A popular luxury hotel brand is making its debut in Madrid this spring

Thompson Hotels, a luxury brand known for combining curated design and culinary sophistication with the right amount of edge, is all set to welcome its first property in Spain.

Slated to open in mid-2022, the Thompson Madrid is a 175-room luxury lifestyle hotel that will mark a significant milestone for Hyatt as the brand celebrates its thoughtful growth in Europe with its debut in Spain.   

With fashion, art and entertainment at the heart of the Thompson Hotels experience, the brand attracts tastemakers from international guests to emerging creatives in the neighborhood. At Thompson Madrid, guests will experience elements of Madrid’s culture through the hotel’s striking design and spaces that have been inspired by the soul of the city and its architecture.

Thomson Madrid guest rooms feature warm white walls and rich wooden accents.

A vibrant mix of global sophistication and cultural know-how, the prime location will embody the Thompson Hotels brand’s promise to provide a dynamic home-base for culture savvy guests to connect with each other and what inspires them. Perfect for both business and leisure guests, Thompson Madrid will be located in the center of the new Golden Mile of Madrid, and steps away from the most visited icons of the city, Puerta del Sol and the eclectic Gran Vía street.  

Thompson Madrid lounge space is a large, open-concept space with columns, islands, plants and other furnishings dividing the room into separate spaces full of meeting tables and lounge seating.

The hotel’s 175 guestrooms, including 23 exceptional suites, have been carefully designed and decorated to make guests to discover a new sense of modern luxury. The guestrooms will feature balconies and terraces with city views and fashion forward art and style. Thompson Madrid will offer a truly unique stay with the additional offer of a two-story penthouse with panoramic views.

Thompson Madrid guest rooms have been carefully designed and decorated to make guests to discover a new sense of modern luxury. Guest rooms feature rich wooden accents and furniture, as well as blown glass light fixtures.

Thompson Madrid will be a social anchor of the neighbourhood boasting three food and beverage outlets housed on various floors, including the signature rooftop terrace with a bar and restaurant, as well a speak-easy style venue. The culinary offerings will be managed by the renowned Grupo La Ancha, with a strong presence in Spain since the early 20th century and creator of beloved dining concepts such as Fismuler in Madrid. The rooftop will offer stunning views overlooking Madrid and will include an urban oasis, with a state of the art outdoor pool, a hilltop residential style bar, and a destination day club. Additional amenities will include uniquely designed event spaces, as well as an open-air courtyard and a fitness centre.

A boutique glass dome hotel in Machu Picchu makes for an unforgettable sleep under the stars

Tucked between Cusco and Machu Picchu, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, StarDome Peru, a one-of-a-kind geodesic dome boutique hotel, has officially opened its doors.

Co-founded and run by the local indigenous Quechuan community, StarDome Peru provides curious travellers with firsthand cultural immersions and transformational experiences led by locals.

Accepting reservations starting Feb. 1, the property is the “epitome of rugged luxury, where heated marble floors and handmade ceramic bathrooms are contrasted by an ultra-remote location only accessible through a private road and a staff that, while enthusiastic to serve, is 100% local with no prior hospitality training.

With prime location and deep local roots, StarDome Peru serves as a gateway to the region and is passionate about providing native cultural experiences, nature immersions and spiritual encounters for those seeking not just to travel, but to heal. StarDome Peru’s structure is that of a geodesic dome where the bottom floor offers access to five guest suites and the top floor offers the unique and immersive StarDeck — the heart of the property. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, 360 degree views and a telescope allow for guests to feel like they are one with the sky. The space is built for lounging, stargazing or hosting events.  Guests can choose from six accommodation options.

Within the StarDome guests can choose from five suites: the Garden Mountain, Garden Valley, one of two Sacred Valley Suites and the owner’s personal hideout, the Royal Mountain Suite. Inspired by traditional Incan decor and construction, all of the suites include heated marble floors, a private stone shower, traditional Inca-inspired tiling by world-renowned Peruvian ceramic artist Seminario, queen-sized beds, handmade blankets and hotel-like amenities.

