Category: The Suite Life

The Colony Palm Beach

This iconic destination is beloved for its bold-colored brand of luxe. Palm Beach’s pinkest hotel has, since 1947, been a smart second home for statesmen and stars, as well as the town’s chicest residents. A genuinely stylish and distinctive ‘old world’ resort with a sublime sense of refinement noted for its fashionable dining, live music, and gorgeous interior décor. From this exclusive address guests cruise to the ocean or to swanky Worth Avenue’s ultra-upscale shopping and dining.

155 Hammon Avenue, Palm Beach
thecolonypalmbeach.com

Il Mezatorre

This five-star stay delivers unimaginable seaside splendor. Perched on a cliff on the beautiful island of Ischia, each of its recently redesigned rooms and suites offer views of the lemon tree-lined sundecks and terraced pool, the seven acres of lush gardens, or the aquamarine Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the seaside chic vistas the hotel features a tented aperitivo bar and a spa housed in a 16th-century watchtower enhanced by Ischia’s healing thermal waters.

80075 Forio, Naples, Italy
mezzatorre.com

The Beverly Hills Hotel
An unforgettable blend of vintage glamour and modern luxury, the ultimate beacon of glamour, the hotel greets guests like movie stars from the moment they pass the iconic signage, step onto the signature red carpet and enter the grand lobby. This iconic, LA hideaway is famous for playing host to Hollywood royalty over the years. From the deals made in the Polo Lounge to the romances conducted in the secluded bungalows, this has been Tinsel Town’s playground since Beverly Hills was born.

9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills
dorchestercollection.com

The Mount Nelson Hotel

At the foot of Table Mountain is an inviting hotel, painted pink for peace in 1918. Within, the magic of a bygone era awaits guests at this luxury hotel and spa long regarded as one of the city’s top five-star hotels. Exquisitely restored interiors with quirky modern touches offer the perfect combination of leafy tranquility and contemporary buzz. Boasting some of the best restaurants and bars in Cape Town, a stay at Mount Nelson is foodie heaven.

Cape Town, South Africa

A Newly Renovated Historic Gem in Chelsea: Belmond Cadogan

The former stomping grounds of socialites, writers and bohemians such as Oscar Wilde and Lillie Lantry, the Belmond Cadogan has some interesting stories to tell. It’s steeped in history dating back to 1887. Today, a four-year, $48 million dollar renovation has given the Queen Ann-style building a fashionable new look.

If you’re familiar with the former building, what used to be the front entrance to Lillie Langry’s townhouse is now the hotel’s residential entrance, at 21 Point Street. The architects re-imagined the new hotel with a nod to bygone days. Wonderful contemporary art floods the walls—430 pieces of original works. Guests checking in can’t help but comment on the Simon Casson piece, which weaves a story of the Cadogan estate from its perch atop a hand-carved reception desk.

The hotel blends a storied past of deep-rooted nostalgia with a new kind of modern, understated luxury. From the front lobby, step into a garden-lined walking tour of world-class restaurants. This is London living like you always imaged it, complete with a library in your guest room, which was curated by a private bookseller. The literati set will feel right at home here.

Even if you don’t even leave the hotel, you can experience every British flavor under the sun. Celebrated chef Adam Handling leads the culinary direction of the Belmond Cadogan Hotel with a restaurant worthy of getting dressed up for—or if you fancy—simply break for a spot of afternoon tea in the Lounge. Chef Handling says of his kitchen moxie, “Modern, British, seasonal, sustainable; that’s the ethos that underpins my cooking. I don’t want to be the best restaurant in the world—I want to be the local’s favourite in Chelsea.” His other restaurant in London— The Frog — is also a highly regarded in the foodie world.

Most renovations are about expansion, but the Belmond Cadogan stayed small. The hotel has just 54 rooms, and 22 of them are suites. But the grounds open up ample opportunities for guests to enjoy the private 93-acre Cadogan Estate Gardens, complete with tennis courts, 300-year-old mulberry trees and beautiful sculptures.

