Make a reservation at Palafitte

Palafitte is unique because it is the only five star hotel in Europe built on water, located on the lake of Neuchâtel.

The Hôtel Palafitte was built as a temporary structure for Expo 02, a Swiss exhibition that took place in 2002. It was financed by the Sandoz Family Foundation and designed by architect Kurt Hoffman. The goal was to create a state-of-the-art, 21st Century hotel using “sustainable architecture” that would allow the hotel’s components to be rebuilt or recycled after Expo.02. In the end, the hotel was such a hit that the Swiss government granted permission for it to stay open despite laws that normally forbid structures over public lakes.
Besides having an aquatic setting, the Hôtel Palafitte makes use of environmentally friendly features such as solar panels for hot water and electricity, heating with biogas from kitchen waste, and rainwater collection for toilet flushing.

The Palafitte has  forty luxury pavilions with breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps, twenty four of them are built directly on the lake. Each pavilion is 68m2 and is equipped with private terrace, with direct access to the lake. The ‘Le Colvert’ restaurant invites you on a marvelous culinary journey whilst ‘Le Bar’ is an elegant and cosy area where intimate conversations take over in a magic atmosphere around the fire.
For a Maldive-type experience on a Swiss lake…

Make a reservation at Palafitte

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 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..

Make a reservation at Mamounia

Make a reservation at Halkin

Halkin, a haute-couture Italian-style boutique hotel, owned by Singapore’s Christina Ong of Como Shambhala group.  The public spaces of The Halkin amount to little more than a small but handsome lobby and bar while the rooms get the star treatment.

The rooms design can be described as “”Milanese Zen”", rich leathers and soothing muted colors doing their best to expand the already generous space.  Each floor takes on as its theme one of the four ancient elements  but the differences are subtle enough to avoid gimmickry; all four are as unassumingly elegant as can be. The marble bathrooms are expansive, and the COMO Shambhala bath products add to the culture shock—you may have to walk outside and see the building’s Georgian facade to reassure yourself that this is indeed London.

The location, in quietly upscale Belgravia, is a perfect match for this chic yet grown-up hotel—attractive yet not too ostentatious, and providing easy access to Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Picadilly.

Make a reservation at Halkin

The 1,000 square meter spa of Mandarin Oriental will is dedicated to relaxation and well-being.

With a conviction that surroundings have a profound influence on one’s state of mind, the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola has conceived the Spa as an intimate and minimalist space, markedly modern in style with Oriental touches.

A soothing environment for guests to enjoy holistic treatments, the spa will feature a total of eight treatment rooms. This includes: two luxury couples’ spa suites, two oriental suites which includes a spa vitality pool and futon for traditional Thai massages and four luxurious treatment rooms, each with their own aromatherapy experience shower and a 12-meter indoor swimming pool.

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 Le Quartier Francais

Le Quartier Français (the French Quarter) is a small, privately owned hotel situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands .  Franschhoek is the gourmet capital of South Africa so is the Le Quartier with world known restaurants Tasting Room and Ici and its chef one of the worlds best, Margot Janse.

The owner of the hotel likes to keep things simple, but exceptional giving emphasis on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with  privacy, tucked away in the centre of the village.

The hotel has different suites and rooms: The Four Quarters  feature four sumptuous generously sized suites overlooking a central courtyard and lap pool. The auberge Suites has been home of the owners converted into 2 very comfortable suites with private pools in walled gardens. The 10 luxury auberge  rooms built around a central pool and surrounded by scented white and blue gardens. Each spacious room is individually decorated and offers the comfort of home with extra little touches that make the difference.
A relaxed, café-style restaurant / street side bistro called iCi,  takes care of breakfast, lunch, casual dinners and anything in between from a glass of wine to good coffees. Do not miss to eat in Tasting Room, that is among the top 50 best restaurants in the world.

Make a reservation at Le Quartier Francais

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 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.

Make a reservation at Oberoi Udaivilas

Make a reservation at Aman Delhi

Aman New Delhi is the first ‘city-based resort’  from Aman group. For the first time an Aman has elevator, TV’s in the rooms and its restaurants and spa are also open to the public. But you can feel the ‘Aman spirit’ in every aspect. Aman Delhi sits on a  six acre green properts but ata the same time is in the heart of Delhi.

Contemporary lines and modern amenities are mixed  with traditional Indian design creating spaces of tranquillity and timelessness.  Olive-hued Khareda stone lies underfoot, warmed by handmade rugs in muted earth tones and dark wood panels accentuated by discreet lighting. Traditional ‘jaali’ screens provide terraces and exteriors with serenity and mystery, while patterns of sunlight and shade onto stone walls and floors.

Designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, Aman New Delhi houses 31 Aman Rooms and eight two-bedroom Aman Suites in a dramatic nine-storey structure, each offering its own private plunge pool – a unique feature in a multi-storey city resort. Suites are furnished with crisp white linens and woollen throws dressing king-sized beds, upholstered day-beds, and brass vases of marigolds providing a splash of colour.

Rooms and Suites are of varying sizes and configurations, each complete with sitting/dining areas, writing desks, separate dressing areas, double vanities and large bathrooms. A glass picture window separates the bathroom and bedroom areas and frames a 5 m x 5 m private plunge pool with daybed and views of the city beyond.  All rooms feature terraces with outdoor seating.  Each floor features dedicated butler service.

The Health Centre, set in a tranquil sunken courtyard, includes tennis and squash courts as well as a gym. The 50-metre pool overlooks the Pool Bar where Indian snacks and a selection of light meals are served.  There are several dining options at Aman New Delhi ranging from authentic north Indian cuisine to international fare.

Make a reservation at Aman Delhi

India is known for its well-being philosophies including yoga and Ayurvedic treatments, The Spa at Aman New Delhi offers traditional Indian healing techniques blended harmoniously with modern therapies. Featuring eight private treatment rooms, two traditional hammam steam baths and a bamboo garden relaxation area, the extensive spa features treatments for men and women, as well as a hair and beauty studio from celebrated stylist Kim Robinson.

The Health Centre, set in a tranquil sunken courtyard, includes tennis and squash courts as well as a gym staffed with professional trainers for personalised fitness guidance. The 50-metre pool overlooks the Pool Bar where Indian snacks and a selection of light meals are served..

The luxurious Udaivilas spa with its own swimming pool overlooks the lake and is a haven of serenity. Trained therapists pamper body and soul with rejuvenating treatments.

In the serenely appointed spa suites, spectacular views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace inspire the spirit whilst your body is revitalised by the healing hands of our highly skilled & trained therapists. The spa also offers the opportunity to undertake private Yoga, meditations and Pranayam sessions with the resident Yoga teacher or explore the city steeped in the romance of the oldest living dynasty in the world.

Japanese restaurant Naoki is in the new, elegant urban resort of Aman Summer Palace in Beijing, 45 minutes from Beijing city center.

Within the resort, Naoki is located adjacent to a beautiful pool,  featuring Chef Naoki Okumura’s famous French Kaiseki cuisine combining the best of French techniques with a Japanese sense of artistry. You will be amazed as the Chefs cook in front of you and design their creations. Chef Naoki utilizes the freshest ingredients rotating his menus with the transition of seasons. Our suggestion is to taste 8 to 10 offerings served individually complimented by the extensive wine menu of Aman.

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 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 Kasbah Tamadot

Kasbah Tamadot was the former home of Luciano Tempo who purchased the property and filled it with beautiful antiques from India, Africa and the Far East.

In 1998 Richard Branson went to Morocco for circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon. Whilst there, his mother Liv Branson found the beautiful Kasbah and dreamed of turning it into a wonderful Moroccan retreat. Richard did not quite manage to realize his goal on that occasion, his mother eventually convinced him to purchase the property.

The refurbishment of the building was extensive, though the character and charm of the original complex of spaces have been retained and enhanced.