Meanwhile, the Royal Mountain Suite offers a luxurious space like no other with double the room, a King-sized bed, a double jacuzzi and a private entrance to the StarDeck, in addition to the most iconic view of the region. Towering above StarDome in a stand-alone, cabin-like structure, the Royal Apu Suite, offers guests the best views and ultimate privacy.  Included with each suite booking is a traditional breakfast at the StarDome’s signature restaurant Apu, with options for private dining experiences that showcase the refined culinary heritage of Peru and highlight local chefs.

Future plans call for as many as ten more suites, a healing center for yoga and groups up to 20 with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and endless views. Guests can book either nightly stays or three to six-day all-inclusive personal retreat packages that cover everything from accommodations and transportation, to meals and curated experiences.

Led by Quechua Inca community members and elders, StarDome guests can take part in unforgettable experiences like healing ceremonies, plant medicine encounters, and natural excursions to some of the area’s most sought-after destinations, such as the renowned Machu Picchu, the Puma Marca Archeological Site, and the ancient village of Ollantaytambo, to name a few.

Catering to solo travelers, couples and groups alike, StarDome Peru also offers buy-out options. Introductory nightly rates start from $399 during low season and $1,299 during high season.

All bookings can be made directly through www.stardomeperu.com.

This stunning new luxury hotel in Tulum was designed with the help of local artisans

Located eight miles north of Tulum, in a secluded bay surrounded by a tropical forest and pristine Caribbean waters, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is a 349-room resort that offers a retreat for guests seeking a transformative getaway, with curated signature restaurants, destination spa, oceanfront pools and access to Tulum’s celebrated sights and attractions.

In the heart of the world’s most exquisite natural wonders, from jungles and beaches to hidden cenotes and colorful flora and fauna, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is designed to give guests a deep connection with Tulum’s distinctive landscape. Upon entering the lobby, guests pass through ornate wooden doors, engraved by local artisans, and are immediately greeted by sweeping ocean views and an immersive art installation, a nod to ancient Mayan architecture and Tulum’s surroundings. 

The nature-inspired theme continues throughout the hotel’s thoughtfully designed guest rooms, incorporating organic elements such as stone, wood and metal. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic ocean views, guest rooms are designed with calming tones and elegant furnishings, each with their own private balcony and relaxation tub or plunge pools on the ground floor rooms.

Guests seeking additional space can enjoy a suite complete with a spacious living room and adjacent dining area for up to eight people, as well as a spa-inspired master bathroom complete with a soaking tub and rainfall shower.

A destination unto itself, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya’s diverse dining options include five restaurants as well as six bars and lounges featuring globally inspired cuisine, casual poolside fare and world-class catering for meetings and events. Venues include energizing bar experiences serving up generous wine lists, regional spirits and refreshing tropical cocktails, and elevated dining experiences offering flavors of the world with innovative and local twists. A sample of the dining offerings at the hotel includes:

  • Autor: The resort’s most sophisticated dining experience is an ode to its chef or ‘author’ where guests experience a personalized culinary journey curated by Chef Jersaí Miranda.
  • Maratea: Features distinct cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean Basin from southern Spain to North Africa, Greece and Turkey.
  • Ukai: A sushi bar dedicated to the traditional Japanese fishing method, brought to life as a contemporary sushi counter committed to sustainable fishing.
  • Kengai: A Teppanyaki restaurant that merges classic Japanese and Southeast Asian techniques with local ingredients and styles, whose name is inspired by the Jacaranda tree, brought to Mexico by Japanese immigrants in the 20th century.
  • Chaak Bar: Named after the Mayan rain god and inspired by the cenotes where the Mayans would connect with him, Chaak Bar offers guests a place to seek shelter and recharge.
  • Cafetal: This upscale café and market are inspired by the traditional Tianguis, an economic and social gathering center in Mexican culture serving locally sourced coffee, snacks and all-day essentials.

