Hui Yue Boutique Hotel, Xuzhou, China.
Villa Orsula Dubrovnik and Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, Croatia, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Bali in Indonesia, Healthouse Las Dunas, Estepona in Spain, and Hui Yue Boutique Hotel, Xuzhou in China.
This April, Small Luxury Hotels of the World adds five new hotels to its portfolio of independently minded hotels around the world, including a return to Dubrovnik with two ocean-front hotels right by the walls of the UNESCO Old Town, a wellness retreat in Spain, a sustainable hotel set between town and mountain in China and a slice of beachside paradise in Bali.
Villa Orsula Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Just five minutes’ walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the small and perfectly-formed Villa Orsula Dubrovnik is housed in a white Art Deco villa that blends 1930s glamour with modern design – all accompanied by the scent of oranges, pines and lavender from the gardens. Rooms celebrate original features, such as the arched windows and balconies, with views looking out over the walls of Old Town or the peaceful forests of Lokrum Island, and steps lead down the terraced garden to a private bathing platform. Natural views are contrasted throughout with surrealist artwork by artists including Roberto Matta and Victor Vasarely. In the evening guests can enjoy Peruvian-Adriatic fusion dining and sea views on the vine-draped terrace at Victoria restaurant, accompanied by live jazz.
Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, Croatia
With its enviable address, the Hotel Excelsior is a Dubrovnik landmark that has welcomed kings, queens and Hollywood royalty. The hotel reopened in 2017 after a complete renovation combining the original 1913 villa with a sleek contemporary wing – The Tower – and this mingling of past and present is echoed in the interior styling with understated colour themes interrupted by pops of bright citrus and decadent velvet furnishings. The real wonder of this hotel, however, is where indoors meets out – whether that’s sipping coffee on a balcony, enjoying breakfast on the sun-soaked Salin terrace, a romantic dinner under the waterside arches at Prora restaurant or relaxing on the private beach. The spa takes guests on a journey of its own with Turkish and Roman baths, a Finnish sauna and freeform indoor pool.
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia
This tropical oasis in the heart of bustling Seminyak has re-opened following a fresh new facelift. Taking up the lion’s share of Seminyak’s prized beach front, the ocean and garden-facing villas and suites offer space and privacy while there is also the option to select joining rooms for families and those with an entourage in tow. On-site amenities include the al fresco Mediterranean Sanje Restaurant & Lounge, seen at its best at sunset coconut martini in hand, all-day dining pavilion Santan serving authentic Balinese fare, and the Hemingway-inspired wine and whisky bar Klass & Brass. The resort also boasts the acclaimed Kahyangan Spa and a sparkling infinity pool sitting on the edge of the ocean.
Healthouse Las Dunas, Estepona, Spain
Just minutes from the marina at Puerto Banus, this palatial adult-only spa resort has wellbeing at its core – offering anything from a complete detox from day-to-day life, or just some relaxation in the Mediterranean sun. Every suite is positioned to make the most of the coastal setting, with terraces overlooking the pool and gardens. Guests can enjoy the Healthouse Restaurant with daily four-course menus featuring healthy, balanced dishes designed by two Michelin-star chef Andoni Luis Anduriz, where they can also opt for tailored diet plans. The hotel offers two spacious spas – the luxurious Ekilum Spa offering a relaxing escape with everything from steam baths to ice showers, and the Naturhouse Health and Spa Centre which features a sensation path, salt sauna and snow cave.
Hui Yue Boutique Hotel, Xuzhou, China
Deriving its tranquil atmosphere from the surrounding mountains, lakes and woodland on the edge of the bustling city of Xuzhou, Hui Yue Boutique Hotel is a contemporary eco hotel that is all about sustainable resources and renewable energy. Five interconnected courtyards create a sense of space and openness flowing through interiors that combine local arts with modern architecture. Each room enjoys its own balcony and a personal butler team greets guests on arrival. Spend days exploring the local parkland and mountains, venturing into the city or relaxing in the Sabai Spa which offers authentic Thai treatments. In the evening the restaurant, Hui Yue Zuan, focuses on local delicacies, accompanied by live entertainment.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