All of this opulence is enhanced by big labels and luxury brands that dot every corner outside the hotel, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. There are also a decent amount of boutiques, quirky galleries and artisan-run delis. So, the next time you find yourself across the pond, check-in to the heart of a true London gem.

The Suite Life: Rosewood Mayakoba Resort

Just north of the seaside village of Playa del Carmen, embraced by emerald jungles and pristine white beaches, you’ll be welcomed by the renowned Rosewood Mayakoba Resort.

Consistently recognized as one of the best places to stay, and recently voted No. 2 Resort Hotel in Mexico, Rosewood Mayakoba also ranks amongst the Top 100 Hotels in the World (Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best).

Rosewood Mayakoba, one of several “resort complexes” within the Mayakoba Estate, is built to abide by the highest eco-standards and has received the Rainforest Alliance Certification.

Nestled along the banks of winding lagoons and a mile?long arc of pristine beach, Rosewood Mayakoba is an oasis of indulgence. Recent renovations and upgrades ensure that Rosewood has the most exceptional in?room design and detail. The resort offers 129 suites with private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers, and individual docks.

Aqui Me Quedo, Rosewood’s new adults-only beachfront hideaway is inspired by the charm of Riviera Maya. Enjoy Caribbean coastal-inspired fare, the best of Mexican street food, and refreshing drinks presented throughout the day.

Rosewood Mayakoba has a range of beach activities and water sports including paddle boarding and windsurfing to keep you busy from early morning till sunset.

Throughout the year, Rosewood Mayakoba surprises and delights guests with themed food and wine celebrations. Children are special guests at Rosewood, with activities and entertainment provided throughout the day. The Kid’s Club coordinators really love children and its shows. A top-notch kids program and excellent babysitters will make sure that your youngsters have the most fantastic time, and make new friends while you relax.

Guests can explore the entire resort estate with an EcoTour – a perfect day activity for the whole family. Mayakoba’s resident biologist leads the tour around the lagoon and explains everything about the region’s fascinating flora and fauna.

Designed as a retreat-within-a-retreat, the private spa island is a place of healing and emotional bliss. Free amenities include a salt scrub, steam room, dry room, jacuzzi and plunge pools as well as a locker room and quiet area. Treatments are based on ancient Mayan techniques and are well worth the indulgence.

The resort’s professionally trained butlers seem to know your needs before you do, and offer the most exclusive personalized service. Whether you’re thinking of an intimate dinner on the terrace or a romantic bubble bath or a day trip to Chichen Itzá the 24-hour butler service will exceed your expectations in every way. The Rosewood difference is just amazing people doing what they love.

Throughout the summer months, make a toast to sea turtle conservation with Rosewood Mayakoba’s Akumal Mezcalita. This refreshing mixer of gin, Martini Bianco, lemongrass, raspberry syrup, and lemon makes a perfect sundowner. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Centro Ecológico Akumal, an organization dedicated to sustainability-related issues including the conservation of sea turtles.

Plan your luxurious getaway today at Rosewood Mayakoba.

Africa’s Gentle Giant—Dine with Giraffes at Giraffe Manor

“I had a farm in Africa” is the famous opening line by Meryl Streep in the film Out Of Africa based on the life of Karen Blixen. Giraffe Manor is part of The Safari Collection and consists of luxury lodges and camps that pay homage to Blixen and her partner Finch Hutton (played in the film by Robert Redford).

At Giraffe Manor you can elect to stay in either Karen Blixon or Finch Hutton’s rooms which are adorned with original pieces belonging to Blixen – although to the best of our knowledge they shared a room which is where the most famous romance in Africa blossomed. The property is set on private land bordered by indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. With its old-school elegance, sunny terraces and open courtyards, guests often say it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa.

