Make a reservation at The Point

The Point Resort is a unique, private  estate in beautiful Adirondack Mountain wilderness. Built in the tradition of a Great Adirondack Camp, The Point constructed on the original site of William Avery Rockefeller’s Camp Wonundra and continues that tradition of the Great Adirondack Camp era.

The resort  features Adirondack-inspired accommodations boasting eleven distinctive guest quarters that are spread among four original buildings. Each guest room has a broad lake view and custom-made bed and contain an eclectic mixture of antiques and Adirondack furniture.

The executive chef, Mark Levy, creator of the cuisine which is served ‘en famille’: there is no menu and guests sit down together, family-style, for lunch at 1 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. If you prefer, you may dine in front of the fireplace in your room, or have a picnic lunch packed for you to take on a hike or canoe trip. The Point is the perfect resort for a perfect long weekend.

Make a reservation at The Point

Make a reservation at Alila Soori

Alila Villas Soori is a blissful paradise setting within the Tabanan Regency, one of Bali’s most fertile and picturesque regions, along the southwest coast of Bali. The  villas are perfectly positioned to enjoy Indian Ocean.
Multiple levels of interconnected spaces flow from the arrival courtyard right onto the beach. Designed by S SCDA Architects, Alila Villas Soori  blend contemporary Asian  architecture  with the lush surroundings of its tropical beachfront setting.  Sensitive site planning and the use of local building materials and native landscaping create a clever integration with the environment.

All the villas in this all-pool villa property were  designed to maximize views of the surrounding beach, sea and paddy fields, while still maintaining a sense of privacy and shelter. Alila Villas Soori have 15 one-bedroom Beach Villa, 15 one-bedroom Ocean Villa, 8 one-bedroom Terrace Villas as well as 9 residential villas. Each villa is accompanied by its very own private pool.

Alila Villas Soori restaurants offer choice of dining experiences, with an emphasis on the authentic preparation of produce from the Tabanan region, the rice bowl of Bali.

Make a reservation at Alila Soori

The Surf Lodge is located on Fort Pond in Montauk, the end of Long Island. It is just a half-mile from the beach and set on a breathtaking pond where the sunsets are great. Rooms and public areas  have a subtle surf theme running through them. White washed walls, sun bleached pine flooring, outsized photos, and artwork from surfers, surf lovers, and all things beach. Many of these artworks are rotating pieces from local artists.

The Restaurant at The Surf Lodge is laid back and elegant.. There is an indoor and outdoor hangout for guests and locals wanting to dine.  Drawing from his childhood spent on the beaches of South Carolina, Executive Chef Sam Talbot keeps the food fresh and from Montauk’s local purveyors, with seafood caught daily and a menu built around seasonal ingredients.

Make a reservation at Verdura

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is located on the south coast of Sicily near the seaside town of Sciacca,  set over 230 hectares of stunning landscape with 1.8km of private coastline. Verdura is perfectly positioned to explore the Sicily with many historical and cultural sites situated close by.
The resorts 203 rooms and suites have all private terraces and sea views and the Olga Polizzi-designed interiors which combines modern luxury with authentic Sicilian motifs. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses and a 9-hole, designed by architect Kyle Phillips. Situated at the heart of the resort,its pool is one of Europe’s largest, at 60 metres long. The resorts restaurants and bars celebrate Sicilian cuisine with menus created from fresh organic ingredients complemented by a great wine list. For those seeking deep relaxation the Verdura Spa is exceptional – with four thalassotherapy pools and extensive treatments.

Make a reservation at Verdura

Make a reservation at Alila Uluwatu

Alila Uluwatu has a perfect location, on a clifftop plateau along the southern coastline of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula  near the renowned Uluwatu Temple. Villas integrate contemporary Bali-inspired living design with cultural richness, continuing the Alila tradition of a total destination experience that is serene, sensual, and surprisingly different.

