Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
“ONCE A YEAR, GO SOMEPLACE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE.” dalai lama
Baros Maldives
PUBLISHER’S WELCOME
Welcome to the fourth fabulous edition of The Lux Traveller Collection. In 2018 we are proud to bring our readers yet another outstanding collection of hotels, each and every one destined to inspire you to travel more and enjoy the absolute best the world has to offer. In our never-ending quest to find the ultimate in luxury we have travelled the world, visiting hundreds of extraordinary properties to come up with a stunning collection of modern and classic Australian, European, Arabian, Asian and Maldivian offerings, as well as selection of resorts in breathtaking new destinations including Mauritius and Seychelles. This edition offers an increased focus on the Maldives. Seen by many as more of a couples’ destination, we have uncovered Maldivian gems catering equally well for families with outstanding villas and inspired activities for children of all ages. For the adventurers, exceptional opportunities are available above and below the water including snorkelling with manta rays, sharks and turtles, and diving amongst the colourful marine life. Stand outs for families include One&Only Reethi Rah, Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa and Jumeirah Vittaveli. And for the romantics there is the all new and ultra-luxurious Milaidhoo Island Maldives, Hurawalhi and Baros. We also enjoyed La Dolce Vita in wonderful Italy and have visited some of Italy’s very best hotels including the outstandingly elegant Capri Palace on one of the most picturesque islands of Italy and Rome’s First Luxury Art Hotel, sublime accommodation that is as much an art gallery as it is a stylish place to stay. Due to demand, The Lux Traveller also offers a personalised travel service creating bespoke holidays for discerning travelers to all our featured destinations, with hotels selected from personal experience. The feedback I have been receiving from happy customers is the greatest delight of my business. If you’re in search of your own trip of a lifetime, please contact us. My team and I will be very happy to assist you in making your holiday dreams a reality. I hope you enjoy the 2018 Lux Traveller Collection and within its pages find inspiration for your next luxury holiday.
M AR IN A NOBLE EDI TOR I N CH I EF
CREDITS FOR THE LUX TRAVELLER COLLECTION 50 Most Elegant Hotels & Resorts 2018 Publisher and CEO:
Marina Noble
Editor in Chief:
Marina Noble
Contributor:
Aleney de Winter
Art Director:
Brendan Riley
Photography:
Courtesy of respective hotels, Shutterstock.com
Printer:
Printed in Australia by Progressive Print Solutions
Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@theluxtraveller.com Phone: +61 404 476 104 Postal address: The Lux Traveller PO Box 621, Coogee, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2034 theluxtraveller.com Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means: electro static, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or in any other manner without the permission in writing from the Publisher.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
IN DI A N O CE A N Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius
Ba’theli Lounge & Restaurant at Milaidhoo Island Maldives
FACILITIES
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CONSTANCE HALAVELI, MALDIVES Halaveli is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean – you
private plunge pool. Being able to watch the sunset in
can walk around the entire perimeter in 10-15
your own infinity pool and to hop into the impossibly
minutes – but what it lacks in size it makes up in
clear turquoise water from your deck first thing in the
pure, unsurpassed luxury.
morning is priceless.
It has 86 villas – some on the beach and some over
There are three restaurants – all excellent – with kids
water – and each category is perfect in its own way.
treated like VIPs, and an idyllic spa and numerous
All the villas have pools – something that is quite
activities to please everyone.
uncommon in The Maldives, with Beach Villas
Go on a dolphin cruise, learn to waterski and do
furnished in a chic beach style with the latest
a turtle snorkelling safari – swimming with huge
technological features including Apple TV, iPod
turtles and getting close to them is unforgettable.
docks, Nespresso machines and the like. The
Guests can also view the five friendly sting
outdoor bathrooms feature double vanities, rain
rays which visit the beach most nights; being
Constance Halaveli
showers, double baths and a beautiful black-slate
able to interact with these beautiful and graceful
Alifu Alifu Atoll
pool as the centrepiece of the garden. Guests can
creatures is very special.
Maldives
choose to have a villa with a swimming pool at the
The best thing about Halaveli is its ‘barefoot luxury’
+960 666 7000
front, with a view onto the turquoise lagoon, or at the
atmosphere. Being completely relaxed, not worrying
halaveli.constancehotels.com
back, for complete privacy.
about styling your hair for dinner or wearing high
Family Beach Villas are the same as the beach villas
heels is liberating.
but have a tiny kids room with two bunk beds. The
Halaveli is a true wellness retreat. This tiny island in
Water Villas are brand new and absolutely stunning.
the Indian Ocean will help you heal your body, mind
Each villa has a beautifully furnished bedroom and
and soul, replenish your positive energy and restore
a living area, as well as the spacious deck with a
your inner peace.
