51 Degrees luxury thermal retreat in Switzerland

This stunning luxury resort property called 51 Degrees is nestled high in the mountains of Leukerbad, Switzerland has been interior designed by Marc-Michaels Interior Design Inc. This world-class exclusive getaway retreat hotel, spa and private residences features stunning snow-capped valley views of the mountains and trees. Leukerbad, a quaint resort town of only 1,400 is located in Wallis, Switzerland. It has been known since the Roman times for its thermal waters that pour out at 51° Celsius, or 124° Fahrenheit. The concept of the project is to celebrate the famous water both inside and out, starting with the project architect, Michael Graves, building the envelope in harmony with the site and surrounding village.

The interior design embraces a water theme throughout. Private residences enjoy their own personal spa features in each suite. This getaway retreat showcases stylish and contemporary interiors, with an elegant color palette against natural materials such as reclaimed oak, translucent white quartz, charcoal green slate and smoke grey granite. Expansive and airy floor plans reflect modern living tastes, a spirit which is reflected in the oversized proportions of the rooms as well as in the expansive windows in every room opening onto the magnificent Alps.

The residences are generous in size and limited to just 30. Fabulous for entertaining and serene living, the mountain homes offer 137-225m² of opulence. The elite residences are available in one, three and four bedrooms, kitchens with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and high-tech quartz composite worktops, bar with wine refrigerator and generous terraces or balconies. Blending seamlessly into the alpine environment, the elegant homes boast panoramic views of the mountains and valley.

This is the world’s first development featuring indoor and outdoor thermal spas, with water from deep mountain springs tapped directly into each private residence. Each residence has its own dedicated, unlimited supply of Leukerbad’s fabled thermal water and mineral salts.

Each master suite has its very own personal spa facility, with an indoor-outdoor soaking pool, a steam room and an indoor master bathtub, all of which are fed by dedicated water lines directly from the thermal spring. Most sublime of all is what is probably the best bath in the world. Made of heavy, dark wood and situated next to both the suite’s fireplace and the folding glass wall with its majestic view of the Alps, the massive free-standing soaking tub is the ultimate indulgence.

One of the more decadent indulgences is the sumptuous moon bath, an oversized soaking tub set into the Concetto stone slab on every terrace. Designed for either solitary or social use and accessible from both the master spa suite and living area, and equipped with Jacuzzi water jets, this larger tub can accommodate up to six people. With the outdoor fireplace close at hand and surrounded by history’s most fabled mountains, the outdoor soaking tub is the perfect way to relax.

There will be an impressive array of luxury amenities awaiting residents, including a 5-star hotel, 900m² spa with treatment rooms, fitness studio and pool, restaurants, wine bar, private lounge, private wine cave, screening room, game rooms, children’s club, panoramic lobby/salon area, branded boutiques, doorman, ski valet and expert concierge services.

Exclusive 5 Star Luxury Hotel: Amanfayun, China

Just beyond the temples and village of Tianzhu, hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake, is Amanfayun, a collection of 42 habitats that once housed villagers who tended to century-old tea fields. Between the clattering bamboo, and the pungent tea, a wide variety of plant life flourishes here, including figs, chestnuts, magnolia, and waxberry, among others.

In each traditional brick-and-timber courtyard dwelling, bleached wood and stone have been deftly manipulated into modern furnishings that still exude the historic soul of the property. The villa suites have been designed by designer Jaya Ibrahim with unvarnished elm furniture, lattice screens, and delicate rice-paper lanterns.

The surrounding grounds of the property are immaculate with temples, solemn monks, jade-green tree groves, pagodas, and more aromatic teas than your palette can possibly imagine.

Visit the spa, and soak in the Japanese-style deep soaking tubs in the bathhouse while sipping fresh juices. The staff will take your shoes at arrival, and return them polished when you leave. That way, your footwear is as clean as your inner-being.

Nightly rates to stay at Amanfayun starts at $700 per night, from here.

Exquisite Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa

On lush hillsides set in an eco-reserve awaits the secluded paradise of Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, allowing its guests to maintain a quiet, luxurious home base on Boracay Island in the Philippines. Considered one of the premier beach resorts on the island, the hotel consists of 219 rooms, suites and villas. These luxurious accommodations are designed with modern sensibilities. Indigenous materials such as Abaca weave rugs and accent lighting created with local capiz shells add a touch of Philippine flavor. All rooms have a spacious balcony with a daybed.

Each of Shangri-La’s restaurants is thoughtfully placed to emphasize the hotel’s best views. Eat amid the treetops at Rima, or dive into fresh seafood while watching the wave’s crash into the cliffs below at Sirena. Shangri-La provides everything required to pamper you back to life after spending the day exploring the island and ocean. The hotel’s enormous spa features a wide array of slow, careful treatments based on Chinese and native Philippines healing concepts.

Nightly rates for this incredible tropical resort start at $323, from here.

