Location

The Mae Rim Valley, often referred to as the Lanna Kingdom meaning ‘land of a million rice fields’ is home to Chang Mai, a city known for its beauty and spirit. Surrounded by green rice fields and an abundance of charm, the Four Seasons is the perfect spot for your Thai getaway.

Your room

Elegant and luxurious, charming and detailed, the rooms at the Four Seasons are complete with Thai decorations and Siamese artwork meaning you can be completely submersed in the Thai culture whilst being surrounded by complete luxury. Crafted from teak and tropical rosewood, each room has a calming and authentic feel yet in keeping with the chic luxury you love and crave.

Why we like it

Dining at the Four Seasons is not just your average dinner, it’s an experience. Choose between many a location at this awe inspiring haven. Wake up to breakfast in the rice paddies, the perfect way to start your day and to end it to an equally high standard, dine in the private rice barn and make a wish as you release your own Krathong (traditional banana leaf cup) into the pond. For those who want to recreate the culinary masterpieces on offer, take a seat at the chef’s table and watch the expert whip up your favourite local dish right before your very eyes.

Location

Set amongst a twelve-acre plantation on a working tea estate, Kahanda Kanda is nestled up in the rolling hills of southern Sri Lanka, just five kilometres inland from the coast and in easy reach of the beautiful and historic town of Galle; a colonial settlement built around the remnants of its fascinating 15th century fort. The hotel provides all the seclusion and picturesque tranquillity of a countryside retreat whilst remaining only a few minutes from local cultural hotspots, glistening beaches and the blissful blue water of the coast. So no matter what you’re mood, you’re never far away from all the best spots the area has to offer.

Your room

Elegance and understated sophistication oozes from every one of the Kahanda Kanda’s eight suites, each set apart in their own grounds with names such as ‘Tamarind’, ‘Tea’ and ‘Peacock’. Authentic antiques and four-poster beds covered in crisp white linen take centre stage in each room, harking back to the lavish colonial days gone by. Step outside onto the sweeping wraparound veranda to take in the staggering natural beauty of your surroundings, sit and read, or simply doze in the shade to the soothing sounds of birds calling through the trees.

Why we like it

The abundance of tropical flowers, mango trees and sheer greenness of the hotel’s surroundings gently lulled us into a serene aura of calm, made all the more sweet by the chic design and natural privacy of the individual suites. Sitting out on the veranda with a plate full of the most mouth-watering local mango is a moment we won’t be forgetting for a while.

Location

Aditya is located on the outskirts of the beautiful colonial town of Galle, tucked away on the coast of Sri Lanka’s most southerly corner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort, around which the town spreads, was built in the 15th century and remains today as a stunning example of golden-age architecture and an echo of the region’s patchwork colonial past. Taking some time to wander its ramparts is a must, as well as exploring the area’s tranquil temples speckled throughout the lush surroundings and the quiet coastal town of Hikkaduwa, famous for its pristine beach, surf and vibrant coral life. By night, slink down to the coast’s secluded golden beaches to watch baby turtles hatch into the sea.

Your room

The hotel is home to just twelve private suites, each named after one of the solar deities of Hindu mythology. The select number of rooms gives a truly discreet and personalised atmosphere, with each room unique from the next and immaculately decorated with authentic local art and antiques from the region. But what really impressed us was the private balcony or veranda each and every suite comes with, complete with balmy plunge pools to soak in whilst gazing out over the gardens and sea.

Why we like it

Wave goodbye to the usual hotel conventions of restrictive meal times because at Aditya, there are no fixed meal times. You are free to eat when you want and where you want with the fantastic master chef custom preparing all your delicious meals. Staff are happy to set you up a table anywhere you please, from the privacy of your room to the silky sands of the sunset-drenched beach.

Location

With 500 acres of pristine Californian countryside to call its own, Carmel Valley could not come in a better location. Set deep in the heart of the Santa Lucia Mountains, it’s still in easy reach of the beautiful central Californian coast and idyllic village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; a perfect spot to peruse the shops and admire the views over the ocean. Carmel Valley’s inland location means that it manages to hold on to the warm, sunny weather, making it an ideal environment for growing vines; you’ll find the area swathed with them, including the hotel’s very own 4-acre pinot noir vineyard, a mere stroll from your room.

Your room

Each of the hotel’s immaculate suites are sophisticated yet understated in their design, adorned with tranquil, earthy tones to compliment the resort’s natural surroundings. Cathedral ceilings give a light, spacious atmosphere, with wide glass doors that slide out onto private decking areas in every room, providing an idyllic spot for you to lay out and gaze at the stunning views, perhaps with a glass of the hotel’s own pinot noir in hand.