Alila Villas Uluwatu is designed by Singapore architectural firm, WOHA and embraced the Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles using ESD measures including local materials, water conservation with soaks and rain gardens and recycling with grey water systems, using local plants from the special Bali Savannah ecosystem on the Bukit.
The design of the interiors is completely integrated with the architecture, as the design flows from inside to outside. All the materials are locally sourced.

Alila Villas Uluwatu has 84 villas which are specifically designed and constructed to follow an environmentally sustainable framework, with private pool and cabana overlooking the Indian Ocean. Walkways and bridges connect the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious living areas. The open-plan design, unique flat lava rock roofs and bamboo ceilings allow the gentle sea breeze to circulate throughout all rooms of the villas.

Here you re-discover the joy of pure relaxation in comfort and space, with a personal butler to take care of your every whim. Indulge all your senses – in the culinary delights of the  traditional warung-style restaurants, the spectacular clifftop pool and bar, or in the sanctuary of Spa Alila.

Make a reservation at Alila Uluwatu

Hoshinoya Kyoto is nestled among the mountains and rivers in beautiful Arashiyama region of Kyoto City, a traditional vacation area dating back to the Heian era (794-1185).

Upon boarding a boat from the famed Togetsukyo Bridge, among Arashiyama’s natural scenery with a fifteen-minute journey up the Oigawa River you arrive to the ryokan resort. It is said that these private waterfront residences once served as the personal dwelling and library of famed shipping merchant Ryoi Suminokura (1554-1614). Here you can take pleasure in the same ambiance of seclusion and the sophistication of Kyoto culture.
The resort inherited traditional Japanese architecture and offers a variety of opportunities to experience Japan like the self enlightenment through morning zen meditation in Buddhist temple, or Monko, a Japanese incense ceremony..

The resorts has 25 spacious rooms mixed the traditional Japanese architecture with Kyoto”"s craftsmanship and contemporary touch. All guest rooms spread out along the riverside, providing a gorgeous view of the river and mountains with trees that change colors by season.! For an authentic Japanese experience with modern comfort…

Make a reservation at Villa d”‘Este

Set on the shores of Lake Como, Villa d’Este was built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The property has 25 acres of gardens, whose statues and landscape have been photographed for centuries. The design of the lower part of the gardens is from the Renaissance period. The two most outstanding landmarks are the 500 year old plane tree and the 16th century Mosaic with its Nympheum

The favourite playground of an Empress, an English queen and aristocrats,  it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873.

Continuously renovated and updated, today  the legendary resort has  152 rooms, all different in decor.  The main house built in 1568 and known as the Cardinal’s building counts 125 rooms while the trompe l’oeil masterpiece known as the Queen’s Pavilion, inaugurated in 1860 has 27 rooms. In 1873 the two Villas combined into one property became Villa d’EsteVilla Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with services ranging from housekeeping to full private butler and chef service.

A beautiful 18-hole golf  course  winds its way through chestnut, ash and pine trees sheltering golfers even from the intense summer heat.

Make a reservation at Villa d”‘Este

Make a reservation at La Residence

La Residence lies at the heart of a private 30-acre working farm, complete with vineyards, plum orchards, a dam and fragrant manicured gardens.The majestic mountains that surround the idyllic Franschhoek Valley, where this private hotel is and provide great views in every direction. La Residence  provides not only  luxurious accommodation but also fine dining and an all-round sensory indulgence.

Designed like a French Country Château Space each of the eleven vast suite is complemented by a palatial en-suite bathroom and mountain and vineyard views . Large bedrooms and bathrooms open onto generous sunny balconies and verandas, which offer the perfect place to relax, admire the view, .  Each of the suites decorated different from an exotic Tibetan  with oriental antiques and hand-painted screens to French boudoirs with Provencal antiques and mirrored dressers. The fabrics throughout the hotel and rooms include superlative silks and textures, handpicked to match each interior. The dining and living areas resemble an elegant manor hall. Communal areas lead onto country terraces where roses and fountains make for serene summer evenings

If you are planning a perfect wedding, La Residence with its  courtyard,  and breath-taking mountain views, is the perfect venue for it.

