Flying colours
There’s nothing bland about these new hotels. By Akash Arora and Tony Rice.
LUX SOUTH ARI ATOLL, MALDIVES
luxresorts.com Sprinkled like pearls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian islands promise the ultimate coastal getaway: whitesand beaches, soaring palms and blue skies stretching from one horizon to another. Soak up the sparkling views from one of Lux South Ari Atoll’s Water Villas. Suspended on stilts above the shallows, they feature a spacious sunlit bedroom, separate sitting area and a private deck with a plunge pool. Enjoy a dip here or strap on snorkelling gear and launch yourself into the tepid water to check out vibrant marine life such as iridescent tuna and vivid striped triggerfish. Later, make your way to the resort’s wellness centre, where the treatment rooms have a glass floor so you can be mesmerised by colourful reef fish while a massage therapist kneads away any knots. When it’s time to fuel up, there are seven restaurants, one café and three bars to choose from. Our favourite? East Market, for unforgettable Asian fare inspired by the markets of Thailand, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.
HOTEL HAYDEN, NEW YORK
hotelhaydennyc.com Forget neutrals. With dramatic splashes of radiant red and cerulean blue, the rooms at this new hotel in Manhattan’s chic Chelsea neighbourhood are a far cry from stockstandard. As are common spaces such as the reception area, which has a green wall – a nod to the borough’s historic Flower District. But the biggest drawcard is the rooftop lounge with views of Downtown Manhattan, including the Freedom Tower in the distance. Enjoy a signature cocktail then order the moussaka at on-site Greek restaurant Mykonos Blue.
QT MUSEUM WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
qthotelsandresorts.com Prepare yourself for an explosion of colour and creativity at this recently transformed hotel. There’s a gleaming brass desk and eclectic chandeliers in the reception area, mismatched antique chairs and life-size peacock showpieces in Hippopotamus restaurant and cocktail bar, and striking artworks of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout. But amid the lustre, you’ll find tranquillity, too. The soothing palette of black and white with subtle accents in guestrooms encourages winding down at the end of the day.