Allowing travellers to discover new facets of well-being and self-fulfillment, the guest experience at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is characterized by a deep connection with the natural environment and to honor Tulum’s cultural traditions. Whether floating, snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal-clear bay waters or lounging in an oceanfront cabana by one of the five pools, guests can fully immerse themselves in this mystical paradise. 

Nestled within lush mangroves, the Conrad Spa Tulum, for example, is a destination purposefully designed as a wellness refuge.  Guests enjoy a wide range of services inspired by the legends of the Mayan gods and traditional Mexican herbalism in individual treatment rooms or “casitas.” Spa offerings include an extensive menu of body rituals, a sensory Water Ritual including an outdoor pool and thermal facilities and the Mayan Manteada, an ancient massage technique in which shawls are tied around the waist to relax and realign the body.

For guests looking for an enlightened sense of well-being and tranquility, the property has an in-house Shaman to perform ancient rituals like the purifying gratitude and sacred cenote ceremonies.

For more information, including photos, click here.

An all-villa and suite luxury resort is coming to Vietnam

IHG Hotels & Resorts will launch the first resort from its upper-luxury brand, Regent Hotels & Resorts in Spring 2022 in Southeast Asia.

Situated off the southwest coast of Vietnam, alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve and located just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, guests will be able to immerse in Regent Phu Quoc’s spectacular 176 suites and 126 villas, set against the serene waterfront backdrop of Long Beach.

Designed by BLINK Design Group, who were inspired by the island’s tropical abundance and tranquil surrounding, the villas at Regent Phu Quoc reveal panoramic views of the pearlescent ocean and sky with a private infinity pool. The resort offers multiple accommodation options perfect for both couples and families, from one-bedroom havens to expansive seven-bedroom ultra-villas, including beach pool villas with direct access to the pristine white beach, sky pool villas situated high in the Sky Wing boasting breathtaking ocean views and lagoon pool villas which overlook the striking vista of the resort’s lagoons.

Sky Pool Villa Pool Deck

Guests will be greeted by a modern interpretation of Vietnamese roofs, and a variation of the local traditional wooden truss structural system, known as the Bovi, has been developed into subtle patterns found on screens, carpets and accessories. Another local style known as Gian Nha- comprising small pockets and courtyards within a traditional Vietnamese house- is the inspiration for the courtyards featured in villa designs. The boundaries of indoor and outdoor areas blur through intelligent zoning across the resort as an homage to Gian Nha, providing privacy within a luxurious setting in this evolution of a traditional way of living.

Main Pool

From day to night, six curated venues at Regent Phu Quoc offer multi-sensorial experiences, celebrating the world of gastronomy, creating experiences that encourage guests to immerse themselves in the moment.

Among the six world-class restaurant and bar creations are Oku, an enchanting Franco-Japanese Salon de Boeuf serving the finest beef cuts and sushi at the Omakase counter; Rice Market, an all-day dining restaurant that takes diners on a culinary journey through Southern Vietnam and north towards the border of China; Ocean Club, a Mediterranean inspired beachfront venue that features rum-inspired cocktails and a live in-house DJ.; Lobby Lounge, a relaxing parlor offering all-day fare and beverage specialties that transform together with the time of the day; Bar Jade, a speakeasy for fine artisanal spirits and custom cocktails mixed with fresh local herbs; and Fu Bar, an exclusive sky pool terrace & bar specializing in gin-focused cocktails and inspired local bites.

Ocean Club

The Spa at Regent Phu Quoc redefines wellness experiences through innovation and design, offering a curated approach of contemporary and traditional treatments that go beyond the ordinary. Guests can experience a highly personalized wellness itinerary guided by the resident Holistic Wellness Coach. The resort’s holistic wellness programs include Acoustic/Vibrational Therapy complemented by the Welnamis System and Psammo Hot Sand Therapy on an exclusive quartz bed designed by Gharieni, one of the world’s leading spa manufacturers in addition to Biologique Recherche and the Pedi:Mani:Cure concept salon by renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. The Health Club features a fitness centre, reset meditation studio and rooftop yoga pavilions to recharge and rejuvenate.

