Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Singita Faru Faru. Serengeti, Tanzania

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My heart is pounding, my eyes are peeled and the lens of my camera is shaking as the guide looks back at me with a smile, while the lioness pants to cool off after a kill.
Apparently I am lucky to witness this, but am I really? I am pancaked to the back of my seat and just happy I am not that baby warthog.

We had just landed at Singita’s private landing strip 10 minutes before. We were greeted by Adas (our guide for what will be the most exotic week of my life), got in our private Land Rover Puma and started driving to our first stop, Faru Faru Lodge.

Not even 5 minutes into the drive we saw a wildebeest, elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs and giraffes. It was quite the introduction to the African wildlife I should say.

Grumeti, the private conservation of Singita in the Serengeti, spans some 450,000 acres of untouched wilderness. It is world famous for its annual wildebeest migration, and the best part? Only Singita vehicles have access to it, so say goodbye to crowded safaris and say hello to your own personal spectacle.
Faru Faru Lodge is tucked away on the banks of the Grumeti River. It is barefoot luxury at its best, with the style and ambiance of Zanzibar island with patches of sand, umbrellas, sunbeds and swimming pools.

The lodge is conveniently located on a hill with a waterhole in front where elephants, zebras, lions, water bucks, zebras and giraffes drink and play out of. Needless to say, the view is spectacular.
The lodge has 6 identical tents scattered around the hill. The rooms have a whimsical mix of contemporary organic style with the traditional feel of an African camp. The room has a glass wall overlooking the waterhole that opens up with the press of a button, and allows you to become part of the wildlife.

The amenities are creative and chic. My favorite one was a sketch book with watercolors and colored pencils located on a desk overlooking the Serengeti. I am not creative, but I have to say I had the best time sketching zebras and elephants standing right outside my glass wall.

My daily routine was biscuits and coffee, early game drive, a hearty breakfast, pool time, a glass of rose, lunch in the tree house, nap, afternoon drive, long bath, outdoor shower, wine by the fire, a feast for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

No, I never want to leave.

St Regis Bal Harbour. Miami, FL

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After a few months of maternity leave, I decided to dive in to my typical crazy travel schedule by visiting the most spectacular hotel in Miami, St Regis Bal Harbour.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour is absolute haven for travelers that like a mix of elegance, ocean, anticipatory service and tasteful amenities. This exclusive enclave is directly across from Bal Harbour Shops, which is perfect for the shopaholic in all of us,  and mere minutes from the whirlwind energy of South Beach.

The hotel has 227 ocean view rooms. The decor is chic and soothing with soft colors and effortless style.  The rooms are ideal for a couples retreat, all the way to a family vacation. There is a family pool as well as an adult pool if you need to unwind. They also have an adorable kids club with dozen activities to entertain the little ones while you indulge in some r&r.

My favorite room by far was the Deluxe Oceanfront Suite. However, even the most entry level category is to die for, so no matter what room option you choose, you will be in hotel heaven.

Hotel Cuixmala. Costa Alegre, Mexico

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This month we are featuring the hottest spots around the world, and this one is by far one of our absolute favorites. Casa Cuixmala is an oceanfront palace hidden on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Embraced by over 25,000 acres of nature reserve, Casa Cuixmala rises majestically above a two mile long private beach. The palatial building designed by renown architect Robert Couturier (Rizzoli: Designing Paradise) is an exuberant combination of styles from Morocco, India and Mexico.

An imposing tiled dome defines the property and inside are fountain courtyards, sweeping
staircases and expansive living areas with panoramic views. An attentive staff attends to the guest’s every whim. It is an intoxicating mixture of ultra luxury and eco adventure. Casa Cuixmala is Nature Reserved.

 

Cuixmala actually has three parts, Casa Cuixmala, the beachfront ultra luxury hotel with 4 suites and 7 bungalows (this is where most people want to stay, its an exotic oceanfront palace, nothing else quite like it). Then there are 3 private villas which are popular with families and celebrities (for the privacy) and finally the Casitas which are on a ridge above the coconut plantation. 10 small casitas in tropical gardens that share a pool and clubhouse that has a restaurant.

 

All of the accommodation has access to the amenities like horseback riding,  zebras riding, miles of hiking and biking trails, a picture perfect calm beach with paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking, fishing plus an additional two miles of beach for beach combing and jogging.

 

However, the best part is not only how decadent the food is, but that it is about 99% organic, most from their own bio-dynamic farms.

 

Finally, Cuixmala is a celebrity magnet. Celebs like Mick Jagger, Madonna, Tom Cruise, George Lucas and Cara Delevingne have stayed at Casa Cuixmala. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Ralph Lauren, designer Alice Temperley, Mark Ronson in the villas and Gael Garcia Bernal and director Alfonso Cuarón in the Casitas.