FACILITIES • Three restaurants • Le Spa de Constance • Pool • Boutiques • Kids club • Yoga 86 villas
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HURAWALHI ISLAND RESORT, MALDIVES The Hurawalhi Island Resort is an adults only
biology centre on the premises where the resident
sanctuary, nestled amongst the spectacular coral
marine biologist can share a passion for the ocean
reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll, where five star luxury and
and its inhabitants.
sustainability have been seamlessly integrated.
The resort restaurants are something really special,
Environmentally innovative, Hurawalhi Island Resort
especially 5.8, the worlds largest all glass undersea
gives back to the Maldives as much as it takes with
restaurant, located 5.8 metres under water. The
eco credentials that are second to none.
restaurant showcases imaginative modern cuisine, a
With 90 perfectly positioned Villas including 60
multi-course tasting extravaganza and wine pairings
Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, Hurawalhi Island
by the resort sommelier.
Resort is a sanctuary of serenity. Each residence
Above the water, the Aquarium restaurant offers
is stylishly finished and offers sprawling private
sea views by day and romantic candlelight dining
terraces with panoramic views. Lux Travellers will
by night and Canneli overlooks the Indian Ocean.
love the resort’s Ocean Pool Villas. The ultimate in
The Champagne Pavilion is the perfect spot for an
over-water accommodation, spacious and sleek
intimate pre-dinner rendezvous and private beach
interiors lead to a sundeck from which you can slip
dining under the stars, allowing guests to create
Hurawalhi Island Resort
into the emerald lagoon or your own infinity pool.
once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Lhaviyani Atoll Maldives
Active travellers will enjoy the island’s array of
The stunning over water Duniye Spa uses only
+960 662 2000
activities on the water including snorkelling with
organic and chemical-free products in their excellent
hurawalhi.com
manta rays, dolphin safaris and PADI five star
menu of treatments. After your pampering head to
diving along with more traditional offerings such
the Tree Top Tranquillity Lounge, a haven offering
as SUPs, jet skiing and parasailing. Hurawalhi’s
yoga, meditation and sound healing sessions with a
research and conservation efforts extend to a marine
stunning vista of the soothing sea below.
FACILITIES • Three Restaurants and three bars • Swimming pool • Adults only • Duniye Spa • Marine biology centre • Fitness centre • Tennis court • Concierge 90 villas
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MILAIDHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES Set over five stunning hectares in the Baa Atoll’s
on the large sundeck with its swing chair, sun
beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the new
lounges and a private freshwater infinity pool.
Milaidhoo Island Maldives recently opened its doors
As well as sublime cuisine in wonderfully informal
to the Maldives most discerning guests.
settings at the resort’s three outstanding restaurants,
The boutique private island is all about barefoot
the Milaidhoo Island Maldives’ philosophy of offering
Maldivian luxury, with deep soft white sand beaches
guests more authentic experiences has seen them
and a vibrant coral reef where dolphins, whale
introduce a fabulous new mood dining concept.
sharks and manta rays play. But the resort is also
With five curated mood menus, each offered at a
founded on local island traditions, priding itself in
specific location on the island, the concept behind
curating a bespoke selection of exclusive activities
mood dining is based on the ability of certain foods
for those guests seeking more meaningful and
to alter a person’s mood, creating a burst of energy,
memorable experiences.
an uplifting emotion or even encouraging sleep.
Standing on stilts over the lagoon are 30 spacious
The menus are paired with spa treatments, special
over-water villas with another 20 villas located on
baths and meditation and are set everywhere from
the beach. All offer private freshwater swimming
deserted islands and sandbanks in the middle of
pools and a host to attend to your every desire.
the ocean, beaches to the private deck of your
The Lux Traveller recommends a stay in the
own villa.
Ocean Residence, a palatial over-water villa
If all that sun and saltwater isn’t enough to relax
with separate sleeping and living spaces, and a
you, the spa has four over water treatment suites
secret loft deck on the rooftop where you can
with complimentary yoga and meditation classes,
soak up the views while your personal butler
as well as a variety of indulgent and therapeutic
indulges your every need. Guests can also unwind
treatments that use natural, organic products.
