Atmosphere Core unveils an aggressive plan of 25 in 2025 for India.
Atmosphere Core, a Maldivian hospitality company, unveils India entry plans with 8 new hotels and resorts by 2025. ,
Following a successful journey in the Maldives, of launching 3 brands and 8 resorts within 10 years, Atmosphere Core unveiled an aggressive plan of 25 in 2025 for India. Making headway with the announcement of 8 remarkable hotels and resorts within two brands:
OZEN MANSION KOLKATA
OZEN PRIVADO GOA
OZEN NANDI HILLS BANGALORE
SADAR MANZIL HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE BHOPAL
STILLWOOD RETREAT A SIGNATURE ATMOSPHERE COORG
VARSĀ ELEMENTS OF NATURE BY ATMOSPHERE KANNUR
ATMOSPHERE BHUBANESWAR
ATMOSPHERE LAKE VIEW KOLKATA
“These properties embody Atmosphere Core’s commitment to creative storytelling and curating exceptional guest experiences,” said Salil Panigrahi, managing director of Atmosphere Core. “Our commitment to organic growth, sustainable development, and distinctive brand experiences has transformed the Maldives, and we are thrilled to bring this transformation to India,” he added.
The hotel epitomises the spirit and heritage of Kolkata while being a truly contemporary property.
As the festival season begins, all roads lead to the City of Joy. Relaxing at the Taj City Centre at New Town in Kolkata on a recent visit, my mind wandered to the frenetic celebrations that Bengal’s capital is famed for.
That was no surprise. The hotel, with 138 rooms and 10 suites, epitomizes the spirit and heritage of Kolkata while being a truly contemporary property. Located at New Town, it is close to the airport and it’s quieter location bypasses the din of the main city.
Local Artwork
As I went around the property, I was impressed with the artwork – it boasts of more than 200 paintings as well as sculptures, handwoven fabrics, and terracotta walls, all created by local artists in the city. Recycled material has been transformed into artistic metal frames. I realised that the hotel truly reflects the art and culture that is the soul of this vibrant city.
Luxe Suites
My luxury suite came with an open-air jacuzzi on the patio which I enjoyed to the fullest – be it a rejuvenating soak before going to bed or a quick dip in the morning. The suite had wooden flooring and a separate living area with a flat screen TV, a work station, powder room and a patio area. The massive bathroom had a standing shower cubicle.
Wolfing down avocado toast, eggs benedict and a fruit platter that I ordered in my room one morning for breakfast, I realised that this hotel takes its F&B seriously.
Gourmet gastronomy
Each meal I had here was special with a lot of thought behind the preparation and presentation. It ranged from the typical English afternoon tea at the Emperor Lounge that is served with treats like scones with cream, salmon croissant, quiche and marble cake to the delicious Bengali thali that comes with fried fish, mutton chops, cholar dal, and a local vegetable made with lotus flowers.
English afternoon tea at the Emperor Lounge.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Shamiana, with a skylight roof, offers a range of international to Indian and local Bengali dishes. As I tried to choose from the spread, Chef Subrata Debnath kindly prepared a tasting menu. The refreshing salad with avocado, iceberg lettuce and mango with a lemon mango dressing was followed by a delectable tomato basil soup and grilled Norwegian salmon.
Wykiki, the pan-Asian restaurant.
There’s also Wykiki, the pan-Asian restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating and a bar too, to enjoy a couple of drinks as you mark the evening.
Beyond Rooms
To unwind and rejuvenate yourself, take a refreshing dip at the hotel’s infinity pool from where you get a lovely view of New Town’s skyline or head for a soothing massage therapy at their Jiva Spa. I opted for an Indian aromatherapy massage, a medium pressure massage with a scented oil. It was so relaxing that I didn’t realise when I slipped into slumber. I left the city with local sweet treats and memories. That’s when I realised that this is what Taj City Centre is all about – a calm haven in a city famed for its cuisine and culture.
Imagine staying in hand- stitched opulent tents inspired by the adventurous charms of the old world safari camps in India. If this is what thrills you, you must plan a glamping trip to the Aalia Jungle retreat & Spa. One of the jungle retreats that just opened up, right in time for the season.
