What’s New

“Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

ISLA VERDE BEACH, PUERTO RICO

The reimagined Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico’s stunning Isla Verde Beach is thrilled to unveil a new level of luxury accommodation with its recently renovated Banyan Villa Rooms designed by Jeffrey Beers International. The beloved hotel offers a magnificent selection of thirteen one-story villa rooms tucked away within lush gardens and a legendary 300-year-old Banyan Tree.

Each Banyan Villa Room is designed to flow seamlessly into the Puerto Rican rainforest that envelops it. Drawing influence from the property itself, the combination of materials and patterns lends to an organic breathtaking feel – dark walnut materials mimic the Banyan Tree outside while softer green and floral accents bring in a warm and natural contrast. To complement their stays, guests have the opportunity to feel immersed with the nature that surrounds them at a physical and emotional level by booking wellness classes and majestic treatments at the Well & Being Spa and Fitness Center.

The accommodation boasts a spacious king bed, an oversized dual-head shower, and an inviting seating area to sit back and enjoy the splendid view. Artistic touches bring a custom and romantic feeling to the space, ideal for couples looking for a personalized Caribbean escape. A secluded private terrace provides direct and exclusive access to the property’s Well & Being pool and beautiful gardens. The scent of trees, the tropical breeze, the island’s evening sounds featuring the melodies of the Puerto Rican coqui (a tiny frog native to the island of Puerto Rico), and the overall feeling of joy, all combine to create one unforgettable experience at the Banyan Villa Rooms. “We were inspired by the natural beauty of the property for the design of the Banyan Villa Rooms,” says Pierre Josselin, Associate Principal at Jeffrey Beers International.

“A world of contrast within the space incorporating different light and dark finishes and textures brings an eclectic and more residential feel. From the ribbed paneling to the rustic metal details, guests will feel right at home in their thoughtfully designed rooms.” In addition to the natural elements of the design, modern technology is integrated throughout the villa, making guests’ stays as effortless as possible.

AMMAN, JORDAN

Four Seasons Hotel Amman announces that it is the first and only hotel in Jordan to have earned the coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Further elevating its appeal as one of Jordan’s top luxury destinations, Four Seasons Hotel Amman invites guests to discover an entirely new hospitality experience following the completion of its extensive renovation program.

The Hotel has been completely redesigned, and blends the finest traditions of Jordanian hospitality with contemporary elegance to create a relaxing “home away from home” that is set to enchant both local visitors and international travelers. The enhanced guest experience begins on the approach to the Hotel, which sits atop the tallest of Amman’s seven hills in the prestigious Abdoun residential district.

Visitors are greeted with elegant exterior lighting on the white stone-and-glass building and a completely new road framed by intricate landscaping, before arriving at the redesigned vestibule area that leads to the lobby. This grand entrance sets the tone for the tasteful interiors found within, which reflect the Jordanian capital’s intersection of Arabic, Islamic and Western cultures.

Carlo Stragiotto, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Amman, said, “We are very proud that we have achieved the Forbes Travel Guide FiveStar rating, which is globally recognized as one of the highest accolades in the world of hospitality. This is testament to the fact that we are able to offer our guests an unrivalled luxury experience thanks to our exceptional people. The emphasis placed on quality of service by the Forbes rating system makes it especially rewarding to know we are consistently delivering impeccable hospitality in true Four Seasons style. This achievement highlights the outstanding craftsmanship and dedication of our teams, whose shared passion for creating extraordinary experiences shines through and brings great delight to our guests on a daily basis.”

At Four Seasons Hotel Amman, visitors are invited to discover more than just world-class accommodation and culinary craftsmanship. The Hotel’s concierge team is ready to help guests explore Jordan’s capital and beyond by sharing their personal favorites and revealing hidden gems through exclusive excursions to the North of Jordan.

PARIS, FRANCE

Located in the storied Parisian neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the corner of Rue du Pré aux Clercs and Rue de l’Université, the 5-star Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain brings to the charming area an extra dose of authentic sophistication in true Parisian style. Brought to life by esteemed interior designer Didier Benderli, the hotel features 47 individually appointed rooms and suites, a tranquil urban spa and new restaurant, Les Parisiens, by celebrity chef, Thibault Sombardier.

Admired interior designer Didier Benderli has reimagined the hotel with a contemporary flare that remains true to quirks of the 17th-century building. The classic-meets-modern approach creates an atmosphere that is at once spacious and intimate, contrasting the characterful original features with handpicked fabrics and furnishings that reflect the glamour, culture and spirit of the city’s Left Bank.

