Holiday Type / Local Life

An iconic hotel for over fifty years and consistently ranked as the best place to stay in Barbados, this luxurious resort offers serene comfort in a chic beachfront setting – Sandy Lane, Barbados. Somewhat of a Bajan institution, a classical Palladian-style interior exudes elegance, whilst attentive staff ensure exemplary service comes as standard throughout your stay. No detail is overlooked; GPS-installed golf buggies make navigating the acclaimed golf courses easy, whilst every guest is allocated their own spot on the beach. The indulgently ...

Resting by a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, this centrepiece of the luxury Mayakoba development exudes island resort chic. Strikingly modern in design, the generously proportioned suites are crafted from indigenous materials and boast oversized bathtubs, private bath gardens with outdoor shower, rooftop sundecks and plunge pool – the most dramatic being the overwater suites which appear to float along the water’s edge. A tempting variety of dining options includes haute cuisine in the signature Casa del Lago restaurant, beachfront tapas...

A scenic seaplane flight brings you to the remote Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, where Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a hideaway offering unspoilt privacy in a pristine environment; the island’s 44 acre interior is flanked by white sand beaches and a two kilometre lagoon. Contemporary thatched accommodations are located here or on the beach: features include spacious gardens, private pools, outdoor living rooms and sea-viewing lofts. There are also dedicated Family Bungalows and Villas. Water Villas offer spellbinding views of t...

Suffused with an air of romance, this idyllic destination is the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives – a pristine retreat encompassing nearly two kilometres of sugar white beach. It’s a location known for its incredible corals and dive sites – Manta Point and Turtle Point being aptly named for viewing these species in large numbers. Enchanting accommodation comes in seven distinct styles, including the Pool Villas which feature a pool terrace nestled in lush, tropical foliage; family friendly Beach Villas set in a garden wi...

Al Bandar – meaning “the town”– is the focal point of the resort featuring a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Centrally located within the resort complex its romantic architecture has been inspired by Old Muscat, with buildings of varying height adorned by an array of ornate balconies. The pools and waterways which abound throughout the property make relaxing viewing from the generously sized sea-facing guestrooms decorated in modern Arabian fashion, all with a balcony or patio. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms along with in...

Situated on a headland commanding panoramic views, a pinnacle of the vacation experience is the adult-oriented and ultra-opulent Al Husn. Deluxe rooms, which are amongst the largest in Oman, feature lavish décor inspired by royal Arabian palaces and come complete with balconies or terraces from which to admire the views of the courtyard and pool; deluxe sea view rooms open up entrancing panoramas of the Gulf of Oman from their furnished balconies. Culinary experiences, accessible only to Al Husn guests, include a beach grill serving fresh seafo...

Family-popular Al Waha is the largest of the three hotels that make up Shangri-La’s Omani portfolio. Meaning “The Oasis”, this idyllic escape is dotted with several swimming pools and surrounded by date palm trees. The family accommodation comprises two interconnecting rooms that look over the lush gardens and glittering pools towards the Gulf of Oman, kitted out with a PlayStation and a section of games on request. An array of eateries provides delicious dining options. Between Al Waha and Al Bandar lies the enchanting beachfront Bait al Bahr ...

Located on Sicily’s spectacular southern coast, close to the temples of Agrigento, is Rocco Forte Hotels’ first resort style property. Equally appealing to couples and families alike, it is fronted by a magnificent stretch of private beach and sits amidst a verdant backdrop of olive and lemon groves. Woven subtly into the landscape using natural local materials, the rooms, suites and villas marry the warmth and ambience of Sicily with contemporary restraint; boasting private terraces and beguiling sea views, with designs overseen by renowned de...

Offering enchanting views over Florence and its iconic Duomo, this palatial fifteenth century villa nestles within the sloping hillside of picturesque Fiesole. Its aristocratic past is dovetailed with contemporary comfort as elaborate frescos, the finest Italian linens, rich handcrafted leathers and works of art sit alongside the most sophisticated technologies. The restaurant concept “La Cucina del Salviatino” with its authentic Tuscan cuisine comprises a series of taste experiences and guests may choose to dine almost anywhere – La Terrazza, ...

