A waterfall along one wall of the lobby at Ilum Experience Hotel lets you know you’re entering an oasis of calm.
Keep your eye on it as you glide up to your room in the glass elevator. There you’re greeted by more calming, cool whiteness, accompanied by a pop of bright colour on your king size bed. Rooms are nicely lit for both mood and tasks, an increasing rarity in hotels.
Outside our window we had a view of the hotel’s sunny deck and green pool, bordered by a four-story tall green living wall full of plants including bright yellow lilies. Across the way is the hotel’s new wing, which was just about to open.
My head felt right at home as it rested upon the “100% Canadian Duvet” pillow, which was filled, I assume, with the down of Canadian geese. Other pillow menu choices include viscoelastic memory foam and a latex pillow with “low support and high bouncing power”. The velcro on the blackout shades on the window — a thoughtful touch — ensure the ability to sleep in the next day.
Breakfast is served in another bright white room with views of the pool. Made-to-order eggs, grilled sandwiches, lots of fresh cut fruit, cereals, pastries, and yogurt prime you for a day of exploring Palermo’s hip shops and eateries.
During our stay, we had a minor problem with the wifi — the hotel had just changed providers and, anticipating the potential for hiccups, asked us to notify them if we had any problems. When we did, they offered two great solutions. On top of that, upon returning from dinner, we found a sweet note of apology for the inconvenience accompanied by a pitcher of fresh grapefruit juice and a plate of delicious macarons. Impressive!
From US$140-180 +21% VAT, inclusive of breakfast
– Neighbourhood with lots of great restaurants and shops
– Sunny deck and pool
– Sweet apology for a wifi problem that wasn’t even their fault
– Pool wasn’t open during our visit
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
With just two big rooms on every floor, you’re assured of a calm stay at CasaCalma.
The rooms have big windows which look out on a green vertical garden; it lets in the light but masks Buenos Aires’ less than picturesque rooftops. Rooms are a calm white, with earth tone highlights. You’ll relax in a king size bed and a pillow set of feather, memory foam and cervical pillows will ensure a great sleep.
The room has a large compartmentalized closet, a DVD micro theater with flat screen TV, iPod dock, and safe. Casa Calma subscribes to PressReader so you can access newspapers and magazines from all over the world. Each room has a Nespresso machine with pods and a large snack selection for purchase.
The bathroom area is near the entrance — a big area off to the side which holds a jacuzzi tub for two, a long double-sinked counter, and a glassed in shower. The toilet and bidet are separated from the rest of the room by a smoked glass swinging door. “Wellness Boutique” items such as organic bath foam and salts, essential oil and body lotion are available for purchase.
A breakfast of several choices and made-to-order eggs is served off the lobby. The area serves as an honour bar for drinks and snacks available 24-hours.
Casa Calma’s location makes you close to everything. You’re a 15 minute walk to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, and about the same to Casa Rosada, the “pink house” which is the office of Argentina’s president. The Plaza de Mayo is here too, the site of Evita’s famous speech and daily protests by politically-aware Porteños.
From US$199-270 plus 21% VAT, inclusive of breakfast
– Information from Celeste at reception about what to see, do and where to eat in BA
– Yoga mat in the room
– Breakfast can be served in your room at no extra charge
– The higher your floor, the better the view
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
I love art hotels. Hotels — and cafés — are the perfect place to highlight local art and get lots of eyes on beautiful pieces. I don’t understand why more hotels don’t showcase art and support the arts scene.
At Colonia Suite Art B&B — which is both a hotel and a café — the walls are full of paintings, both by owner Fred Liniado and others. The B&B is a magnet for the local arts scene. During our visit we were charmed by poet Eugenio Polisky, in town from Buenos Aires to do a poetry reading at the Argentine consulate (he has two beautiful books with English translations, available at bookshops in Buenos Aires and via mail order). If you love supporting and being exposed to the arts, you’ll love Colonia Suite Art.
