FEATURE STORY

HOT SUMMER STAYS

WHERE TO SOAK UP THE SUN IN LUXURY THIS SEASON

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA

Viceroy Riviera Maya, just outside of Playa del Carmen, is a special place. Think: private villas on the edge of the rainforest, sultry breezes, swaying palm trees, brilliant, gemstone-blue water lapping at your feet, and seven miles of white-sand beachfront, home to the world’s second biggest coral reef. All 41 residence-like villas — all with jungle views — are thoughtfully designed with secluded outdoor showers, private plunge pools, hammocks, and patios with chaise lounges, with luxurious touches like full-size ROIL and Natura Bissé bath products, Italian linen bathrobes and slippers, and Bose sound systems. The elegantly designed, ocean-accessible, 1,700-squarefoot Beachfront Villas are the standouts here thanks to those aforementioned views, deep soaking tubs, and personal majordomo (butler) who provides a nightly aroma-therapeutic turndown service, a pillow menu, and a hand-made soap concierge. Yes, you read that right. There’s also two great restaurants, including the fine dining concept La Marea, which is now helmed by the exciting young cook, Julio Cesar Chavez , and an awardwinning spa in WAYAK, which specializes in the ancient Mayan traditions native to the area. On that front, quite uniquely, the resort also has its own resident shaman who prepares and dries herbs from an on-site garden for personalized treatments. Water sports are naturally on offer, including diving and snorkeling, private yacht and catamaran charters, and even a dolphin discovery area. Cenote tours and romantic, candlelit beach respites, featuring floral arrangements and tiki torches in a private seaside palapa are just part of what makes the Viceroy so special, but you’ll really have to see it for yourself to experience the true breadth of its magic.

Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7 Riviera Maya, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICEROY HOTEL GROUP

HauteTRAVEL

Haute TRAVEL

SOFITEL KIA ORA MOOREA BEACH RESORT

French Polynesia is a massive area, comprising some 118 islands (roughly the size of Europe) and sometimes, one wants for more than a dedicated beach vacation. Fair enough — whatever floats your boat, right? Which is why it would be remiss not to mention the wild allure of Moorea, an island known for its beautiful beaches and volcanic mountains, lush green cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest hiking trails, and the spirit of adventure. For those who want that untamed, surrounded-by-nature vibe, but still want to sleep on Egyptian cotton in an overwater bungalow, the French-owned Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea offers that happy medium — and you’ll be happy there, indeed. The resort is located on a secluded, picture-perfect slice of white-sand beach on Temae, the longest of the islands, within a protected marine area, dotted by 113 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront, or amid landscaped gardens. Our pick: a luxury horizon overwater bungalow that offers unobstructed views of the lagoon, a private solarium, glass floor viewing panels, and private terraces and sundecks. But it’s the local partnerships that make this resort so remarkable. The powers that be work with the best of the best on island, whether it’s learning how to make home remedies or flower crowns with local Yvette León, ATV’ing up Magic Mountain, a dance party on a private motu with Temoana Tours, or snorkeling with sharks and stingrays. On property, there are just as many special offerings, from outrigger canoeing to private dinners at K, a beachfront restaurant under a cathedral ceiling made with Kahaia wood from the Tuamotu atolls, to spa treatments utilizing natural exotic ingredient such as raw-organic coconut body oil, zesty orange, sweet vanilla, fruity mango, or even avocado at Le Jardin Spa & Beauty. Here, you’re truly in for a tropical treat. Moorea-Maiao 98728, French Polynesia

CONRAD BORA BORA NUI

There are few places in the world that are as magical as Bora Bora, and if you’re looking for a dedicated, luxurious island getaway where the only thing you have to do is decide which cocktail to order with dinner, then the breathtaking Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the place for you. A first-class flight on festive Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete, French Polynesia’s capital, gets you in the mood for your island adventure. Recover from your long plane ride with a night at the new Hilton Hotel Tahiti, the only five-star property on the island, or jump on a hopper flight to the Bora Bora airport, from where you’ll take a private resort pontoon or a direct flight to the hotel that lands on a floating helipad. From there, it’s pure hedonism all the way thanks to white-sand beaches, awe-inspiring sunsets, and overnight stays in majestic overwater bungalows dotted with traditional Polynesian décor (the crème de la crème of which is the 3,229-square-foot, two-story Presidential Bungalow which features two bedrooms, three bathrooms, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, whirlpools, sunbeds, a bar and lounge area, and three terraces). Service here is next-level, whether that’s through the new five-star host butler service that help with your packing and unpacking, resort tours, shoe and flip-flop care and repair, morning beverage delivery, and even tutorials on how to properly style and wear a Tahitian pareo. At the superior hilltop Hina Spa, which is embedded into a volcano and overlooks the lagoon, traditional Polynesian treatments as well as a new partnership with French skincare brand Biologique Recherche are on offer. On the culinary tip, there are delectable dining concepts, such as a catered champagne picnic lunch on the private inlet of Motu Tapu; a traditional Polynesian fire dance dinner; and a floating canoe breakfast. The resort also features an overwater lounge and swimup pool bar, a fitness center, tennis court, golf simulator, educational experiences revolving around the local manta rays with a dedicated on-site marine biologist, and all the kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddle-boarding you can handle. BP502 Vaitape Bora Bora 98730, French Polynesia

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOFITEL KIA ORA MOOREA BEACH RESORT PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOFITEL KIA ORA MOOREA BEACH RESORT PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONRAD BORA BORA NUI