Posts Tagged ‘Luxury Villas’

By Dian Hasan | December 4, 2009

Mexico has been developing its modern tourism for a good few decades, securely placing itself as among the world’s most formidable travel destinations. The lessons Mexico has learned from the inception of building cookie-cutter highrise hotels with little character in Cancun and Acapulco, in the 1960s and 1970s, has now evolved into a new approach.

Hotels, and notably the resorts, that are more eco-oriented, place-specific, with a more distinctive cultural and design statement. The end result are hotels that are generally low-rise, have fewer rooms, and blend in with their immediate environment.

Riviera Maya, a resort development south of Cancun, along Mexico’s Caribbean coast is one case in point. And the chic Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya exemplifies this new breed of hotels impeccably.

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By Dian Hasan | December 4, 2009

Mexico has been developing its modern tourism for a good few decades, securely placing itself as among the world’s most formidable travel destinations. The lessons Mexico has learned from the inception of building cookie-cutter highrise hotels with little character in Cancun and Acapulco, in the 1960s and 1970s, has now evolved into a new approach.

Hotels, and notably the resorts, that are more eco-oriented, place-specific, with a more distinctive cultural and design statement. The end result are hotels that are generally low-rise, have fewer rooms, and blend in with their immediate environment.

Riviera Maya, a resort development south of Cancun, along Mexico’s Caribbean coast is one case in point. And the chic Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya exemplifies this new breed of hotels impeccably.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Dian Hasan | November 28, 2009

The Singapore-based Alila Hotels & Resorts, has never forgotten its roots, in Indonesia, where it started during the challenging times of the Asian Crisis. Positioning itself as a hotel company that values the immediate community and environment, as much as it understands the need to create a compelling stay experience, through its exquisite hotels, that never fail to make a bold design statement. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dian Hasan | October 15, 2009

In the hospitality world, there are some hotel companies that make such a compelling brand statement, with each of their properties, in perfect sync with the natural environment they are in and the local communities whose lives they touch and change. Creating place and culture-specific hotel experience long before it became a trend. Such is the Singapore-based Amanresorts. Since opening its first, Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand some 20 years ago, Amanresorts has not waded from its passion to create the most unique stay experiences.

Aman-i-Khás in India’s Ranthambhore National Park, is no different. Read the rest of this entry »

When you simply want to escape, unwind and experience the finer things in life, there is no better place hideaway than Bedarra Island. Australia’s most exclusive resort, an indulgent tropical private haven lying off the coast of Cairns in tropical Queensland.

At Bedarra, guests can do as they wish when they wish. Here, a maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded Villas, each hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach. Superbly appointed, each have a separate living area, spacious bathroom and king size bed. On the balcony, guests can relax in a hammock and contemplate the beauty and calm of this elegant retreat.

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Environmentalist Steve Hill (left) and Managing Director Marc Aeberhard (right)

Seychelles — October 14 2009 - Over the past 11 years, Frégate Island Private has proven itself to be one of the hotel industry’s foremost entities in ecological reform. This past September, Frégate Island Private crossed yet another milestone when it planted the 100,000th tree in its endemic hardwood program. This major step is yet another achievement for Frégate’s reforestation efforts. In addition to the endemic hardwood program, Frégate Island Private plants two trees for every guest who arrives at the resort. This is one of the many facets of a concerted effort to become a carbon neutral enterprise.

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Pangkor Laut Resort is an ultra luxe resort that’s attracted the world’s celebrities and A-listers. The late Pavarrotti helped inaugurate it with an Operatic on its official opening day. Voted as best romantic hotel, best spa, best hotel in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Resort is the ideal romantic getaway.

This hotel on stilts was fashioned after Malay floating villages where fishermen live. For a truly outer-worldly experience, book yourself any treatment from the Spa.

The Spa is situated in one of the over-the-water Villas. Close your eyes, it will just be you and the ocean, and the aroma of frangipani, lavender and jasmine wafting through the air. Pure Bliss!

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By Dian Hasan | October 7, 2009

Hospes Palacio del Bailio is situated Cordoba’s historic heart next to the Plaza Colon in Spain. The resort has a balanced blend of design language between contemporary and 16th and 18th century-Moorish decorative elements with painted ceiling, rich fabrics and textures and polished marble.

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By Dian Hasan | October 4, 2009

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.

Architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.

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By Dian Hasan | October 4, 2009

Of late, discerning travelers who yearn for an African Safari have been spoiled for choice. A smattering of new luxury lodges have been sprouting like mushrooms in the rainy season across Africa’s Safari Destinations. Private villas with pools, personal butlers & chefs, designer linen & furniture, luxury spa & wellness treatments, philates & yoga, and exotic gourmet cuisine, are quickly becoming the norm.

A clear departure from classic turn-of-the-century Country Club-like safari accommodation of the past. Collectively referred to as “Bush Chic” these new lodges not only are fluent in both luxury and eco-responsibility. A clear inspiration from Asian Luxury Villas. Molori Safari Lodge is one fine addition to the brood.

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