Fireside Resort luxury ski cabins in Jackson Hole

Fireside Resort features an innovative new perspective on mountain town lodging in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The luxury resort offers 19 ski cabins that reflect the heritage of the valley’s original homesteader cabins. That rustic appeal is then combined with understated elegance and modern conveniences. Every cabin is designed to offer a combination of rustic and modern aesthetics. Designed by WheelHaus, the cabins are a “Wedge” design which features an angled roof, starting low above the bedrooms and builds to 17 feet in the living room.

Trapezoidal windows grow similarly from back to front, offering natural light while maintaining privacy. The front of the cabin is almost entirely glass. A large sliding glass door opens to a private deck. Each cabin has one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen/living room and a private deck. The ceilings and exterior side are covered with reclaimed Wyoming snow fencing.

The bedrooms feature a king size bed with two side tables and linen lamp style sconces. The kitchen/living room was designed to offer both comfort and functionality. The mini-kitchen is fully equipped with concrete countertops and modern rustic cabinetry. A large bomber leather sofa, two cowhide ottomans, two barn wood side tables, custom made wrought iron lamps and railroad cart coffee tables make up living room furnishings. A mini-high efficiency gas burning fireplace warms the room. Mounted above the fireplace is a flat screen HDTV and attractive, colorful art brightens every room.

The fully appointed bathrooms are small yet functional with custom vanities with concrete countertops/sinks and quartzite floors. An additional bonus for those that don’t want to vacation without their pets, the cabins are pet friendly!

To stay in one of these luxurious cabins, rates run from $289 per night, from here.

Amazing sustainable hotel in Mexico: TuboHotel

The TuboHotel is an eco-friendly destination spot which came out of the need of having an inexpensive room for users. Made from recycled concrete pipes, the hotel was designed by T3arc in the outskirts of Tepoztlán, Mexico, with excellent panoramic views of the Sierra del Tepozteco. Located in a wooded setting of unusual features, the surrounding environment provides a unique natural environment.

The goal was to have the ability to build a fast and affordable hotel that offered lodging for Tepoztlan tourist. With a projection of 20 rooms, the first modules were built. The rooms (tubes) were placed in three modules stacked on top of each other to gain as much space as possible.

T3arc was commissioned to do a general plan and build the first three tubocretos modules then Tubohotel administration was responsible for building the remaining modules. The order of the tubes is random with respect to the topography. Construction took place over a period of three months.

Photos: Luis Gordoa

Gorgeous bohemian style riad in Marrakech

One of the four biggest riads in Marrakech, Morocco, this riad was once the residence of the Riyad Charai family and the property of the Private Secretary to the famous Pasha Glaoui. Hidden behind a weather-beaten door in the narrow streets of Bab Tharhzout quarter, this lovely riad boasts a larger than average floor area, giving it a spacious and airy feel. Riad Charai offers nine suites, each with their own fireplace, situated around the patio and pool area. The large inner courtyard is laid with beijamatte tiles and planted with fragrant orange trees, palms, bamboo and cacti and features the traditional fountain.

Behind the labyrinth of rooms there is a staircase leading to two large roof terraces offering magnificent views over Marrakech and the Atlas mountains. The riad has been beautifully and elegantly restored by Rocco Forte designer, Carine Mavrolen, in true ‘Nouveaux Moroccan’ style using traditional local materials and craftsmanship, but with a contemporary and minimalist twist that sets it apart. Part of the furniture is original Art Deco furniture from the famous Mamounia hotel, including the bar stools from the ‘Churchill bar’. The riad facilities include a spacious swimming pool, lounge with fireplace, dining area set around a fireplace and a spa with a hammam, massage room, and another fireplace.

To stay at the fabulous Riad Charai, rates range from $166 – $408 per night, from here.

Photos: Verne

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.

Charming 16th century ivy-clad mill hotel

In the picturesque small market town of Brantôme, is this ivy-clad mill, hotel Le Moulin de L’Abbaye, one of the most delightful places on the Dordogne region of France. The vista takes in the right-angled bridge, a 16th century masterpiece, the monastery garden, the medieval tower, the Renaissance pavilion and the famous abbey founded by Charlemagne. This picturesque landscape is the ideal place for a charming stay and a warm welcome is guaranteed. Founded in 1978, with the aim of creating a base from which to explore the region’s charms, the Moulin de l’Abbaye comprises three historical houses, with the rooms being split between the three buildings. The old Mill is the main building of the hotel and houses Reception as well as the Moulin de l’Abbaye restaurant.