Why we like it

A rare find in our eyes, a stay at Carmel Valley indulges your inner-kid and restores your outer grown-up. We were utterly charmed by the hotel’s natural, playful atmosphere and outstanding organic cuisine, which cannot help but leave you feeling thoroughly nourished and revitalised in both body and mind. Blend this with a warm sophistication and luxury comfort in every detail, and Carmel Valley Ranch offers a unique sense of escapism and freedom that few other places can imitate.

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Location

Surrounded by limestone cliffs, Rayavadee is only accessible by sea, although we’re sure you won’t complain at the thought of an exhilarating speed boat ride from Krabi Pier. On the southern tip of Thailand and hosted by the beautiful Andaman coastline, this is the perfect place to put on your Thai smile.

Your room

Architecturally, Rayavadee is faultless. Blending in perfectly to the natural surroundings, your room resembles the design of an idyllic Thai village and with its contemporary feel, surrounded by lush palms; you will find no better alternative. Bordered by three beaches, tropical gardens and 26 acres of coconut groves, your enchanting private villa will tick all the boxes.

Why we like it

We really have left the best bit till last as not only is the cuisine exquisite at Rayavadee but you can also dine in its very own grotto. Tucked away under the limestone cliff of the ancient Phranang Beach, admire the perfect sunset which a glass of fine wine and the sand beneath your feet. Calming, romantic and utterly unique, The Grotto really is something special.

Location

Just 7 degrees South of the equator, Beho Beho is the crossroad of many animal migratory routes so whether it’s the Big 5 you’re after or the view of your neighbours grazing their way through the day, Beho Beho is the perfect place for you. In the North of the Selous Game Reserve, the diversity of this Tanzanian gem is almost hard to believe…almost.

Your room

The intimate, homely atmosphere of Beho Beho continues as you step into your private Banda. Just one of eight and made from local stone and palm leaf thatch, you can sit out on your Zanzibari style day bed and marvel at the great African plains to your heart’s content. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Rufiji flood plain and to get a closer view, take a peek through the telescope. Who knows what you’ll see just meters away from your cosy spot on your veranda.

Why we like it

From bush breakfasts to boat safaris on Lake Tagalala, Beho Beho has it all. With the expertise of the guides, you are guaranteed to come away with not only a love for everything African, but a fountain of knowledge and many new friends. Enjoy exquisite food, spectacular sights, diverse activities and somewhere new to call home as you embark on your African adventure.

Location

In search of a beachfront villa complete with soft African sands and an unobstructed open view of the Indian Ocean? Well here’s a not-so-subtle hint: head to the northern tip of Tanzania’s tropical island outpost, Zanzibar, and check yourself in at Essque.

Your room

From your first steps through the hotel’s immense airy lobby (check out the size of the roof, yes, it was weaved by hand), the exclusive escape of Essque offers the type of beach break we will never tire of; in short it’s a beautiful blissed-out African beach abode. Opt for the blow-out three-bed seafront villa overlooking the tranquil turquoise water – it comes complete with its own plunge pool-cum-Jacuzzi and private massage room, for those of us who prefer our R&R in a more secluded setting.

Why we like it

If making your friends green with envy isn’t reason enough to visit this idyllic island, then what about the thought of relaxing by the pool and having your own personal cocktail brought to you? Followed by coming face to face with turtles in amongst some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs, a trip to the spa or a private dinner on the beach. If all this relaxing starts to take its toll though, don’t worry. Stone Town has plenty of hustle and bustle with an exquisite spice market, Arabic back alleys to explore and the night food market is something you do not want to miss. With fresh seafood in abundance, you won’t have experienced anything quite like it. Zanzibar is the place where you can escape from it all, immerse in a little culture but not sacrifice all those luxury touches you desire and deserve.

Location

Portrait Suites teeters on Via Condotti, Rome’s most fashion-fanatical street. The hotel is elegantly positioned right above the Salvatore Ferragamo flagship store. But it’s not just the boutiques that are on your very doorstep; wander off Condotti and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Rome’s iconic historic quarter, right at the foot of the Spanish Steps and Trinita dei Monti, and in the centre a plethora of fountained squares and utterly fantastic Italian eateries.

Your room

The hotel has just fourteen rooms and suites, all effortlessly stylish and contemporary and exuding an understated elegance in a way that only the Italians can master. The powdery greys and soft blues of your room, with subtle pops of baby pink and citrusy lime, channel a Rome of the 1950s. Always with fashion in mind, the rooms are adorned with full length, triple-panelled mirrors to admire your new purchases from the boutiques below. For that added touch, we love the little terraces with amazing views over the Roma.

Why we like it

The onsite lifestyle team are intimately-connected with all of the city’s finest establishments to help you book everything from tables in one of Rome’s finest restaurants, expert guides to show you the sights to personal shoppers and tickets to soccer games. You’re even given your own iPad to keep for the duration of your stay; as if the hotel’s first-class location and iconic views from the roof terrace weren’t already enough…