This selection of hotels that we like is not a scientific selection or even a graded one – it’s a serendipitous list of travel ideas; some of them can be added together or mixed one with another where geography, or an aircraft allows. Where relevant we have given you a web address so you can read more about any of the ideas. If you just want to book something yourself that’s fine, but if you want us to design something into a wider itinerary just let us know.
"Luckily, this pair of inveterate travellers took us on, and we enjoyed an amazing mix of detailed travel planning and listening to fascinating stories from their own travels. They listened to our ideas and gently corrected any impractical aspects, until our trip made logistical sense. Then they added a few magical touches that made all the difference.”
Chrissie Carr
Argentina
Hub Porteno, Buenos Aires. This boutique hotel is located in the Recoleta area of the city; it has style, and the feel of a private club. There are 11 suites and a wellness centre with a sauna and a gym. For more information www.hubporteno.com
Bahamas
Kamalame Cay, Andros island. This family run private island resort lies in 96 acres of palm trees and beautiful beaches, on the island of Andros, some 18 miles from Nassau. Just off-shore is the Andros Great Barrier Reef, the third largest Reef in the world. There’s accommodation here for 70 guests, in cottages, bungalows and villas. Activities include tennis and diving, whilst the spa here is built over the water. Outside the resort the island boasts the West Side National Park, with iguanas, wild boar and flamingos together with a wide variety of birdlife. For more information www.kamalame.com .
Royal Bahamian Spa and offshore island Resort. This Sandals property offers suites with butler service, ten speciality restaurants, waster and land sports. There’s also the private off-shore island if more seclusion is needed. For more information www.sandals.com
Belize
Cayo Espanto Island. Cayo Espanto is a private island, lying just off the coast of Belize, some 3 miles from San Pedro. Wander along the sandy pathways through the palms and there are beachfront and over-water villas, with private plunge pools. Scuba diving is available on the island, along with sea-kayaking, paddleboard and sailboat activities, whilst over on the mainland are Mayan Ruins and the rainforest to explore.
Bhutan
Como Uma Paro. Located on a hillside overlooking the Paro Valley, the Como Villa is an excellent base from which to visit the Taktsang Tigers Nest Monastery and take guided hikes in the area. There’s a stone hot tub and a spa to ease away the effort of those walks. For more information www.comohotels.com/en/umaparo
Canada
Ocean House Eco-Lodge, Haida Gwaii Island, British Columbia. Fly from Vancouver to Sandpit, on Haida Gwaii island, then a helicopter transfers you to the resort. This floating eco-lodge offers just 12 rooms and is anchored off the spectacular west coast of Haidi Gwai, which is located off the coast of northern British Columbia, near the border with Alaska. Open only in June, July and August, this is a great place for a hideaway few days, with time to lazily explore nearby forests, visit ruined villages, or for more active experience try your hand at stand-up paddle-boarding or kayaking. There is also a sauna and a spa – this is roughing it in style. A great place to relax after exploring the Rockies or the Yukon. For more information www.oceanhouse.ca
China
Royal Begonia Resort, Sanya. The hotel lies on the shores of the South China Sea, and the Presidential Villa here is a three-bedroom suite which includes a dining room for up to 10 guests and an ocean-view private pool. The décor is a mixture of Chinese and European influences, with a top of the range entertainment system and a forest rain-shower. For more information www.starwoodhotels.com
The Peninsula Suite at the Peninsula hotel, Shanghai. Located on the Bund, the historic waterfront of the city, the Peninsula opened in 2009, the first new structure to open here for a long time. Suites here are art deco in style, and the most opulent is of course the two-bedroom 4300 square feet Peninsula Suite boasts a two-storey dining room, a kitchen, a gym, and amazing terrace views. For more information www.peninsula.com/en/shanghai
