100 MOST EXOTIC BEACH RESORTS
100 Most Exotic Beach Resorts - Luxury Travel Magazine
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100 Most Exotic Beach Resorts | |||||
| By: Prue Rushton, Hilary Doling And Merry Kirkwood, Issue 28 – Spring 2006 | |||||
| (exotic, spring, beach) | |||||
| FROM THE ORIGINAL TAYLOR AND BURTON PLAYGROUNDS, TO TODAY’S ULTRA-SLEEK HIDEAWAYS LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE DREAMIEST BEACH DESTINATIONS ON THE PLANET. | |||||
| Lie back. Close your eyes. What do you see when you dream of your ultimate holiday? Chances are it involves endless horizons of water the colour of Brad Pitt’s eyes (sorry gents), vast panoramas of powdery sand as white as hotel sheets, and the feel of a tropical breeze against bare skin. Cocktails at sunset set the scene. Candle-lit lanterns never go astray. Throw in lots of time and you’re beginning to imagine the exclusive realm of beach resorts. To help make the dream become a reality, Luxury Travel Magazine presents its top 100 places to stay. | |||||
| INTIMATE RETREATS | |||||
| As in any good intimate relationship, these retreats are discreet. Small in scale, they take the time to know your special needs and desires, and do their utmost to fulfill them. They also try to pre-empt them, stoking the fires of your imagination with their own lush offerings. The role of these retreats often extends to never-have-to-leave-your-room comfort. Their calling card is peace and quiet. Nevertheless, knowing the fickle nature of guests, beyond seclusion usually lies an element of escape and adventure. Rae’s on Watego’s, Byron Bay With seven-only individually styled Morroccan-meets-Med suites, opt for Mirabella Penthouse with its three terraces and sunken bath. www.wategos.com.au | |||||
| Bedarra Island, North Queensland Removed from the rest of the resort, which caters to only 32 guests, try one of two pavilions where you can soak up the views from a private plunge pool. www.bedarralodge.com Myola Plantation, Fiji Two-only master suites, set high on a hilltop, each have a plunge pool, spa and outdoor shower. Did we mention that there are also 10 staff, a maid and personal chef? www.myolafiji.com | |||||
| Cotton House Resort, Mustique Island, Caribbean For best intimate, choose between sea front rooms with a private plunge pool, or the two-bedroom Cotton Hill Residence with its own butler. www.cottonhouseresort.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Capella Lodge, Lord Howe, NSW, Australia, www.lordhowe.com | |||||
| PRIVATE ISLANDS | |||||
| Private island resorts are the ultimate antidote to speedy, sardine-packed, urban lifestyles. They allow us to soak in Thoreau-like solitude, without skimping on style. Masters at getting priorities in balance, being able to frolic undisturbed on a beach is just as important as, say, a private massage in your room – preferably with swizzle stick cocktail close by. The word ‘private’ is highlighted at every turn. There is no need to mix-it with locals or get down with fellow tourists. Numbers are kept to a minimum, so encounters along sandy trails are few. What private islands promote is something we’ve often forgotten – how to simply be. Royal Davui, Fiji Fiji’s newest luxury resort, with two pavilion (living + sleeping) suites embraced by 32km of unbroken reef and a marine sanctuary. www.royaldavui.com | |||||
| Fregate Island, Seychelles One of the world’s most exclusive resorts – think Bill and Melanie Gates and Brad and Jen. With seven pristine beaches to choose from, hang up the ‘Beach Occupied’ sign and it’s yours. www.fregate.com | |||||
| Dhoni Mighili, Maldives The only island in the Maldives that can be booked exclusively. The six luxury bungalows also have their own exquisite dhows. Amanpulo, Philippines Plane-only access delivers total seclusion. www.amanresorts.com | |||||
| Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos, Caribbean Grab a group of friends and head to Parrot Cay Estate – five luxury three-bedroom bungalows with pools, 10 metres from the beach. www.parrotcay.como.bz | |||||
| North Island, Seychelles All Villas are 450 square metres and come with a plunge pool. Villa 11 is secretly tucked away with views of the beach from every angle. www.north-island.com | |||||
| Nukabati Island, Fiji Laid-back, not high luxe, but just seven bures on this tiny island make it perfect for private charter. | |||||
| CLIFFTOP | |||||