Dramatic oceanfront setting: Bali’s AYANA Resort

In Sanskrit, the word “ayana” means a place of refuge, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is perched on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean in one of the world´s most exotic resort destinations. Set on 77 hectares of cliff-top tropical gargens perched 35 meters above Jimbaran Bay, the property enjoys majestic views and a secluded location across its 1.3 kilometer coastline. With a 290-room hotel, there are 78 luxury private villas designed to ensure maximum seclusion for every guest, these 78 free-standing luxury ocean view Bali villas are set in traditional Balinese compounds with private pools surrounded by tropical gardens. You will feel like the only people on earth. For the pinnacle in luxury and privacy, guests may reserve the cliffside three-bedroom AYANA Villa located on 3,000 square-meters of landscaped gardens.

The 13 dining venues include the Rock Bar built, on natural rock 14 meters above the ocean at the base of towering cliffs, offering unrivaled panoramic views of Bali´s famed sunsets. Recreational facilities include the acclaimed 22,000 square-meter Thalasso Spa with one of the world´s largest Aquatonic Pools and the spectacular Spa on the Rocks treatment villas; four freshwater swimming pools including a children’s’ pool; the stunning salt-water, infinity-edged Ocean Beach Pool; 18-hole golf putting course; tennis pavilion; fitness center; children’s center; a variety of cliff-top wedding and banquet venues; conference and meeting facilities; and retail arcade.

Book your escape at the best luxury hotel in Bali, with rates starting at $239 per night, from here.

Extravagant tropical retreat in the Caribbean

Caressing the crystal-clear waters of the Samana Peninsula, Sublime Samana Hotel & Residence boasts 20 private suites and casitas nestled on the Dominican Republic’s most dazzling, remote beaches. The Samana province of the island’s northeastern coast remains one of the most undiscovered, unspoiled habitats of the Caribbean. Surrounded by lush, tropical mountains, guests can enjoy unparalleled seclusion, while swimming through sparkling turquoise waters and relaxing on luxurious shaded sunbeds.

The casitas and main residential building seamlessly mesh a brilliantly modern architectural scheme with the natural landscape, perfectly framing the property’s spectacular interconnected pools. The spacious architect-designed private suites and casitas offer unwavering luxury with open floor plans that allow for a peaceful immersion with the wondrous sights and sounds of the magically exotic, mountainous ocean setting.

Each of the 16 private suites and four casitas feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a comfortable private balcony or terrace, elegant, inviting furnishings, dining rooms and fully equipped kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. Sublime Samana spared no detail in ensuring the best of creature comforts for its guests. A gem of the Caribbean, the isolated property gives guests access to six-miles of pristine, palm-fringed beach.

Indulge yourself in this stunning luxury property; rates range from $156 – $699, from here.

Luxurious Chalet Zermatt Peak in the Swiss Alps

Chalet Zermatt Peak is a luxurious designer chalet in the center of Zermatt, one of the most sought-after ski destinations in the Swiss Alps. The experience starts at the entrance, tunneled into the rock, reminiscent of an ultra-cool Bond villain’s lair. Even the ski room has stylish ambient lighting and a surround sound TV system. Up the lift to the vast open plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas with double height roof and exposed timber beams as well as floor-to-ceiling glass windows, accentuating the space and light, making the most of the jaw-dropping panoramic views over Zermatt to the Matterhorn. The main living area boasts an amazing view of the village backlit by its designer feature-fireplace. Located just off the lounge is a library / study area.

The chalet offers 684 square meters of internal luxury living space with an additional 137 square meters of external terraces and balconies. The property also boasts internal and external kitchens that can be used for entertaining all year round. There are five double bedrooms, all with en-suite designer bathrooms and dressing areas with the master bedroom featuring a large private indoor Jacuzzi. The furnishings and finishing touches throughout the chalet are superb, with walnut floors, Brazilian stone and Italian Marble and Murano crystal chandeliers.

The glass-walled private wellness area is spectacular and the centerpiece is the large indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi pool which extends out to the external terrace. Relax in the Finnish (dry) or Swedish (wet) sauna and steam room, work out in the gym, or try out the relaxation and massage area and rinse off in the power showers. The external wellness terrace incorporates a relaxation area with external kitchen and dining area offering alfresco dining all year round. Other features include a walk-in wine cellar, ski room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls combined with ambiance lighting and a professional preparation kitchen.

The chalet can sleep up to 15 people with a combination of adults and children, comfortably providing for up to 10 adults in 5 double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Prices ranges from $2,022 – $3,371 per person, per night, from here.