The Mandarin Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. With views across the Harbour and the city skyline, the Mandarin Suite includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, spa room and study, a marble bathroom and a bedroom. Antiques, murals and a modern sound system complement the Suite as does a magnificent terrace for those harbour views. For more information www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong
Cuba
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. The Kempinski, opened in 2017, is the only real 5-star hotel in Cuba. Located in the centre of the Parque Central, in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage area, the property has a spa, a gym, a stunning infinity pool, a rooftop bar, three restaurants and of course a cigar bar. The best views are from the Presidential Suite, with its kitchen and private dining room. For more information www.kempinski.com
Dubai
One&Only – The Palm, Dubai. Situated on a private peninsula on Palm Island, this luxury resort offers a private beach with views across to the incomparable Dubai skyline. Accommodation is in the Manor House, in 6 Palm Beach Mansions, or in 4 Beachfront villas. Relax on the private brach or enjoy the spa and fitness centre. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno oversees several restaurants here. For more information www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Burj al Arab. Arguable the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj must be on any list of favourite hotels. Arrive by helicopter, enjoy your own suite and butler, try some of the 9 restaurants or take a trip out in one of the hotel’s fleet of Rolls Royces. On the 25th floor the two Royal Suites, are each decorated in 24 carat gold-leaf, and with a leopard-print caret on the grand staircase. Service is of course superb. For more information www.jumeirah.com
France
Chateau du Bastit, Dordogne. A great hideaway, the Chateau offers four bedrooms and a self-contained apartment, sleeping a total of 10. Just a short walk away through the gardens is a heated outdoor pool, whilst a short drive away is a Michelin-starred restaurant, in the Chateau De La Treyne Hotel. For more information www.chateaudubastit.com
Hotel Providence, Paris. Located by the Canal Saint-Martin, this hotel was formerly a 19th century brothel. Stylistically it’s a confusion – the furnishings are 1970s chic, but the wallpaper is belle-epoque. But we like it because every room has a cocktail-shaking kit, complete with ice-cubes. For more information www.hotelprovidenceparis.com
Hotel St James, Paris. The only chateau hotel is Paris, the St James was built in the 19th century and is situated in the 16th arrondissement, close to the Arc Du Triumph. It has a luxurious spa, and a Michelin starred restaurant. It is also home to the St James club in Paris. For more information www.sant-james-paris.com
The Villa Rose Pierre at the Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferat. This hotel epitomises the glamour and style of the French Riviera, and the Villa Rose Pierre is the property’s most exclusive Suite. This four-bedroom villa is set in a private garden with an infinity pol and a tennis court, and so combines complete privacy and dramatic sea views with all the services of a five-star hotel. A rooftop terrace provides the perfect setting for evening cocktails and a private dinner prepared by the Suite’s own chef. Spa treatments and a private cabana at Club Dauphin are included. For more information www.fourseasons.com/capferrat
Italy
Le Sirenuse, Positano. Opened in 1951 by four brothers, this luxury seaside property is still a family-run business, offering just 58 rooms. Located in Positano, just 50 kilometres from Naples, the hotel has a pool, spa and gym, the latter perhaps needed after sampling the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant. For more information www.sirenuse.it/en
Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi. This late 19th century villa is located on a clifftop, on the Amalfi coast; The estate below the hotel spreads down the terraces on the rock face. There is an elevator down to the private beach below, with a heated sea-water pool at the beach club, open from April to October. There are two restaurants here – one on the hotel and one down by the waterfront at the private beach, whilst if town beckons, the centre of Amalfi is a 15 minute walk. For more information www.hotelsantacaterina.it
