1. THE ST. REGIS DUBAI, THE PALM
Dubai, UAE
The Palm Jumeirah continues to bear fruit with the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, marking the triumphant return to the city for one of Marriott International’s iconic luxury brands. Situated at the top The Palm’s trunk, the hotel weaves local motifs into a timeless, elegant design that pays tribute to the lasting legacy of The St. Regis brand. A white and gold colour theme permeates the interiors, from the grand staircase that wraps around a Arabian palm-inspired chandelier, to the 264 guestrooms and 26 suites, which offer fabulous views of the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. St. Regis traditions, including the daily sabering of a Champagne bottle at sunset, continue at this new address, and all guests can enjoy the legendary St. Regis Butler Service.
Local flavours make their presence felt, from the signature Glitzy Mary cocktail at St. Regis Bar – a local take on the New York classic infused with date syrup, bezaar spice blend, sun-dried lime and saffron – to the intimate surroundings of Her by Caroline Astor, a ladies-only venue serving Afternoon Tea. It wouldn’t be Dubai without an ostentatious display of wealth, so The St. Regis Spa has developed a Signature Gold Journey, which uses 24-carat gold to nourish and strengthen the skin.
2. FAIRMONT TAGHAZOUT BAY
Taghazout, Morocco
Hemmed in by the Atlantic and Atlas Mountains, Northern Morocco is a dramatic landscape where ancient Berber villages exist alongside modern urban centres like Agadir. Here, Fairmont Taghazout Bay will shine a light on both worlds, with immersive experiences offering a flavour of the ancient Kingdom and a taste of modern-day Morocco. Set in 18 hectares of olive groves, the hotel is home to 127 ocean-view rooms, 15 suites and four signature villas, as well as 52 private residences, all positioned to make the most of the region’s famous sunsets. Nearby Taghazout Bay is one of the best surf spots in Morocco, with breaks that can be conquered with the assistance of instructors from the hotel’s surf club, and the 27-hole Kyle Phillips-designed Tazegzout Golf Course is just five minutes away. With the help of a local women’s cooperative, guests will be able to learn about regional products like argan oil and Amlou (a traditional Moroccan spread) or explore the nearby ‘Honey Route’ and learn to make the golden nectar with beekeepers, while the resort’s collection of dining options will include the first Moroccan outpost from Japanese ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu Morimoto.
3. KUDA VILLINGILI RESORT MALDIVES
North Male Atoll, Maldives
Situated in the North Male Atoll near one of the Maldives’ finest surf spots, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is a tropical hideaway where water is your constant companion – from the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean and the vast expanse of the resort’s 150-metre swimming pool to the striking Beach and Water Villas. Imagined by Maldivian architectural firm GX Associates, and Singapore-based interior design firm URBNarc, the resort is home to 95 villas, all decked out in natural materials and sustainable furnishings, including carpets made from recycled plastic bottles.
Most coveted are the Water Villas with Pool, which feature bright, understated interiors, huge outdoor dining decks and private pools perched on the edge of the lagoon. The dreamy spa, spread out across eight treatment villas, uses only organic and plant-based products, and active visitors can work out in the Technogym-equipped fitness centre while enjoying mesmerising ocean views. In addition to an all-day dining beachfront restaurant and poolside Beach Club, The Hawkers is a street market-style restaurant offering Indian-Arabic, Thai-Japanese and Italian-Mediterranean street food.
4. ANDAZ BALI
Bali, Indonesia
More than 40 years after Hyatt opened its first Indonesian hotel in Sanur, on the southeast coast of Bali, the brand returns to unveil Andaz Bali, a charming resort inspired by the small villages that pepper the Balinese countryside. Built using the traditional red bricks used in Sanur, the hotel is nestled amongst banyan trees and emerald-coloured plants, with 149 guestrooms including 18 Garden Villas and four Beach villas set out around a series of courtyards. Designed by Bangkok’s Tierra Design and Tokyo-based Spin Design Studio, the interiors reflect a modern take on traditional Balinese design, with locally sourced building materials, such as bamboo, teakwood and andesite, and private balconies looking out towards the lush gardens or the Indian Ocean.
Myriad dining options are spread out in distinct settings that befit different moods: the Village Square nods to the shophouses of Chinatown in the Balinese capital Denpasar and is home to four restaurants, while the Fisherman’s Club serves up fresh seafood near the resort’s main infinity pool deck, accompanied by dreamy ocean views. Slip away through an aromatic herb and flower garden and you’ll find yourself at Shankha Spa at Hyatt Regency Bali next door, where Balinese healing traditions are expertly employed to sooth away your cares.