Make a reservation at La Residence

Make a reservation at Setai

The Setai is an intimate, serene oceanfront resort although it is  in the heart of South Beach, at the north end of Miami’s historic Art Deco District. Its design combines the rich architectural history of the neighborhood and its cultural diversity with the International Art Deco movement, particularly its influence in Asia. Infused with natural materials, space and light, The Setai has the unmistakable imprint of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.

The Art Deco landmark building was originally built between 1936 – 1938 as the famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel. Next to it is the 40-story glass tower.The Setai comprises two buildings, different yet built on the same foundations of superlative service and exceptional design. The  details of each guest room are exemplified by authentic jade pieces that were discovered in the antique markets of China and displayed to perfection on teak walls.  The rooms are spacious, stunning and serene. The Art Deco building is an exquisitely refurbished property that celebrates its history while embracing Asian influences. The suites in The Tower are an experience of melding of the space and vision.

There are three azure pools, each maintained at a separate temperature. At the gates of the property lie the white sand beach..The Spa at The Setai transports the traditions of the Pacific Rim to South Beach.Each suite at the spa has ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room. Setai has also restaurant and bars for every mood:  Grill or a more formal dinner at The Restaurant,  or The Bar. They all have innovative food, exceptional wine list and great service.

Make a reservation at Setai

Make a reservation at Villa Massa

In the heart of Tuscany,Villa La Massa is a fascinating Medici dwelling of the 16th century on the outskirts of Florence.

The 16th Century sits on the banks of the Arno River, on 20 acres full of lemon trees and olive groves that surround the property.  Villa La Massa is within  22 acres of gardens that surround it, full of paths that lead  to the Arno River and from which you can only see the beautiful panorama of the Chianti Rufina hills that surround it.  

Two Villas dating back to the days of the Medici (16th century): the Noble Villa (Villa Nobile), the Old Mill (Vecchio Mulino) and the more recent little Villa (Villino) are the highlights of Villa La Massa which, from an ancient dwelling of the aristocracy, was turned into a hotel in 1948. The hotel offers its guests 37 rooms, all different from one another, and all recently refurbished in the traditional Florentine style. The spacious and airy rooms are decorated with antique furniture, fabrics woven at the historic Florentine textile mills, wrought iron and woodwork from the famous old-time Florence cabinet makers. Most have windows framing the beautiful Tuscan landscape.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Andrea Quagliarella, menus include both Tuscan regional and Mediterranean specialities The sommeliers have chosen 300 labels among those best representing the Italian wine culture, with a special focus on Tuscan wines. A limited number of precious olive oil bottles is produced every year from the olive groves that surround the property.

Make a reservation at Villa Massa

Make a reservation at Bab Al Shams

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is an elegant retreat in a traditional Arabic setting. Only 45 minutes from Dubai the resort is rising among the desert sand dunes like a mirage.

For an authentic desert experience, the resort is the best choice for a romantic experience with its  unimaginable peace of the dunes and magnificent night skies.

All 113 rooms and suites are delightfully decorated in traditional Gulf decor and offer both authenticity and all modern comfort. The authentic open-air Arabic restaurant and a superb range of recreational facilities makes Bab Al Shams very attractive.

Make a reservation at Bab Al Shams

Make a reservation at One&Only Royal Mirage

As the most stylish resort on Jumeirah Beach, One&Only Royal Mirage pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality. It comprises three equally distinctive properties – The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa.

The Palace featuring 250 guest rooms sits on a private beach offering rich leisure facilities. Temperature-controlled swimming pools, water-sports center, tennis courts, golf putting green, children’s care center and most importantly, a tranquil haven for rest and relaxation. With four restaurants, The Palace offers an array of stylish dining venues.

Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage is illusive and mysterious, an ancient dwelling that is distinguished behind a sheltered oasis..The property is crafted in the spirit of the orient with dramatic architecture creating symmetry, amidst a landscape of fountains, walkways and lush gardens.  The entrance leads to the impressive grand gallery, the vertebrae of the hotel that links the two wings of the property and guides guests towards the 162 charismatic guest rooms and 10 elaborately-styled suites, all of which have a sea-facing, private balcony or terrace.