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy. An elegant, Amalfi coast property opened in 1894, with views of Naples and Vesuvius from the terrace. Take the hotel’s launch to Capri, then eat at the hotel’s Terraza Bosque restaurant. For more information www.excelsior-hotel.it
Hotel Cipriani, Venice. A Belmond hotel, the property has the only heated swimming pool in central Venice and a spa in the gardens. The Michelin starred restaurant might keep you in the hotel on an evening, but if not, then there is a regular shuttle service by boat taking just few minutes across to Piazza San Marco. For more information www.belmond.com/cipriani
Hotel Danieli, Venice. Located just a couple of minutes from Piazza San Marco, the Venetian-style rooms give this property its character, as do the antiques dotted around the place. But the terrace restaurant is the perfect place to take in views of the Grand Canal in the evening. For more information www.danielihotelvenice.com
Isola Santa Cristina, Venice. Thirty minutes by boat from Piazza San Marco, this private island boasts a beautiful villa that could sleep 16 but maybe is more romantic for just two. There is bird-watching in the marshes by flat-bottomed boat, or you can pop into the bustle of Venice before retreating again to the clam of your own private island. For more information www.privateisland.com
Sikelia Hotel, Pantelleria Island. Pantellaria is a small volcanic island closer to Africa than to Europe. It’s a 6-hour ferry ride from Sicily but you can fly there from Rome. There are no real beaches and little nightlife; it’s a place to hide away, to find a little cove or visit the thermal pools or the natural volcanic steam baths. The Sikelia is a boutique hotel, an exclusive property set amongst the owner’s vineyards. For more information www.sikeliapantellaria.com
The Picasso Suite at the Hotel de Russie, Rome. Named of course for the Spanish painter who once spent three months here, the Picasso Suite. Picasso’s signature style has influenced the interior design of the suite, with furnishings depicting some of the artist’s works. Guests staying here can avail themselves of private visits to wine-tastings, art tours and other cultural visits. For more information www.roccofrtehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie
The Alcova Tiepolo Suite at the Aman hotel, Venice. The Aman hotel is located on the Grand Canal in what was the Palazzo Popadopoli, built in 1580. The Venetian painter Tiepolo lived here and some of his works decorate the walls of the Suite named after him whilst the ceiling of the suite is decorated with a stunning fresco – cherubs watch as you sleep. More recently George and Amal Clooney were married here. For more information www.aman.com/resorts/aman-venice
The Ojetti Suite at the Il Salviatino hotel, Florence. Located on a hillside overlooking Florence, the property is situated in a restored 15th century building. The Ojetti Suite represents the hotel at its most opulent, with a glass floor in the living area providing a view of the stained-glass ceiling of the main staircase. If you tire of the views over the Tuscan Hills, there’s a jacuzzi on your private terrace. For more information www.salviatino.com
India
If the idea of exploring India with the comfort of a top hotel Suite each night, here are a half a dozen of the top Hotel Suites in India to consider:
The Tata Suite at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Whilst the Taj Mahal Palace is arguably Mumbai’s top hotel, the Tata Suite represents the hotel at its best. Priceless paintings, ornate carpets, colonial furnishings and crystal chandeliers set the mood in this one-bedroom suite which boasts a dining area, a private spa and a personal chef. For more information www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-mahal-palace-mumbai
The Maharajah Pavilion Suite at the Raj Palace, Jaipur. Whilst the Raj Hotel is one of Jaipur’s top properties, the Pavilion Suite represents the hotel at its most opulent. Sprawled across four floors, this 6-bedroom suite has opulent furnishings, a dining room, theatre, library and kitchen, and there’s even a private museum. And views across the Charbagh Garden and the Aravali Hills. For more information www.rajpalace.com