When Richard Branson bought Kasbah Tamadot in 1998 he also inherited Luciano’s 1000 square meter warehouse in Asni, filled to the brim with his treasures. As you wander around you see pieces of Luciano’s collection have been used to furnish the Kasbah today. Kasbah Tamadot set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains one hour’s drive from Marrakech, Morocco, is transferred to one of the properties of Virgin Limited Edition, Richard Branson’s unique retreats.

As part of Virgin’s commitment to the community, Kasbah Tamadot approached the leaders of the local communities to offer villagers the opportunity to work at Kasbah Tamadot. Most had never worked in a hotel before, let alone spoke English, however they proudly employed and trained the local villagers in all aspects of hotel operations and English. Today Kasbah employs 100 Berber staff including the general management couple who both trained on Necker Island, one of Virgin Limited Edition properties.

Today, as the leader of the Virgin commitment group Liv Branson is spending most of her time here, working with the local Berber community leaders to improve local villagers skills.

Kasbah Tamadot has 24 rooms and suites including Luxury Berber Tented Suites Each Berber Tented Suite has its own Berber name, every one with a special meaning – Afoulky (Beauty), Addou (Wind), Amalou (Shade), Azoka (Tree), Adrar (Mountain) and Azenzer (Ray of Sun). Asounfou, the Berber word for relaxation, describes the Kasbah Tamadot spa perfectly, which incorporates the indoor pool, two treatment rooms, a sauna and a traditional Hammam and can not be missed.

Make a reservation at Kasbah Tamadot

Make a reservation at Amanjena

Amanjena meaning ‘peaceful paradise’ is designed  by the American architect Ed Tuttle to fit harmoniously to its surroundings, using exotic local materials of Morocco..The resort is located between snow-capped Atlas Mountains and authentic Berber villages and and only 10 minutes dive from intriguing Medina of Marrakech.

It has 32 sunset-red-coloured private pavilions which are spacious and exquisitely designed; eight with private pools and terraces with gazebos, cushioned seating areas and candle lanterns creating a secluded area to chill or dine..With its health and beauty center, with indigenous hammams or steam rooms, it is a tranquil paradise who especially wishes to escape from the chaos of Marrakech..

Being  close to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, where numerous blockbuster movies have been shot including;  Lawrence of Arabia , The Sheltering Sky;  Star Wars and Gladiator, Amanjena is also an escape place for the Celebrities, who are in Morocco for filming and want absolute privacy and comfort.

Make a reservation at Amanjena

Make a reservation at Amandari

Amandari is one of the most original resorts in the world since it is  originals among Aman resorts. It is not only designed after a Balinese village , it is in the middle of a Balinese village surrounded by the rice terraces and  the rushing water of the Ayung River. In the early morning you see villagers are passing through the pathways in front of your balcony and working in the rice fields in front of your room..During evening they use the hotels alleys to return to their houses. You feel like you are really living in a Balinese village since there are no boundaries between Amandari and the village houses..

Located 129 steps down the hill from Amandari, this statue and surrounding temple are a reminder of the deep connection that exists between the resort and the community in which it resides. Balinese believe the path
leading through Amandari – which means “peaceful spirits” – and its surrounding rice terraces are sacred ground.

The resort located adjacent to the village of Kedewatan, five minutes from the arts community of Ubud, in central Bali, Indonesia. The resort built 20 years ago as second Aman with river-stone walkways and high paras-stone walls. The  open-air lobby with towering posts of coconut wood and a cool honey-toned stone floor is designed after a village meeting place. For more than 20 years it has regularly borne witness to colorful village processions, passing through on sacred ground to the holy shrine in the valley below.

Thirty free-standing thatched suites, some with private plunge pools, are located on either side of the lobby, separated by walkways, traditional Balinese-style gateways and private gardens. Local teak and coconut wood, as well as Javanese marble and volcanic stone, is used throughout the suites, creating cool contemporary spaces with all the warmth of a true Balinese home.

Being 20 years old, the first of Amans in Bali of course is not brand new, but it has mature well, the vegetation has grown impeccable, and it is well maintained for a 20 year property.

Make a reservation at Amandari