and is currently sold out for months! The hotel’s mission is to über-customize every aspect of their guests’ stay, down to the very toothpaste they equip the bathroom with.

Each of the 205 rooms and 39 villas exemplifies privacy and luxury: a private swimming pool, an interactive and digital service panel, and individual coffee and tea room service, among other amenities. The room’s tablet allows you to customize the room to your every last preference; the temperature, lighting, contacting room service and the concierge, opening and closing blinds, are just some examples of what you will be able to do. The hotel puts out a hands-off, casual, upscale, not wanting to be in their guests’ faces, but be there in under 10 seconds at the snap of a finger.

Among 4 world-class restaurants, the hotel will also be offering a Holistic Spa, private beach club, a cinema screening movies still in theatres, and of course two business centers with all the high-tech amenities you would need. The vibe of the hotel definitely matches the style, sleek modern-design buildings with sharp lines to contrast the casualness of the beach. Like a modern oasis in the middle of a sand dune, this is one hotel that is sure to exceed your expectations of a Los Cabos Resort.

 

Parrot Cay by COMO. Turks & Caicos

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Let the turquoise waters and sweet sea breezes carry your cares away at Parrot Cay, a serene retreat set in the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Parrot Cay is a small atoll in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. The luxury resort by COMO is unlike any other, set upon its very own private island. After being picked up in a luxury sedan, they whisk you away to their own private dock, where you are greeted in an air conditioned hut with some of the best Caribbean punch you’ve ever had. After a short 30-minute boat ride you arrive and the secluded and extremely private island of Parrot Cay.

This resort works hard to tailor your every need, even without you having to ask! We arrived to our room and it was spectacular, just as you would picture a room in the tropics to be: a large comfy white bed with mosquito netting surrounding the bed, open doors to warm salty fresh air, and a giant pitcher of punch (note to readers: the punch is deceivingly strong).

We headed down to the pool for a later dinner at their asian-inspired restaurant, Lotus. Needless to say the service was impeccable and the food delectable, we ordered 5 courses! The next morning for breakfast at the Terrace, slightly hungover, we had the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had in the Caribbean. Eggs, pancakes, juices, fruit, you name it they had it! After breakfast, feel free to wander down to the yoga studio for some complimentary beachfront yoga, it will set the mood for your day in this mecca of tranquility.

The resort offers a vast array of activities spanning from water sports to private inter-island day-trips. Want a little adventure? Charter a boat and head to Iguana Island, an island with an iguana preserve in which you can walk up and feed the iguanas but watch out, they can bite hard! Private or group snorkeling trips are offered every morning, which is one thing you shouldn’t pass up! ON any given day you are likely to see hundred of fish, coral, dolphins, and if you’re lucky, a giant manta ray. One thing to definitely not miss- on the neighboring island of Pine Cay, they hold a night cruise once a month to watch the glow worms light up like a starry-night sky, it is a spectacular experience that is unique to the Turks and Caicos and unlike anything you’ll ever see again!

If you are traveling with a family, I highly recommend staying in their two or three-bedroom Beach Villas. They are open and airy, and comes with a butler service, private pool, personal golf cart, and private beach entrance. If you are with a larger group, there are also private residences available to rent out with up to five bedrooms available. Parrot Cay is the perfect place for a multi-family or multi-generational vacation, they pamper you and tailor your every need. If you’re looking for a good time to go I recommend New Years, Parrot Cay throws a fantastic New Years party where tons of A-list celebs attend. I would tell you who, but then I wouldn’t be a very good luxury travel planner would I?

For more information on their private residence, contact concierge@poshvoyage.com.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Glenmere Mansion. Chester, New York

Hotel of the Week

Built in the Gilded Age of America, this 150-acre estate used to be the playground to one of the richest families in America. They would entertain guests ranging from aristocrats, royalty, and premier artists. Now opened at a luxury estate hotel & spa, very minimal work was done to the original estate to keep it as authentic as possible, with just a few modern twists. Perfect, for the seasoned and discerned traveler, Glenmere Mansion combines traditional luxury with outstanding service.

Glenmere offers 18 guest accommodations,including deluxe and superior bedrooms, junior suites, and five premium suites, except no two rooms are alike. The rooms combine the history of Glenmere’s aesthetic with modern comforts. Plush beds, unique antiques, roaring fireplaces, as well as flat-screen TV’s and iPod docking stations are a few of the amenities. If traveling with another couple or large family, opt for the Glenmere Penthouse, which takes up the entire top floor of the hotel. Private elevator access leads guests to a two-bedroom/two-bath suite with three fireplaces, a butler’s room, and a private terrace. The Goelet Suite also offers three bedrooms if you’re traveling with multi-generational family.

The Spa at Glenmere offers the most modern rituals in beauty and body. This extremely lavish spa is perfect for both men and women. The best part is that they offer international services, such as a Hammam or a Mediterranean Salt Wrap & Hair Shine. The Spa also offers very masculine spa therapies such as the Muscle Melt or Deluxe Hand Grooming.

Choose from four different dining options at Glenmere. The Supper Room is an elegantly decorated ballroom you would expect out of The Great Gatsby, with some more modern furnishings. Expect French and Italian cuisine to compliment the Tuscan decor. Frog’s End is a cozy tavern perfect for a cold or stormy night to relax by the fire and nibble on some light fare. The Cortile is the perfect place to dine during the summer or a warm clear night due to it’s open outdoor patio. When you go, be sure to do a private wine tasting at The Cortile, their famed sommelier will enlighten your taste buds.

 

photos courtesy of the hotel.