For Valentine's Day - we pick ten of the world's most exclusive new romantic hideaways in stunning locations from exotic beaches to mountain tops, charming countrysides to adventurous desert landscapes and exciting city escapes...
JADE MOUNTAIN AT ANSE CHASTANET - ST. LUCIA is an exclusive new luxury 'resort within a resort' opened in September 2006.
In a truly romantic and magical setting poised high overlooking St. Lucia's Piton World Heritage site and the Caribbean Sea, Anse Chastanet's architect/owner, Nick Troubetzkoy, has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with nature by introducing a new level of sophistication in the extraordinary Jade Mountain infinity pool suites.
Each bedroom, living area and extravagantly sized private infinity edge pool seems to merge to form an amazing platform floating in space. With only three sides, the effect is like a stage, from which you embrace glorious views of the island's twin World Heritage Pitons.
Imagine floating in your infinity pool at sunset surrounded by softly flickering candles...Imagine fine dining in the privacy of your suite with the amazing Pitons in the background. Imagine the sound of gentle waves lulling you into a soft slumber...A view and experience you are not likely to ever forget!
ALEENTA RESORT & SPA PHUKET - PHANGNA, THAILAND is situated on the pristine and tranquil Natai Beach and is just 15 minutes away from Thailand's spectacular Phang Nga Bay - the luxurious tropical paradise that sprung to fame in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Aleenta Resort and Spa stretches along the coast of the Andaman Sea, on the unspoilt, white sandy Natai Beach.
Near the hotel, Sirinath National Park and Nai Yang National Marine Park welcome visitors, while the resort is just a 10-minute drive from Phuket's large boat marina, Yacht Heaven, and launch pad to Phang Nga Bay National Park. Aleenta Resort and Spa is approximately 40 kilometres from Phuket and the renowned shopping district of the Thalang and Dibuk Roads.
Just 30 kilometres from the resort is Phuket Fantasea, while the Phuket Seashell Museum is 38 kilometres away and Phuket Aquarium 43 kilometres away. Before returning to the resort, climb Phuket's Laem Phrothep for spectacular views across the ocean as far reaching as Phi Phi Island.
GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL - NEW YORK CITY re-opened in August 2006 after a full-year renovation by legendary boutique hotelier, Ian Schrager, of Morgan's Hotel and Studio 54 fame. The hotel originally opened its doors in 1925 and is one of New York's truly legendary hotels having hosted generations of the sort of visitors who make downtown New York "downtown". T
he hotel was the headquarters for high bohemia, where artists, adventurers and bonvivants rubbed elbows. It represents a sensuous vision of artful diversity -- Bohemia reinvented for the 21st century with an original combination of styles, with great pieces of furniture and art and the extraordinary use of color. It is original, romantic, surprising, poetic and whimsical.
The hotel offers a Romance Package that includes a luxurious Gramercy Suite overlooking Gramercy Park, Champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries, one dozen long stemmed roses, midnight in-room couples massage, a picnic lunch to enjoy in Gramercy Park prepared by the Executive Chef, breakfast in bed and late check out.
EV HOTEL - BODRUM, TURKEY is a stunning design hotel dramatically situated high in the hills overlooking Bodrum's Türkbükü bay. A white motif is used throughout the property giving you the feeling of endless space and supreme tranquility.
This cool sanctuary from the hot sun outside is only three minutes from the hotel's famous beach club in Türkbükü, the 24/7 entertainment village on the Bodrum peninsula. EV's unique concept of white surrounds you with the pureness of serenity; your inner peace is catered to by a personal wellness program of rejuvenation and replenishment tailored to your specific desires and needs.
At the EV, eight buildings, each with its own pool, cascade down the hillside overlooking the bay. The buildings, which have been described as "eight giant steps toward heaven", are home to 48 spacious residences nesting within this all-embracing wellness environment, ensuring an ultimate setting for relaxation. Brightly colored pieces of furniture seemingly scattered at whim throughout each space and carefully chosen mood lighting are the only vivid accents – apart from those that you provide.
ANATOLIAN HOUSES - CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY is a luxurious new boutique hotel located in the fairytale-like surroundings of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is built within the cave formations that are part of Cappadocia's historical structure.
This exclusive hotel features just 11 Suites and 2 Deluxe Suites. Each suite houses unique works of art, both old and modern. Furniture has been specially selected among pieces from different eras in history to give the look of Anatolia with the harmony of past and present. Explore the narrow streets where you can stroll by locally owned shops and houses. The amazing cave architecture makes your heart skip a beat!
Cappadocian soil is extremely fertile, and a tour of the region will reveal numerous vineyards in and around the valleys. Famous for its local wines, Cappadocia is a major producer. At the end of the day, you can pour a glass of wine from the fountain in the hotel's courtyard and sit back and enjoy the amazing sunset!
