1. BANYAN TREE HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO
Kyoto, Japan
Standing on the former site of the esteemed Hotel Ryozen, nestled in Kyoto’s renowned Higashiyama district, the opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto marks the brand’s entry into Japan. Designed by Yukio Hashimoto, the hotel’s 52 guestrooms draw inspiration from the concept of “ygen” (mysterious, quiet beauty). Each room features traditional Japanese materials, including large cypress wood bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood elements and gold leaf accents, engaging all five senses to provide a serene sanctuary. The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offers unique Kyoto-specific treatments that promise guests distinctive ways to unwind and explore. Additionally, guests can look forward to two unique dining experiences that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Kyoto. Honouring Nohgaku, a traditional Japanese performing art, the hotel has constructed the only Noh stage in a Kyoto hotel on its premises, designed by renowned architect, Kengo Kuma. The elegant stage serves as a venue for traditional Nohgaku, contemporary art performances and musical events, offering an unforgettable cultural experience. The hotel harmonises with its natural surroundings through three distinctive gardens and a bamboo grove, offering a unique landscape experience. Sustainable practices include preserving and reinforcing the historic stone walls from Hotel Ryozen, cultivating moss for the stone walls during construction, and maintaining existing symbolic trees and the bamboo grove.
Banyantree.com
2. RAFFLES JAIPUR
Jaipur, India
Raffles Jaipur emerges as an intimate oasis with the grandeur of the area’s storied past. The hotel houses 50 rooms and suites, all featuring outdoor bathtubs and private pools. Spacious private balconies extend the living spaces outdoors, opening up to views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. Sitting at the heart of the Golden Triangle, carved in white marble, the hotel is a modern-day recreation of the women’s quarters within a palace of the Mughal Empire. It has been meticulously fashioned with Rajasthani craftsmanship, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Jaipur’s palatial art of living. Inspired by the plant-based culinary tradition of the women’s quarters, speciality restaurant, Arkaa, focuses on a progressive ethno-botanical theatrical culinary experience, elevated by enthralling tableside rituals, with traditional melodies drifting from the gallery above. Sehara offers Mediterranean cuisine on a rooftop setting, while the Writers Bar, set in a library, is the intimate space for cocktails and conversations, Safir atrium tea and champagne lounge is a celebration of the destination’s tea rituals. After visiting the nearby rich cultural delights of the Pink City of Jaipur and its surrounding fortresses and palaces, guests can unwind at the Raffles Spa, floating on air scented with rose, saffron and orange blossom, or boost their energy with hot and cold mineral pools, yoga and guided workouts.
Raffles.com
3. ROSEWOOD SCHLOSS FUSCHL
Salzburg, Austria
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is a testament to Austria’s illustrious heritage. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this ancient castle on the banks of Lake Fuschl is a centuries-old retreat frequented by royalty and cultural luminaries. Preserving the property’s noble heritage, 98 guest rooms including 46 suites and lakefront chalets, are designed in a harmonious fusion between Austrian interiors and contemporary luxury to tell a story that weaves into the rich narrative of the lakeside castle. The Schloss Restaurant offers a culinary voyage through authentic Salzkammergut cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. With awe-inspiring views of Lake Fuschl, Seeterrasee highlights global cuisine through the flavours of local produce. See Club offers lavish waterside dining with fresh seafood. Vinothek’s casual atmosphere welcomes wine enthusiasts, hikers, and resort guests alike. The residential-style lounge, Sis Teesalon, is where guests can enjoy afternoon tea followed by cocktails in the evening as the venue turns into an elegant extension of Schloss Bar. With direct access to Lake Fuschl, summertime on the property unveils a paradise for those seeking serenity and adventure. Winter transforms the resort into a snowy wonderland, heightened by cozy evenings by the fireplace and breathtaking views of snow-covered terrain. The Asaya Spa transcends conventional notions of relaxation, offering a sanctuary where rejuvenation is an art form.
Rosewoodhotels.com
4. WILDERNESS DESERT RHINO CAMP
Damaraland, Namibia
After an extensive rebuild, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp located in the Palmwag Concession is now open with an elegant new look and feel. The safari camp’s original purpose focused on researching and tracking the desert-adapted black rhino – possibly the last population of its kind – influencing the camp’s ethos, with the arid desert environment shaping the architecture. Six contemporary canvas and stone suites offer a sheltered oasis, intimately connected to the Namibian landscape. Natural stone found on-site has inspired the colours and textures, and reinforces the camp’s connection to the area. Large stretch-fabric roof structures with deep overhangs and silhouettes provide shade and protection without compromising the horizon-wide views. With details of timber and leather, the tent interiors, though modern, have been noticeably inspired by the explorer genre. The buildings are strategically nestled within the existing trees to benefit from natural shade and privacy, enhancing their connection to the environment. By day, guests can track, walk, drive and explore the desert followed by a relaxing dip in the on-site pool, and by night, share stories around the campfire under a canopy of stars. By visiting Desert Rhino Camp, each guest makes a significant contribution to the protection of the imperilled species.
Wildernessdestinations.com
