Ritz Carlton launches the tallest hotel in the world in Hong Kong, as the Maldives plays home to two new luxury retreats by Anantara and Park Hyatt
A view from the world’s tallest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong
As the southern hemisphere cools down with autumn, the development of its luxury resorts heat up in preparation for winter escapes. Balmy holiday destinations Sanya, Miami, Bali and the Maldives have become home to new and updated resorts and villas, whilst openings in Shanghai, Guragon and Hong Kong ensure that business traveller eats, sleeps and meets in style.
Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong
Overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, the world’s tallest hotel opened at a height of 490 metres above the bustling streets of the Southern Chinese city. After temporarily closing in 2008, the Ritz-Carlton has re-opened with 312 guest rooms, a top floor pool, the highest bar in the world and one of the largest ballrooms in the city. It is also one of the most expensive hotels in Hong Kong, with the rack rate starting at HK$ 6,000 (US$770) a night for a deluxe room.
Website: Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
Source: Luxuo
The Oberoi, Gurgaon
Designed to service the ‘towering corporate headquarters that dot the city of Gurgaon’ the newest Oberoi hotel has been developed firmly with the discerning business traveller in mind. 202 guest rooms and suites incorporate landscape windows to fill oversized rooms with natural light, a 24 hour personal butler service and select suites with private heated swimming pools are some of the features of this hotel, set on 9 acres of land with it’s own private forest. Conference and banqueting facilities can accommodate up to 1000 guests in a range of indoor and outdoor settings.
Website: The Oberoi Gurgaon
Source: Wall Street Journal
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Set on a private pear shaped island, surrounded by a thriving reef and crystal clear waters, Anantara Kihavah Villas comprises of 78 spacious sanctuaries, poised over the water or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. Each hideaway boasts large personal infinity-edge pools, dining pavilions, wooden sundecks and lounging areas complete with swinging daybeds, hammocks and sun loungers. All villas feature walk-in wardrobes, rain showers, outdoor showers and over-sized bathtubs big enough for two.
Website: Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
Marriott Renaissance, Sanya
Marriott International recently opened the 507-room Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa, located in the luxury resort area of Haitang Bay on Hainan Island. Following the lifestyle hotel concept inherent to the Renaissance brand, the hotel has seven food and beverage outlets, a Quan spa with individual treatment villas, a fully equipped fitness centre and high-speed Internet access, iPod docking stations, and flat screen TVs in each room. There are also comprehensive facilities for children and events.
Website: Marriott Renaissance Sanya
Source: China Hospitality News
Viceroy, Bali
In a development that will nearly double its inventory of luxury villas, the prestigious Viceroy Bali has announced the completion of ten new villas by July, 2011. Each commodious space will include a living room, sectional sofa, oversize king bed, espresso machine, 47-inch TV, iPod docking station and private pool and outdoor sheltered pavilion. The Viceroy will also launch dedicated centres for tennis and yoga.
Website & Source: Viceroy Bali
Hotel Beaux Arts, Miami
Another brand within the Marriott International stable, Hotel Beaux Arts recently opened at Metropolitan Miami’s newest downtown glass skyscraper, encompassing the 38th, 39th and 40th floors. The hotel is the first in Florida to be entirely outfitted with Bang & Olufsen in-room entertainment featuring remote controlled video and sound systems, HD-LCD flat screen televisions, cordless phones and home theatre stereo systems. Ordering room service, scheduling turndown service and calling for a car can be done using the Apple iPad in each room. There is even a pillow menu and the comfort and luxury of Anichini bedding.
Website: Hotel Beaux Arts Miami
Source: Sun Herald
Hotel Athenée, Paris
Described as ‘a charming and exceptional boutique-hotel reminiscent of the 19th century Italian romance,’ Jacques Garcia’s newest creation, Hotel Athénée, sits comfortably in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, just opposite famed concert hall l’Olympia. Walls are dressed in Pierre Frey fabrics, custom made furniture is covered in velvet and taffeta, bathrooms glisten with glass mosaics and raise the twenty rooms of the small hotel to a delightful balance of tradition and modernity.
Website: Hotel Athenée Paris
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
St Regis, Bangkok
The St. Regis Bangkok has been developed by Rajadamri Lodging Limited, situated on Rajadamri Road in the heart of the city. Across 47 stories, the 221 rooms and suites have been designed by Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, alongside an Elemis Spa and ZUMA Restaurant. All guests benefit from the St. Regis brand’s famed 24-hour butler service, whilst rooms incorporate luxurious beds,300-count Egyptian linens, lush bath towels and robes, flat screen cable televisions and wireless Internet access.
Website & Source: St Regis Bangkok
Hilton, Cape Town
Hilton Worldwide’s third hotel in South Africa, Cape Town City Centre, is located in the heart of the central business district, boasting 137 rooms and suites. The hotel also incorporates two restaurants, a boutique chocolatier, business centre, executive boardroom and eight meeting rooms, all equipped with plasma televisions, audio-visual equipment, complimentary Wi-Fi and high speed broadband.
Website: Hilton Cape Town
Source: Luxury Hospitality Daily
Park Hyatt, Maldives
Operating since 2009 as Alila Villas Hadahaa has become a Park Hyatt hotel, to be operated by Driftwood Maldives Private Ltd. The property includes 50 luxurious villas with private decks and bedrooms with living areas, 14 of which are elevated over the Indian Ocean. The property also features two specialty restaurants, fitness and health centre, multiple swimming pools, and a five-star PADI diving water sports centre. Activities range from kayaking, snorkelling and diving to Maldivian cooking lessons, dolphin spotting, sunset cruises and guided visits to local artisan villages.
Website: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai features 401 contemporary Chinese-style guestrooms, including 62 suites and residences, four restaurants and lounges, a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers extensive meeting, conference and event facilities, including two grand ballrooms and a 5,000m2 rooftop Infinity Garden. The interior of the hotel was designed by KCA International, whose portfolio includes the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, also run by Jumeirah.
Website: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai
Source: Zawya
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