Make a reservation at Mystique

Santorini is one of the most romantic places in the world with its unique landscape and great views.  In Santorini nothing has much changed in the last 15 years, which is good and bad at the same time. You find the places, restaurants, beaches you visited before  exactly the same but the service and comfort you are expecting from a hotel has changed in 15 years. Finding a hotel that matches your expectations is not easy on this island except Mystique, that’s why it is The hotel in Santorini.

Mystique, is the latest addition to the Starwood Luxury Collection, located in Santorini, Greece. It is not only a stylish luxury boutique hotel but it also has the most exquisite setting on this island. Mystique is in the village of Oia, the most beautiful village of Santorini with most famous cliffs and sunsets  and dazzling views of clear blue equatorial waters towards the volcano and the Aegean Caldera.

Santorini island-style architecture of the hotel preserves the nature in a climate of unabashed luxury built in the beautiful scenery. The hotel’s unique cave-like interiors provide a genuinely romantic, cozy environment, for the many honeymoon couples that stay on Santorini. It features 18 villas, carved into the cliff, with panoramic private terraces and unrivaled views of  the ocean. The suites combine tradition with modern conveniences.
Mystique’s facilities include an outdoor infinity pool at the cliff’s edge, the Charisma gourmet restaurant, the poolside Aura bar which are perfect for a wedding ceremony.�
Hotels Secret Wine Cave has a dramatic 150 year old wine cellar, with a rare and local wine selection.

Sunsets are the perfect timing to experience this beautiful and romantic hotel..

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Make a reservation at Cap Ferrat

Housed in a white mansion, on the Côte D’Azur, on the tip of the peninsula of Cap-Ferrat, in 17 acres of lushly landscaped gardens with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat has welcomed guests throughout the past 100 years.

The hotel opened in 2009 after an extensive expansion project by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The original Rotunda was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel in 1909 and is located adjacent to the main lobby with large bay windows overlooking the sea. The beautiful lobby features a crystal table by Lalique and a baroque chandelier made by Tisserant (whose other lighting projects include the Palace of Versailles) of crystal doves enclosed within a silver lantern that hangs from the ceiling and reflects light into the room from the rotunda.

A new sea-front wing, the Residence features eight new suites: each with its own private swimming pool and spacious terrace overlooking the sea and sixteen deluxe sea view rooms with private terraces.With the addition of this new wing the hotel now features 73 rooms and suites.Rooms are spacious, light and feature reproductions of artwork from French artists, many of whom were local to the area and regular guests at the Grand-Hotel, including Picasso, Cocteau, Matisse, Chagall, Modigliani and Rodin.

The pool at the Grand Hotel is synonymous with Pierre Gruneberg, resident swimming instructor, who has been teaching hotel guests to swim since 1950. Famous for his ‘salad bowl’ method, Pierre Gruneberg taught Charlie Chaplin’s children how to swim along with countless other hotel guests throughout the years. Grand Hotel guests Picasso and Jean Cocteau, while they did not take part in swimming lessons, sketched souvenir portraits of Pierre that he has saved in his book of Grand Hotel memoirs: “Le Livre D’Or”

Executive Chef Didier Aniès, oversees all three restaurants. Aniès’ cuisine is simple and delicious, unpretentious and elegant. He uses the best ingredients and his creations are inventive and influenced by the Provence region. Try the new La Véranda restaurant that offers creative and authentic Mediterranean cuisine views of the sea and surrounding gardens.

Make a reservation at Cap Ferrat

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 Mamounia

La Mamounia as a tranquil haven in the heart of Marrakech.  Located on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech, La Mamounia is named after its legendary 200-year-old gardens, originally given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun.  Today the gardens at La Mamounia cover almost 20 acres with an enviable variety of flora and fauna. The hotel originally opened in 1923 and since has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.�
For more than 85 years, La Mamounia has been a  destination for travelers from around the globe, including royals, heads of state, film makers, musicians, actors and fashion designers like  Sir Winston Churchill,Franklin D. Roosevelt Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Princess Caroline of Monaco Nelson Mandela, Jacques Chirac, The Rolling Stones,  Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Yves Saint Laurent.  Alfred Hitchcock chose La Mamounia as the site to film The Man Who Knew Too Much with James Stewart and Doris Day.

After years long extensive restoration  led by  interior designer, Jacques Garcia La Mamounia,  re-opened its doors in 2009.  This legendary hotel,  has expanded with 136 stylish guest rooms, 71 Suites and three Riads each with three bedrooms, private terraces, Moroccan salons and a private swimming pool.   Strong use of light and color, marble columns,  vivid fabrics, soft furnishings and colorful wood, combined with theatrical perspectives.  Two 2-Michelin Star chefs, Alfonso Iaccarino and Jean-Pierre Vigato leading two of its signature restaurants.  L’Italien by Alfonso Iaccarino features modern Italian specialties, while Le Francais by Jean-Pierre Vigato specializes in French contemporary cuisine.  In addition, the 27,000 sq ft La Mamounia Spa is a must visit place.

Wake up early and stroll in the gardens before the city starts its busy day..

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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 Mondrian Miami

Mondrain Miami is located on the West Avenue and has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami. You are surrounded by the style of Marcel Wanders  from the moment you pull into the porte-cochere: you walk through a grand entryway appointed with custom-designed furniture, lighting and accent pieces, evoking Wanders’ design homage of “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”. When you enter the lobby the eye is drawn to the masterpiece of the room–an iconic, signature “floating staircase.” Black and gold patterned furnishings and over sized brass bell shaped lights give you the feeling that you are in a fairy tale.

