Category Archives: Unique Rooms

St Barthelemy-Lodging in the French West Indies!

December 3, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hotel Isle De France

       St.Barths is located in the Caribbean, 250 km east of Puerto Rico and very near the islands St.Martin, Anguilla and Saba. It is renown for it’s numerous beaches, it’s  international jetset, it’s impressive hotels and awarded gourmet restaurants, its designer tax-free  boutiques, the popular cosmetics Ligne St.Barth and of course, it’s sophisticated European atmosphere.

Few know that it was discovered by Christopher Colombus in 1493 when it used to be a Swedish colony and was named after his brother (Bartolomeo) . It was sold to France in 1878, and till today boasts the French flag and is under French rule. The residents have European passports, the official language is French and the currency Euro.

A common site here are young ,sun tanned couples enjoying the beauties of the island. Families with children prefer renting  the beach villas whereas celebrities avoiding the public eye tend to rent the villas in the distant hills .

HOTEL ISLE DE FRANCE  is by far one of the best choices of hotel in St.Barths, especially if you are there on your honeymoon. If you want to fall asleep each night to the sound of the waves and take your morning jog along  the notorious beach “ Baie des Flamands ”choose the beach bungalows.Dine in the hotels’  two Michelin star restaurant, La Casa de L’Isle under candlelight , with your feet subtly stroking the white sands.

Do not forget to try the tuna tataki  and the tinfoil grilled vegetables!
Other , unique experiences that should not be missed are  the massages at the Molton Brown Spa , the hotels’ exclusive boutique, and the mini fashion shows which take place once a week around the  swimming-pool .

A private residents club is also available  which allows its members the right to spend a months holiday per year in a villa and benefit from large discounts on all other facilities and services.

La Banane Hotel

 LA BANANE HOTEL

Another  interesting and more economic choice of hotel in St. Barths is the boutique hotel
La Banane, which , since its renovation  resembles a small oasis. The 9 charming
rooms, where great emphasis has been given to detail , pop out of the green gardens and towering palm trees pleasantly  surprising the visitor.In each room unusual works by Pierre Jeanneret,Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Serge Mouille, and Juliette Derel form the highlights of an ever-changing tapestry.

Breakfast  is served by the warm ,welcoming smiling faces of the staff either in your privacy or around the swimming pool accompanied by the song of tropical birds.

As for the afternoon, you can relax at the bar sipping exotic cocktails and flicking through various books and publications from the updated library of La Banane.
The hotel is located very close to the famous Lorient Bay, Eden Rock hotel and restaurant and Cafe Massai that are also  well worth visiting.

With Gratitude T.

Eden Rock Hotel

North Island-Seychelles : barefoot luxury to Eden

November 1, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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 An all around green paradise on earth, with emerald water and golden sands. Eleven haute couture villas dedicated to the Robinson Crusoe’s of today. Architecture that does not allow evident limits between accommodation and nature without however sacrificing the comfort factor.Turtles that stroll around specially designed paths and exotic birds chirping in the trees. That’s North Island for you! An ecological temple and the ideal exotic destination of well being .

When one arrives one immediately senses the divine intervention which has the place intact in contrast to the noisy bustle of everyday life.

Towering, dense, green palm trees , dramatic rocks and a serene beach-oasis. At the first glance no one perceives the fact that the architecture in North Island follows its own rules and does not resemble anything familiar to the common eye. Under the shade of the gigantic Casuarina tree,  the exterior reception-lounge area can be found built from white tree trunks and furniture that seems to have  sprouted from mother earth with no human intervention.

Stone, timber, glass, coral , sand and natural colors compose the setting in which it openheartedly welcomes its visitor with barefoot staff and defines the islands philosophy.

In North Island there are no such restaurants as those that one is used to coming across. The philosophy here is `No menu, no venue, no time’. Meaning  that the visitors can order anything they please ,any hour of the day and eat it where ever they please either on the beach, in the privacy of their villa, at the central swimming-pool, or at the sunset bar.΄

Thus is created the signature  menu of the day in collaboration with the cheerful chef!

An electric rechargeable buggy drives us back to our villa and is left at our disposal as means of transport to further explore the island.