Sumptuous Auberge du Soleil in wine country

This exquisite luxury resort, set on 33 acres of sprawling vineyards and olive groves, in Napa Valley, California. Auberge du Soleil is a 52-room hotel that provides spectacular views from a hilltop perch down onto the valley. Auberge’s signature style of soft-spoken luxury has been recently updated by leading designer Suzanne Tucker, who has infused a bright, rich look reminiscent of a secluded Côte d’Azur retreat. The resort offers lavish cottages that are designed in sun and earth tone hues, with wood burning fireplaces and refrigerators that are stocked with local wines and cheeses. The bathrooms feature skylights and flat screen televisions. French doors open onto private terraces, cozy fireplaces and sensuous elements such as private soaking tubs for two.

Auberge du Soleil perfected the art of balancing wellness with luxurious indulgence when it opened Auberge Spa, a retreat modeled after a centuries-old monastery that continues to be one of the most acclaimed spas in the country. That was later followed by a transformation of the swimming pool into La Plage, a sexy, laid-back outdoor pool and living room, where hotel guests can spend lazy hours lounging poolside on oversized chaises or underneath gauze-draped canopies on day beds for two. There is an open-air art gallery on the grounds that is open only to resort guests, but visitors who dine at the fabulous restaurant can also take a visit into the stunning sculpture garden, laced with olive groves and meandering gravel paths. With 90 sculptures throughout the lush grounds, one can move from piece to piece in wonderment and delight.

Since it opened, resort guests have been drawn to the Auberge for its tranquility, style and unmistakable romance. The pleasures of escape, total privacy, and the intimacy of having a beautiful spot to share are part of the timeless allure of Auberge du Soleil.

Nightly rates range from $600.00 – $3,750.00, including breakfast for two in the restaurant, from here.

Luxurious Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort

Le Méridien Bora Bora is a contemporary and elegant luxury resort set on a magnificent islet surrounded by the most beautiful lagoon in the world and offers stunning sights over Mount Otemanu. The resort offers a combination of outstanding bungalows and villa suites, from Beach Bungalows or Lagoon Bungalows to the most romantic Overwater Bungalows featuring a large glass floor with amazing views of the lagoon and its marine life. All bungalows have chic and modern furniture, full facilities and the flavor of the Polynesian culture. For more intimacy, explore the One Bedroom Pool Beach Villas or indulge yourself in the Two Bedrooms Pool Beach Villas, offering rooms and a private infinity pool overlooking the inner lagoon of the resort.

The Resort has a giant interior lagoon with sea turtles (free swimming anytime for the guests) and more than 100 fish species. The 2,000 square foot infinity swimming pool with Jacuzzi, waterfall, pool bar and new deck offers a spectacular view over Mount Otemanu. Many free activities are offered such as Polynesian outrigger, canoe, snorkeling and beach volley ball. Various romantic options are available such as over-water chapel for weddings, canoe breakfasts or romantic dinners under the stars. The wellness center is open 7 days a week and offers various massages and treatments. The resort has an Overwater Chapel with a glass bottom overlooking the lagoon. Romantic dinners can also be celebrated on the chapel terrace.

To stay at this fabulous resort, prices range from $3,881 – $6,461 per week, from here.

World’s largest saltwater swimming pool in Chile

The Crystal Lagoon at San Alfonso del Mar Resort is located in the city of Algarrobo, Chile and holds the Guinness record for the world’s deepest pool at a whopping 115 feet! The resort has the world’s largest swimming pool, which spans up to 19.8 acres, totaling 20 Olympic-size swimming pools and holding 66 million gallons of crystal clear seawater. The pool is large enough for sailing and comes with its own fake beach. The colossal man-made lagoon took almost five years to construct and set the developers back as much as £1billion (1.2061 billion USD). To maintain this expansive swimming pool is an additional £2million (2.414 million USD) a year to keep it in working order. The resort uses a computer-controlled suction and filtration system to suck water in from the ocean at one end and then pump it out at the other, while the sun warms the water to 26C (78.8F), which is nine degree higher than the temperature of the sea.

This idyllic beach paradise has been developed by Crystal Lagoons Corporation, transforming locations into ideal conditions for bathing and practicing water sports with cutting edge technology.

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Cliffside Bali resort with awe-inspiring ocean views

The Bulgari Resort is located in one of the most exclusive and tropical destinations in the world, Bali, Indonesia. Designed by the architectural studio of Antonio Citterio and Partners, the luxurious resort combines the breathtaking beauty of unspoiled nature with a sophisticated contemporary design, a synthesis of Italian design and traditional Balinese style. Standing atop a cliff 150 meters over the Indian Ocean, the resort appears like a medieval fortress town, walled and secret.

There are 59 villas, each with its own garden, pool and outdoor living room of 300 square meters that looks out over the coconut thatch rooftops and the Indian Ocean. The floor plan makes a sharp distinction between the quiet and reserved private area and the glamorously festive social area. The construction faithfully respects local techniques, with the interior walls made of hand-cut volcanic stone and palimanan, while the window and door frames feature the sophisticated nuances of Javanese mahogany. The refined fabrics that adorn the rooms are designed and woven locally in collaboration with a team of Balinese artists and designers.

Nightly rates at this luxurious property start at $1,050, from here.