14 Dec 2019
Tags: Hotel, Boutique hotel, luxury hotel, Europe, aisa, Bhutan, Barbuda, Caribbean, Luxury
As the year ends and we approach the start of a new decade, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is pleased to introduce five new members to its exclusive collection of independent luxury boutique hotels. The first ever SLH properties in Bhutan and the island of Barbuda offer remote hideaways in unique settings. Bask in the sun at a seaside resort in the Mani region of Greece, take in the views at a chic hotel in the heart of Lisbon, or relish the great outdoors at a ranch in Colorado. These new SLH properties are sure to spark inspiration for memorable journeys in the year ahead.
Gangtey Lodge – Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
12 rooms from USD520 per night
Sheltered by towering mountains, dense forests and hidden amongst a cluster of farmhouses, Gangtey Lodge is the very first SLH property in the Kingdom of Bhutan, and is tucked away in one of the most remote destinations in the world. This all-suite Lodge offers breathtaking views of Gangtey Valley from every angle. Whether taking breakfast on the balcony, soaking in the bathtub or finding a cozy nook next to the fireplace, guests will be wrapped in natural beauty. Inspired by traditional farmhouses, the rooms at the Lodge feature wooden beds, exposed beams and delicately painted designs on the walls. Soft lighting compliments the earthy red and yellow furnishings to create a feeling of warmth. Modern amenities, like slate underfloor heating, add a touch of luxury without offsetting the traditional design. Of course, there is always the option to venture outside of the Lodge and experience Bhutanese culture first-hand. Attend Evening Prayer at the Shedra with the chance to meet with the monks afterwards, or take part in a Buddhist meditation class.
SLH Insider Tip: For something more adventurous, Gangtey Lodge offers guided hikes across the mountain paths. After an exhilarating day of exploring, return to the comfort of the Lodge and a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath – pure bliss.
Barbuda Belle – Barbuda, Caribbean
8 rooms from USD890 per night
Pink sands meet sparkling turquoise waters at Barbuda Belle. This beautiful Caribbean retreat is made up of just a handful of private wooden residences, each set up for the ultimate in lavish beach luxury. The cabana-style bungalows take their design cues from the tropical setting: rustic and elegant, yet with all the hallmarks of contemporary comfort. Take in the sea views from a private balcony before heading back to the cool of a beachside cabana. Back at the hotel, expect fine dining à la carte, with a chef who catches breakfast in the early morning hours, prepared to perfection and delivered to the table, cabana, or beachfront lounger. Spa time at Barbuda Belle means drifting away to the sound of gently lapping waves while in the expert hands of the therapists. Choose from a carefully curated menu of treatments using award-winning L'Occitane products. Masters in the art of hospitality, the hotel staff are on hand to make guests feel as cared for as this unique and beautiful pocket of the Caribbean - a new destination for SLH.
SLH Insider Tip: With 62 square miles of beaches and mangrove forest to enjoy, do as much – or as little – exploring from Barbuda Belle. Take a kayak tour among the mangroves, dive the lively reef and wrecks, or visit the nearby frigate sanctuary and watch over 20,000 birds fly, nest and feed.
100 Rizes Seaside Resort – Mani, Greece
30 rooms from USD110 per night
Modern luxury meets traditional Grecian style on the dramatic Mani Peninsula. 100 Rizes Seaside Resort is the perfect place from which to explore this lesser-known side of the country. Its architectural style has been inspired by stone Maniat tower houses and creates the feel of a traditional Grecian village. Each room is an invitation to unwind, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Ionian Sea. Their stone walls contrast beautifully with wooden floors and furnishings in neutral tones of cream and terracotta. Some of the roomier suites are more like apartments and cater to small groups – opt for the largest suite with a private garden. Wake up to a hearty Greek buffet breakfast each morning. When it comes to lunch or dinner, simply arrive at 100 Rizes Seaside Resort's à la carte restaurant for fine dining with an international twist. Enjoy coffee, refreshments and cocktails all day – either in the room, by the pool, or on the beach. And because the hotel has its own private beach, the waves are only a short stroll away. Or opt to relax by the freshwater outdoor pool and breathe in the scent of the centuries-old olive groves.
