This month’s sextet of exquisite new hotels takes us from the stunning shores of Sri Lanka and Mozambique to glamorous Dubai, and then off to the Far East, with three new Chinese city escapes.
Cape Weligama
Sri Lanka
The southern edge of Sri Lanka is already riddled with indulgent escapes, hideaways and boltholes, but the luxury traveller needs look no further than Cape Weligama. A three-hour drive from Colombo Airport, the new 40-villa resort spans a 12-acre plot on the island's south coast, resembling a well-manicured village with its terracotta roofing, walled gardens, pools and bars. Adventurous travellers will find reef snorkelling, wreck diving, surfing, whale watching and fishing. And away from the shore, guests can find crumbling forts, cobbled streets and nearby national parks. Then, back at the resort, take a plunge in the crescent-shaped Moon Pool, which sits above the 100-foot coastal cliffs.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Dubai, UAE
Dubai’s hotel scene continues to boom with the opening of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The seashore setting is a sobering sanctuary from buzzing city, with 237 ‘ultra-spacious’ rooms available. In addition, the 49 suites all open up onto their own private balconies, furnished with daybeds and dining tables. The five star Four Seasons will house 10 restaurants and lounges, as well as a lavish spa and three pools. Guests can enjoy views of the Gulf from one side of the property, with the shimmering Burj Khalifa visible from the other. The elegant aesthetic blends Arabic motifs with contemporary stylings, creating an atmosphere of light, airy luxury- complemented exquisitely by the hotels lush palm-lined gardens.
Anantara Medjumbe Island
Mozambique
Mozambique's Qurimbas archipelago drifts beyond its northern coast, where the new Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa sits upon a discrete private island. Only the powdery pale sands sit between the resort's intimate beachfront villas and the inviting Indian Ocean waters. Of course, Anantara's renowned spa experience is a must, but so are the local East African seafood options and other local cuisines. While the resort doesn't bar under-16s, it only encourages youngsters when guests pay for exclusive use of the entire resort, ensuring serenity on the shore. But, for the young at heart, Medjumbe's waters are a veritable playground for water sports, intimate cruises and remote island picnics.
The St Regis Chengdu
Chengdu, China
Precisely 110 years after the first St Regis hotel opened in New York, Chengdu welcomed its own incarnation of the luxury hotel brand. The St Regis Chengdu pledges epicurean dining alongside urban comfort, with indoor and outdoor pools, The St Regis Athletic Club and the hotel's Iridium Spa. The 279 guestrooms evoke a timeless style with guests treated to custom furnishings and views of Tianfu Square. And, as always, The St Regis butler service is available day and night. For the grandest experience, the hotel's 29th floor Presidential Suite provides its own rooftop terrace, complete with a 12-metre lap pool and unrivalled city views.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
Rosewood Beijing
Beijing, China
Rosewood Beijing arrived mid-October, billed as an ultra-luxury hotel with a prime downtown location. The 283-room "urban eyrie" provides a panorama of the city and epitomises the brand's "A Sense of Place" concept. Entering the property, guests will encounter the towering statues that guard the gates and then pass through the lush courtyard, akin to a private mansion haven. But affixed to the traditional flourishes, the hotel embraces the contemporary vibe of modern China, with art from Beijing's up-and-coming artists and carefully curated guest experiences. The hotel boasts more landscaped outdoor space than any other Beijing luxury hotel, with six restaurants and lounges.
W Beijing - Chang'an
Beijing, China
This other new Beijing opening is just as lavish, but comes flavoured with the every-popular W-esque chic design concept. The W Beijing - Chang'an claims to be "luxe enough for ancient royals" and packed with modern treasures, which may include the Munchie Boxes for peckish patrons and the top-of-the-range Bliss Spa amenities. The 349 guestrooms are equipped with W's signature beds and all the top tech in terms of audiovisual indulgence. For a taste of the region, guests can savour the spices of the Chinese cuisine on offer, and get pampered in the hotel’s Away Spa. All this comes just footsteps from the trifecta of must-see sites; Beijing's Forbidden City, Tiannenman Square and the bustling Silk Market.
www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels