It’s all about luxury this month as we bring to you the hottest hotels and resorts to stay at this August
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The Langham is the epitome of modern luxury. Situated in the heart of West End, the hotel offers the quintessential London experience with 380 elegantly furnished rooms and suites that cleverly combine Victorian charm with modern amenities. There is plenty to look forward to in terms of dining at the hotel. Its unique partnership with the legendary father-and-son team of Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jr means that guests get to enjoy classically constructed French cuisine with a British twist in all the restaurants and bars and from the comfort of one’s own room. For classic British pub fare, the newly opened The Wigmore offers snacks that have been elevated to new levels, such as the Masala spiced scotch egg and dahl relish. To experience the afternoon tea Britain is famous for, head to the dazzling Palm Court, the birthplace of the tradition more than 150 years ago. For those who must keep fit, visit Chuan Body + Soul spa for a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness studio or a swim in its 16-metre indoor swimming pool. Better yet, indulge in one of its holistic treatments in a lavish underground sanctuary to emerge relaxed, renewed and pampered.
Luxury Beach Stay
Tucked away in a private bay overlooking the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is the perfect location for a blissful beach holiday. Built on a former coconut plantation, 175 exquisite suites and pool villas have been thoughtfully designed to feature local architectural aesthetics and contemporary interiors with soothing colour palette tones. Bright and airy with plenty of natural light coming in from expansive windows and verandas, suites and villas sit in artfully landscaped gardens where panoramic ocean views are complemented by the sounds of nature. Wake early for the unbeatable view of the sun rising before heading to Shook! for its wide selection of Asian and Western dishes for breakfast or lounge in bed before starting on a culinary discovery of the resort’s other offerings such as in the private alcoves of Pak Tai or at Sea Salt. Thailand’s traditional culture is featured prominently in the 3,800-square-metre Spa Village Koh Samui and in curated activities such as a Muay Thai programme for guests to hone their speed and agility. Guests looking for a dream wedding destination will find Sala Thai, the elevated pavilion overlooking the Gulf, the perfect setting to exchange lifetime vows.
Luxurious Space
If space and luxury are what you are after on your travel to Hong Kong, The Murray is the one for you. As one of Hong Kong’s luxury hotels, the 25-storey sanctuary offers the most spacious rooms. With each of its 336 oversized accommodations designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, there is an abundance of daylight streaming in to light up the space. Guests can choose from an array of room types, from standard rooms to Deluxe, Grand, Grand Deluxe, Explorer and Murray Suites. Each room comes with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, broadband Internet access and Smart TV. Dining at The Murray is an experience in itself at restaurants such as the Popinjays, where you will have the view of the city accompanying your meal of European cuisine on the rooftop; or head over to Guo Fu Lou, where you can enjoy exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Unwind and have a drink at the Murray Lane or enjoy The Murray’s Signature Afternoon Tea at the Garden Lounge. Keep fit during your stay with jogging trails through the vicinity’s green parks, indoor swimming pool as well as the 24-hour gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Soothe your aching muscles and knots afterwards at one of the five spa suites at the hotel.
Rainforest Retreat
After an ambitious 12-month renovation, the iconic The Datai Langkawi reopens in September with a completely overhauled interior and exterior. Combining the use of local materials with inspiration from the environment, surroundings and culture, guests can expect the resort’s signature ‘Datai DNA’ throughout its 121 guest rooms, suites and villas. Aside from refreshed bedrooms, the resort welcomes an additional three Rainforest Pool Villas. Now, all eight villa units will each feature an impressive deck and pool overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Datai River. Indulge in the ultimate luxury at the new five-bedroom The Datai Estate, which at 3,500 square metres, is one of the largest of its kind in Asia and comes complete with spacious, furnished living rooms, two connected pools, 24-hour butler service and a private chef. Guests can also unwind and rejuvenate at The Datai Spa, which draws heavily on local traditions in its treatments, or take part in nature-inspired activities at the dedicated nature centre led by resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak.
Modern Arabian Hospitality
The perfect blend of the warmth of Arabian hospitality with Rocco Forte Hotels’ esteemed service, Assila Hotel celebrates European sophistication and Arabian craftsmanship in its deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views overlooking Jeddah and the Red Sea. In a separate building, the hotel offers four types of fully serviced residential suites, where each apartment comes equipped with a kitchen, sitting rooms and dining areas, king-sized beds and marble bathrooms. Residents will also enjoy dining and parking facilities at Assila Hotel as well as housekeeping and concierge services. Savour flavours from around the world at Assila’s five sumptuous restaurants, such as the Pampas Restaurant, the first Argentinean restaurant in Jeddah, the Aubergine Middle Eastern Restaurant serving Lebanese, Armenian and Turkish dishes, and the Twenty Four Restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served. Guests craving something sweet should head to Coco’ Ba and II Caffe for baked goods and chocolate treats.
