Make a reservation at Amanpulo

Amanpulo is a private island (known as Pamalican), set among the Quiniluban group of Cuyo Islands, 360km south-west of Manila. Seven square kilometres of reef surround the island. Beyond are sandbanks and a channel where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been glimpsed. At its widest point, the island is only 500m across. The resort is accessed by flying directly to Pamalican Island in a 19-seat, twin-engine turboprop, landing at the resort’s private airstrip. Amanpulo is an escape from mankind and is a dive into island life where nature has been unashamedly boastful. The island is secluded, being private, and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical  island-retreat–pleasures.

The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modelled on authentic bahay kubo dwellings, each with its own golf cart for island exploration. Subtle interiors, warm and sun-dappled, are smoothed out in shades of caramel and bamboo with pristine beds. Each casita enjoys a sprawling wooden sun deck with inviting loungers and dappled shade from vibrant bougainvillea and two deluxe Hillside Casitas have sweeping vistas of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands. This romantically remote island is for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in a paradise.

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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

Make a reservation at Cala di Volpe

Located on the glamorous Sardinian coastline known as the Costa Smeralda, Hotel Cala di Volpe faces the emerald waters of the Mediterranean. The hotel’s exterior was designed to look like an ancient Mediterranean fishing village—a private compound of  terracotta rooftops, turrets, porticoes, and terraces. In early 1960s  Aga Kahn bought 5,000 acres of fine white sand beaches and developed the area into a resort paradise while offering the most luxurious accommodations, activities, and amenities. To that end, he formed the Architectural Committee of the Costa Smeralda, which chose renowned architect Jacques Couelle to build the Hotel Cala di Volpe.
Each of the 124 guest rooms, with sea views creates a tableau of rustic elegance with its superb hand crafted Sardinian furnishings, customised artwork, and  pastel accents distinct to the region. Hotels private white sand beach and the legendary 18-hole Pevero Golf Club are both moments away.

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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.

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Make a reservation at Vedema

Vedema is situated on a more than 500-year-old vineyard overlooking the medieval village of Megalohori. The resort was built in 1993 when Antonis Elliopoulos, the son of a notable shipping family, had the idea of developing the family’s summer estate into an innovative first-class resort reflective of Santorini’s culture and customs by creating a traditional Greek village made up of  Grecian-style villas.

The old wine-harvest spot on the estate was selected as the resort’s focal point, where wines produced here are sold. Vedema renovated the old cellars under the village  as  wine-tasting room, private dinning room, and the Vinsanto Restaurant.

Vedema has 45 villas with sea, village, or vineyard views, with private Jacuzzis and pools for some.

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Make a reservation at Arts Hotel

Hotel Arts, a symbol of the lifestyle renaissance in Barcelona since the 1992 Olympics, is a beach side property, situated on the Olympic Port 100 meters from the sea next to a landmark fish sculpture by architect Frank Gehry. The hotel is a living gallery and continues to house an extensive collection of contemporary Spanish art, featuring sculptures by Xavier Corberó, interpretations of Spain’s ‘Siglo de Oro’ paintings by Manolo Valdés, collages by Miguel Rasero, and works by painter Luis Feito.

Design elements include materials of marble and wood are repeated throughout rooms and public spaces and colors are neutral maximizing the effect of breathtaking views of the beach, ocean and city center from all vantage points. Natural elements of water and flowers continue as theme elements of the design. The 42nd and 43rd floors are home to the Spa by Six Senses Spas – the first European venture for this world-renowned Asian-based company.

Hotel Arts is home to a variety of restaurants and bars. Sergi Arola’s culinary ingenuity has been responsible for a unique take on Mediterranean cuisine.�
The rooms at Hotel Arts Barcelona are synonymous with the ultimate in luxury city travel. Their unique and exclusive location on the top ten levels of the tallest building in Barcelona means that they boast spectacular panoramic views overlooking the beach and Mediterranean Sea on one side and the city of Barcelona on the other. The Sagrada Familia and other tourist attractions can be sighted from a height of up to 150 meters. Stunning interiors designed by Jaume Tresserra, the famous Catalan designer, include furnishings, fixtures and carpets all hand made in his studio.

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Make a reservation at Mykonos Grace

The Grace Mykonos is Grace Hotel Groups  intimate,  hotel located  north of Mykonos town above the sandy and protected beach of Agios Stefanos.The coexistence of traditional architectural elements and local craftsmanship with modern facilities and is apparent throughout the property. 

The atmosphere is cool and calm, with touches of grey breaking up the chic white décor. Hotel has 31 rooms and they are  laid out over five levels so that  all of them look out onto Agios Stefanos beach and the island of Delos beyond.  And it’s perfectly placed for party-goers, just far enough out of Mykonos town to escape the crowds,  but  a ten minute taxi ride to the vibrant town.

