Condé Nast Traveller India - Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla

THE LAST WORD IN TRAVEL
OCT-NOV 2010 | 100
The Launch Edition
The 50 Best New Hotels
in the World
YOUR GUIDE TO THE PLACES TO BOOK NOW
DESI IN NYC
Suketu Mehta
dines with
New York’s ‘It’ crowd
Cloud
country
Discover India’s
best-kept secret
GREEK
ISLANDS
Why this is the time to
book that dream holiday
BAREFOOT
LUXURY
Who says a pilgrimage
needs to be punishing?
Plus: Fatima Bhutto ★ Aishwarya Rai ★ Richard Quest ★ Shashi Tharoor

THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
199

THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
Our definitive list covers 29 countries, from Australia to Uruguay. The 50 hotels (which all
opened in the last year) have been chosen after months of research, starting with hundreds of
suggestions from our correspondents across the globe. We hope you agree that the final list is
extraordinary in its range, from brand-new urban resorts to country retreats. Take your pick...
Middle East, Africa
& Indian Ocean
India
Asia &
Australasia
The Americas
& Caribbean
UK, Europe &
The Russian
Federation
EgypT
Villa Belle Epoque, Cairo
ISraEL
Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Neve Tzedek Hotel, Tel Aviv
KENya
Tribe, Nairobi
LEBaNON
Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut
Le Gray, Beirut
MaLdIvES
Halaveli
Shangri-La' s Villingili Resort
& Spa
MOrOccO
La Mamounia, Marrakech
SOuTH afrIca
The Homestead at &Beyond
Phinda Private Game
Reserve
Taj Cape Town
uaE
Qasr al Sarab Desert
Resort, Abu Dhabi
raJaSTHaN
The Leela Palace
Kempinski, Udaipur
RAAS, Jodhpur
The Serai, Jaisalmer
aNdHra pradESH
The Park Hotel, Hyderabad
KEraLa
The Lalit Resort & Spa
Bekal
MaHaraSHTra
Trident Bandra Kurla,
Mumbai
KarNaTaKa
ITC Royal Gardenia,
Bengaluru
auSTraLIa
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa,
New South Wales
cHINa
The Peninsula, Shanghai
The Langham Yangtze
Boutique, Shanghai
The Upper House, Hong
Kong
INdONESIa
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
LaOS
Amantaka, Luang Prabang
THaILaNd
Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton
Reserve, Krabi
The Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood
argENTINa
Azur Real Hotel Boutique,
Cordóba
carIBBEaN
Viceroy Anguilla
cHILE
The Aubrey, Santiago
uruguay
Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio
uSa
The Betsy, Miami
The Standard, New York
Crosby Street Hotel, New
York
The Chatwal, New York
Ames Hotel, Boston
BELgIuM
Odette en Ville, Brussels
czEcH rEpuBLIc
The Augustine, Prague
fraNcE
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat,
Côte d' Azur
Hôtel Jules, Paris
gErMaNy
Casa Camper, Berlin
grEEcE
Poseidonion Grace, Spetses
ITaLy
Castel Monastero, Siena
Centurion Palace, Venice
ruSSIa
Barvikha Hotel & Spa,
Moscow
SpaIN
Mandarin Oriental,
Barcelona
SWEdEN
Hotel Skeppsholmen,
Stockholm
uK
Boundary, London
The Scarlet, Cornwall
Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh
200

THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA
& INDIAN OCEAN
LA MAMOUNIA, Marrakech
PHOTOGRAPH: MICHEL FIGUET
One of the most anticipated
hotel openings of 2009. Jacques
Garcia' s redesign of this iconic
hotel, as famous as the Pink
City itself, was three years and
€100 million ( 600 crore) in the
making. It first opened in the
1920s, and has been a hit with
guests like Marlene Dietrich,
Winston Churchill and Mick
Jagger. Glamour is still on the
menuÐt he reopening party was
a star-studded affair, with Adrien
Brody at the piano serenading
his palsÐM atthew Williamson,
Jennifer Aniston and Salma
Hayek among them. Garcia' s
revamp packs a punch with
a huge spa, four restaurants,
two bars (including Le Bar
Italien, pictured), a colonialstyle
tearoom and a columned
patio in black-and-white zellij
(traditional Moroccan tilework).
There are some quirky touches,
such as a candy-striped
rickshaw to deliver ice cream,
and a fruit and vegetable garden
in the eight-acre grounds that
is big enough to provide for
the restaurants' needs. La
Mamounia now has 236 deluxe
bedrooms and 71 suites, as well
as three villas with plunge pools.
Each bedroom is its own private
oasis, evocative of Morocco' s
imperial palaces, complete
with painted ceilings.
WHEN TO GO Early spring,
when there' s snow on the Atlas
MountainsÐi t' s a wonderfully
romantic backdrop.
ROOM TO BOOK The Churchill
Suite, with its personal
reminders of the great man.