SLH Insider Tip: The spa at 100 Rizes Seaside Resort draws on local ingredients – including its surrounding olive trees, thalassotherapy and opuntia. Schedule a massage or work out in its fully-equipped fitness room. The indoor heated pool is ideal for a swim if the temperature drops.
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa - Lisbon, Portugal
47 rooms from USD255 per night
This stylish boutique hotel is located in the thriving and fashionable Bairro Alto district. The style and taste honor the ancient Countess of Lumiares with modern luxurious comforts - a combination that perfectly captures the versatility and vibrancy of the city. From studio to penthouse, the apartment-style rooms are designed to be a 'home away from home'. Each features a kitchenette and a comfortable living area, and the rooms are fitted with soundproof windows to assure comfort and tranquillity. On the 5th floor, Lumi Rooftop offers a delicious and contemporary menu from Chef João Silva where the focus is on the ingredients, all high quality, in season and locally sourced where possible. The Lumiares Spa is an intimate retreat and fitness area that offers an integrated health, wellness and relaxation haven with a selection of high-quality treatments, sauna, steam room and fitness facility.
SLH Insider Tip: The Rooftop Bar offers a selection of cocktail creations to sip and watch the world go by. Spend an evening taking in the sights and sounds of the city from the comfort of the Lumi Rooftop Bar.
Rawah Ranch – Colorado, USA
9 rooms from USD1,234 per night
The spirit of the Wild West is alive and well at Rawah Ranch. Standing beneath the pines in the Laramie River Valley of Northern Colorado, this is the place to channel an inner cowboy – or simply connect with the great outdoors. Colorado's diverse landscape and history find their way into the nine cozy wooden cabins, which ooze old world charm and make guests feel instantly at home. Vintage rocking-chairs are ideal for end-of-the-day relaxation, while inside it's mountain chic from floor to ceiling. Rugs in indigenous prints pair beautifully with sumptuous beds, wooden furniture and log-burning stoves. The Aspens and Indians lodges are ideal for getaways amongst the trees, while Mackward is the hotel's signature family cabin. Endless activities abound for the entire family. However far one ventures, the internationally-inspired menus in the hotel restaurant will not keep guests away for long. Return to toast the sunset and share tales of adventure over a hearty dinner with family and friends.
SLH Insider Tip: There are plenty of things for little ones to do, such as roasting marshmallows and panning for gold, as well as puzzles, indoor games and reading. Those of sturdy heart have the chance to go white-water rafting, horseback riding or camp under the stars.
And in other news...
Searching for the perfect holiday gift? SLH eGift Cards can be purchased on SLH's online marketplace: emporium.slh.com and provide the ideal present for an experience to remember in 2020.
Venice is open for business
Our support and thoughts are with our friends in Venice following the recent floods. Along with the main museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops in the area, we are pleased to note all SLH hotels in the city are now open and running. Venice is safe, accessible and beautiful as always, and ready to welcome guests to the city. To view our Venice hotels please click here.
Pangulasian Island Resort reopens this December following renovations
After six months of renovations and updates, Pangulasion Island Resort in El Nido, Philippines, will reopen in December ready to welcome guests. The cogon villas with spacious high-ceilings surrounded by lush greenery and other highly-rated amenities have been refreshed, with new furniture, roofs and back of the house facilities. A new beach bar lounge area will also be introduced. These new features ensure that guests continue to encounter paradise in Pangulasian for many years to come.
Cape Fahn Hotel announces new restaurant by acclaimed Chef David Thompson
Cape Fahn Hotel, the private island off Koh Samui in Thailand, has teamed up with world-class chef, David Thompson, to open Long dtai restaurant. Highly regarded as a world authority on Thai food, Australian Chef Thompson has opened several Thai restaurants around the world including as Long Chim, Aaharn and is best known for establishing one of Bangkok's top restaurants Nahm. Long dtai, which soft-opens on 14 December, specializes in an authentic Southern-Thai seafood restaurant, stressing marine conservation and sustainability. For example, all fish served will be line-fished to avoid damage caused by nets.