The three restaurants include a journey from the grand kitchens of the past, to a modern voyage through the eclectics and vibrancy of the Near East and beyond.

Residence & Spa  is an intimate sanctuary for those who wish to languish in the comfort of prosperity. Charming and enticing, this haven is linked to a discreet reception leading to a private dining room and bar lounge exclusive reserved for guests for the guest of the Residence. The Arabian-styled private residences, each cared for by a specifically-selected, dedicated team, house a retreat of 1 Garden Villa, 16 Suites and 32 Prestige Rooms. Spacious and created with the finest detailing, all are sea facing with private balcony or terrace, and the elegant Garden Villa also provides a luxurious and ornate environment within the most exclusive part of the resort.

Make a reservation at One&Only Royal Mirage

Make a reservation at Bulgari Resort

Bulgari Bali, 160-meter above the Indian Ocean is in a breathtaking natural location. 59 villa property is one of the world’s most exclusive and exotic destinations. The Bulgari Resort is located near the village of Pecatu and the stunning clifftop site of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, on the island’s far southwestern tip.Nestled between the cliff and the ocean, a 1.5 kilometer long beach is accessible only through the resort’s inclined elevator.

Designed by architects Antonio Citterio and Partners, the resort reflects a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Balinese design while conveying the distinctive Bulgari Italian style. The layout and overall design also incorporates the culture and natural elements of the location. The hotel has been built and furnished using hand-cut volcanic stones, rich exotic woods and refined fabrics.Natural lava and palimanan stone are used for the garden and interior walls, refined bangkiray hardwood in the villas, natural green colored sukabumi stone to clad outdoor showers, plunge and swimming pools. A collection of exquisite Balinese antiques and exotic art pieces, including more than 90 examples, adorn the entire resort.

Beside its setting,  the resort also boasts sophisticated facilities, such as the Italian and Indonesian restaurants, a very romantic lounge bar, the Spa and the cliff-edge pool..An impressive Hindu Temple rises on the highest point of the property, designated as a place of worship in accordance with the Balinese tradition, while, further inside, the imposing arrival pavilion with its magnificent proportions and masterful design welcomes guests.. Start sipping cocktails late afternoon at the bar looking to tranquil waters while sun is going down.

Photos courtesy of Bulgari and Ozlem Avcioglu

Make a reservation at Al Maha

Al Maha, is just a short 65km drive from Dubai is in the centre of Dubai’s heritage and conservation. The resort  lies nestled within a green and verdant oasis amongst some of Arabia’s most impressive dune and desert landscapes, resembling an ancient Bedouin encampment.

The place took its name from the proudest of all dune dwellers – the Arabian Oryx. Herds of these spear-horned antelope would appear out of the heat haze – nomadic bands seeking this place of shelter and respite. The people named the oasis after them, and ‘Al Maha’ came to be known far and wide.

With access denied to non-residents, you’ll be welcomed into a private sanctuary, offering seclusion, tranquillity and luxury, from the minute you enter our peaceful reserve until you leave, the richer for your desert experience.

There are 37 Bedouin Suites, each enjoying their own private space amidst the quiet resort surroundings. The interiors scattered with regional antiques and artifacts. Each private swimming pool spills out into a never ending vista of dramatic desert and mountain views whilst the private deck provides a secluded area for spending relaxing time alone or as an intimate spot for a personalised dining experience..For a real desert experience, don’t miss to stay at Al Maha while you are visiting Dubai.