+212 524 388 600; www.
mamounia.com. Doubles from
4,000 dinar ( 21,300)
201

mamILLa hoteL, Jerusalem
This new hotel is in a fantastic
location in the Mamilla district
of the Old City, about three
minutes' walk from Jaffa Gate.
The building was designed by
Israeli/North American architect
Moshe Safdie, with a striking
modernist façade made from
traditional Jerusalem stone.
Milanese interior designer Piero
Lissoni has used the same stone
on feature walls in the hotel' s 194
bedrooms, against which are set
oak floors and chic but sparse
furnishings in soft colours.
A liquid-crystal wall divides
the bathroom and bedroom,
a bit of a designer-hotel cliché
elsewhere, but probably a first
in this holiest of cities. There are
a few design flaws, thoughÐ
hairdryers are attached to
cupboard drawers nowhere near
a mirror, lighting is inadequate
in the bathrooms, and some
may lament the lack of coffeemaking
facilities. But the most
impressive feature is the rooftop
brasserie, where executive
chef Roy Entebbe serves Italian
and local specialities. The
hotel also has a wine bar (with
resident DJ), showcasing Israel' s
boutique wineries and serving
multicultural tapas; there' s also
a cigar lounge, an espresso bar
and a cavernous breakfast room
which doubles as a ballroom.
The standard of service is high,
thanks to a team of mostly
Europe-trained `ho sts' assigned
to each guest, who email ahead
of arrival to arrange the finer
points of the guests' stay.
When to go For the Israel
Festival (24 May to 10 June),
a celebration of arts, including
theatre and dance.
room to book Mamilla Suite
708 has a wonderful view.
+972 2548 2222; www.mamilla
hotel.com. Doubles from
16,300
taj Cape toWn, South Africa
Unveiled at last, the much-anticipated Taj is set to capture the
imagination of anyone who loves being in this vibrant city. With all
eyes on South Africa this year, contemporary boutique hotels are
the trend, but this time two historical landmarksÐt he old Reserve
Bank and Board of Executors buildingsÐha ve been restored and
united as one. The double-height, pillared interior of the old bank
now forms the elegant heart of the new hotel. The staff are proud
of the two-year renovation project and will share their knowledge
enthusiastically. A glamorous branch of London' s Bombay Brasserie
has opened its doors here, too, and is the talk of the town for its
authentic, innovative menu. In addition, Mint offers all-day dining,
while Twankey, named after the quirky statue above the door, is
a stylish bar and venue for live music. Business travellers are
treated to superior technology throughout the hotel, from
the exclusive Taj Club Lounge with its dedicated butler to the
multimedia hub with Internet-enabled flatscreens in each suite. The
JIVA Grande Spa' s star attraction may be the resident Ayurvedic
doctor, but the hotel' s crowning glory is the ultra-chic Presidential
Suite on the 17th floor, which has the biggest terrace in town.
When to go September to May.
room to book Corner Heritage Suites 206 and 306, or one of
the Tower Rooms (with mountain views from the seventh floor).
+27 21 819 2000; www.tajhotels.com/capetown. Doubles from
ZAR 5,900 ( 36,300)
Right: The majestic Taj Cape Town, South Africa
Above: The lobby at Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem, and the dining room
photogrAph: Julien Capmeil
202

THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
MIDDLE EasT, afRIca
& INDIaN OcEaN
SHANgrI-LA’S VILLINgILI rESOrT & SPA, Maldives
Just metres from the Shangri-
La resort' s overwater villas,
the azure sea is bumper-tobumper
with denizens of the
deep. Swimming here is like
frolicking in a giant aquarium.
Out on a boat trip, guests are
entertained by dolphins racing
the dhoni (Maldivian boat) and
turning playful somersaults.
The 142-villa resort in the
remote, southernmost tip of
the Maldives is adjacent to two
deep-water channels. Sightings
of large sea creaturesÐmant a
rays, sharks, Napoleon wrasses
and barracudasÐar e frequent.
Granted, this is the Maldives,
so you would expect superb
aquatic pleasures, but the island
of Villingili offers moreÐsi tting
in the centre of the former
military base is a lush
forest, including three
freshwater lagoons and
a mangrove swamp. Nature
walks are obligatory and cycling
through the shady woods is
the best thing to do when the
sun is mercilessly hot. After
your vigorous workout, there' s
the Chi Spa and a perfectly
appointed villa to return to.
WHEN TO gO It' s sunshine
all-year round in the Maldives;
showers don' t last long, and
room rates lower during the wet
season, from May to October.
rOOm TO BOOk Pool Villa
Number One, between the
lagoon and the ocean, is
most private.
+960 689 7888; www.shangri-la.
com. Villas from 40,100
MIDDLE EasT, afRIca & INDIaN OcEaN continues on page 312
203

the SeRai, Jaisalmer
The Serai is a camp of 21 tents
set in 30 acres of Thar desert,
half an hour' s drive from
Jaisalmer, Asia' s oldest inhabited
fort city. The harsh quietude of
the desert after the hustle and
bustle of the city of Jaisalmer
is a balm to the soulÐt he night
skies, with stars twinkling like
diamonds on velvet, have to be
seen to be believed. The Serai
brings a new level of luxury to
this part of western Rajasthan.