The Spa

Nearly half of Phu Quoc island is a National Park. The northern part of the island is home to 121 square miles of lush tropical forest which has been declared as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, while the southern part of the island is popular for its pristine white sand beaches. Regent Phu Quoc introduces a range of immersive destination experiences manifesting the rustic charm of an idyllic island life.

This luxury hotel in Ibiza has an on-site spa devoted to anti-aging treatments

This November, Six Senses Ibiza is launching a series of longevity treatments and programs in collaboration with RoseBar, with a view to opening a one-of-a-kind longevity center in May 2022. It combines diagnostics with nutritional guidance and anti-aging treatments to achieve greater vitality, clarity of mind, and a youthful appearance at any age.

Along with its own scientific advisory board, RoseBar has teamed up with a world-class biotech company and AI specialist. Using advanced diagnostic algorithms, RoseBar explores next generation anti-aging treatments and nutraceuticals.

“Working with RoseBar, we believe longevity does not need to be served in a clinical environment,” says Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses Wellness Pioneer. “That’s why our longevity programs are a mix of science and spiritual work that can be integrated into a client’s daily life or stay at Six Senses Ibiza. Not only does this mean you’re surrounded by beautiful nature, but you can also access complementary treatments and therapies within our Six Senses Spa, or bespoke menus to amplify the benefits. It’s a holistic way to stretch your prime years and maximize your strength, energy and love of life.”

With 116 guest rooms and suites, Six Senses Ibiza combines a secluded bay setting with a comprehensive range of amenities and seasonal programming, farm-to-table dining, music, art, sustainable fashion, culture, and wellness. Each experience is inspired by the traditions and values of the island’s north to deliver an intentional destination that provokes meaningful moments of community, spirituality and celebration.

The RoseBar Essential Diagnostic starts from EUR 1,050, with multi-day programs starting from EUR 2,550.

 

The 25Hours Hotel in Florence, Italy, forces guests to spend a night in Heaven or Hell

A new opening by 25hours Hotels in Florence, Italy is anything but cookie cutter — giving guests the chance to stay in Heaven or Hell.

Inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, rooms at 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino are divided into two styles: Inferno and Paradiso. Milan-based designer Paola Navone created the red Inferno rooms with velvet curtains and black bed linen.

The Paradiso spaces are meant to be cloud-white retreats with ethereal blue accents.

The stylish 171 room property features a classic Negroni bar, a sauna with relaxation room, a gym, a seasonal Italian restaurant focusing on Tuscan cuisine, a typical alimentari – a grocery store for the neighbourhood, and a lively piazza that serves a small selection of food and drinks to suit the time of day.

The hotel, which represents the brand’s first property in Italy, is in close proximity to Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the main train station. Whether you opt for heaven or hell, the character of 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino makes for a memorable and highly photogenic place to spend the night.

To learn more about the 25hours Hotel San Paolino, click here.

A new luxury resort has opened in the southern hills of Bali

Perched on the hills above Nusa Dua beach, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua is a new resort that was inspired by traditional Balinese customs and design. The resort officially opened mid-December 2021.

Situated on the southern part of Bali, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort is a short 15-minute drive away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort features 310 stylish guest rooms, all of which were done with a Balinese mask pattern on the ceiling, a modern invention of ‘Balinese dancer’s head’ gobo light, and turquoise-accented walls. 

An homage to the natural elements of the island, decorative ceramics adorn the walls in each room to enhance the look of the space, with a freestanding ivory bathtub as its centerpiece.

