The Chrome Hotel, Kolkate
CHIC SUITES Splash out on the best room in the house. All suites at Lake Como’s CastaDiva Resort & Spa have breathtaking lake views. They’re on two levels so you can go upstairs to bed! The Fiordiligi Suite is the pick of the bunch with its private outdoor pool, sundeck and terrace. Also good for panoramas is Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa. This former monastery in Spain’s Duero Valley has suites with serene river views – enjoy them with wine from your own 18 bottle cellar. If that doesn’t unwind you, a treatment in the vinotherapy spa just might…
Le Bellechasse, Paris
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY When you crave the atmosphere of a bygone age, book a stay in one of these exquisite conversions: Imaret, Kavala, Greece The owner has lovingly restored this grand Ottoman house. Features include an orangery, pool with fountains, colonnaded walkways, a hammam and spectacular views. The Efendi Hotel, Acre, Israel With Byzantine walls and cellars dating back to the Crusades, it doesn’t get much older than this. The main part of the hotel, in a town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been created from two former 19th century palaces. Decoration is tasteful, hospitality courteous.
Equally relaxing is Villa Marie, a retreat from the glamour and glitz of St Tropez, a short drive away, with a pool set amongst the pine trees. Four new vintage suites – the Chanel, Missoni, Matisse and Romeo & Juliet - are particularly lovely and influenced by famous names associated with the area. White…and more white – the huge, sparkling penthouse at Punta Tragara on the island of Capri has a circular bed and egg shaped bath. Lounge on the terrace and watch yachts bob in the indigo seas below. From the serene to the stimulating… Hotel Claris in Barcelona is full of eclectic charm, much like this cosmopolitan city. See Japanese kimonos displayed alongside statuettes of Hindu gods and 17th century English furniture next to Catalan art nouveau pieces. Emma O’Reilly is travel editor at Bella Magazine
CastaDiva Resort & Spa, Italy
Relais La Suvera, Tuscany, Italy Deep in the rolling Tuscan hills, this villa was once gifted to Pope Julius II but has medieval origins. Any austerity has been softened with swanky Renaissance décor – a museum here tells you the story behind this fascinating pile. Kloster Hornbach, Hornbach, Germany In keeping with its humble origins as a monastery in the 8th century, Kloster Hornbach is simply but tastefully styled. Splashes of colour liven up the décor and homely touches include tea and homemade cakes every afternoon, which you can walk off by hiking through the surrounding countryside. Park Hotel Villa Grazioli, nr Rome, Italy You won’t know where to look first! This perfect 16th century villa includes a hanging garden with views towards Rome. Inside are frescoes galore and magnificent works of art. Don’t miss the lavish Pannini Gallery and Sala dei Putti.
The Chrome Hotel, India
Park Hotel Villa Grazioli, Italy
To book visit www.slh.com
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