Enjoy the view of raw Norwegian nature from the edge of your bed, study the starry sky in the Arabian desert, let the sound of African wild animals lull you to sleep, and board a traditional train hotel in the jungle.
Banyan Tree AlUla Photo: 2020 © Ales Vyslouzil/Ales Photography FZ LLE / Banyan Tree AlUla
In late autumn last year, Singaporean hotel chain Banyan Tree opened its first property in controversial Saudi Arabia, a resort developed by The Royal Commission for AlUla.
The desert city of AlUla, with its unique culture and nature, has in record time become one of the most attractive travel destinations in the mythical Arab country, which a short time ago opened its borders to mass tourism.
An initiative from the allegedly more liberal member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who with his Vision 2030 will reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.
The article continues below the advertisementThe article continues below the advertisement
The article continues below the picture
Banyan Tree AlUla Foto: Christopher Cypert / Banyan Tree AlUla
For the luxury chain Banyan Tree, the guests’ well-being is the focus. They are also keen to preserve the environment around them, and the new grant in AlUla is no exception.
The resort is inspired by Nabatean architecture with nomadic, tent-like villas, two restaurants, fitness centre, yoga, spa and swimming pool.
AlUla’s main attractions, such as the old town, Elephant Rock and Hegra, are less than half an hour’s drive away.
The article continues below the advertisementThe article continues below the advertisement
(The article continues below the picture)
Hotelito Musa Photo: Alejandro Ramirez Orozco
Hotelito is located near the coastal city of Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s west coast, and is part of Mexican designer Andrés Saavedra and Canadian Tara Medina’s utopian vision Musa (Modern Utopian Society of Adventurers).
The hotel offers everything from a bio pool to an organic farm and restaurant. The hotel’s 13 rooms have a minimal design, with a panoramic view of the sea and the jungle as a backdrop.
The article continues below the ad
Private pools and bathtubs with salt water from where you can look up at the starry sky in the evening are understated luxury.
A commitment to the local environment has driven the boutique hotel to operate entirely on solar energy. Gardens on the roof that provide naturally cooler rooms inside, and rainwater that is harvested to irrigate the gardens, as well as compost initiatives, are all measures to minimize the hotel’s environmental footprint.
(The article continues below the picture).
Hotelito Musa Photo: Alejandro Ramirez Orozco
The hotel’s nearest attractions are the sea and the jungle, and their biological diversity of plant and animal species.
The neighboring town of Juluchuca is known for delicacies such as coconut candy, watermelon, basil and salt, while the fishing villages of La Barrita, Papanaoa and Puerto Vicente are full of family-run beachside seafood restaurants.
Nearby are also archaeological treasures that tell the region’s 3,000-year-old history.
The article continues below the ad
(The article continues below the picture).
The Bolder Photo: Elin Engelsvoll / The Bolder
Among 170 hectares of untouched nature and unobstructed views, The Bolder cabins soar high above the Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
The article continues below the ad
Earlier this year, The Bolder opened four new cabins in Ryfylke, near the now world-famous mountain peak Preikestolen, which has been immortalized in, among other things, Tom Cruise’s blockbuster “Mission Impossible”.
Three new Star Lodges and a Grand Lodge, designed by the star architects in Snøhetta, have been added to The Bolder’s repertoire. The latter can house as many as 12 people, and the cabins must all be carefully placed in the landscape and built to minimize the impact on nature.
(The article continues below the picture).
The Bolder Photo: Bitmap/Henrik Moksnes
Of course, they all face the majestic fjord and mountains – and give you a front-row seat to the raw Westland nature.
The article continues below the ad
There is no food included in the stay – but a designer kitchen is readily available. There you will find a fridge, induction hob and oven, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and a selection of kitchen equipment.
Bring all the food and drink you want, or order packed lunches through The Bolder in advance. Bed linen, towels, soaps and laundry are included in the price.
Attractions such as Kjeragbolten, Fanthahålå, Flørlitrappene and Lysebotn are also nearby.
(The article continues below the picture).