A four-hour drive from Delhi’s hustle-bustle, this opulent tented sanctuary makes a perfect weekend escape for the adventure freaks and nature lovers. Nestled in Bandarjudh, Haridwar, at the Himalayan foothills, Aalia Jungle retreat is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of wilderness.
The retreat is located with the serene embrace of Rajaji National Park, one of the country’s youngest Tiger Reserves.
Having started its operations in July this year, it is the newest property of the Claridges Collection, located within the serene embrace of Rajaji National Park, one of the country’s youngest Tiger Reserves.
The retreat seamlessly blends with the rustic environs, including the indigenous trees and wild lemon grass that cleverly outlines the property. You are transported to a different world the moment you step-in, and become one with its gorgeous surroundings.
Luxury Glamping in the modern off-beat tents
Sprawled across 5 acres, the retreat provides a quintessential glamping experience. There are just 11 tents in all, overlooking ruggedly untouched wilderness.
Each tent features a private patio with a jute charpoy (daybed), ideal for immersing yourself in nature and a well-appointed en-suite bathroom. The interiors evoke understated elegance with a modern flair. There is a subtle colonial charm that runs through the tent’s furnishings, custom-made lightings and its campaign furniture, making it a sanctuary on its own. These opulent tents are in themselves an attractive enough proposition for you to plan a trip to this paradise. The lush jungles are an add-on no one wants to miss.
A well-appointed en-suite bathroom.
The retreat respects your privacy but makes sure you are connected to the camp through an in-house mobile phone at your disposal for smooth coordination while you disconnect from everything else to be one with the wilderness.
Bespoke experiences
Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa is the master curator in offering a variety of experiences focused on adventure and wellness. Every activity here is tailor-made based on your interest. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventure freak or just looking to rejuvenate yourself, there is something for everyone.
The Guided jungle safaris.
While the bespoke guided jungle safaris to sight the wildlife is the standard ritual at the camp, you must also take a nature walk with their naturalist, Bashir. His knowledge on the local bio diversity will make the experience far more enriching. To get a local flavour of the place, you can opt for their morning walks to a nearby Bandarjudh village where you can have insightful conversations with the villagers.
If all this isn’t enough, the retreat organises bespoke luxury picnics by the lakeside to give an immersive nature experience.
Horse riding and picnics organised by the Camp.
There are also couple of engagements within the resort itself to keep you entertained. The guests can meet the resident horses and even do horse riding at their in-house Amana Stables or explore archery or golfing at the resort.
A Gastronomic Haven
When it comes to food, Aalia Jungle retreat by Claridges makes the most memorable gastronomic experiences for its guests.
The restaurant serves cuisines from around the globe, made from the fresh ingredients hand-picked from the camp’s organic farm. Just let the chef know your preference and he will cook up a storm for you to ensure you get the best experience. If knowing about farm-to-table is something that interests you, ask the staff to walk you through the organic farms, and while you do that, don’t forget to carry a basket along to pluck the fresh produce for your meal.
Therapeutic activities for the mind, body & soul
After a day of exploration and adventure, taking a refreshing dip in the Aalia’s picturesque pool set amidst the wild greens or heading to the retreat’s tented in-house spa is the best way to rejuvenate yourself.
Aalia’s picturesque pool set amidst the wild greens.
Spa here offers a range of revitalising therapies inspired by the ancient Ayurveda. You can talk to their skilled therapist and even get your treatment customised as per your requirement. We recommend you try their Yin Yang aromatherapy message in the sandalwood oil for a complete relaxation.
Alternatively, you can opt for morning yoga or a meditation session set against the tranquil backdrop to align your mind, body and soul.
How to reach
Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa in Bandarjudh, Haridwar can be reached via a four-hour drive from NH334 Highway from Delhi. The closest railway station, Haridwar is 34 km away from the property. For the reservations, you can visit their website – www.claridges.com
Amadeo by Oberoi at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).
Cou Cou by Oberoi was The Oberoi Group’s first dining venture outside its elegant hotels. Amadeo by Oberoi, its second outing, is at Mumbai’s newest cultural outpost, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).
You enter into what looks like a Parisian-style café. But then, you walk through a corridor flanked by a fine wine collection, into a spacious restaurant with a soaring ceiling, bathed in natural light.
It has been a while since Mumbai has seen a fine dine restaurant, with the focus having shifted to casual cafes and bars. Amadeo by Oberoi is one of the finest openings of 2023, positioning itself as both a café and a fine dine, located within the snazziest cultural hub in the city. The restaurant is a perfect evening place, when the lotus flower-inspired Fountain of Joy situated at the nexus of NMACC, from where you enter the modern cultural centre, powers on to offer an enchanting view.
The restaurant displays comfortable seating for loungey meals, business meetings or intimate gatherings.
But even in the day, the natural light-filled interiors designed by EDG Singapore, with thoughtfully placed green fronds, comfortable seating and a few swish-spot lamps are perfect for loungey meals, business meetings or intimate gatherings. There are private spaces separated by fluted glass for those who want a modicum of privacy. The coffee station within the café you enter first, after walking past art-filled corners, is a good space to catch up with friends or get some reading done in between watching art shows or a concert/musical/theatre spectacle that may be playing.
The private spaces are separated by fluted glass for those who want privacy.
Micro-concept Dining
For the aficionado, the restaurant is a showcase of the world’s best cooking techniques: wood-fired oven for pizzas, otoro at the sushi station, bao steamers, and such.
Amadeo by Oberoi eschews the tried and tested: no butter chicken, no ramen, and no tempura. Instead, it focuses on the classics and the gourmet. The team has brought into play Counter Collection, or a cluster of micro-concepts of Japanese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Indian cuisines.
The pleasure of dining at Amadeo by Oberoi is heightened by the show kitchens, where guests can engage with chefs and watch their food being cooked.
The pleasure of dining at Amadeo by Oberoi is heightened by the show kitchens, where guests can engage with chefs and watch their food being cooked. The sweep of the micro-concepts straddles a handmade pasta bar, Japanese sushi, grills, Italian small plates, Chinese wok preparations, and bao buns. The focus is on heritage cuisine, rather than experimentation. The interiors are pared down, but the menu is exuberant and long, the result of the restaurant’s multi-cuisine offering, orchestrated by a team led by Chef Kayzad Sadri.
I am a big fan of the pizzas at many of The Oberoi Group restaurants, and at Amadeo by Oberoi, they serve wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas — the way pizzas are meant to be eaten. Regina Margherita, my absolute favourite, is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte (mozzarella made from cow rather than buffalo milk) and basil. Others, too, are equally tempting: White Asparagus and Black Truffle Bianco with Kalamata Olive Tapenade and the delicate Mortadella with burrata and pistachios.
Typhoon shelter crab.
Beyond the Italian are their expansive Japanese and Chinese menus. Amadeo Tukubetsu Maki, a sushi roll of prawn and crab, is surrounded by slivers of avocado and caviar flecked with gold. The baos are house favourites, particularly the tender pork belly bao (the pork comes from Belgium). The goat cheese pasta has handmade beetroot pasta. Instead of the buttery black dal, the Indian menu has Dal Marwad, redolent with a rich aroma and flavours of ghee and spices.
Truffled Baked Potato with an earthy texture and umami, nutty flavours.
My top pick from the Small Plates Menu is Truffled Baked Potato with an earthy texture and umami, nutty flavours. It was my day to pick everything earthy and umami. From the Asian menu, I chose Three Mushrooms Bao served with chilli and soy, a blend of soft and pillowy bao and the rustic flavours of mushrooms.
From the Japanese menu came Sakusaku Gohan or crispy rice and a choice of toppings. My vegetarian version had Yasai, zucchini, carrot and cucumber. No Japanese meal is complete without a Gohan. Amadeo by Oberoi’s version is fluffy, crisp, slightly sticky rice topped with a variety of veggies (Yasai) and pickled cucumber.
The dessert is a final crescendo: a delicate Tea and Chocolate, with flavours ranging from warm earl grey ganache to berries that work beautifully together. The sweetness of the berries, the delicateness of the earl grey ganache and the richness of chocolate makes this the best dish on the table.
The Cocktails
The Amadeo by Oberoi experience cannot be complete without the cocktails. The curated cocktail menu is inspired by the high-brow art world (given the surroundings). The descriptor states: “The menu showcases Theatre through Chinese flavours, Paintings through Indian flavours, Music and Cinema through Italian flavours and the precision of Sculpting through Japanese flavours.”
The crowd favourite Fuji San is a white rum and umeshu (plum wine) based cocktail while Warli is a tequila cocktail with coconut water and chilli cordial. They enhance the flavours and experience that define this conceptual restaurant.
Island hotel offers 60% off on all room types & meal plans, along with other complimentary inclusions
As the festive season is just around the corner, Kandima Maldives, an island resort in the Maldives announces a mega Diwali offer on all its room types and meal plans, just for Indian travellers.
Guests can book directly on the Kandima website from 5th till 13th September 2023, to avail a 60 per cent discount on the stays and inclusions till 23rd December 2023, and discover the most fun way to holiday on the private island paradise.
This limited time bookable Diwali offer has a spectacular array of activities, sumptuous feasts, and other exclusive perks and inclusions. To further sweeten the Diwali Offer, travellers will get a 50 per cent discount on return domestic transfers for a stay of minimum 6 nights or more, availed until 31st October 2023.
For all reservations made on a half board meal plan, Kandima will offer a complimentary upgrade to full board and a full board plan will get upgraded to Dine Around, all-inclusive. With this offer, guests will also enjoy one complimentary group Dolphin Cruise for two, and one 30-minute spa session for two at the award winning, esKape Spa.
Family travellers will also get to avail free lodging for two children under the age of six and honeymooners will receive a complimentary bottle of wine, fruit basket, and a three-course romantic beach dinner along with a cocktails at Breeze Pool Bar during their stay.
Kandima’s irresistible offer promises to create experiences that Indian guests can cherish for a lifetime as they immerse in the magic of Diwali like never before.
Spread across two stunning private island, connected by a wooden bridge over the shallow sea in the Indian ocean, Conrad Maldives offers you the ultimate Rangali experience with its awe-inspiring surroundings and impeccable service.
A mere mention of Maldives brings to mind stunning, picturesque beauty, often perceived unbelievable to those who haven’t seen it for real. No surprise that leading hotel and resort chains of the world are making a beeline to be a pearl in this beautiful jewel of the Indian Ocean. But the one resort that has been the front runner in bringing about major innovations around tourism in Maldives is the Conrad Rangali Island. Innovations that have transformed the way luxury has been perceived on beach destinations. Innovations that have redefined the idea of a romantic getaway in the post Covid world.
The resort with many firsts to its list. Besides being the country’s first two-island resort, it was the first ever International brand to arrive in Maldives; the first brand to have built over water villas on stilts in the country; the first to have underground wine cellar; the first in the country to have the glass enclosed undersea restaurant, Ithaa and also, the first hotel in the world to have underwater residence, The Muraka.
A 3,200-foot wooden bridge over the shallow sea in the Indian Ocean connects the two stunning private islands.
Spread across two stunning private islands, connected by a 3,200-foot wooden bridge over the shallow sea in the Indian ocean, the resort offers you the ultimate Rangali experience with its awe-inspiring surroundings and impeccable service.
The resort is an explorer’s paradise surrounded by the lush tropical greenery and some of the country’s best snorkeling and diving areas with unparalleled access to Indian Ocean. You can swim with whale sharks, majestic manta rays anytime of the year or spot dolphins, gorgeous turtles and a sprawling coral reef in just a 25-minute speedboat ride from the island.
Conrad experience as you arrive
Located in the South Ari Atoll, you reach the Rangali island by a 30 minute seaplane ride from Male’s Velana International Airport. But your Conrad Maldives experience begins even before you reach the Rangali Island. To make sure you have the most seamless arrival, Conrad offers its complimentary private lounge at the Male airport to lounge on the comfy beds and enjoy their curated buffet selection before you board the sea plane to the twin-island.