If you’ve never been to Africa, Giraffe Manor is the excuse you’ve been searching for. Only in this special place will you see unobstructed views of the sky and animals roaming freely around you.

If you do stay at Giraffe Manor, you will be greeted every morning by a herd of friendly giraffes that know that they will be amply fed if they visit you on the lawn or pop their heads through your window. While Giraffe are some of the gentlest wild creatures in Africa you will also have the pleasure of taking an excursion to search for the big five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. The big five got their name from being some of the most dangerous game, but don’t worry you will be accompanied by expert guides who will ensure your safety (and if that is not good enough just make sure you can run faster than the person next to you).

The Safari Collection also has an expedition to see the famous Virunga Gorillas who recently gained attention in the Executive Produced Leonardo DiCaprio Netflix documentary special “Virunga.” The gorillas are located in the continents most diverse biologically protected area. We promise you there is nothing that compares to being allowed in the presence of these critically endangered species.

At Giraffe Manor you’ll freely disconnect from daily hustle and bustle of cars, traffic, loud noise and endless commutes. Here, you’re asked to reconnect with a side of yourself you never knew you missed. You will go to bed with the sounds of lions and hyena’s and wake up to giraffe, elephants, kudu, impala’s and so much more. You will eat the freshest most delicious food in the world prepared by expert chefs, bathe in a pool overlooking Africa and have a night cap watching the sun set—with every hue visible—unobstructed by anything man- made.

Only in Africa will you find yourself and realize that there is so more to life than you thought possible. This is a trip of a lifetime.

Mountains can provide an amazing opportunity to ground us, be in awe, give great views and different perspectives. There are spectacular hotels and resorts in mountain towns or remote areas that can supply all the assets and amenities of a wonderful vacation but these two are the pinnacle of peak sightseeing.

The first is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta which shows off some of Canada’s finest natural splendor year round. The summer provides endless outdoor activities and adventures such as: horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, helicopter tours, a gondola ride, white water rafting, ATV tours, paragliding, a kids camp and more! There are various levels of adventure for all walks of life and the spa has plenty to pamper those who wish to stay on site. Complimentary campfires and movie nights allow for cozy relaxing time. 

In the winter there are maybe almost as many adventures to be had such as skating on the frozen lake, snow tubing, sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowmobiling and over 4200 acres of ski-able terrain. For the adept and bold skier heli skiing in Alberta is some of the best untouched mountain in the world going up 4000 meters vertically.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has a luxurious mountain lodge in the heart of the American west, Jackson Hole. As all Four Seasons, the service and amenities are exemplary, taking care of every need. Just one mile away from Gran Teton National Park there are hiking and wildlife tours, a ropes course and many other activities. In the winter, there is incredible skiing with the Four Seasons earning one of the few 5 Star ratings from Forbes for a ski resort in the USA. Heated pools, hot tubs and complimentary s’mores give warmth and comfort. 

In the summer, order a custom picnic basket to take with you to explore Yellowstone or Grand Teton National park. Seeking culture? There is a big classical music festival in July and into August. Seeing the stars as clearly as one can here is another boon to this locale, so much so that the hotel has an astrophysicist on site who can give a private telescope tour with a professional grade 11 inch Schmitt-Casgranian Telescope!

 

In honor of National Love Your Pet Day, we combed the globe in search of luxury hotels that cater to guests of the canine kind. These five stood out in particularly as places where personal service is definitely a big perk for your pooch.

The Peninsula Hotel, New York

Stay in the heart of The Big Apple with your furry friend in tow. The Peninsula puts you steps from 5^th Avenue, Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Dog friendly for a fee, the Peninsula charges $150 extra per stay for pets, and they can’t weigh over 65 pounds. But the five-star hotel puts everyone in the lap of luxury with apartment-styled rooms and suites wrapped in a neo-classical charm. Rooms start around $695 per night.