Its grand, decadent tents,
decorated with campaign-style
furniture, dhurries and throws
for chilly nights, all have both
a sitting room and a private
terrace, and almost hilariously
vast bathrooms. There are
14 `T ented Suites', each with
their own verandah, drawing
room, spacious air-conditioned
bedroom and, of course, en-suite
bathroom, covering an area of
about 1,100sq ft. The camp has
a stunning pool, inspired by
a traditional Indian step well,
a spa and an exquisite boutique.
MealsÐe ither traditional
Rajasthani or WesternÐar e
taken in a dining tent or served
picnic-style, by a fire out in the
scrub. The overall effect is like
something out of a dreamÐ
romantic and magical, especially
at night, when your path to bed
is lit by hundreds of torches
and candles and, having taken
delivery of your hot-water bottle,
you drift off to sleep to the eerie
cries of the desert wildlife.
When to go Late autumn,
when the days will be
gloriously warm, but the
nights chilly. Wrap up in one of
The Serai' s cashmere blankets
and enjoy a gin and tonic by
the fire.
Room to book One of the
six Luxury Tented Suites, each
with a private walled garden and
sunken hot tub.
011 2374-3194; www.the-serai.
com. Tents for two start from
25,000
photograph: JACK COBLE
204

THE LaLIT RESORT & Spa BEkaL, Kerala
Northern Kerala is the hot new destination for visitors to the
South, and planting a flag squarely in the luxury end of the market
here is the Lalit Bekal. The sprawling 26-acre, five-star property
at Kasaragode is surrounded on three sides by the shores of the
Nombili river. All this water lends the resort a feeling of unrivalled
serenity, so it feels natural that the Rejuve spa is a focal point.
A purpose-built yoga and meditation pavilion, eight Ayurveda
spa rooms and four Western spa rooms offer a signature menu of
both home-grown and international therapies. The Lalit is one of the
few high-end spa resorts that allows parents to bring children along
to pick from a selection of treatments. Bespoke dining experiences
are also a Lalit specialityÐgue sts can request a menu specially
adapted to any dietary requirement. There are also numerous
places to dine, from a gazebo overlooking the lagoon to under
the stars on the deck of the hotel' s Kattuvalam houseboat.
On arrival, each guest is also assigned their own holiday host,
who is the main point of contact at the hotel. This host makes
arrangements for everything from sightseeing tours to in-room
dining, and allows for an unprecedented degree of privacy.
The über-luxe end of the market isn' t overlooked eitherÐt he Lalit
boasts a private butler service and the region' s first helipad. For
those wanting to explore the area, Bekal Fort and Chandragiri Fort
are both within easy day-trip distance, while the unspoilt Bekal
beach is a must-see.
WHEN TO gO Late September, when the backwaters are at their
most lush, but the high-season crowds won' t yet have arrived.
ROOm TO BOOk For the ultimate chill-out, check out the pictureperfect
views of the lagoon from the Lalit' s 915sq ft spa rooms.
0467 223-7777; www.thelalit.com. Doubles from 20,000
THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
INDIA
Right: Awaken your senses at the Rejuve spa, The Lalit Resort &
Spa Bekal. Below: A dining area at ITC Royal Gardenia
ITC ROyaL gaRdENIa, Bengaluru
`R esponsible luxury' are the
buzz-words at the ITC' s latest
property in Bengaluru, where
the environmental impact is
as carefully considered as the
ply-count of the bed linen. With
a name inspired by Bengaluru' s
reputation as the `g arden city'
of India, the 292-room ITC
Gardenia' s lobby is overlooked
by a vertical hanging garden,
while the atrium is illuminated by
natural daylight and ventilated
by the city' s famously cool
air. All waste water here is
conscientiously recycled, while
solid waste has been almost
entirely eradicated. The ITC is
also one of the first hotels in
India to make a selling point of
the locally-sourced ingredients
at its Cubbon Pavilion restaurant.
Accommodation is divided into
two zonesÐt he Towers and ITC
One, where rooms are all themed
around the natural world. As
guests move up from ground
level, floors progress from stone
and fossil to earth, flowers, birds
and butterflies, and, finally, sky.
It' s earthy, but not oppressively
soÐt he designs are pleasantly
decorative and a feeling of space
and light prevails throughout.
The hotel offers 292 rooms, out
of which 13 are suites. The highend
business traveller is also
well catered forÐt he ITC boasts
Bengaluru' s first hotel helipad,
while its 5,050sq ft Presidential
Suite is the largest in India. There
are five gourmet restaurants
in the hotelÐL otus Pavilion,
Highland Nectar, Kebabs and
Kurries and West View, besides
the Cubbon Pavilion.
ROOm TO BOOk Room 1905
overlooks a vast rain tree in the
garden. Watch from the balcony
as it folds its leaves at sunset.
