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THE HOT 20

Written by Timmy Coles-Liddle

THE HOT 20

The Brando, French Polynesia

French Polynesia’s most exquisite private island, Tetiaroa, has an unsurpassed commitment to the preservation and protection of plant and animal life.  Natural marine life and biodiversity are juxtaposed with world-class hospitality and invigorating pursuits such as a photo safari, whale watching and deep-sea fishing.  Spacious and elegantly decorated one, two and three-bedroom villas provide guests with the latest in contemporary luxury.

Indulge in the historic beauty rituals of the Tahitian royal family and head to Varua Polynesian Spa.  A visit to the couples’ spa suite high up in the palm trees is a must.  Michelin-starred chef extraordinaire, Guy Martin, has curated Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and French cuisine at The Brando’s two relaxed dining establishments.

thebrando.com

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

Unveiled just two months ago, and located thirty minutes east of Galle, this palm tree paradise is a must-visit for naturalists and luxury-seekers alike.  Each of the 40 elegantly decorated private residences and villas afford extraordinary panoramas across the Indian Ocean.  We recommend staying in the Cape Weligama Residence, a beautiful 307 sq-m duplex suite boasting two bedrooms and a private, 15-metre infinity swimming pool on the upper level. 

If you can bear to leave the beauty of your own villa, explore one of the three international, west-facing dining venues while the sun goes down over a clear blue sea.

capeweligama.com

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Bodrum’s hottest new addition, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, located on the northern side of the spectacular peninsula, offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.  Comprising 82 delightful guestrooms and 20 suites, the resort offers six restaurants and bars, the ultra-sleek lobby lounge, the chic poolside bar and a Beach Club, complete with every water activity imaginable.  

For the ultimate indulgence, guests can opt for the two-storey Oriental Villa complete with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, mini spa, private garden and infinity swimming pool.

mandarinoriental.com/bodrum

Andre Garrett at Cliveden House, England

Andre Garrett at Cliveden House, England

Sweeping up the gravel drive, the handsome pile appears, just as expected; resplendent, formidable and elegant.  In the great hall, furnished exquisitely with intricate tapestries, Seventeenth and Eighteenth century oil paintings hang in gilded frames overlooking thoughtfully arranged chairs and tables awaiting afternoon tea. 

Originally located in the basement, but now taking pride of place on the ground floor, the grand dining room has been painstakingly refurbished, creating a fresh, modern space in which to marvel through the full height sash windows at the stone terrace and manicured gardens beyond.  Read the full review of our visit to Cliveden here.

clivedenhouse.co.uk

Mondrian London, England

Mondrian London, England

The magnificent Mondrian at Sea Containers, overlooking the Thames, has firmly placed London’s South Bank on the luxury map.  Whizz up to the rooftop bar and enjoy panoramic vistas of London’s skyline from the sleek, funky Rumpus Room. 

Sip Negroni’s on your private terrace within the river view balcony suite and relish the sophisticated Art Deco-inspired interiors by design aficionado Tom Dixon, or book a rejuvenating treatment at the hotel’s signature aguas Bathhouse & Spa.

morganshotelgroup.com

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, Caribbean

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, Caribbean

Exquisitely located overlooking the panoramic Flamands Bay, and unveiled this autumn, the latest opening from the LVMH Group provides international jetsetters with everything they could possibly desire. The in-house spa offers guests four treatment pavilions using Guerlain’s luxury products.  Signature therapies including the St-Barth Solar Escape and a new Orchidee double treatment room will be expertly administered in the Maison’s lush tropical gardens. 

We recommend reserving the 400 sq-m Flamands Villa complete with three bedroom suites, chic living room, private gym and cinema.  Cheval Blanc’s dedicated butler – the Majordome – will ensure each and every request is meticulously fulfilled.

chevalblanc.com

Quattro Passi, London

Quattro Passi, London

Trendy Dover Street in London’s Mayfair saw the welcome addition of Michelin-starred chef Antonio Mellino and his expert team this summer.  Mellino has curated an authentic Italian, Campania-inspired menu, which boasts fresh ingredients transported daily from the Amalfi Coast via airoplane – the sun-blushed tomatoes get a dedicated seat. 

