Kenya's Wild Luxury
Nestled within Kenya's Laikipia region, andBeyond Suyian Lodge offers an immersive wildlife experience within a 44,000-acre conservancy. The lodge's 14
suites are designed to harmoniously blend with the natural landscape, featuring sculptural curves and grass-covered roofs. Inside, spacious interiors combine wood and stone, leading to terraces with private plunge pools offering stunning views of Mount Kenya. Guests can embark on two daily game drives, guided nature walks, or even horseback safaris. Culinary experiences highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with unique dining opportunities like bush dinners under the stars and waterside sundowners. The all-inclusive rate is $1,500 per person.
Bangkok's Serene Oasis
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, situated in the vibrant Phloen Chit district, offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustle. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel's earth-toned interiors and soothing jazz create a serene atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the historic Nai Lert Park Heritage Home. Its 52 suites, located on higher floors of a 36-story tower, provide panoramic views of the park and city. Accommodations feature daybeds, spa-like bathrooms, and art pieces reflecting the legacy of Nai Lert. Dining options include an intimate omakase counter, a teppanyaki restaurant, and Aman's signature Italian concept, Arva. The expansive spa offers various wellness treatments, and a serene outdoor swimming pool provides a peaceful retreat. Doubles start at $1,400.
Brazil's Coastal Immersion
Awasi Santa Catarina, located on Brazil's southern coast, is the latest addition to a South American hotel group known for personalized adventures. The brand's guides are highly trained to curate unique excursions, allowing guests to explore the marine life and local culture. Mornings begin with locally sourced breakfast items before embarking on activities like surfing, snorkeling with sea turtles, or boating to oyster farms. The property also emphasizes wellness with a hillside infinity pool, an alchemy bar for DIY spa treatments, and restorative soaking tubs. Its 25 villas are spread across the Atlantic rainforest, offering privacy and modern amenities like private saunas and plunge pools. The beachfront restaurant serves multi-course meals featuring regional ingredients and wine pairings. Capybaras are known to frequent the grounds. Doubles are from $1,900, all-inclusive.
Florence's Historic Retreat
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection's first Italian property, offers a serene escape from Florence's city center. Situated on a hillside, a 15-minute drive from the train station, this 16th-century former boarding school boasts a peaceful atmosphere amidst lush greenery. The exterior has been stunningly renovated, and the interiors, designed by ArchFlorence, feature hand-painted wallpaper, original frescoes, and elegant furnishings. Guest rooms and suites, including the expansive Suite Giardino, offer a sense of private apartment living. The hotel's main restaurant, La Gamella, serves seasonal Italian classics with a focus on comfort and refined presentation. The property is also accessible. Doubles start at $1,860.
Maldives' Island Opulence
.Here Maldives, spanning two islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, presents nine palatial villas, each with three to five bedrooms. Designed by Muza Lab, the villas feature vibrant color palettes, with interiors incorporating ocean-themed decor like seashell-lined mirrors and coral-inspired lamps. The design emphasizes the surrounding turquoise waters. Personalization is key at this small resort, offering customized snorkeling at Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and in-villa massages. The resort's restaurant, Safar, serves global cuisine, but in-villa dining is a popular choice, with guests enjoying meals like Maldivian lobster pasta and Josper-grilled steak from their private driftwood tables. Activities include swimming, relaxing in sunken living rooms, and reflexology. Doubles are priced from $13,000.
New Zealand's Riverside Revamp
Huka Lodge, a historic property established in 1924, has undergone a significant $14 million renovation under the Beckons brand. Set on 17 acres of gardens bordering the Waikato River, the lodge emphasizes guest connection to the water with expanded terraces and a cantilevered living room. The 20 suites and two cottages are luxuriously appointed with fine linens, wool, and leather, and feature in-room bars stocked with local spirits and treats. New amenities include a two-room spa, sauna, and gym. The lodge offers gourmet dining showcasing New Zealand produce and wines from its extensive cellar. Guests can enjoy tennis, a pool, yoga, and extensive riverside hiking trails, alongside off-site fly-fishing and geothermal bathing. Doubles start from $1,956.
