1. ROSEWOOD VILLA MAGNA MADRID
Madrid, Spain
Salamanca is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Madrid, and behind closed doors, a team of creatives have transformed the vintage interiors of Hotel Villa Magna into the first Spanish outpost from Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, breathing new life into a local landmark. Spanish architect Ramón de Arana reimagined the grand lobby and façade of Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid, adding a touch of drama and grandeur, while Madrid-based landscape designer Gregorio Marañón replanted the expansive grounds with plant and tree species found in Anglada Palace, which originally occupied the site in the 19th century. Australian design firm BAR Studio paid homage to the palace and Villa Magna’s more recent incarnation when reimagining the interiors: contemporary spaces infused with references to Spanish architecture, art and culture.
Among the 154 guest rooms, the signature suites make a convincing case for being the best in the city: Anglada House provides the largest living space, with two bedrooms, terrace, gym and sauna; while Salamanca House is perfect for entertaining with its 140sqm outdoor terrace, the largest in the city. Dining by chef Jesús Sánchez, whose Cantabria restaurant Cenador de Amós has three Michelin stars, is set to make Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid a vital stop on any tour of the city.
2. BVLGARI HOTEL PARIS
Paris, France
The worlds of Italian fashion and French savoir faire collide at Bvlgari Hotel Paris, a new icon on the star-studded Golden Triangle. In a bold move away from the Haussmann-era architectural style of its neighbours on Avenue George V, the hotel cuts a contemporary figure, with a modern façade that’s as daring as the company’s iconic jewellery. Created like all Bvlgari hotels by Italian architecture studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the interiors are exceptional and refined. Three quarters of the 76 guest rooms are spacious residential-feel suites with private terraces, dressed in warm dark woods with creamy Champagne and dark bronze furnishings, and deep claret accents completing the look.
The jewel in the crown is The Bvlgari Penthouse, a two-level suite on the top floor with a landscaped rooftop garden overlooking the 8th arrondissement. Bvlgari Bar is destined to become a de rigeur haunt during Fashion Week and long-term Bvlgari collaborator Niko Romito brings his unique blend of classic and modern Italian dining to Il Ristorante. Bulgari Spa elicits gasps with its beautiful 25-metre pool, one of the largest in Paris, and guests can maintain catwalk condition athigh-performance training centre, Workshop Gymnasium.
3. THE LONDONER
London, UK
Set in the beating heart of the UK capital, The Londoner turned heads when it opened on the southwest corner of Leicester Square this September. The 350-room ‘super-boutique’ by Edwardian Hotels London cuts a sharp figure. Striking exteriors by architectural studio Woods Bagot set the tone for this sleek urban resort, while Toronto and Tribeca-based Yabu Pushelberg has created dramatic interiors that reflect the West End locale, with theatrical flourishes and an eclectic art collection that captures the spirit of modern London.
Taking the home-from-home concept to the next level, all guests at The Londoner have access to The Residence, a 24-hour private members’ space for work, rest and play, with dining and signature cocktails at Y Bar and The Drawing Room, and intimate tastings in The Whisky Room. Everyone’s welcome at the hotel’s other wining and dining venues, including rooftop izakaya lounge 8 at The Londoner, glitzy lobby lounge The Stage and signature Mediterranean restaurant Whitcomb’s. Guests can also discover The Retreat, an entire floor of wellness and spa facilities with a 25-metre pool and superfood and drinks ‘clinic’ Refuel, as well as a cinema. Peak drama is found in the hotel’s collection of 350 rooms and suites, notably the two-level Tower Penthouse, which looks out across the rooftops of this buzzing corner of London.
4. RAFFLES UDAIPUR
Rajasthan, India
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is deft at tapping into the spirit of a destination, with dining, décor and details that reflect the culture and heritage of a locale. The tradition continues at Raffles Udaipur, a magnificent palace set on its own private island on Udai Sagar Lake in Rajasthan; the first Raffles hotel in India. The 21-acre island has the aura of a grand country estate, with manicured gardens dotted with water features and meandering walkways that look out towards the misty Aravalli hills on the far side of the lake. The palatial property combines Rajasthan’s royal heritage, Mughal architectural elements and an east-meets-west aesthetic that balances old and new.