Upon your arrival to the island, your private butler escorts you to your villa while explaining the about the elements of the hotel. You are also made part of a whatsapp group right after you check-in for a smooth coordination.
Stay designed for Families and Adults
Conrad Rangali Island is made of 151 beautifully designed villas spread out across both its island, besides The Muraka, the world’s first stand-alone three bedroom undersea residence, submerged over 16 feet below sea level.
Inside the Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence.
You can choose to stay either in the larger Rangali-Finolhu Island (designed for families) with an easy access to all the amenities or else stay in a quieter adults-only island for more privacy. You can commute between the two islands through an electric buggy available to you on a prior two-minute notice.
Premier water villa at the Conrad Rangali Island.
There is a choice of beach villa or water villas in either of the island.
The beach villas display contemporary interiors, a pretty private courtyard with outdoor shower area, and some with an access to a private plunge pool.
Alternatively, there is a choice in water villas too, with pool or Jacuzzi overlooking the Indian Ocean, featuring a contemporary design with a lounge area, walk-in-closet, sundecks with steps leading to the water, a double vanity bathroom with ocean-view tub and a rain shower.
Beach suite at the Conrad Rangali Island.
Another impressive feature of this Maldivian resort is that as part of their sustainable practice, it doesn’t promote single-use plastics. For example, basic amenities like shampoo and conditioners come in refillable dispensers, drinking water is served in reusable glass bottles and the keycards are made of wood, instead of plastic.
The sunset water villa.
The property almost feels like you are in your private island since there is a lot of privacy offered to the guests even in the most basic rooms.
Gastronomic Experience
The island resort is also a true gourmet’s delight. It would be reasonable to travel to Conrad Rangali Island just for its food.
Ithaa, world’s first underwater restaurant located five meters below the water level.
You will be spoiled for choice with the 12 world-class eating options across the twin island. One of the star attractions being the Ithaa, world’s first underwater restaurant located five meters below the water level.
While you can eat your breakfast at the Atoll market (only buffet restaurant) or Vilu restaurant and bar, there is Mandhoo Spa on the stilts that serve organic dishes inspired by the five elements for the health conscious.
Mandhoo Spa on the stilts serves organic dishes inspired by the five elements.
For authentic Chinese, you must try Uffa, spearheaded by the celebrity chef Jereme Leung; or the Koko grill for your Japanese cravings. There is Rangali Bar as well for all day dining and an open- air Quiet Zone Bar in the Adults Island for some fabulous drinks.
Uffa, the authentic Chinese restaurant at the Conrad Rangali Island spearheaded by the celebrity chef Jereme Leung
Curated Excursions
Conrad Maldives curates interesting excursions to explore the nature, culture and traditions of the Maldives.
You can choose from a range of interesting activities such as exploring the coral garden and its inhabitants; a sunset cruise to spot dolphins; or snorkeling safaris to search turtles, beautiful reefs and colorful marine life; or else sign up for the sunset fishing in a traditional way. If you are looking for some adventure, Conrad team also offers a variety of motorised and non-motorised water sports, including the exhilarating Jet blades and water Jetpacks.
Wellness for Mind, Body & Soul
While at the Conrad Maldives, you can’t miss the personalized wellness offerings by the resort. The Island resort provides a curated, locally-inspired wellness experience to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. You can either choose to opt for sunrise/sunset yoga classes with the therapeutic sounds of the waves as the music background or book an appointment with their in-house Ayurveda doctor for a desired treatment or else opt for a relaxing massage in their picturesque over water spa rooms that feature a transparent glass floor.
Over-water spa treatment room at the Adults island.
And while you take out some “me-time” for yourself, your kids can have an amazing time at the Majaa Explorer Hub, a kids club that offers a splash park for the little ones and also conducts a variety engaging activities on arts and crafts, culinary workshops, sports and marine life.
Things to consider
Sea plane fly only in the day, so if you are arriving Male International airport after 4 pm, you will have to spend a night at Male before you depart for the resort, the next morning.
There is also a speed boat transfer and an over-night luxury yacht cruise option for the evening arrivals.
Wellnessly, a specialised travel company focussed on wellness journeys collaborates with Six Senses Fort Barwara, near Ranthambore, Rajasthan, for its debut retreat.