WHEN TO gO December,
when the Bangalore Hubba arts
festival is in full swing.
www.itcwelcomgroup.in;
080 2211-9898. Doubles
from 22,500
205

tRident, bandRa kuRla, Mumbai
Well-located in Mumbai' s
newest commercial district, the
436-room Trident is halfway
between the airport in North
Mumbai and historic South
Mumbai. The hotel offers a wide
range of restaurants, an outdoor
swimming pool, a spa and
a fitness centre. The extensive
meeting and conference facilities
at the hotel can accommodate
up to 500 people. The hotel
has distant views of the Mithi
River, and overlooks the new
US Consulate. A fine example of
modern Asian design, the hotel
achieves a sense of intimacy
despite its scale. A dramatic gold
jali wall, a modern interpretation
of the Mughal jharokha, forms
an impressive backdrop in
the reception area; original
paintings and bronze sculptures
by contemporary Indian artists
provide a distinctive sense of
place. The hotel makes the
most of clean lines and vibrant
colours, and floor-to-ceiling
windows provide abundant
natural light. Business travellers
are well catered for with the
latest technology and a fullyequipped
fitness centre. The
Shanti Spa is a tranquil havenÐ
the Hot Lava Shell Massage
is a viable antidote to the
demands of `max imum' Mumbai.
The all-day restaurant and
bar is named after Mumbai' s
telephonic area code, 022;
and like the city itself, it is
a high-energy meeting place
of cultures, serving a variety of
world cuisines. The bar is where
corporate high-flyers come to
unwind. The Indian restaurant,
Maya, is a power-dining venue,
serving innovative regional
cuisine in a chic, crimson and
burnished gold environment.
When to go Avoid the
pre-monsoon heat of May
and June.
Room to book The Trident
Club rooms on the top three
floors are as big as suites and
come with 24-hour butler
service and access to the Club
Lounge, where complimentary
breakfast, high tea and cocktails
are served.
022 6672-7002; www.
tridenthotels.com. Doubles
from 11,500
the PaRk hotel, Hyderabad
Standing enveloped in a perforated metal screen inspired by the jali
of Hyderabadi jewellery, the newest Park property in India makes
a statement straight from street level. Form meets function hereÐ
the Skidmore Owings & Merrill façade acts as both a design feature
and a device to shade the property from Hyderabad' s steamy
climate. Cutting-edge design statements set this property miles
apart from the competition, with cool flourishes from home-grown
names like Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani and Manish Arora throughout.
The hotel has 270 rooms, including its designer and presidential
suites, plus three restaurants, two lounges, a nightclub and
a infinity swimming poolÐb esides which diners at the Verandah
restaurant can sit and feast on both Indian and Italian cuisine. This
Park is also the country' s first LEED GOLD green hotel, as certified
by the US Green Building Council. Its environmental credentials
include top-notch water efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions and
extensive use of recycled materials in construction. Above all,
though, The Park is a hotel that can show you a good timeÐt he
Ruby Lounge bar attracts a cool, crowd, fresh from shopping at
Tressorie, the hotel' s own mall.
When to go Visitors to the Pearl Fair in June will find the
Park' s central location ideally placed for jewellery shopping and
business connections.
Room to book Early risers can enjoy a great view of the sun rising
over the Hussain Sagar lake from the Trillion Suite.
040 2345-6789; www.theparkhotels.com. Doubles
from 9,000
Right: The Park Hotel Hyderabad' s Ruby Lounge Bar
Above: The expansive lobby at The Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai
206

THE BEST
NEW HOTELS
IN THE WORLD
INDIA
THE LEELA PALACE KEMPINSKI, Udaipur
The Leela is the newest and
most opulent palace in Udaipur,
and all its 80 bedrooms and
suites overlook the serene
Lake Picchola. Guests arrive
on board a canopied launch
after a 15-minute boat journey;
they are greeted by musicians
and showered with rose
petals. Inspired by traditional
Mughal architecture, the hotel
has splendid domes, grand
courtyards and beautiful
gardens. Service is impeccable,
with dedicated butlers catering
to a well-heeled clientele. The
spa comprises nine luxury tents
with private pools and is centred
on an ancient Shiva temple
where a puja takes place each
morning. French chef Karim
Hassene has elevated the dining
options in the city by offering
a nine-course degustation menu
at The Dining Room, where he
presents a fusion of French
dishes with an Indian accent. The
Indian restaurant, Sheesh Mahal,
is the most romantic choice for
dining under the stars.
WHEN TO GO November
to February is the high
season with sunny days
and crisp evenings.
ROOM TO BOOK The Palace
Wing Heritage View rooms
have balconies that offer
panoramic vistas.
0294 670-1234; www.theleela.
com. Doubles from 26,000
INDIA continues on page 314
207

the best
neW hotels
IN THE WORLD
AsIA &
AusTRALAsIA
Wolgan Valley ResoRt & spa New South Wales
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, has
brought a new level of luxury to
Australia with this A$125 million
( 512 crore) property, modelled
on Dubai' s Al Maha Desert
Resort & Spa. Overlooking the
confluence of two river gorges
and surrounded by savannah
woodland, the Wolgan Valley
Resort & Spa is set amid
4,000 acres of wilderness in the
spectacular Blue Mountains.
