Bars with Knock-Out Views
Behold the rooftop bar: good drinks, great view, and - relief! - cool breeze.
You'll never break a sweat up here.
We've rounded up a list of our t ...
Hot to Trot
Travel News
19 October 2010
Saffire Freycinet is Australia's costliest retreat (an eye-watering AU$37 million) and, unsurprisingly, she's knocked our socks off. Set in a ravishing spot between Tasmania's Great Oyster Bay and the Hazard Mountains, this stingray-shaped coastal property has 20 split-level suites (with designer bathrooms, private decks and plunge pools) and a masterpiece of glass, light and sea views as a main lodge. Wander through surrounding woodlands, wade into the bay or take a guided tour of this pristine coastline. Enjoy Tasmania's finest local food and wine at the Palate restaurant and, at the spa, splash out on the 'Saffire Experience' to get slathered in *actual* blue sapphire dust. Putting the bling into relaxing!
Less superlative-grabbing, but one of our favourite new properties nonetheless, the Scent Hotel on Koh Samui is a gorgeous, well-run little hotel, which amazingly is still under the radar. Blissfully tranquil compared to most spots on the island, it is also that other rare thing: a boutique hotel in Thailand that is not overwhelmingly "ethnic"; instead it has a sophisticated old-world colonial feel, with 15 rooms decorated in Local, Western or Chinese style. Every element of this place is a treat for the senses: the fine sandy beach, the wafting aromas of Indochinese perfumes (hence the name 'Scent') and the food: delicious local cuisine and the tastiest tapas in Thailand. Come here, where East meets West, for a guaranteed stress-free break.
Finally, two hot new openings in Shanghai and Beijing. If you're planning to hotfoot it to Shanghai in time to catch the 2010 World Expo (until the end of October) shack up at the new Waterhouse on the Bund. This urban 'grime-meets-glam' design hotel has 19 rooms situated in the trendy Shiliupu dockyard overlooking the Huangpu River. Set in a historic 1930s factory, its interiors are sleek and understated, sparingly tarted up with cutting-edge furniture and high-tech mod-cons. Cool young urbanites will also love the new Opposite House in Beijing. Oozing ambiance and architectural flair, this luxury boutique hotel is a palace of stone, wood and glass, sexed up with bold mosaics and artistic statement pieces. It houses a trio of gourmet restaurants and a cocktail lounge and nightclub - all achingly cool, needless to say.
P.s. News fresh off the block:
* Silolona are launching another Indonesian Phinsi sailboat for charters in spring 2011 - and it will be smaller vessel, hence great news for honeymooners.
* Bali's funky Luna2 are in progress with 'Luna2 Studios' - opening end of 2011, it will have 14 ultra-intimate studios and out-of-this-world dining, quaffing and lounging facilities.
These escapes were brought to you by Lightfoot Travel p. 6438 4091, e. info@lightfoottravel.com, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.
Hot to Trot | 19 Oct 2010 at 03:55 PM
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