text Corina Tan
ATLANTIS THE ROYAL DUBAI
Sitting on the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal Dubai is a luxury hotel and residence sprawling laterally through intersecting blocks across 500m of prime beachfront land. Branding itself as ‘the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world’, the scene here is big, bold and full of bling.
The lobby is home to the world’s largest jellyfish tank with over 2,000 species and that is just one of three aquariums in the lobby alone. Huge walls filled with water and fire installations flow together as you step in, and this theme is repeated all around the hotel.
This is a hotel with 795 rooms, suites and penthouses designed to ensure seclusion and privacy within each space. Bathrooms are large and spacious, separated from the room by glass walls. All rooms showcase extensive views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, with 44 of them housing their own private infinity pool.
Nobu by the beach – pool area
Atlantis The Royal houses more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere in the world. Aside from celebrity names, there are also a further 10 signature restaurants, nightlife spots, cafes and lounges here, ensuring there is always something to delight your taste buds and enthral your senses.
THE MADRID EDITION
Deluxe Room
Madrid’s most exciting new hotel is an aesthetically rich statement of contemporary design emanating from celebrity hotelier, Ian Schrager. A blast of modern extraordinary luxury located right in the city centre, the structure was repurposed from a boxy, modern former bank on the old town Plaza de Celenque. The dramatic building begins with one of the few historic elements remaining from the original site – an ornate 18th-century granite doorway by Pedro de Rivera.
A hotel brand known for its dramatic flair and contrasting use of old and new world aesthetics, it’s no surprise to find spaces with pops of colour, such as an arch hallway with Luis Barragán inspired hot pink lighting. Beyond the lobby of this vivacious space is a vast spiral staircase of pearly-white stone, curving its way upwards and setting the tone for an off-white colour scheme, with sleek furniture and stylish modern décor throughout its rooms.
The hotel’s 177 guest rooms and 22 suites are designed in minimalistic style with soundproof silence and posh detailing. Some rooms feature terraces or balconies; others are lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the Gran Via. Two top floor penthouses boast private pools and distant views of the snow-capped Sierra de Madrid.
On the ground floor, guests can enjoy fine Mexican cuisine served in a groovy dining room with Castilian-style panelled walls, lime green chairs and a hot pink feature wall. Jerónimo is headed by Enrique Olvera, Santiago Perez and their exceptional team. The multi-layered space features four distinct areas that seamlessly blend in with each other to create a totally holistic experience.
HOTEL VERMELHO MELIDES
What do impeccable shoes and a hotel in Portugal have in common? They are both the product of the eclectic and extravagant famed shoe designer, Christian Louboutin. Hotel Vermelho was discovered quite by accident during a retreat where Mr Louboutin had hurt himself and needed medical attention. On the way to the hospital, he noticed the beautiful village of Melides, fell in love and purchased an old fisherman’s house that he turned into his first-ever hotel.
The 13 rooms within the hotel are a product of Louboutin’s vision to showcase the area’s heritage in Iberian artistry, with astonishing pops of colour throughout. Some rooms exclusively include hand-painted walls by Greek artist and long- time Louboutin collaborator, Konstantin Kakanias.
VERMELHO, MELIDES, PORTUGAL
Sure to be a hit with fashion lovers and creatives who appreciate high design yet long for a serene atmosphere in the slow pace of a small village, Vermelho promises long, quiet nights with wine and good conversation. In the summer, guests are provided with exclusive car service to the beach, visits to wineries, and trips to the nearby villages of Porto Covo, Comporta and Alcácer do Sal.
Tasty local cuisine is on the menu at the Xtian restaurant headed by Portuguese Chef David Abreu. Presenting dishes such as octopus salad, pork with clams, fried red mullet with squid and cod stew, guests can savour flavours of unique local cuisine with international nuances.
ROCK HOUSE, TURKS & CAICOS
Perched on a rocky ridge, the Rock House is a Mediterranean inspired lifestyle resort located on the north shore of the Providenciales near Blue Mountain. Curated for travellers who prefer to escape the crowds in favour of a more tranquil experience, the waterfront property is intentionally small, with its entire 14ac layout conducive to privacy.
Masterfully integrated into the native limestone landscape, the resort is bordered by dramatic cliffs with an infinity pool built right at the edge. The 46-oceanfront villa-styled accommodations sit atop the rugged coastline at an elevation of 50ft above sea level, offering sweeping views of Grace Bay. Gleaming white limestone paths lead to furnished terraces with swimming ladders that cascade into the lovely turquoise waters of the sea.
Plenty of secluded areas inspire romance where couples can find secluded nooks in and around the property. Day beds, lounge chairs and cabanas are strategically placed all around the infinity pool for maximum privacy, while plush couches and ottomans are situated on a long wooden staircase leading down to the beach below. The property enjoys a completely private 350ft beachfront, where guests can snorkel in the world’s third largest barrier reef right from the shore. A 130ft jetty connects guests to excursion boats and yachts sailing along the beautiful coastline.
The Vita restaurant and bar, led by executive chef Dennis Boon, is located on top of a hill overlooking the property. Offering Mediterranean-inspired meals, it also features gourmet pastas and tapas-styled dishes. The Cave Bar serves lighter fare and features natural rock walls with comfortable seating on a patio overlooking the sea. Neighbouring the hilltop restaurant is a fitness centre that offer vast views of the ocean and island of Providenciales.
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