Thanks to the BLOC Hotel, at the Gatwick South Terminal, passengers of red-eye flights can sleep in and arrive to their flights bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Guests of the BLOC arrive the night before the flight and take advantage of their park/sleep/fly deals, and the little luxury suites they offer. The deals, starting around £79, give th guest a compact luxury suite for the evening and valet parking.

Check in is a breeze, and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. The BLOC Hotel Gatwick will also check your suitcases with your airline, making sure your luggage makes it to the proper flight. You’re allowed, and encouraged, to bring your carry-on (or overnight) bag with you into your suite.

The rooms, located almost right off the runway, are compact, but full of modern luxury and amenities. The design is sleek, and the furnishings ultra comfortable, including the king size beds, for a refreshing sleep before a red-eye. (Or any flight for that matter!) Bright Space Architects did the designs, and did a magnificent job. You can see the plane lights from the windows, but you won’t be disturbed. State-of-the-art soundproofing was used in the BLOC hotel’s design, so you won’t hear a peep.

Each suite has a power wet room shower and provides Zenology shower products, to bathe in total luxury. High-speed, free wi-fi is offered to all guests, and an HD LED TV is in every room. The most thrilling and advanced part of an experience at the BLOC is the touch screen panel, located in every room, that can control almost every aspect of your stay – including check-out! The cutting edge control panel can adjust the ambient lighting level, the TV, the room climate controls, and the blinds, all from the wall beside the bed. You can even control these settings from your own smartphone or tablet!

The BLOC hotel Gatwick is also near the local hot-spots and restaurants. It’s a great little piece of luxury for a night or two. There’s also a new BLOC location in Brimingham! For more on the excellent service and high quality amenities the BLOC offers, check out their website! To hear about Stuart James’ experience, head over to the Daily Star. Would you stay in a hotel right off the tarmac? Have you ever stayed at the BLOC? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Share, rate, and subscribe to keep yourself up to date with the latest and greatest in luxury!

Keyless Entry to a BLOC suite

BLOC Suite Control Panel

You can even check-out from your BLOC Suite Control Panel

Compact Luxury designed by Bright Space Architects

Photo Credits: businesstraveller.com, blochotels.com, laterooms.com, trivadvisor.com, brightspacearchitects.com

Before, the 250 ton crane was doomed for destruction as it sat decaying. It was deemed impossible to develop. Three years later its home to some of the most talked about and luxurious scenes in the bustling Dutch city – the hotel Faralda in Amsterdam. Edwin Kornmann Rudi, spokesman of the hotel project said this,

“But after years of preparation there was a point of no return. Nowhere else in the world is there something as unique, as big and high as this hotel.”

The Faralda boasts an intimate hot tub, at the top of the tower no less! There’s also a TV broadcasting studio, spa, and an elite and luxurious business club, which is used by international guests and stakeholders all the time.

This crane turned luxury hotel is extremely exclusive – there are only three hotel suites! The developers went all out to make sure the Faralda was among the truly elite in the luxury hotel world. They spent £660,000 on each of the three rooms in building and design. Which turns out the most expensive suites in the Netherlands; guests can spend the night for £340 per person. And they do, says Rudi,

“It is also the most talked about wedding location in the Netherlands. We’ve had people getting married in the studio, sleeping in one of the three suites, and having their wedding night start in the hot tub at the top of the crane.”

To book your visit to this chic and hip hostel on the water, head over to the Faralda website. For more on this story go to Daily Mail. For more on the surroundings of the Faralda at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam, go here. Ever stayed in a unique hotel? Have you ever stayed at the Faralda? Do you want to? Let us know in the comments section. Rate, share, and subscribe for all the latest in luxury!

The Grand Dame – the crane was mostly used in agricultural work

The Faralda Hotel is the most talked about hotel in Amsterdam

An intimate hot tub at the top

The Secret Suite offers a panoramic view to guests

Free Spirit Suite

The Mystique Suite

The Faralda Hotel in Amsterdam

Photo Credits: dailymail.co.uk, faralda.com, press.grohe.com, amsterdamnflavours.com

And a big push it is; Starwood will invest over $20 million on the new collection of elite and luxurious hotels, says The Wall Street Journal. The Tribute Portfolio, the group of hotels now owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, are an exclusive group of independently owned businesses. The hotels will retain their identities,while upholding the posh standards of the luxury hotel powerhouse.

Tribute Portfolio hotels will be popping up in the hottest locations where the Starwood brand isn’t yet established. Adam Aron, new head of Starwood Hotels said,

“We know exactly where they’re telling us to be – Paris, London. I’d love to see a Tribute hotel in London as soon as we can.”

Tribute Portfolio properties are unique to Starwood and an exclusive experience for guest and owner. Guests will be able to enjoy one-of-a-kind, five-star hotels all around the world, knowing their stay is up to the Starwood standard. Owners will rejoice, keeping the distinctiveness and individuality of their hotels, all while having the prestige and power of the luxury hotel authority. According to the site,

“From boutique resorts to exciting hotels in urban locations, each Tribute Portfolio hotel offers inspired style and superior service. It’s our celebration of individuality.”

All Tribute Portfolio hotels will include the signature Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program (SPG). This special loyalty program allows guests to rack up Starpoints for just about every expense. Members have the option of premium point packages: Preferred, Gold, or Platinum. Platinum members have exclusive benefits including a free check-in gift, free high-speed internet, and free room upgrades. Starwood now offers lifetime Gold and Platinum membership that awards elite benefits for life.

The debut properties for the Tribute Portfolio is the always plush Royal Palm South Beach. Once called The James, They Royal Palm is an exquisite stay in paradise. The owner, Jim Francis, is excited for the new partnership. His hotel is already reaping the benefits of the Starwood customer base. Currently, South Beach is mainly a non-branded marketplace. Jim remarks on the new affiliation with Starwood,

“We will continue to enjoy the flexibility of providing independent services and operating standards, yet benefit from the incredible strength of our good partner’s global reservation system, distribution channels and powerful loyalty program.”

The next upcoming locations are Asheville, Charleston, Nashville, and Savannah. Mr. Francis wasn’t understating the powerful network Starwood will be providing. Guests booking a Tribute Portfolio hotel, or any hotel in the Starwood collection, can use the mobile app. The app, compatible for all devices, allows the user to access any and all of the amenities the posh collection has to offer.

To book your stay, visit the Tribute Portfolio site. Or check out the Starwood Hotels & Resorts site for all of the luxurious locations. We recently covered the newest addition to the Starwood family. Read up on the Japanese location, the Suiran in Kyoto. For more on the Tribute Portfolio head over to Haute Living. What do you think of this new line of hotels? Have you ever stayed at a Starwood? Would you want to? Let us know in the comments down below. Remember to rate, like, and subscribe to keep yourself up to date in the luxury world.

South Beach Skyline

Pool View

Royal Palm South Beach

Royal Palm was once named The James

Multi-level Pools

Full Gym with Poolside View

Oceanfront King Room

Studio Room

Photo Credits: hauteliving.com, starwoodhotels.com, frontiersmedia.com, hotelnewsresource.com, kiwicollection.com, booked.net, jetsetter.com

As with all Luxury Collection hotels, the Suiran will offer the always standard Luxury Collection Concierge service, among other high-class amenities, and guests will have the option of experiencing the wonders of the indigenous area. Senior Vice President of Operations and Global Initiatives for the Asia Pacific region of Starwood, Lothar Pehl, had this to say,

“We are thrilled to unveil Suiran, Kyoto – a portal to the city’s rich cultural heritage and exquisite natural setting. The Luxury Collection’s unique brand proposition combined with renowned Japanese hospitality makes Suiran perfectly poised to strengthen Starwood’s luxury portfolio in Japan.”

Suiran, located in western Kyoto, is majestically placed in the Arashiyama district. It boasts breathtaking views of the Arashiyama hills, while placed near the tranquil riverside. The Suiran also rests on a National Historic sight. Guests of the Suiran will have the chance to visit the famous Bamboo Grove, or walk among the remnants of the Tenryuji Temple. In the 1960s, the Japanese government used to entertain honorable guests with traditional ryokan. Suiran is near a World Heritage site that was once the home a well-known ryokan, “Rantei”. Meredith Dichter, Global Brand Director for The Luxury Collection, had a few words to say about the debut of Suiran,

“Kyoto, a city shaped by rich traditions, coveted treasures and storied history, is the perfect destination to debut the brand to our most discerning global guests.”

The Suiran houses 39 suites, lavishly decked in luxury. The rooms, stylized in traditional ryokan fashion, range from 500 to 1,000 square feet. The cultural flairs are noted in each room, which feature traditional motifs as well in the beautiful hues that mirror the seasonal changes. The inner luxury and beauty of the Suiran is incomparable, however, to the natural beauty of the surrounding vistas.

The luxury doesn’t stop at the rooms. For total relaxation and rejuvenation, guests are encouraged to visit one of the two luxurious, private treatment rooms. Each has a sleek, Japanese open-air bath for guests opting out of in-room treatment. At the Suiran, everything is of the Japanese style, including the spa therapies offered. The many treatments offered are traditional, including a full body massage with tea seed oil, SEIRAN, green tea scrub, or a facial treatment featuring jade stones and a collagen mask.

Dining at the Suiran is unparalleled. The campus includes two original structures that have gone through extensive renovation. The “Enemi-kaki” (1899) and the “Hasshoken” (1910) now house the hotel restaurant, Kyo Surian, and the café Saryo Hassui respectively. Kyo is a fresh mix of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Fresh ingredients and locally inspired recipes make for delicious and unique delicacies. The moon-shaped windows, thatched roof, and pillars create an authentic and astounding atmosphere. Guests choosing the Saryo Hassui will be treated to exquisite meals, all featuring the native and celebrated green tea.

Those who wish to visit Kyoto in luxury should only stay at the Suiran. The Luxury Collection hotel offers the finest amenities with the most authentic experience. Starwood Hotels & Resorts have certainly added another wonder to their portfolio. For more on the debut of the Suiran, read the article from 4 Hoteliers. To book a trip head over to the Suiran website. You should also visit the Starwood webpage for all the locations of their five-star accommodations. Have you ever stayed at a Starwood hotel or resort? Would you want to visit Kyoto? Have you ever been there? Share you thoughts in the comments section down below! Remember to rate, share, and subscribe to keep yourself in the luxury loop!

Suiran Hotel Exterior (Rendered)

Suiran Suite Living Area (Rendered)

Suiran Reception Area (Rendered)

Suiran  Suite (Rendered)

Suiran Restaurant (Rendered)

Residential Corner Suite – Suiran Bedroom

Photo Credits: starwoodhotels.com, luxury-insider.com, luxurytravelmagazine.com, ehotlier.com, traveldailynews.asia, hotelchatter.com, wanderwithwonder.com

And it’s no surprise why the A-listers flock to Pennyhill, this beautiful hotel is nestled on 123 acres of Surrey parkland in Bagshot. On campus is a 45,000 sqft spa with 21 treatment rooms. Recently, the spa has gone under a £500,000 makeover rennovation. Pennyhill Park, in all its glory was named the training base of operations for the Englad Rugby Team during the Rugby World Cup. They surely took advantage of all 21 treatmentrooms at the spa.

Pennyhill Park, owned by Exclusive Hotels, wasn’t always a world-known, five-star, hotel. In fact the land has a bit of historic significance. First built in 1851, the land was used as a warning beacon. It was imperative to British defenses while fighting off the Spanish Armada in 1588. In 1879 a banker from Frankfurt bought the property and later added an Orangery in 1881, where today’s luxurious spa currently stands. Lastly, during World War One, Pennyhill was used as a rest house.

The historic past and modern luxury blend together to make up a grand and magnificent venue, suitable for afternoon tea, a wedding, a business meeting, or a romantic get away. Pennyhill Park is centrally located to Ascot, Sunningdale, and Wentworth, making it a great escape for race fans and golfers alike. Those who wish to travel via private helicopter are in luck, as the Pennyhill Park hotel also has a helipad!