| Living on the edge has never been so luxe at these high-altitude resorts. They exude a feeling of being on top-of-it-all, which has its own subtle way of unwiring even the most built-up stress. Down below the waves might be crashing, but up here you can quietly observe all from the comfort of your chaise lounge. Rather than overwhelming they can become overly enticing, setting up the mood for all manner of engagement. While not exactly encouraging you to take the plunge – although many clifftop suites come with private pools – these resorts do inspire you to take new leaps; even if that means learning how to stay still long enough to enjoy the endless blue horizon. If there is an end point, all they really want is for you to feel on top of the world. Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Yes, there are the villas clinging to the cliffs with pools that drip over the edge, but if you can drag yourself away from your room, do try the cliffside dining that edges out over the rocks. www.esperanzaresort.com | |||||
| Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza, Spain A must-try is a float through the bubbling pools that cascade down the Cliffside in the hotel spa. www.hotelhacienda-ibiza.com | |||||
| Le Sireneuse, Positano, Italy An 18th century villa with stunning views over Positano’s blue water; many balconies have private Jacuzzis. www.lhw.com | |||||
| PERSONAL POOLS | |||||
| There’s something that seems immediately oh-so-naughty about having your own private pool. Utterly indulgent, these pools tend to hang off the edge of bedrooms, are often surrounded by vast dine-and-lounge decks or have add-on Jacuzzis. Whatever, they are almost pointedly designed to be synonymous with private play. Unlike resort pools, only those you choose to let in can enter. Forgo cossies altogether or float alone; personal pools are your very own round-the-clock pleasure zone. Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui, Thailand Most villas here have infinity pools that drop over the edge. For one-bedroom intimacy choose a Pool Villa Suite. If you’re travelling with friends go for the two-bedroom Presidential Villa with 10m x 4.2m pool. www.samui-hotels.com/hideaway-samui Banyan Tree Resort, Phuket, Thailand So many pools to choose from, but if you’re trying to set the scene for romance try the Spa Pool Villa which incorporates a jet pool, open air tub, lily pond and full-size swimming pool. www.banyantree.com | |||||
| Oberoi Lombok, Indonesia Try the Royal Ocean View Villa for exclusive access to blue. www.oberoilombok.com | |||||
| Banyan Tree Bintan, Indonesia The Spa Pool Villa includes a couples massage area. www.banyantree.com | |||||
| Bvlgari Resort, Bali Designer style and 59 villas with private plunge pools make this a must for fashionistas. www.bvlgarihotels.com | |||||
| SERIOUS BLUE | |||||
| At first glance, it seems quite a strange thing that beachside resorts would bother with designer pools – all that blue-on-blue. However, it only takes dipping a pinky in, to begin to understand. We aren’t thinking about a nice neat kidney or square patch of blue, we are talking hectares of blue that wends its way around the outline of luxury suites and villas. Terracing, fountains, tunnels, and all manner of foliage and landscaping aren’t out of the question. In fact, they are merely the beginnings of serious pool culture. There are swim-out suites and swim-up bars. All of which means, to enjoy the big blue you need not worry about tidal rips, sea stings, or sand in your cossie again. Hayman, Queensland Swim out through its maze to the arc that edges over into the endless blue ocean horizon. www.hayman.com.au | |||||
| Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Gold Coast Take a serious swim in the 25m lap pool, or meander around the one hectare blue lagoon to the swim-up bar. www.starwoodhotels.com | |||||
| Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Palm Cove Stay in a swim-out apartment, or beachside villas and penthouses that come with personal plunge pools. www.seatemple.com.au | |||||
| Halekulani On The Beach at Waikiki, Hawaii Do you stare beneath at the Cattleya orchid, made of 1.2 million mosaic tiles, that surfaces the pool, or out to the views across Diamond Head? www.halekulani.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, www.hyatt.com | |||||
| Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, www.palazzoversace.com.au Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island, Fiji, www.sofitel.com | |||||
| BURE STYLE | |||||
| From the time when Captain Cook’s crew clapped eyes on thatched rooftops, Pacific island lifestyle has had a certain allure. Two centuries later Marlon Brando’s enthrall simply broadened its appeal. Today, flash grass has upped itself from hut to villa status, and has become synonymous with private escape. Bure style living incorporates a lot of languid lolling in liquid warm temperatures beneath sky-high woven ceilings. Swimmers and sarong are about all that is required. Time doesn’t slow, you do. Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands Blissful bures and secluded sand make this a very special place. www.pacificresort.com | |||||