For added relaxation, guests can relax at The Spa wellness centre which offers a selection of treatments that were inspired by the art of the Balinese healing method. There is also a 24-hour gym, as well as four thematic pools. The main pool is located across the lobby whereas the jungle pool mimics the natural beauty that the island is renowned for – crowned in lush greenery and along a man-made waterfall. The lagoon-like jungle pool is also where The Cove is located, which is a stunning wedding venue with an aisle stretching right to the heart of the pool.

As far as dining goes, guests of the Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua can choose from six options. Backstage is the property’s all-day restaurant that offers cuisine from around the world in a buffet-style setting.

Backstage Restaurant

Nusantara by Locavore is where guests can go for an authentic Indonesian meal, while Tanah Liat is the go-to spot for fresh seafood, plant-based cuisine (it’s also a pottery atelier and cooking lab by day).

Tanah Liat

Other dining options include the pool bar, Atomic 17, Lion X, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, and the lobby bar, R Bar, which has both a mixologist and barista on site. In the evenings, R Bar transforms into an elevated venue where guests and locals can mix and mingle over a full cocktail program and live music every evening.

Atomic 17

For more information, visit www.renaissancenusadua.com.

Escape to paradise at Naladhu, a private island in the Maldives

Naladhu Private Island, an exclusive luxury island haven in the Maldives, has reopened this November with a sleek new look following a complete redesign by New York based designer Yuji Yamazaki.  

Home to just 20 ‘houses’, Naladhu offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion and ensures an unrivalled level of service to meet the needs of the most discerning traveller.

The public areas and all 20 houses in this intimate resort have been renovated during a six-month closure. The resort’s top suite, the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, now boasts a 20-metre private beach and the resort interiors throughout have a contemporary feel using Indonesian teak furniture and high-quality materials such as Indonesian white stone for a lighter colour palette, creating a modern colonial style. 

The Ocean House with Pool and Private Beach Cabana.

The island’s restaurant, bar, wine cellar and gym have been transformed and the new Coconut Grove offers a secluded area for private experiences such as cinema under the stars or private yoga and fitness classes.

The resort’s two categories of houses are surrounded by tropical vegetation and invite a total immersion in nature. The Beach House with Pool has direct access to the white sands and lagoon, whilst the ocean house with a pool and private beach cabana has a large terrace with panoramic ocean view, in addition to its own dedicated cabana, where guests can relax on their oversized day bed attended by their butler, known as a Kuwaanu. 

Ocean House Pool and Garden.

Deriving from the Dhivehi word for storyteller in the Maldivian language, the Kuwaanu offers a refined and seamless service for guests 24 hours a day. Before guests have even departed for their holiday, the Kuwaanu ensures the in-house wine fridge is stocked with their choice of wine and champagne, whilst dive and snorkelling equipment is ready to wear in their exact sizes. As butler and guide, the Kuwaanu takes care of everything from unpacking and serving early morning coffee to organising a private island picnic and discussing each day’s dining requests for the chef.

The Living Room

The two bedroom beach pool residence, sleeping up to six guests, is a vast space guaranteeing peace and privacy. The Residence benefits from both sunrise and sunset views, with its pool and large deck facing the ocean, along with loungers, al fresco dining area and swing. Its new private beach, also with a beach cabana, offers direct access to the turquoise lagoon.

The Living Room at Twilight

Dining is completely bespoke with guests curating a daily menu and choosing their favourite dishes and locations around the clock, whether it’s an all-day breakfast taken barefoot on the beach, or a ‘journey around the world’ dinner. Favourite dining spots include The Living Room with views over the lagoon, a Champagne floating breakfast in the pool and moonlight midnight snacks on the beach. Led by Executive Chef Philippe Wagenfuhrer, the resort’s culinary team is experienced in cuisines from around the globe ranging from Arabic to Italian, French to Sri Lankan and Japanese to Indonesian, in addition to local Maldivian flavours. 

For more information on Naladhu Private island, click here.