The Grand Presidential Suite at the Taj Lake Palace hotel, Udaipur. Seemingly floating on Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace, just a short boat ride away from the bustle of Udaipur, is one of India’s most iconic hotels. And the property at its best is exemplified by the Grand Presidential Suite, or the Shambhu Prakash Suite to use its correct title. Sumptuous interior décor combines with panoramic views of the Lake. Octopussy was filmed here. For more information www.tajhotels.com/eb-in/taj-lake-palace-udaipur
The Kohinoor Suite at the Oberoi Udaivillas, Rajasthan. The hotel site covers some 50 acres, including a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary. The Kohinoor Suite offers perfect privacy, has a 70-foot private pool amongst the frangipani trees, and has a butler on call 24 hours a day. For more information www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur-udaivilas
The Kohinoor Suite at the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. The Amarvillas is located very close to the Taj Mahal and the property is architecturally a blend of Moghul and Moorish design. The Kohinoor Site is perfect if a romantic requirement is to wake up and look straight out on the Taj as the suite offers uninterrupted views of India’s most iconic monument only some 2000 feet away. The Suite’s ornate interior is ornate, with white marble bathrooms, and there’s a private open-air terrace, and a specially positioned brass telescope for that all-important Taj view. For more information www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-agra-amarvilas-resort
The Nizam Suite at the Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel, Hyderabad. This Palace, formerly the home of the Ruler of Hyderabad, lies some 2000 feet above the city and boasts numerous beautifully restored rooms. But it is the Nizam Suite which exemplifies the ornateness of the property. It is said to be one of the biggest hotel Suites in India, and its refurbished interior and a private pool are complemented by a Carrera marble bathroom with a private jacuzzi. For more information www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad
Jamaica
Half Moon Hotel, at Montego Bay. Ideal if seclusion is what is wanted: there’s two miles of beachfront, and some 400 acres of grounds surrounding this property. Spa facilities include aromatherapy steam treatments, and there’s yoga, pilates and meditation on offer. There’s also an equestrian centre if you fancy galloping along the beach. For more information www.halfmoon.com
Japan
The Suites at Amanemu Ise-Shima Hotel, Shima. This peaceful property lies in the southwest of Japan, in a coastal setting overlooking Argo Bay, amidst the rolling hills of the Ise-Shima National Park, and close to the town of Shima and just a 25-minute helicopter transfer from Nagoya airport. There are four 2-bedroom villas available, but our favourites are the 24 suites here. The area’s natural hot springs give rise to the provision of Onsen traditional Japanese bathing, relaxing in the warm mineral-laden waters in a basalt bath. Open-air onsen bathing is available at the hotel’s spa, but each villa also has its own private in-suite onsen bath. Treatment suites, a gym and yoga studios are available, as is The Restaurant, serving both Japanese and western dishes. A perfect place to relax and unwind. For more information www.aman.com/resorts/amanemu
Maldives
Four Seasons Maldives At Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll. The resort is located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is reached via a 35-minute seaplane ride from Male International airport. The beach villas here include water-villas with private pool, ideal for lazing and doing very little. There’s also a floating sea-bar. But activities here include diving, or cruising in a dhoni in the Biosphere Reserve in search of manta rays. For an evening meal with a difference try the mid-ocean table for two – a candlelit dinner on a floating platform in the middle of the lagoon. For more information www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. A choice of beach or over-water villas; spa, tennis or scuba activity; restaurants on the beach and under the sea with fish swimming above, and even a speciality cheese and wine bar. For more information www. For more information www.conradmaldives.com