| The Wayaka Club, Fiji The Governor’s bure blends antiques and indigenous yaka timber flooring beside the beach. Michelle Pfieffer loves it hereso does Nicole Kidman. www.wakaya.com | |||||
| Yasawa Island Resort, Fiji With 18-only thatched bures, head to Lomelagi for total seclusion. www.yasawa.com | |||||
| Eperanza, Mexico Grass roofs Mexican style cascade down a hill at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. www.lhw.com | |||||
| SPECTACULAR SPAS | |||||
| Spas have come a mighty long way since being something that was stuck in the corner of bathrooms. Now, they have spread themselves out and shimmied themselves up into luxe, designer temples, devoted to the worship of you. Caringly, they run the gamut of wellbeing – from relax and unwind through to stimulate and invigorate. Anything from body wraps and massage to sauna and ice room can be on the menu. And a very individual menu it is, with each resort offering its own individual twist on treatments for ‘Him’ and ‘Her’ to shuck off the old and bring on a new you. Go private or indulge as a couple, the experience is totally yours. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives At the world’s first underwater spa, the gentle flap of a Manta Ray passing by the windows is all part of the massage. www.huvafenfushi.com | |||||
| Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia Try one of the award-winning traditional Malay treatments in a pavilion set amongst gardens and pools. www.tanjongjararesort.com | |||||
| Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore Lie down inside a private pavilion perched on the edge of a fishpond and waterfall, and give yourself over to the five-hour Caviar Indulgence. www.shangri-la.com | |||||
| Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam, India. Succumb to the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda therapies then relax in an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Arabian Sea. www.tajhotels.com | |||||
| The Westin Resort & Spa, Fiji This Denaru Island hotel has a grand newly-opened spa where private pavilions are separated by lily ponds. www.westinfiji.com | |||||
| Luxury Also Loves: Angsana Resort & Spa, Palm Cove, QLD, Australia www.angsana.com | |||||
| BAREFOOT CHIC | |||||
| Untie the shoelaces, leave the stilettos at home, at these beach resorts going barefoot is all part of the grounding experience. Here, the freedom of sand between toes is considered as essential to sloughing off big city stress as a paraffin pedicure in the spa. Barefoot doesn’t equate to munching on mung beans and campfire singing. Instead, the food is gourmet, while activities range from the extravagant to do-nothing simplicity – all accompanied by five star, 24-hour service. While that won’t make you feel at home (unless you’re royally rich), it will give you a glimpse of paradise that allows you to get back on your feet. Soneva Fushi, Maldives So committed to the barefoot life they have a no news, no shoes policy. www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi | |||||
| Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef With 24 white powdery beaches to explore, you’ll spend most of your time shoeless. www.lizardisland.com.au | |||||
| K Club, Barbuda, Caribbean Pack a pair of chic thongs in honour of the plantation grand club house. Otherwise it’s barefoot. www.kclubbarbuda.com | |||||
| Vomo Island, Fiji The beachfront villas are just a few sandy steps from your own secluded beach in the Sofitel luxury collection resort. www.vomofiji.com | |||||
| Turtle Island, Fiji Ok, you might need shoes for horseriding. For lomi-lomi massages you don’t. www.turtlefiji.com | |||||
| EXOTIC STYLE | |||||
| Architecture in the Orient has always channelled mystery and glamour. A long history of intense cultural traditions has lent them an array of unexpected shapes. Nature has supplied a rich palette of striking materials. Time still seems to afford a level of handcrafted detail that has gone missing in the west. Here, in the east, the specific demands of the elements have been accounted for. They work with nature, instead of against it, responding overwhelmingly with awe-inspiring, pavilion style architecture that keeps its cool. They also know how to keep calm, littering their landscape, and often their interiors, with exquisite water features that entrance the eye and soothe time-driven souls. We only have to look at our own homes to see just how influential this open-plan style has been. Nevertheless, Asia’s beach resorts are also masters of the element of surprise. Rayavadee Resort, Krabi, Thailand Traditional southern Thai bell-shape roofed pavilions with lots of warm wood and mood lighting to set the scene. Make the most of it with butler service and Jacuzzi at Phranang Villa on the beach. www.rayavadee.com The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia A daybed overhanging a private pool is the Datai’s modern take on Asian style that mixes in lots of teak and slate roofing. www.thedatai.com | |||||
| Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia The soaring wooden rooflines and open pavilion style might be indigenous Malaysian, but there’s some sleek pale Scandinavian-style furniture that’s snuck its way in between. It’s a happy modern marriage of traditions. www.fourseasons.com/langkawi | |||||
| Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand No resort company has done more than Aman in transporting pared-back traditional Asian style into the 21st Century. Amanpuri is where it all began. www.amanresorts.com | |||||
| Kayumanis, Nusa Dua, Bali Ok, it is a step or two from the beach, but its stunning modern Asian architecture makes this resort worth a mention. www.kayumanis.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Phuket Pavilions, Thailand, www.thepavilionsresorts.com Chedi, Phuket, Thailand, www.ghmhotels.com | |||||
| MOST ROMANTIC | |||||
| Who can say what gets one in the mood? It’s a very individual thing. Nevertheless, it goes to say that a secluded beach gets the imagination going. Tropical breeze on bare skin raises the heat – and we’re not talking room temperature. Low-lighting, preferably candle-lit, makes everyone look gorgeous. Sheer cotton mosquito nets add to the effect. As does 24-hour personal service capable of delivering everything from champagne to massages to your room. Oysters are not an unacceptable request. Danai Beach Resort & Villas, Greece White Villas, blue infinity pools, balconies with views over the Aegean sea. Does it get more romantic than this? www.dbr.gr | |||||
| Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, Mexico Whitewashed private residences with personal staff set the mood, but it’s the sunset cocktail around the lantern lit infinity pool curving out over the ocean that seals the deal. www.lasventanas.com | |||||
| Evason Hideaway & Six Sense Spa at Ana Mandara, Vietnam The Presidential Villa offers invilla spa treatments, wine cellar, plunge pool and on-call butler. www.sixsenses.com | |||||
| Amanyara, Turks & Caicos Wild beaches and spectacular coral walls for keen divers; seclusion for lovers. www.amanresorts.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Trisara, Phuket, Thailand, www.trisara.com | |||||
| One&Only Reethi Rai, Maldives, www.oneandonlyresorts.com | |||||
| HEAVENLY HAMMOCKS | |||||
| A hammock is the ultimate symbol of relaxed beachside indulgence. Simply find two trees and string it up. Better still go where someone has done it for you already – in a perfect location. Kayumanis, Jimbaran, Bali Personalised service helps push romance to the max in this 12 villa resort. Go for in-villa private dining or a forest hammock with a good book. www.kayumanis.com | |||||
| Sarojin, Khao lak Thailand This romantic and stylish resort has hammocks strung in the gorgeous gardens. www.sarojin.com | |||||
| Vatulele Island Resort, Fiji A honeymoon hammock just for two awaits you on Vatulele, at least if you don’t mind snuggling up. Choose a hammock where you can hang around and enjoy the beach views. www.vatulele.com | |||||
| GRAND DAMES | |||||
| They are the royalty of the resort world. With a rather large splash of old Hollywood glamour thrown in. Elegant and imposing they are as legendary for their looks and service as they are for the people who slept here. Their guest books read like a who’s, who list of the last century – Grace Kelly, Bogart & Bacall, Taylor & Burton all appear. Rather than hiding themselves away in nature, these resorts tend to be positioned in the centre of some of the world’s sexiest play zones. They know what makes a grand entrance. Fortunately, they also understand, impeccably, what makes a pleasurable stay. Galle Face Hotel, Sri lanka Colombo’s legendary heritage hotel has been offering sophisticated beachside service since 1864. www.gallefacehotel.com | |||||
| Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro Old-style glamour places you at the centre of one of the world’s sexiest cities. www.copacabanapalace.com.br | |||||
| Hotel du Cap – Eden Roc, Cap D’Antibes, France The 1870 Hotel Du Cap stands grand on high, while the 1914 Eden Roc spreads out over the water. www.edenroc-hotel.fr | |||||