Monkey Island Estate introduces new whisky snug
Monkey Island Estate, the private island retreat just outside London, recently introduced the Whisky Snug in time for the holiday season. A well-kept secret staircase leads to an intimate Whisky Snug nestled above The Monkey Room, which provides a perfect finale to a grand evening on Monkey Island Estate.
Stein Eriksen Residences launches new restaurant
Stein Eriksen Residences, the finest mountain lodging experience in Park City, Utah, has launched a new restaurant called The 7-8-8-0 Club. Boasting an innovative menu of delectable dishes including Short Rib Poutine, Utah Smoked Trout Mousse or Molten Chocolate Fondant, the restaurant offers convenient ski-in/ ski-out access for skiers enjoying the slopes of Deer Valley Resort. Starting from 23rd January 2020, The Sundance Film Festival will return to Park City offering the chance for guests to enjoy movie premieres, behind the scenes experiences, priority access to films and passes to VIP industry lounges.
Le M de Megeve announces winter season activities for the whole family
www.slh.com
Le M de Megève is gearing up for winter season in the French Alps with a host of fun activities for children including pony sledging, snowman workshops, cooking classes and scrapbooking. Little ones can also enjoy a spot of pampering with the spa's new “Soft Tickling Massage” using only natural ingredients such as chamomile and apricot oil. Strictly for grown-ups, the intimate Bar du M has launched a Génépi tasting menu for guests to taste different versions of the traditional herbal liqueur. New this winter, the hotel's “Les Grand Crus de Fondues” restaurant has developed an indulgent fondue made with different cheeses from the Savoie regions, all mixed with Champagne for extra finesse. In the spa, guests can enjoy a new therapeutic healing treatment that involves being covered in warm sand whilst lying on an alpha quartz bed. Conceived by a professional herbalist, Le M de Megève has also launched a new herbal tea menu adapted to the intensity of different spa treatments.
HGU opens Osteria Lumaca by Chef and Restaurateur John Delucie
Located in HGU New York Hotel, Lumaca is a seafood-driven, coastal Italian restaurant. The highly anticipated Lumaca is one of three installments in DeLucie's full culinary vision for the hotel, which also includes the HGU Rooftop Bar and The Lumaca Lounge. Deriving its name from the Italian word for "snail," Lumaca embraces the Italian way of enjoying a meal by taking it slow and savoring the experience. Lumaca is one of DeLucie's most intimate restaurant ventures yet, seating just 60 guests. Designed by architect Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy Architects, plush banquettes provide a cozy vantage point for guests to enjoy the stunning original 1905 beaux arts plasterwork and custom glasswork.
DasPosthotel unveils new suites and brasserie
Located in the Zillertal ski area in Austria, DasPosthotel has launched a new range of luxury “Zillergründl Salettl” Suites which can cater up to four people and feature panoramic views of the Zell parish church and the Zillertalbahn steam train. Each suite features a large balcony made of larch with comfortable seating, handmade pine beds and large bathrooms with Whirpool tubs. The property has also opened a new brasserie restaurant called “Chez Marie” serving delicious Austrian specialties including a carpaccio of Tyrolean beef, Viennese style boiled beef with apple horseradish, Kaiserschschmarrn pancakes with mashed apples and a fricandeau of venison with cream cabbage and bread dumplings. Hotel guests can now experience the thrill of glacier skiing without queuing at the lift station thanks to direct ski passes to the Hintertux glacier ski resort.
Pimalai invites guests to savour a sparkling festive season
Pimalai Resort & Spa, the iconic five-star retreat on the unspoiled shores of Koh Lanta, Thailand, unveils a series of spectacular experiences and parties for Christmas and New Year's Eve, including beachfront dinners and sumptuous set menus at Rak Talay or The Seven Seas. On Christmas Eve, the resort will host a blissful beachfront buffet at Rak Talay, where diners will enjoy live music, traditional Thai dancing, a fire show and extensive selection of Thai and international dishes. The Seven Seas, the award-winning hillside restaurant, has crafted a sensational set menu for Christmas Eve - ideal for couples to enjoy while soaking up breath-taking views of Kantiang Bay. To ring in the New Year, expect a White Party with live music and fireworks, a perfect setting to dance the night away on the powder white beach.
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