Quattro Passi’s sister restaurant in Nerano may have the weather, but London’s outpost offers guests a sleek private dining room and members’ bar in the basement.

quattropassi.co.uk

JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice

JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice

This 266-room resort, located on a private island overlooking St. Mark’s Square and La Serenissima, offers guests design hotel modernism in a world-class location.  The resort will boast Venice’s largest spa – 1,750-metres – and will offer bespoke treatments together with an extensive range of classic spa rituals. 

The indoor and outdoor aqua-tonic pool, hammam and spa suite will leave guests refreshed and revitalized.  To open spring 2015.

jwmarriott.com/vcejw

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli, Greece

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli, Greece

The latest launch from the super-glamorous Nikki Beach family finds itself in the picturesque village of Porto Heli, in the emerging eastern Peloponnese region of Greece, a swift 20 minute helicopter journey or two-and-a-half-hour catamaran transfer from Athens international airport.  The resort will encompass a sleek, contemporary hotel with 66 stylish suites and bedrooms, two restaurants, a Nikki Spa and the chic, ever-popular all-day Beach Club. 

Whizz up to the expansive rooftop lounge, Pearl, and devour fresh sushi, pan-Asian delights and signature cocktails while watching the dramatic seascape of the Aegean Sea.

nikkibeachhotels.com/portoheli/

Nihiwatu, Sumba

Nihiwatu, Sumba

The breathtakingly beautiful Indonesian island of Sumba, 250 miles southeast of Bali, is home to 580 acres of unspoilt tropical scenery, white sandy beaches and a captivating tribal culture.  The island’s resort and modern adventure concept was conceived in 1988 by two surf-mad Americans who were drawn back to an island of dreams. Set overlooking an extraordinary one and a half miles of white, sandy beach, the island’s twenty-one private terraced villas have been lovingly handcrafted in Indonesian Alang Alang, teak and rattan.  

Chic, sand-floored bathrooms, private swimming pools and sumptuous bedrooms provide a much-needed touch of luxury in a predominantly unspoilt wilderness.  Read our capsule overview of Nihiwatu here.  

nihiwatu.com

Aro Ha, New Zealand

Aro Ha, New Zealand

This self-sufficient wellness centre, located near Queenstown, New Zealand, offers guests full board wellness adventures overlooking the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.  The resort’s passion for health and wellbeing and desire for sustainability is commendable. 

Vinyasa yoga, sub-alpine hiking, functional strength training, mediation and therapeutic massage treatments are just a few of the holistic approaches experienced by guests at Aro Ha.

aro-ha.com

Portrait Firenze, Italy

Portrait Firenze, Italy

Unveiled this summer, this boutique offering from the Ferragamo family provides enchanting vistas over Florence’s River Arno and the world-renowned Ponte Vecchio.  Thirty-four sumptuous suites have been thoughtfully decorated with elegant fabrics and handcrafted furniture. 

The hotel’s restaurant, Caffe Dell’Ora, offers guests haute cuisine.  Chefs serve up classic Italian dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from all over Italy.  Portrait it a must-visit for any discerning, luxe-conscious traveller. 

lungarnocollection.com

Alila Seminyak, Bali

Alila Seminyak, Bali

Boasting an extraordinary location on an undeveloped beach on Bali’s southwest coast, this boutique resort celebrates cutting-edge architecture, modern design and noteworthy eco credentials. 

240 beautifully designed bedrooms and suites, and one spectacular penthouse, together with roof gardens and rooftop swimming pools will offer guests tranquility and serenity in abundance – all within a short journey from super-trendy Seminyak.  To open in 2015.

alilahotels.com

Can Alomar, Majorca

Can Alomar, Majorca

Majorca’s transformation from package holiday haven to luxe traveller’s preferred Balearic Island of choice is complete.  Can Alomar, along with sister hotels Can Cera and Calatrava, in Palma de Majorca’s old town, offers sumptuous, authentic accommodation within a magnificent 18th century townhouse - a brisk trot to the vibrant art galleries, restaurants and bars of this European hotspot. 