The personalised four-day wellness program from 16th to 20th September’23 is designed to be a transformative and rejuvenating experience for the health enthusiast seeking to enhance their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The highly curated debut retreat will focus on yoga, nutrition, massage treatments, fort walks with indulging walks and offer personalised wellness programmes by a range of skilled practitioners.
The retreat will focus on crafting a locally sourced and consciously cooked menu featuring wholesome, nutritious and an organic diet plan.
Celebrity yoga instructor Ira Trivedi brings her expertise to create a personalised spiritual and fitness experience for the guests. For a nourishing culinary experience, the experts will be crafting a locally sourced and consciously cooked menu featuring wholesome, nutritious and an organic diet plan. Meditation, breath work and a soothing sound healing session are some of the unique activities designed to promote relaxation and balance.
“India is home to one of the world’s most ancient healing modalities and I am pleased to introduce our very first retreat inviting discerning wellness seekers at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan,” said, Lavanya Tagra, founder, Wellnessly.
Celebrity yoga instructor, Ira Trivedi brings her expertise to create a personalised spiritual and fitness experience for the guests.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, the stunning 14th century fort is a three-hour drive from Delhi NCR and offers an oasis of tranquillity, wellbeing and luxury. Nestled amongst the serene landscapes of Rajasthan, the fort hotel offers a 30,000 Sq. ft. spa and sprawling areas to indulge in immersive activities. “Six Senses Fort Barwara is the ultimate haven of well-being and sterling hospitality. We are looking forward to welcoming guests for an out of the ordinary rejuvenating experience that will elevate their wellness journey,” said , Rajat Gera, commercial director, Six Senses Fort Barwara.
Four Seasons gorgeous five-acre island is set in the UNESCO-protected oceanic territory of Baa Atoll.
There’s something about quiet luxury that needs no words but is loud enough to make the right noise. If you understand the world of stealth wealth, you would know how important it is to be private. In the modern technology-infested world, when billionaires and celebrities need time off to let their hair down away from the spotlight, they head to exclusive luxury islands that not many people know exist.
The island nation of Maldives is famous as the playground for the rich and the famous, and one of the most exclusive properties here is the Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah.
A gorgeous five-acre island set in the UNESCO-protected oceanic territory of Baa Atoll that you can book for Rs 37,23,000 (half a million USD) per night. And, you have to book it for a minimum of two nights so do the math!
On a trip to this dazzling private island, we learned the price can go up to Rs 74,47,000 per night during the peak seasons like the New Year or Valentine’s Day. And, that’s just the price of privacy that the guests are willing to pay in exchange for a quiet time at the untouched powdery white beaches and inviting turquoise blue waters of Maldives.
Vovah Aerial
The private islands of Voavah are quite popular and remain booked for at least 200 days in a year. If you are wondering what facilities and features are under such an expensive price tag, here are some key highlights:
Limitless luxury: Expand your horizons on this Maldivian retreat with your 19-metre (62-feet) yacht, dive centre, spa, beach house, and seven luxurious bedrooms with and resident pod of dolphins. At Voavah, you can invite up to 21 guests to celebrate and have a vacation of a lifetime. Not every day do you get a chance to spend time dolphin-watching from your poolside lounge, or do early morning salutations at the rising sun from a vast empty island beach to yourself.
Secret getaways:
Right from the arrival to stay and departure, no one except the staff gets to know about the guests. The guests are brought to the island from the hotel’s private seaplane and can choose to not interact with anyone on the main island. Voavah’s remote mid-ocean location and transfer by private jet to Velana or Maafaru International Airports offer anonymous access to anyone wishing to slip in and out under the radar. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues no one is watching, and anything is possible.
Highly confidential:
A dedicated staff of 26 members including a specialty chef and spa expert is exclusively assigned to look after the guests on the private island throughout their stay. They sign a non-disclosure to maintain the privacy of the guests, and no one gets to know when the islands are occupied. The privacy continues on site with 24-hour security and patrols, CCTV, and night-vision cameras.
