JULY/AUGUST 2018

Top 100 Suites

TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE WITH OUR DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE BEST ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE PLANET Top 100 Suites

Our definitive list of the most opulent, extravagant and decadent accommodations on the planet takes you on a journey of discovery from the hills of Bali to the shore of Lake Geneva. Exceptional amenities, stunning design and over-the-top attention to detail ensure these suites are a cut above the rest Outdoors They don’t call it the great outdoors for nothing, and these suites certainly make the most of their epic surroundings — from the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland to the South African bush by Samantha Coles

THE GRATITUDE PANORAMA SUITE MIRAVALARIZONA,USA ALPINA GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND

Set at the base of Arizona’s Santa Catalina The ultimate with a view, the Panorama Mountains, Miraval is so much more than a resort Suite offers incredible vistas of the Swiss Alps with wellness facilities. The four key pillars, from the second floor of this two-story suite, “indulge, challenge, renew and improve,” cater to where you’ll also find a treatment room, , every requirement, be it a näga massage (using steam room, mini gym and — our favorite suspended silks to stretch muscles) or attempting feature — the outdoor Jacuzzi. The suite’s three a 35-ft-high desert tightrope. There are over 120 are spread across two floors; the complimentary classes available, many of which master has a private and its make the most of the resort’s 400 secluded acres own fireplace. The decor is classic chalet style with nature trails and equine experiences. The with wooden and beamed , cozy Gratitude villa is the one to book — this three- furnishings and marble accents. The lower floor bedroom space has exceptional panoramic views is perfect for socializing and relaxing after a day of the mountains, complete with a large , fire heli-skiing — thanks to the gigantic pit and infinity pool. Villa ownership is available if complete with a floor-to- chimneypiece you get hooked on the Miraval lifestyle. and fireplace. From $2,695 per night. Contact Carl Pratt, vice From $21,000 per night. Contact Valentina president and general manager, cpratt@ Sgaglione, reservations manager, miravalresorts.com, +1 855 234 1672, [email protected], miravalresorts.com +41 338 889 888, thealpinagstaad.ch BEACH QUALIA HAMILTON ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Enveloped by Australian bushland and landscaped gardens, the Beach House is laid-back living at its best. Take a dip in the private infinity pool or catch a few rays on the furnished sundeck. The one-bedroom suite’s secluded seafront location ensures peace and quiet. But if you’d prefer to socialize, there’s a 10-person and a private, separate guesthouse with en-suite and private , in case your guests want to stay the night after making the most of the fully stocked bar. The views over the Whitsunday Passage and Coral Sea will have you itching to explore, and the House has golf buggies available and a VIP chauffeur service. Or take to the skies to see the awesome scenery from above with the helicopter reef-discovery tour. From $4,550 per night. Contact Kyle LaMonica, general manager, [email protected], +61 749 489 222, qualia.com.au 85 elite traveler JULY/AUG 2018

CASA CORAL ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Encircled by lush jungle and a cerulean lagoon, this three-bedroom villa is certainly striking in brilliant limestone against its vibrant surroundings. Designed to utilize the enchanting views, all bedrooms and living spaces are lagoon facing, with floor-to-ceiling and sliding . On the lower level you’ll find the master bedroom with private deck and outdoor rain shower, media room, , dining room and living room. Outside, the large has a heated that overlooks the lagoon, plus a private boat dock. The Casa’s is on hand to ensure your stay is perfect and can help arrange activites — we recommend visiting the sacred Mayan cenotes and swimming through the underwater caves. From $5,000 per night. Contact Daniel Scott, managing director, mayakoba@rosewoodhotels. com, +52 984 875 8000, rosewoodhotels.com

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR SUITE GLENEAGLES, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND

More of a stately than a suite, the Royal Lochnagar Suite is utterly charming. From the grand canopy-dressed four-poster bed to the bottle of Royal Lochnagar whisky waiting for you on arrival, every detail is considered to make you feel like a permanent resident of the imposing country estate. The one-bedroom suite, complete with private dining room and sitting room, has stunning views over Glendevon and Ochil Hills. Gleneagles offers plenty of country pursuits including shooting, falconry, archery, fishing and off-road driving, as well as plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. After a day spent enjoying the PENTHOUSE SUITE fresh, pristine countryside, head to the Andrew Fairlie — the only restaurant in HOTEL CALA DI VOLPE, SARDINIA, ITALY Scotland with two Michelin stars — for five-hour smoked lobster. This remarkably gorgeous hotel — positioned on the equally gorgeous Costa Smeralda — wouldn’t look out of place in From $5,045 per night. Contact Lorraine a traditional fishing village with its rustic stone structures, domed archways and timber features. We love the charming McCreadie, reservations manager, lorraine. Sardinian touches, such as the hand-painted furnishings and playful multicolored pastel staircase. The 2,690-sq-ft [email protected], suite has three bedrooms, two living and private cellar. The terracotta solarium is the same square footage +44 176 466 2231, gleneagles.com as the whole suite, with a large private swimming pool and dining space for eight people — indulge in a long, relaxed while taking in the spectacular coastal views. From $41,117 per night. Contact Franco Mulas, general manager, [email protected],