South Africa's Bold Safari
Masiya’s Camp, the latest Royal Portfolio property in South Africa's Thornybush Nature Reserve, breaks traditional safari aesthetics. Owner Liz Biden opted for dusky pink canvas and vibrant interiors, including magenta couches and striped walls, for its six expansive tents. Each tent, approximately 2,500 square feet, features a large deck, a heated pool, and unique design details like East African doors and Moroccan vases. Located near Kruger National Park, the camp offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with sightings of lions, rhinos, elephants, and leopards reported. All-inclusive rates begin at $3,525 per person.
Florida's Coastal Reimagining
The Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, emerges in Naples, Florida, a city experiencing a renaissance. This 220-room enclave features residences, two pools, a large wellness center, and an upcoming golf course. Situated on the grounds of a former beloved hotel, the resort integrates with the local community. The waterside restaurant, HB’s, and the adjacent Sunset Bar are popular gathering spots. The lobby-level brasserie, The Merchant Room, offers high-quality steaks and seafood. The design by Champalimaud Design blends 'Old Florida' charm with modern sophistication. Suites include playful touches like board games and spacious bathrooms with luxury amenities. The resort is accessible. Doubles start at $1,200.
Italy's Tuscan Seaside Style
Pensione America in Forte dei Marmi, a chic Tuscan beach town, embodies the area's glamorous seaside energy. This property by Italian group Collezione Em features 17 rooms and suites, plus a two-bedroom villa, all appointed with high-end Italian artisanal touches inspired by the tradition of 'villeggiatura.' Rooms showcase hand-painted wallpaper, Sicilian ceramic tiles, and private terraces. The restaurant transitions throughout the day, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and alfresco dining under a veranda, with a menu focused on seasonal coastal ingredients. Guests have access to the property's immaculate pool and a reserved section of the adjacent Bagno Assunta beach club. Doubles are from $1,600.
New Zealand's Dramatic Alps
Roki Collection Queenstown, a luxury lodge on New Zealand's South Island, offers a dramatic setting beside Lake Wakatipu. The hotel's exterior is a striking blend of schist and glass, angled for cinematic views of the glacial waters and Southern Alps. Interior designer Virginia Fisher has created spaces with gold-speckled plaster and nacre tiling, emphasizing the expansive window views. Accommodations range from junior suites to a four-bedroom ROKI suite, all featuring fireplaces, island baths, and calming neutral tones. The subterranean spa, ROKI Pure, offers extensive treatments and well-being programs, complemented by a 24/7 gym and a Roman-style pool. The flagship restaurant, Essence, presents Franco-British cuisine with New Zealand produce, paired with wines from its large cellar. Additional dining options include the lakeside Terrace and Library Bar. The concierge facilitates local adventures. Doubles from $1,609.
Amsterdam's Artistic Revival
Rosewood Amsterdam, housed in a former Palace of Justice, marks a significant re-entry into the Dutch capital. Located along the Prinsengracht canal, the 134-room hotel features a 1,000-piece contemporary art collection curated by Piet Boon, softening the 17th-century architecture. The lobby, inspired by the Rijksmuseum, offers a convivial atmosphere. Art is prominently displayed, including unique sculptures. The hotel's bar, Advocatuur, produces house-made jenever, and twin tandoori ovens reflect the city's Indian heritage. A unique tasting room is available. The tulip-adorned courtyard, designed by Piet Oudolf, serves as a tranquil space for tea and pastries. Doubles start from $1,395.
India's Himalayan Sanctuary
Shakti Prana, located in India's Kumaon region, offers a serene retreat with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi. This seven-cabin property is part of the Shakti Himalaya portfolio, known for pioneering 'village trekking.' Guests embark on guided treks, staying in village guest houses before reaching Prana. The lodge provides stunning vistas of the Ramganga River and surrounding peaks. Interiors are minimalist, featuring yak-hair rugs and wood stoves. Communal meals in the main house highlight traditional Indian dishes alongside beautifully plated mains. The staff's subtle care and local connections enhance the experience, making it deeply personal. Doubles are from $3,004, all-inclusive.