A member of Rocco Forte Hotels, the hotel is located in the heart of the city, next to the Piazza del Popolo and just a short stroll from the Spanish Steps and Rome’s most fashionable shopping streets. The design is stylish and contemporary throughout, the Classic Suites incorporating a king bed, separate living room and mosaiced marble bathroom. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed during the warmer months beneath ancient trees and fragrant rose bushes in the beguiling terraced gardens. Internationally renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini overseeing th...

Located in the heart of Florence, in Piazza della Repubblica, close to the Duomo and just steps away from the city’s chic boutiques and iconic landmarks. Hotel Savoy, part of Rocco Forte Hotels, is a contemporary hotel bringing a refreshing ambience to the elegant guest rooms and suites – classic contemporary guest rooms having bathrooms finished in marble and mosaics, Classic Suites adorned with sculptures and artworks. Irene, the new Florentine bistro spills out onto the piazza in the summer months and is one of the city’s most cosmopolitan s...

Perched on a private peninsula overlooking the Bay of Ornos, five minutes from Mykonos Town, lies a haven of seclusion and sophistication – more luxurious than ever following extensive upgrading throughout. A Luxury Collection Resort, its beautiful gardens envelop a choice of accommodation – elegantly decorated rooms and suites enjoying panoramic balcony views and two to six bedroom villas, several of which include private swimming pools. Gourmets will delight in the Mediterranean specialties served at the pool restaurant and bar, while those l...

Adjacent to Djemaa el Fna square in the heart of Marrakech lies this stylish Relais & Châteaux retreat, renowned for the quality of its service. Contemporary Moroccan in style, its décor blends soft creams with deep desert reds to create a relaxing and atmospheric ambience. Rooms and suites are positioned around three open air patios, some featuring a private roof terrace equipped with loungers. Promising superlative views over the old town and the Koutoubia Mosque, the roof is also the setting for the first swimming pool, whilst the second nes...

Rose-hued walls surround this resort and spa set in Moorish gardens. Shady arcaded walks lead to fountain courtyards amidst olive and palm trees. A calming contemporary haven with a light Moroccan touch; bedrooms feature earthen shades and intricate handcrafted woodwork, all with spacious outdoor terrace, some with views of the historic Menara Gardens or Atlas Mountains. Feast like a sultan at Inara on flavours of Morocco; Quattro serves a diverse Italian menu and Azzera Pool Grill offers grilled meats and seafood. The Maarifa Cultural Centre a...

This intimate boutique hotel lies in the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful wine valley, with a number of vineyards in close proximity. Nine elegantly-appointed and spacious suites, some with expansive open-plan bathrooms and hand-crafted mosaic showers, are decorated in classic refined style, the Family suite having two en-suite bedrooms, while two Pool suites offer a private pool and garden. Superior double rooms have patios overlooking the tranquil garden and pool. Relax in the bright and airy lounge, dining area or sun deck. Enjoy sumptuous ...

Conveniently located between Franschhoek and Paarl, Babylonstoren offers a unique opportunity to experience life at the heart of a three hundred year old working wine and fruit farm. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and overseen by majestic mountains, it’s a relaxed and welcoming place with a distinct village feel with Cape Dutch style cottages and new Farmers House suites. Central to the farm is the formally designed kitchen garden, brimming with seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables – guests are free to wander through the gardens, perhap...

Cognoscenti of the Far East need look no further than Song Saa, Cambodia’s first genuine luxury beach resort, set on a pair of exclusive private islands amidst the sapphire blue Gulf of Thailand and reached by speedboat. Meaning ‘the sweethearts’, Song Saa is surrounded by untouched islands with private beaches fringed by palms – a blissful backdrop for the selection of twenty seven Ocean View, Jungle Villas and Asia’s first overwater stilted villas complete with thatched roofs, an eco-conscious design inspired by Cambodian fishing villages. St...

Nestled amongst lush, manicured grounds on Butterfly Beach in Montecito, this elegant five-star resort has acquired itself quite the legendary status since opening in 1927. Luxury accommodations include stately guest rooms and suites and a collection of secluded bungalows featuring rain showers and deep soaking tubs. Led by Executive Chef Marco Fossati, Bella Vista Restaurant offers Italian-inspired Californian coastal cuisine, whilst Ty Lounge is the place to go for light fare and after-dinner cocktails. Guests staying in selected rooms and su...