Make a reservation at Al Maha

Make a reservation at One and Only Ocean Club

One&Only Ocean Club, is the most elegant resort of The Bahamas.. The club was once the exclusive private estate of Huntington Hartford, who developed Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
What we like most in One&Only Ocean Club is the imported 12th-century Augustinian Cloisters and exquisite Versailles Gardens. The 35 acres of garden face out into the beautiful, green Bahamian Sea.
The stone remains of a 12th-century French monastery traveled a long road to end up in Bahamas. Newspaperman William Randolph Hearst imported the dismantled stones to the US in the 1920s, but they remained just random pieces of a giant puzzle until Huntington Hartford purchased them in the ’60s and had them reassembled (without plans) on his oceanfront Ocean Club estate which turned to One&Only Ocean Club

The Club is on the magnificent Cabbage Beach’s quietest stretch, eastern end of the Paradise Island, the most civilized in all of The Bahamas. The Club is very private and intimate although it is minutes apart from another Kerzner property  The Atlantis,  a mini-VegasOcean Clubs 105 luxurious spacious colonial-style rooms include Beachfront and Garden View Rooms and Suites, Garden Cottage and three private villas with round-the-clock butler service and luxurious touches

Created exclusively for the luxury resort market each One&Only has a restaurant with a  world known celebrity chef. Ocean Club’s signature restaurant, Dune, is the creation of uber-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten who has virtually redefined fine dining in the tropics and the well known French architect  Christian Liaigre . In Dune you can dine on in tasteful surroundings on the best French Colonial cuisine. The menu blends French-Asian flavors with Bahamian fresh fish and herbs.

Apart from the acclaimed restaurant, the resort has also world-class golf and spa and of course, waters – the elixir of Bahamian life.
The One&Only Spa features a fusion of ancient Asian holistic philosophies with uniquely Bahamian hospitality while the championship 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Make a reservation at One and Only Ocean Club

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All pictures are courtesy of One&Only

Make a reservation at Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som is a luxury health resort,  located in the Royal city of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, 185 kilometers south of Bangkok. It combines international standards with Thai hospitality to deliver personal wellness programs in a non regimented way. Everything  focuses on a holistic approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit.

A secluded world  nestled within seven acres of lush tropical gardens the beachfront resort  Chiva-Som is the “Haven of Life.” With 58 stylish rooms, Thai Pavilions offer privacy with traditional charm and the Ocean View rooms and suites provide spectacular views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore and rejuvenate. They combine ancient therapies of the East with the latest Western techniques to encompass the mind, body and spirit. Personalized programs and treatments are available for everyone from weight management and stress reduction to skin rejuvenation and anti-aging regimens.But the best treatment they offer is the detox program, which you should take at least 5 days in order to feel really good. Take our word for it!

Make a reservation at Chiva-Som

Make a reservation at Amanusa

Amanusa is nestled between the most beautiful white beach of Bali and a manicured golf course. The resort has panoramic views of the indigo-hued Indian Ocean and unparalleled access to one of the region’s finest golf courses..Amanusa, opened 20 years ago has been designed with an artist’s eye to celebrate space and Bali’s natural beauty.

Amanusa’s design is influenced by ancient Hindu poetry, the surrounding miles of breathtaking views and by the spiritual and naturally peaceful lifestyle. Amanusa is all about comfort and as a result, rooms are spacious, authentically decorated in a soothing palette of browns, beige, cream and honey. All the 35 thatched-roof suites have wooden four-poster beds, draped in white veils.  The cavernous bathrooms feature sunken baths with directional lighting, enhancing the foliage alongside. Each suite is enclosed in a sensuous tropical setting and an outdoor shower is built into a high paras-stone wall. The walled garden courtyards are private and romantic, and have their own swimming pools.

The Terrace has views of Bali, the golf course, the Indian Ocean, Nusa Dua and the Bukit, Bali’s southern peninsula. Open only for dinner, The Italian Restaurant offers seating in an elegant room of high ceilings and leaded windows, as well as in a romantic outdoor courtyard amongst flowering frangipani trees, overlooking the pool.

The Beach Club is located on a  private white-sand beach.  The picture-perfect beach is one of Bali’s finest, and is fringed by a coral reef that provides a safe lagoon for swimming and seasonal water sports. The Beach Club is also the setting for candlelit barbecues, and sunrise breakfasts can be enjoyed in the privacy of the bales.

This over 20 years old resort is a very good example when it comes to ‘timeless design’.