One&Only Reethi Rah. Set alongside some 6 miles of beach, the Villas here - either on the beach or over water - are incredibly spacious and each has a privacy zone. The spa is the star here; with a crystal steam room and an impressive sauna, whilst there are treatment rooms dotted around the gardens, a beachfront gym and a climbing wall. Of the six restaurants, Botanica is arguably the most impressive, set in the Chef’s garden and serving only organic food. Buggies run you around the extensive grounds. For more information www.oneandonlyresorts.com/ReethiRah/Maldives
Velaa Private Island resort. Located in Noonu Atoll, and reachable via a seaplane transfer, the main attraction of this luxury resort is its three-person submarine. Ideal for would-be divers who lack the qualifications but want to explore the colourful marine life amidst the reefs and corals of the Indian Ocean. For more information www.velaaprivateisland.com
Mauritius
One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius. Situated on a private peninsula, with beautiful beaches on either side, the hotel boasts 3 pools, a spa, and for the sports-minded there is Club One, and floodlit tennis courts, Padel courts, minigolf and volleyball. The Pavilion Boathouse offers kayaking, fishing, laser sailing and wind-surfing. Accommodation is in lagoon rooms, Ocean rooms or beachfront rooms, whilst the ultimate choice must be the Villa One, set in its own private estate, with a dedicated butler, valet and chef. For more information www.oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-le-saint-geran-mauritius.com
Le Touessrok Resort and Spa. Attendants on scooters delivering refreshments to your sun-lounger; stylish suites and dinners on the beach. After a £20 million refurbishment in 2015 its better than ever. For more information www.shangrila.com/mauritius
The St Regis Villa at the St Regis Mauritius Resort. The location of the hotel is superb, set against Le Morne Mountain, but the four-bedroom St Regis Villa is the hotel at its best. Each room has its own ocean-view terrace and there’s an infinity pool, three plunge pools, a private gym and a steam room all as part of the villa. For more information www.www.stregismauritius.com
Mozambique
The Casa Familia Suite, &Beyond Resort Lodge Benguerra Island. Benguerra is the second largest island in the Bazaruto archipelago, and the resort lies along a coastline replete with marine life. The Casa Familia Suite has three bedrooms, with private beach views, a veranda and a private pool. The Suite is particularly suitable for families. For more information www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/africa/.../andbeyond-bengerra-island
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort. There’s a free helicopter transfer from Pemba to this private island resort, with just 12 thatched villas, each with a private pool. The best part of a visit here, though, must be a night sleeping on nearby Quissanga Island. A transfer to the island by Dhow offers the chance of seeing dolphins and humpback whales on the way. Then there’s just two of you, with a candlelit dinner presaging a night in a four-poster on the beach. For more information www.anantara.com
Norway
Vega Island Eco-Retreat. The Vega Archipelago is a UNESCO protected area, just south of the Arctic circle. Commercial flights, or a private charter, from Oslo will take you to Bronnoysund, from where the express ferry will take you to the islands. There is a delightful 3-bedroom property, designed by Kolman Boye Architects and built in the style of a naust boathouse, where you can spend a leisurely week. Here you can fish, kayak, snorkel, bike and hike, and visit the local eider-duck keepers. You are isolated – the nearest town is over 10 kilometres away; a perfect getaway and hideaway. For more information www.offgridhideaways.com
Philippines
Amanpulo Island. This private island lies in the Cuyo Archipelago in a remote location and is reachable by private plane. The resort here offers open-plan casitas, with beach-facing, treetop or hillside locations, all equipped with wooden decks and private pools. There is a hillside spa. The service here is a feature of the resort, with butlers and private chefs on hand to prepare fresh seafood. Scuba diving is available and nature walks rewarding as green and hawksbill turtles nest here. The island is available on a private exclusive basis for a two-night stay.
