THE GRAND HOUSE
Let the Roaring Twenties come a-ringing at the Grand House boutique hotel in the southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve. First opened in 1926, the hotel relaunched this year, maintaining its original aged glamour of architecture and interior, whilst adding colonial comforts with a contemporary flair. Standing tall against the vista of the Atlantic Ocean, the Grand House offers 30 individually decorated rooms and suites, all opulent yet cosy, as well as the Grand Beach Club at Vila Real de Santa António, where guests may spend the day either trying out contemporary
Portuguese cuisine at the Grand Beach Club Restaurant, or lounging by the infinity pool and watching the Guadiana River merge into the Atlantic.
FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI
The call of the wild beckons at newly launched Jungle Tented Villas at the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in the North of Maldives, these safari-style villas serve up luxurious alfresco styled living in the resorts inland jungle. Experience outdoor living at its apex with an outdoor rain shower, roll-top tub and beautiful architecture accoutered with localledsourced handmade wooden furnitures and amber-toned interiors. Constantly bustling with activities, one can go on a sunrise fishing trip to the Indian Ocean and learn Maldivian line fishing, or opt for a private jungle BBQ with fresh seafood for lunch. The resort is your oyster and although you may be spoiled for choice with the activities offered, we personally recommend ending the day in the private pop up cinema of your villa, which showcases the classics, all beneath the glimmering blanket of the stars.
HOSHINO RESORTS KAI TSUGARU
A hot springs and inn that soothes the spirit and mind, Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru has elevated its hot spring ryokan experience with new guest rooms and public areas that deliver the best of local Tsugaru culture. Located in the Owani hot springs, guests to the ryokan will now be able to interact with the local culture through the Tsugaru vidro glassware and kogin lanterns, as well as the nightly Tsugaru shamisen show held in the water gardens. It would also be amiss to stay here and not try out the seasonal tea and juices, such as cherry blossom and apple teas, and the locally brewed sake for the full experience of the ryokan.
AVANI + SAMUI
Your Thai escapade starts at Avani+ Samui, located on Koh Samui’s south-west shore, just steps away from the secluded Phang Ka Bay. The 58 rooms and villas are spacious, with nature-inspired interiors and ample natural lighting. Greater privacy can be had at the villas – six of which are on the beachfront – that are set among verdant garden and which come with private pools. If the idea of exploring the untouched
beaches or nearby islands doesn’t appeal to you, indulgence can still be had with the AvaniSPA’s relaxing and reinvigorating treatments or the refreshing cocktails and beverages at the cool Kombi Van bar. Grab-and-go snacks and light meals inspired by local island ingredients are available at can be PANTRY at Avani, while the beachfront Essence serves up Thai and international specialities against panoramic views.