The 101 rooms and suites afford spectacular views across the placid lake, with balconies, plunge pools and private gardens outside and colourful murals, handcrafted furniture and local arts and crafts inside. Raffles hallmarks including The Writers Bar and Long Bar have been reimagined for this north Indian setting, while farm-to-table dining restaurant Harvest celebrates the region’s culinary traditions and Sawai Kitchen presents a modern interpretation of regal Rajasthani recipes. An Ayurveda-inspired Raffles Spa woos with soothing treatments inspired by ancient traditions, while farm tours, astronomy sessions and moonlit cruises will immerse guests in the heart of this magical place.
5. HABITAS ALULA
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The sandstone rock formations, desert plains and palm-studded valleys of AlUla conceal the relics of long-forgotten civilisations; a rich wealth of cultural sites that whisper stories of Saudi Arabia’s ancient past. From the tombs hewn into the rock at UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra and the looming outline of Elephant Rock, to the 900 mudbrick houses in the abandoned 12th century Old Town, this is the stuff adventure travel dreams are made of.
Sustainably built Habitas AlUla, the latest opening from the experience-led hospitality brand with properties in Namibia and Mexico, is situated in a tranquil desert valley, with 100 villas embellished with hand-woven rugs and wall-hangings and lanterns plucked straight from the stories of 1001 Arabian Nights, and tented outdoor lounge areas where guests can soak in the sublime desert views. Founded on a promise of immersive cultural, social and educational experiences, Habitas offers a calendar of activities that includes open-air film and documentary screenings, yoga and wellbeing sessions and guided walks and discovery excursions.
6. SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA
Rajasthan, India
If walls could talk, few would have more to say than Six Senses Fort Barwara, a remarkable sanctuary hidden behind the walls of a 14th-century citadel. Every Six Senses tells a story and this one is truly an epic: the 48-suite resort is spread across two ancient palaces and two temples once owned by the Rajasthani royal family; painstakingly restored over the last 10 years and converted into a living work of art by Prithviraj Singh, whose grandfather was awarded the keys to Barwara Fort for his services during WWII. Indian firm Panika oversaw the architectural redesign alongside a landscape designer and horticulturalist, who have breathed new life into the fort’s gardens and are restoring the ecosystem in Barwara Lake.
Ayurvedic treatments and personalised wellness programmes at Six Senses Spa will be supplemented by a range of scrubs made from local oils, muds and clays at the Alchemy Bar, while massages and mindfulness practices will help guests find their focus. At signature restaurant Roohani, chef Matthew Cropp creates Rajasthan-inspired cuisine made using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers or grown in the hotel’s organic garden in a spectacular dining room beneath the fort’s medieval domes.
7. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL & PRIVATE RESIDENCES NEW ORLEANS
Louisiana, US
Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is a city bursting with creative talent. Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences New Orleans is a celebration of that spirit: a gleaming home-from-home in the iconic former World Trade Center, originally built in 1968 to commemorate the founding of the city 250 years earlier. From the 341 rooms and suites - designed by New York-based Bill Rooney Studio - to dining experiences from local chefs Alon Shaya and Donald Link that pay homage to Southern cuisine, the hotel is an ode to the city.
Beyond the gilded walls of the hotel, guests can dive deeper into the destination via tailor-made experiences arranged by the Four Seasons concierge team: discover the power of Louisiana jazz in a private concert at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, or a one-on-one lesson with a local jazz legend; meet a local chef at their favourite bar before returning to their restaurant for a bespoke meal; or take a private streetcar ride through Garden District and its opulent mansions in the company of a local historian. If the allure of New Orleans is too much to give up, 92 Four Seasons Private Residences offer some of the most outstanding living in the city.
8. FOUR SEASONS RESORT & RESIDENCES NAPA VALLEY
California, US
California’s Napa Valley earned its place in the history books when American wines triumphed over French rivals during the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Napa has grown exponentially since then, and the region consistently produces some of the finest wines in the world. Four Seasons has tapped into the viticultural heritage with the opening of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, a boutique sized Calistoga retreat in a working winery. Wine tastings and gourmet experiences are centred around TRUSS Restaurant + Bar, a destination dining venue created by San Francisco-based design firm EDG that overlooks the vines of Elusa Winery and the Palisades Mountains beyond. Superstar chef Erik Anderson has the helm at this innovative indoor-outdoor eatery, which is spread across the Living Room and the soon to open Restaurant, where Anderson will showcase modern Californian cuisine.