 

Where to work remotely this winter

It’s been just over a year since Canada entered an economic shutdown that saw a majority of businesses transition their employees from an in-office, five-day work week to a remote work-from-home culture. According to Statistics Canada, at the beginning of 2021, 32 per cent of Canadian employees aged 15 to 69 worked most of their hours from home, compared with just four per cent back in 2016, and the number continues to increase.

While some employees are eager to swap their sweatpants for slacks and their slippers for heels once more, studies show that working from home has more benefits than disadvantages. These benefits include increased productivity, reported feelings of enhanced overall wellbeing and mental health, and financial savings, as daily spending on things like commuting costs, food and drink, and business attire have been eliminated. In fact, large proportions of individuals have reported accomplishing more work per hour (48 per cent), which can be due in part to less in-office distractions like chatty coworkers, meetings, or other interruptions. As a result, more employers are seeing the value in keeping their employees home, integrating various communication channels to adjust to the new normal. Remote work has also seen a rise in “work-from-anywhere” culture, so long as the employee has a stable internet connection and can
communicate with the employer. In anticipation of another year of remote work culture, here are four properties in the U.S. and Canada to consider for 2022.

Story by Christine Hogg

Four Places in North America to Check In When You're Feeling Checked Out

CLUB MED CHARLEVOIX

Quebec, Canada

Opening Dec. 3, 2021, Club Med Charlevoix will be Canada’s first-ever all-inclusive, all-season resort. Set on the St. Lawrence River in the Quebec wilderness, approximately an hour’s drive from the heart of Quebec City, Club Med Charlevoix is a 302-room resort that was designed to reflect the local landscape.

There are several cozy room categories to choose from, but the Exclusive Collection Suites offer the perfect work-from-home set-up, with a beautiful spacious living room, an oversized bathroom, and breathtaking views of the St.Lawrence River. Guests of the suites also have access to the premium Exclusive Collection Space “Le Saint-Laurent” that includes concierge service and a cozy welcome lounge with a fireplace, which is another perfect spot to get some work done. As an all-inclusive resort, guests of Club Med Quebec Charlevoix can enjoy perks like an in-room mini-bar that’s restocked daily, free unlimited high speed Wi-Fi throughout the resort, all-day gourmet dining and bar options, and more. When the work day is done, unwind with a dip in the heated pool, take a trip to the sauna that offers a panoramic river view, or take advantage of one of many included activities, like ice skating or snow-shoeing through the woods.

Rates for Club Med Quebec Charlevoix start as low as $210 per adult per night. The nearest airport is Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
(clubmed.ca/r/quebec-charlevoix/w)

GRADUATE ROOSEVELT ISLAND

New York, NY

Looking for a different kind of island escape this winter? The Graduate Roosevelt Island is a colourful, scholastic retreat in the middle of the East River on the Cornell Tech Campus. In the lobby, guests are greeted by 5,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which are the ultimate setting and inspiration to get to work.

There are four room categories available, including two suite classes. Each room is done in contemporary style, and comes equipped with a writing desk and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s largest suite, the Presidential, can be found on the seventeenth floor and includes a spacious living room with floor to ceiling views of the Queensboro Bridge. For those who intend to stay a while, other amenities include a full-sized fridge and dining room table, which makes cooking an option. There are three restaurants on site, including a coffee cart that offers the perfect pick-me-up for in between those morning meetings. Recognizing that many travel with their pets, the Graduate also offers a special Pup Package– during your stay, your room will include a bed, bowl, and treats for your furry companion, and you’ll both have access to the dog runs on the island.

The Graduate Roosevelt Island is easily accessible by taking the F Train, the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the NYC ferry, or by car – from Toronto, it’s about an eight-hour drive. Alternatively, guests can fly from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) aboard Porter Airlines, and get to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in an hour-and-a-half. The Graduate Roosevelt Island is then an hour away by car or public transit.
(graduatehotels.com/roosevelt-island/hotel/)

POINTE HILTON TAPATIO CLIFFS RESORT

Phoenix, AZ

For those who want the added perk of escaping the cold Canadian winter while continuing to work remotely, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is the perfect solution. Conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix and 20 minutes from Sky Harbour International Airport, this desert oasis is a 584-all-suite resort that doubles as a stand-out golf and wellness retreat. All of the spacious two-room suites include wired and wireless internet access, a separate living area with a desk and chair, a private balcony (which doubles as a nice spot to work outside), and dual line telephones with data ports.