Seychelles
Constance Lemuria, Pralin island. A grande dame of a hotel, reachable via a 15-minute seaplane transfer, this is a great place to stay to see turtles; It also has the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles. For more active sports there’s sailing, kayaking, cycling, windsurfing, and floodlit tennis. For more information www.constancehotels.com/hotels-resorts/seychelles/lemuria
Singapore
The Sir Stamford Raffles Suite at Raffles, Singapore. Raffles Hotel began life in the 1890s, and is built in the classic colonial style, and is home to the iconic Long Bar. The Sir Stamford Raffles Suite offers two bedrooms, a marble bathroom and a private veranda and incorporates elegant furnishings and artworks. For more information www.raffles.com/singapore
South Africa
The Oyster Box, Durban. Famous for its seafood, this is arguably Durban’s most stylish hotel. From oysters at breakfast, through to the curry buffet, via the myriad delights of afternoon tea, this is a food place. Best of all try the Chef’s table in the kitchen. For more information www.oysterboxhotel.com
South Korea
Gwanghwamun Hotel, Seoul. A Four Seasons property, the hotel is located in the heart of the business district but yet close to the historic sites of the city. There are several suites available, with the Presidential Suite, some 413 square metres, being the best. Facilities include a spa, Cantonese cuisine and the Charles H Cocktail Bar. For more information www.fourseasons.com/seoul
Spain
Corral Del Rey, Seville. This 17th century palace has been converted into a modern boutique hotel. It’s a delightful mixture of ancient and modern: Roman columns, exposed beams and stucco walls, top-quality sound systems and expresso machines. Great views of the Giralda too. For more information www.corraldelrey.com
La Manga Club, Murcia. With an emphasis on sport, La Manga often hosts celebrities and teams from the tennis, golf, rugby and football worlds. There are several academies on site and the property hosts many tournaments throughout the year. But it’s not all about sporting activity: there are some 35 restaurants and bars to work your way through as well. For more information www.lamangaclub.com
La Fructosa, Gaucin. About 90 minutes inland from Malaga, this inn has just 5 rooms, but offers views of Spain, Morocco and Gibraltar from the roof-top terrace. Exposed beams and antique furniture, and traditional Andalusian cuisine in the restaurant. For more information www.lafructosa.com
Hacienda De San Rafael, Jerez. This old olive-oil estate is now the site of a country-house hotel has just 11 rooms around a central courtyard. Three pools to choose from, and African style Dinners often feature local flamenco acts. For more information www.haciendasanrafael.com
W Hotel, Barcelona. A notably cool addition to Barcelona’s hotel collection, the W is located close to the beach, with a rooftop pool, great cocktails on offer at the Eclipse Rooftop Bar, DJs every night if you want to mix with the crowd, and private cabanas for when you don’t. And there’s a great range of suites. For more information www.w-barcelona.com/Barcelona/W_hotels
Sri Lanka
Tea trails. Five simple bungalows, once tea planters’ accommodation, set on a tea plantation. Antiques inside and outside views across the tea plantation to the Great Western Mountains (best views are from ‘Dunkeld’). Choose between the spa or croquet on the lawn. For more information www.resplendentceylon.com
St Lucia
Sugar Beach Resort. Tucked away on its own beach in the lee of the Pitons, the property is located on a former plantation, and the accommodation is redolent of a colonial feel. For more information www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/sugarbeach
BodyHoliday. Located at Cariblue Beach, BodyHoliday is focused totally on wellness. The property offers, along with the relaxing spa facilities (a daily treatment is included), a wealth of activities including yoga, pilates and water sports, weeklong sailing courses, diving and dancing. After the activities there are 5 restaurants to relax in too. For more information www.thebodyholiday.com
Switzerland
Verbier Hotel – This property is primarily a hotel but can be rented as a chalet, Snow Magazine described it as ‘the world’s greatest chalet’ . The hotel is located in the ski resort of Verbier, just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, and just 2 minutes from the foot of Le Rouge piste. There are just 13 rooms here, but 15 staff to look after guests; service is key here. So is the food: owner David is himself a trained chef and the 3 chefs here have Michelin star history. They will discuss meal preferences with guests a week before they arrive. There’s a complimentary bar, but they will also order any guest wine preferences from their wine merchant. Facilities here include a pool, spa, hot tubs and an in-house cinema. If venturing out into town there’s a 24 -hour driver service to get you there and more importantly get you home. The hotel is available for exclusive hire during the winter but in the summer operates as a boutique hotel on a room by room hire basis. Either as a winter chalet or a summer boutique hotel this is luxury at its best.