At its hub is the imposing, twostorey
main building,
a 21st-century take on the
original homestead nearby,
which was visited by Charles
Darwin in 1836. There are 36
stone-and-timber ` Heritage
Suite' villas in the valley, each
with a private veranda and
small pool. There are walk-in
208
wardrobes/studies, bathrooms
and showers under glass
ceilings, plus kitchenettes
with De' Longhi espresso
machines. On the top floor of
the homestead are two palatial
sitting rooms and a dining area.
The food is modern Australian
at its best, and there' s a walkin
wine cellar. Activities include
nature walks, heritage tours
and drives to spot wombats,
kangaroos, red-necked
wallabies and 90-odd species
of birds.
When to go February can be
hot, humid and prone to storms.
Room to book Suites 17, 18
and 19 are best for the views.
+61 2 6350 1800; www.
emirateshotelsresorts.com.
Heritage Suites from A$1,950
( 79,500) a night

An infinity pool at the Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
photograph: sam mcadam
AlilA VillAs UlUWAtU, Bali
If any further proof were needed that Bali is back on track as
a destination for cool hotels, then Alila Villas Uluwatu is it. This new
kid on an already crowded block also demonstrates that designer
luxury can reach yet another new zenith. The hotel' s spectacular
infinity-edged pool runs along a vertiginous limestone cliff, which
drops hundreds of metres to a rugged beach along a pristine stretch
of the Indian Ocean. The 84 spacious villas have private salt-water
pools, sun decks and cabañas with ocean views. The minimalist
open-plan design, with removable walls and doors, allows the sea
breeze to circulate and almost entirely negates the need for air
conditioning. Sliding panels reveal a generous selection of treats,
from flat-screen televisions to espresso machines and a bountiful
supply of bathroom products and suncreams. With a butler service
that can be fine-tuned to personal taste and seductive in-villa dining
menus, it would be easy not to take advantage of the hotel' s other
facilities. But do make the effort: there is an excellent spa, a clifftop
bar, two restaurants and some innovative activities which explore
the cultural charms and natural beauty of the Bukit Peninsula.
When to go April to October is coolest with low humidity; rain
can come at any time of the year, but sunshine is rarely far away.
Room to book The one-bed villas between 301 and 314, for the
best views and sea breeze.
+65 91 919 950; www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu. Villas from
US$715 ( 33,400)
209

the Peninsula,
Shanghai
The Peninsula is nothing short
of spectacular. It is in a brilliant
position on the Huangpu River
with remarkable views of Pudong
and the Bund. The rooftop
restaurant, Sir Elly' s, is excellent,
one of the city' s prime food-witha-view
spots, and serves Modern
European cuisine. The Art Deco
style is a deliberate reference
to the days when Shanghai
was known as the ` Paris of the
East', giving a sense of grandeur
reflected in the presence of a live
quartet accompanying afternoon
tea in the opulent lobby-lounge
(an 18-piece orchestra plays on
Saturdays). All 235 rooms feel
residential and have modern
comforts, from a nail dryer and
a one-touch spa button in the
bathroom (which dims the lights
and switches on music and
a privacy light), to the in-room
fax-copier machines that can
print your holiday photos. For
further indulgence, hire the
hotel' s Rolls-Royce.
When to go Spring and autumn
for the best weather.
Room to book Deluxe Room
704 overlooking the Bund and the
park, or a Deluxe River Suite.
+86 21 2327 2888; www.
peninsula.com/shanghai.
Doubles from 3,500 yuan
( 24,000)
photograph: Andrew rowAt
210

PhuLay bay Ritz-CaRLton ReSeRve, Krabi
The grounds at Phulay Bay,
the Ritz-Carlton group' s first
property, are delightfulÐ
a gloriously landscaped secret
garden with nooks, crannies and
narrow sun-bathed paths from
which there are peekaboo views
of Zen-like courtyards, bamboo
forests and sand gardens. New
guests take a while to familiarise
themselves with the maze-like
passages. They are probably
also distracted by the building' s
fortress-like walls that seem to
soar into the skies. The Ritz-
Carlton group employed top Thai
architect Lek Bunnag, and the
result is a soulful masterpiece
comprising enormous teak
doors, colossal beds, bathing
areas and erotic Lanna art from
northern Thailand. Although
the faultless service and hi-tech
gadgetry are classic Ritz-Carlton
touches, there are plenty of
other posh trappings.
Have your butler arrange
a champagne picnic on one
of the little islands that are a
10-minute speedboat ride away,
learn how to cook Thai cuisine
or book a treatment in the ESPA
spa. This is a fun honeymooners'
haven (Chomtawan Sunset
Lounge is the preferred sunsetwatching
spot) and, until the
second Ritz-Carlton Reserve
opens, is one of a kind.