| Hotel Splendido, Portafino A former monastery that became Bogart and Bacall’s private fling. Sandy Lane, Barbados Make an entrance on the amphitheatrical swoop of cream coral stairs. Loved by the Euro-elite. www.sandylane.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, www.lhw.com | |||||
| Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, Italy, www.lhw.com | |||||
| WILD BEACHES | |||||
| These are the sorts of places that are packed with Darwinian-style inspiration. Here, it is easy to get up close and personal with nature in all its many wondrous forms. These resorts tread lightly on the ground, without forgetting that a little luxury doesn’t go astray. They intuitively understand that guests want wilderness but also to feel comforted. Sharks are majestic to watch, but champagne is nice to come home to. Here, you can edge towards adventure, but safely do it in style. Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Six–only permanent luxury tents make getting up close with rare turtles and birds easy. For underwater exploration there’s a coral cay. www.wilsonisland.com | |||||
| Amanwana, Bali Set on the nature reserve island of Moyo, these enormous luxury tents have hardwood floors and cream lounges. You can commune with komodo dragons by day, and drink champagne by night. www.amanresorts.com | |||||
| Maluane, Vamizi Island, Mozambique Determined to prove conservation and luxe can work together, Vamizi Island are the first 10 lodges opened by the eco Maluane Project. Watch for Samango monkeys as you make your way into the sea for a snorkel and scuba dive. www.vamizi.com | |||||
| Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge, Northern Territory Set in the permitonly area of Arnhem Land in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on Cobourg Peninsula, you can watch all manner of wildlife – from buffalo to Timor ponies – during a Champagne Sunset. Wildlife Safari. www.sevenspiritbay.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Haggerstone Island, www.haggerstoneisland.com | |||||
| Wickanninish Inn, Torfino, Canada, www.wickinn.com | |||||
| CHILD FRIENDLY | |||||
| These resorts offer the best of both worlds: you can unwind without the worry of wondering what the little dears are up to. Decide to bring them along and they can be swept away from dawn till dusk, and well beyond, if champagne on the beach at midnight is your thing. Commando trained for ongoing, attention- diverting amusement, beach resort kid’s clubs excel in water, sand and sun. Alymra, Pafos, Cyprus The Smiling Dolphin Children’s Club keeps four to 12-year-olds busy, the Baby Go Lightly program allows you specify baby needs before you go – bliss. www.thanoshotels.com Carlisle Bay, Antigua The new Cool Kids Club has four mini tennis courts for day play. The kids movies at night are, er, cool. www.campbellgrayhotels.com | |||||
| Caneel Bay, Virgin Islands The kids-designated Turtle Town and dining keeps things quiet. www.caneelbay.com | |||||
| Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Sinbad’s Kids Club operating from 9am to 9pm, plus 24-hour babysitting mean endless possibilities for you. www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com | |||||
| Hyatt Regency Coolum, Sunshine Coast, QLD With up to four clubs operating from six weeks to 12 years you’ll definitely fit in a round of golf. www.hyatt.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Sheraton Denarau Villas, www.starwood.com | |||||
| Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, www.peppers.com.au | |||||
| Cable Beach Club, Broome, WA, www.cablebeachclub.com | |||||
| Dunk Island, Qld, www.dunk-island.com Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, www.hiltonfiji.com | |||||
| SOPHISTICATED SAND | |||||
| Unlike other contemporary beach resorts, which try to blend back into their environment, they seek to stand out. Self-confident and knowledgeable about the ways of their world, they take all that’s evocative of their typically exotic pasts then cleverly reinterpret it for today with stunning effect. Rooms – and there are always many – are lavishly oversized. Golf courses, and there are often two, are most likely to be championship designed. Stylish, urbane and mature, they are not here to be ignored. Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius Flash thatch meets marble and intricate waterways in this most royal of retreats. www.princemaurice.com | |||||
| One & Only Le Touessrok, Mauritius A 423 square metres villa is backed up by a 24-hour butler and Bernhard Langer 18-hole championship course. www.oneandonlyresorts.com | |||||
| Cap Juluca, Anguilla, Caribbean Moorish whitewash mansions line the sand and ocean. www.capjuluca.com | |||||
| Conrad Bali Resort and Spa, Bali On the coast of Nusa Dua this resort offers sandy beaches, a soothing spa and bags of style. www.conradhotels.com | |||||