Hospes Palacio de los Patos. Granada, Spain

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Located in a historical palace in the financial district of Granada, Hospes Palacio de los Patos hotel is mightily impressive. Classic on the outside but particularly modern on the inside, the design is clean lines, natural light, whitewashed walls, and uniquely designed rooms. The ceilings are particularly high, which is rare for hotels in Granada.

The rooms are a mixture of historic and modern to pay its respects to it’s 19th Century Palace origins. You access the rooms via a giant marble staircase that perfectly compliments the modern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling three floors above.

Los Patos is their outdoor dining option, which is perfect for a clear warm day. Christmas lights hang above you to create a beautiful ambiance you wont soon forget. The moor pastela, influence of the mozarab cuisine or the scallop salad with citrus and saffron, or the tuna fillet with lime cream and wasabi are just a few highlights from the menu.

After your 2 hour luncheon and siesta, head to the Bodyna Spa to have your feet massage after a long day of walking and sightseeing. Their Turkish spa is also fantastic and worth a try.

Hospes Palacio del Bailio. Cordoba, Spain

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During my tour of Andalucia, one thing I noticed is how aw-mazing the Hospes Hotels were in each city I visited. Hospes Palcio del Bailio, located in the charming and historic town of Cordoba, was definitely one of my top highlights of the city. Situated in the center of the city, among a romantic maze of streets, sits this ivy-covered building. The palacio itself dates back to the 16th Century and even houses some archaeological remains of a Roman Villa.

Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated with original murals, hand painted stuccos, Egyptian cotton sheets, and lots of natural lighting. There is a very romantic and laid-back vibe to this hotel; you can picture yourself there, sipping an espresso in the garden courtyard and sitting across from a loved one.

The spa and food are the drawing factors to this hotel. The spa is down a winding staircase and the second you step in it smells like eucalyptus and immediately relaxes you.

The food is absolutely spectacular! The Iberic pork Gua Bao is out of the world, pair it with the delectable Burrata Cheese Salad and you’ll be in heaven.

Balfour Castle. Orkney Islands, Scotland

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If you are still daydreaming of suddenly being transported to Scotland with Jaime Fraser and Claire Randall, then here is a little bit more fuel to add to the fire.

The show takes place around Inverness, and although this stunning castle is located in the most northern part of Scotland, it still has the wow factor that Scotland is so famous for.

Balfour Castle was the creation of two distinguished men; David Balfour, the 4th Laird of Balfour and Trenaby and David Bryce, a preeminent Scottish architect of his generation.

In 1847 the foundations for Balfour Castle were put in place and the castle was completed three years later. The castle is home to 7 turrets, 12 external doors, 52 rooms and 365 sections of window. The views are second to none.

A constant issue with renting a castle is that the interiors tend to be a bit tired. Well not in Balfour, the interiors are stunning. Every room has a distinct feel, masterfully created by the choice of antiques with Balfour provenance and the bespoke De Gournay silk wallpaper. Chandeliers and opulent mirrors reflect the light of this ethereal island perfectly. The tactile and cool marble surfaces are contrasted against the warm richness of the fabrics from the deepest pile imaginable carpets to the pure wool comfort of their Scottish bed throws. Quiet spaces with writing desks or bureaus are found in every room perfect for reflective moments. However, my favorites are the bathrooms. They have luxury Heaven toiletries, linen robes and slippers for the pleasure and comfort of our guests.

Balfour Castle is located on Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands, just a short distance from the north- east coast of the Scottish mainland. Not close to civilization by any means, but it actually gives it an extra layer of exclusivity for a place this magical. This may sound remote, however, it is relatively easy to get amazing island location – commercial flights come from Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow or chartered private planes can take you direct to the airport just outside Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland. A helicopter can land on the front lawn by prior arrangement, but better still, jump on the castles own boat, Reggie, and arrive at the castle in style.

I write a lot of about fabulous hotels, villas and castles and this one is definitely at the top of my list.

Email stefanie@poshvoyage.com for inquiries.

 

Hotel Alfonso XIII. Seville, Spain

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At first one would think, walking into the Alfonso XIII hotel, that this was some renovated mosque or cathedral from the Moorish period of Spain. There are traditional Mosque archways, lined with beautiful blue tiles to accentuate what Southern Spain’s culture is famous for. However, the building was actually built originally as a hotel for friends and family for Prince Alfonso’s inauguration in 1929 in Sevilla.