The rooftop restaurant, De Tokio a Lima, wows guests with a thoughtful, on-trend Japanese/Peruvian menu with an injection of Mediterranean flavours.  Enjoy a massage in one of the outdoor treatment booths while pondering which of the island’s white sandy beaches to visit next.    

boutiquehotelcanalomar.com

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Boasting a spectacular cliff top location, perched atop the Al Hajar mountains in Oman, Jabal Akhdar surrounds itself with fresh roses, pomegranates, dates and peaches.  Forward-thinking design and sustainable architecture have been combined with the very best of local Omani artesian craftwork to produce a truly luxurious getaway. Exhilarating mountain biking, treks and desert driving experiences have been created for the adventurous and locally inspired bespoke spa treatments for those happy to sit back and relax.  

Incorporating numerous slick bedrooms and suites, as well as two exclusive royal villas, and a dramatic cliff-side restaurant and pool, the Alila Jabal offers the ultimate in mountain-chic luxury.

alilahotels.com

Cotton Beach Club, Ibiza

Cotton Beach Club, Ibiza

A welcome addition to Ibiza’s chic, laid-back beach club culture, this southwest coast destination affords extraordinary views over the Mediterranean, a private sandy beach and sleek, white daybeds.  Dine in the top deck restaurant or allow the jolly staff to serve you by the sea.  

Gastronomical delights include traditional Spanish tapas and paella, locally caught octopus and tiger prawns and international favourites such as salmon sashimi and fajitas.  Polished off with a magnum of chilled Ruinart Brut, naturally.  Read our guide to the hottest beach clubs on the planet here.

cottonbeachclub.com

Iniala Beach House, Phuket

Iniala Beach House, Phuket

Located on Nataie Beach, Phuket, this stunning three-villa, ten-bedroom private retreat is the grand-dame of super-luxe getaways.  Thai architecture is married beautifully with modern themes created by designers from Europe, South America and Thailand, resulting in a cool, surreal and sophisticated vibe. 

Iniala’s gastronomic delight, Aziamendi, is presented by three-Michelin starred Spaniard Eneko Atxa.  Fusing European cooking techniques with fresh, locally sourced delicacies.

iniala.com

Typing Room, London

Typing Room, London

Chef extraordinaire, Jason Atherton, of Berners Tavern and Social Eating House fame, has teamed up with Lee Westcott to bring his culinary midas touch to London’s continually emerging East End.  Housed in the beautiful 1930’s Town Hall Hotel, two dining rooms with thoughtfully arranged Danish-inspired tables offer a bright modern space in which to sample the chefs’ talent for creativity as well as flavour wowing guests with delights such as yeasted cauliflower, raisins, capers and mint, and scorched langostine, sweetcorn, dashi and lardo.  Go!

Read our chairman's verdict on Typing Room here.

typingroom.com

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles

This luxe resort is situated on its very own private island, Felicite, a short transfer from Mahe international airport by helicopter or speed boat.  Set to open in 2015, the island will attract eco-conscious travellers as it will remain a natural environment with an abundance of flora and fauna.

Two international restaurants, a bar and a signature Six Senses Spa will offer guests contemporary luxury and world-class hospitality.  We suggest staying in one of the 17 private residences - all of which come with a private swimming pool.

sixsenses.com

Purobeach Toscana, Italy

Purobeach Toscana, Italy

The hottest new addition to the eponymous ultra chic Purobeach group, Marina di Scarlino provides the ultimate in sophisticated beach living.  The exclusive beach club – known for its cool, relaxed DJ sessions and attentive sunbed service – houses thirty-two contemporary suites, perfectly located adjacent to the Maremma with breathtaking views of the island of Elba. 

The uber-healthy among you will adore Purobeach’s new Japanese concept, Shiro, and the extensive menu with a focus on fresh, wholefoods and smoothies.

purobeach.com

Allow NINE to take care of your travel and lifestyle requests.  Whether organising intricate travel arrangements and itineraries, home management, dining reservations, visa applications or private recruitment assistance, we take care of each request and errand thoroughly and efficiently.  Contact us here to request a brochure or for more information about our bespoke concierge memberships.