Guests of the Pennyhill Park will stay in one of 123 guests room. Each room is uniquely designed, like snowflakes, no two rooms are the same. The Silver Birch suite, a rich and luxurious room, is a popular choice among guests. It boasts a handmade mattress, made with and dressed in the softest and most comfortable fabrics. Dark mahogany furniture is sleek and powerful, especially the rustic four-poster bed. The bathroom is more of a royal bathing chamber. Vaulted ceilings easily contain the white baths, made of volcanic limestone, and divided by a champagne chiller. Guests can enjoy the enormous flat screen embedded in the wall while sipping and sudsing. Or hop in the luxe, multi-headed shower.

The spa of Pennyhill Park is the place to be. There’s an outdoor deck, with seating for over 200. Along this extensive area are comfy loungers and dining tables. Guests can enjoy any of the number of outdoor hot tubs or the Jacuzzi. The hydrotherapy pools are great for ultimate water relaxation, and athletes can enjoy laps in the 25 meter, heated swimming pool. This special pool also features underwater music. And that’s just outside!

Inside the spa, one should definitely take advantage of the wide range of thermal therapies available. There are herbal saunas, a schnapps steam room, aromatic lacomium, the tepidarium, foot massage thrones, and an ice cave! Pennyhill Park Spa was rated with 5 Bubbles from The Good Spa Guide. This spa is heaven on earth according to just about every guest who visits.

When it comes to dining, very few match up to the gourmet options provided by Pennyhill Park. Guests wanting the very best should visit The Latymer with Michael Wignall. Rated with two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes, every dish is simply stunning and scrumptious. Also rated with two AA Rosettes is The Brasserie, a contemporary and casual restaurant. For an intimate meal of 6-8, guests should choose the Chef’s Table, an exclusive an private dining option. Those wanting a light meal or a quick drink should choose the service at the Ascot Bar.

The cost of waking up rejuvenated and being so spoiled is only £750 to £850, depending on suite availability. This price includes a delicious, three course meal, and a bottle of wine at the Brasserie, a full English breakfast, full use of the Spa facilities, and overnight accommodation in an exclusive Junior Suite. To book your stay, head over to the Pennyhill Park website. Carol Driver recently took a trip here. To read about it, head over to Daily Mail. Would you want to book a room here? Have you ever stayed at the Pennyhill Park Hotel? What did you think? Let us know in the comments down below!

Photo Credits: http://www.dailymail.co.uk, http://www.exclusivehotels.co.uk/

The prison was under construction from 1857 – 1859. The work was done by Corporation Surveyor John Wightman. The original plan for this Corporation of Liverpool building was use as a police station and a courts complex. Instead it became home to people being detained for petty crimes. This prison was a secure fortress. There is still a plaque on the wall from when the prison was in operation,

“Please do not ask for bail because a refusal often offends.”

When the Bridewell Prison was operational it had between 60-90 cells. These cells were a mere 7x7ft. The cell was enclosed by 3ft thick brick walls and sealed off by a hefty wooden door, both slathered in lead paint. Prisoners slept on a small wooden bench that housed a toilet at one end.

These cells once spanned across four floors in a quadrangle of inmate housing. Now they are looking sleek and chic, given their modern upgrade. The lead paint has been stripped from the walls and doors. They’ve worked to expose the original and traditional brick and iron structure of the building. The gorgeous architectural elements complement what they’ve done with the exercise yard. The open area has been transformed into an glass-domed, indoor lounge space

The former cells have been refurbished into an 85-suite hotel with high-tech and luxurious amenities, as well as some unique and exclusive features. The Victorian style architecture will be restored to its former glory. Each suite comes with an LED Smart TV, an ultra-indulgent bathroom, and some artwork made by ex-cons who’ve reached celebrity status. It’s been said that there are tunnels that run beneath Bridewell Prison. Though they are most likely closed off, they are said to have led to the St. George’s Hall courts as well as the docks.

