Celebrate the year of the Rooster and start planning your next getaway, whether it’s a go-all-out luxury vacation or a swift weekend break to escape, relax and refresh. With hot properties – including exclusive resorts and inimitable hidden gems – popping up in every corner of the globe, you are truly spoilt for choice.
To make things a little simpler, Quintessentially’s expert travel specialists open the doors to five super-luxury hotels you need to know now. With a little black book in 60 cities around the world, we’ve got you covered.
This sleek new COMO outpost is the brand’s first property down under, and is located in the historic and newly revitalised heart of Perth. Elegantly housed in 19th century state buildings, meticulous restoration has seen the 140-year-old former post office and treasury transformed into an urban sanctuary bringing together the old and new in perfect harmony. While the exterior showcases a grand Victorian-era façade, the inside embodies COMO’s trademark contemporary style, with each room a serene retreat from the city’s cosmopolitan buzz. Enjoy modern and indigenous Australian cuisine at the rooftop Wildflower restaurant and the ground-floor modern bistro Post; plus, don’t forget to make time for some pampering at COMO’s famous spa and wellness center, COMO Shambala Urban Escape.
Located on Italy’s pristine Lake Como, this stunning and highly anticipated property embodies effortless relaxation and simple beauty. Alongside the grand period hotels that have graced the iconic destination for decades, Il Sereno is, by contrast, modern and cutting edge, designed by top Milanese designer Patricia Urquiola. The suite-only property comprises 30 spacious rooms, with a private beach and dock, allowing arrival via one of the hotel’s custom-built Ernesto Riva boats. A 60-foot-long infinity pool suspended over the lake with a large sundeck is perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon under the Italian sun. As a sister property of Le Sereno St Barths, expect stellar service, as well as top cuisine at the hotel’s main restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, Andrea Berton.
Il Sereno Lago Di Como’s pristine poolside vista
Known as the “happiest place on earth” Six Senses opens the doors to the magical and colourful kingdom of Bhutan with a series of five new properties opening in 2017. Remaining relatively unexplored, this wondrous destination is a treasure trove of untouched culture and breathtaking experiences ready to be discovered. Five new luxury properties make up the umbrella of Six Senses Bhutan, creating the ultimate journey showcasing the kingdom’s heritage and hospitality, with intimate lodges in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. Just 82 guest suites will be distributed between the five stops keeping numbers to a minimum.
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Experience East Africa in all its glory at this secluded resort nestled far from any other camp. Redefining the Ngorongoro experience, this stunning lodge by Asilia Africa is set on the edge of the mountain forest hugging the Olmoti volcano to the north of Ngorongoro Crater. Known as an area populated by tourists, The Highlands allows guests to enjoy the conservation area in privacy, striking a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style contemporary escape. Eight-tented dome-shape suites make up the accommodation. Take an exhilarating game drive to catch sight of leopards, buffalos and elephants or follow the ancient Maasai trails to the summit of the Olmoti crater and visit traditional local communities.
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is the ultimate in experiential luxury travel
Set in the heart of Mexico’s Mayan forest, this five star spa destination is located just a stones throw from the historic city of Mérida on the famed Yucatán Peninsula. Stonewalls and lush tropical gardens evoke peace and tranquillity, with private pool villas spread across a roomy 750 acres. The spa is the highlight of this serene retreat set within a ‘cenote’ – a natural cave commonly associated with the Yucatán region and considered sacred by the Mayans. Organic, just-picked ingredients from the resorts garden mean meals are fresh and flavoursome – the perfect way to fully relax and rejuvenate in an exotic paradise.
Quintessentially is the world’s premium lifestyle management company that provides a personalised proactive service to the most discerning individuals around the globe. To find out more, visit quintessentially.com.
