AUR AL READING
Getaways based on the specific sounds that titillate your senses
Ifradiosilenceismind-clearing... KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT IN SAARISELKA
For a comfortable but breathtaking sighting of the Northern Lights, check in to a sprawling glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselka, Finland. Nature’s spectacular light show is visible for about 200 days a year here. These dome-shaped, futuristic structures provide an isolated sanctuary blocked out from the icy weather thanks to thick, thermal glass, and lying there in complete silence feels out of this world. Only head out for winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling, or an idyllic visit to the world’s largest smoke sauna.
Ifchanting“om” isthecure... REVĪVŌ WELLNESS RESORT IN BALI
Latin for “I’ll live again”, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort is best known for its body-, soul- and psychereviving retreats—from Sleep Well and AntiAgeing, to Detox & Organic Weight Loss, over three to 14 nights. Each all-inclusive, tailor-made experience sees guests check into a Garden Suite or Private Villa, and go through three specific sequences each day: NŪTRIŌ, a three-meal, nutritionist-planned diet programme; REMISSIŌ, comprising specialised wellness consultations, a spa treatment and floating salt pool session daily; and MOVEŌ, which encourages guests to do two holistic activities, like Seven Chakra Therapy, Colon Hydrotherapy or Acupuncture, and one fitness session daily—like Bootcamp, Reiki, Pranayama or Primordial
Sound Meditation.
Ifthecameraclicksparksjoy... HENRIETTA HOTEL IN LONDON
You may know the Experimental Group for its excellent Cocktail Clubs in London, Paris and New York. But Henrietta Hotel, its Instagram-worthy hotel on one of Covent Garden’s prettiest streets, also deserves praise. The 18-room property features brushed-aluminium armchairs, sumptuous carpets, and bathrooms with pastel walls and monochrome floor tiles. There are beauty products by John Masters Organics, Malin+Goetz and Ren, and more treats in the minibar, including Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Sipsmith. This playful ambience continues in the Bistro, where dishes are artfully composed by one of London’s most successful chefs, Ollie Dabbous.
IftheFrenchaccentcapturesyourattention... THE HOXTON IN PARIS
Bringing its signature buzzy atmosphere and uber-chic interiors to Paris, the Hoxton is the City of Light’s latest place to sleep, work and play. Throughout the hotel, the period details of the original 18th-century property (once the residence of Etienne Rivié, an adviser to Louis XV) are offset by contemporary design elements such as monochrome checked bed linen and copper bathroom features. Descend the antique spiral staircase into the gorgeous Jacques Bar to find blush velvet stools, tasselled lamps and botanical-patterned wallpaper. Be sure to order the Jack Snapper, a redesigned Bloody Mary made with gin and essence of harissa, a Maghrebi spicy-smoky chilli paste.
Ifthecity’sbeatsinvigorateyou... WALDORF ASTORIA IN BANGKOK
Housed in a sculptural magnolia flower-inspired skyscraper, the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the newest luxury hotel in the buzzing Thai capital. Its 171 rooms and suites have been masterfully appointed by acclaimed designer, Andre Fu and his studio, AFSO; all of which flaunt artisanal Thai cues weaved into a grand but cosy, modernist aesthetic; and sprawling windows that invite the dynamic city vibes in. Wine and dine with holidaymakers and industry bigwigs alike across three floors of food, from The Champagne Bar to Bull & Bear, which serves grilled meats and seafood with a sparkling view of the Bangkok skyline.
Iflappingwavessoothe yoursenses... OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT IN GALLE
Owl and the Pussycat is a small, tranquil hotel on the water’s edge in Galle, Sri Lanka—and many of the 17 suites have unspoilt vistas across the Indian Ocean. The interiors blend bright textiles and local artworks, and the vibrant décor continues in the hotel restaurant, The Runcible Spoon, which serves up Sri Lankan specialties including prawn curry with lemon ginger rice. Elsewhere, you can relax with a massage while listening to the sounds of the waves, sip a cocktail under coconut trees, or head to the yoga platform for early sun salutations.
Iftherustlingrainforestcocoonsyou... FOUR SEASONS IN LANGKAWI
Roaming the cobbled pathways of the Four Seasons Langkawi, as leaf monkeys shake the trees and lotus flowers open up in the morning sun, it is easy to feel as if you have stumbled into paradise. Ninety-one villas and pavilions are dotted along a mile of peaceful beach, each with full-height sliding doors that flood the rooms with natural light and elegantly decorated with local arts and crafts. Beach villas have private decks with day-beds, hammocks and plunge pools, and there’s a palatial 15,000sqft Royal Villa for those seeking total seclusion.