A fantasy get away does not just have to be a place in your dreams anymore. From South Africa to Chicago, we have spotlighted some of the world’s fanciest hotels.
Adventure and Nature
South Africa: Singita
Visit this South African safari camp to experience the best of animal sightings combined with game drives. The lush villas of Singita have you staying in the reserves of Serengeti National Park. With antiques, worn-leather furniture and chalets carpeted with Persian rugs, you can sip a cocktail while watching elephants gather at the watering hole below. Panoramic views of the plains, mahogany libraries, plunge pools, tennis courts, and a spa are all part of the African adventure that awaits you on your stay here.
Spa treatments on the deck of your own suite with the sounds of nature outside will relax the most tired muscles. You can visit the wine cellar and feast on an exquisite meal under the stars on the airstrip or dine privately in your own suite before dipping into your room’s plunge pool or outdoor shower.
Your days are arranged around two guided safaris where trackers will show you wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles along with the “big five” each and every time. The service and food is impeccable and the staff is ready to serve your every need. This experience combines the best of deluxe accommodations with nature’s adventures like none other you can experience in the world.
Australia: Southern Ocean Lodge
Visit the Southern Ocean Lodge on Australia’s Kangaroo Island, located off the Southern coast of Australia. Visitors readily find themselves amongst bird and animal species unique to this continent as more than one third of the island is declared a conservation or National Park. Dramatic coastal views are unspoiled by development and many of the touristic elements one would expect in most hotels.
You can choose from a variety of itineraries, which include tours, hiking, meals, and spa treatments. You will see animals unique to Australia like koalas, kangaroos, New Zealand fur seals, echidnas and more. Experience the best of what Australia has to offer on the mainland in a unique and tranquil environment. The luxury accommodations leave nothing to be desired. Choose to stay in one of 21 suites with mesmerizing views of the Southern Ocean. With twice daily housekeeping, heated floors, music systems and sunken lounge areas, you will love the sandblasted limestone floors and local Kangaroo Island artisan decor.
South Australia is known as Australia’s culinary capital so dining with local ingredients and organic premium foods and wines is delightful for any foodie wishing to enjoy every meal. All ingredients are in peak season and the menu changes daily to feature the best of what executive Chef, Tim Bourke has to offer. A family can stay in a Remarkable suite for around $1500/night. There is a two night minimum stay but it is recommended to stay at least three nights to fill your itinerary with the best of what the Southern Ocean Lodge has to offer.
Luxury in the City
Hong Kong: The Peninsula
The Peninsula is a prestigious hotel in a position to present the beauty of the city of Hong Kong. Part of a group of nine hotels in some of the best cities in the world, this one blends a classical European elegance with subtle Oriental influence. Known as one of the oldest and most prestigious in the city, it is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui and overlooks the Victoria Harbour with sweeping views of Hong Kong Island. This hotel and amenities have everything to offer the serious businessman or even the young family on holiday.
Take a tour of the hotel by browsing the Peninsula’s up-to-date website. For arrivals into the Hong Kong International Airport, you can choose one of the hotel’s chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantoms or the Peninsula’s very own helicopter, which flies you to the rooftop in less than 20 minutes. The hotel is also known for its traditional afternoon high tea complete with a string quartet.
Starting from $535/night, you can enjoy the classic comfort in the original building or the modern elegance in the new Tower with spectacular views of the Victoria Harbour.
Chicago: Waldorf Astoria
Formerly known as the Elysian Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria is a 60 story skyscraper in the heart of Chicago, just off Michigan Ave and the Magnificent Mile, where the best boutique and designer shopping in the world takes place. The luxurious rooms boast Coco Chanel inspired aesthetics and you will find the amenities outstanding. From the sommeliers and restaurant’s five course meals to the spa and health club, you will experience magnificence in every area of this magnificent hotel.
Deluxe rooms all come standard with soaking tubs and LCD flatscreen TVs inset in the bathroom vanities. Rooms range from $500/night for a king suite to two bedroom suites for over $1495/night. With 188 guest rooms, this hotel will fulfill every indulgence a guest could wish for.
Beach Destinations
Bora Bora: Four Seasons
The most famous of the French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands in the South Pacific, Bora Bora, holds a tropical paradise awaiting you for ultimate relaxation and unprecedented beauty. The Four Seasons Bora Bora hosts a lagoon with activities for the entire family, huts that spread out over the water for sleeping accommodations, and special adventures on the resort’s 15 metre catamaran. You can have a dinner cruise, an adventure island discovery or just a relaxing ride on the catamaran’s sun deck.
The dazzling pool in the resort is hosted by Four Seasons attendants on hand with chilled towels and ice water. You never have to leave the resort to feed sharks, snorkel, kayak, shop, or play volleyball. If you want the ultimate family vacation, Chill Island is a private beach just for kids aged 13-17 where they can watch movies, snorkel, take kite surfing lessons or do any number of other amazing activities. Younger children can enjoy a splash pad and activity centre of their own.
Overwater 1200 sq ft bungalows with private plunge pools can host a family of four or three adults for around $3000/night. Beautiful photos and descriptions of the resort can be found on the Four Seasons Bora Bora website.
Costa Rica: Navara Hotel
Voted #1 hotel in Central and South America by Travel and Leisure 2012, the Nayara Hotel is a tropical paradise which will fulfill your need for relaxation, beauty, and adventure. Located on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, you can stay in one of 50 spacious bungalows immersed in nature with your own secluded garden and outdoor shower and private jacuzzi. Surprisingly affordable, these bungalows can be booked for less than $300/night.
From hiking, zip lining, volcano tours and horseback riding to waterfalls, the outdoor exploration and adventures are almost unlimited. Romantic getaways complete with spa treatments, wine, five star dining and river cruises where you can observe monkeys, iguanas, turtles, crocodiles, birds and more will cause you to want to add a night to your holiday to extend this tropical paradise getaway.