When to go December to
April for the best weather.
Room to book Reserve Villa
11 for its rooftop veranda
(perfect for stargazers).
+66 7 562 8111; www.
phulaybay.com. Villas from
27,200 baht ( 40,500)
the beSt
neW hoteLS
IN THE WORLD
AsIA &
AusTRALAsIA
Above and right: One of Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve' s colossal
beds and its aubergine-coloured, fortress-like entrance
Below: The Beach Villa Suite at The Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand
the Soneva kiRi, Koh Kood
The Soneva Kiri experience begins as soon as you touch down at
Bangkok Airport, where a member of the resort' s staff escorts you
to the Soneva' s private Cessna plane for the one-hour connecting
flight to Koh Kood. Located in the crystal seas of the Gulf of Siam,
off Thailand' s south-eastern coast, the island of Koh Kood is one of
the country' s newest frontiers and remains, for the time being at
least, deliciously unspoiled. But being part of the Six Senses stable
means guests at Soneva Kiri are guaranteed luxury from wall-towall.
Each guest is assigned a Mr or Mrs Friday private butler service
on arrival, as well as a personal electronic buggy to travel around
the resort. There' s also a strong emphasis on sustainability hereÐ
the specially-designed Eco Lodge uses cutting-edge technology
to achieve a zero-emissions environmental profile. And the
environment is one you' d want to see protected, with its powderwhite
shoreline fringed by untouched jungle. This October, the
resort launches a bespoke overnight expedition to the temples of
Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Guests take the resort' s private plane to the
town of Siem Reap, where an archaeologist gives a tour of the site.
When to go Weather conditions are best in December
and January.
Room to book The Private Beach ReserveÐi ts private infinity
pool has picture-perfect views of the beach.
+66 39 61 9800; www.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiri. Doubles
from 55,000.
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One of the southern-style
interiors of the Betsy, Miami
the betSy, miami
You could say that a new hotel is just what South Beach doesn' t
need, particularly in the current economic climate. But The Betsy
is the last Florida Georgian-style building on the beach, a grand
colonial dame originally built in Art Deco style by L Murray Dixon,
which has been nipped and tucked for the 21st century. It' s not just
another curvaceous beauty with high-fashion interiors à la Delano.
The 63 rooms and suites have a fresh look that owes more to South
Carolina than SoBe, with shuttered windows, classic furniture
upholstered in fresh candy stripes, colour-coordinated curtains and
cushions, and a thoughtfully chosen pile of books. The bathrooms
are small (mine had a shower only), decked out in marble and
stocked with Malin+Goetz products. The television embedded in
the mirror was rather redundant considering there was no bath
from which to watch it. Though pricey, BLT Steak restaurant is one
of the hotel' s highlights, with an informal atmosphere and design,
and serves great fish options as well as meat. There is a small,
suntrap swimming pool at the back of the hotel; for tanning with
a breeze, head to the rooftop deck where there are loungers facing
the Atlantic, spa cabañas (a range of treatments are on offer) and
a ` wellness garden'. Guests at The Betsy must cross the street to get
to the beach (most Ocean Drive hotels have direct access).
When to go First weekend in December, for Art Basel
Miami Beach.
Room to book A Grand Suite with high ceilings and ocean views.
+1 305 531 6100; www.thebetsyhotel.com. Doubles from
US$229 ( 10,700)
photograph: JuLIEN cApmEIL
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One of the southern-style
interiors of the Betsy, Miami
the betSy, miami
You could say that a new hotel is just what South Beach doesn' t
need, particularly in the current economic climate. But The Betsy
is the last Florida Georgian-style building on the beach, a grand
colonial dame originally built in Art Deco style by L Murray Dixon,
which has been nipped and tucked for the 21st century. It' s not just
another curvaceous beauty with high-fashion interiors à la Delano.
The 63 rooms and suites have a fresh look that owes more to South
Carolina than SoBe, with shuttered windows, classic furniture
upholstered in fresh candy stripes, colour-coordinated curtains and
cushions, and a thoughtfully chosen pile of books. The bathrooms
are small (mine had a shower only), decked out in marble and
stocked with Malin+Goetz products. The television embedded in
the mirror was rather redundant considering there was no bath
from which to watch it. Though pricey, BLT Steak restaurant is one
of the hotel' s highlights, with an informal atmosphere and design,
and serves great fish options as well as meat. There is a small,
suntrap swimming pool at the back of the hotel; for tanning with
a breeze, head to the rooftop deck where there are loungers facing
the Atlantic, spa cabañas (a range of treatments are on offer) and
a ` wellness garden'. Guests at The Betsy must cross the street to get
to the beach (most Ocean Drive hotels have direct access).
When to go First weekend in December, for Art Basel
Miami Beach.
Room to book A Grand Suite with high ceilings and ocean views.