Upon entering the villa from the wooden ramp made from tree trunks one is immediately impressed by the size and the architecture that highlights the natural elements and gives the sense that you are one with nature. In the center there is a large lounge area with a round swimming-pool that is covered by a pergola – an  extension of a Takamaka tree .The bedroom behind the invisible glass gives the notion that it is outdoors and the most notable  characteristic  of the  villa is the bathroom with the enormous bathtub plunged into the wooden floor and the open air shower naturally lit by the starlight sky.

In North Island the activities are numerous. One can visit the spa with the most enchanting view in the island, enjoy luxurious cocktails at the sunset bar or choose from outdoor activities such as scuba diving , kayaking or cycling.

Don’t forget to visit the library with a wide range of books and films which convey the islands ecological character and `Noah’s ark’ philosophy –the island boasts and breeds  extinct species of the animal kingdom such as giant turtles and do not be surprised if on one of your walks you run into Brutus… the largest male turtle of the island – weighing a mere 192 kilos!

Despite North Islands’ many credits and awards the island does not rest. Apart from its plenteous ecological activity it allocates spaces free of charge for one week each June to the less privileged children from the central island of Seychelles where they can enjoy carefree games but also educational programmes about the flora and the fauna of the island.

North Island constitutes  the ideal destination for a combination of carefree days , refined beauty , rare aesthetic  and ecological awareness!

With Gratitude T.

Faena Hotel and Universe: Swept away in Buenos Aires

October 16, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments

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Philippe Starck’s  passionate and unique masterpiece , with signature gilding and masses of red velvet, got plenty of attention when this 1902 grain warehouse turned 83-room hotel following the vision of its owner Alan Faena. However, it’s the service that really shines. Each guest is assigned a team of three “experience managers,” whose primary purpose is to suss out the chic shops, authentic tango outposts, and unlisted addresses of where to see and be seen in this ultrahip capital. Dance shows are organised at the hotel on a daily basis and the Rojo Tango at El Cabaret is a one of a kind experience. El Cabaret may well be one of the most atmospheric spaces you ‘ll ever visit in a hotel : small, friendly, warm, fiery red and sexy it is overflowing with tango music and the show carries you , and the rest of Faena’s spellbound visitors, away. In Argentina, Tango symbolizes the process undergone by a man who is laying siege to win a woman’s heart , and where better to see and live this experience than at the El Cabaret. At the restaurant El Mercado, medialunas are baked every half hour until lunch, when spicy meat empanadas emerge from a mud-brick oven. Beneath the all-white bistro sits the country’s best-stocked wine cellar, with more than 300 labels.

Which room to book: Those ending in 02—corner suites with waterfront and city views

With Gratitude T.

Rayavadee: Tropical Thai Hideaway

September 13, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

It is truth that one can find a vast range of things to do in Thailand.

Ones’ time can be shared  between visits to buddhist temples, elephant rides, relaxing massages, walks in the tropical forests and discovering and tasting the local specialities.  Most important, however, is to relax  and  enjoy the smiling faces and  warm hospitality of the locals.

The ideal place for one to experience all of the above is the  Rayavadee Resort, situated in Krabi , Thailand, 800 km from the noisy bustle of Bangkok and 2-hour car drive from the popular resort of Phuket.

Its unique location inside the National Marine Park and next to the
aquamarine waters of Andaman Sea boasts three of the most striking
beaches of Thailand.

Moreover, it has been architecturally designed as to not only respect but to be in total harmony with its natural environment,
Add to all this the friendly and courteous staff you already have more than enough reasons to visit.

On  approaching the beaches with their white sands and emerald waters, one can easily sense the closeness to the existence  of the garden of Eden. Very tall palm trees ,
green all around vertical rocks and mythical gardens enchant the visitor.

The locals will greet you handmade bracelets made from flowers , fresh coconut juice and will guide you around their heavenly grounds.
The picturesque, round, wooden two-storied villas that unfold in the lush
gardens impress with their natural presence amongst the particular  beauty of their surrounding environment

For your accommodation  select  Spa Pavilion, which means that your villa
will have its own garden, with jaccuzzi, hammocks and lounge deck  chairs, where you can enjoy relaxing massages from the specialised personnel of Rayavadee.

