The high-end hospitality chain Leading Hotels of the World announced the addition of five new members to its collection of authentic independent luxury hotels. The latest additions in France, England, Tunisia, Costa Rica and Singapore offer features ranging from a massive arts and performance venue to a landing strip and helipad on propert. The chain of world’s most distinguished propertiesis known for offering high quality and distinctiveness for curious travelers.
AltaGracia Boutique Hacienda, Perez Zeledón, Costa Rica – True to the concept of a hacienda
Interiors of the 50 casitas create the atmosphere of private rural residences, with exposed wood ceilings, warm-toned fabric accents and fireplaces. Resort activities – horseback riding, bird-watching, and hiking – reinforce the countryside vibe. Yet AltaGracia is easily accessible – it has its own landing strip and helipad, facilitating arrivals from the main airport in San Jose.
The Patina Hotel, Capitol Singapore – the city’s first integrated luxury lifestyle development.
In addition to well-appointed rooms and suites characterized by intricate interior details and generous ceiling heights, the The Patina Hotel Capitol Singapore hotel offers its signature restaurant ERU, a reading room, Singapore’s first saltwater relaxation pool, a fitness center, and a world-class art collection. Key to it all is the hotel’s highly personalized service – Patina 360° Concierge where every Ambassador takes pride in being true hosts to the guests. Rates start at approximately USD 419 per night, single or double.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath, England – the only accommodations in the UK to offer in-bathroom access to the thermal waters.
Set beneath a glass atrium within the hotel is the 1,300-square-meter Spa Village Bath, with 11 treatment rooms including a couple’s room and VIP suite, and hotel guests have direct entry to the facilities. Should they wish to extend their experience beyond the spa, they can do so in one of the hotel’s exclusive spa rooms, the only accommodations in the UK to offer in-bathroom access to the thermal waters. Originally built in the 1800s, and named for the artist Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel occupies two Grade II Listed buildings and has 99 guest rooms and suites, created by the award-winning firm of Champalimaud Design, New York.
La Badira Hotel, Hammamet, Tunisia – contemporary in concept, but evoking traditional Islamic architectural elements.
La Badira’s clean, simple lines were inspired by the era of the 1930s when Hammamet was becoming popular with sophisticated travelers drawn by the natural beauty and culture of the area. Playing on the principles of light and shadow that captivated artists of that time, interiors of the 130 guest accommodations are minimally designed, with touches such as hand-painted ceramic panels featuring Arabic script, and a variety of accent pieces in Islamic geometric patterns.
Hotel Royal – Evian Resort, Évian-les-Bains, France – a good place to rejuvenate and recharge.
As of July 1, 2015, guests can again experience Hotel Royal a 150-room classic that embodies the French concepts of bien être and art de vivre. Complementing the spa’s wellness aspects are the hotel’s gastronomic highlights: Les Fresques, a contemporary setting for fine dining overlooking the lake; La Véranda in the gardens, for Mediterranean and Asian dishes; L’Oliveraie, for summer meals poolside; and Le Bar, for cocktails and light fare. Among the many diversions visitors can enjoy is La Grange au Lac, a unique concert hall made entirely of wood. Inspired by cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, it has hosted major orchestras, musicians and singers from around the world.