+1 305 531 6100; www.thebetsyhotel.com. Doubles from
US$229 ( 10,700)
photograph: JuLIEN cApmEIL
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the StAnDARD, New York
With its feet in the Meatpacking
District, planted on either side
of the High Line elevated park,
and its head in the clouds, The
Standard is already a Lower
Manhattan landmark. The
hotel has three restaurants and
grillsÐ The Standard Grill, The
Living Room and the Biergarten.
For guests, its charms include
staff who manage to be
fashionable and friendly; the
Standard Grill, which has
a room paved with thousands
of one-cent coins; lifts featuring
video art depicting heaven and
hell; and, its crowning glory,
the top-floor bar. Originally
christened the Boom Boom
Room, it' s now known more
soberly as the 18th Floor
Lounge, but its name is the only
understated thing about it.
The sleek furnishings and
panoramic views are
a sensation and it is, without
a doubt, one of the must-visit
bars of the city. Throughout
the hotel, the views through
floor-to-ceiling windows are
jaw-dropping and expansive,
whether looking uptown,
downtown or across the Hudson
to New Jersey. This makes up
for odd design flaws (such
as having only one towel hook
in the all-black bathrooms) and
bedroom décor that teeters
uneasily between retro and just
plain old-fashioned. Unlike The
Mercer, its more-sophisticated
sibling in the SoHo district,
The Standard doesn' t feel
like a quintessential New York
hotel. It feels removed from
the cobbled streets beneath
it, as though the whole 337-
room monolith was beamed
here from South Beach. But if
you' re looking for a room with
a view and a party going on
upstairs, you' ve come to the
right place.
When to go Early summer,
when the High Line Park is at
its most attractive.
Room to book The higher
the better, with corner rooms
best of all.
+1 212 645 4646; www.
standardhotels.com. Doubles
from US$295 ( 13,900)
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the ChatWaL, New York
Since it launched in August, The
Chatwal has brought a revival
of 1930' s Gotham glamour to
New York' s theatre district. It has
been more than a decade since
a hotel opening caused a stir in
this part of the city, so Vikram
Chatwal' s hotel has become
a Midtown Manhattan landmark.
The building was originally
home to the Lamb' s Club,
a classic example of Empire Art
Deco design. Here, legendary
club members like WC Fields
and Fred Astaire made history
on Broadway and in Hollywood,
so it is fitting that The Chatwal
has emphasised its theatrical
heritage. Interior designer
Thierry Desont has restored
the place to the standard of
the Lamb' s Club golden age,
while giving it contemporary
flourishes. A club atmosphere
prevails throughout the
88 rooms and suites. All rooms
have their own Backgammon
set and pack of Chatwal playing
cards, but with the Lamb' s Club
restaurant downstairs and the
bar' s extensive cocktail menu
beckoning, it' s unlikely you'll
find time for too many games of
Patience. The hotel has a spaÐ
The Chatwal Spa by KashwéreÐ
that offers a bespoke menu with
a selection of result-oriented,
touch-driven treatments to
rejuvenate weary guests. The
spa features a relaxation lounge
with spa aperitifs, two plunge
pools offering hot and cold
therapy, a fitness centre and
a manicure and pedicure studio.
When to go September
or October to catch the
new season' s shows
on Broadway.
Room to book The
Stanford White suite on the
second floor.
+1 212 764 6200; www.
thechatwalny.com. Doubles
from US$695 ( 32,500)
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Right: One of the suites at The Chatwal, New York
Below: The living room at the Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
photographs: SImon bRoWn; myRIam babIn
eStanCIa VIk JoSe IgnaCIo, Uruguay
The imposing white edifice of Estancia Vik looks slightly attentionseeking
in the rolling landscape outside José Ignacio, the
fashionable seaside town that attracts an international, boho-chic
crowd. Built on a rise overlooking a lagoon and the Atlantic, and
surrounded by 1,500 hectares with stables, a polo field and 1,400
cattle, the hacienda has just 12 suites, each devoted to the work
of a different Uruguayan artist. The public spaces are similarly
endowed: Clever Lara contributed 34 paintings for the living room;
Marcelo Legrand splattered vibrant colours across the corrugatedtin
walls and ceiling of the barbecue room; the games room features
an intricate wall sculpture by José Pelayo. In all, it is an eloquent
expression of Uruguayan originality. There are activities to pursue,
such as riding (horses and bicycles) and canoeing (excellent
for birdwatching), and guests can also take polo lessons and go
on nature walks. But most head down to the beach for the day,
returning to change before hurrying back into town for dinner.
They are missing outÐt he peaceful, early-evening views are
sensational and the chef produces a small but very good
dinner menu deploying fresh, healthy ingredients from the
organic kitchen garden.
When to go In José Ignacio ` the season' is between
Christmas and mid-January. February and March are lovely
and much quieter.
Room to book Depends on your preference: in some rooms
nudes abound, in others landscapes or abstracts. Bathrooms have
sculptured wooden bathtubs and recessed rainshowers.