The people behind Bridewell want to create a hotel that meets the needs of both busy business professionals and weekend travelers. Bridewell offers fast and free Wi-Fi and space-efficient suites in a central location. The transformation and development of Bridewell is a project being undertaken by staycentral.com. Stay Central is a new hotel chain based in Liverpool. Operations Director Lee Darwen said,

“The walls are super thick with layers of original British bond brick and the doors are solid oak, so there is no danger of woken by noisy neighbors. [Bridewell] fits with the ethos of the modern micro-hotel concept which staycentral.com will roll out nationwide in the coming years.”

The historical hotel is set to open this Spring, and is looking forward to welcoming future guests. Bridewell will be home to weekend music, parties and social events, as well as a place for business and networking meetings. For more about the luxe hotel in Liverpool, check out the Stay Central Facebook page. Follow them for future updates. You can also visit the website to sign up for the Stay Central newsletter. Daily Mail covers this story here. Have you ever stayed in a remodeled hotel? What was it before you stayed? Would you stay in a former prison? Let us know in the comments down below.

Bridewell Prison – Operational

Bridewell cells are decrepit and disgusting

Parts of the building are falling apart

Lead paint removed and refurbished fixtures make all the difference

Glass-domed lounged was once “the yard”.

Spikes once used to deter inmates from climbing now add to the iron and brickwork motifs

A lot of work is needed to make this into a luxury hotel

Suites are compact will luxury

Erie Inmate Artwork

Photo Credits: dailymail.co.uk, facebook.com

Will Aitken, 22, runs the establishment with Nannette, his mother. The hotel and spa is on the family farm, outside of Ayr. His siblings may also enter the business. According to Mr Aitken, his brother may return from school on the weekends to help out, and is unsure of his sister’s plans. Though the start-up was costly, the Aitken’s are sure of the plan. The luxury hotel and spa has already received oodles of inquires since opening. Will says,

“It’s a state-of-the-art establishment, one of the first of its kind as far as we’re aware, for people who are willing to pamper their pooches. We’ve never seen anything like this. Other dog kennels out there are not up to this standard.”

Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa certainly is high-tech and cutting-edge. The facilities are equipped with some of the most advanced features on the market. Each of the 28 rooms are tiled with heated floors! The temperature-controlled system design is ingenious; a small portion (about 25%) of the floor is left cold, in case Fido prefers a cooler temperature. Each suite also comes with a 32” flat screen TV. Not only will your pet be able to watch some daytime television, but the TVs contain a two-way audio system. You’ll be able to “talk” to your pet.

You’ll be able to keep an eye on your pets too. All the rooms have a web cam built into the TVs. These cameras have a 360 degree rotation and come with an infrared function, allowing for nighttime viewing. You can check on your pet 24/7 via a smart phone. The camera and other functions are controlled through the smart phone after logging on to the Bellslea Hills server. If you’re like most people, and have more than one pet, Bellslea Hills can accommodate multiple pets in the same suite, for an additional fee.

There’s plenty to do a Bellslea for your canine companion. There’s an exclusive indoor play area, made from hypoallergenic, artificial grass. There’s also a bone-shaped pool for pups to splash around in. Guests of Bellslea Hills are sure to have wagging tails at dinner time. All the meals are specially prepared for each dog’s taste preference. Whether your pet dines on dog food or only devours freshly cooked chicken, the staff will provide.

After a full day of exercising and running around, your pooch deserves to be pampered. The spa facility at Bellslea Hills is one-of-a-kind and lavish, featuring a sauna and special showers. Dogs will have a variety of shampoos and conditioners to choose from, including hypoallergenic options and different scents. The specials showers are wonderful, even for the most sensitive skin. The shower massages the user with aerating shower heads. After showering off, dogs are dried with gentle, warm air in a comfortable spa box. The spa is open for non-guest as well, says Aitken,

“If you’ve been down to the beach with your dog, or playing in a muddy field, you can pop along to use our spa facilities and have a peek at what else we can offer your precious pooch.”

A night at Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa costs about $44, with $29 for each extra family member in the suite. You can also snag a “double suite”, two inter-connected suites, for two dogs for the same price. Each additional pet is the same fee. They are open to the public from 10am to Noon and 2pm to 4pm. Check out all they have to offer, or contact them, on their website. Daily Mail covers this story, as well as Western Morning News. Would you check your pet in for a night in one of these swanky suites? Do you pamper your pets? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments down below! Remember to rate, like and share too!

Cozy and Comfortable

High-tech Suites

Pampered Pooch at the Spa

State-of-the-art Spa Box

Indoor Playground

Bone-shaped Pool

Photo Credits: bellsleahills.co.uk, dailymail.co.uk

Though Andermatt is a remote destination, it’s not cut off from the world. The Glacier-Express, the most famous and luxurious way to tour and travel the mountaintop area, makes a stop in Andermatt. The station is right across from the hotel. You can always take a day trip sightseeing the flawless mountains and snow crested hills on the train while you’re staying at the Chedi. Zurich is only a two hour trip. You can also get there by the road in about ninety minutes. The road through Andermatt connects to Stuttgart, Milan, and Lucerne as well.

In winter there is always snow, ensuring plenty of skiing and snowboard opportunities on both Gemsstock and Nätschen Mountains. In summer the winter wonderland disappears, leaving the wide Urseren Valley and surrounding mountains a lush playground. Walk or hike the countless trails winding throughout countryside. Go fishing or scout for native animals. For those looking for something a little sportier Andermatt is home to green golf courses and is the ultimate destination for mountain biking. Guests of the Chedi can enjoy the provided transportation to ski lifts and golf courses.

Grand Deluxe Room

The real pleasure comes from getting cozy and enjoying the luxuries of the Chedi Andermatt. They have over 101 different rooms and suites, all furnished with elegant and warm furniture. State-of-the-art appliances and fixtures are definitive elements that the Chedi incorporates into every aspect of it’s construction. Take the bathrooms for example; every inch was artfully crafted and ingeniously designed. Each room has it’s own private bath consisting of a generous tub and separate contemporary shower. The floors are made of natural stone and are heated from below! The Chedi also includes one of the most innovative bathroom technologies available. You can find the Gerberit AquaClean 8000, a master mix between a normal toilet and sanitary bidet, in all the lavatories.

The suites and rooms come with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. From your window you may see the Swiss Alps, Schöllenen Gorge, or the Andermatt Village. Dark wood floors are sleek and stately, matching the soft leather sofas and chairs scattered throughout the living spaces. Rooms range from 52 square meters all the way up to 330, in the grand Furka Suites. These suites are a swanky full-home experience, complete with kitchen, dining and living areas. Chedi’s deluxe suites are around 100 square meters, including private balconies and immense windows to fully enjoy the Alpine scenery from the comfort of your room. The natural stone and wood motifs are noted all around the hotel’s accommodations, bringing a natural peace and tranquility to the area.

It is common knowledge that the Swiss Alp environment possesses great healing powers. These are only enhanced by the Chedi’s huge spa and wellness center. They have a temperature-controlled outdoor pool for laps. The indoor pool is kept at a cozy temperature all year round, and has an astonishing view of the mountains. The gym is fully equipped with Technogym brand equipment, and they staff certified trainers for one-on-one training sessions or yoga classes. Relax in an organic sol steam bath, or warm yourself in a Finnish bio-sauna. They stock only organic products at the spa and it is also well staffed with experienced international therapists. You’re sure to unwind and be pampered in one of the ten lavish treatment suites. Chedi also offers a full salon with hair styling, manicure, and pedicure options.

