1. Uluwatu Estate, Mandarin Oriental
Exclusive Homes
Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu Estate, a tropical paradise on Bali’s southern Bukit Peninsula, is Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes’ first foray into the Asian private villa market. Uluwatu comes from ulu, meaning “land’s end”, and watu, meaning “rock”, and the property’s namesake certainly captures the essence of the clifftop views that make this home so special. Perched high above Nyang Nyang beach, the home was designed by its owners to create the perfect frame for the views. Open-air interiors pay homage to modern aesthetics, luxury and comfort whilst capturing the essence of Balinese style. Surrounded by immaculate tropical gardens and calming ponds, the various living spaces blend into the greenery beyond allowing guests to soak up the estate’s natural beauty. Striking teakwood walkways border the gardens, leading to a separate pavilion that hosts the estate’s private spa. A fully equipped gym and table tennis are also available, as well as a dedicated media room for movie nights and games. Each of the eight independent suites offers a choice of indoor and outdoor bathing, with signature handcrafted baths set in private enclaves of the gardens. An additional apartment sits beside the villa featuring a lounge, billiards and foosball.
2. Six Senses Rome
Rome, Italy
Six Senses’ first Italian property has opened in Rome in the historical Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, steps away from major historical landmarks, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, and within walking distance of the prominent luxury shopping streets. Architect Patricia Urquiola’s sustainable designs juxtapose modernity with classicism across the 96 rooms housed within a historic Palazzo. A strong sense of the Eternal City’s history is conveyed throughout the building with its monumental marble staircase, 600-year-old columns and a large baptismal bath, visible beneath glass floor tiles.
The interiors of the rooms are a reverential nod to Roman traditions with Cocciopesto on the walls and the presence of Travertine throughout. State-of-the-art, in-room technology has been subtly incorporated. Among a vast menu of therapies, the spa offers a modern-day take on the ancient ritual of the Roman bathing circuit. True to the Eat With Six Senses ethos, menus foster a strong link with local culinary traditions. While the innovative use of natural and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers reflects the brand’s food philosophy.
3. Vermelho Melides
Melides, Portugal
The first-ever hotel from the mind of shoe designer Christian Louboutin aims to turn Melides into one of the most desirable destinations in Portugal. Nestled on the Alentejo coast, the village is renowned for its gentle pace and untainted land. In an ode to his famous, red-soled shoes, the hotel inspires guests to be bold, brave, and different, all the while living ‘La Vie En Rouge’. 13 Moorish rooms pay homage to Iberian artistry, each different in tonalities, textures, and style but all sharing the intimate, warm and vibrant nature that characterises Vermelho. White-washed walls, simple blue window frames and carved wooden doors are offset by pops of colour, like green jewel-toned tiled floors. The rooms come alive with Carolina Irving’s rich upholstery and Patricia Medina Abascal’s Spanish designs. Portuguese tiles from the legendary Azulejos de Azeitão, antiques and hand-painted walls courtesy of long-time Louboutin collaborator, Konstantin Kakanias add to the charm. Marble bathrooms – some with baths reminiscent of traditional sinks of Portuguese farmhouses – feature amenities by Kama Ayurveda. Local artisanal tableware adorns the onsite Xtian restaurant, where Portuguese Chef David Abreu showcases Portuguese fare. The small two-person only spa offers an intimate experience within its alabaster walls.
4. Zambezi Sands River Lodge
Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
As the first black female-owned Safari Lodge in Africa, Batoka Hospitality is reinventing the way the world views African hospitality. The newly opened Zambezi Sands, is an all-inclusive luxury tented camp nestled on the bank of the Zambezi River, offering guests unrivalled luxury in one of the world’s most breath-taking natural settings. The newly renovated resort boasts 10 tented suites, six of which have a private plunge pool, designed by renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien. With natural materials and tones, the large African-style tents offer exceptional views with a soundtrack of the area’s magical wildlife. Each tent is interlinked by a boardwalk that leads to the main dining area and bar, situated atop the river. Decorated with stylish teak furniture, wooden flooring, pewter ornaments and leather sofas, the common areas offer quintessential African luxury. In addition to the resort’s spa and fitness centre, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, which include game drives along the river and inland, game walks with an experienced professional guide and a day or sunset river boat cruise. Sustainability and local employment are at the heart of the resort’s mission, enabling guests to experience true African culture and hospitality with as little harm to the environment as possible.