Wellness wonderland:
A luxury vacation is incomplete without bespoke treatments, and at when you are at Voavah, feeling good comes naturally. Guests can have private consultations with the on-call Ayurvedic physicians, acupuncturists, and Rossano Ferretti Hair consultants or they can book a relaxing wellness treat at the Ocean of Consciousness Spa. Dive into the pristine waters and swim with reef sharks, kaleidoscopic fish, and turtles.
The suite life on the Private Island: On this luxurious island, guests can have their accommodation and privacy within the vicinity in the luxurious ocean and water villas. At the most elevated position on the island, are two Mezzanine Suites that overlook the vast beach, turquoise lagoon, and Biosphere Reserve beyond. Both villas at Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll feature vast cool bedrooms and breezy open-air lounges. There are three additional rooms for children and two additional rooms for private staff. Just steps away from the powdery sand is the Beach Villa with a massive sunbathing pool, al fresco living room, and master suite with ocean views on three sides. Stilted above the fish-filled lagoon, with a master bedroom with an attached study/children’s room and a further separate king-size bedroom pavilion is the Water Villa. The air-conditioned living room opens onto an al fresco living deck with 17 meter (56 foot) long sunset pool, loungers, and hammocks.
Beverly Hills hotel, Los Angeles combines perfect service with a glamorous old-Hollywood feel.
I love the speed of life in a big city but at the same time I also love the sunshine and the beach, so for me, Los Angeles is one of those places that really has it all. From the art to the restaurants, and of course the shopping, there’s never a dull moment. Here are a few of my favorite places to visit when I’m in town. Enjoy! — Michael Kors
SEE:
The Academy Museum is a MUST for movie fans.
The Richard Meier-designed Getty Center—you’ll be inspired before you even step in the door.
Griffith Observatory—from the planetarium to the park, you can spend a whole day here exploring.
A diverse mix of masterpieces, from contemporary to pre-Columbian, at LACMA.
The Farmers Market—the original one and only from 1934.
SHOP:
The Kit for vibrant, vintage finds that stand out from the crowd.
At Maxfield, the legendary avant-garde boutique for men and women. Fun fact: Barbra Streisand bought Michael Kors Collection pieces from Maxfield back in 1984.
For beautifully curated products for the home at the husband-and-wife run Tortoise General Store.
On Rodeo Drive for the ultimate in luxury and a chance celeb-spotting.
Along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice for a great beachy boho vibe.
At Brentwood Country Mart—great stores with an old-school charm and a petting zoo to boot!
STAY:
At Shutters on the Beach—classic LA and right on the Pacific.
At the Beverly Hills Hotel. It combines perfect service with a glamorous old-Hollywood feel.
GO:
For a drive down Mulholland Drive—if you can rent a convertible and time it with the sunset, that’s the dream.
Stroll and people watch on the boardwalk at Venice Beach—it’s like its own little world.
See the celeb footprints at Mann’s Chinese Theater.
EAT:
Caesar salad, chicken parmesan and pasta at Dan Tana’s—I love the local, clubby atmosphere.
Lunch on the Pacific Ocean at Nobu Malibu for the best sushi with a view.
An indulgent Italian dinner at G Baldi—antipasti, homemade pastas and lots of fresh fish.
A burger and fries at The Apple Pan—it’s an L.A. institution.
Great food with a glittering view and the chicest crowd at The Tower Bar.
At Musso and Frank Grill, one of Hollywood’s oldest restaurants. You can’t go there and not order the famous martini.
A vacation is not just about a routine escape. It is about the perfect frame of mind and of course the comfort of surroundings. Choosing the right property thus becomes the most essential component of the holiday, especially when it comes to spending time with your loved ones.
The Luxe Café curates the list of the best boutique hotels and resorts around the world to find solace in this summer.
Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island
2 bedroom Rangali ocean pavilion living room, Conrad Maldives
All-natural twin-island paradise, the Conrad’s location is one of the best in Maldives. You can explore unique ways of bonding with your loved ones via a plethora of activities that the resort has to offer – from guided water activities like catamaran sailing, glass floored boat trips, jet skiing to bubblemaking diving for kids, day and night scuba experiences and much more. There are engaging wellness programmes for the fitness enthusiasts including transformative spa treatments and tailored mind-body-soul wellness treatments by leading visiting therapists. The resort also has its very own wellness focused dining outlet, the Mandhoo Spa Restaurant that offer detoxifying-nourishing organic food.
