Your essentials for traversing four of the world’s hottest new destinations in style. By Shamilee Vellu
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Travel essentials for any destination
One&only Nyungwe House, Rwanda
Discover Rwanda’s unique culture and wildlife at One&only Nyungwe House, which opened late last year in the country’s mountainous southwest. The resort is located along the Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to an incredible diversity of rare flora and fauna, including 13 different species of primate, over 275 bird species and rich plant life. Unforgettable experiences await here: Encounter chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and giant hornbills, enjoy locally-sourced Rwandan cuisine or participate in Umuganda – a nationwide initiative in which locals spend the last Saturday morning of every month giving back to the community, such as developing infrastructure or environmental protection.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Perched atop an imposing cliff at Nusa Dua, the newly opened Apurva Kempinski offers guests breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, spacious rooms clad in rich, exotic woods and local fabrics, and an oceanfront spa which tailors traditional treatments for guests based on their life stage. The cuisine is also top-notch, and includes coastal delicacies at Koral, Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, refined Japanese flavours at Izakaya by OKU, and Selasar Deli, which serves local refreshments such as speciality luwak coffee and jamu herbal tonics.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Mandarin Oriental’s first property in the Middle East adds a seriously stylish contender to Dubai’s ultra-luxury hotel scene. Located in the heart of Dubai, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, with elegant rooms and suites offering sweeping city or Arabian Gulf views from private balconies. A vast forest-inspired lobby, containing hundreds of handblown crystal lights attached to glimmering bronze trees, wows guests upon entry. Don’t miss the state-of-the-art destination spa spread over 2,000 square metres, and six glamorously styled restaurants and bars, which include two signature restaurants: Tasca by Portuguese celebrity chef José Avillez and Netsu, a Warayaki-style Japanese steakhouse by Australian-born chef Ross Shonhan.
Belmond Cadogan Hotel
Originally constructed in 1887, the recently reopened Belmond Cadogan combines the glitz of Knightsbridge with the raffish charm of illustrious past residents such as Oscar Wilde, who was famously arrested in his pied a terre here. Wilde’s spirit lives on, both in the hotel’s unofficial mascot (an alabaster-white Swarovski crystal adorned stuffed peacock cheekily named Oscar), as well as the illuminating book selection in each of the rooms, which were thoughtfully curated by nearby John Sandoe books. Sumptuously decorated rooms in wood, velvet and marble, two private gardens (accessed by key) and the highly-buzzed about Adam Handling Chelsea restaurant all make a winning combination Wilde would no doubt have heartily approved of.
Tod’s Shirt and Pants
The Italian brand puts a luxe spin on utilitarian flair in this twopiece, neutral-toned ensemble in butter-soft leather. Price on request
Sandro Jacket
This beige jacket is anything but neutral, and sharpens up with neon prints and an eye-catching geometric print. $730
Isabel Marant Dress The French brand’s Eline cotton-voile dress features a flattering fitted waist and a breezy silhouette that keeps you cool even when temperatures soar. US$721
Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza Bag This lightweight leathertrimmed woven-raffia bag will take you from morning game drives to leisurely afternoons browsing at local markets. Price on request
Gentle Monster Sunglasses
A collaboration with Fendi, the Gentle Fendi No.2 Khaki design reinterprets the aviator style with oversized lenses and a funky green acetate top bar. $565
Lisa Marie Fernandez Mini Dress
This dress is pure “tropical getaway”, with its flirty ruffles, cheeky polka-dot print and one-shoulder neckline, and lightweight linen construction. US$845
Isabel Marant Shell Necklace Exclusive to Net-a-porter, this gold-tone necklace features a polished disc pendant decorated with on-trend cowry shells, and will look beautiful paired with swimsuits or dresses with plunging necklines. US$285
Marysia Swimsuit There’s nothing quite as elegant as a white one-piece, and this ‘Torrey’ stretch-crepe design ramps up its appeal with a plunging neckline and pretty French knots. US$415
Adriana Degreas Bikini Fittingly named ‘Bacio’ and adorned with lip-prints, this ruched bandeau bikini is Adriana Degreas’ enthusiastic love letter to Italy and its spirit of La Dolce Vita. US$392
Rotate Birger Christensen Dress Adorned with large-scale hibiscus prints, this breezy, ruffled dress is an elegant, yet comfortable option for beachside fêtes. Price on request
Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza Raffia Tote
Pure sunshine in a bag, this multi-coloured raffia style features cheerful rainbow stripes, a detachable leather strap and Loewe’s signature logoembossed patch upfront. US$1,105
Ancient Greek Sandals Embellished Leather Sandals
You won’t need jewellery with these black leather ‘Estia Flouria’ sandals, which feature a flattering T-bar shape and alluringly swishy coins at the ankle. US$193
Hermès Jumpsuit Jumpsuits can be evening wear, especially if they’re impeccably cut from wool canvas like this refined Hermes design, which features subtly shimmery straps in duchesse satin. $4,300
Hermès Cape Cod Chaine d’ancre Watch
This timepiece refreshes a classic design with a white lacquered dial decorated with an off-centre double-link. The case is set with diamonds and is matched by a pristine white matte alligator strap. $15,280 Moynat Pyramid Minaudiere All superlatives apply to this intricate logo-adorned gold pyramid bag, a guaranteed conversation-starter at your next evening event. Price on request
Dolce & Gabbana Sandals
Let your shoes do the talking with these ‘Specchio’ leather sandals embellished with multi-sized Swarovski crystals. $2,700
Dolce & Gabbana Lilium Dolce Clutch
This stunning clutch combines traditional and cutting-edge techniques – its intricate case (complete with embossed flowers) is 3D printed, then hand-painted and coated with a clear varnish in a two-hour-long process. $9,200
Versace Visor Sunglasses Not for shrinking violets: These ‘Logomania’ sunglasses feature an edgy, futuristic frame with a rimless shield and a flat metal wraparound bar and temples with a laser-engraved Versace logo motif. Price by request
Jil Sander Top and Pants
Beat the summer heat with this easy, breezy, all-white look from master of minimalism, Jil Sander. Top, $1,360 and pants, $1,560
Stella Mccartney Knit Top
This semi-sheer lace top features an eye-catching ochre hue and a flattering fit-andflare silhouette that’s suited for running around in the city or grabbing a drink at the bar. $1,490
Versace Cross Chainer Shoes These fluorescent-pink sneakers from Versace are crafted from a mix of neoprene, mesh and rubber and reveal an oversized chain link pattern with every step you take. $1,180
Doen Pintucked Mini Dress
Doen specialises in easy, feminine pieces like this lace-trimmed design, which pairs beautifully with sneakers or boots. Price by request
Emily Levine Tote Inspired by the designer’s travels to India and Japan, this ‘Knot’ tote features a hard-wearing denim sling and petite wicker base for your daily essentials. US$115.33
Gentle Monster Ribbon Sunglasses Named for its bowlike shape, this pair grabs attention with its vermilion-drenched hue and futuristic, flat metal styling. $453