Holiday Type / Grand Designs

Slip into an exclusive sanctuary of contemporary luxury located beside a nine kilometre stretch of environmentally protected sand beach on Saadiyat Island, where planned developments include the Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi. The resort lies next to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and comprises impeccably stylish rooms, suites and villas offering every conceivable amenity. Three restaurants, two bars and a contemporary tea lounge serve an array of world-class cuisines, The Café being the place for all-day Arabic spec...

A long-time Maldives favourite, and for good reason; Huvafen Fushi does island escapology well. So much so that it is consistently voted one of the best island paradises in the world, mostly due to its ridiculously beautiful beaches and delectable dining options (a must is ‘On the Rock’). It is a barefoot paradise set within its own lagoon, sensitively developed to sustain the island’s unique ecosystems. Accommodation at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives is provided in enchanting contemporary bungalows and pavilions, all air-conditioned, with seven foot ...

With its enviable location on the tip of Cape Yamu overlooking UNESCO protected Phang Nga Bay, COMO Point Yamu enjoys breathtaking views over Phuket’s east coast. Contemporary guest rooms, suites and private pool villas boast spectacular views from the floor to ceiling windows, and beautifully designed bathrooms add an extra wow factor. Cuisine ranges from street-style Thai and locally caught seafood in Nahmyaa to Italian wood-fired classics and healthy COMO Shambhala specialities in poolside La Sirena. To revitalise mind and body there is comp...

Aman’s entrance into Montenegro has cemented the country’s coming of age as a go-to destination. Sveti Stefan islet is a former fifteenth century fortified fishing village combining a collection of leisure, wellness and dining venues with a selection of suites melding historic and contemporary features. This charming seaside hideaway is a higgledy-piggledy array of stone passageways, restored fisherman cottages, shaded courtyards and pink-sand beaches.  The Aman Signature Restaurant serves international cuisine with regional accents; drinks an...

Close to historic Stellenbosch and surrounded by sweeping vineyards, Delaire Graff Estate offers privacy and escapism punctuated with designer touches, from original sculptures in the extensive gardens to contemporary artworks from owner Laurence Graff’s personal collection. Each ultra chic lodge features a spacious living area, heated infinity pool and private deck with spectacular views across the vineyards and valleys. Two gourmet restaurants offer tantalising menus – bistro-chic at Delaire Graff Restaurant and Asian-inspired at Indochine – ...

The Quin brings new levels of sophistication to midtown Manhattan, its urbane service complemented by swish rooms and suites with city views, whilst a three level penthouse with oversized windows and glass doors overlooks Central Park. Comfort and modernity are unparalleled, guest rooms having Dux beds, Nespresso machines, Venetian linens and touchscreen room controls. The two-storey Wayfarer restaurant is a meeting place for Manhattanites in the know, its gentleman’s club ambience complemented by superb international fare followed by custom co...

Names such as Aura Bar and the Secret Wine Cave hint at the ambience here at this enigmatic offering - named as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Clifftop Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler. Built into the cliffs at Oia, a sensory experience awaits, from basking on your caldera view terrace or balcony to dining alfresco by the infinity-edge pool. Asea Lounge Restaurant invites you to a unique sushi experience accompanied by stunning views of the caldera. For breakfast, relax on the cliff top balcony found at the Captain’s Lounge. All luxury ...

Carlisle Bay, Antigua is a privately owned enclave that has raised the bar for contemporary excellence in the Caribbean, set upon a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Firstly, there’s the ravishing beach setting, where each end is dedicated either to couples or families. Then, there’s the true sense of arrival, as guests are welcomed into a magnificent open plan lobby. And not least, there are the spacious suites, with cool, calm interiors, a sitting area or bedroom that faces the sea and a private terrace or balcony, most ...

Meaning ‘peaceful mountain’ in the local Native American tongue, the enchanting Amangiri resort lies amidst towering plateaux close to the Arizona border, offering an epic all-season escape with oodles of natural allure. Tucked away in a protective valley, this luxury retreat is set dramatically around an azure swimming pool, with its central pavilion housing a library, dining room and walk-in wine cellar. The spa features a flotation therapy pavilion and water pavilion complete with a sauna and steam room, with treatments reflecting Navajo cul...

Embracing the aspirational philosophy of architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, this is an astonishing collection of ultra-luxurious sanctuaries crafted from stone, concrete, steel and wood. Beyond impossibly tall doors and reached via a network of bridges and walkways lie the remarkable Infinity Pool Sanctuaries, each one unique in its size, design and handcrafted furnishings. Sweeping spaces flow seamlessly into one another, a shimmering infinity pool beckons and an open space where a fourth wall would normally be allows spectacular views acro...

An established favourite, Shutters on the Beach’s position on a premium stretch of Santa Monica sand keeps loyal guests returning year after year. Combining east coast beach house glamour with unpretentious comfort, every inch of Shutters is designed to help guests unwind. Stylish rooms with hardwood floors are graced with hand-loomed rugs, a relaxation library with plasma TV and DVD/CD players, whirlpool tubs and in-room Bath & Body chests. Dining at 1 Pico is a scenic affair, the sunset ocean views providing a stunning backdrop for the modern...

Rubbing shoulders with its Art Deco neighbours, this landmark beachfront property offers a uniquely serene experience. Within walking distance to shopping, culture and nightlife, its relaxed tropical interiors, rooftop pool, spa and wellness garden create a tranquil, low-key ambience. High spec, hi-tech rooms blend modernity with the grace of yesteryear, the plantation style shutters and white lacquer cabinetry are complemented by white marble bathrooms equipped with an in-mirror flat screen TV. The vintage glamour continues into the LT Steak &...