Make a reservation at Amanusa

Make a reservation at Amankila

Amankila is on an impressive setting, with spectacular views and seaside seclusion, to mountains and valleys rich with Bali’s diverse culture.  The fabled Mount Agung, a volcano revered as a home of the gods by the Balinese, rears 3,142m above sea level, providing a dramatic backdrop to the 34 timeless-styled-villas.

Being on the coast near the village of Manggis in East Bali, Amankila has a private beach, incredible views of the Lombok Strait and cliff-side grounds around the three-tiered pool. Surrounded by frangipani trees, the lobby affords exceptional ocean views, as well as views of the resort’s signature three-tiered pool. Down below the resort, set back from the private beach in a coconut grove, is the Beach Club which offers another pool, as well as casual dining.  The Beach Club is located at the base of the cliff, a five minutes’ walk below the main resort. The beach is ideal for surfing, boogie boards and kayaks rather than swimming.

The 34 stilted free-standing suites are tucked into the lush vegetation around the resort, and all have outstanding sea views.They reflect the lines and flow of their East Bali surroundings, in particular the royal water palace just outside Amlapura, the district capital.

Amankila is the ideal base from which to explore the cultural diversity and rich history of East Bali, a place of temples, palaces, rice paddies and ruins, of villages where crafts lost to the rest of the island are still practiced, and where religion is an intrinsic part of everyday life, seen both in colorful festivals and in simple daily offerings to the gods.

Make a reservation at Amankila

Photos: courtesy of Aman and Ozlem Avcioglu

Make a reservation at Aman-i-Khas

Aman-i-Khás is all about a wildlife and cultural heritage experience and an unforgettable adventure in incredibly stylish setting.  The 13 special tents of Aman-i-Khás are on the edge of the former Maharajah’s hunting ground and next to Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, known for wildlife, tigers and cultural beauty.10 identical tents, each 108m² are for guests, and the rest are a  for lounging, spa treatments and dining..The center of the camp is the outdoor fireplace, surrounded by cushioned, stone-clad banquettes
Aman-i-Khas like every Aman resort blends seamlessly with the grassland setting.  . A path through the brush leads to a man-made reservoir where birds and deer may be viewed.

The luxurious tents are reminiscent of the traveling tents from the Moghul dynasty and  made with thick, water-proof canvas and supported by a steel frame with the interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton. Only the base and steel frame are permanent. During the hot and humid 3 months, the rest is packed away till October. It is like a real camp, without compromising on comfort.
Twice a day, safaris take guests into the park, its open scrub vegetation especially conducive to tiger sightings. Alternatively, one may stay put and soak in the tranquil environs. ‘Windows’ are opened and closed, screens turned up, then down. There is candlelight by evening, and at night a hot-water bottle and electric blanket are thoughtfully tucked under the bed but beware of scarabs that come to the light during nights.

Aman-i-Khas, is the best stay in Ranthambore area  to rejuvenate your body, mind, heart & soul.

Make a reservation at Aman-i-Khas

Make a reservation at Amanbagh

Amanbagh  is a privileged oasis in the heart of Rajasthan. It is a true Rajasthani experience.

Situated in the foothills of the Aravalli Hills and built, haveli-style, using local materials like soft sandstone and pale pink marble, Amanbagh is a regal garden estate in the starkly beautiful wilds of Rajasthan. Circled by walls which enclose a verdant oasis watered by a nearby lake and tributaries of the Chambal River, Amanbagh was once the site of the Maharajah of Alwar’s hunting lodge, and his favoured garden retreat.

Amanbagh rests within a walled enclosure and its fertile soil, watered by a nearby lake, supports an exotic garden of statuesque palms, aged eucalyptus and fruit trees, frangipani and lawns of manicured jade green – a dramatic contrast to the surrounding rugged terrain of the Aravalli Hills. Styled after the grandiose architecture of the Moghul era, Amanbagh pays homage to Rajasthan’s golden age through its elegant, unique interpretation of a grand haveli, or nobleman’s palace.

Photos: courtesy of Aman and Ozlem Avcioglu