DOMAINE DES ANDEOLS is not a usual hotel, but a Provençal hamlet — a village of individual houses — perched on a scenic rise, surrounded by orchards, woods, lakes and gardens.
Each exotic guest house has been individually designed by the owners, with furniture, paintings, sculptures, art, books and music that they've collected on their extensive journeys. Their idea being to unite a global spirit in the South of France. Romantics can choose the The Lovers' House, nomads can pick The Traveler's House and art connoisseurs, the Artist's House... Andéols restaurant, supervised by Alain Ducasse!, also takes you on a journey of culinary delights. To dine at Andéols is to discover a symphony of tastes and aromas reflecting the beauty and spirit of this natural paradise.
The restaurant's supreme summer delight is to dine by candlelight under the stars amidst centuries-old olive trees and fragrant wild herbs and flowers. Few destinations captivate like Provence — from Monet to Picasso, it has seduced the world's greatest artists. Each Provençal village is a precious gem offering one-of-a-kind discoveries.
AWASI - CHILE is situated in the historic desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. In the vastness of the driest desert on Earth, a dramatic nature of exotic, overpowering beauty produces landscapes both varied and startling. Awasi succeeds in providing the utmost of luxury and relaxation, with only 8 guestrooms, all with private outdoor patio, reading area, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
At night, guests can lounge around a communal fire pit or enjoy a cocktail in a dimly lit poolside cabana, all while admiring the unparalleled beauty of the Atacama sky. Wherever guests choose to reside, Awasi is a place for contemplating immensity, enjoying the basic details of simple life, and gratifying the body and soul. Awasi provides fine local fare in which the chef incorporates the exclusive indigenous ingredients.
Each room is assigned with a private guide and 4WD vehicle to embark on special outings to the numerous volcanoes, dry salt lakes, ponds, and other natural features that make the Atacama experience unforgettable. Awasi prepares customized excursions depending on guest preferences.
CASA RAMON - COSTA RICA is an exclusive new enclave on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The creators of Casa Ramon have put together natural materials in a remarkable way that blend textures and colors to enrich your experience of living.
Casa Ramon contains three luxury apartments, each apartment is a completely self-sufficient private abode with its own trendy balance of indoor and outdoor living spaces. Choose from the 2-Bedroom Grand Vista Aparment, 2-Bedroom Deluxe Suite Apartment, One-Bedroom Casita Ramon or rent the entire property for a total of five bedrooms. While there are a variety of restaurants in the area, dining in the surroundings at Casa Ramon cannot be beat. The concierge can arrange to have the in-home Chef available to you.
The south pacific region of Costa Rica boasts four very large and diverse Natural Reserves protecting an immense number of plants and animals as well as presenting the opportunity for you to discover some of the most exotic and bio-diverse areas of the planet.
J.K. PLACE - CAPRI, ITALY Opening March 30, 2007...J.K. Place is located on the Island of Capri, overlooking Marina Grande, the main harbour. Unusual for hotels in Capri, the hotel has direct beach access, allowing guests to enjoy the soft sea breezes and to hear the sound of the waves from the hotel.
The hotel's charming restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean cuisine on a large panoramic terrace, for breakfast and all day-dining in a relaxing atmosphere. Following the style of J.K. Place Florence, the architect created a similar look here, but uses a different color palette of yellows and violets, distinctive to the area. Individually designed rooms mix contemporary design with soft, luxurious materials and some have a private terrace overlooking the sea.
In addition to direct access to the beach, the hotel's other leisure facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful garden and teak terrace with stunning sea views. A SPA provides a place of profound rest and deeply felt rejuvenation. The Fitness Center inspires you to work out.
VIGILIUS MOUNTAIN RESORT - SUD TIROL, ITALY is situated 1,500m above sea level, in purest crisp alpine air, the Resort is accessible only by cable car — no roads, no traffic, no noise. An exclusive retreat for a fortunate few. After spending your day in nature and the outdoors, relish wonderful treatments in the spa and then your appetite will be inspired.
Candlelight, charming smiles, the chime of glasses...the first courses arrive and spicy fragrances arise. A harmony of flavors, the liaison of which creates moments of bliss. One gazes out over the mountain peaks in the fading light, a fire crackles in the fire place. Inspirational views of the surrounding Dolomite Mountains, with their ever-changing colors, act as the backdrop.
In the Spa, flowing water is a metaphor for relaxation and regeneration. At the Vigilius there is natural spring water. Whirlpools inside and outside. A little nearer to heaven in the Paradise Garden. A panorama view in all directions — Breathtaking!
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