RAFFLES LONDON at the OWO

© Patrick Williamson

A former haunt of Winston Churchill, among others, Raffles London at The OWO has been welcoming guests since September. The famed Singaporean hospitality group's first location in the British capital was a long time coming: Eight years were spent renovating the OWO (Old War Office) before it reopened. The Edwardian façade exudes sumptuous elegance, which also permeates the 121 rooms, suites and "Raffles Residences." The in-house Guerlain Spa with over 2500 square meters leaves nothing to be desired. Three different dining experiences from the hands of chef Mauro Colagreco promise pure indulgence: "Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO" focuses on British produce; "Mauro's Table" entices with private fine dining, and "Saison" is considered the main restaurant, located in the former library. Two other eateries serve French and Mediterranean fare; in the future, they will be joined by Britain's first "Langosteria."

Read more

Raffles London at The OWO
Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3907 7500
Web: raffles.com.
Price: doubles from €1400

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

© provided

This venerable resort was closed for two years - while architects and shamans were hard at work to skillfully freshen up the premises with furniture and Mexican handicrafts, chandeliers made of hand-blown glass and traditional Saltillo floor tiles. The spa concept is based on Mayan teachings, with treatments utilizing the power of nature, ancient practices and rituals centered around the Melipona bee. In the "Casa Mayor" restaurant, 90 percent of the ingredients come from Mexico and nearly half directly from the Yucatán Peninsula. In "Freddy's Bar" directly on the beach, fresh seafood and cocktails are served to live music and DJ sets. Children are also well catered for here: With bike tours, archery or jewelry making; there is also a nanny service. A hammock on the terrace, with a view of the turquoise sea, is the best place to plan: an excursion to Yucatán, snorkeling, a cooking class, wine tasting? The possibilities are endless.

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km 51, 77710 Riviera Maya, Mexico
Tel: +1 866 454 9351
Web: belmond.com
Price: upon request

Ananea

© Ananea Kos

"Slow Glamour" is the motto of the new lifestyle hotel brand Ananea. Its mission: to make the luxury of a boutique hotel near the beach affordable. Within its first property, with 74 rooms just 50 meters from the sea, the idea has been consistently implemented. The interior design is minimalist and made of high-quality natural materials, and the hosts maintain a sense of casual informality. This is also reflected in the food concept; guests sit together at long tables for dinner in a family atmosphere, served with simple, fresh, regional dishes. The spa is the sea, the fitness offering is a yoga class on the beach - the goal is to focus back on the essentials.

Ananea Slow Glamour Hotels Kos
853 00 Tigaki, Kos, Greece
Tel: +30 22 4206 9217
Web: ananea.com
Price: Doubles including breakfast from €78

Son Bunyola

© provided

Entrepreneur and hotel magnate Sir Richard Branson had to wait more than 20 years for the permits to renovate this enchanting 16th-century finca from the ground up. Now his patience has finally paid off – this intimate boutique hotel with its own beach epitomizes Mallorca at its most gorgeous. Far from the madding crowd of Palma and tucked away in the Serra Tramuntana, 26 individual rooms and suites as well as three breathtaking villas beckon with classic Mallorcan charm and the utmost privacy. The place seems instantly welcoming and cozy, even dinner out on the terrace with other guests feels like a get-together with old friends. Most of the kitchen’s ingredients are sourced from the hotel grounds, which have been recently recultivated alongside the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. The mountainous terrain is perfect for hikes, bike tours and other outdoor activities. Guests can also take advantage of the private tennis court, a spa offering natural treatments, a heated outdoor pool and organized golf tours.

Read more

Son Bunyola
Ctra. C-710, 83 km, 07191 Banyalbufar, Mallorca, Spain
Tel: +34 871 620 602
Web: virginlimitededition.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from €600

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

© provided

In order to develop Saudi Arabian tourism, the "Red Sea Project" was launched: By 2030, the world's most environmentally friendly vacation destination is to be created on 22 islands. This includes "The St. Regis Red Sea Resort": 90 villas, some on the beach, some above the water, the latter with a 360-degree view over the sea. The location alone on the pristine private island of Ummahat, which can only be reached by boat or seaplane, is unique. Three restaurants offer a range of cuisine from Levantine to Japanese, and the beach club offers dining by the infinity pool. A luxurious outdoor pool, high-tech fitness center, top-class spa - King Salman ibn Abd al-Aziz himself announced the realization of the megaproject, and the ambience is appropriately royal. Individual discovery tours along the Red Sea coast are planned, and the resort is to become a certified light sanctuary: That promises spectacular starry skies. Opens in December 2023.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Ummahat Island 1, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Tel: +0800 1 854 422
Web: marriott.com
Price: upon request

TRIBE Paris Saint-Ouen

© Stephan Lucius Lemke

The story of the young hotel chain Tribe began in 2017, when Melissa and Mark Peters founded the first location in Perth, Australia. The concept: to make modern nomadism affordable with practically equipped rooms and an unpretentious ambience. There are now venues around the world, with the "Saint-Ouen" being the third in Paris after Batignolles and La Défense. The nearest metro station is just a few steps away, but perhaps you would prefer to immerse yourself in the northern Parisian banlieues far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Solo travelers will be happy to meet like-minded people, read, or play a game of Möllky in the social hub, which has a bar, library, and terrace. Food is provided at the "Grab&Go," where drinks and snacks await around the clock. The restaurant "Tribe Table" serves typical Parisian brasserie dishes. Something for the young and young at heart, and not just because of the price - an uncomplicated, casual and cosmopolitan meeting place. 

Tribe Paris Saint-Ouen
33-35 Boulevard Jean Jaures, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France
Tel: +33 187 122 060
Web: tribehotels.com
Price: Doubles from € 130

Amari Raaya Maldives

© muhaphotos.com

On the Maldivian private island of Kudakurathu, the tropical dream comes true: Even the arrival by seaplane is spectacular, opening with a breathtaking view of the Raa Atoll, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful reefs. The resort offers guests beachfront and overwater villas - the latter seem to literally float above the sea thanks to the typical Maldivian stilted construction. Swim, play, explore: There are no limits to the activities at the resort. Adventurers are drawn to the corals on a diving safari, while those seeking peace and quiet head to the relaxing Maai Spa. The days end with traditional "Boduberu" nights and a deeper dive into the culture of the country. Culinary options range from pan-Asian dishes to Italian classics and poolside snacks. A highlight for the youngest: ice cream from the "Fulhi Bus".

Amari Raaya Maldives
P.O. Box 2053, Kudakurathu Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Tel: +960 400 1400
Web: amari.com
Price: upon request

The Central 

© Hotel "The Central

Where deep roots and forward-looking visions meet, great things can come into being – like at "Das Central" in the famous ski resort of Sölden. As design standards are constantly evolving and there was a desire to create an all-year-round destination, a comprehensive makeover is currently in progress at the popular five-star hotel. Its 31 rooms and suites will shine in new splendor, with special new Wellness suites with private saunas and spacious Penthouse and junior suites being added. Starting in November, a spectacular, 17-meter-long Skypool will grace the premises, which will allow a singular feeling of weightlessness. Adjacent to the infinity pool, a new, modern "Summit Spa" is currently under construction, replete with panorama and event saunas as well as other wellness highlights. Soon, guests will also find Sölden's most spectacular hangout there: The "Summit Bistro & Bar" above the rooftops will welcome guests to enjoy light refreshments and cocktails as well as apéritifs in the evenings. 

Das Central - Alpine. Luxury. Life.
Auweg 3, 6450 Sölden, Austria
Tel.: +43 525 422600
Web: central-soelden.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from €550