Present day, the hotel boasts 151 rooms, two restaurants, 1920’s reminiscent bar, gym, luxurious pool (perfect for those famously hot summer days), and garden. Their fine-dining restaurant, San Fernando, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The centerpiece is an open outside dining area, surrounded by the indoor tables adorned with white tablecloths and fine china. Be sure not to miss their buffet breakfast, it has one of the most incredible spreads I have ever seen, start with a cafe con leche and end with the churros and chocolate if you dare. There is also a casual dining option, a delectable Ena Tapas restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Abellán. Come summer there will also be a casual pool-side dining venue available.

Each of the rooms comes with a balcony and a view of the bustling streets that run adjacent to the hotel or the lush gardens. Opt for one of the Grand Deluxe Rooms, or if you can spare a few dollars, the Royal Suite. The Royal Suite comes with it’s own kitchen, dining room, two bathrooms, living room, and sumptuous bedroom, all in Philippe Starck design.

Explore the charming and unassuming town of Sevilla via the hotel’s private car or on foot, practically every major attraction is within walking distance from the hotel. Their private concierge can also arrange VIP tickets to many of these attractions, which I highly recommend since they can get very popular in high season. Also, check out our 72 Hour City Guide for more information on where to eat, drink, and be merry in Sevilla.

The Tropics to The Arctic by Private Jet

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Join one of the founders of Abercrombie & Kent, Geoffrey Kent, on a globe-spanning tour designed by the founder himself. Board the A&K chartered Boeing 757 (first-class obviously) and explore the edges of the Earth in this fully-encompassing excursion.

The trip begins in Fort Lauderdale with a welcome dinner with other guests to get you oh-so-excited for the next day’s departure. The next day, fly to Colombia where you will spend two days in Cartagena and Bogotá, learning about art and traditional street food. From Cartagena, catch a flight to Easter Island to hike along “the way of the moai” and spend a day exploring this historical island.

From Easter Island, board your chartered jet to the quintessential paradise that is French Polynesia. Activities include a visit to a pearl farm, dining on your own private island, and diving among the famed coral reefs. From there, spend a night in the Solomon Islands experiencing a bride-price ceremony arranged exclusively for you. End your week in the tropics with three days in The Philippines swimming with whale sharks and exploring off-the-beaten path destinations.

From there, jet off to Mongolia and Uzbekistan. In Mongolia visit the barren Gobi Desert and Flaming Cliffs, known for their extraordinary dinosaur finds (including the first dinosaur eggs). In Uzbekistan you will visit the home of Tamerlane the Great, the warlord and scholar who led an army that swept westward as far as Cairo, Egypt. Head east to Russia where you will learn and explore the fascinating history of St. Petersburg, recently named one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.  Enjoy a private opera and ballet recital before a lavish dinner in the newly-restored Shuvalov Palace.

The last leg of your trip takes you to Greenland to explore the ice fjords and glaciers glowing in the midnight. You will also be given the opportunity to discover dog sledding country, weather permitting you may even be able to mush a dog yourself! End your fabulous adventure with a farewell Gala in New York City, giving you one last night to reminisce with your new-found and life-long friends.

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Aman Cruises. Indonesia

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During my last trip to Indonesia, I discovered the new product that Aman just debuted, a unique cruise experience called Amandira and Amanikan. Just when I thought Aman couldn’t get any more spectacular, they did.

Venture into the Indonesian archipelago in true fashion through one of Aman’s two cruise experiences. Both cruises set out from your home base at Amanwana, a private island resort on the island of Moyo, east of Bali. The resort offers 20 luxury tented camps perched on the edge of your own private beach. Each tent is air-conditioned, with hard wood flooring and a king-sized bed draped in flowing mosquito netting. Large banks of windows let in light and look out on jungle or beach settings. After a few nights in Amanwana, venture out on a 10-day cruise to Raja Ampat or the neighboring island of Komodo National Park.

Explore Raja Ampat, one of the world’s most diverse landscapes, where the Pacific meets the Indian Ocean. Raja Ampat encompasses thousands of islands, cays, and beaches. From climbing Mt. Pindito to privately dining on an uninhabited island, your Raja Ampat experience will be tailored expertly to your needs and desires.

Discover the fabled Komodo dragon in its UNESCO-protected homeland only 200 kilometers from the resort. Komodo National Park is also home to some of the best scuba diving in the world so start your adventure with a dive exploring the reefs around Satonda Island, which are frequented by rays and dolphins. End your expedition with an expert led trek to find the Komodo Dragons, monkeys, deer, and a cornucopia of nature.

The first of Aman’s two cruise liner options is the Amandira, a two-masted sailing ship 52 meters long. This sailing ship, which only launched in 2015, is a traditional Phinisi fishing vessel, which combines the ancient romance of the spice trade with cutting-edge contemporary amenities. Perfect for a couple looking for a blend of old-world and new-world.

