Monkey Island Estate, Bray On Thames, England.
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in the French Riviera, play one of China’s most beautiful golf courses or experience the serenity of a Balinese-inspired sanctuary in Southern California.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) welcomes four new exciting additions, including three newly opened properties, to its hand-picked portfolio of luxury boutique hotels this July.
Honor Resort Yun Shun Dali, Dali, China
Nestled on the edges of Erhai Lake and featuring the Cangshan Mountain as a majestic backdrop, this sumptuous retreat located on the outskirts of Dali Ancient Town, provides easy access to one of China/s most beautiful golf courses at nearby Canghai Golf International Community. Offering one-of-a-kind experiences to guests, the hotel boasts a striking cantilevered pool with a glass panel at the base, a virtual golf simulator, a wine and cigar bar and even a tea house where visitors can drop by for a game of chess and a pot of freshly-brewed, loose-leaf tea. All rooms and suites at Honor Dali include private terraces and spacious living areas as well as luxurious amenities such as a complimentary mini-bar, a BOSE sound system, a mini iPad and Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom toiletries. When not playing golf, guests can visit Dali Ancient Town with its historic sites, ancient buildings and temples which all date back to the Ming dynasty.
Le Mas Candille, Mougins, France
Secluded within eight acres of terraced Provencal grounds and surrounded by fragrant cypress trees and fields of olive groves, Le Mas Candille is an elegant five-star boutique hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant and three insta-worthy swimming pools located in Mougins – the medieval Riviera village which was once home to Pablo Picasso. From the moment of arrival, guests are invited to soak up the panoramic views of the Mougins Valley from the hotel’s dazzling infinity pool, explore the beautifully landscaped gardens or enjoy a pampering session in the Spa Candille with its relaxing Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and luxury ESPA treatments. Originally an 18th century farmhouse, each of the 38 bedrooms and seven suites have been designed in a modern Provencal style combining shabby-chic French antiques with contemporary furnishings. This peaceful sanctuary also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a chef/s table experience, delectable Mediterranean dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and its own reserve Champagne. Beyond the hotel, there/s plenty to discover from Mougins’ cobbled streets, Grasse’s perfume factories to St Tropez/s glamorous beaches.
Monkey Island Estate, Bray On Thames, England
Opening in August following a complete renovation by YTL Hotels, Monkey Island Estate is a centuries old retreat that lies on a picturesque island in the River Thames in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire, and in accessible only by a footbridge or by boat. The island, with an intriguing history dating back 800 years, has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals. Following YTL’s superb renovation, visitors from London and beyond will yet again have their very own private countryside escape to enjoy. The striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple buildings will now make up the main hotel areas of YTL’s Monkey Island Estate, surrounded by picturesque views of the River Thames and beautifully manicured gardens. Executive Chef of Monkey Island Estate, William Hemming, will be serving up a sophisticated yet casual dining experience on the river at the Monkey Island Brasserie, while in the Monkey Bar and lounge, guests can sip champagne, fine wines and spirits while gazing at the playful frescoes that date from the 1730s – depicting monkeys enjoying country pursuits.
The Pantai Inn, California, La Jolla, USA
Set along the shores of La Jolla coastline, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, this Balinese-inspired hideaway brings a touch of Indonesian hospitality to South California. Upon entering the Pantai grounds, guests are swept away by the serenity of the lush, polished gardens adorned with Balinese statues and the hotel/s coral stoned courtyard with soothing water features and an outdoor fire pit to stimulate the senses. Each of the Inn's 30 suites and cottages feature typically Balinese furnishings, with hand carved wood and patterned fabrics, as well as rain showers and optional in-room spa services. Most of the accommodations boast fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes not to mention incredible overview balconies, and all include complimentary breakfast, high definition flat screen televisions and media hubs. Pantai Inn is also located within easy reach of San Diego’s best sights such as San Diego Zoo, as well as the downtown galleries and restaurants.
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.
