Lie back. Close your eyes. What do you see when you dream of your
ultimate holiday? Chances are it involves endless horizons of water the colour of Brad Pitt’s eyes (sorry gents), vast panoramas of powdery sand as white as hotel sheets, and the feel of a tropical breeze against bare skin. Cocktails
at sunset set the scene. Candle-lit lanterns never go astray. Throw in lots of time and you’re beginning to imagine the exclusive realm of beach resorts. To help make the dream become a reality, Luxury Travel Magazine presents its top 100 places to stay.
INTIMATE RETREATS
As in any good intimate relationship, these retreats are discreet. Small in scale, they take the time to know your special needs and desires, and do their utmost to fulfil them. They also try to pre-empt them, stoking the fires of your imagination with their own lush offerings. The role of these retreats often extends to never-have-to-leave-your-room comfort. Their calling card is peace and quiet. Nevertheless, knowing the fickle nature of guests, beyond seclusion usually lies an element of escape and adventure.
DID WE MENTION
THERE ARE ALSO 10 STAFF, A MAID, AND A PERSONAL CHEF? |
Rae’s on Watego’s, Byron Bay With seven-only individually styled Morroccan-meets-Med suites, opt for Mirabella Penthouse with its three
terraces and sunken bath, (02) 6685 5366, www.wategos.com.au
Bedarra Island, North Queensland Removed from the rest of the resort, which caters to only 32 guests, try one of two pavilions where you can soak up the views from a private plunge pool.
The resort is newly opened after hurricane repairs, 1300 134 044, www.voyages.com.au
Myola Plantation, Fiji Two-only master suites, set high on a hilltop, each have
a plunge pool, spa and outdoor shower.
Did we mention that there are also 10 staff, a maid and personal chef?
+679 652 1084, www.myolafiji.com
Cotton House Resort, Mustique Island, Caribbean For best intimate, choose between sea front rooms with a private plunge pool, or the two-bedroom Cotton Hill Residence with its own butler, +1 784 456 4777, www.cottonhouseresort.com, www.lhw.com
 
THE ONLY ISLAND IN THE MALDIVES THAT CAN BE
BOOKED EXCLUSIVELY... |
Luxury also loves: Capella Lodge, Lord Howe, NSW, Australia, www.lordhowe.com; Arajilla, Lord Howe, NSW, Australia, www.lordhowe.com
PRIVATE ISLANDS
Private island resorts are the ultimate antidote to speedy, sardine-packed, modern urban lifestyles. They allow us to soak in Thoreau-like solitude, without skimping on style. Masters at getting priorities in balance, being able to frolic undisturbed on a beach is just as important as, say, a private massage in your room – preferably with swizzle stick cocktail close by. The word ‘private’ is highlighted at every turn. There is no need to mix-it with locals or get down with fellow tourists. Numbers are kept to a minimum, so encounters along sandy trails are few. What private islands promote is something we’ve often forgotten – how to simply be.
Royal Davui, Fiji Fiji’s newest luxury resort, with two
pavilion (living + sleeping) suites embraced by 32km of unbroken reef and a
marine sanctuary, +679 330 7090, www.royaldavui.com or, www.selecthotels.com/royaldavui
Fregate Island, Seychelles One of the world’s most exclusive resorts – think Bill and Melanie Gates and Brad and Jen. With seven pristine beaches to choose from, hang up the ‘Beach Occupied’ sign and it’s yours, +49 610 250 1321, www.fregate.com
Dhoni Mighili, Maldives The only island in the Maldives that can be booked exclusively (pictured above). The six luxury bungalows also have their own exquisite dhows, +960 6660 751, www.dhonimighili.com
Amanpulo, Philippines Plane-only access delivers total
seclusion, +63 2 759 4040, www.amanresorts.com
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos, Caribbean Grab a group of friends and head to Parrot Cay Estate – five luxury three-bedroom bungalows with pools, 10 metres from the beach, +1 649 946 7788, www.parrotcay.como.bz
North Island, Seychelles All Villas are 450 square metres and come with a plunge pool. Villa 11 is secretly tucked away with views of the beach from every angle, +248 293 100, www.north-island.com
Nukabati Island, Fiji Laid-back, not high luxe, but just seven bures on this tiny island make it perfect for private charter, (07) 5479 6631, www.essencetours.com.au, www.slh.com
CLIFFTOP
Living on the edge has never been so luxe at these high-altitude resorts. They exude a feeling of being on top-of-it-all, which has
its own subtle way of unwiring even the most built-up stress.
