A LONDON-BASED FASHION AND TRAVEL EDITOR, SHEENA BHATTESSA HAS STAYED IN NUMEROUS DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD. THESE ARE SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH…
01
The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland.
This property is simply exquisite. Enter among towering mountains to find both sleek luxury cars and a serene atmosphere. The scent of cedarwood and incense greets you in the lobby as you are presented with a property that seamlessly fuses Alpine coziness with Asian sophistication. Chic, elegant, yet understated, it’s filled with rich wood, stone, and ambient lighting and feels utterly exclusive, with top-tier amenities,
including a sensational spa featuring a Tibetan relaxation lounge, hydrotherapy, saunas, and steam baths, an indooroutdoor pool, and Michelinlevel dining (The Japanese is a favorite). Spanning nearly 26,000 square feet, the spa and health club offer a comprehensive wellness experience. The fact that it’s a ski destination should not fool you; its location in the Swiss Alps offers yearround activities. Make sure to book a tour with born-andbred Andermatt guide Bänz Simmen—he is Andermatt personified and a local legend. The Chedi isn’t just a hotel— it’s a holistic experience of luxury, tranquillity, and refined style, ultra-luxurious without being flashy.
02
Borgo Santo Pietro, Italy.
This is a particularly special property, a secluded, breathtaking Tuscan estate that offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, sustainability, and authentic Italian charm. It has farm-to-table dining, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a serene Seed to Skin spa using organic, estategrown ingredients. Each of the 22 individually designed rooms exudes rustic elegance. Guests can unwind in rose gardens, explore the vineyard, or take immersive cooking classes. This is not just a place to stay—it’s a living, breathing estate rooted in nature and elegance.
03
Olea All Suite Hotel, Greece.
Olea All Suite Hotel in Tsilivi, Zakynthos, is one of the most beautifully designed hotels I’ve visited. It’s a tranquil retreat with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, situated neatly on the hillside of an olive farm, with 93 suites, many with private plunge pools, arranged around a 43,000-square-foot, lake-like pool. The hotel's design emphasizes natural materials such as oak, bamboo, and rattan, earthy tones throughout, stone floors, and private terraces, some with plunge pools or swim-up access. Wellness (physical and mental) carries weight here, encompassing a spa that utilizes local herbs, yoga classes, a gym, and private boat trips.
04
Le Grand Mazarin, France.
Le Grand Mazarin is a captivating blend of Parisian elegance and whimsical charm. It's in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Paris, Le Marais, filled with charm, history, and cool little boutiques, and the property presents an experience that feels both opulent and intimately personal. The interiors, designed by Martin Brudnizki, are a feast for the senses, with rooms adorned in rich hues and eclectic furnishings. The subterranean spa is like a secret urban oasis, featuring a pool with a mural by Jacques Merle. It’s like stepping into a storybook version of Paris, capturing that rare balance of playful creativity and true Parisian elegance.
05
Il Palazzo Experimental, Italy.
This hotel is a refreshing take on Venetian luxury—artsy, elegant, and just a little bit rebellious. With Venice experimenting with tourist caps, this boutique proposition is situated in the Dorsoduro district, a step away from the city's bustling tourist areas. The hotel occupies a 16th-century palazzo, with a playful and bold design by Dorothée Meilichzon, punctuated by rich textures and unexpected details that give each space personality. Rooms are cozy yet stylish, with some overlooking the Giudecca Canal. The Adriatica restaurant delivers beautifully crafted, seasonal Italian dishes, and the Experimental Cocktail Club is a destination in itself. It’s perfect for travelers who want charm with a creative edge.
06
The Bowery, New York.
While Manhattan is flooded with endless hotels, The Bowery in New York is a gem that exudes a sultry, effortless glamour and makes every moment feel like a scene from a movie. Antique rugs, wood panels, and a flickering fireplace make you think of old-world London. The rooms feel like a stylish retreat, with hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sumptuous marble bathrooms that tempt you to stay in the room all day. Located in the lively East Village, it pulses with energy, ideal for exploring nearby neighborhoods like SoHo and Nolita. Dining at Gemma, the hotel’s Italian trattoria, is always a treat. It sets the tone for a stay drenched in seductive charm. A stay here feels like a secret rendezvous—luxurious, private, and unforgettable
07
The Mandeville Hotel, UK.
Marylebone is one of London’s most charming and soughtafter neighborhoods— sophisticated, with tree-lined streets filled with a mix of Georgian architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafes. It exudes the feeling of the TV show Cheers, with “where everybody knows your name” vibes. And my favorite property is The Mandeville Hotel, which oozes seductive charm, completely individual in style. The service sets it apart, as is evident from the repeat customers that have been going for years. Plus, the fifth floor has been transformed by Christian Lacroix with rooms that pay vibrant homage to the Côte d’Azur. Book the Terrace Suite, which overlooks the rooftops of Marylebone.
08
Sasaab, Kenya.
Sasaab in Samburu, Kenya, is nothing short of magical. The camp’s setting—perched above the Ewaso Nyiro River with views of the vast Samburu plains and Mount Kenya—is absolutely breathtaking. The nine Moroccan-inspired tents are spacious, stylish, and full of luxury, complete with private plunge pools and openair bathrooms that immerse you in nature while enjoying all the comforts you need. The game drives are exhilarating, especially with the chance to spot the rare Grévy’s zebra and gerenuk gazelle. Safaris on camelback and cultural experiences with the Samburu people add a deeper layer to the adventure. The food, infused with Moroccan flavors, is a treat, and the spa is a welcome way to unwind after a day of exploration. Sasaab provides a memorable blend of luxury, culture, and conservation in the heart of Kenya's wilderness.