The resort boasts four different restaurants, where you will surely find whatever your heart or stomach desire! . Raya restaurant is ideal to begin your day with enjoying the  morning buffet.  Krua Pranang, promises to introduce you to the original Thai cuisine and also entertains with professional dancers in traditional costume who perform to the Royal Family even until  today.

Mediterranean flavors await at the  Raitalay Terrace at the central swimming-pool of the hotel. Grotto, nested in the impressive rock of Phranang Beach, is the ideal location for a special romantic dinner. Sitting on one of its tables scattered around the beach one can enjoy the enchanting sunset.

A visit to the spa is a must! Try the Rayavadee signature massage you will not regret it ! and enjoy the aromatic local tea offered at the beginning and the end of each treatment.

If you want to explore the regions around Krabi, Rayavadee  organizes
daily activities and excursions, elephant rides, mountain climbing, trekking etc.

For an unforgettable experience go on the one day boat trip around the neighbouring islands.You will be given tour of the  Phi Phi Islands, (where the famous movie “The beach” with Leonardo di Carprio was filmed), Chicken Island whose shape resembles with head of chicken
and the popular Bamboo Island with its all white sandy beaches. Upon arrival the Rayavadee staff will prepare a picnic on the sand consisting of gourmet , local delicacies that is sure to make your stay truly unforgettable!

With a speedboat transfer worthy of any James Bond movie, a honeymoon at Rayavadee on Thailand’s Phranang peninsular instantly sets the scene for a glamorous and indulgent romantic hideaway. So much so, that you can even take a day trip to nearby James Bond Island which is where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed.

Being a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels Of The World means that five-star luxury is a given – all of the uniquely designed two-story pavilions and private villas are set within 26 acres of gorgeous tropical gardens and are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s the perfect escape from the real world.

With Gratitude T.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Eco-Luxury in Tanzania

August 9, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

As the only lodge in Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is romantically exclusive with only 10 elegantly intimate stilted tree house suites. Located within a remote corner of the reserve, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is cradled within the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest. Furnishings and decor combine intricate details of luxury and the natural beauty of this incredibly breathtaking reserve and the cool leafy area that surrounds it.

Get lost within the luxurious space of the bedrooms and sitting rooms, the generously wide open decks and massive window areas as you while away time, enjoying this magnificent piece of heaven in the wild. Warm wood interiors and comfortably cosy sofas in the split level guest areas provide warmth and texture to this wonderful lodge. Although spacious, Lake Manyara Tree lodge is cosy and warm, a true delight in luxurious accommodation.

With Gratitude T.

Huvafen Fushi- a wonderland in the Indian Ocean

July 26, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

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Emerging out of it own aquamarina lagoon, Huvafen Fushi is a dream island with 43 breathtaking water bungalows and the first ever underwater spa- a very sensual resort and an experience far exceeding visitors expectations.

Having made the Condé Nast Gold List several times, Huvafen Fushi, which literally means dreamy language in the local language-is arguably the closest one would get to paradise on Earth. The luxury resort is located at the northern Male Atoll in the Maldives, only 30 minutes away from the airport of Male via speedboat , an impressive route with innumerable islets blessed with white sand , dense vegetation and turquoise waters. Once your personal buttler (locally known as Thakuru) welcomes you with the aim of accommodating your every whim while at the resort, he begins his quest by serving heavenly lime cocktails and coconut juice. Your Thakuru then leads you to the water bungalows amazingly built using materials that exist harmoniously with the natural environment. The bungalows, however, do have an ultra-modern side to them , complete with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose surround sound, a private swimming pool , a daybed and a staircase leading to the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. The bungalow’s bathtub ,incidentally, has an ocean view , and so does the rain shower. Once guests decide to come out of their own personal paradise, they ‘ll be met by a dreamy white-sand beach resort, which is a veritable paradise for swimming, snorkeling over the corals, and scuba diving if you’re more adventurous. On a lucky day, you could get a glimpse of an impressive 2-meter-long Manta Ray or get to feed a Stingray.

The average temperature in the Maldives  is 28C , by the way, and the dress code is an ultra-casual one, preferably barefoot as well. Culinary choices abound in Huvafen Fushi such as Celsius, considered a pioneering ‘spa and raw’ cuisine, or Salt, which features some titillating innovations in fusion cuisine. If you enjoy a drink, head for swanky cocktails at Umbar. Vinum is also worth visiting , an impressive underground wine-cellar with 2000 labels where food-tasting events kidnap you to a world of island gastronomy. The resort also proposes alternative experiences for dinner, such as in-bungalow barbecue dining where two chefs drop in to cook local fish , lobster or dinner for two on your own sandy beach, complete with a star-studded sky.