Sneak in a round of 18-hole golf on your lunch break (we won’t tell your boss!) at the resort’s award-winning Lookout Mountain Golf Course, with the Sonoran desert and towering Phoenix North Mountains as a backdrop. There are four restaurants on site, including fine dining options. There are also a selection of grab-and-go options for coffee and a light breakfast. An ideal home away from home for Canadians this winter, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort also has a number of discounted packages available that offer great perks for extended stays, including daily complimentary dining vouchers.
(tapatiocliffshilton.com)

THE JOSIE

Rossland, BC

Luxury boutique hotel The Josie recently became a part of Marriott International’s exclusive Autograph Collection Hotels portfolio. The perfect retreat for both relaxation and inspiration, The Josie is an upscale ski-in/ski-out 106-room property that sits at the base of RED Mountain Resort, an independent, 3,850-acre winter and summer playground, ranked ninth largest in skiable acres in North America. The remote location of the hotel in Rossland, BC provides a sense of escape from everyday 9 to 5 responsibilities.

With a collection of stylish guest rooms and suites designed to bring the outdoors in, alongside crackling fire pits, a premier spa and fitness facility, and ski concierge services, The Josie offers the ultimate work-from-home away from home experience. All of the beautifully-appointed rooms offer a functional workspace complete with a table and chair. For guests who prefer to work outside of their rooms, the downstairs lobby is outfitted with plush leather couches and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the resort year-round. The Josie is located 35 minutes away from the West Kootenay Regional Airport, which is served by Air Canada/Jazz. An airport shuttle bus service, Mountain Shuttle, operates daily between Castlegar and Rossland.
(www.thejosie.com

Which luxury St Martin Villa is the right choice for you?

As the temperature begins to drop and our clouds turn drab hues of grey, many Canadians are dreaming of Caribbean beaches and planning their escape. For those craving sun, sand, sea and the finer experiences in life, these luxury villas in St. Martin provide the perfect oasis for your winter escape.

VILLA AMANDARA

Located in Terres Basses on the French side of St. Martin, Villa Amandara is the quintessential multigenerational villa. A sleek yet dramatic interior blends soft cream travertine and dark hardwood features, harmoniously complementing the natural surroundings. The inclusion of glass doors offers stunning panoramic views and the blue mosaic tiled infinity pool creates a sense of continuum from land to sea. Offering five bedrooms, six bathrooms and catering to ten guests, this villa is only an eight-minute drive away from Marigot, rich with restaurants, shopping, and art galleries.

VILLA CASA CERVO

Perched on the ocean’s edge, Casa Cervo brings stunning views across the water to Anguilla and the mountain peaks of St Martin. With picturesque views from every window and easy beach access, the tropical beauty of St. Martin is well-represented. The ample open plan features, fine glass doors and expansive outdoor areas create a sense of fluidity throughout the space. A sea-facing verandah connecting all rooms within the main house allows guests the opportunity for a versatile dining, lounging and entertaining experience during their stay.

VILLA TRUFFLE

This free-standing five-bedroom villa is situated on a three-acre lot tucked within a hillside in Terres Basses. Offering uninterrupted views of the sea from the property’s expansive private gardens and lawns, this is an intimate property ideal for friends and families. With a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and a terrace boasting seven different seating and lounging areas, this is the perfect property to come together, connect and entertain. Mixing tranquility with convenient proximity to some of the best dining and shopping experiences available on the island, this modern architectural masterpiece gives guests an exclusive taste of luxury within its chic interior.

Story by Christine Hogg