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Make a reservation at Cap Estel

Cap Estel is located  in Eze,at the heart of the Côte d’azur on a private peninsula of about 5 acres between Nice and Monte Carlo. Sheltered from eyes Cap Estel is more like a  “private mansion with a guest-house ” combining luxury and a congenial atmosphere. Being in a 5-acre park, Cap Estel’s terraced gardens with their Mediterranean trees  and its private beach facing the blue waters of Mediterranean have long been a real oasis for the guests. Its fascinating pool and its jacuzzi melt into the infinity of the deep blue sea..

Cap Estel was founded by Frank Harris, an Irish journalist and his close friend Oscar Wilde, at the turn of the 19th Century, when they decided to turn a pig farm into a high class ‘resort’.

Steeped in history this stunning hotel has passed from the famous Russian Stroganoff family, to Greek ship owners and even a racing car driver,  before finally falling into the loving hands of its current owners, whose finishing touches to the property were finalized in early 2009 . Over the years Greta Garbo, The Beatles, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Robert de Niro have been guests of Cap Estel.

Cap Estel has  14 suites and 4 guest-rooms shared out in the estate’s 4 different sites : le Cap, la Mer, la Corniche et le Parc which are glamorous and contemporary  The light and open view of the sea and gardens serve as common denominators for all the rooms. Under the supervision of the Chef Nicolas Vie, “la table du Cap Estel” offers a range of Mediterranean dishes with emphasis on quality of the products and their enhancement.

Don’t leave without having a massage in a private gazebo on the property’s private beach.

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Make a reservation at Ellerman House and Villa

Ellerman House is an historical landmark occupies a commanding position above Cape Town. The magnificent Edwardian mansion situated on the most spectacular site on Kloof Road in the hottest Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay which is wind-free and has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ellerman House is  in a dramatic natural setting under sun-drenched skies with awe-inspiring sea views of the Atlantic Ocean stretching out to Robben Island. The ultra modern Ellerman Villa and the spa is located in the gardens of Ellerman House and is the private retreat for a family, honeymoon couple or group of friends. It is a 21st century addition to the Ellerman experience and a breath of fresh sea air in its amazing contemporary architectural proportions that give the impression that one is on a ship.

All rooms in Ellerman House and Ellerman Villa are en suite and spacious. With large and private balconies and awe-inspiring sea views, privacy and romance are a given. Ellerman House is distinguished from other fine hotels in South Africa by the Ellerman House Art collection. A recent addition is the opening of the Ellerman Contemporary gallery which provides guests with a glimpse of the  talents of contemporary South African artists which complement those of the Masters in Ellerman House.

One of the best part of the Ellerman House is being walking distance away from the famous Clifton beach that is the hottest and best in Cape Town.

Make a reservation at Ellerman House and Villa

Make a reservation at 12apostles

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa stands at the edge of the world …on the most elegant beach of Cape Town, the Camps Bay with its beautiful golden beaches. .. On one side of the hotel lie the  majestic mountains, on the other, the sun sets on whales, playful dolphins, and crashing Atlantic rollers. And all around, you can walk the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park.

When the Dutch settlers arrived in Cape Town in 1652, the Twelve Apostles Mountains behind the hotel were covered in forests and were home to lions, leopard and antelope. For most of the 19th Century, this area was undeveloped, serving as a hunting ground for Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of The Cape. In 1929, Jack van Breda designed a handsome house  with two big white frontal gables and a thatched roof, which changed hands during the years. Up until 1995, what is now The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa was a gabled house that was captivating because it stood so alone. In March 2002, the hotel becomes part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection who re-named it The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.

When choosing one of the 55 deluxe guest rooms and 15 luxurious suites, the hardest part is deciding whether to overlook the mountains or the sea. Whichever direction you face, the views are stunning. The rooms are light, airy, peaceful and are an eclectic mix of contemporary African style, classic European comfort. Cool colors and rich fabrics bring elegance and wilderness serenity.
Skilled craftsmen, from the local area provide a number of the more unusual items, such as mud chandeliers made from recycled clay as well as candy stripe wool carpets to emphasize the relaxed beach feel of Cape Town. Walls are adorned with impressive art purchased from local artists and antique houses round the world. The extensive grounds, already boasting a superb selection of sculptures, have become a showcase for the work of the most talented local artists.
Do not leave without dining in hotels Azure restaurant with its magnificent sea views of the Atlantic Ocean, which has great food too.

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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.

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Make a reservation at Mandarin Miami

Mandarin Oriental, Miami is located on Brickell Key, mainly the business district of Miami, with its  own private beach.  With its ideal location is just a leisurely stroll across the bridge to the Brickell financial district and services like exotic spa, the hotel is excellent for both leisure and business needs.

The hotels views of the waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami’s striking city skyline is spectacular. All 326 rooms have private balconies with bay views. The interiors reflect Miami’s distinct art deco style and  Asian serenity.

Enjoy drinks and endless water views in Cafe Sambal. For those who are tired of business meetings, the 20,000-square-foot private beach overlooking Biscayne Bay is an oasis.

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Make a reservation at Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah translates into the ‘City of Jumeirah’,  located in the heart of  Jumeirah,along the Jumeirah beach strip.  The hote is styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel. Meandering waterways transport guests to all parts of this city of senses.