Chedi Andermatt Spa

Dining here is another trip all together. The Chedi Andermatt is a global culinary connoisseur, and it shows in every single dish. Yasuhiro Koichi lead SPIN Studio to design one of the freshest and finest dining establishments in the world, The Restaurant. The Restaurant is an all-day venue, serving Swiss, European and Eastern dishes. Sip and sample some of the most delicious wines and cheeses from around the world here at Chedi. On site is a cheese cellar 5 meters tall plus a Wine and Cigar Library. Authentic Japanese cuisine is available at The Japanese Restaurant, also designed by SPIN. Prepared by master chefs, they serve traditional sushi, sashimi, and tempura in the evenings at this trademark establishment. You can satisfy your hunger at any hour with the 24-hour room service, or engage in delicious cuisine at any other eatery location; The Bar and Livingroom, The Lobby, The Courtyard, and The Pool

It is no wonder why the Chedi Andermatt was named Switzerland’s Top Hotel last year. Whether you want to host an extravagant event like a wedding, have a power breakfast, manage a business meeting in an ultramodern boardroom, or just spend your vacation at an upscale and pleasant place, it’s no problem; you can do it all at Chedi. Hotel Designs takes an in depth look at the Gerberit here. Visit the Chedi Andermatt website for all the information on booking, accommodations, packages, dining, and more. Will the Swiss Alps be the destination of your next vacation? Would you rather go in Summer or Winter? Tell us what you think in the comments down below! If you liked the article, please rate and share.

Back of Chedi

Chedi Andermatt Overview

Andermatt Village

Photo Credits: classicdriver.com, http://www.andermatt-swissalps.ch, gmhotels.com, worldpropertyjournal.com, cpp-luxury.com

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is truly an oasis in the desert. Like a a luxurious mirage rising from the sandy dunes, El Gouna appears after a thirty minute drive from Hurghada through the desert. Built from nothing by Samih Sawiris nearly twenty years ago, El Gouna is a one-of-a-kind retreat. Every detail and amenity has been meticulously selected and imported to location, including the luscious flora. The resort is renowned for it’s gorgeous private beach, snorkeling and other watersports.

This five-star resort, established in December 1995, is the biggest and most luxurious of hotels in the area. The accommodations are dispersed over eight clusters, allowing guests space and privacy. All the rooms have astonishing views of the sea, lagoons, or lavish gardens. The moderate décor and minimalist styles of the resort are sleek and elegant. The small pops of color and modern furnishings add to the paradise constructed all around.

There are four exquisite restaurants on the premises. Breakfast is served daily at the Palavrion buffet, as well as other courses with a changing international theme. You’ll be able to sample the most delectable and delicious dishes from around the world with your choice of indoor or outdoor seating. El Sayadin Restaurant offers up fresh and flavorful choices right from the sea. Enjoy the catch of the day or a seafood specialty as you watch the waves from this beach-side restaurant. Craving pasta? Il Limone Restaurant serves some of the best Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in the region. For those feeling something with savory spice should try Bua Khao for an incomparable Thai experience.

El Gouna has 2km of private beach, waiting to be explored and exploited for fun. You will have access to two fully outfitted gyms, four lavish swimming pools, a plush health club two tennis courts, and a squash court. There’s a highly acclaimed golf course within a kilometer. Take a ride on Dede or Dudu, the resorts lovable camels who walk the beach for guests. For those seeking a watery adventure, El Gouna is the perfect resort. A visit to the ‘Emperor Divers’ Kitepeople’ kitesurfing center will have you squared away for a day of kitesurfing. You’ll also be able to surf, explore reefs and aquatic life while diving and snorkeling, or engage in other watersports and activities.

The wellness facilities at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna are high-class and staffed by masterly masseuses. The treatments, massages, and beautification techniques are seemingly unlimited. They use knowledge from around the world, offering special regiments from both East and West.

“Calm your mind and take in the serenity of your surroundings. The treatments at Angsana Spa range from specially created massages to facials, body polishes, skin enhancers and the Essence of Angsana package. Enjoy the difference and leave the cares of the world behind.”

Despite current Egyptian national struggle, El Gouna is a safe place away from the conflict. As well as standard security, they have metal detectors after the main doors for added guest security. The village of El Gouna is as quaint and peaceful as it is beautiful and blissful. It is broken up into two centers of activity, Downtown and Marinatown. Marinatown is a Red Sea exclusive, designed by the Italian architect Alfredo Freda. If you fall in love while your visiting, El Gouna Neighborhoods have private villas and exclusive homes, all on the waterfront and available for purchase.

Chris Irvine recently stayed at this luxurious resort for two days and wrote about it for Daily Mail. To hear about the trip, check out the article. You can book a room or suite now from The Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna or visit the site to get a glimpse of the sultry haven. You can also learn about the community of El Gouna, the town, its attractions, and the green environmental work they’ve been doing. Is this a place you’d visit? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Credits: whitesky.org, dailymail.co.uk/

You might be shocked at the lack of technology at this resort, but don’t be dismayed by the signs saying “no cellphones in the common areas.” Sundara may be at one with nature, but they aren’t primitive savages. You’ll still have access to high speed wi-fi and televisions in rooms, and tablets can even be used in certain areas of the resort, but only for reading. They key to a restful and extravagant stay is unplugging from technology and connecting to the beautiful scenery, exquisite nature, and lavish accommodations. While this detachment is a fairly new trend popping up at vacations spots, Sundara is a pro, having this non-tech principle since its opening in 2003.

Sundara Inn and Spa have a wide vairety of suites to please any fancy, as well as enormously lavish, 1,700 sq-ft villas. From the 26 rooms you can choose from a plush, executive, premier, or luxury suite. Don’t let the names fool you, as all suites are designed with luxury in mind. On arrival you’ll receive a soft, white robe and sandals, be pampered by attentive but demure attendants, and immediately relax with feng shui built into every aspect of the resort.

Luxury Spa – Sundara

Treasure the moments and memories of previous travelers. Each room has a journal filled with stories from other guests, providing intimate tales and fun anecdotes for each generation to come. Each room comes standard with a king sized feather bed and deluxe fireplace. The largest suites include an exclusive screened balcony, and a cozy, sunken sitting area. Rooms also include the latest in appliances and fixtures, like the Kohler Waterhaven Tower Shower, a staple of their designer spa bathrooms. You can pick a room with a pool view or one of the surrounding pine forest.

There are many choices at Sundara for fine food and drink. All their meals are prepared fresh, using only the best seasonal ingredients. The Radiance Rotunda overlooks the main foyer and serves only the most delectable cuisine, but there are plenty of other options for those wanting to dine elsewhere. Their spa side dining has been featured in Travel + Leisure magazine, as well as, Luxury Spa Finder. Breakfast is served via a complementary buffet of incredibly palatable proportions. If you don’t want to leave the poolside, just order up a meal at the Infinity Edge Cabana. For those that just want to stay in and enjoy the comfort and opulence of their suites, you can always order in room service.

Since they ask guests to abstain from the use of technology, they offer some of the most exclusive, relaxing, and exciting activities around. Take a hike on the fragrant and serene Meditation Trail. There are seven meditation stops along the way, and, at the end of the trail, you can enjoy the hammocks of the Woodland Hammock Retreat to reflect and rest before the walk back. Aside from the lavish outdoor pool, which is heated (water and poolside), you can enjoy the Tranquility Garden. Complete with terraces and waterfalls, this silent oasis is the perfect paradise. There are dozens of even more active experiences to enjoy, like a one-on-one Hatha Yoga lesson, mountain biking, or the full fitness studio just a step away. If you’re so inclined, the resort is surrounded by three different state parks, each offering its own unique adventures.

Master Bedroom

“Energize your soul,” at Sundara’s first-class spa. From deep tissue massages, to hot rock regimens, special scrubs and therapeutic treatments, they have it all. By far, there are too many different packages, massages, and treatments to list them all, but you can check out the full list here, at Sundara’s website. Jim Owczarski, writer for OnMilwaukee.com, recently had the pleasure of staying at Sundara Inn and Spa, and was more than delighted. To read about his stay and his opinion, read the article. Sundara is the luxury getaway close to home, for an invigorating and rejuvenating experience, book a suite or villa today! Visit Sundara’s site for a full glimpse of the beautiful location, stunning accommodations, and all the splendid resources they have to offer.

Top Floor View of Pool

Poolside Patio with Fireplace

Sundara Inn and Spa

Photo Credits: wisdells.com, travelwisconsin.com, tripadvisor.com, tntribune.com, chicagomag.com, widlernessterritory.com