Dreaming about your year-end retreat during the Christmas season? Our travel buddies at Lightfoot Travel had us all delightfully giddy and making plans with this list of the hottest properties that have opened this year. Feel the wanderlust and make that booking pronto before everyone else!
Gangtey Goenpa Lodge – Gangtey, Bhutan
Bhutan is our go-to destination for a complete revival of the senses. The stress-free lifestyle of the Bhutanese, plus the breathtaking natural landscape make it real easy for the hectic urban dweller to slow down. A property that has recently opened is Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, located in Gangtey. Don’t let its rustic, farmhouse-looking façade deceive you: what lies behind it is nothing short of amazing. As you walk in, the staff greets you with a Bhutanese song, written specifically for the hotel. You’ll be introduced to the staff thereafter, as if you’re the newest member of a warm family. The welcome massage is especially God-send as the journey to Gangtey can be quite tiring. Beautiful interiors and stunning views aside, this hotel has, hands down, one of the best service we’ve come across.
Iniala Beach House – Phuket, Thailand
Miles away from Phuket’s hustle and bustle, this luxurious beach haven with three villas and a penthouse (10 bedrooms in all), which hosted the Kardashians in April, is ideal for a grand family reunion (or a getaway with friends). Staying at Iniala Beach House is an easy way to give back amid Christmas cheer: 15% of the resort’s revenue goes to philanthropist Mark Weingard’s Inspirasia Foundation, whose objective is to fund health and education projects in Thailand, Indonesia and India. Last but certainly not the least, the degustation menu created by three Michelin star chef Eneko Axta is to die for!
Segera Retreat – Mount Laikipia, Kenya
Seeking a little adventure and a lot of relaxation? Segera Retreat is the Kenyan safari retreat on everyone’s lips. Peace and quiet are the keywords here and it’s easy to unwind whilst enjoying the splendid view from the Laikipia Plateau. Obviously, the safari options are plentiful in that region, and roaming wildlife are a normal daily sighting. For a romantic holiday, check into Villa Segara that has own private pool. Got kids in tow? Segera House can accommodate a family of four and boasts its own raised observation deck for admiring the scenery.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum – Turkey
Voted 2014’s Top Destination by TripAdvisor, Turkey has long been on our radar and we are thrilled that it is now getting the attention it deserves. The Turkish Riviera, spanning over a thousand kilometres, is home to the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. Located in Paradise Bay (a fitting name for this gorgeous property), Mandarin Oriental Bodrum has not one, but two private beaches (including a 60 hectare waterfront site), the largest rooms in the region and Assaggio, the first two Michelin star chef restaurant in the city. Kids have their own private dining area and pool for making new friends and having fun.
Aqua Mekong – Indochina
If you’re looking for a new ways to navigate one of the world’s most fascinating rivers that connect several great cities, Aqua Mekong’s your answer. Board the luxury cruise from Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap or Phnom Pehn to uncover the secrets of the Mekong Delta. Plus, there are many activities to keep you entertained on the ship and along the river: massages, bicycle excursions, visiting temples accessible only by boat, just to name a few. Want more? Chef David Thompson, who has been awarded a Michelin star, is on board with his take on Thai delicacies.
Alila Jabal Akhdar – Oman
Oman has been on everyone’s hot list recently and with good reason: the scenery is astounding, the people extremely welcoming and the accommodations first-class. If you’ve already been and are longing to go back, head deeper into the country to the ‘Empty Quarter’. There, you will find the recently opened Alila Jabal Akhdar, perched 2,000 metres above sea level, and overlooking a dramatic gorge. Surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains, the abode is perfect for both adventure travellers and nature lovers.
Annandale – Canterbury, New Zealand
Get lost in the wilderness at Annandale, just an hour from the bustling city centre of Christchurch, where the scents and sounds of the city are left far behind. Fall asleep to the crash of waves in the distance, and wake up to amazing summer days for kayaking, sailing and even a trip out to swim with the dolphins. The historic homestead also allows us city-folk to play farmer for a day and attempt cattle mustering, shearing, gardening, and seeing the fruits of your labour on the plate that evening. All four properties at Annandale are individual villas for exclusive use, and can accommodate from two to fourteen guests for the ultimate family holiday to New Zealand.
One&Only Hayman Islands – Queensland, Australia
Re-opened after an extensive renovation, One&Only Hayman Islands offers the ultimate Australian beach getaway in the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The natural beauty of the surroundings above and below the sea have our heartbeats racing, as do the spacious (and varied) accommodations. One&Only Hayman Islands is one of the rare family friendly options in that region where tykes will be treated like kings and queens with activities, leaving you ample time to explore the underwater paradise of the Great Barrier Reef. Check into the Hayman Family Room which feature beautiful views of the lagoon.
Ki Niseko – Niseko, Japan
Teeming with first class accommodations, Niseko is truly paradise for those seeking a skiing holiday. This year, Japan’s most famed ski destination has got us excited for a hot new opening: Ki Niseko. Just another condo complex? No sir! Ki Niseko is one of the few eco-friendly accommodations in the region, which also boasts a sleek and contemporary design and panoramic views of Mount Yotei. Our favourite touch? Each room is comes with a Jinbei, a Japanese garb, perfect for going off to relax in the property’s onsen.
Maalifushi – Maldives
Heaven on Earth does exist, and it goes by the name Maalifushi by COMO. The only property on the little known Thaa Atoll in the Maldives, this newly opened resort blows us away on so many levels: the service is second to none, the villas are incredibly sexy and the surroundings breathtaking. In addition to that, it is a diver’s paradise (think whale sharks!) with untouched reefs and in close proximity to an excellent surf break. Decidedly romantic, Maalifushi by COMO is the way to go if you’re looking to sweep your special someone off their feet. Families are also more than welcome – teens can chill in the Teen Room, bond over a game of pool and backgammon, and catch films in the evening. There’s something for everyone!
Top image: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.