The light-flooded lobby feels a world away from the bustling streets of Paris, designed to give the essence of an indoor garden with forest green paintwork, natural textures and a vast skylight that fills the room with natural daylight. At the restaurant and bar, curved finishes combine with wooden accents to provide a warm and intimate feel, while the spa’s cool tones are complimented by natural stone, achieving the mission of creating an unexpected haven of wellness and tranquility.

Set to make waves on Paris’ diverse culinary scene, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Les Parisiens, serves refined and original cuisine created by Chef Thibault Sombardier, inspired by the flavors of his childhood spent growing up between Burgundy and Beaujolais.

Menus expertly combine haute cuisine with a less inhibited style of cooking, showcasing a passion for locally sourced seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy an apéritif at the James Joyce Bar, a warm and inviting space offering a selection of signature cocktails, wines and spirits, before heading to Les Parisiens for an unforgettable dining experience.

Leave the vibrant streets of Paris behind for a moment and enter the tranquil Spa des Prés, a zen and uncluttered space designed by Benderli to aid relaxation and the restoration of mind, body and soul.

MAUN, BOTSWANA

Previously known as Royal Tree Lodge, Thamo Telele is Natural Selection’s first Maun property, the gateway for travel into the Okavango Delta. This intimate lodge was refurbished and opened its tent-flaps again in March 2022, boasting nine luxury safari-style tents and two thatched honeymoon chalets set in a 250-hectare private game reserve amongst old growth leadwood and acacia trees.

Each of the nine luxury guest tent suites are raised on wooden platforms with ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers, finished with twin beds surrounded by light and bright colors. The honeymoon chalets are a much more private and intimate, boasting superior king size canopy beds covered in white linen, en-suite bathroom with a large bath, and pops of bright color. The ideal stop-over either side of the safari, Thamo Telele’ s landscape invites abundant bird life and resident herd of 20 giraffe, where the name Thamo Telele was named after the smallest giraffe of the herd, meaning “long neck” in Setswana.

With over 300 species of birds sighting in and around the reserve, birders should see at least 50-70 species per day while on nature walks and relaxing in the overflow of plant life.

Located at the Southern-eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, the meandering waters of the Thamalakane River maneuver their way through the frontier town of Maun, the gateway to northern Botswana and the last stop before the Okavango Delta. A life source to this buzzing little safari town, as the river ebbs and flows throughout the year to the beat of its own drum, its banks overflow with an abundance of bird, plant life and wildlife to bring a renewed energy to the area and water relief to the Maun locals.

Jerry and Jana Lackey are the stewards of Thamo Telele Private Reserve. They came to Botswana in 1986 to pursue their calling and founded the Love Botswana Outreach Mission. This organization has grown tremendously in scope and reach, launching over 30 life-changing programs, creating jobs and sustainable programs designed to better lives in the community and the Ngamiland and Okavango districts of Botswana, becoming one of the largest non-profits in the country.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Thoughtfully refreshed, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes unveiled an extensive multi-million-dollar transformation. Modern and welcoming, the series of enhancements includes the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, seven restaurants, common areas, Club Lounge, pool, and private poolside cabanas. Every interior detail has been impeccably updated with the highest quality fixtures, luxury textiles and furnishings, drawing upon the natural beauty of Grande Lakes’ lush grounds and 11 surrounding lakes.

The guest room redesign experience begins just upon entry, where guests are welcomed with a streamlined, marine-inspired courtesy ledge dotted with nautical details and offering ample space for keys and sundries. A step or two inside, guests are granted their first look at curated artwork alluding to the gentle, more refined and unexpected slices of local life that coexist with the renowned amusements of Orlando. Inviting sanctuaries of soft colors, plush textures, and distinctive architectural elements incorporating with nautical details combine elegant lines and modern details for a cosmopolitan ambiance that excites, pleases, and comforts to equal measure.

The Ritz-Carlton’s brand-new custom designed stunning cabanas offer the most luxurious way to lounge poolside in Orlando. Beautifully appointed in comfortable contemporary upholstery these modern cabanas feature a private butler, wireless internet, HDTV, a refrigerator, and a security safe. With only 12 exclusive luxurious cabanas available, reservations are recommended. is a newly renovated private sanctuary exclusively for guests of The Ritz-Carlton. This oasis is often referred to as a hotel within a hotel, where a dedicated team attends to individual needs in a well-appointed, relaxed lounge environment.

