Make a reservation at Chèvre d’Or

Located in Eze Village, between Monaco and Nice 429 meters above sea level, before the back country and clinging to a hillside overlooking the sea, Château de la Chèvre d’Or is set in a perfect and privileged location. In 1953, Robert Wolf fell in love with what was a private house and converted it into a restaurant. The Château dela Chèvre d’Or met with immediate success and soon after its reputation reached international magnitude.
Upon the advice of Walt Disney who immediately fell in love with the gourmet restaurant and the setting, the then owner followed his endeavours by purchasing private houses in the village and converted them
into bedrooms.

 In 1960, Bruno Ingold, South African Consul to Monaco and Advisor to the Prince of Monaco, partnered with his friend Robert Wolf to develop the hotel division of the Château. At that time there were only 6 rooms. The hotel continues to grow today at the very heart of the village and now has 37 rooms and suites. Guests over the years include names like Lauren Bacall, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, Roger Moore, Tony Curtis, Clint Eastwood and Robert de Niro.
In 1992, a loyal client of the restaurant and “admirer”" of the Château de la Chèvre d’Or was to purchase it, entrusting the management to Therese Blay. The hotel had 18 rooms at that time.
The talented Chef Fabrice VULIN holds a deep passion for authentic local produce at its very best..Château de la Chèvre d’Or now offers its clientele the magic atmosphere of terraced gardens, medieval buildings, stone houses.

Make a reservation at Chèvre d’Or

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 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 Mark

In elegant Mark hotel, located in the heart of the Upper East Side, only one block from Central Park, it is all about carefull details.
The Mark is housed, as it has always been, in the beautiful, 1927 landmark building at the corner of 77th Street and Madison Avenue. But inside it has been completely reimagined, and given a new life and identity for the 21st century. Old-world comfort blended very well with avant-garde design and technology.

Designed by Jacques Grange The Mark  combines French style, immaculate British service, and modern American technology and comfort.  Grange not only oversaw and designed furnishings, he collaborated with the Parisian design gallerist Pierre Passebon to commission a host of objets d’art, furniture and lighting fixtures, specially created by artists  including Ron Arad, Vladimir Kagan, Mattia Bonetti, Paul Mathieu, Eric Schmitt, Rachel Howard, Todd Eberle.

Each suite and guest room at The Mark is luxurious and very comfortable. The furnishings have all been personally designed or selected by Grange, in pale soothing tones that evoke the height of Parisian luxury in the 1930s. Mark is a perfect city hotel both with its location, interiors and services.

Make a reservation at Mark

Make a reservation at Les Ottomans

Located at the most magnificent section of the Bosphorus, the “Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion” has been brought back to life, as “Hôtel Les Ottomans”. The  Mansion was one of the most prestigious mansions of its time and  were built where there had been remains from the time of Ahmet III, a fountain and garden sets.

After a long and sad hiatus in its history, the mansion came back to life, was converted to one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in Turkey. Remaining faithful to its original design on the outside, it was restructured inside as a journey from its origins in the past to the present.

This extraordinary hotel consisting of 10 original and unique prestigious suites opens its doors to welcome guests, with great Bosporus views.  The decor of the rooms combine the Ottoman tradition and the pleasures of a luxurious life that will leave guests breathless.

From and to the  airport  transfers select hotels boat Mahuu which  is the ideal speed boat for transfers to all locations on the Bosphorus.

Make a reservation at Les Ottomans

Make a reservation at Ajia

A distinguished hotel, A’jia is a traditional 19th century Ottoman mansion on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus with spectacular views of Istanbul.
With its 16 rooms that feature breathtaking scenes from the Bosphorus, each room is uniquely designed, furnished and equipped with all the latest gimmicks and amenities blending in perfectly with the timeless elegance of the 1800’s.

The A’jia restaurant is an exclusive venue with a gusto that is happy duel any “gourmet” to perfection.   Use the hotels private boat to cross to Europe site. Being between continents is a spectacular experience. .