The main swimming pool is surrounded by lounge pillows, lush gardens hung with hammocks and landscaped into a labyrinthine trail with lounge areas, secret pathways and “kissing corners.” A second level terrace offers sunset views.  Separate kids’ pool and play areas include a tented sandbox and toy room and large cabanas for family rental.  Jet skis, boating and water sports are also offered on the bay.

Mondrian hotels signature restaurant Asia de Cuba is on the ground floor and blends the design of Marcel Wanders with  Jeffrey Chodorow’s Asian,  Latin cuisines . The  indoor/outdoor lounge is the only bay-side destination for watching the sunset over Miami’s downtown skyline.

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Make a reservation at Oberoi Udaivilas

Udaipur is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world on Lake Pichola, against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli Hills.  The Oberoi Udaivilas, conceived as a Mewari palace is in this tranquil setting, recreating the romance of the past and yet completely in keeping with the 21st century, The hotel is spread over an expanse of 30 acres on the banks of Lake Pichola.Rambling elegantly around courtyards and walkway, gentle rippling fountains and reflecting pools and verdant gardens, The Oberoi Udaivilas is instilled with an overall serenity.

The guestrooms are very spacious and all of them are with private terraces, large marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls and freestanding Victorian bathtubs that overlook private walled courtyards. Restaurants serve traditional Rajasthani, Indian and International cuisine. The outdoor swimming pool of the spa is the most charming place of the hotel, overlooking to the City Palace and two 17th-century island palaces on the lake – Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas. With its location, service,architecture, amenities and serenity Oberoi Udaivilas is for sure one of the greatest hotels in the world

Do not forget to make an afternoon excursion with hotels traditional rowboat on the lake Pichola.

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Make a reservation at Observatory Sydney

The Observatory Hotel is in the heart of Sydney, located near Sydney’s historic Rocks and central business district, nestled near the harbor and  Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The hotel has 78 spacious rooms, 9 Junior Suites, 12 Executive Suites and the Observatory Suite, with some suites and rooms interconnecting.  The hotel is also know with its spa and 20-metre heated pool, mirrored by a ceiling of fiber optic lights designed to recreate the constellations of the southern hemisphere.

The  Hotel is renowned for its fine cuisine, ranging from elegant dining in the Galileo Restaurant to the light menu in the club-like Globe Bar. The Galileo Restaurant offers a of French cuisine from sought after Chef Masahiko Yomoda. The Globe Bar offers a selection of contemporary Australian dishes, ideal for a light lunch or post-theater supper.

Make a reservation at Observatory Sydney

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 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.

Make a reservation at Delano

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 One and Only Palmilla

One&Only Palmilla is a very good reason to travel to Los Cabos. The charming resort  is located on the Baja Peninsula where the ocean merges with the Sea of Cortez; at the southernmost point of Baja California along the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez within the Los Cabos Corridor, a 21-mile stretch between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
Los Cabos Corridor is well known with its 360 days sun..Only 5 days you may get the rain.. This makes this location very unique.

The resort was built in 1956 as a 15-room luxury hideaway by Don Abelardo Rodriguez, son of the President of Mexico.  It was a tropical hideaway hot spot for people like Ernest Hemingway, John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Dwight D. Eisenhower and was accessible only by yacht or private plane.
Following the construction of the Transpeninsular Highway in 1970, the resort became increasingly popular and grew to 50 rooms by 1984. In 1991, the Palmilla Golf Club opened, and in 1996, the property was again expanded to 115 rooms. The glamorous flavor and ambiance of the original resort were carefully preserved in legendary One&Only Palmilla, for the new generation of travelers and  opened in February 2004 by Kerzner group. The new resorts became an attraction point for Hollywood celebrities and people who want to have an unforgettable wedding.

The resort features expansive ocean-facing, spacious and elegant rooms, each with veranda, balcony, sun beds, and indulgent amenities. All 172 guestrooms allow optimum privacy and 24-hour butler service assures every wish and whim is fulfilled. The service and attention to detail were exceptional. From the moment they pick you up at the airport every moment of your vacation is first class.

Michelin stared chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten presents a unique dining concept in resort’s restaurant Market, his first outpost South of the Border.  His signature style blended with Mexican overtones using traditional ingredients. Guests will be invited to enjoy ‘couture cuisine’ allowing them to customize their meal through a choice of cooking techniques Market,  designed, by Adam D. Tihany, evokes understated elegance using warm natural colors and a collection of original

One&Only Palmillas spa  is in a village within the resort , consisting of individual charming spa houses. Ancient and modern, Mexican and Asian healing techniques bring body and spirit in harmony with nature..A complete sanctuary we loved so much..

With its historic chapel exuding an aura of romance One&Only Palmilla is a heavenly location for a wedding. Located on a hill overlooking the resort’s tropical grounds and beaches, the chapel is in traditional Mexican style, whitewashed with arched doorways and windows.
The resort also boasts the 27-hole Palmilla Golf Club,  designed by Jack Nicklaus in a very local nature.

Make a reservation at One and Only Palmilla

Pictures by Ozlem Avcioglu and courtesy of One&Only