The mill originally milled the town’s grain, weaved its wool, and by the turn of the last century, provided electricity for the townsfolk. The rooms and lounges are both elegant and inviting, the light-filled dining room opens onto a shady terrace on the river banks. There are several different room categories, perfect for couples up to large families, making an ideal base to discover the heart of the Perigord. Rooms range from Classic and Traditional Rooms, through Superior and Deluxe Rooms to elegant Junior Suites, a new Caractere room with private terrace, heated Jacuzzi overlooking the Dronne, and a spacious and luxurious Apartment. At the “Moulin”, the “Maison du Meunier” and the “Maison de l’Abbé”, where the famous Abbot of Brantôme, Pierre de Bourdeilles, once lived, the stage is set to enjoy this romantic, magical setting.

To stay at this spectacular retreat, prices range from approximately $200 – $800, 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.

Deep in Patagonia’s landscape: Hotel Salto Chico

The enormous mountain range of the Chilean Patagonia as a backdrop adds to the true beauty and wonderment of this region. The architecture of the hotel is small-scale in comparison to its surrounding environment. Designed by talented Chilean architect German del Sol, founder of the Explora travel agency, Hotel Salto Chico can be found at what some would consider, “the world’s ultimate lands’ end.” This stunning luxury eco-hotel is located in Torres del Paine, a national park in central Patagonia, along the banks of Lake Pahoe, at the southernmost tip of Chile. This area has also been declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, due the extensive untouched land. Del Sol created this 50 room property with an attempt to flow with the natural forms that surround it. Viewed from up close, this hotel appears more as an observation station with incredible ambiance.

To stay as a guest in one of these beautiful appointed rooms with an incredible view ranges from, $2,660 to $6,224 for four nights or $4,720 to $11,360 for eight nights, per person, all meals and excursions included, from here.

The exterior of the hotel has been painted white to blend in with the exterior environment of glaciers, icebergs and snowcapped mountains.

The pathway leads to various places such as the street, into nature, as well as the pier at Lake Pahoe.

The interiors of the hotel features a mix of local lenga wood, cypress, and slate, as well clever lighting and panels of glass that provide incredible views of the park.

The architect designed all the lighting, furniture and accessories and had local artisans crafts everything from materials native to the land. Most of the rooms feature panoramic views of the waterfalls, mountains, glaciers or lakes that are adjacent to the hotel.

Wood support beams in the interior and cement cladding on the exterior of the hotel help to protect the structure from the strong winds and harsh winter elements.

The Ona Bath House is in a separate section of the hotel, the pool and the jacuzzi is at the same elevation as the lake to take advantage of the views.

Tropical hideaway on the island of Mauritius

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge is a small, boutique hotel, managed, like a guesthouse but with the full service of a five star hotel, located in Mauritius, an island off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Past the gate, guests are delighted by this 10-hectare tropical garden and by the charm of the typical Creole-type buildings which totally blend into the surroundings, in a successful mix of comfort and authenticity. Surrounded by the mountains of Chamarel, Lakaz Chamarel is a pearl among the top hotels of the destination which guarantees exclusivity and serenity to nature and green tourism lovers in a warm and harmonious decor, and with a refined local cuisine.

Scattered around the main building, which houses a living room, T.V. lounge, kitchen, dining room and terrace, the 20 luxurious guest cottages represent the various diversity of different cultures on the Island. Each room’s ethnic influence in its furniture and its decoration comes from China, Africa, India, or simply the tropics. The wood, the slate, the beams, the terra cotta, the ton ochre, beige and rust typically confer to this Exclusive Lodge, a Mauritian charm. Suites have their own private pool and open air shower. There are two swimming pools for guest’s enjoyment, one of which is near a large gazebo where a bar and another dining room can be found.

To stay at this stunning retreat, visit www.lakazchamarel.com.