| Luxury also loves: Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, www.sheraton.com | |||||
| La Samanna, St Martin, West Indies, www.lhw.com | |||||
| Shutters on the Beach, California, www.lhw.com | |||||
| OVER WATER BUNGALOWS | |||||
| Much like a private boat, over-water bungalows give you the isolated beauty of being encircled by blue. Unlike boats, these bungalows don’t rock. You still sleep to the gentle lapping of water, but you don’t wake feeling seasick. Instead, you can get up and pad around spaces that often incorporate sky-high ceilings, multi-level storeys, a mix of living spaces, and in some, even their own pools. Your time is your own, and there’s no need to request setting anchor. The mainland is only a short walk or row away if you feel like extra company, eating in a restaurant, or visiting a spa. Did anyone mention shopping? Soneva Gili, Maldives Seven Soneva Gili ‘Crusoe Residences’ stand on stilts in the Indian Ocean reached by boat with personal butlers. There’s over-water bliss in the others. www.sixsenses.com/soneva-gili | |||||
| Pangkor Laut Resort, Thailand The teak and white linen Spa Villas have views over the Pangkor Straits and direct access back to the Spa Village. www.pangkorlautresort.com | |||||
| Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, Tahiti Watch sea-life below through a glasstopped coffee table in your living room. www.boraboralagoon.com | |||||
| Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, Cook Islands One of the world’s smallest resorts on a remote island getting world-wide acclaim, www.aitutakilagoonresort.com | |||||
| Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives Blue lagoon as far as the eye can see and palm-thatched villas with stilts paddling in the water. www.tajhotels.com | |||||
| Luxury Also Loves: Coral Palms, New Caledonia, www.newcaledonia.com.au | |||||
| Le Meridien, Vanuatu | |||||
| EASTERN PROMISE | |||||
| These beach resorts ooze Lawrence of Arabia style romance and adventure. Here desert mountains meet the ocean sand. Their architecture takes a scene out of One Thousand and One Nights – all large-scale domes, arches, and swaying palms; then mixes in a modern take on luxe. They have courtyards with secret corners. You may have given up thinking about genies in a bottle years ago, but these resorts relive the magic. Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Look out for the exclusive ‘seven star’ addition to this Shangri-la complex, Al Husn, due to open this month. www.shangri-la.com/en/property/muscat/barraljissahresort | |||||
| The Residence, Tunis Must-try: dining beneath a Bedouin tent surrounded by veiled horsemen and the hypnotic hips of dancers. www.theresidence-tunis.com | |||||
| The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh, Red Sea, Egypt Slip into the Arabesque spa and pool overlooking the sea. www.oberoisahlhasheesh.com | |||||
| Residence & Spa at One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai A traditional hammam with soaring arches, mosaic and marble meets Givenchy product. www.oneandonlyresorts.com | |||||
| The Chedi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Whitewashed walls and Arab arches never looked so designer sleek and sexy. www.lhw.com | |||||
| LATEST RELEASES | |||||
| We do love to know. And we do like to be first to know. Especially when it comes to experiencing the newest hot property. Luxury Travel Magazine understands this well. These recently opened resorts are worth a stay. Before you take off, discover their new and special ways of launching into the luxe resort life. St Regis Resort, Bora Bora, Tahiti If its good enough for ‘our Nic’ and Keith on their recent honeymoon, you know it has that special edge. Huge overwater and lagoon bungalows – some with private pools. www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis | |||||
| The Briza Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand Beautiful beachfront villas, with large private pools. Be the first to experience this especially indulgent brand of Thai luxury. www.thebriza.com | |||||
| Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and CHI Spa, Malaysia Located on Malaysia’s scenic Batu Ferringi beach, Penang, and re-opened after a two year update. www.shangri-la.com | |||||
| Labriz Silhouette, Seychelles Brand spanking new 2km stretch of powdery white five star beach, and new to the SLH portfolio. www.slh.com/labrizsilhouette | |||||
| W Retreat & Spa, Fesdu Island, Maldives Possibly the most stylish new resort in the Maldives, the W is already becoming a favourite with euro-sunseekers who booked in before it even opened. www.starwoodhotels.com | |||||
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