Down below the waves might be crashing, but up here you can
quietly observe all from the comfort of your chaise lounge. Rather than overwhelming they can
ALL THEY REALLY WANT IS FOR YOU TO FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD...
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become overly enticing, setting up
the mood for all manner of engagement. While not exactly encouraging you to take the plunge – although many clifftop suites come with private pools – these resorts do inspire you to take new leaps; even if that means learning how to stay still long enough to enjoy the endless blue horizon. If there is an end point, all they really want is for you to feel on top of the world.
Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Yes, there are
the villas clinging to the cliffs with pools that drip over the edge, but if you can drag
yourself away from your room, do try the cliffside dining that edges out over the rocks,
+11 52 624 1456 400, www.esperanzaresort.com
Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza, Spain A must-try is a
float through the bubbling pools that cascade down
the Cliffside in the hotel
spa, +34 971 33 4500,
www.hotelhacienda-ibiza.com
Le Sireneuse, Positano, Italy An 18th century villa with
stunning views over Positano’s blue water; many balconies have private Jacuzzis,
(02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com
PERSONAL POOLS
There’s something that seems immediately oh-so-naughty about having
your own private pool. Utterly indulgent, these pools tend to hang off the edge of bedrooms, are often surrounded by vast dine-and-lounge decks or have add-on Jacuzzis. Whatever, they are almost pointedly designed to be synonymous with private play. Unlike resort pools, only those you choose
to let in can enter. Forgo cossies altogether or float alone; personal pools are your very own round-the-clock pleasure zone.
Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui, Thailand Most villas here have infinity pools that drop over the edge. For one-bedroom intimacy choose a Pool Villa Suite. If you’re travelling with friends go for the two-bedroom Presidential Villa with 10m x 4.2m pool, (02) 9411 5512, www.slh.com, www.sixsenses.com
Banyan Tree Resort, Phuket, Thailand So many pools to choose from,
but if you’re trying to set the scene for romance try the Spa Pool Villa which incorporates a jet pool,
open air tub, lily pond and full-size swimming pool, +66 76 324 374, www.banyantree.com
Oberoi Lombok, Indonesia Try the Royal Ocean View
Villa for exclusive access to
blue, +62 370 638 444,
www.oberoilombok.com
Banyan Tree Bintan, Indonesia
The Spa Pool Villa includes
a couples massage area,
1800 251 958, www.slh.com, www.banyantree.com
Bvlgari Resort, Bali
Designer style and 59 villas
with private plunge pools make
this a must for fashionistas,
1800 006 484, www.bvlgarihotels.com
SERIOUS BLUE
At first glance, it seems quite a strange thing that beachside resorts would bother with designer pools – all that blue-on-blue. However, it only takes dipping a pinky in, to begin to understand. We aren’t thinking about a nice neat kidney or square patch of blue, we are talking hectares of blue that wends its way around the outline of luxury suites and villas. Terracing, fountains, tunnels, and all manner of foliage and landscaping aren’t out of the question. In fact, they are merely the beginnings of serious pool culture. There are swim-out suites and swim-up bars. All of which means, to enjoy the big blue you need not worry about tidal rips, sea stings, or sand in your cossie again.
Hayman, Queensland
Swim out through its maze
to the arc that edges over
into the endless blue ocean horizon, (07) 4940 1234, www.hayman.com.au
Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Gold Coast Take a
serious swim in the 25m lap pool, or meander around the one hectare blue lagoon to the swim-up bar,
(07) 5591 1488,
www.starwoodhotels.com
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Palm Cove Stay in a swim-out apartment, or beachside villas and penthouses that come with personal plunge pools. (07) 4059 9600, www.palmcove.seatemple.com.au
Halekulani On The Beach at Waikiki, Hawaii Do you stare beneath at the Cattleya orchid, made of 1.2 million mosaic tiles, that surfaces the pool, or out to the views across Diamond Head? (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.halekulani.com
Luxury also loves:
Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, www.hyatt.com; Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, www.palazzoversace.com.au; Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island, Fiji, www.sofitel.com
SPECTACULAR SPAS
Spas have come a mighty long way since being something that was stuck in the corner of bathrooms. Now, they have spread themselves out and shimmied themselves up into luxe, designer temples, devoted to the worship of you. Caringly, they run the gamut of well-being – from relax and unwind through to stimulate and invigorate. Anything from body wraps and massage to sauna and ice room can be on the menu. And a very individual menu it is, with each resort offering its own individual twist on treatments for ‘Him’ and ‘Her’ to shuck off the old and bring on a new you. Go private or indulge as a couple, the experience is totally yours.