Two grand boutique hotels, courtyard summer houses, a traditional souk, 44  restaurants and bars, Talise Spa, many recreational facilities and the superlative Quay Health Club – all this and more combine to make Madinat Jumeirah a huge resort-hotel.

Mina A’ Salam is a grand boutique hotel  nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, offering you a window into a world rich in culture and faithful to time honoured traditions. Al Qasr means ‘The Palace’ and is the centre-piece of Madinat Jumeirah and is designed to reflect a Sheikh’s summer residence. At Dar Al Masyaf, the rooms and suites are arranged in the style of exquisite Arabian summer courtyard houses, designed to be light, bright and spacious. They represent our resort’s premium accommodation, tucked away between lush gardens and tranquil waterways which is the best part of this huge resort-hotel.

Make a reservation at Madinat Jumeirah

Make a reservation at Tides Miami

As icon of Art Deco architecture on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive, The Tides South Beach is really the Diva of Ocean Drivede. After the renovation the Tides re-opened its doors in 2007 with the glamorous new design which incorporates elements from the sea, rich textures, sunset colors and vintage recreations. The Tides is on the beachfront, ideal for South Beach lifestyle lovers

The  hotel features forty-five stylish luxury suites all offering expansive ocean views. Spacious accommodations range from Oceanfront Studio Suites of 550 square feet to the 2,600 square foot Tides Suite.

For a real South Beach dining, La Marea offering a fresh dining concept in a dramatic setting, is a very good choice. The hotel’s front terrace overlooking Ocean Drive  is an ideal spot for people watching while enjoying a signature popsicle martini. Or, for an intriguing gathering place to enjoy cocktails and appetizers, experience Coral Bar, South Beach’s tucked away treasure.

Make a reservation at Tides Miami

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.

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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 Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is Andre Balazs’s romantic 20 room hotel on the beautiful and secluded Shelter Island on the east end of Long Island. This part of the island is like Côte d’Azur especially with Sunset Beach.

The seasonal hotel (only openduring summers) has opened its doors in 1997 and remained one of the most unique and beloved Long Island retreats with its unique decoration and beautiful clients. Inspired by the French and Italian Rivieras, the outdoor bar and restaurant offers French bistro cuisine with very charming sunset views overlooking the Peconic Bay, where you can really swim..Great for a romantic weekend hideaway..

Do not forget to reserve your table at hotels restaurant, which is always full especially at weekends.

Make a reservation at Sunset Beach

Make a reservation at Delano

Located in the heart of South Beach and directly on the ocean, Delano has became a Miami classic.  Delano has a glamorous,  Indoor/Outdoor lobby, offering a seamless flow between a series of unique indoor and outdoor rooms.  Philippe Starck has assembled a stunning international collection of furniture and objects, including works from such renowned artists as Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson.

All the rooms and suites has Philippe Starck’s original white-on-white design with Atlantic ocean views. Delano’s stunning pool is a complete reinvention of the standard form, and more akin to a “Water Salon,” with its soothing underwater music and separate areas devoted to floating and meditating. Exclusive cabanas with butlers surround the pool.

Conceived as an indoor room moved outdoors, the landscaped lawn filled with whimsical, Starck-designed “vignettes” – including an antique daybed and over-sized chessboard – that lend it the feeling of a surreally beautiful stage set and make it the ultimate place for hanging out. Delano is situated directly on the beach. You can lie on the oversize beach chairs and enjoy the Miami sun.

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Kuum is not only a hotel, but like  a small settlement that has opened in 2008 in Bodrum, an international destination renowned for its wonderful climate, turquoise waters and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is like  a small village with its hotel-houses, two restaurants, shops, 300 meter long beach and spa..Kuum Hotel and Spa  consist of a 66 room Hotel, a Spa which will be run by Anantara.

Bodrum is a Mediterranean port-trade settlement in the Southwest of Turkey. The area boasts a rich history of over three thousand years, including Hellenistic times. The venerated scientist Heredot was born there and sculptures by artists including Leochares, Bryaxis, and Timotheos were exhibited there and can now be found in museum collections around the world.

Kuum is an innovative concept for boutique lifestyle and hotels and designed by Gokhan Avcioglu and GAD.  The architecture for KUUM was inspired by the regional beauty, resources and historical legacy of southwestern Turkey and the Aegean Sea.  GAD’s aim was to design the units in harmony with their natural setting so they blend in and do not harm the environment or call for any trees to be destroyed. Each unit of the hotel is modeled and designed with the flexibility to have the beautiful view of the bay..The rooms are designed as S, M, L and XL and even the Small room is 30 square meter and each room has either a terrace or private garden.

The hotel’s Balikci restaurant is at the seaside on the end of 300 meter long beach and  serves the freshest fish and all kinds of fish snacks.  While you eat your fish caught that morning you can swing your feet in the water..

Photos by Leo Fabrizio, Ozlem Avcioglu, Ali Bekman