+ 598 94 605 212; www.estanciavikjoseignacio.com. Suites
from US$275 ( 12,900)
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CentuRion PalaCe, Venice
Overlooking St Mark' s Basin at
the mouth of the Grand Canal,
Centurion Palace is housed in
the former convent of Palazzo
Genovese. Rooms have
a contrasting modern influence
and there is a private garden,
butler service and a gourmet
restaurant. There' s a relaxed
flair about the newest five-star
hotel on the Grand Canal. The
canal-facing atrium is dominated
by a huge chandelier-installation
in the shape of a boat keel; but
this is one of the few flamboyant
party pieces in Florentine
designer Guido Ciompi' s
overhaul of the 19th-century
Palazzo Genovese, which is more
about classic-contemporary
warmth than cutting-edge
dazzle. The hotel works partly
because of what it is notÐt here
is none of the stuffiness one
associates with other luxury
hotels in Venice, and no tired
Casanova-and-Vivaldi clichés.
The staff, too, impress with a mix
of discretion and charm rather
than the usual stiff formality.
But, at the same time, there is
a lot of Venice in the mixÐin the
swirling, stylised velvet-brocade
motifs reproduced in magnified
form on walls and bedheads,
in the opulent bathrooms
with beaten gold surfaces,
in the purples and scarlets
that evoke doges' robes and
oriental trade, in the elaborately
framed mirrors in hallways and
common areas. Immense beds
with the smoothest of Pedersoli
sheets, and blinds that whisk
back at the press of a button
to reveal Grand Canal views,
make the rooms feel special.
The coolly minimalist Antinoo
restaurant serves creative but
unfussy Italian fare. The hotel
is well placed for art lovers,
between the Peggy Guggenheim
Collection and the new Punta
della Dogana gallery.
When to go Grand Canal
rowing eventsÐt he Vogalonga
in May and the Regata Storica in
SeptemberÐt urn your balcony
into a royal box.
Room to book Room 401,
a corner suite with a marble
fireplace and views down the
Grand Canal.
+39 041 34281;
www.sinahotels.com.
Doubles from €275 ( 16,400)
Left: The lobby at the Centurion Palace in Venice
Below: The interiors of The Boundary, London' s ` caff', Albion
boundaRy, London
Terence Conran' s first foray into the world of hotels, in a former
Victorian warehouse in Shoreditch, won' t be defined as a hotel.
Rather, it' s an urbane ` multifunctional space' in which each of the
12 expensively pared-down rooms has been individually created
to showcase Conran' s favourite 20th-century designers against a
gallery-style backdrop of white walls and exposed brick. Whether it' s
Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier or simply Shaker, each room has
iconic furnishings. Or, in the case of the four suites, quirkier touches
such as flamboyant patchwork chairs, chinoiserie wallpaper and
even a tree ` growing' out of the wall. The two exemplary restaurants
have become destinations in their own right. Local hipsters head for
Albion, a simple ` caff' where striped tea cosies and British comfort
food are simultaneously homely and stylish. Downstairs, city boys
and smart media types dine on frogs' legs and other French classics
at the restaurant, where the open kitchen and 500-bin wine cellar
add a New York City buzz. The Manhattan state of mind continues at
the Rooftop bar, a little oasis amid the inner-city rooftops, albeit one
with a 24-hour soundtrack of sirens and revellers. If you' re a light
sleeper, pack earplugs. Or, simply join inÐs ome of London' s popular
night-time hangouts are a stone' s throw away.
When to go Any time, although the nightlife is best enjoyed
on weekends.
Room to book The suite designed by David Tang is decadent.
+44 20 7729 1051; www.theboundary.co.uk. Doubles from
£200 ( 14,000)
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CASteL monASteRo, Siena
photograph: JaCK COBLE
The Tuscan walled-village-ashotel
comes of age with Castel
Monastero, the first such idyll
to feature the sort of luxury
facilities and service associated
with urban five-stars. Set in
the vineyards of the Ombrone
Valley, east of Siena, the hotel
occupies an 11th-century borgo
(walled hamlet) which has been
both castle and monastery in
the pastÐhe nce the name. The
hotel made much of Gordon
Ramsay' s appointment as its
culinary consultant, but head
chef Alessandro Delfanti holds
the fort, turning out refined
versions of Tuscan classics. The
76 rooms and suites are
scattered around the property
in a series of colour-coded
contrade (districts). Guests
looking for a village vibe will
choose one of the historic,
wood-beamed rooms
surrounding the castle
courtyard; those in search of
seclusion may be tempted
by one of the stand-alone
cottages or the two-storey villa
which comes with a butler. The
warm, masculine décor is by
US designer Eric Egan, while
the spa, with two indoor pools,
uses products by the London
company Urban Retreat. This is
a convincing packaging of the
Tuscan dream, and what one
would expect of its developer,
Forte Village, the company
behind the award-winning
seaside resort for families.
When to go Summer, but the
heated outdoor pool make this
a year-round option.
Room to book Roomy
Classics and Deluxes with
courtyard views can be good
value out of season.
+39 0577 570 001; www.
castelmonastero.com.
Doubles from €385 ( 22,700)
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