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives At the world’s first underwater spa, the gentle flap of a Manta Ray passing by the windows is all part of the massage, +960 6644 222, www.huvafenfushi.com
Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia Try one
of the award-winning traditional Malay treatments in a pavilion set amongst
gardens and pools, +609 845 1100, www.tanjongjararesort.com, www.slh.com
Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore
Lie down inside a private pavilion perched on the edge of a fishpond
and waterfall, and give yourself over
to the five-hour Caviar Indulgence,
+65 6275 0100, www.shangri-la.com
Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam, India Succumb to the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda therapies then relax in an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Arabian Sea, +91 471 248 7733, www.tajhotels.com
The Westin Resort & Spa, Fiji
This Denaru Island hotel has a grand newly-opened spa where private
pavilions are separated by lily ponds,
+679 675 0000, www.westinfiji.com
Luxury Also Loves: Angsana Resort & Spa, Palm Cove, QLD, Australia, www.coloursofangsana.com
BURE STYLE
From the time when Captain Cook’s crew clapped eyes on thatched rooftops, Pacific island lifestyle has had a certain allure. Two centuries later Marlon Brando’s enthral simply broadened its appeal. Today, flash grass has upped itself from hut to villa status, and has become synonymous with private escape. Bure style living incorporates a lot of languid lolling in liquid warm temperatures beneath sky-high woven ceilings. Swimmers and sarong are about all that is required. Time doesn’t slow, you do.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Blissful bures and secluded sand make this a very special place, +682 31 720, www.pacificresort.com, www.slh.com
The Wayaka Club, Fiji
The Governor’s bure blends antiques and indigenous yaka timber flooring beside the beach. Michelle Pfieffer loves it here so does Nicole Kidman, +679 3448 128, www.wakaya.com
Yasawa Island Resort, Fiji
With 18-only thatched bures, head to Lomelagi for total seclusion, +679 672 2266, www.yasawa.com
Eperanza, Mexico
Grass roofs Mexican style cascade down
a hill at the tip of the Baja Peninsula,
(02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com
BAREFOOT CHIC
Untie the shoelaces, leave the stilettos at home, at these beach resorts going barefoot is all part of the grounding experience. Here, the freedom of sand between toes is considered as essential to sloughing off big city stress as a paraffin pedicure in the spa. Barefoot doesn’t equate to munching on mung beans and campfire singing. Instead, the food is gourmet, while activities range from the extravagant to do-nothing simplicity – all accompanied by five star, 24-hour service. While that won’t make you feel at home (unless you’re royally rich), it will give you a glimpse of paradise that allows you to get back on your feet.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
So committed to the barefoot life they have a no news, no shoes policy, (02) 9411 5512, www.slh.com, www.sixsenses.com
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
With 24 white powdery beaches to explore, you’ll spend most of your time shoeless, 1300 134 044, www.lizardisland.com.au
K Club, Barbuda, Caribbean
Pack a pair of chic thongs in honour of the plantation grand club house. Otherwise it’s barefoot, www.kclubbarbuda.com
Vomo Island, Fiji The beachfront villas are just a few sandy steps from your own secluded beach in the Sofitel luxury collection resort, +679 666 7955, www.vomofiji.com
Turtle Island, Fiji
Ok, you might need shoes for horseriding. For lomi-lomi massages you don’t, 1300 887 287, www.turtlefiji.com
EXOTIC STYLE
Architecture in the Orient has always channelled mystery and glamour. A long history of intense cultural traditions has lent them an array of unexpected shapes. Nature has supplied a rich palette of striking materials. Time still seems to afford a level of hand-crafted detail that has gone missing in the west. Here, in the east, the specific demands of the elements have been accounted for. They work with nature, instead of against it, responding overwhelmingly with awe-inspiring, pavilion style architecture that keeps its cool. They also know how to keep calm, littering their landscape, and often their interiors, with exquisite water features that entrance the eye and soothe time-driven souls. We only have to look at our own homes to see just how influential this open-plan style has been. Nevertheless, Asia’s beach resorts are also masters of the element of surprise.