Hotel Nikko, San Francisco

The art of Asian hospitality is the tagline of the Hotel Nikko, a chic getaway where everything is done with a bit more flair. The 24-hour health club is 10,000 sq. ft. and houses a fitness center, steam room, shiatsu massage and an atrium-style pool. If you need proof of their dog loving ways, there’s a 2,200 sq. foot outdoor terrace, complete with a dog run. So, there’s plenty of fresh air and natural light for your four-legged friends.

12 Apostles Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

A worthwhile stopover on Cape Town’s most scenic route is this five-star boutique hotel that’s always up for adventure bordered by Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. You and your fur baby can marvel at the ocean and mountain scenery, do a bit of whale watching, or explore the balmy beaches of Campus Bay. The hotel has plenty of dog beds, bowls and special pet menus on hand, but your pet must be under knee height. There’s a small damage deposit, returned to you after your stay.

Hotel Cappuccino, Seoul, South Korea

Trendy travelers will feel at home in South Korea’s capital city, which caters to millennial travelers who don’t like rules. Urban through and through, the hotel rooms are flooded with white and grey and minimalists in their compact comfort. Here, your canine companions get access to the Bark Room, with custom pet beds made from birch, toys and even pajamas for dogs. That’s called service. Solve the late night cravings by calling room service and asking to have a dental chew delivered (and a night cap for yourself).

The Ace hotel London, England

This hipster haven in a busy spot in the city with some uncommon amenities for trendy travelers, including dog shows. Through the front lobby, dark wood floors and concrete walls beckon you to sit and join the gig workers on laptops inside the co-working space. This stylish hotel is so dog friendly, they’ll even give you a list of shops and restaurants nearby where your dog is welcome. You’ll also find locally sourced products at the “Bulldog Edition café.”

Happy National Pet day and we hope all your furry friends get the pampering in high style that they deserve.

“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde 

It’s not something Duncan Shakeshaft, CEO of L’Oscar International, need concern himself with, of course … since its opening in May 2018, everyone has been talking about L’Oscar! Pop in for a drink at Café L’Oscar’s illuminated onyx bar, linger over dinner in Michelin starred chef Tony Fleming’s Baptist Grill restaurant, or settle in for an extended stay in one of the sumptuously finished suites. The surprisingly detailed décor incorporates many original and historic elements, such as the biblical Doulton terracotta panels, oak panelling and ornate plastered ceilings. The fabrics and wall-coverings are lavishly hued: royal purples, deep reds, bright gold. The peacock motifs; humming birds, parakeets and cuckoos perched everywhere; and “Oh my word, look at this!” Lalique butterfly taps in the restrooms will have you catching your breath. Remember to breathe.  

“Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity.” – O.W. 

Shakeshaft’s new boutique hotel, L’Oscar in London, is indeed beautiful. Previously the Baptist Church HQ and a place of worship, this turn-of-the-century Edwardian Free Baroque edifice once again invites guests to gaze heavenward in reverence. I could never imagine a seven-storey chandelier, but there it is … with its wrought-iron rings and glass birds, filling the stair-well with diffused golden light. 

Like any object of true beauty, it is also decadent, mysterious, amusing, and a little naughty. You could stay for a month and still find secrets to uncover. 

“I can resist everything except temptation.” – O.W. 

As the hotel’s website explains, the business of L’Oscar is to put every temptation in front of its guests.  Discreetly concealed in the drawer above the mini bar you’ll find a surprise package to tempt the most virtuous saint: a little black box embossed with L’Oscar catchphrase ~ Every Saint has a past. Every sinner has a future. There’s no need to resist … 

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” – O.W. 

Outrageously imagined and extravagantly styled by décorateur Jacques Garcia (known for his hotel projects in Paris, New York, and Marrakech) the 39-bedroom L’Oscar was recently named as one of the 100 best British hotels: London in The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. Sensitively and lovingly restored by master craftsman, L’Oscar retains the best features of its original structure, boldly embellished with historically-inspired modern conveniences.    

 I believe Oscar would be wholly satisfied.