One of the newest luxury hotels in Paris - the 107-room Hotel Fouquet's Barrière, stands at the corner of Avenue George V and the Champs Elysées, not far from the Arc de Triomphe. Housed within five Haussmann-style buildings, the hotel boasts the latest in sophisticated amenities and design. In addition to the legendary Fouquet's Brasserie, guests can indulge in fine French cuisine in Le Diane, or enjoy cocktails in Le Lucien Bar. The luxury spa and indoor swimming pool are complemented by four meeting and conference rooms for up to 130 people.
Celebrating its centenary in 2007, Le Pavillon Hotel stands on the site of a former plantation mansion, close to the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. The rich decor of its 226 rooms, eight junior suites and seven signature suites recalls the grace of the Gilded Age. Guests can savor contemporary Creole cuisine in the Crystal Room Restaurant, or relax over light fare in Le Gallery Lounge. The hotel offers a rooftop pool and fitness center, as well as ten meeting rooms to accommodate up to 350 people.
A famous Massachusetts landmark has now become Taj Boston. Enviably situated between the city's financial and theater districts, the hotel has splendid views overlooking the Public Garden. Following a recent USD 55 million renovation, it has recaptured its original grandeur. Guest accommodations are in 228 rooms and 45 suites, many of the latter with wood-burning fireplaces. In addition to The Cafe, which serves international cuisine, the hotel features The Tea Lounge and The Bar. The spa and fitness center are complemented by 16 meeting rooms for up to 500 people.
The Leading Small Hotels of the World has added the following properties to its roster:
In the heart of Italy's Valpolicella region, Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista is just 15 minutes from the fabled town of Verona. The 60 rooms and suites of this baroque-style villa are appointed with the latest 21st-century amenities, including high-speed Internet access. Local and international culinary offerings are served in the Restaurant Atelier. For recreation, the hotel has indoor and outdoor pools and a wellness institute, as well as a 14th-century wine cellar for wine tastings.
Opened in December, The Nam Hai is situated 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, Vietnam. Set amid lush landscaping, the 60 one-bedroom villas, and 40 pool villas all boast views of the South China Sea. Sleek, simple interiors designed in harmony with the surroundings impart a sense of serenity. The Restaurant, serving international and Vietnamese cuisine in indoor and outdoor settings, is complemented by The Beach Restaurant, for meals by the sea. Three swimming pools; tennis, badminton and basketball courts; a spa, and health club are available for recreation.
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Casa Velas Boutique Hotel offers an environment specifically catering to guests over 16 years of age. The 80 suites are appointed with the latest technological amenities and creature comforts. Emiliano Restaurant serves Mexican gourmet fare, while the Casa Velas Beach Club features Oriental specialties. A recently certified Leading Spa, the hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, beach club and golf course for leisure pursuits.
The intimate Royal Palm Hotel – Galapagos on Santa Cruz Island comprises just 17 rooms, suites and villas, and is the only five-star hotel in Ecuador's Galapagos National Park. Environmentally sensitive to its surroundings, it nevertheless offers exceptional guest comfort, with a fine restaurant, wellness club, tennis courts and swimming pool. There are also meeting facilities for up to 150 people.
Just 30 minutes from Curacao's International Airport, Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club is surrounded by a white sand beach at the island's west end. Sister to the Kura Hulanda Hotel and Spa, the Lodge has 42 rooms and 32 suites, designed with light Caribbean flair. Excellent dining options include Watamula for international fare, Christoffel Restaurant and Terrace for local specialties, and the Kalki Beach Bar and Grill. Recreation options abound: a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis court, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and more. Guests of the Lodge are welcome to avail themselves of the facilities at Kura Hulanda Hotel.
Kudos
Der Alpenhof, Bayrischzell, Germany, was named the Best Country House Hotel in Europe by Geo Saison magazine in its February issue. For the first time ever, the publication offered its list of the top 70 hotels in Europe in seven categories: design hotels, luxury hotels, hotels under EUR 100, family hotels, country house hotels, beach hotels and wellness hotels.
New Facilities
Hotel Okura Amsterdam recently opened The Suite – the largest and most luxurious suite in the Benelux countries – to great acclaim. At nearly 5,400 square feet, and a construction cost of EUR 2.3 million, the suite is lavish indeed, occupying two top floors of the hotel, and providing an almost 360-degree panorama of the city. Chromotherapy and agape spoon baths, rain dance showers, marble floors, a cascading fiber optic chandelier, private cinema for up to 12 people... these are just a few of the spectacular features that await guests. |
