SUMMER Loving

For an indulgent vacation at a luxury property in a bucket list, sundrenched destination, here is our accommodation guide, recommended by our expert Travel Advisors.

Sometimes, a hotel plays second fiddle to the star of the show – the destination. And sometimes, the hotel is a legitimate co-star, demanding just as much of your applause as the starstudded location.

Our Travel Advisors have curated this list of some of their favourite luxury properties in destinations that are not just summer hot, but trending hot. You’ll find luxury hotels, lodges, castles and resorts in bucket list locations from idyllic tropical lagoons to the wilds of Africa, nestled in Tuscan hillsides, towering over futuristic cities or tucked away in places that have thousands of years of history. Wherever it is, our Travel Advisors can arrange your hotel stay, and so much more.

Under the Tuscan Sun

COMO CASTELLO DEL NERO, ITALY

Located on a historic, 299-hectare estate in the Chianti wine region of Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero is a true gem overlooking the verdant, misty hills. This 12th-century castle features modern interiors that sit hand-inhand with beautifully preserved Renaissance frescoes. There are 50 immaculate rooms and suites, from the Estate Rooms to the lavish COMO Terrace Suite, or choose one of three Heritage Suites which feature original frescoed walls, ceilings and fireplaces. Arrange tours in a Vespa or vintage car into Florence and Siena – both well under an hour’s drive. Choose wine and olive oil tastings, cooking or gelato classes, truffle hunting, cycling or horse riding tours, hike on the property’s four trails, or book some of the legendary wellness offerings at COMO Shambhala

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On the rocks

SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON, SEYCHELLES

This is a hidden gem … literally. Nestled on Félicité Island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is harmoniously positioned among swathes of palm trees and myriad granite boulders. The resort covers just a third of the island, which is lapped by aquamarine water fringed by coral reefs. There are 28 one- and two-bedroom villas, and three private residences, all very private and with spectacular views, private infinity pools and Guest Experience Maker (butler) service. With sunny and warm weather all year round in the Seychelles, laze on the beach or by the pool, go snorkelling and look for turtles, visit the nearby islands of La Digue and Praslin, and don’t miss out on a treatment in what is one of the most beautifully positioned spas on the planet. The Six Senses Burnham Beeches, the first Six Senses in Australia, is slated to open in the Dandenong Ranges in mid-2025.

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Delta dawn

EAGLE ISLAND LODGE, A BELMOND SAFARI, BOTSWANA

Eagle Island Lodge on Xaxaba Island seamlessly blends into the island landscape, and is the perfect place from which to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta. The 12 tented rooms are on raised wooden platforms and have a rim flow plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and a large private deck where you can sit and watch for wildlife. Leave your blissful lodge to go on mokoro excursions, specialist walking safaris, bird watching or to visit the neighbouring Nxhoga village. Back at the Lodge, settle in with a cocktail at the Fish Eagle Bar to watch the sunset before enjoying a romantic dinner on your private deck. For something really special, add on stays at Belmond’s Savute Elephant Lodge and Khwai River Lodge for an unforgettable safari trio.

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Lakeside luxury

THE REES HOTEL QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

Having guests come back time and time again is the hallmark of a hotel with the ‘X’ factor, and when it comes to The Rees Hotel, there are multiple things that set it apart. This sophisticated, multiple award-winning, five-star hotel is on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with an impressive range of hotel rooms, apartments and five private three-bedroom, three-bathroom Lakeside Residences that boast glorious views over the lake and the Remarkables Range. Residence guests also enjoy the services of a Luxury Travel Curator. The many exceptional features at The Rees Hotel include the Bordeau Wine Lounge, the renowned True South Dining Room, innovative packages that include wine tasting, golf, helicopter and Milford Sound experiences, and the many delights of Queenstown are a lakeside stroll or short drive away.

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Wild and wonderful

SHINTA MANI WILD –A BENSLEY COLLECTION, CAMBODIA

There is nothing quite like Shinta Mani Wild… anywhere. It is a sublime recipe of world-class design, all-inclusive hospitality and conservation. As for the location – just wow. The 15 private tents have been created on a riverbank deep in the South Cardamom National Park and feel as if they are part of the jungle. The tents are stunning with that Bill Bensley elegance and flair – even getting there is amazing with all guests soaring over the river to the property on a zipline. There are Wild Tents, Waterfall Tents and a two-bedroom tent. While there, explore this wild estuarine ecosystem on a custom Bensley-designed expedition boat, or join armed Wildlife Alliance rangers on a daily anti-poaching patrol. In some exciting news, Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection, will open in Nepal on 1 August, with 29 suites.

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A century of charm in Marrakesh

LA MAMOUNIA – MOROCCO

Designed to combine the heritage and traditions of Moroccan architecture with an Art Deco style, La Mamounia is a happy marriage between the comforts of the West and the splendour of the East. La Mamounia celebrates its centenary this year (2023), and continues to cast her spell over every guest. Its 135 rooms and 71 suites, as well as three riads that each sleep six, are modern and Oriental, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship. A who’s who of celebrities and politicians have stayed here. Sir Winston Churchill visited every winter. Yves Saint Laurent was a regular, and Paul McCartney even named a song after it (Mamunia). Stroll around the Medina, explore Jemaa-el-Fna Square and soak up the sights, sounds and aromas of Marrakesh, before returning to your haven to have a drink in Le Churchill bar, or enjoy a treatment in the Spa.

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Fijian island escape

KOKOMO

PRIVATE ISLAND, FIJI

For a blissful stay on a tropical island, Kokomo Private Island is a spectacular choice. Created by Lang Walker, renowned Australian property developer, Kokomo is an exquisite fusion of sustainable design principles, refined luxury and Fijian touches. Unplug from your normal, busy life in one of Kokomo’s 21 exclusive beachside villas, five Luxury Hilltop Residences or the Private Beachfront Luxury Residence, each with its own infinity pool and private walled garden. Time will almost stand still with your only decisions based on when to eat, whether to laze on the beach, by the pool, or go snorkelling on the fringing Great Astrolabe Reef, kayaking around the island at sunrise, or enjoying an excursion to a nearby island. Kokomo’s Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary will also help guests unwind.

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Arabian nights

BURJ

AL ARAB JUMEIRAH – DUBAI

When the Burj Al Arab opened in December 1999, its soaring sail-like structure took the travel world by storm with its striking design, cutting-edge engineering and interior decadence. It was one of the world’s most luxurious properties then, and remains an icon of Arabian luxury. Located on its own island, the Burj Al Arab has 199 lavish suites, each with a dedicated 24-hour butler service and views over the Arabian Gulf. The Presidential Two-Bedroom Suite is designed in gold, with velvet footrests and golden lampshades, with two in-suite bars and a private library. Relax at the first-of-its-kind

The Burj Al Arab Terrace, a huge space with restaurant, pools, beach and cabanas, visit the Turtle Sanctuary, charter a yacht, and luxuriate in the award-winning Talise Spa.

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