1. A discreet roman holiday
One of the silver linings to come out of Covid-19 is the impact it has had on a more conscious way to travel, for those wanting more private, secluded and mindful holidays, with hotels newly attuned in how to offer such. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is one such property that understands the need to nurture people’s new demands, and now offers an exclusive floor buyout special offer for GCC travellers seeking ultimate privacy and socially-distancing in their quintessential Roman holiday. The offer includes rental of the Penthouse Suite and six Imperial rooms, daily breakfast and VIP amenities for Dhs60,934 a night. One of Rome’s most coveted acquisitions, the Penthouse Suite has its own private rooftop terrace and garden featuring a Jacuzzi, as well as a dining area, bar, hydro-massage bath and private wine cellar.
2. Made in Morocco
Some views just can’t be beaten, such is the case at Hotel du Golf Rotana in Marrakech, with its outstanding location serving up views of the stunning Golf Club Rotana fairways and the Atlas Mountains. Nestled at the heart of Palmeraie Rotana Resort in the north of the city, the design-led property blends Moroccan architecture with Art Deco style, all blended to create a warm and laid-back ambience. With each room taking advantage of their floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the Moroccan light to flood in each morning, you know time spent here will be good for the soul. The hotel’s All-Inclusive Premium offer is a real cocktail of leisure, relaxation and discovery and gives guests buffet-breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner each day, 20 per cent off green fees at the Golf Club Rotana, 20 per cent off a selection of spa treatments and free access to the kid’s club.
3. Sweet dreams are made of this
Known for their collection of chic, contemporary hotels, the COMO group is an innovator of modern travel and hospitality. Take, for example, COMO The Halkin in London, a 41-key hotel that breathes a calm, cool, contemporary atmosphere into its picturesque Georgian neighbourhood of Belgravia. As one of the capital’s best-located properties, flanked by Knightsbridge, Mayfair’s regency squares and St. James’ parks, and within walking distance of some of London’s best restaurants, the postcode means everything. Take advantage this Christmas, whilst also indulging your sweet tooth, with a private tour in a Rolls-Royce of Belgravia’s most decadent sweet spots, led by private guide Lynne Staartjes, from a family-owned gelateria to a personalised macaron and tea-pairing. This is all followed by a session with Chef Ruben Briones, who will teach you how to make one of his signature desserts. You’ll also enjoy tasting experiences at Pierre Hermé Paris and Olivogelo.
4. To health & happiness
A bit of a special find for mindfulness nomads, Anantara Chiang Mai is now offering guests a bucket-list experience at the hands of the hotel’s dedicated Thai Massage Guru, Panissara Chaokhelang, aka Noot. Having learned how to massage before she was 10 years old, Noot has 20 years’ experience as a Thai massage therapist, and puts her skills to good use by helping guests identify to better understand their aches and pains, educating them in the power of massage and the benefits one can reap from them. Those wanting to avail Noot’s Thai Massage Guru know-how can enjoy a Holistic Spa & Wellness Retreat offer, perfect for anyone wanting to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, balance a fast pace with rejuvenating time out or inspire new paths to wellness. This customised three-day retreat will let guests indulge in luxury spa treatments and feel good from the inside out with gourmet wellness cuisine and raw juice recipes. Throughout your three-day stay, treatments will include a Thai Herbal Steam, a private yoga session, a detoxifiying green tea wrap, choice of spa treatment a private fitness class and lots more.
5. Style and shopping in the city
To celebrate the connection between Harrods and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park − two of London’s most esteemed luxury brands − a new Penthouse to Penthouse experience has been launched, offering guests who stay in the London hotel’s Penthouses and Premier Suites unparalleled access to the heart the world’s most iconic department store. The bespoke experience includes a one-hour private tour of Harrods, before or after it is open to the public; a tour of the Safe Deposit department − the most historic part of the building that dates back to 1896; a personal shopping experience with the Harrods Penthouse suite, with styling by the Private Shopping Team. So if you’re looking for something stylish to wear to complement a beautiful soirée in the city before bedding down in pure penthouse opulence, you know you’ve come to the right place.
6. It’s oh so quiet...
Re-opening its doors on December 17, with 40 newly-renovated rooms and suites, Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz will make merry with a host of magical festivities, including Christmas Afternoon Tea at Le Grand Hall, an annual Egg Nog Party on Christmas Day with music from a local orchestra, dinner at Le Restaurant on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a kids’ party with a visit from the man in red. Badrutt’s Palace has also introduced a ‘remote mountain touring experience’ where guests will be whisked off by helicopter to some of the most secluded skiing spots in the Engadin valley. Or for those seeking a release from a stressful year, soothing and spoiling comes courtesy of the ‘Spa Inclusive’ offer, with two nights in a Superior Double room, à la carte breakfast, 50-minute Aroma Alpine massage, access to Palace Wellness with indoor and outdoor pool, butler service and Rolls-Royce pick-up at St. Moritz station. The perfect place to treat yourself, destress and switch off in the snow.