Rayavadee Resort, Krabi, Thailand
Traditional southern Thai bell-shape roofed pavilions with lots of warm wood and mood lighting to set the scene. Make the most of it with butler service and Jacuzzi at Phranang Villa on the beach, (02) 9377 8444, www.lhw.com,
www.krabi-hotels.com/rayavadeeresort
The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia
A daybed overhanging a private pool is the Datai’s modern take on Asian style that mixes in lots of teak and slate roofing, +604 959 2500, www.thedatai.com, www.lhw.com
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia
The soaring wooden rooflines and open pavilion style might be indigenous Malaysian, but there’s some sleek pale Scandinavian-style furniture that’s snuck its way in between. It’s a happy modern marriage of traditions, +60 4950 8888, www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand No resort company has done more than Aman in transporting pared-back traditional Asian style into the 21st Century. Amanpuri is where it all began, +66 76 324 333, www.amanresorts.com
Kayumanis, Nusa Dua, Bali
Ok, it is a step or two from the beach, but its stunning modern Asian architecture makes this resort worth a mention, +62 361 770 7777, www.kayumanis.com
Luxury also loves: Phuket Pavilions, Thailand, www.phuketpavilions.com; Chedi, Phuket, Thailand, www.ghmhotels.com
MOST ROMANTIC
Who can say what gets one in the mood? It’s a very individual thing. Nevertheless, it goes to say that a secluded beach gets the imagination going. Tropical breeze on bare skin raises the heat – and we’re not talking room temperature. Low-lighting, preferably candle-lit, makes everyone look gorgeous. Sheer cotton mosquito nets add to the effect. As does 24-hour personal service capable of delivering everything from champagne to massages to your room. Oysters are not an unacceptable request.
Danai Beach Resort & Villas, Greece White Villas, blue infinity pools, balconies with views over the Aegean sea.
Does it get more romantic than this? (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.dbr.gr
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, Mexico Whitewashed private residences with personal staff set the mood, but it’s the sunset
cocktail around the lantern
lit infinity pool curving out over the ocean that seals
the deal, +52 624 144 2800, www.lasventanas.com
Evason Hideaway & Six Sense Spa at Ana Mandara, Vietnam The Presidential Villa offers in-villa spa treatments, wine cellar, plunge pool and on-call butler, +84 58 524 705, www.sixsenses.com, www.slh.com
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos Wild beaches and spectacular coral walls for keen divers; seclusion for lovers, +1 649 941 8133, www.amanresorts.com
Luxury also loves: Trisara, Phuket, Thailand, www.trisara.com; One &Only Reethi Rai, Maldives, www.oneandonlyresorts.com
HEAVENLY HAMMOCKS
A hammock is the ultimate symbol of relaxed beachside indulgence. Simply find two trees and string it up. Better still go where someone has
done it for you already – in a perfect location.
Kayumanis, Jimbaran, Bali Personalised service helps push romance to the max in this 12 villa resort. Go for in-villa private dining or a forest hammock with a good book, +62 361 705 777, www.kayumanis.com
Sarojin, Khao lak Thailand This romantic and
stylish resort has hammocks strung in the gorgeous gardens, +66 764 279 004, www.sarojin.com
Vatulele Island Resort, Fiji A honeymoon hammock just for two awaits you on Vatulele, at least if you don’t mind snuggling up. Choose a hammock where you can hang around and enjoy the beach views, +67 9 672 0300, www.vatulele.com
GRAND DAMES
They are the royalty of the resort world. With a rather large splash of old Hollywood glamour thrown in. Elegant and imposing they are as legendary for their looks and service as they are for the people who slept here. Their guest books read like a who’s, who list of the last century – Grace Kelly, Bogart & Bacall, Taylor & Burton all appear. Rather than hiding themselves away in nature, these resorts tend to be positioned in the centre of some of the world’s sexiest play zones. They know what makes a grand entrance. Fortunately, they also understand, impeccably, what makes a pleasurable stay.
Galle Face Hotel, Sri Lanka Colombo’s
legendary heritage hotel has been
offering sophisticated beachside service since 1864, +941 1254 1010,
www.gallefacehotel.com
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Old-style glamour places you at the
centre of one of the world’s sexiest
cities, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.copacabanapalace.com.br
Hotel du Cap – Eden Roc, Cap D’Antibes, France The 1870 Hotel Du Cap stands grand on high, while the 1914 Eden Roc spreads out over the water, +33 493 61 3901, www.edenroc-hotel.fr
Hotel Splendido, Portafino A former monastery that became Bogart and Bacall’s private fling, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.hotelsplendido.com
Sandy Lane, Barbados Make an entrance on the amphitheatrical swoop of cream coral stairs. Loved by the Euro-elite,
+1 246 444 2000, www.sandylane.com
Luxury also loves: The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, www.lhw.com; Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, Italy, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com
WILD BEACHES
These are the sorts of places that are packed with Darwinian-style inspiration. Here, it is easy to get up close and personal with nature in all its many wondrous forms. These resorts tread lightly on the ground, without forgetting that a little luxury doesn’t go astray. They intuitively understand that guests want wilderness but also to feel comforted. Sharks are majestic to watch, but champagne is nice to come home to. Here, you can edge towards adventure, but safely do it in style.
Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Six–only permanent
luxury tents make getting up close
with rare turtles and birds easy.
For underwater exploration there’s
a coral cay, 1300 134 044,
www.wilsonisland.com
Amanwana, Bali Set on the nature
reserve island of Moyo, these enormous luxury tents have hardwood floors
and cream lounges. You can commune with komodo dragons by day, and
drink champagne by night,
+62 371 22233,
www.amanresorts.com
Maluane,Vamizi Island, Mozambique
Determined to prove conservation and luxe can work together, Vamizi Island
are the first 10 lodges opened by the
eco Maluane Project. Watch for Samango monkeys as you make your way into
the sea for a snorkel and scuba dive,
www.vamizi.com
Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge, Northern Territory Set in the permit-
only area of Arnhem Land in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on Cobourg Peninsula, you can watch all manner
of wildlife – from buffalo to Timor ponies – during a Champagne Sunset.
Wildlife Safari, (08) 8979 0281,
www.sevenspiritbay.com
Luxury also loves: Haggerstone Island, www.haggerstoneisland.com; Wickanninish Inn, Torfino, Canada, www.wickinn.com
CHILD FRIENDLY
These resorts offer the best of both worlds: you can unwind without the worry of wondering what the little dears are up to. Decide to bring them along and they can be swept away from dawn till dusk, and well beyond, if champagne on the beach at midnight is your thing. Commando trained for ongoing, attention-diverting amusement, beach resort kid’s clubs excel in water, sand and sun.
Alymra, Pafos, Cyprus The Smiling Dolphin Children’s Club keeps four to 12-year-olds busy, the Baby Go Lightly program allows you specify baby needs before you go – bliss, +357 2693 3091, www.slh.com, www.thanoshotels.com
Carlisle Bay, Antigua The new Cool Kids Club has four mini tennis courts for day play. The kids movies at night are, er, cool, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.carlisle-bay.com
Caneel Bay, Virgin Islands The kids-
designated Turtle Town and dining
keeps things quiet, +340 776 6111, www.caneelbay.com
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Sinbad’s Kids Club operating from 9am to 9pm, plus 24-hour babysitting mean endless possibilities for you, +971 4 348 0000, www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com
Hyatt Regency Coolum, Sunshine Coast, QLD With up to four clubs operating from six weeks to 12 years you’ll definitely fit in a round of golf, (07) 5446 1234, www.hyatt.com
Luxury also loves: Sheraton Denarau Villas, www.starwood.com; Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, www.peppers.com.au; Dunk Island, Qld, www.voyages.com.au; Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, www.hiltonfiji.com
SOPHISTICATED SAND
Unlike other contemporary beach resorts, which try to blend back into their environment, they seek to stand out. Self-confident and knowledgeable about the ways of their world, they take all that’s evocative of their typically exotic pasts then cleverly reinterpret it for today with stunning effect. Rooms – and there are always many – are lavishly oversized. Golf courses, and there are often two,
are most likely to be championship designed. Stylish, urbane and mature, they are not here to be ignored.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius Flash thatch meets marble and intricate waterways in this most royal of retreats, +230 413 9100, www.princemaurice.com
One & Only Le Touessrok, Mauritius A 423 square metres villa is backed up
by a 24-hour butler and Bernhard Langer 18-hole championship course, +230 402 7400, www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Cap Juluca, Anguilla, Caribbean Moorish whitewash mansions line the sand and ocean, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.capjuluca.com
Conrad Bali Resort and Spa, Bali On the coast of Nusa Dua this resort offers sandy beaches, a soothing spa and bags of style, +62 361 778 788,
www.conradhotels.com
Luxury also loves: Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, www.sheraton.com;
La Samanna, St Martin, West Indies, www.lhw.com; Shutters on the Beach, California, www.lhw.com
OVER WATER BUNGALOWS
Much like a private boat, over-water bungalows give you the isolated beauty of being encircled by blue. Unlike boats, these bungalows don’t rock. You still sleep to the gentle lapping of water, but you don’t wake feeling seasick. Instead, you can get up and pad around spaces that often incorporate sky-high ceilings, multi-level storeys, a mix of living spaces, and in some, even their own pools. Your time is your own, and there’s no need to request setting anchor. The mainland is only a short walk or row away if you feel like extra company,
eating in a restaurant, or visiting a spa. Did anyone mention shopping?