The second cruise liner option is the Amanikan, a 32-meter custom built coastal cruiser. With three above-deck cabins, an expansive foredeck with bar for outdoor dining, and world-class diving facilities, Amanikan is equipped for journeys throughout the archipelago. Perfect for couples looking for a more refined cruise experience.

Land Rover x Abercrombie & Kent SVAutobiography

Hotel of the Week

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Abercrombie & Kent is one of the top travel agencies for tailor-made experiences, so it is no wonder they wanted to team up with one of the most high-end car companies to bring you a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A&K, partnered with Land Rover, has created a 21-day trip that spans five continents, eight countries and nine of the world’s best hotels. Using the Range Rover SKAutobiography clients will drive themselves, using the expert GPS Nav systems of course, in unparalleled luxury both on-road and off-road.

From the tranquil Amalfi Coast to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, you will circumnavigate the world in only 3 weeks! Start your first leg of the trip at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat, the second leg at The Royal Mansour Marrakech and ending your time in Morocco at Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s famed Atlas Mountain Retreat. Leg three includes a stop at the beautifully isolated Amangiri. Built into the dramatic mountains of Utah, this change of scenery will be highly-welcomed after the hours of driving. Leg four takes you to the Atacama Desert in Chile where you will stay at the ultra-luxe Awasi Hotel. An overnight flight and short hop take you to Tasmania, where you will stay at Saffire Freycinet, one of Posh Voyage’s all-time favorite hotels.

Starting at £100,000 per person based on two travelers, this road trip is fully customizable based on the client’s preferences. This trip is only offered through select Abercrombie & Kent bespoke boutiques, but you can also contact concierge@poshvoyage.com for more information.

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For the full itinerary please see below:

Day 1 – Nice to Monaco

  • Lunch at Joel Robuchon at the Metropole, Monaco
  • Overnight at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat

Day 2 – Hills of Provence

  • Personalised fragrance making class
  • Lunch at Chateau St Martin
  • Overnight at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat

Day 3 – Coastal drive to Portofino

  • 3 hour drive to Portofino along the coastal highway
  • Overnight at Hotel Splendido, Portofino

Day 4 – Cinque Terre

  • Drive along the coast to the Cinque Terre
  • Lunch on the Italian Riviera
  • Overnight at Hotel Splendido, Portofino

Day 5 – Lake Comocruise

  • 3 hour drive to Lake Como
  • Take a private sunset cruise over the lake to Bellagio
  • Overnight at Villa D’Este

Day 6 – Dolomite Mountains

  • 5 hour drive through the Italian lakes into the Dolomite mountains
  • Overnight at San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

Day 7 – Helicopter picnic

  • Fly up by Helicopter for a discreet picnic on a glacier
  • Snow shoeing and crevasse rappelling
  • Overnight at San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

Day 8 – Fly toMarrakech

  • Transfer to Venice
  • Flight to Marrakech
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 9 – Ouarzazate Desert drive

  • Day drive into the arid desert around Ouarzazate
  • Lunch in a private desert camp
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 10 – Atlas Mountains

  • Day drive into the Atlas Mountains through Berber villages
  • Lunch at Richard Branson’s hotel Kasbah Tamadot.
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 11 – Transfer to US

  • Flight to Las Vegas
  • Helicopter to Amangiri – Range Rover on standby for drive to hotel
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 12 – Monument Valley drive

  • Drive 2.5 hours to Monument Valley
  • Antelope Canyon – Hiking and Scrambling excursion
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 13 – Grand Canyon by helicopter

  • Helicopter to North rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Private dinner under the stars at a local Sandstone Butte
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 14 – Utah desert drive

  • Drive 4.5 hours though the Arizona/Utah desert
  • Breakfast in Zion National Park
  • Overnight Flight from Las Vegas

Day 15 – Atacama, Chile

  • Arrival day in the Atacama Desert
  • Overnight atAwasi

Day 16 – Alamo Observatory

  • Day drive to the Alamo Observatory
  • Private Lunch
  • Overnight at Awasi

Day 17 – Atacama desert drive

  • Day Drive into the Atacama Desert.
  • Overnight at Awasi

Day 18 – Transfer to Australia

  • Overnight flight to Sydney

Day 19 – Sydney Bridge climb

  • VIP Sydney Bridge climb experience and behind the scenes at Sydney Opera House
  • Overnight at Park Hyatt Sydney

Day 20 – Transfer to Tasmania

  • Fly to Tasmania
  • Drive 2 and a half hours through Tasmania on stunning roads
  • Overnight at Saffire

Day 21 – Boart trip to Wineglass Bay

  • Quad bike through the coastal heathland and forest
  • Boat trip to Wineglass Bay
  • Overnight at Saffire

Day 22 – Return to London