One absolute must-do before leaving Huvafen Fushi is a visit to the underwater spa for a massage ‘en couple’. This is a unique , synchronous experience for partners in an impressive spot beneath the Indian Ocean with a view of the seabed, corals, colourful fish and even small sharks. Once the massage is over, chill out in the Relax Room- a white area resembling an aquarium with big cushions in a fairytale-like ambiance.

On a wellbeing note, the resort’s Lime spa produces a local coconut oil which has moisturizing and anti-aging properties, as well as a unique local perfume. The spa excels at a ritual massage known as the Unite Me Crystal Ritual , recommended after a long day in the sun. Profits from any massages with this oil are returned to the local community.

Needless to say, the resort organizes outrageous evenings with famous DJ’s such as DJ Ravin (get hold of his CD specifically made for Huvafen Fushi), Claude Challe, Jose Padilla and more, as well as bombastic  New Year’s Reveillons beginning with a farewell party on the last sunset of the year. Caviar, champagne a six-course meal, and dancing to a live band in the sand are the order of the evening. Obviously barefoot!

With Gratitude T.

Villa D’Este – History and Elegance

June 26, 2011 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , Leave a comment

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The history of Villa D’Este  dates back more than 500 years when Cernobbio was a little village, populated only by fishermen and woodcutters.

Built in 1568 as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it remained in the Gallio family for over two centuries. For many years after, the great aristocracy of Europe lived in the Villa. Finally after many sales and resales in 1873, a Limited Company founded by a handful of successful Milanese members of High Society transformed it into a luxury hotel.

Located now in a magnificent park , amidst flowers, terraces, fountains and gardens, overlooking the blue-green waters of the lake, this beautiful hotel famous throughout the world, can be reached by car or train in less than 45 minutes from Milan.

Its 152 guest rooms-no two alike in size or décor- have the intimacy of a private home and the outstanding service is provided by a staff that outnumbers the guests!

A favourite pastime is the cocktail hour when you sit on the terrace overlooking the shores of the most romantic lake in the world waiting for the sun to set with the Alps glowing in the background.

The food in Villa d’Este is prepared for a diversity of tastes and in various settings: there is the formal dining –room and covered Veranda , overlooking the lake and the Grill with its informal milieu where dinners are served in the gardens under the spreading foliage of several century-old plane trees.

The unique heated swimming pool floating on the lake and the Villa D’Este has been designed to combine all the benefits of health, beauty and fitness in an atmosphere that replenishes the mind, body and soul.

Also, located in a very attractive countryside , the Villa D’Este golf course is only 7 miles from the hotel and is considered one of the finest and most challenging ever constructed.

There are countless treasures in Villa D’Este. Just before the reopening of the hotel in 2004 some repairs were being done in the Column Room when the workmen excitedly announced that peeking through the hole in the ceiling some exquisite frescoes had come to light.

Villa D’Este is more like a museum with all the modern conveniences since most of the guest rooms as well as the corridors of the building are decorated with works of art, antique furniture, paintings and ceramics which are part of a precious collection.

What is more, a botanical garden has been recently created in the park of Villa D’Este with a wide selection of fresh herbs and vegetables used to enhance the flavor of the dishes.

There are two major events taking place every year at the hotel. The ‘Concorso d’Eleganza’ for both vintage and concept cars which takes place every April while the first week of September , Ambrosetti organizes a financial/political seminar where the list of participants ranges from Nobel winners to the most prominent leaders of the day in the political and economic fields from all over the world.

In 1873 when Villa D’Este was transformed into a hotel , celebrities from all over the world started flocking to the shores of Lake Como. Very popular among the European Aristocracy, and it did not take long for the movie stars to show up on lake Como.

Villa D’Este is known as the most romantic lake in the world and has been the favourite site for some of the most famous couples who chose to ‘honeymoon’ on Lake Como: Rita Heyworth and Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor and Nick Hilton, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, Ari Onassis and Maria Callas whose romance started here.

With Gratitude T.