FACILITIES • Three restaurants • Mood dining • Bespoke experiences • Swimming pool • Serenity Spa • PADI dive centre • Yoga pavilion • Watersports 50 villas Milaidhoo Island Baa Atoll Maldives +960 660 7788 milaidhoo.com
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ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES The Maldives. Just saying the name evokes
vacations, these Villas (not for guests with children
visions of idyllic coral atolls topped by magic resorts
under 12) are on stilts over the lagoon, with split-level
and surrounded by an aquatic wonderland that is
verandas and steps straight into the water. Bliss.
perhaps
is
There are so many things to do at Reethi Rah;
considered to be one of the best resorts in the
fishing in a traditional dhoni, waterskiing on the
Maldives, and the 45-minute transfer in a luxury
perfectly flat water, and cruising around the atolls
yacht is a wonderful way to start a vacation in this
on a 55’ yacht.
dreamy paradise.
Perhaps you would prefer to experience a Robinson
There are 12 beaches to laze on, the delights of
Crusoe moment with a private picnic on a deserted
the underwater world to explore, a spa in which to
sandbank or go for a scenic flight in a sea plane.
indulge, six excellent restaurants and of course, the
For something a little more exhilarating, sign up for
all-villa accommodation.
the Shark Safari to see sharks, turtles and beautiful
Take your pick of 90 Beach Villas or 32 Water
fish at a nearby reef.
Villas. Beach Villas are designed in a traditional
Reethi Rah also has some of the finest dining in the
One & Only Reethi Rah
island style, with thatched roofs, light wood and
Maldives with several incredible restaurants.Enjoy
North Male Atoll
bamboo. Each villa comes with bicycles to get
Arabian delights at Fanditha, our personal favourite in
Maldives
around the island. The resort also boasts an
a beachside setting. Afterwards, partake in a shisha
+ 960 664 8800
exceptional kids club with a swimming pool
and glass of champagne while taking in the views
reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
and water slides.
of the Indian ocean. Barefoot luxury at its best.
The Water Villas are sublime, delivering guests the
Add live entertainment every night and a host of
quintessential over-water experience the Maldives
other activities, and One&Only Reethi Rah could be
is known for. Perfect for the most romantic of
your holiday Nirvana.
unrivalled.
One&Only
Reethi
Rah
FACILITIES • Six restaurants and bars • Spa • Two pools • Kids club • Fitness centre • Diving activities • Sweet Paradise • Watersports 122 private villas
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SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA Nestled in the sheltered waters of the southernmost
A personal villa host is on hand 24/7 to attend to
atoll in the Maldives is Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort &
your every need.
Spa, Maldives. At the first luxury resort in the Addu
Resort experiences are tailored to suit your personal
Atoll, some 478 kilometres south of Malé, visitors
desires. Explore the surrounding tropical forest,
will enjoy an authentic setting to explore the lifestyle
enjoy a local cultural or cycling tour for an insight into
and culture of the real Maldives.
local life. Take to the water to discover the magical
Retreat in style in one of the private villas perched in
underwater world in the resort’s kaleidoscopic coral
emerald green jungle or strung along the turquoise
reefs or a round at the 9-hole golf course.
shoreline. From private ocean retreats to tropical
The resort has three restaurants, each with its own
tree houses with stunning vistas, the resort offers
unique vibe, and serving cuisine to suit every palate.
seven distinct styles of accommodation. All are
Or treat yourself to a sumptuous gastronomic feast
spacious and stylishly infused with pretty elements
served on board a luxury yacht, or a romantic meal
of both the Middle East and India.
in the jungle, as part of the resort’s custom-made
For the ultimate resort experience, The Lux Traveller
Dine by Design programme at the outdoor location
recommends staying in the Villa Laalu, a 957-square-
of your choice.
metre presidential beach villa. The villa features two
Those who want to relax, can indulge in massages,
large bedrooms, an extensive garden, an alfresco
Ayurvedic treatments, and luscious, locally-inspired
dining pavilion and a private spa pavilion with an
treatments at CHI, The Spa, a place of personal
outdoor shower with body jets, a sauna and a gym
peace, pampering and holistic wellbeing. The
with its own private courtyard and garden. Carefully
secluded sanctuary offers spacious individual
curated artworks are on display throughout the villa
treatment villas as well as a pretty yoga pavilion
along with Asian artefacts.
overlooking the ocean.
FACILITIES • Three restaurants and three bars • Infinity swimming pool • Private beach • Chi, The Spa • Water sports • Kids Cool Zone • 9-hole golf course • Shangri-La Eco Centre 132 villas Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives Villingili Island Addu City, Maldives + 960 689 7888 shangri-la.com
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