The Dominican Hotel in Brussels lives and breathes the history of its location. In the 15th century, the spot was home to a Dominican Abbey, and in the 1800s, famous French painter Jacques-Louis David lived there. Currently, past meets present in the façade, which integrates portions of the front of David’s house, and with abbey-inspired features throughout the interior. High ceilings greet guests as they enter the lobby, along with stone floors, a stunning courtyard, and a unique circular floral pattern worked into the design.
Secure elevators operated only by room keycards are an oasis, floating up to the sounds of chanting monks and ancient music. The serenity continues over the threshold into the rooms themselves. Sleek lines and sultry curves in the furniture are mirrored by a plush bed and, in the bathroom, a rainshower shower head. Dark wood and subtle lighting make it easy for you to relax among the history of place.
The finery continues into the restaurant, where delicious meals with a a unique flair are served in a low-lit tranquil dining room. Try the risotto with asparagus and pistachio. It’s creamy, nutty, and to die for. In the gym, a boxing room sits off to one side, and although in small quarters, a sauna and exercise equipment are available for use. Make sure to come at off-peak hours so the machines won’t be full.
From US185+ per night
– The gym has a boxing room and free apples!
– Location, location, location! The hotel is a five-minute walk from both the Grand Palace and the central train station, and sits across the street from the opera house.
– If you’re not dressed up, the restaurant staff may ignore you when you arrive.
Jennifer Billock
Review Team
For a diminutive boutique hotel, the Hermosa Inn offers loads of features to love: its quiet seclusion cradled against the side of Camelback Mountain, the unexpected riot of color offered by its desert foliage, its quirky history as the former estate of cowboy artist Lon Megargee.
Visitors fall quickly in love with not only the period charm of its hacienda-style architecture—painted tiles embedded in mauve adobe walls, traditional beehive fireplaces, heavy roofbeams that throw a criss-cross pattern down from the skylight— but also with the finesse of the Hermosa Inn’s hospitality— gauze-hung iron canopy spread with meltingly soft sheets, a capacious antique bathtub stocked with lemon-balm soap, homemade chocolates left unobtrusively on the hearth, the cocktail hour illuminated by a string of cafe lights and serenaded by 1950s cowboy standards.
But the aspect that charmed me most was the birds who, like the inn’s many repeat guests, have made the 34-room property their personal sanctuary. I enjoyed a visit from a pair of quail while taking morning coffee on my private patio, drowsed in a hammock attended by hummingbirds, and watched a barred owl swoop across the pink sky as the moon rose. Anywhere else, subtleties like these might have escaped my notice, but the Hermosa Inn provides the perfect environment for attuning yourself to nature’s quieter beauties.
From US516+ per night
– Quiet and secluded
– Staff attentive to every detail
– A great on-site restaurant
– Subdued atmosphere may not suit livelier tastes;
– Area attractions are at least a fifteen-minute drive away.
Chelsea Batten
Review Team
There are some hotels whose old style glamour make you wish you’d worn heels and brought an evening gown. I expect that’s how Greta Garbo (who has a suite named after her) felt when she stepped into the lobby as well.
Built in 1910, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is classically luxurious, with hundred year old chandeliers, gilt edged art, marble bathrooms and expansively draped patio windows.
Family run hotels often get the thoughtful, guest focused details spot on and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is no exception. Whether it’s a Saturday night champagne and oyster party by the floating pool, tasting from a selection of the 300 bottles in their fondue and wine cavern or simply a wood fired pizza by the garden pool, you’ll be offered plenty of ways to relax and soak up the wonderfully decadent atmosphere. Breakfast includes champagne next to the jugs of juice (naturally) and a table of cakes which wouldn’t disgrace an afternoon tea. There’s even a tennis coach and boat on standby should you require their services.
As you might expect from the location, the terrace bars and restaurant feature incredible floor to ceiling glass walls so you can take in every nuance of the mountains and hillside villages. Dinner in La Terrazza restaurant is a beautifully candle lit affair, with warm and attentive service and a wine menu the size of an atlas.
The stylish top floor ‘contemporary’ suites feel a world away from the classical splendour downstairs, and have jacuzzi terraces and a private butler. If you can run to it you can join up 4 of the suites to create a boutique hotel within a boutique hotel. Handy to know if you have an ogliarch or Saudi prince to entertain.
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers an Italian charm that you’ll remember, with a nostalgic smile, long after you have returned back down to earth.
From US710+ per night
– Unexpectedly huge gardens where blue butterflies follow the trail to a magnificent hilltop viewpoint
– You’ll feel very well looked after, while you relax and take in the views
– Parking is expensive (although the valet service is excellent, from an umbrella escort to the door to chilled mineral water thoughtfully left in the car).
Chris & Hannah
Directors
Navutu Dreams is a stunning oasis in busy Siem Reap. It’s on the edge of town and its neighbours are rice fields. It feels a world away from the dusty streets and backpacker throng of the Old Market but is just a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from the action.
The staff are incredibly friendly and will do everything in their power to make your stay enjoyable. We were greeted by name whenever we saw the front of house staff. The check-in process was smooth, with a delicious welcome drink and an information pack including activities within and around Siem Reap.
There are 28 rooms at the resort, each with a patio and garden area. The Grand Tour deluxe rooms also have a roof terrace with sun loungers to while away your morning or from which to watch the stars.
We stayed in the incredibly spacious Grand Tour room which was gorgeous. The blue, white and yellow décor are reminiscent of Mediterranean Europe, perhaps a nod to the owner’s Italian heritage. I felt like a princess as I splashed around the large corner bath in the main room, or strolled into the walk-in wardrobe, which opens up to a bathroom and separate rain shower room.
There are three pools to choose from when you return from a long day at the temples – a 18 metre, chlorine treated, fresh water lap pool, a family salt water pool and a salt water lounge pool. The lounge pool was our favourite, the shade and salt water keeping the temperature a touch cooler during our visit in the dry hot season. With 5 spa treatment rooms, daily yoga classes, detox and wellness programmes, we weren’t surprised to learn that some guests come, not for the temples, but for what’s on offer at the hotel.
As well as providing incredible hospitality, the hotel supports a local community project which supports the lives of children previously living and begging on the streets.
From US90+ per night
– The spacious rooms are a haven and a perfect retreat from the midday sun
– Loved the elaborate breakfast and three pools to choose from
– Those looking to immerse themselves in Siem Reap’s nightlife may find the location too ‘rural’. However, a private tuk tuk and driver will be at your beck and call, from $17 per day.
Simone
Review Team