For this summer, the hotel is running a special curated offer which includes a round-trip seaplane transfers for a minimum four night stay with lavish buffet breakfast and, a two course lunch and beyond.
Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, French Riviera
Kids club in the gardens at Chateau Saint Martin & Spa
Perched in the hilltops of Vence, with a splendid panorama of the Riviera hinterland, Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a family haven immersed in nature.
Set in 34 acres, the property offers a range of recreational activities including magical walks through the hills. At the Château, guests have spa by La Prairie, a luxuriously therapeutic sanctuary, an Eden Being boutique and a majestic infinity pool.
The property also offers a very special spa for the little ones offering organic treatments. It’s also the place to inspire your children’s artistic instincts. They can view extraordinary collections by Picasso, Matisse and Renoir and bring to life in their own interpretations guided by their creative team.
The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka
The Postcard on the Arabian Sea
The Postcard on the Arabian Sea is a beach front boutique resort perfectly positioned just off the Maravanthe coast and in close proximity to the temple city of Udupi in coastal Karnataka.
The property features 9 spacious rooms, each with a patio offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea. The food menu comprises of locally inspired cuisine, incorporating influences from four major communities of the region – Bunt, Goud Saraswat, Catholic, and Konkani Muslim.
As part of the unique curated destination experiences, you can explore deep sea diving at Netrani Island, one of the best dive sites in the country or head to Jog Falls, the highest untiered waterfall of India and also amongst the highest falls in Asia.
The Residence, Zanzibar
Prestige pool villa, The Residence Zanzibar
A villa-only resort nestled amid sprawling tropical gardens flanked by a mile-long powdery white sand beach. It’s the kind of property that can definitely accentuate an African vacation.
Highly valued for its privacy, the resort is located close to Menai Bay, Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area inhabited by indigenous fish and marine mammals.
The property showcases Zanzibar’s African, Omani, and European heritage through the design of its villas, each with either private swimming pools and gardens or beach, or ocean views.
The food menu caters to larger taste buds, taking a cue from Indian, Arabic, and Mediterranean flavours with a hint of local spices.
Whether someone lounges on the beach, wanders through bustling bazaars, goes on a dolphin safari, or encounters indigenous wildlife, Zanzibar has all the tropes of a wholesome vacation, be it families, a group of friends, or solo travellers.
Conservatorium, Amsterdam
I Love Amsterdam Suite
Located in Museum Quarter, the luxury centre and cultural heart of the city, Conservatorium in Amsterdam is a luxury lifestyle palace, evoking glamour and elegance for sophisticated, design- literate travellers. It is an architectural masterpiece that combines a landmark heritage building with contemporary design.
Originally built in 1897, the hotel has lived many lives before becoming the architectural masterpiece it is today. It is now a hub for all in the city & cultural centre, surrounded by museums and cultural hotspots. One of the perks of staying at the hotel is that it is located in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter that houses the city’s “big three” museums.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
Ocean view pool villa suite at Soneva Kiri
Soneva Kiri on tranquil Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s most unspoiled and least populated islands could be a serene summer escape for you.
The resort’s dining experiences take guests on a journey of flavours and culinary cultures. Their resident chefs along with celebrity chef and restaurateur Jane Alty, focus on using authentic Thai ingredients and techniques, paired with carefully-sourced wines and unique cocktails. When it comes to wellness, Soneva Kiri’s spa offers an extensive menu of therapies and healing rituals besides daily complimentary wellness sessions including Himalayan singing bowl meditation, cardio workouts, Pilates and Tai Chi.
2 bedroom Junior beach pool retreat at Soneva Kiri
Currently, the resort is offering an enthralling summer programme for the young Sonevians. From bua loy masterclasses and summer science experiments to junior Muay Thai classes and snorkelling trips to Koh Raet, there’s so much to pique your children’s imaginations.
