Hotels that are out of this world and sometimes out of your budget..
Castello di Reschio, Umbria
A timeless retreat in Italy’s green heart, Umbria. This grand estate has undergone a stunning renovation and transformation amidst nearly 4000 acres. The Tower Suite at Castello di Reschio is the ultimate showstopper which takes up the five floors of the Castello’s tower. The private entrance passes right over the gateway to the castle, leading to a sitting room, up to the master bedroom and bathroom. The floor above houses the second bedroom and bathroom, which in turn leads up to the study. At the top, there’s a roof garden with an open-air hot tub – and ridiculous views across the Umbrian countryside. Ride through the estate on a sun-drenched morning, join the resident beekeeper to discover the rich millefiori honey made on-site, the gamekeeper for wildlife watching, or have a hit on one of the tennis courts. Feeling hungry? Why not feast on mouth-watering Italian dishes at the restaurant Alle Scuderie a stone’s throw from the Reschio Estate’s stunning stables, from where it takes its theme.
www.reschio.com
Villa Tre Ville
“The Duchess invited me to stay for lunch and let me explore… The place was a riot of Mediterranean vegetation, pines, flowers, trees, cacti. Through the foliage were dramatic glimpses of Positano, an opera set with dramatic mountains behind it..’ Franco Zeffirelli. Spread across five villas each suite has been named and decorated by maestro Zeffirelli himself and his team, presenting a different face from the extraordinary cast of Villa Treville’s rich theatrical history. As the former home of Franco Zeffirelli, Italy's celebrated opera and film director, Villa Treville has always nurtured an atmosphere of culture and creativity. This very private and exclusive Eden faces Positano, surrounded by lush gardens and secluded terraces overflowing with vine-laden pergolas, bougainvillea, and ancient tropical plants.
www.villatreville.com
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
This secluded tropical island surrounded by warm turquoise waters is the ultimate private hideaway. Owned by Richard Branson Necker Island sleeps up to 48 adults and six children in the lap of luxury across Balinese style houses. There are no fewer than five infinity pools complemented by two floodlit tennis courts, sandy beaches, and every water sport you can think of. Enjoy sundowners on the beach or in the hot tub and dine under the stars.
www.virginlimitededition.com/en/necker-island
Royal Mansour
Unique, supreme, legendary are just some of the words used to describe the Grand Riad at the iconic Royal Mansour in Marrakech, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Commissioned by King Mohammed VI, the Royal Mansour is the ultimate luxury hotel with 53 individual riads each with their own private rooftop terrace, plunge pool and personal butler. Enjoy total relaxation in the hammam, followed by mouth-watering meals and sophisticated nights in one of the most refined and elegant atmospheres. If you’re a luxury lifestyle lover, you will be enamoured by this exceptional riad; there’s a private entrance via the olive tree patio which allows you to access the Grand Riad as if it were your own home and there’s a private garden with pool. The Grand Riad which covers 1800 m² is a snapshot into the Kingdom’s finest luxurious hotel experience.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Often touted as the world's most luxurious hotel and the world’s only seven-star property Burj Al Arab is an eye-catching white landmark with a fleet of matching Rolls-Royce Phantoms on a private island connected to the mainland. Burj Al Arab has always delivered on decadence, with Hermès products in all of the duplex suites and the air-conditioned pool cabanas have their own wide-screen TVs. Of course, if Phantoms aren’t your thing why not arrive by helicopter and land on the 28th-storey helipad where Agassi and Federer once enjoyed a round of tennis. Head to Assawan Spa & Health Club to continue the decadent experience with caviar and pure gold facials.
Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk
Unlike anything you’ve experienced before Wilderness Reserve is a long-term restoration and conservation project on the Suffolk Coast. The 8000-acre estate includes meadows, pastures, lakes and woodlands amongst which are dotted a unique collection of traditional Suffolk houses which have been passionately restored by local artisans. Choose between the Grade II listed manor house, romantic retreats for two, a barn or one of the charming, thatched cottages. Three of the larger houses have private swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and treatment rooms, together with outdoor fireplaces and heated dining areas providing self-contained spa heaven. A luxury experience like no other awaits you at Wilderness Reserve where the team have created over 40 activities in the countryside, on the lakes and in the woodland.
www.wildernessreserve.com