Bali is a destination that never grows old. For generations, it has held a mystical allure, known as a place to go to find oneself or find inner healing. Offering all that and more, Alila Villas Uluwatu in the southernmost part of Bali Indonesia.
Perched on a mountaintop, almost 1,200 feet high, overlooking a fertile green rainforest backed by the shimmering blue Pacific Ocean, I’d venture to say that Hotel Villa Caletas is the only place in Costa Rica where you can take in this glorious view while sitting in a Greek Amphitheater, graced by eight ionic columns. Folks in the know flock to Caletas in time to order a drink from the martini bar and nab a primo seat; iPhones poised for a spectacular sunset shot.
During the summer, the evening concerts are held in the amphitheater, which are performed by some world’s best classical musicians, are simply magical.
While places like Patmos, Therasia, Spetses, Sifnos and Kefalonia are gaining heat, Mykonos still remains the top destination for luxury-seeking hedonists who crave a vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan feel, and innovative cuisine. As anyone knows who has attempted to book last-minute, luxury accommodations on the island, this can be a tough feat to pull off. Luckily, for the savvy traveler, White Key Villas has a vast selection of curated properties on hand to suit all of your vacation needs.
In a ranking of places on earth that leave you speechless, Capri Island’s Punta Tragara surely earns a top spot on the list. Perhaps best recognized as the picture perfect poolside backdrop for some of Slim Aarons most iconic photographs capturing the Capri lifestyle in the early 1980s, Punta Tragara sets the standard for la dolce vita in a way that is unparalleled. Perched high above the bustling Marina Piccola and town center of Capri, Punta Tragara is ideally situated in one of the most stunning geographic landscapes on Capri Island. According to legend, Punta Tragara was chosen by Emperor Tiberius as the perfect location for one of his island villas. Centuries later it endures as one of the most spectacular and breathtaking locations in all of Italy.
For those who chose to see their travels as a way to live out their most indulgent fantasies, there’s nothing more resplendent and elegant than living the live of an emperor. But since we can’t move into Japan’s Imperial Palace, we’ll stay next door at the Palace Hotel Tokyo. The 290-room property sits across the moat on the waters near the Imperial Palace gardens, offering lush balcony views of the park in the center of Tokyo’s vibrant and bustling metropolis.
Walking back into the spa, you’ll immediately feel pampered, lost in a world of lush navy blue carpets, dreamy sheer curtains and sparkling, silver hardware everywhere. The low-lighting and dark ambiance makes it feel like walking through a dream, and in the few steps from the entrance to your room, you’ll already feel relaxed and soothed. Each room is outfitted with a single chair that reclines into a sinfully comfortable bed. During the service, my face was delicately washed, exfoliated, masked and moisturized several times over—there were so many layers of serum, I lost count. And though somewhere in the two-and-a-half-hour service I may have dozed off, the time whisked by. By the time I was finished my skin looked, and felt, so wonderfully radiant and moisturized, I was sure I had never seen it look that dewy.
For women that don’t feel complete without a least a brush of mascara or a touch of lipstick, after a spa service, stop in the vanity room, where they offer the complete set of Clé de Peau Beauté cosmetics in every color, shade, product and tool that you could possibly need. My skin looked amazing, but with so much makeup to play with it was hard to say no. I tried a few shades, sampled some new products, and was able to play up my lush, glowing skin with a bright eye shadow and a touch of lipgloss. While Clé de Peau Beauté is available stateside, stroll across the street after your service to Isetan’s main store where you’ll find the rest of Shiseido’s cosmetics and almost every other luxury beauty brand under one roof. It’s one of the most popular places in Japan to buy beauty items.
Recently we had the privilege of visiting the Four Seasons Westlake, where we discovered some of the awesome amenities the property has available to guests. (Complimentary Wi-Fi and foot massages anyone?) While we were there, we were made aware of yet another great offering about to be unveiled in the form of a new café venue called Stir.
Just opened this month, Stir sits in the grand lobby of the hotel, complementing the dining options already on-property. Prior to the opening, guests had access to sit-down options including the Lobby Lounge Restaurant, ONYX, and a Tasting Room for wine aficionados alongside the typical in-room and poolside menus. Stir now adds the option of bistro-style dining with both outdoor and indoor seating, along with easy take-and-go items for guests in a hurry.
Speaking of in a hurry, the new space will actually feature some cutting-edge coffee technology in the form of a self-serve “smart coffee” system. The display will let patrons order drinks and then pay right from their smartphones. Pretty high tech for coffee service.
You arrive to check in to your hotel and you’re greeted with a glass of champagne then guided over to a massage chair for a 15-minute neck and back relaxation rubdown. Then, you’re handed a pillow menu. All this before you officially check in.
This is what you’ll experience at Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta. In addition to selecting your preference of pillow firmness, you’ll also select an aromatherapy scent for your room ranging from oriental breeze to sage with lemongrass to white gardenias.
Then, almost magically, you’re ushered to your room to find all of these amenities in place. The rooms are decorated impeccably with stunning ocean views and a spacious balcony. Bathrooms are furnished with L’Occitane toiletries.
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