Moving on up
Three new hotels that lift the standard of luxury. By Akash Arora.
JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC EMERALD BAY RESORT & SPA, VIETNAM marriott.com.au
You could join a Vietnamese martial-arts class or sign up for boot camp. Or, if you’re after something less strenuous, you could learn to cook or make lanterns. But to really appreciate the slower pace of life on Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, all you have to do is open the window, lie on your four-poster bed and admire the sweeping sea views. The guestrooms at this spanking-new retreat are decadent, with a palette that ranges from turquoise and deep red to calming lime and blue. But creature comforts remain standard; separate sitting areas feature in the bedrooms, while the marble bathrooms have oversized baths and fluffy robes. Hard as it may be, do try to leave your room. There are three restaurants to experience – our favourite is Pink Pearl, for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine – and one great spa, where each of the eight treatment rooms has its own rainforest shower, steam room and sauna.
L’HÔTEL MARRAKECH, MOROCCO l-hotelmarrakech.com
Sheer white curtains billowing in the breeze, lush gardens bursting with blooms and a central courtyard complete with the soothing sound of a trickling fountain... Expect all of that at this riad, a traditional Moroccan mansion owned and lovingly furnished by pre-eminent British interior designer Jasper Conran. There are grand halls dominated by Middle Eastern chandeliers and bedrooms with plush sofas and rugs but the pièce de résistance of this boutique property (with only five suites) has to be the rooftop terrace, which has panoramic views of the city and Atlas Mountains. Explore the frenetic souks of Marrakech during the day then make your way to the roof terrace to escape the madding pace with a cocktail and the sight of the sun sinking behind snow-capped mountains.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LONDON AT TEN TRINITY SQUARE, ENGLAND fourseasons.com
The imposing façade’s towering columns set the mood at this historic hotel, which features a magnificent rotunda, highceilinged halls and luxurious guestrooms – some with original plasterwork. The hotel offers easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions – including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Borough Market – but there’s plenty to explore within the establishment, too. Dine at La Dame de Pic London restaurant to try chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s French fare or visit the on-site spa; inspired by the city’s Roman history, it’s considered one of London’s premier wellness retreats.