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Record
Holder Stay: Memories Splash Punta Cana:
A kids'
haven that's not quite directly on the beach, this 525-room all-inclusive
resort one-ups King Neptune with what's billed as the largest resort water park
in all of the Caribbean. Rooms are upscale and some categories have big
whirlpool tubs; Family Suites with bunk beds are available. Restaurant options
include a buffet, three a la carte restaurants, and multiple bars, and guests
also have access to some options at sister property next door, the Royalton
Punta Cana. The Royalton is more upscale, right on the beach, and better suited
to couples.
Organic
Farm Stay: Villa Azalea, Inn & Organic Farm, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Azalea is an upscale, eco-friendly boutique
resort and organic farm on 10 acres of countryside just outside of Puerto Vallarta. This tiny
bed-and-breakfast offers just seven rooms and suites in a relaxed, stylish
atmosphere with extra special details. A babbling river runs through the
property, and guests can dine at a picnic table that’s placed directly in the
clear, cool water. The farm offers fresh fruits and vegetables, including a grove
of agave plants that are used by the hotel to make its own organic tequila,
which can be sampled and purchased inside.
First-Of-Its-Kind Stay: Metropolitan by COMO, Miami
Beach
The
74-room boutique Metropolitan
by COMO is a gorgeous Art Deco property from the COMO brand; this
hotel is the first and only US outpost from the luxurious chain. The
pistachio-and-gray guest rooms are stylish, and outfitted with modern features
like 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel's
other amenities include a pretty outdoor pool, beach service, fine-dining
restaurant and bar, elegant spa, and rooftop hydrotherapy pool. Service is
genuinely friendly and doting, and the hotel attracts an upscale clientele of
primarily couples. If you're looking for a calm, relaxing getaway in South
Beach, Metropolitan by COMO is the premier pick.
Scenester
Stay: Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown
Opened
in 2013 in the heart of Georgetown, the Capella
has quickly become one of Washington’s hottest luxury hotels. With just 49
rooms, this property offers a level of boutique intimacy that’s lacking at
nearby competitors like the Four Seasons
and Ritz-Carlton.
Highlights include a scenic rooftop with an infinity pool, upscale rooms with
free non-alcoholic drinks, and a classy bar and restaurant. Prices are steep,
but you get what you pay for.
Bird's-Eye
View Stay: Panorama Boutique Hotel, Santorini
The Panorama
Boutique Hotel is an upscale, 15-room property set cliffside in Fira,
overlooking the stunning caldera. The property takes full advantage of the
views, with vantage points from its chic rooftop lounge, swimming pool, and the
balcony of every room. Rooms are fresh and contemporary with nice amenities --
though most bathrooms are small. For a lot more space without losing the views
check out the Enigma
Apartments & Suites just along the cliff, but lose the pool and bar
areas.
Feng
Shui Stay: Villa Air Bali Boutique Resort & Spa
Set in
lovely, lush gardens, the Villa Air
Bali Boutique Resort & Spa consists of 16 villas featuring
modern Balinese architecture that includes sloped, thatched roofs and partially
open-air designs. Surrounding landscaped grounds adhere to Feng Shui principles
and bloom with tropical flowers, palm trees, and lush plants as well as
soothing water features dotted throughout. Lavish extras here include a host of
freebies like breakfast, afternoon tea, and daily fruit baskets, plus there’s a
spa on-site.
Lighthouse
Stay: West Usk Lighthouse, Wales
The West Usk
Lighthouse is a unique bed-and-breakfast, full of charming quirks,
set overlooking the Severn Estuary on the Welsh south coast. While the quiet
and secluded location -- down a long dirt track -- feels remote, it's within
easy driving distance of both Newport and Cardiff. The four guest rooms vary in
size and views, though all are cozy and well-maintained with nautical touches.
The owner provides a hearty cooked breakfast each morning, while guests can
soak in the hot tub overlooking the pretty surrounds -- as well as a distant
factory or two. While rates aren't cheap for bed-and-breakfast accommodations,
the property certainly makes for a more memorable stay than most.
Secret
Garden Stay: Paradise House, Bath
The
11-room Paradise
House is an upscale property set in a charming honey-colored
limestone Georgian, a 10-minute walk away from the city of Bath.
This bed-and-breakfast is a great example of English country house hospitality,
with its fire blazing in a high-ceilinged lounge with wing back chairs and
arched windows along with a manicured garden full of perennial beds, mature
trees, and peaceful tables for two. Rooms here are homey and cozy, with
electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and comfy armchairs. A free breakfast,
served in a subdued dove gray room, is a property highlight. Those looking for
a Victorian-era bed-and-breakfast in town should consider Villa Magdala.
Historic
Mansion Stay: Hotel & Spa Le Doge, Morocco
A quiet
refuge in the heart of Casablanca,Hotel &
Spa Le Dogeis housed in an elegant white mansion erected in the
1930s. The luxurious property is filled with authentic Art Deco furniture
and objects, and has 16 rooms named for 1920s and '30s cultural icons like Coco
Chanel and Charlie Chaplin. Rooms feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi, and
flat-screen TVs, while facilities include a hammam steam room, sauna, hot tub,
full-service spa, and fine French restaurant. The Church of the Sacred Heart
and Ligue Arab Park are a block away.