[divider]Bulgari Bali, Indonesia [/divider]
The Bulgari Resort is located in one of the most exclusive destinations in the world, a veritable emblem of the tropical exoticism of the Orient, combining the breathtaking beauty of unspoiled nature with a sophisticated contemporary design born from the encounter between traditional Balinese forms and high Italian style. The quality of the services along with the views of the Indian Ocean offered by its magnificent position 150 meters over the sea are the perfect introduction to the second luxury property from Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.
Located in one of the most exclusive destination in the world, a stunning 500 feet above the sea on Bali’s South Western tip, where the veritable of tropical exoticism of the Orient meets the breathtaking beauty of pristine nature so perfectly preserved, and where dynamic contemporary designs are on display traditional Balinese designs marry effortlessly with classical high Italian style. A speciality of this hotel is its stunning vantage, that lets you explore the horizon in which every room you happen to stay in. Giving guests a view as precise as the golden eagle. All villas come complete with a private garden, swimming pool, and outdoor living room.
The resort also boasts gourmet cuisine, a luxury spa, and a unique blend of traditional Balinese architecture and contemporary European design. And of course, the cliffs are no deterrent to beach access. A pristine mile-long private beach is accessible via the resort’s inclined elevator.
| Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia +62 361 8471000 – Bulgari Hotel, Bali |
[divider]Swallow’s Nest, Gaspra, Ukraine[/divider]
The brainchild of the Russian architectural genuis Leonid Sherwood as commissioned by the Baltic German oil millionaire Baron von Steinge, the Swallows Nest is an opulent neo-gothic castle precariously perched atop the 40m towering Aurora Cliff. One of the most popular tourist attractions on the Crimean Peninsula, the castle offers sweeping views of the Black Sea. While guest cannot stay overnight at the Castle, the Swallow’s Nest does host weddings.
| Alupkins’ke Hwy, 9, Haspra, Crimea, Ukraine – Swallows Nest |
[divider]Paro Taktsang Monastery, Paro Valley, Bhutan[/divider]
This prominent Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, situated in the cliff side of the upper Paro valley of the Himalayas, was first constructed in 1692. The Temple was constructed around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava, the tutelary deity of Bhutan, is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Dangling on the edge of a precipitous cliff some 10,000-feet above the valley, getting to the monastery can be an arduous task. The journey involves a two-hour climb from the valley floor through a steep trail over several vertical switchbacks. Once visitors arrive to the monastery gates they’ll need to traverse a set of stone stairs (sans handrails) carved into the exposed cliff in order to complete the journey. Those who are brave enough to make the trip will be well rewarded. Not only is the view sublime, but the monastery is also home to stunning works of art and tapestries.
[divider]Andronis Suites, Santorini, Greece[/divider]
Redefining traditional Aegean architecture with sweeping views of the island’s volcanic crater or caldera, Adronis Luxury suites nestle blissfully on the iconic Greek Island, reflecting luxuries of Greek legends and dreamy escapism wishful thinking of their contemporary partisans to this gem of a Mediterranean setting. Situated halfway between the sea and the sky, the magnificent multi-villa property cascades down the sides of the island, giving an impression of of being part of the landspace yet with Zen-like sophistication and discrete luxury that make transform these 22 award-winning suites into a lifetime experience for its elite visitors.
| Oia Santorini, Greece(+30) 22860-72041-43 (3 lines) – Andronis Suites |
[divider]Casa Higueras, Valparaiso, Chile[/divider]
Casa Higueras is set in the heart of Valparaiso’s Cerro Alegre. Perched on a dramtic hill this neighborhood not only boasts beautiful art-noveau architecture and magnificent gardens, it’s also famous for its sublime city views. Casa Higueras takes full advantage of its prime location. The premise offers guest stunning views of both the city itself and harbor. Actually a 1920s mansion, a restoration project turned this historic piece of architecture into a modern hotel. The first boutique + design hotel to open in the city, Casa Higueras is elegant, sleek, and modern. The hotel’s rooms boast dark-wood furniture, huge beds, and mosaic-tiled bathrooms with big bowl sinks. Common spaces are quiet and tranquil, filled with Asian sculptures and low beige sofas. The swimming pool, jacuzzi and terrace all offer stunning views and are ideal for sunset cocktails.
| Higuera 133, Valparaíso 2340000, Quinta Región de Valparaíso, Chile +56 32 320 1379 – Casa Higueras |
[divider]Il San Pietro Di Positano, Italy[/divider]
An exclusively hideaway clinging to Positano cliffs,Il San Pietro Di Positano is regularly ranked among the best hotels in the world. This gem is notorious among Hollywood stars, having served as a vacation spot for George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Franco Zeffirelli. All rooms have something special about them. Some are expansive with a private terrace, others offer panoramic bathrooms, but for us the finest are those which offer astonishing sea views via private balconies of the Positano and you are well advised to book a room with a bathroom sea view. After all, what’s better than a shower complete with a stunning view of the Mediterranean? Oh, and did we mention that there is a Michelin star restaurant on site?
| Via Laurito, 2, 84017 Positano Salerno, Italy+39 089 875455 – Il San Pietro Di Positano |
[divider]Cova d’en Xoroi, Balearic Islands, Spain[/divider]
One of the hottest spots in Minorca this dance-till-dawn disco is situated in a series of cliff side caves. The atmosphere is dramatic and romantic and, of course, boasts killer views of the Mediterranean. Party the night away but don’t drink too much—after all, you wouldn’t want to tumble over the edge.
| Cova d’en Xoroi, Balearic Islands |
[divider]Reid’s Palaca, Madeira, Portugal[/divider]
This iconic hotel is situated to the west of Funchal Bay in Madeira, set on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Designed by architects George Somers Clarke and John Thomas Micklethwaite, the hotel first opened in 1891 and was recently acquired by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. This bastion of old-world charm and elegance has consistently been ranked among the best hotels in the world. The hotel, or rather palace, boasts over ten acres of internationally renowned sub-tropical gardens that meander down seaside cliffs, a luxury spa, two seawater infinity pools, tennis courts, and a dramatic sea platform.
Rooms are carefully decorated with antique furniture, rich darks woods, elegant crème linens, and beautiful pastel shades to create an atmosphere that is as serene as it is opulent. This historic architectural masterpiece has attracted a smattering of famous guests over the course of the past century, including Fulgencio Batista, Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, David Lloyd George, Emperor Karl von Habsburg, Roger Moore, Gregory Peck, Rainer Maria Rilke, Albert Schweitzer, and George Bernard Shaw.
| Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal +351 291 717 171 – Reid’s Palaca |