Photos Erhard Pfeiffer, James Merrell +39 078 997 6111, caladivolpe.com INSPIRE TOP 100 SUITES

SINGITA CASTLETON SINGITA SABI SAND, HAZYVIEW, SOUTH AFRICA

As the former family home of Singita founder Luke Bailes’s grandfather, Singita Castleton still has family values at its heart and you’ll feel right at ALII ROYAL SUITE home in this lodge. Designed to blend a traditional FOUR SEASONS , HAWAII, USA safari camp with a rustic farmhouse, the individual cottages allow for privacy while the swimming The island of Lanai is beautifully diverse, with pool, , tennis court and traditional boma pine forests, red lava cliffs and sandy beaches, bring the group back together. Then there are the and is one of Hawaii’s most pristine islands. game drives — as Singita Castleton has its own From the Alii Royal Suite, you’ll get the best guide and tracker, you can go on game drives views covering the Pacific and Hulopoe Bay whenever you wish. Look out for elephants, marine sanctuary — man the ’s antelopes and big cats (leopards are seen here) binocular tripods and try to spot spinner roaming around the reserve’s 45,000 acres. Or, dolphins. The two-bedroom suite marries super you might spot them from the lodge as it overlooks luxurious Four Seasons style with laid-back a watering hole that animals frequently visit. Hawaii and includes a formal living room with From $11,600 per night. Contact Graham connecting powder room, two large bedrooms, Kennedy, regional general manager, enquiries@ media room and six-person dining room. The singita.com, +27 216 833 424, singita.com resort has partnered with NetJets to create a hidden Hawaii package — a number of exciting ways to explore the island, including a sunset horseback ride, 4x4 off-roading and a private stargazing catamaran voyage. From $18,000 per night. Contact Alastair McAlpine, general manager, alastair. [email protected], +1 808 565 2889, fourseasons.com

THE PAEPCKE SUITE THELITTLENELL,ASPEN,COLORADO,USA

Named after Walter Paepcke, the founder of the Aspen Skiing Company and the Aspen Music Festival and School, the suite embodies his creative spirit with outstanding art and design features including two pieces by John Riepenhoff, an Ajiro wood veneer covering by Maya Romanoff and a custom- designed game with crystal chess and backgammon pieces by Mattaliano. The 2,500-sq-ft, one-bedroom suite can be expanded to include two more bedrooms, and the large private balcony has far-reaching views of Aspen Mountain. After an invigorating day skiing, curl up next to the stone-clad central fireplace in the spacious living room. From $1,725 per night. Contact Jon Fillman, hotel manager, [email protected], +1 855 970 4600, thelittlenell.com 87 elite traveler JULY/AUG 2018 ESTATE TWO-BEDROOM SUITE MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY, ST HELENA, CALIFORNIA, USA

Not only is the Estate Suite often included in Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Suites, but The Restaurant at Meadowood is also a regular in the top ten of our reader-voted Top 100 . It’s one of the few entries to be included in both, and it’s easy to see why. The cottage-style two-bedroom suite is elegant and relaxed with 2,090 sq ft of indoor space, including private with two- person tubs, a large living room and cozy dining space. The living room’s French doors open onto a private terrace with 10-person dining space that overlooks the fairways and forested hillside. This is wine country, so make the most of the daily wine reception or arrange a wine excursion with a Meadowood . From $11,200 per night. Contact Rob Harrison, director of guest relations, rharrison@ meadowood.com, +1 707 531 4788, meadowood.com MAHARAJAH’S PAVILION THE RAJ PALACE, JAIPUR, INDIA

The four floors of the Maharajah’s Pavilion are certainly regal — with antique Indian , crystal chandeliers (the dining room is thought to have the world’s largest chandelier) and gold leaf–painted walls. The first floor has a private , lounge and bar; the second floor (where Thakur Sahib stayed) overlooks the Charbagh gardens and has a private museum — the only suite in the world to have one. Within, you’ll find the old throne of Thakur Sahib. The third floor has its own library, grand dining room, kitchen and second bedroom. On the fourth floor there is a large terrace with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, lounge, private bar, , bedroom and private spa. From $19,000 per night. Contact Vijay Joshi, general manager, [email protected], +91 141 263 4077, rajpalace.com

THE BOATHOUSE THE POINT, SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK, USA

Like something out of a fairy tale, The Boathouse is set right above The Point’s docked boats, and pine trees encircle the wooden cabin. Unique, Nutcracker-esque furnishings are spread throughout the open-plan space, with a canopied bed occupying the center. Views of the Upper Saranac Lake and the mountains beyond can be seen throughout, but make the most of them by heading outside to the wraparound deck. There are two twin beds suspended from the ceiling that, when gently swaying in the breeze, mimic the bobbing boats below. If you visit during winter, the gigantic native stone fireplace will keep you warm, or, failing that, a whisky from the fully stocked bar will do the trick. From $3,500 per night. Contact Cameron Karger, general manager, [email protected], +1 518 891 5674,

Photo Jason Busch, Kindra Clineff thepointsaranac.com