Travel

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia.

Poised on an elevated plateau that meets with limestone cliffs sweeping down to the ocean, the view from the Alila Villas Uluwatu is nothing less than picture-perfect. Rediscover the joy of pure relaxation in unparalleled comfort and space in each of their exquisitely designed Bali luxury villas.

Each individual villa, 65 altogether, is specifically designed and constructed to follow an environmentally sustainable framework, with its own pool and private cabana overlooking the Indian Ocean. Step inside to find contemporary interiors enhanced with touches of nature and traditional Balinese accents reflected in planes of wood, water, stone and rattan.

Walkways and bridges connect the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious living areas while the open-plan design, unique flat lava rock roof and bamboo ceiling allow the gentle sea breeze to circulate throughout all rooms. Surrender yourself to the enchantment of Bali’s flawless beauty and serenity.

The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand.

Step into a private urban sanctuary – The Siam, a stunning luxury hotel replete with exquisite art and antiques set amidst 1.2 hectares of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River. Conceived by Krissada Sukosol Clapp and globally acclaimed architect and designer Bill Bensley, it features Bangkok’s most spacious suites and is the kingdom’s premier urban resort offering intimately private pool villas with rooftop terraces.

For an unforgettably unique experience, relish the exclusivity of dining or staying in one of four traditional Thai teakwood houses sourced by silk tycoon Jim Thompson, and former owner and renowned socialite Connie Mangskau. Connie herself has hosted an array of cosmopolitan characters such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Henry Ford, John Rockefeller and Roger Moore.

An irresistible string of bespoke cultural amusements await at The Siam; one can explore Bangkok by boat from their private pier; indulge in pampering at their seductive spa; explore the grounds and discover a veritable treasure trove of curios; or simply unwind with a sunset cocktail at the riverfront bar.

Plaza Athénée, New York, US.

Characterised by its bright red dome awnings and large bronze logo inscripted on the sidewalk, New York’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée has regally resided at 37 East 64th Street between Park and Madison Avenues since 1984. This 143-room hotel is a home away from home for travellers, celebrities and titans of industries who appreciate its luxurious and discreet style, personal attention by the long-term staff and superb Upper East Side Manhattan location.

Just step out the front door onto the quiet tree-lined sidewalk and walk several blocks to the city’s most distinguished designer boutiques including Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Hermes, and Christofle. It is also a stone’s throw away from Central Park and within walking distance of The Met, The Guggenheim, The Frick Collection and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India.

Spread over 13 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens with traditional architecture, flaming mashaal (torches) and reflection pools, the Oberoi is made up of exquisite accommodation, including luxury tents inspired by the era of Maharajas.

Limited to 71 rooms inspired by the most traditional of Rajasthan culture to ensure the surrounding landscape is preserved, there are fine restaurants serving authentic Rajasthani and international cuisine as well as specially curated romantic experiences for couples. Expect to be treated like a Maharaja or Maharani once you step foot on the grounds of the Oberoi.

Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore.

The younger, more hip sister to the Fullerton, and our Editor-In-Chief’s favourite in Singapore. She recommends a balconied room overlooking the Marina Bay Sands, always! Their rooftop bar the Lantern serves great cocktails and has views enhanced by balmy tropical breezes over the bay and service is impeccable and on point.

If the idea of eating in a hotel makes you think of boring and bland watered down for tourists, think again. From laksa to sushi, the food available at Fullerton Bay is pregnant with taste.

A highlight? The Steak Frites as the beef melts in your mouth and the frites (the chips), are perfectly crispy while creamy on the inside. A must-buy momento: A whole layer cake (kek lapis) from the Brasserie. It’s moist, fragrant with nutmeg and cinnamon with just the right touch of sugar.

Datai Langkawi, Langkawi, Malaysia.

Nestled in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, the Datai Langkawi is a captivating destination resort that blends into its natural surroundings. Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, the resort’s lush tropical rainforest surroundings embrace each room, suite and villa with its private verandas and breathtaking views.

This serene heaven is where you can reconnect with nature and uplift your soul as it offers the perfect escape and allows you to nurture your mind, body and spirit. Rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic, the jungle surrounding the resort is home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife, including dusky langurs and sunda colugos.

The accommodation on the resort is categorised under the Canopy, Rainforest and Beach Collections so you’d be spoilt for choice deciding which luscious landscape you want to be surrounded by for a few nights.

Huka Lodge, New Zealand.

Enter a world where elegant and generous hospitality meets sophistication and style. Creating a welcoming haven whose reputation and numerous awards are richly deserved. A charming Irishman, Alan Pye, founded Huka Lodge, on the banks of the Waikato River, in the 1920s.

The fame of this simple fishing camp soon spread all over the world and before long it became one of the best-kept secrets of the A-listers. Internationally celebrated guests found their way to Huka Lodge and enjoyed the stunningly beautiful location and the outstanding hospitality.

Now, 90 years later, Huka Lodge proudly celebrates this heritage and stays true to the values that have defined its iconic reputation. The philosophy of the property is as palpable as the force of the deep turquoise-green waters of the Waikato River it lies beside. At Huka Lodge it is always all about the guests, and how to make their stay as enjoyable and as memorable as possible.

Gritti Palace, Venice, Italy.

The majestic Gritti Palace is where history and culture meet with renewed Venetian style. A place of exceptional art and elegance, the restored Gritti Palace retains its reassuringly intimate and familiar feel.

Known for its impassioned service, a delectable culinary experience and an intimate wellness haven, it is also a reference point for the world’s elite at international city events such as the Biennale, Carnival and the Venice Film Festival.

After a meticulous restoration, the hotel’s original wooden ceilings, entrance flooring, dressing table mirrors and 18th-century wall lamps, all of which were hand-made in Murano, were reinstalled according to a renewed layout. The epitome of luxury, the Gritti Signature Suite Collection showcases the hotel’s rich historical past and you will be transported back in time, masquerade mask and stiff updo not required.

Tierra Patagonia, Chile.

Imagine rowing a kayak through blocks of ice on a glacier or embarking on a modern catamaran to see a glacier up close and personal. That is the kind of experiences which awaits those who explore Tierra Patagonia.

Hailed as “The World’s Best” by Travel and Leisure in 2018, this luxe accommodation is located beside steep mountains and the glistening Sarmiento Lake of the Torres del Paine National Park. Tierra Patagonia graces the landscape with subtle style, blending with the magnificence of the region in an untamed part of the world.

Their adventure and spa hotel featuring emerald-coloured lakes, fantastic breathtaking mountain ranges and abundant wildlife is a treat for any nature lover wanting to enjoy sustainable luxury.

Katikies, Greece.

Perennially alluring, Katikies Hotel in Oia Santorini is a sublime conceptual landmark. For this was the original Oia luxury hotel that from the foundling moments of its conception, set the benchmark for the Greek boutique hotel market that tumultuously followed in its wake.

Bespoke and personalised in feel, holidays in Katikies, Santorini, Greece, are perfectly suited to those searching for luxury holidays in a luxurious small hotel in Santorini Island. Built in the old Venetian neighbourhood of Fira town, on the grounds of a former monastery, the architecture pays homage to the tradition of the historic building.

Hotel guests surrender their senses in an alluring ambience with flourishing alleys, fountains and blooming gardens. The 40 rooms and luxury suites with a sophisticated yet intimate and modern design offer private pools, gardens and verandas at one of the best hotels in Fira, Santorini.

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This article is an excerpt from UNRESERVED’s July/August 2019 issue from the article 10 Luxurious Hotels for the Ultimate Luxe Holiday