1. THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands, Maldives
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is the second resort to debut in the exclusive North Malé Atoll island enclave; an innovative Kerry Hill-designed resort where guest experiences will be rooted in local culture and traditions. Daily rituals will play an important role, with the call of a Sangu horn marking the arrival of each new guest, and the rhythm of Bodu Beru drumming marking the setting of the sun each day.
The resort has stepped away from typical castaway chic architectural style in favour of a striking circular design for its 100 one- to threebedroom villas – a design repeated in The Ritz-Carlton Spa – which represents the circular flow of island life. Spread across four connected islands, the resort will be home to seven restaurants and bars showcasing high-end dining, beachfront luxury and wellness-focused menus: five on the main island and two at Fari Marina Village, a communal lifestyle hub that’s home to beachfront dining, exclusive retail boutiques, a 20-berth marina and the Fari Beach Club.
There’s a range of facilities for all ages including Ritz Kids Club, Shutterfish Photography Studio, a dive centre and a range of environmentally-inspired activities including the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment programme.
2. KEMPINSKI PALACE ENGELBERG
Engelberg, Switzerland
Deep in the heart of Switzerland, Engelberg is a picturesque resort town overlooked by Mount Titlis, a soaring alpine peak that’s home to ski trails in the winter and a web of hiking and biking trails in the summer. The town is also home to Kempinski PalaceEngelberg, a chocolate box hotel with 129 rooms and suites fitted out with brushed oak floors and sumptuous leather furnishings; a modern, elegant style that blends contemporary design with historical flourishes.
Formerly the Europäischer Hof Europe Hotel, the property was originally designed by architect Arnold Cattani at the behest of his brother, hotelier Eduard Cattani. Since it opened in 1908, the palace has served as both a hotel and a hospitality school, and today features a new wing connected to the original property by a historic Kursaal, a public events space that hosts weddings and business events.
The kitchens of Cattani Restaurant are overseen by exec chef Michéle Müller, focusing on local seasonal produce, while The Palace Bar and Cigar Lounge evoke the sultry atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. Crowning the property is Kempinski The Spa, a soothing space inspired by the mountain landscape that surrounds it, complete with rooftop infinity pool.
3. BAGLIONI RESORT SARDINIA
Sardinia, Italy
Nestled in the verdant countryside of northern Sardinia is Baglioni Resort Sardinia, a private four-hectare estate in the marine protected area of Tavolara. The latest addition to Baglioni’s gorgeous collection of hotels and resorts and part of The Leading Hotels of the World, the resort’s 78 rooms, suites and villas are tastefully decorated in a neutral palette of bronze and beige, with bright gold accents and splashes of aquamarine and teal that reflect the colours of sea and sky.
The estate and surrounding landscape are a playground for active visitors, with two nearby golf courses, trails for jogging, mountain biking and horse-riding, and the picturesque Lu Impostu Beach nearby. Guests can experience the landscape from a different perspective with a flight over the Sardinian coast aboard a microlight or seaplane, or charter the resort’s zippy Atlantis 34 yacht for a day exploring coves and islands.
Back at the resort, guests can enjoy a celebratory feast at Gusto by Sadler, the resort’s gourmet dining experience created by Michelin star chef Claudio Sadler, or watch the sun sink below the horizon at Sunset Terrace Bar with a glass of Italian fizz. Buonissimo.
4. AIRELLES CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES,
LE GRAND CONTRÔLE
Paris, France
One of the most resplendent buildings in all of Europe, the Palace of Versailles has welcomed a glamorous carousel of royals and heads of state over the centuries. Now, mere mortals can spend the night in the spectacular surrounds of the palace and its gardens, following the opening of Airelles Château de Versailles, Le GrandContrôle.
No expense was spared on the painstaking restoration of three 17th-century buildings within the palace grounds, led by interior architect and designer Christopher Tollemer, who toiled in the chateau archives to ensure his restoration – inspired by the neighbouring Petit Trianon Palace – was faithful to the past.
The 14 immaculate rooms and suites, each named after a prominent figure associated with the property, are embellished with original flooring and stonework carefully restored by French artisans, while period furnishings and artwork have been selected to reflect the original ambiance of the building and the character of its illustrious inhabitants.
Guests at Le Grand Contrôle are treated to a collection of unique experiences, such as after-hours tours of the Château and early morning tours of The Trianon and its gardens; as well as exclusive private experiences including a personal tour of the Hall of Mirrors or an intimate meal for two in the Orange Garden created by Alain Ducasse – who oversees all dining experiences at the hotel.