Our latest affiliations include British countryside retreats, Athenian boutique gems, exclusive member clubs and more. Read on for the latest inductees. Then, reach out to elevate your stay.
Image courtesy of One Aldwych
London’s One Aldwych hotel was originally the headquarters of the city’s Morning Post newspaper. Throughout the 20th century, it housed other media companies, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Works, Lloyds Bank and other notable businesses. Today, it’s a posh Covent Garden retreat with strong local ties and a warm, sophisticated British aesthetic. Expect tons of natural light, rounded forms, pastel hues and a private art collection comprising over 400 contemporary works. Don’t miss the hotel’s whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, where you’ll savor treats including a caramel chocolate milkshake, “fabulous fluffy floss” and scones with snozzberry jam.
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Image courtesy of Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux
Tuscany’s Il Bottaccio is “a hotel for those who don’t like hotels.” Translation: The boutique gem feels more like a tasteful friend’s home. And in fact, it is. A wealthy citizen erected a water mill in the 18th century, and built his home around it. Various owners occupied the property over the years, and it opened as a hotel in the 1980s. Today, it’s a living art museum. Paintings, sculptures and textiles feature throughout. The hotel’s eight rooms and suites have Persian rugs, gleaming marble and contemporary art. (You can even take art classes on site.) The food is sourced daily, the spa is heavenly and the garden gym makes training all the more enjoyable.
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Image courtesy of Rancho Santana
If you’re craving a tropical vacation, preferably somewhere in Central America, consider Nicaragua — specifically, Rancho Santana. The resort sits on 2,700 acres of the country’s Emerald Coast, where the jungle meets white-sand beach. Stay in the Inn, where rooms have private terraces and furniture made by local artisans. Or opt for something larger: villas, residences, homes and casitas. Regardless of your accommodations (and all are amazing), you can choose from numerous activities, from surfing and horseback riding to forest massages and monkey scouting.
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Image courtesy of Torralbenc
Marugal represents boutique gems across Europe, with a focus on Spain. We’re excited to be partnered with three of their delightful properties. Torralbenc is a traditional estate on Menorca surrounded by gardens and vineyards. Gecko Hotel & Beach Club sits on a stretch of white-sand beach, which happens to be a Marine Biosphere Reserve, in Formentera. And Dunas, also in Formentera, is an elegantly minimalist eco-retreat on the sandy dunes of Migjorn. (URSO, another partner, is also part of Marugal’s breezy portfolio.)
Perks Include (perks vary by property, Check with your Club Curator):
Images courtesy of Palazzo Talìa
The newly opened, 26-room Palazzo Talìa brings exquisite chicness to Rome. The boutique hotel is housed in a 15th-century palazzo, and is a study in Italian excellence. Fine marbles and Italian craftsmanship mix with playful colors and bold patterns. It’s Baroque, ornate, historic and contemporary all at once. You’ll love the moody Bar Della Musa, where spritzes are enjoyed beneath the fresco-ceilinged outdoor patio, and the elegant Tramae Restaurant, where chef Marco Coppola crafts regional Italian specialties using seasonal ingredients.
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Image courtesy of A77 Suites
If you travel to Athens, you’ll likely stay in Plaka, the neighborhood close to most of the city’s museums and historic sites. A77 Suites allows you to get off the beaten path. The modern, hip and airy suites are the perfect places to rest and recharge after a day of exploring (and you will be walking a lot). The service is warm and intimate — and uniquely personal. Signature experiences include in-room fashion styling (A77 has a designated personal shopper), private tours, cycling-and-picnic dates and other exclusive outings.
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Image courtesy of Hartwell House & Spa
Hartwell House is British countryside splendor at its finest. The handsome Jacobean-Georgian estate sits on 90 acres of gardens and parkland in Buckinghamshire, a mere 40 miles from London. The 48 rooms and suites each have a unique design, but all are refined and distinctly British, with a royal disposition. Peruse the gardens and make your way to the spa, where a giant indoor swimming pool flanked by statues and crimson archways awaits.
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Images courtesy of Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park
True to its name, Pillows is immensely serene. Its pervasive tranquility is partly due to its prime location, just off the Oosterpark, but also to its light-filled, tasteful and elegant interiors. Even the gym is stylish, with moody lighting and handsome wooden accents (the equipment itself is also accented in wood). You’ll love the towering ceilings and modern menu at the on-site VanOost Restaurant, as well as the refinement of the bustling Spring Cafe Brasserie. Be sure to grab a drink at the legendary Fitz’s Bar, which draws inspiration from the glamorous 20s (dim lighting, sumptuous furniture, dark wood). Weather permitting, nurse your expertly crafted cocktail on the rooftop.
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Image courtesy of The Ned City of London
If you love The Ned NoMad, in New York, you’ll love the original. The Ned City of London originated the brand’s posh glamor and 1920s-inspired aesthetic. Rooms are stately and cozy, with Art Deco touches and a hushed luxury, courtesy of plush furnishings, dramatic fabrics and just the right amount of opulence. The hotel is also home to the exclusive Ned’s Club. As a guest, you’ll be able to access the amenities — like the gym, spa and pool — that are otherwise open only to members and their friends.
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Image courtesy of Gran Hotel Inglés
Forty-eight luxe rooms comprise this Madrid hideaway, which was originally built in the late 19th century. (Gran Hotel Inglés was among the city’s first hotels to have electric lighting.) The Michelin-Key hotel is near all the city’s top attractions — including the famed shopping street Gran Vía — but it feels more intimate and local than some of Madrid’s other centrally located stays. Craft cocktails await at the buzzy LobByto, which hosts Swing and Rock & Roll nights every Friday and Saturday. Also consider LobByto’s evening tasting menu for a special gastronomic experience, or its afternoon tea — which includes a glass of cava, of course — for a pre-siesta treat.
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Image courtesy of Castello di Vicarello As we close out the year, there is a lot to look forward to. Some of my favorite hotels have introduced sparkly new features — restaurants and pools among them — or reopened after undergoing extensive renovations and expansions. Other properties have just popped up on the map, and […]
image courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel Riviera Maya is a stretch of white-sand coastline along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that’s known for beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and a relaxed atmosphere. This destination attracts many travelers, including families, couples and solo adventurers. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins, swim in natural cenotes or chill at upscale […]
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