Travellers’ choices
A LUXURIOUS sanctuary hidden deep in the tropical forests of Ubud in Indonesia’s island of Bali, featuring rooftop lily ponds and a dramatic suspension bridge, has been named the world’s best hotel 2018 by readers of Travel + Leisure.
It’s not hard to see why the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan village emerged the top-scoring hotel in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards.
Set in the lush Ayung River Valley, one of its most distinctive features is a dramatic suspension bridge that skims the jungle treetops, offering guests sweeping views of their lush, forest surroundings.
Riverside villas come with a meditation space, outdoor living room and pool. Guests can also take cooking lessons at a Balinese cooking school, and meditation and yoga lessons in the riverside pavilion.
Readers of Travel + Leisure were particularly smitten by properties in Indonesia, as The Mulia in Bali and Nihi Sumba Island also scored spots on the list.
Overall, the top 10 scoring properties are either located in sublime, remote locations – Torres del Paine, Chile, Anguilla and Costa Rica – or in heritage, landmark buildings that include a Scottish castle and Irish mansion.
“...One thing remains a constant – the properties that make this selective list are all incredible ambassadors for their home countries, delivering intuitive service and luxury experiences that can truly make a vacation,” editors say.
This year, Asia dominates the top 100 hotels, landing 27 spots on the list, including “honeymooners’ havens in the Maldives” and a palatial resort overlooking the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
Best city
Meanwhile, the magazine’s readers gave San Miguel de Allende in the highlands of central Mexico the highest score, helping it maintain its stranglehold for the second year in a row as the best city in the world.
Though big enough to be considered a cosmopolitan city, its cobblestone streets, flower-festooned buildings, and dynamic arts scene lend it an inviting oldworld charm, readers say.
“This is one of the best cities in the world,” one T+L reader wrote. “There are lots of stores selling local artisan crafts, jewelry, and art. Bring an extra suitcase!”
Mexico emerged a favourite in this year’s awards: After San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca takes second spot for its rich food culture and history.
Overall, readers were also particularly enamoured by India and South-East Asia this year. The romantic lakeside city of Udaipur in India rounded out the podium of top three cities, and was followed by (the village town of ) Ubud, Bali’s “spiritual centre”, editors note.
Half the list is represented by the South-East Asian region, with Luang Prabang in Laos, Hoi An in Vietnam and Chiang Mai in Thailand rounding out the top 10 spots.
According to editors at Travel + Leisure, the hallmarks of a “truly great city” include jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, rich cultural offerings, teeming street life, friendly population and a harmonious relationship with nature.
The World’s Best Awards include winners in 86 categories including best cities, airlines, destination spas, along with regional lists. Results can be found at travelandleisure. com/worlds-best. – AFP Relaxnews
Travel + Leisure’s top 10 hotels of 2018
1. Four Seasons Resort Bali, Indonesia
2. Ballyfin, County Laois, Ireland
3. Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla
4/5. Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco, Peru and Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Scotland
6. The Mulia, Bali, Indonesia
7. Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa, Torres del Paine, Chile
8. Temple House, Chengdu, China
9. Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
10. Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Travel + Leisure’s top cities of 2018
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Oaxaca, Mexico
3. Udaipur, India
4. Ubud (Bali), Indonesia
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Florence, Italy
7. Luang Prabang, Laos
8. Hoi An, Vietnam
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. Charleston, South Carolina, US