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Where fantasy village meets fairy grotto, tree-house meets the ultimate in modern luxury and incredible fine dining meets cosy evenings by the fire, this hotel is a mix of delightful contradictions which are really rather clever.
We stayed in the three story, 2 bedroom Les Barattes chalet. The front door opens into charming domestic bliss, hand selected crockery, antique furniture and an inviting wood burner. If it wasn’t for the cleverly hidden mod cons you might feel like you’d stepped back in time.
The stairs represent the sort of challenge kids will love and will make parents regret having that last glass of wine, but nothing else would work quite as well. You’ll love the carefully chosen small touches like the heart-shaped coat hooks, the basin carved from a slab of wood and the giant iron keys to let you out onto the balconies wrapped around each floor. Upstairs, the bedroom is heavenly, beautifully cushioned and decorated with furry rugs, creaky floorboards and an incongruous flat screen TV/ DVD player.
The food is incredible- crafted with the sort of light-touch and finesse only a French chef can do properly. The team deliver each course to your chalet with a smile and quick explanation before leaving you to your romantic evening. In summer there’s an abundance of pink and red flowers wherever you look; in winter the pristine snow combined with the ethereal blue night lights must create an atmosphere of almost supernatural stillness and beauty. I can’t wait to come back then.
From US620+ per night
– Amazing alpine setting with luxurious, individually styled accommodation
– The food is some of the best we have tasted
– Some chalets have quite steep steps
Chris & Hannah
Directors
With its dimly lit interior and helpful staff, the Hansar Bangkok is plush yet welcoming. Situated close to the BTS transit system, designer shops, street food stalls and plenty of up-market restaurants it covers most of what you’d want on your doorstep in Bangkok.
The rooms have floor to ceiling windows to take in skyscraper and race course views and a lovely eye for locally crafted detail. Breakfast on the leafy terrace overlooking a quiet backstreet is a tasty and laid-back affair, but definitely leave room for dinner- the evening menu is world class and cooked to perfection. Don’t forget to drop in at the fragrant and calming spa for single or couples treatments, or the large infinity-edge, 8th floor outdoor pool- perfect for unwinding after a hectic day in Bangkok.
From US150+ per night
– Great central location
– Enormous rooms with great views
– Excellent restaurant and extensive room service
– Great Spa with outdoor hot-tub!
– None!
Chris & Hannah
Directors
The name itself evokes windswept bays, brooding skies and pleasing isolation, and if you spend a winter weekend here the roaring fires, cosy sofas and flickering candle-light will suit the mood perfectly. However, turn up for a weekend in spring to find airy rooms flooded with light, fragrant flowers on every surface and a garden bursting with pretty colour.
Each room has been designed to soothe your senses, from strategically placed windows to capture the light to the heavenly bathtubs and luxury lotions. If you choose to eat in you will be served a home-made meal of garden-fresh veggies and organic produce straight from the market. if you choose to eat out, you will be given a lift and picked up again after so you can both relax over a drink or two.
Whatever you are hoping for, the Lonely Bay Lodge will suit your mood. The decor is modern ‘country cottage’ with the overall feel luxurious. The service is attentive but unobtrusive. It’s more like staying with friends who give you plenty of space but have quite simply thought of everything.
From US480+ per night
– Spacious rooms and stylish decor
– Great views of the sea and hills
– Amazing cooked breakfast, 3 courses!
– Feels like a home from home
– None!
Chris & Hannah
Directors
Most luxury seekers have heard of Bora Bora, a spectacular island in the Pacific nation of French Polynesia. Its where you go if you want to join the crowds looking for that perfect jewel of rock-salt hued sands and infinity-pool-blue lagoons. But here’s a secret. There’s a place, not far from there, where you get the dream without the hype; the splendour without the tarnish; the raw beauty without the golf carts. But don’t worry, you still get to see the sunset over Bora Bora every evening with your much anticipated cocktail.
The Vahine Island Resort is a very special place. It comes at a price, but it does have a fabulously deserted –paradise quality– combined with all the highest standards of comfort and luxury. It’s a small resort, just 6 beach bungalows, 3 over water bungalows and serene palm fringed beach hugging most of the shore. Whichever room you choose you’ll find yourself content to while away hours gazing at the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings.
From US$550+ per night
– Stunning location on a paradise island
– Amazing food – 3 course evening meal
– Friendly staff and high level of service
– Plenty of activities to do during the day
– Expensive but this is a ONCE in a lifetime destination
Chris & Hannah
Directors