FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
Desroches Island, Seychelles
If it’s the full luxury castaway experience you’re seeking, look no further than Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, an Indian Ocean hideaway surrounded by 14km of pristine white sand, acres of tropical forest and some of the most mesmerising marine life in the world. As the only resort on the island, guests can roam free, spending their days exploring the beaches by bicycle or kayak with a picnic from The Deli, or learning about the island’s flora and fauna at the Discovery Centre.
The 71 rustic-chic beachfront villas, suites and bungalows each have their own private pool and garden, with indoor-outdoor bathrooms and the kinds of in-room comforts that Robinson Crusoe could only have dreamed of: deep-soaking bathtubs, poolside cabanas, bicycles and butler service to name a few.
MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Guests at Mombo Camp have watched the circle of life play out on the Okavango Delta for almost 30 years, as lion and leopard hunt bountiful game on the floodplains of Moremi Game Reserve. Now, the camp enters its fourth incarnation after a major rebuild that has seen all nine tented suites expanded and redecorated. Larger decks, swing beds and plunge pools are elevated above the floodplain, and a complete design makeover sets new standards in safari-chic. Inside, brass fixtures and copper-clad fireplaces give the suites a sense of refined vintage luxury, with weathered leather sofas and mismatched furniture adding a personal, curated feel.
On the other side of Chief’s Island, Mombo’s sister camp, Little Mombo, has also received the luxury treatment, with double marble sinks and copper bathtubs in the bathrooms of its three tents, and private salas on the viewing decks to bring guests even close to nature. The dining offering has been reborn across both lodges, with a new focus on out-of-camp dining, interactive culinary experiences and traditional local cuisine given a modern twist: think Botswana beef fillet, ostrich and apricot tagine followed by milk tart spring rolls with cinnamon ice-cream. Roughing it never felt so good.
HOTEL ES PRINCEP
Palma, Mallorca
Built just a few steps away from the eastern corner of the mighty wall that once protected Palma de Mallorca from foreign invaders, Hotel es Princep gazes out at the Mediterranean like a contemporary watchtower; a 21st century addition to a 16th century fortification. Located in the historic centre of Palma, the hotel’s 68 rooms and suites feature a pared back, understated design that let the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows do the talking. From 22 sqm Standard Rooms to the top floor 55 sqm Signature Suites, all rooms feature amenities from New York’s Le Labo and Nespresso coffee machines.
Those sea views achieve peak wow on the rooftop lounge and pool terrace, Almaq, which looks out across the Bay of Palma and the city’s historic centre. Downstairs, local cuisine is celebrated in chef Andreu Genestra’s signature restaurant Bala Roja (which means Red Bullet, after the cannonballs which once defended the promontory) and creative cocktails are poured at sultry Gremium.
TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, ANDAMANS
Andaman Islands, India
The Andamans might be the hottest island destination you’ve never heard of, but a luxury hotel opening is set to change all that. Touching down on Havelock Island – one of more than 300 in the archipelago floating between India and Myanmar – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will be the Andamans’ first luxury hotel. Situated on the shores of Radhanagar Beach.
Think white, crescent-shaped shoreline fringed with lush, dense greenery and azure waters – the resort comprises 75 villas with rustic pitched roofs in the style of the indigenous Jawara tribe. Spread over 30 acres, the resort is also home to Jiva Spa and three restaurants featuring everything from the coastal curries of the Bay of Bengal and innovative dishes using homegrown ingredients to explore Southeast Asian, Tamil, Keralan and Bengali cuisine; to a carefully curated selection of international Taj signature dishes.
THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL HAMRA BEACH
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
This debut will elevate beachfront luxury on the northern shores of the UAE. Guests can choose from two types of villa: The Al Naseem Villas are inspired by traditional Bedouin architecture and the Al Bahar Villas include open views and private beachfront access.