Galavante Confidential – Destination Restaurants

The Seychelles are a destination fit for royalty – just ask Kate and Wills who honeymooned there in 2011. If you’re about the Best of the Best in the world, then it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Maia Luxury Resort & Spa. The ultimate destination for privacy, the paparazzi don’t stand a chance, and nor do prying eyes as villas have their own private pool.  Not able to shell out for the villa? Every room is super luxe and ocean front on this private peninsula. With its distinction as the most expensive hotel in the world, this is the ultimate for those who can afford to drop the coin. 

The Seychelles are a destination fit for royalty – just ask Kate and Wills who honeymooned there in 2011. If you’re about the Best of the Best in the world, then it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Maia Luxury Resort & Spa. The ultimate destination for privacy, the paparazzi don’t stand a chance, and nor do prying eyes as villas have their own private pool.  Not able to shell out for the villa? Every room is super luxe and ocean front on this private peninsula. With its distinction as the most expensive hotel in the world, this is the ultimate for those who can afford to drop the coin. 

It’s Bond, James Bond.  Set along the Adriatic Coast in Montenegro, you’ll be in your very own Casino Royale.  The Aman Resorts have taken over the much-loved Sveti Stefan Island and nearby Villa Milocer, set amidst the Black Magic Mountains of Montenegro.  It’s not just a few buildings that comprise Sveti Stefan, but rather the entire Island which is now the private resort.  Old fishermen homes on Sveti Stefan have been converted into super luxurious suites, Aman-style.  Winding streets of the town are now romantic passageways between each of these private cottages where the very privileged get to call home.  Major renovations are currently underway, but by the time you visit in 2012 will include a terrace overlooking the Adriatic where Sophia Loren used to dance the night away and where you surely will pick up the tradition, five-star gourmet restaurant, yoga complex, super-luxe spa and of course infinity pool.  The secret’s not quite out yet so come now before Montenegro becomes the next St. Tropez.

It’s Bond, James Bond.  Set along the Adriatic Coast in Montenegro, you’ll be in your very own Casino Royale.  The Aman Resorts have taken over the much-loved Sveti Stefan Island and nearby Villa Milocer, set amidst the Black Magic Mountains of Montenegro.  It’s not just a few buildings that comprise Sveti Stefan, but rather the entire Island which is now the private resort.  Old fishermen homes on Sveti Stefan have been converted into super luxurious suites, Aman-style.  Winding streets of the town are now romantic passageways between each of these private cottages where the very privileged get to call home.  Major renovations are currently underway, but by the time you visit in 2012 will include a terrace overlooking the Adriatic where Sophia Loren used to dance the night away and where you surely will pick up the tradition, five-star gourmet restaurant, yoga complex, super-luxe spa and of course infinity pool.  The secret’s not quite out yet so come now before Montenegro becomes the next St. Tropez.

In one of the most romantic cities in the world, hotel options got a whole lot plusher in Florence when the Four Seasons moved in.  Set in a historic Medici Palace, the restoration of the hotel took over 7 years to recreate just how noble life must have been in the Renaissance times.  Think frescos that belong in a museum, original tile floors and rooms that are not at all European size to set the scene for some of your own private renaissance, if you know what we mean.  Where hotels were once secondary to your Florence experience, the Four Seasons is now part of your cultural enrichment and an oasis with its five hectares of private park right in the middle of the city.  For those who want to (over)indulge, head to their spa for the 24-karat gold facial.  For anything goes in these new Renaissance times. 

In one of the most romantic cities in the world, hotel options got a whole lot plusher in Florence when the Four Seasons moved in.  Set in a historic Medici Palace, the restoration of the hotel took over 7 years to recreate just how noble life must have been in the Renaissance times.  Think frescos that belong in a museum, original tile floors and rooms that are not at all European size to set the scene for some of your own private renaissance, if you know what we mean.  Where hotels were once secondary to your Florence experience, the Four Seasons is now part of your cultural enrichment and an oasis with its five hectares of private park right in the middle of the city.  For those who want to (over)indulge, head to their spa for the 24-karat gold facial.  For anything goes in these new Renaissance times. 

Asia arrived in Paris last year, and what an entrance the Mandarin Oriental has made.  It’s a small fortune to rest your weary head at the Mandarin, but it’s a value in room size and amenities among the Parisian luxury hotel set.  And in signature Mandarin Oriental fashion, its service is impeccable but yet somehow still down-to-earth and gracious.  If you’re lucky, Paris will always be on your annual travel circuit and if not, the Mandarin Oriental is just another reason to make sure it is this next year.

Asia arrived in Paris last year, and what an entrance the Mandarin Oriental has made.  It’s a small fortune to rest your weary head at the Mandarin, but it’s a value in room size and amenities among the Parisian luxury hotel set.  And in signature Mandarin Oriental fashion, its service is impeccable but yet somehow still down-to-earth and gracious.  If you’re lucky, Paris will always be on your annual travel circuit and if not, the Mandarin Oriental is just another reason to make sure it is this next year.

An oldie but a goodie, Jade Mountain is a go-to destination.  A sanctuary built into the mountainside overlooking the Caribbean,  Jade Mountain is the setting for all sorts of romance in St. Lucia. If you ever find yourself asking, “Where can I go that’s warm this weekend”, Jade Mountain is the answer.   Gourmet food, warm Caribbean waters and over the top rooms, which just about match the views, make Jade Mountain one of the most beautiful places in the world. Designed by artchitect Nick Troubetzkoy, the hotel is a destination equal to St. Lucia itself, where you’re not missing out at all if you never leave your room with personal infinity pool. 

An oldie but a goodie, Jade Mountain is a go-to destination.  A sanctuary built into the mountainside overlooking the Caribbean,  Jade Mountain is the setting for all sorts of romance in St. Lucia. If you ever find yourself asking, “Where can I go that’s warm this weekend”, Jade Mountain is the answer.   Gourmet food, warm Caribbean waters and over the top rooms, which just about match the views, make Jade Mountain one of the most beautiful places in the world. Designed by artchitect Nick Troubetzkoy, the hotel is a destination equal to St. Lucia itself, where you’re not missing out at all if you never leave your room with personal infinity pool.