Make a reservation at Ajia

Hôtel de Vendôme is in the heart of Paris at 1, Place Vendôme. The building at number one, the private mansion that houses Hôtel de Vendôme, gives Place Vendôme its name as it is the site of the original Vendôme family’s residence. The residence was built in 1723 and converted into a hotel in 1907. Hotel has only twenty-nine guest rooms and suites include ten suites and nineteen guest rooms each individually decorated with antique furniture, noble woods and upholstery manufactured by French craftsmen. High ceilings, chandeliers, frescos, oil paintings and windows that open onto views of the Place Vendôme make for a truly Parisian experience.
Its elegant restaurant Vendome is designed by Michele Bönan. The restaurant has cosy window seats, an original white marble fireplace and a bookcase full of fashion and design books . The menu changes monthly according to the season enabling the restaurant to serve dishes made with fresh ingredients

Make a reservation at Sumahan

“Sumahan on the Water” a  restored nineteenth century Ottoman distillery opened its doors as a hotel in 2005.   “Suma” is the word for unadulterated spirit.  “Han” was the word for inn in Ottoman times.

Sumahan on the Water sits on the very edge of the Bosphorus  which separate Europe from Asia and link the cold waters of the Black Sea to the warm waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean beyond.  The hotel has 7 rooms 13 suites.  Each accommodation has been individually designed. Each has its own special character. The hotel is very cozy with most rooms having a fireplace and large windows looking out over the Bosphorus and a panoramic view of the European side of Istanbul and the old city.

While staying cross the continents with hotels private boat, for a great experience.

Make a reservation at Sumahan

Make a reservation at Park Hyatt Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney is located in the historic Rocks district across one of the world’s most glittering harbors.  Park Hyatt Sydney opened in 1990 and quickly earned a reputation as Australia’s most luxurious hotel, welcoming royalty, heads of state, corporate leaders, celebrities and a host of local and international guests who chose to make it home while in Sydney.

The interiors is an uncluttered timeless style with a strong local flavor honoring the its  position on Sydney Harbour, overlooking Opera House and Harbor Bridge. The hotel is renowned for having the largest hotel rooms in Sydney with  private balconies taking in unobstructed views of the harbor. The hotel has an elegant day spa, rooftop terrace and pool. The hotel’s chic Tony Chi designed restaurant harbour kitchen&bar, takes in the fabulous view of Sydney Harbor through floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors that create a light and airy environment where you can actually hear the water lapping and see the food being prepared by the hotel’s executive chef, Andrew McKee.

Make a reservation at Park Hyatt Sydney

De Pisis located in Bauer Il Palazzo, with the exquisite nature of terrace seating along one of the most spectacular sites in the world; a terrace overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal, with a view of the famous Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute in the distance..And for those who prefer the intimacy of interiors, the dining room is elaborately furnished in a style reminiscent of Venice’s past.

Chef Giovanni Ciresa offers an original cuisine based on international cooking and enriched by local. He remains true to his Italian roots and locale and serves the freshest finds enhancing their distinct flavors with Mediterranean essences and a dash of Asian influence without giving up on experimentation. Romance…fine dining…exceptional seating…and a view!!

Make a reservation at Standard New York

The High Line is the new renovation project in Manhattan, of the old railway turned a public park, which runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. The New York Standard Hotel is the 18 story building over the High Line. Andre Balazs’s latest New York property is designed by Polshek Partnership and became the new iconic building of Manhattan.

The retro style interiors,  designed by Shawn Hausmanand Roman & Williams, strike you as soon as you enter the hotel from a yellow door. The lobby and lounge area are very sexy and interesting and the Standard Grill restaurant is full with hot and attractive crowd.  Although some of them really compact, the 337 rooms have floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views of lower Manhattan, Hudson River and New Jersey cost. But be aware that your activities in the rooms ca be watched by the High Line passersby.

Make a reservation at Standard New York

Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Lake Palace is a dream hotel : A white marble palace that seems to float on the still waters of Lake Pichola located in the middle of Lake Pichola.  The palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar as a summer palace andafter a great renovation has trasformed to Tja hotel.  Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers descendents of the original palace retainers look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty.