Soneva Gili, Maldives
Seven Soneva Gili ‘Crusoe Residences’ stand on stilts in the Indian Ocean reached by boat with personal butlers. There’s over-water bliss in the others, (02) 9411 5512, www.slh.com www.sixsenses.com/soneva-gili
Pangkor Laut Resort, Thailand
The teak and white linen Spa Villas have views over the Pangkor Straits and direct access back to the Spa Village, +605 699 1100, www.pangkorlautresort.com, ww.slh.com
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, Tahiti Watch sea-life below through a glass-topped coffee table in your living room, (02) 9377 8444, www.lhw.com, www.boraboralagoon.com
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, Cook Islands One of the world’s smallest resorts on a remote island getting
world-wide acclaim,
www.aitutakilagoonresort.com
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives Blue lagoon as far as the eye can see and palm-thatched villas with stilts paddling in the water, www.tajhotels.com
Luxury Also Loves: Coral Palms, New Caledonia, www.newcaledonia.com.au;
Le Meridien, Vanuatu, www.accor.com
EASTERN PROMISE
These beach resorts ooze Lawrence of Arabia style romance and adventure. Here desert mountains meet the ocean sand. Their architecture takes a scene out of One Thousand and One Nights –
all large-scale domes, arches, and swaying palms; then mixes in a modern take on luxe. They have courtyards with secret corners. You may have given up thinking about genies in a bottle years ago, but these resorts relive the magic.
Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Look out for the exclusive ‘seven star’ addition to this Shangri-la complex,
Al Husn, due to open this month,
+968 2477 6666, www.Shangri-la.com/muscat/barraljissah
The Residence, Tunis Must-try: dining beneath a Bedouin tent surrounded by veiled horsemen and the hypnotic hips of dancers, (02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com, www.theresidence-tunis.com
The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh, Red Sea, Egypt Slip into the Arabesque spa and pool overlooking the sea,
+2065 3440 777, www.oberoisahlhasheesh.com
Residence & Spa at One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai A traditional hammam with soaring arches, mosaic and marble meets Givenchy product, +971 4399 9999, www.oneandonlyresorts.com
The Chedi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Whitewashed walls and Arab arches never looked so designer sleek and sexy,
(02) 9377 8400, www.lhw.com
LATEST RELEASES
We do love to know. And we do like to be first to know. Especially when it comes to experiencing the newest hot property. Luxury Travel Magazine understands this well. These recently opened resorts are worth a stay. Before you take off, discover their new and special ways of launching into the luxe resort life.
St Regis Resort, Bora Bora, Tahiti
If its good enough for ‘our Nic’ and Keith on their recent honeymoon, you know
it has that special edge. Huge overwater and lagoon bungalows – some with
private pools, +689 607 888,
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
The Briza Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand Beautiful beachfront villas, with large private pools. Be the first to experience this especially indulgent brand of Thai luxury, www.thebriza.com
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and
CHI Spa, Malaysia Located on Malaysia’s scenic Batu Ferringi beach, Penang,
and re-opened after a two year update,
www.shangri-la.com
Labriz Silhouette, Seychelles
Brand spanking new 2km stretch
of powdery white five star beach,
and new to the SLH portfolio,
www.slh.com/labrizsilhouette
W Retreat & Spa, Fesdu Island, Maldives
Possibly the most stylish new resort in the Maldives, the W is already becoming a favourite with euro-sunseekers who booked in before it even opened, www.starwoodhotels.com
FUTURE THRILLS
Coming soon….
• Four Seasons Resort, Maldives (Opening late 2006).
Another taste of beachfront
paradise, www.fourseasons.com
• Soneva Kiri, Thailand (opening 2007). 46 pool villas
to look over the Gulf of Thailand and Soneva Nisi, Greek Island
of Milos, (opening 2008),
60 stunning pool villas,
www.sixsenses.com
• Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora. Over-water bungalows on to-
die-for turquoise Tahitian waters (Opening 2007/8), www.fourseasons.com
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