Milan's Fashionable Elegance
The Carlton, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Milan's Quadrilatero della Moda, has undergone a $70 million renovation, transforming the former Casa Baglioni Milan. The hotel now features 71 spacious rooms and suites, with accessibility options, across its expanded structure. Residential design elements, artworks, and antiques create a luxurious ambiance. Rooms are decorated in neutral tones with accents of green, garnet, and gold, featuring comfortable beds, Art Deco-inspired seating, and plush rugs. Marble bathrooms offer spa showers and soaking tubs. The Irene Forte Spa provides massages and facials, and the hotel boasts the Carlton Bar, serving theatrical cocktails, and Spiga restaurant, offering refined Italian cuisine. Café Floretta provides a botanical-inspired dining setting. Doubles from $1,607.
London's Historic Hub
The Chancery Rosewood, London, has transformed the former American Embassy in Grosvenor Square into a luxury hotel. This Grade II-listed modernist building, reconfigured by David Chipperfield Architects, offers 144 spacious, suite-only accommodations. The lobby buzzes with a mix of locals and international guests, and the rooftop Eagle Bar provides elevated city views. The hotel's terrace features the iconic golden eagle from the former embassy. The first-floor restaurant, Serra, serves pan-Mediterranean dishes, complemented by a curated wine list. The hotel is accessible and provides stunning views of Grosvenor Square.
Rwanda's Capital Charm
The Pinnacle Kigali, located in the Rebero hills of Rwanda's capital, is the city's first ultra-high-end hotel and one of the region's few African- and female-operated properties. The design reflects its past as a private residence, with a library lounge, a vibrant living room, and a whiskey bar. Its nine suites are themed around the owner's story, including a celestial room inspired by her son. The property boasts four restaurants, an infinity pool, padel and basketball courts, an arcade, a spa, and a cinema. Guests can also attend special events, like private concerts. The hotel aims to provide a refreshing and energizing experience. It is accessible. Doubles from $3,090.
Peru's Canyon Camp
Tinajani, an outpost by Peruvian tour operator Andean, is a six-bedroom camp situated in the Tinajani Canyon. Originally planned as a stopover, it has evolved into a significant destination. The camp features six safari-style 'campamentos,' each comprising two canvas tents connected by a wooden deck with a private hot tub. Thoughtful touches like thick wool blankets, hot water bottles, and handwoven alpaca socks ensure comfort at high altitudes. Days are filled with guided hikes through the canyon and mountains, showcasing picturesque red rock formations. Meals, served in the main dining room or as picnics, feature local Peruvian staples. After dark, guests gather by the fireplace with Pisco sours or muña tea, enjoying stargazing. Doubles are from $1,217, all-inclusive.
New York's Grand Revival
The Waldorf Astoria New York has reopened on Park Avenue after an extensive eight-year, $2 billion renovation. This iconic 1931 Art Deco hotel welcomes guests with its 'Spirit of Achievement' statue and elegantly dressed staff. The generously sized rooms, featuring marble bathrooms and Frette linens, offer a sense of seclusion. Popular spots include the Peacock Alley lounge, the Grand Ballroom, and the famed golden clock. The hotel preserves historic elements, such as Cole Porter's 'High Society' piano, where a resident pianist performs regularly. Doubles start from $1,500.
Rwanda's Savannah Frontier
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, a new luxury lodge in Rwanda's Akagera National Park, offers exceptional privacy and exclusivity on a private concession. Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Rwanyakazinga, the lodge provides a savannah landscape ideal for viewing the Big 5, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The camp's small size and wild terrain allow for a highly customizable experience. Guests can choose between tented suites or a four-bedroom private villa, with activities ranging from extended rhino viewing to sunset boat cruises on the lake. The lodge is designed for repeat visits. Doubles from $2,716.
Botswana's Delta Reimagined
Xugana Island Lodge, located in a remote part of Botswana's Okavango Delta, has undergone a complete rebuild. The property now features an airy thatched-roof pavilion housing the dining area, lounge, and a swimming pool, alongside 12 spacious suites. The suites are appointed with canopied beds, local artwork, and en suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. A new bar serves cocktails made with local gin, perfect for sundowners enjoyed by the firepit overlooking the lagoon. The lodge offers spectacular stargazing opportunities, accompanied by the sounds of the delta. Doubles from $1,380.