Guests will be able to dive deep into the winemaking process through a collection of experiences and tastings, while the kids are taken care of in the Kids for All Seasons programme. Accommodation caters to multi-gen groups and families, as well as couples, with one- or two-bedroom suites featuring fireplaces and outdoor dining areas; Private Retreats are farmhouse style villas with fully-equipped kitchens, chefs and dedicated hosts; while The Estate Villa is home to three bedrooms, a pool and a magnificent terrace overlooking the winery.
9. THE RITZ-CARLTON, MEXICO CITY
Mexico City, Mexico
Chapultepec Park is the green heart of Mexico City, 1,600 acres of forest and lakes dotted with museums and art galleries, including the outstanding National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of History. Given the cultural significance of the area, it’s fitting that the creative team behind The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City paid homage to Mexican history and culture throughout this luxurious urban resort. Located at the eastern tip of the park on tree-lined Paseo de Reforma, the hotel towers above the skyline on the upper floors of the gleaming Chapultepec Uno R509, a 58-storey tower conceived by homegrown architectural firm Taller G.
The clever use of metals, mirrors and glass reflect the exterior of this ultra-modern tower throughout its public spaces, where Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design has included subtle references to the city’s character. The 153 guest rooms and suites are furnished in a regal palette of smoky ash, deep blue and metallic fibres. Treatments inspired by indigenous Aztec medicine use local ingredients and botanicals at Ritz-Carlton Spa, which is also home to a swimming pool and fitness centre, while chef Jonathan Felix celebrates local flavours and Mediterranean cuisine at Samos. Above the hotel, from floors 48 to 55, The Ritz-Carlton Residences is a collection of 64 private homes with breath-taking views of the city.
10. JOALI BEING
Raa Atoll, Maldives
JOALI Maldives became an instant classic when it opened in 2018, a haven of art, sustainability and understated Maldivian luxury dedicated to the ‘Joy of Living’. The concept has been elevated at JOALI BEING, a wellbeing-focused sequel where guests embark on a journey of discovery and renewal rooted in the natural surroundings. Set on the picturesque Bodufushi Island on the Raa Atoll, JOALI BEING blends into the landscape, with flowing lines across its 68 beach and overwater villas inspired by the curves of the seashore and the ocean waves. Istanbul-based architectural design studios Autoban and Atolye4N employed biophilic design principles to create spaces that fit into the natural footprint of the island, from the one- to four-bedroom villas to the various wellness and earth-to-table dining destinations around the resort.
FLOW is the culinary hub, where sustainably sourced produce from local farms is turned into nutritious dishes across three kitchens, while beachfront Mojo is a three-level sanctuary for lazy lunches and sublime sunsets. The resort’s immersive, nature-based wellness programmes are focus around four pillars: mind, microbiome, skin and energy, whilst therapies at Areka, the health and wellness hub, blend modern science and time-honoured treatments. Educational workshops and expert-led experiential classes take place at The Learning Centre and, like its elder sibling, sustainability and conservation remains a top priority at this transformative haven.
11. SIYAM WORLD MALDIVES
Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Situated in the Noonu Atoll, Siyam World flips the traditional Maldives hideaway holiday on its head, focusing instead on fun, community and action-packed experiences for the whole family. The 54-hectare natural island is one of the largest in the Maldives, surrounded by four kilometres of beach and a house reef that’s home to a kaleidoscopic array of marine life.
As well as dive and snorkelling excursions, guests can ramp up the adrenaline at Shipwrecked water sports centre and try electric jet surfing, flyboarding or seabob rides. The tranquil lagoon houses Siyam Water World, the Maldives’ largest floating water park, and the sandy shores of the island provide a natural stage for health and wellness activities including H2O aerobics, beachfront boot camp, sunrise jogs and sunset meditation. The Little Explorers Kids Club offers excursions and activities for travelling tots, and group activities like Asana yoga and Zumbini classes help kids work on everything from relaxation and meditation to emotional development and cognitive skills. The wellness theme continues at Veyo Spa, a nurturing hideaway deep in the island’s forested interior, where guests can recharge and indulge in treatments that combine Eastern and Western know-how. With 21 categories of villa and exclusive private residences in The Beach House Collection ranging from one to six bedrooms, there are abundant options for larger families and groups, and Siyam World’s WOW! 24hrs Premium all-inclusive concept includes more than a dozen restaurants and bars: everything you need for a fun-packed family escape. www.sunsiyam.com