Where To Go For a Luxury Retreat
Enjoy a well-deserved breakaway with these luxury retreats
The Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia
What’s the vibe?
The Gaya Island Resort is a true tropical hideaway. Situated in the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, you’re submerged in the wilderness but, at the same time, living in the lap of luxury. Located between sandy beaches and the jungle, there’s plenty to explore. The bustling city of Kota Kinabalu is also just a 20-minute boat ride away, so it’s not too far to pay a visit if you have a hankering for a day in the metropolis. Relaxation, however, is the centrepiece of any holiday at the Gaya Island Resort. Surrounded by luxury loungers, the pool is the perfect place to kick back under a parasol with a cocktail in hand. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, there are five options to choose from, but we’d recommend getting in quick to bag one of 10 nightly spots at the Japanese restaurant, Omaske.
How are the rooms?
Clinging to the hillside, villas here come with views over Malohom Bay, and further out to the South China Sea. Interiors are relaxed, elegant and modern, with an air of exclusivity – think marble bathtubs and floors, dark wood furniture and walk-in wardrobes offering acres of hanging space for all your holiday essentials.
And the luxury touches?
There are kayaks, snorkels and paddleboards for you to use whenever the mood takes you. There are also nightly beach-side movie screenings. If you’d like a bespoke adventure, you can have a completely unique itinerary created for you, including a hike through the jungle if you feel like discovering your inner Bear Grylls.
Sunset Faraway Holidays, 0208 7747100, www.sunset.co.uk
Palacio Nazarenas, The Andes
What’s the vibe?
Built on Inca foundations, rich history meets modern indulgence in Cusco’s fairytale hideaway. Original Inca stonework, colonial frescos and gold-framed paintings underline the preserved heritage of this stunning Belmond hotel, set against a contemporary range of facilities including a fabulous spa, the city’s first outdoor pool and daring cuisine from leading local chefs. The Palacio Nazarenas prides itself on being indulgent with a timeless appeal. You enter via a cloistered courtyard around an ancient fountain to find just 55 exclusive urban retreat suites. The accommodation enjoys a secluded location on the edge of a ‘secret garden’, comprising tranquil terraces landscaped with indigenous flowers and kitchen herbs, and fountain-fed flowing water channels designed to echo the agricultural terraces found in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
How are the rooms?
The suites in this lovingly-restored 17th century convent have a distinctly colonial feel, with elegant four-poster beds, hand-embroidered silk coverlets, hand-painted frescos and balconies offering hypnotic views of Cusco’s distant, mist-wrapped mountains.
And the luxury touches?
Each of the 55 suites is enriched with oxygen, so you can breathe easy, and has its own private bar, stocked with fresh ingredients grown at and around the hotel. Guests have their own butler to help them unpack, bring refreshing cocktails (they’ll even show you how to make a pisco sour), book tours, and provide a choice of handmade soaps created using local ingredients.
Belmont Palacio Nazarenas, 0845 0772 222
Villa Passalacqua, Lake Como
What’s the vibe?
Offering heavenly elevated views of the lake, this new villa, launched by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, sits on the western shore amid the homes of the world’s elite (George Clooney, Donatella Versace and Richard Branson are all close neighbours). It offers total privacy, thanks to a secret underground entrance, and spacious interiors featuring decorative carved ceilings and priceless objets d’art. There is also a separate guest house, Villa Bellini, for family and friends to join you. The magic continues outside, where extensive gardens divided into four terraces reach down to the water. Fountains provide a calming soundscape as you explore terraces of olives, fruit and roses, the pristine lawns, stone gazebo and 200-year-old glasshouse filled with exotic plants.
How are the rooms?
Perfect for large parties, the main villa has nine lavish suites complete with ornate ceilings and beautiful bathrooms, while Villa Bellini offers an additional four rooms, comfortably sleeping 26 guests in all. Expect architectural splendours like original frescoes by Napoleon’s chief artist Andrea Appiani, and a double-height music room with a balcony overlooking the grand piano lounge.
And the luxury touches?
You’ll have a dedicated staff at your disposal 24 hours a day, ready to lavish you with five-star attention. There’s also a heated outdoor pool on the Swimming Terrace, plus a movie theatre, workout studio and billiard room.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, 0034 827 0133, www.grandhoteltremezzo.com
Lelewatu Resort, Sumba Island, Indonesia
What’s the vibe?
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, this tropical island escape features 27 Sumbanese-style villas spread over 10 hectares. The villas were created by architect and interior design team Popo and Melati Danes, who adapted the traditional Sumba Island ’alang-alang’ thatched roof to make the most of the cool tropical breeze. The resort is on a quiet, relatively undiscovered island, about an hour’s flight east of Bali, surrounded by jungle and nine beaches, including Pero, Marosi and Bwanna. While you’re there, you can enjoy yoga, horse riding, trekking and walks along the beautiful coastline to traditional villages, sacred lakes and waterfalls.
How are the rooms?
Rich hardwood details and traditional Sumba designs provide the backdrop to far-reaching, magnificent views. There are marble bathrooms, fitted with stand-alone tubs, outdoor showers, private balconies, pools and covered lounging pavilions with daybeds for relaxing.
And the luxury touches?
You can dine under the stars at Bokosawu Restaurant, indulge in afternoon tea at the cliffside La Humba Lounge and embrace sublime relaxation at Maraga Spa, which specialises in rejuvenation treatments, such as the Javanese Lulur massage.
Lelewatu Resort, 0062 811 3960 6060, www.lelewatu.com