The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level redefines the luxury hotel experience; combining intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalized service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton. Over-The-Top Package Details To celebrate the culmination of the redesign, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has created an all-encompassing, over-the-top package valued at $100,000, designed to showcase and highlight the full transformation, luxury amenities, dining experiences, and amazing scope of on-site activities.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

BLINK Design Group has created a stunning modern bohemian vision inspired by traditional Dhow boats, the romance of travel and the ancient Arabic storytelling tradition of Al-Halqa for the new W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. The global interior design visionaries and high priests of placemaking were summoned to push the boat out and set tongues wagging for the UAE’s latest W Hotel, located in the heart of Al Mina Al Seyahi, the legendary ‘Port of Travelers’ district of Jumeirah Beach, home to the glittering Dubai International Marine Club and its 300-berth marina.

The Mina Seyahi port dates back to ancient times when the area was a thriving hub of the copper trade, and the Al-Halqa storytellers would weave their yarns to circles of spellbound travelers. The graceful swooping shape of the traditional Dhow boats that once thronged the harbor along with the stories and intrigue of the trading enclave became the inspiration for BLINK’s latest interior design tour de force.

BLINK’s canvas is a hotel ranging over 31 floors, with 291 guest rooms and 27 opulent suites; a spectacular marina-front lobby, a pool area and lavish spa, four state of the art meeting rooms and a selection of the most cutting-edge dining concepts in Dubai. The result is an utterly unique creation, entirely of its place, colorful, eclectic with a touch of retro.

Founder and creative partner of BLINK Clint Nagata explains: “Dubai transformed quickly from an ancient outpost into an ultra-modern cosmopolitan city and one of the most famous travel destinations, for business or leisure. Despite this rapid modernization, the thread of history is kept alive down the generations through the traditions of storytelling, one of the most sublime and respected art forms that runs through Arabian culture.

The ‘Port of Travelers’ was the overarching inspiration for the guest rooms and suites, with the concept translating into the spaces. The accommodations are laden with lavish touches and hints of intrigue, adventure and romance. “There’s a treasure chest as a bedside table, with little treasures to surprise and delight guests. The wow extends to the walk-in closets, closed with billowing curtains in a gradient of sunset colors, echoing the hues of the bay, with a play on the secrets behind the veil,” Mr. Nagata concludes.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

The renowned Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is currently undergoing a significant renovation project with a target completion date of summer 2022. Honoring Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to culinary excellence and unparalleled guest amenities, the hotel’s transformative renovation introduced Brassica, a new signature French brasserie restaurant concept, a redesign of its lobby-level social spaces, and an elevated Waldorf Astoria spa experience. The renovation will also unveil fully reimagined accommodations including a top-to-bottom refresh of all 127 guestrooms, new luxurious residence-style suites offerings, and a grand new Presidential Suite design.

“We look forward to unveiling our property transformation which further delivers on our commitment to offering guests an unforgettable stay,” said Stephane Mercier, General Manager, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. “The Buckhead neighborhood is an area filled with coveted high-end shopping and attractions and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead will be a welcome respite for travelers and locals alike, with intriguing culinary and world-class wellness offerings.”

Spearheading the project is noteworthy New York-based design firm, BHDM. With an impressive portfolio of luxury and lifestyle hotel and hospitality projects across the nation, BHDM and its talented team of designers and architects will bring the hotel’s elevated experience to life across the property. Brassica first debuted in March and is a graceful Southern interpretation of a classic French brasserie, on the lobby level. Guests will enjoy a welcoming yet refined dining experience that weaves together brasserie-style French cooking with regionally sourced ingredients, drawing culinary inspirations from Georgia and the American South. BHDM’s design is steeped in rich woods and warm, seductive colors drawing inspiration from both the destination and hotel’s “City Within A Forest” concept.

Featuring design touches that embrace the lush greenery and nature that surrounds Atlanta, Brassica and its intimate bar reflects a modern brasserie with elegant, renowned Waldorf Astoria Service. Guests can look forward to tableside presentations and dishes such as Duck Rillettes with pickled vegetables, Buttermilk Fried Gulf Oysters, Cast Iron Steak Frites, and the Brassica Roast Chicken for two. The luxury hotel introduced the stylish and sophisticated Peacock Alley lounge, which pays homage to the iconic gathering space at the flagship Waldorf Astoria New York, and showcases a cocktail program focused on telling the story of the American craft cocktail evolution through history.