One&Only Aesthesis Foto: Rupert Peace
This autumn, the luxury hotel chain One&Only opens its new addition in the Greek capital, Athens. On a private oceanfront estate, One&Only Aesthesis channels nostalgic glamor and nods to the Athenian Riviera’s 1960s heyday.
The article continues below the ad
The hotel is set within a 21-hectare protected forest reserve in Glyfada, a short drive from the ancient wonders of the Acropolis in the Greek capital.
The article continues below the ad
(The article continues below the picture).
One&Only Aesthesis Foto: Rupert Peace
From the sparkling Glyfada beach, the resort gazes out at islands and yachts speeding by. The rooms are all built to ensure views of the Riviera and coastline. The resort’s rooms, bungalows and beachfront villas are carved out of natural stone, and the indoor and outdoor areas blend seamlessly.
As a One&Only hotel, a magnificent spa is of course in the plans, as well as two signature restaurants that will put the spotlight on local, Greek ingredients and dishes. There will also be bars and a beach club.
Sun, swimming – and R&R – are clearly high on the activity menu, and the hotel’s KidsOnly Club and One Tribe should be able to entertain children and teenagers so that parents can take a well-deserved break.
(The article continues below the picture).
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Thailand Photo: mawa.co
InterContinental’s new resort in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park is designed as a tribute to the country’s golden era of train travel.
The article continues below the ad
Inspired by the region’s history, which served as a key gateway for rail transport to the northeastern parts of Thailand during the reign of King Rama V, Khao Yai Resort celebrates this heyday.
(The article continues below the picture).
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort Foto: Nopanon Itthiakarapong
Old train carriages have been given new life as luxurious suites and villas, and the hotel hopes to evoke nostalgia from a bygone era.
The article continues below the ad
The hotel, which is an hour’s drive from the hectic capital Bangkok, has both Thai, international and French food service on site, as well as several bars and a tea cart, where you can enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea.
The article continues below the picture
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort Photo: mawa.co
Fitness centre, pool and spa are of course on the menu, in addition the hotel can organize a number of activities and experiences in and around the resort, such as picnics by the lake and bike rides in the green jungle. Khao Yai has also been built in hopes of becoming a sought-after location for destination weddings.
The article continues below the ad
If you are one of those who do not want to go anywhere without your four-legged best friend, you will be happy to hear that the resort also allows guests to bring their dogs and cats.
(The article continues below the picture).
Natural Selection Duke’s Camp Foto: Natural Selection Duke’s Camp
Nye Duke’s Camp is a luxury safari lodge in Botswana’s enchanting Okavango Delta.
Located in a remote area on a canal in the north of the reserve, this is unfiltered African wilderness combined with an incomparable safari style.
Think mahogany sideboards and a butler’s tray with a pot of steaming fresh coffee in the morning.
Enjoy the old charm and understated luxury of the wilderness, which is literally on your doorstep. The camp is unfenced and overlooks a floodplain and seasonal lagoon. Here you can experience safari up close, but from the comfort of your own tented suite.
The article continues below the picture
The article continues below the advertisementThe article continues below the advertisement
Natural Selection Duke’s Camp Foto: Natural Selection Duke’s Camp
Duke’s Camp offers nine suites with spacious bathrooms, as well as private terraces carefully positioned to offer unobstructed views of the delta. The sister camp also recently opened Duke’s Eastwith four suites.
The luxurious safari tents sit elegantly among large bushes on a raised wooden deck.
If you dare, with expert guides you can immerse yourself in the wilderness with, among other things, hiking, mokoro (canoeing) excursions, fishing and sunset boat trips. Helicopter flights are also available at an additional cost.
(The article continues below the picture).
Natural Selection Duke’s Camp Foto: Natural Selection Duke’s Camp
Meals at the camp are enjoyed in the shade of giant ebony trees or in a communal dining tent, and are a sumptuous affair with three-course dinners served with crystal glasses and antique silverware.
At the end of the day, those who want to gather for storytelling at the campfire.
This article was previously published in Capital trip.
2023-12-24 14:24:15
#Hotels #world