The Palace has luxury 83 rooms including 17 suites with colored murals, ornately carved wood furniture and  Lily Pond or terrace views.  Guests can enjoy royal Mewar fare at the Lily Pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the Palace. Or sail into the middle of a purple sunset for a feast on The Ganguar – a hundred and fifty year old ceremonial imperial barge that recreates the stately splendor of royal cruises with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen. Dinner on the Mewar Terrace makes for an extremely scenic and romantic experience, with spectacular views of the surrounding palaces and Lake Pichola, and a lilting serenade of contemporary music. And for the eternal romantic experience, an intimate table for two floated on a pontoon in the moon kissed waters of the Pichola is a must do. Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

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 Splendido

The most important aspect of Hotel Splendido is being in Portofino, the riviera town of Italy which was the charming 1980’s. Lost its fame to new cities in the world, Portofino is still the chic town where most visitors arrive in their own yachts or stay in hotel Splendido.

Being a monastery, back in the 16th century, Splendido is overlooking a ravishing seascape, a retreat suspended above the sea, with 64 rooms and suites.

Opened in 1900, the hotel was the attraction of the famous like Bogart and Bacall, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, Liz Taylor, and Rex Harrison. Dining in the hotel is a real pleasure. Its Ligurian cuisine is a must.

With its gardens, , saltwater heated  pool, grape-vined terraces, piano bar overlooking to the beautiful Portofino bay and Carnevon Castle, oversized bedrooms with chick balconies Splendido is still in the game.

Make a reservation at Splendido

It’s glamorous and gorgeous … and you feel also glamorous and gorgeous in this, sexy, chic and comfortable bar..The Glamour Bar is located on Shanghai’s historic riverfront, The Bund, on the sixth floor of the former Nissin Shipping building. It has the spectacular, one-of-a-kind Bund and Pudong views.

A stunning chrome-and-mirror bar, its inspiration a sexy high heel, anchors the room; fabric screens with Chinese landscape images and an inviting hodgepodge of sofas and chairs create a feeling that is both ultra-comfortable and ultra-chic. With huge windows lining three walls, the Glamour Bar’s views of both modern and historic Shanghai are unparalleled.

The food is tasty, the cocktails are tempting. What else do you want from a place?

Make a reservation at Commune by the Great Wall

Commune by the Great Wall is located by the Great Wall and operated by Kempinski group and  is a private collection of contemporary architecture designed by 12 leading Asian architects like Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, Rocco Yim.  It was exhibited at the 2002 la Biennale di Venezia and bestowed a special prize.

The original 11 villas are massive, ranging from four to six bedrooms, and are essentially luxurious experimental mansions. A new partnership with the Kempinski hotel company has brought about 31 new villas — cut from the same experimental cloth as the rest of the Commune, but sized (and budgeted) for individual travelers rather than moguls.

If you’re interested in the absolute height of modern architecture and luxury hospitality, by all means, book a villa. For the rest of us, the Kempinski additions are the best sampler of China’s newest architectural wonder.

Commune by the Great Wall-Managed by Kempinski is currently comprised of forty-two villas with 190 suites and eleven Presidential Suites, four restaurants, Anantara Spa, Kid’s Club and an outdoor pool. There is a private path accessing the Great Wall at Commune by the Great Wall.
Located in the Shuiguan Mountains, at the Great Wall,  amidst 8 square kilometers of private land,  it is 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Beijing city center.

The main problem of the Commune is that although it is presented as ‘contemporary architectural museum in China’, the pieces designed by these leading architects are not the most exciting work they have done. The most impressive aspect of this hotel is its location. You are sleeping and waking up and having your lunch or enjoying the day next to one of the Seven Wonders of the world: The Great Wall.

Make a reservation at Commune by the Great Wall

Make a reservation at Aman Summer Palace

After 20 years Aman still continues to impress travelers with its new city resorts and Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing is the ultimate ‘urban resort’.

Opened at the end of 2008, Aman Summer Palace is the peaceful retreat just steps from the East Gate of one of Beijing’s most remarkable landmarks – the Summer Palace., an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housed in a series of pavilions, some of which are over hundred years old,  which served as guest quarters for those awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi at the turn of the last century. Aman has a private door which opens directly to the Summer Palace and gives you access to the beautiful gardens and architecture dating back to 12th century. If possible, wake up early and visit the summer palace gardens before the crowds.

Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing has the courtyard architectural style of the Palace with elegant Ming-Dynasty inspired furniture and the use of traditional materials. Although it is in one of the biggest and crowded cities of the world  balance and tranquility provides the perfect respite from the outside world, and the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant capital.Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing is the ideal portal through which to experience this multi-faceted city, and within the resorts walls a mysterious sense of peeking through the veil of time to the romance of another era lingers on.

With Aman Summer Palace Aman also started an initiative about Wine. Amanresorts’ new wine and spirits program launched just last year.  The family and boutique producers from every corner of the globe to make available some of the world’s most coveted wines and spirits at select Amanresorts properties worldwide. Many producers have developed brand extensions, including reserves and single-vineyard bottlings of their finest vintages, exclusively for Amanresorts. Others have made their previously ‘off-limits’ caves, private reserves and personal library selections available to Amanresorts alone.  Guests of Amanresorts will also be welcomed into the wineries, chateaux and homes of partners around the world by prior arrangement. Aman Summer Palace has its own private wine selection which is available through all its restaurants and bars and in its tasting room.

The resort has 8 Guestrooms and 10 Courtyard Guestrooms  and 8 Suites, all facing to a private courtyard.  With its cultural private tours, impressive Aman Spa and indoor pool, elegant lounges and bars, and different restaurants for all tastes and of course with usual exceptional Aman Service this is THE place to stay in Beijing and experience both the 12th and 21st centuries.

Make a reservation at Aman Summer Palace

photos are courtesy of Aman Resorts

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Built in 1903, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai across the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous monument  built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The hotel has panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the perfect location in Mumbai. Being close to the most important landmarks and the most beautiful shops the hotels lobby is always busy with people, visiting the shopping arcade and the restaurants and bars inside the hotel.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, was born out of Jamsetji N. Tata’s dream. Mr. Tata believed that Bombay (now Mumbai), the commercial capital of India, required a grand hotel, one that would enhance its reputation amongst the great cities of the world. In 1970  the Tower block has been added  which nearly doubled the Hotel’s room. The Palace part –heritage wing- is an architectural marvel which brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles and full of a magnificent collection of Indian art.

Taj Mahal has the most impressive restaurants and bars of Mumbai .. One of them is Wasabi by Japanese celebrity chef Morimoto .. The Souk on the rooftop has the most beautiful view of Mumbai and introduces fresh flavors of dishes from Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece and Morocco. Masala Kraft blends
aromatic Indian spices with modern cooking techniques, and produces flavors that are fresh and delicious. The historic Harbor Bar: is India’s first licensed bar and it is a very nice place to have a drink after a day in busy streets of Mumbai.
Choose a room in heritage wing with views of the Arabian See and feel like maharaja..

Photos are courtesy of Taj Hotels

Make a reservation at Palais Coburg

Six centuries of Viennese architectural history can be experienced in Hotel Palais Coburg, which is in the city center and only a couple minutes from Stephansplatz.
The Palais was built between 1840 and 1845 in a classicist style, commissioned by Ferdinand von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha. The grand palace was constructed atop a former bastion, the Braunbastei, whose foundations include sections of the city’s fortifications dating from the sixteenth century.In 1997, a private foundation, POK acquired the building. From2000 to 2003, after several years of planning, they renovated, revitalized, and rebuilt the structure taking into account all available historical information. In November 2003, the “new” Palais Coburg opened to the public. With the new additions and carvings the entry of the hotel is very impressive The other impressive aspect of the hotel is its Wine Cellar and owns finest wine collection of Austria.  The building’s unique historical fabric is also the base of the Palais’ current use, with its total area of more than 16,000 square meters.. 35 Hotel Suites are over two floors and each is individually designed, and named after historic personalities..

Chef Silvio Nickol and his team are synonymous with creative cuisine of the highest level. The gourmet restaurant at the Palais Coburg is a place of comprehensive, contemporary dining culture. Creative interpretation of classic dishes and exceptionally composed innovations as well as subtly arranged interaction of food and wine are the main topics. In the wine list more than five thousand positions are listedThe hotel has also a rooftop pool and spa.. To enjoy history, luxury, excellent wine and gourmet food in the city center of Vienna is really amazing..

Make a reservation at Palais Coburg