Occasionally you come across somewhere which makes you think ‘this will be very hard to beat’. The Hotel Villa Honegg is one of those places.
Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Lucerne, Hotel Villa Honegg ‘s terrace overlooks a stunning mountain valley. Within seconds of sinking into the plump cushions, wrapping a soft blanket over our laps and ordering a large beer, our long journey simply melted into the indigo dusk. The only sound was the clanking of bells as the cows drifted to bed across the meadows.
Breakfast in sun is a must, early enough to watch the mist lift from the hills, or late enough to make the most of the offer to take it as brunch. You’ll begin with platters of fruit, meat and cheese to keep you going while you choose the locally sourced main event ‘a la carte’. Be prepared to sit back, enjoy the ambience and take your time.
The Hotel Villa Honegg is all about the extra details, making you feel like genuine thought has gone into what is going to make you happy and comfortable. Night-time tugs of war are eliminated with two duvets side by side on the cloud soft bed. You’ll even find a tiny dressing gown and slipper sets for any young guests joining you.
The 34 degree heated outdoor pool is a blissful. Hugging the outside of the building in an L shape, the infinity design creates the uncanny impression that you are floating through the sky, at eye level to the mountain peaks. Yet, somehow, from the integral Jacuzzi, the pool also seems to merge into the vast waters of Lake Lucerne.
The Hotel Villa Honegg is pure country side luxury with lakeside views. You’ll eat well, breathe the serene atmosphere and probably leave with a lovely sense of renewed energy.
From US850+ per night
– Amazing heated indoor/ outdoor pool
– Stunning views over the lake and mountains
– One of the best breakfast we have ever had
– You will never want to leave!
Chris & Hannah
Directors
I tried my best —I really did— to maintain an air of well-traveled sophistication upon entering the Phoenician’s pristine marble lobby. But by the time I found myself gazing out on the desert panorama, fringed by impossibly tall king palms and serenaded by baroque classical music struck up on cue as I entered the room, my head was swimming and I couldn’t wipe the giddy smile from my face. No doubt it’s this champagne-buzz bliss that keeps everyone from Saudi royalty to professional athletes coming back, again and again, to the Phoenician’s secluded, sumptuous world in the shadow of Camelback Mountain.
It’s not only the obvious amenities—gorgeously plush linens, the sheen of ever-changing sunlight reflected through the fountains within and without the foyer. It’s also the unflaggingly attentive staff, and the little details they provide—from folding floor-strewn clothes and leaving behind chocolates, to the enthusiasm with which they present high tea in the lobby parlor. While the resort offers a panoply of activities (golf, yoga, spa treatments, a water park-style pool), my favorite by far was sinking into a divan beside the bonfire on the Thirsty Camel patio, overlooking the twinkling desert nightscape and realizing what it feels like to be royalty.
From US329+ per night
– Over-the-top elegance with attentive staff that leaves no detail overlooked.
– offers a different ambiance from the prevailing “southwestern” aesthetic
– Popular venue for large groups and events.
Chelsea Batten
Review Team
Among the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur is a fun, modern hotel. In a sea of grey and black, it has a bright purple exterior with lots of windows, so from the start you know Le Apple Boutique Hotel is a little bit different.
We arrived at night to a nice, mood-lit room. The colors in the room were dark — grey, black and purple — perfect for a great night’s sleep in a big city. Our room was small but quite efficient and cool in the Malaysian humidity. We had a comfortable bed for two with nightstands, closet, desk and a colourful glassed-in bathroom. I also enjoyed the modern, floral art above the bed. It wasn’t your average framed art; it was something unique.
Our bathroom had a typical Asian layout with shower, toilet and sink in one room but Le Apple offered a twist as it’s all one large glass cube, in a bold blue! It was compact but not cramped. The frosted glass exterior walls made it feel really open and there was plenty of room to move around and shower. If you don’t like showers consider the jacuzzi rooms, I heard they are really nice too.
From Le Apple, it was just a short walk to the Petronas towers and not too far from the KL tower. There’s so much to see and do in the downtown area near the hotel. It’s the perfect spot for a smaller hotel experience. If you like boutique hotels and you find yourself going to KL, don’t hesitate to book a room here.
From US80+ per night
– Centrally located and close to KL landmarks.
– Nice floor-to-ceiling windows.
– Some rooms have Japanese tatami style and a jacuzzi.
– Small hotel.
– Some may consider it too dark but we thought it was a positive as that’s our preference for sleeping. We find some hotels too bright even with the shades closed.
Melissa D. Jones
Review Team
Your second honeymoon awaits and it’s only minutes from the busy streets of Seminyak, Bali. An impeccably decorated, modern, one-story sanctuary, Astana Batubelig is tucked away on a quiet, dead-end street, just a short romantic stroll to the beach. If that’s not enough to entice you to this tucked away oasis, each villa features the ultimate luxury: its own private pool! Your very own pool for two is only visible to your entire suite and the beautiful blue sky above, meaning clothing is entirely optional.
The villa also has a private dining room and kitchenette where you are served a generous breakfast every morning. Each suite is modern, open and airy. It has a very spacious bedroom, vaulted ceiling, large comfortable bed, two couches, two desks and two floor-to-ceiling French glass doors that look out onto your pool. It’s a his and hers dream!
The bathroom at the back of the villa is even bigger than the dining room. The large, luxurious bathtub and glass-walled shower all have views onto your private patio and pool. With or without the doors open you can relax and enjoy complete privacy and in-room spa service. With this much comfort and privacy, it’s hard to venture out but it’s a great place to return after an adventure-filled day exploring the island.
From US350+ per night
– No tan lines and complete peace and quiet luxury in a well maintained, modern villa with private pool and 24-hour assistance.
– You have almost everything you need in your suite except lunch and dinner service, which are only steps away from the front lobby.
Melissa D. Jones
Review Team