Hotel news
Paradise in the Maldives, family-friendly Crete, Polizzi’s Puglia and boutique Mexico
Get ready to swoon as we celebrate the arrival of spangly new jet-setter resort Lux* North Male Atoll this month. Paradisaically poised in the middle of the Laccadive Sea, its styling is a playful touch of Miami meets the Maldives, and it works. Don’t expect the standard thatched water villas; rather pick one of 67 dazzling white, art deco-inspired, curvaceous double-storey penthouses complete with generously sized pools. Fun, fresh and breezy are the cornerstones of the design by Singaporean architects Miaja, with some water villas boasting docks for yacht charter. Each beacon of cool features sweeping full-height, room-width windows that demand to be flung open wide, while spacious rooftop decks are made for sun-drenched days, whether you opt for an overwater or beachfront villa. It’s island life, but not as we’ve seen it before. And only a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male Airport.
As you move around the resort, you’ll discover three quality restaurants, an overwater spa and beach club punctuated by sun loungers, hammocks and swings aplenty. While you’ll take most meals in the restaurants, do look out for a backyard-style barbecue option on room service. For those looking for something active, tennis courts, water sports and a house reef plus cave network for divers are there to discover. Be sure to keep eyes peeled for pods of dolphins along the way. luxresorts.com With spring in the air, we have sun sea and sand in our sights. Cocooned on the island of Crete, 106-room Casa Cook Chania casacook.com is the group’s latest property. The earthy, mid-century decor and bohemian ethos remain, but where the first hotels were adult-only, Chania is a family-friendly concept.
With seven room categories, many with private pools, there’s choice for all.
Hotelier Olga Polizzi’s latest project, Puglia’s new Masseria Torre Maizza roccofortehotels.com opens this month. Sensational views stretch out to the Adriatic at the 40-room, 16th-century farmhouse. Polizzi has done a fine job evoking chic Italian living through homely interiors: objets d’art are key. Each room has a private garden, but don’t miss a few hours spent poolside or on the golf course, followed by an Apulian supper.
The recent launch of Hotel Amparo hotelamparo.com in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, has us scanning flights.
The boutique pad of five rooms centred around two riad-like courtyards has a colourful aesthetic in keeping with the vibrant city: think modern Mexican meets Spanish finca with a dash of British country house. A stone’s throw from the market and Jardin Principal, its rooftop bar is just the ticket after a day exploring.