The B&B has just four rooms, as well as a sitting area with art books and indoor and outdoor dining areas. The biggest guest room is decorated to honour artist Jean Miro; another pays homage to Frida Kahlo. The suite has a wood-burning stove and a balcony overlooking the garden, where the bungalow — where we stayed — sits amongst the greenery.
The bungalow has a thatched roof protecting natural brick walls, giving a seaside cottage-y feel, which made sense given we were just a few blocks from what feels like the sea (though it is actually the Rio de la Plata, the widest river in the world). A more luxurious stay is in one of the three rooms in the main house.
We arrived feeling warm in the height of South American summer. But there was chilled water waiting for us in the mini fridge in the kitchen area of our bungalow. The air conditioning cooled the room almost immediately and we soon felt ready to go exploring the town of Colonia.
Later after our long walk, a spectacular sunset with passionfruit cocktails, and a typically late Uruguayan dinner, we fell into the queen bed with its soft sheets. We took our breakfast the next day in the garden. We could have lingered for hours over the delicious Illy coffee, fresh juice, pastries, breads, cheeses and charcuterie; and then enjoyed the light lunch and sweets served later in the day when the café opened.
From US$125-205
– A hotel de charme
– Great connections to the arts scene with gorgeous paintings throughout, artist guests and occasional poetry readings
– Three arty boutique rooms plus a cottage-like bungalow
– Breakfast tables could be more comfortable and spacious
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
When you think of Vietnam, you may think of its complicated history, fields of terraced rice paddies, and the fresh, flavorful food. But the country hasn’t had much of a reputation as a tropical island paradise. Ever so slowly, that’s changing because of the jewel that is Phu Quoc island, located in the Gulf of Thailand and a short flight away from the mainland.
Traveling in Vietnam can be a bit hectic. But once you step onto the grounds of the impeccable Salinda Resort, the feeling shifts. The location is prime, along Phu Quoc’s Long Beach, an 8-km stretch of sand on the west side of the island. Yes, it’s a gorgeous, serene, postcard worthy beach and an impeccably kept property. But what makes the Salinda Resort so special is the staff —- a group of warm, attentive, always-there-for-you people who will absolutely make your stay the best it can be. Your only job is to relax, and staff members will happily go out of their way to make sure you’re getting it done.
You can stay in the main hotel building or in a villa. Honeymooners, take note: not only do the villas offer a high level of privacy, but each one is designed with unusual materials (we were mesmerized by the abalone wall décor) and incredible attention to detail. This is what luxury is about. If you stay in the hotel, choose a room overlooking the sea with a private balcony.
Waking up at Salinda is pure joy. And when you see their included breakfast offering, your feeling of peacefulness will be replaced with sheer awe. There are hundreds of delicacies to choose from, and the quality far surpasses our expectations for even a five-star resort. After breakfast, you could busy yourself with a tour of the island’s offerings, but you may just want to stay and soak in the sun.
In addition to the pool and private beach area, there’s also a cigar bar, a karaoke club with private rooms, a fitness center, and spa specializing in Thai body treatments. The kids club is an appealing option for a family-friendly getaway. For dinner, try Casa Italia for authentic handmade pastas.
The incredible level of service, the premium location and the impressive level of attention to detail make Salinda Resort an incredible choice. If Vietnam wasn’t on your “must-visit” list, it should be now.
From US$198 to $1038
– The staff are incredible. They’ll go far beyond expectations to make your stay the best it can be.
– The food is outstanding, and they offer a wide array of cuisines aside from classic Vietnamese dishes. They also specialize in Indian and Italian foods, and have chefs from both countries.
– They have taken great care with the design and artwork, from the beautiful pottery to the custom murals and lighting.
– While the property itself is pristine, the construction project next door is a bit of an eyesore (though not a permanent one).
– It’s nearly impossible to try everything on the abundant breakfast buffet.
– It’s a few kilometers from town. For example, the closest pharmacy is about 3km away.
Nancy Levenson
Review Team