Thailand
Banyan tree Phuket. Located on Bang Tao Bay, the villas with private pools and open-air soaking tubs complement the sailing on the lagoon or the starlit dinners each evening. For more information www.banyantree.com
Outrigger, Koh Samui Beach Resort. Along with the luxury of some 52 villas and suites, this property offers activities such as yoga, jungle safaris or sunset cruises, as well as Thai cooking classes. For more information www.outrigger.com/kohsamui/Resort
Ocean View Penthouse Suite at the Nikki Beach Resort, Koh Samui. The Nikki is a luxury boutique resort located on the west coast of Koh Samui. The property offers privacy, but this is experienced at its best in the Ocean View Penthouse Suite. All rooms in the suite offer floor to ceiling windows and two terraces offer private views of the west coast sunsets. For more information www.nikkibeachsamui.com
United States
Fairmont, San Francisco. Situated on iconic Nob Hill, with views over the bay. Built in the 1900s, its 591 rooms and suites have been refurbished and marble floors, Corinthian columns and ceilings boasting stunning chandeliers are redolent of the history of the property. This is a Grand Hotel in the true sense of the word. For more information www.Fairmont.com/SanFrancisco
Knickerbocker, New York. Perfectly located in downtown Manhattan, the Knickerbocker is set right on Times Square and close to Broadway, Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The rooftop bar here is crowded straight after work and stays busy all night. At the centre of New York, the property was a favourite of F Scott Fitzgerald and John D Rockefeller back in the day. For more information www.theknickerbocker.com
1 Hotel, Brooklyn Bridge, New York. Located in Brooklyn, with views over the East River to the Manhattan skyline, this is an eco-hotel; wind energy powers the hotel, and transfers are by Tesla. There’s a spa and a rooftop plunge pool. For more information
Gramercy Park Hotel, New York. Guests staying here get the keys to a private park. There’s a feeling of European luxury about the place, helped by the crystal and velvet everywhere, whilst the Rose Bar is usually frequented by many celebrities. For more information www.gramercyparkhotel.com
Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas. With non-stop casino action, stunning shows and clubs, exquisite dining facilities and superb suites, the 49 floors of the Wynn exemplify Las Vegas. There are 9 fine-dining restaurants and another 9 less formal outlets. Great views over the Strip as well. For more information www.wynnlasvegas.com
United Kingdom
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire. Arguably this is a restaurant with rooms attached, rather than a hotel with food. A quintessentially English country house, the property is the brainchild of Frenchman Raymond Blanc, known for his fanatic attention to detail in food and service. A pre-dinner wander through the extensive gardens will work up an appetite for the superlative cuisine on offer. If you want to learn how to do it, there’s a cookery school here too. Le Manoir is a perfect place to spend a night before heading for the airport and foreign travels. For more information www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons/about
Zanzibar
AndBeyond's Mnemba Island - A classic example of barefoot luxury, this property lies on a private island, off the north-east coast of Zanzibar. It’s a small place, with just ten thatched bandas on the beach, with views across to Zanzibar, and set against a backdrop of a casuarina forest. The property hosts some 24 guests at a time. To get here involves a drive from Zanzibar's Stone Town to the beach from where a 20-minute boat ride brings you to the resort. But the journey is worth it. Activities here include scuba diving - there's a PADI Dive School - and kayaking or taking a dhow cruise. At mealtimes try the dining area overlooking the beach or ask for a private beach picnic. For more information www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/africa/zanzibar/andbeyond-mnemba-island
Zuri Zanzibar Resort. The hotel is centred, appropriately since Zanzibar is famous for spices, around a spice garden. The property is a perfect mixture of the traditional and the modern: Swahili art adorns the walls of the boutique villas here, but there are 48 inch flat-screen TVs too. The spa offers treatments made from local seaweed, whilst there’s an outdoor gym. And for relaxing, the infinity pool is perfect for time before the grilled seafood, African curries and Mezze. And, of course, there’s the private beach where you can watch dhows sail by at sunset. For more information www.zurizanzibar.com
D and M Travel Design is a trading name of Lightline Pilgrimages Ltd, holder of ATOL number 9693.
Photo credit: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok