){kind=link}
Staying in style is key on any trip. Escapism is one of the reasons we travel in the first place. Luxury Travel Bible’s Hot New Hotels 2014 underline those hotels that turn up the heat on delivering a perfect getaway. These 5 fabulous hotels provide an escape like no other: sequestered, luxurious, and relaxing.
Cromlix House Hotel, Kinbuck, Scotland:
A stay at the Cromlix House Hotel provides any visitor with the ultimate Scottish experience. Owned by tennis royalty, Andy Murray, who is Scottish himself, the privacy offered by the modest number of rooms and suites (15 total) makes guests feel practically aristocratic. While staying at this historic house you can indulge in trout fishing, grouse shooting and, for those wishing to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere, tartan-wearing. After all the hard work of playing Laird of the manor, The Luxury Travel Bible recommends a meal worthy of nobility cooked by legendary chef Albert Roux.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath, England
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a step back in time. Bath’s history as a spa destination goes back millennia and the hotel invokes the city’s distant Roman past through the classic design of its pools, a columned atrium and acres of marble while still providing all the modern conveniences today’s traveler desires in the 99 guest rooms designed by Champalimaud Design. But it’s the resort’s thermal spa which raises the temperature on this hotel’s opening. The Gainsborough Bath Spa boasts a two-floored Spa Village Bath with direct access to Bath’s therapeutic waters, the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the U.K., according to The Luxury Travel Bible.
InterContinental Davos. Switzerland
Encased in 800 golden steel sheets, this egg-shaped fortress of affluence is, surprisingly, not a “Goldfinger” villain’s lair, but a luxury destination. Nestled in the Grison Alps, the InterContinental Davos makes The Luxury Travel Bible’s cut for its breathtaking views, decadent interior design and amazing culinary offerings, including South Tyrol, Savoy, and Piedmont dishes. Or maybe it’s the InterContinental’s futurist architecture. Conceptualized by Munich’s Oikios, the building is like no other, shimmering in the sunlight at the base of the Flüela Pass. Skiers and nature lovers alike will fall in love with the design of the spa, inspired by the local environment. Whatever the reason, this Hot New Hotel takes the gold in Alpine stays.
One & Only Hayman Island, Australia
Paradise will be redefined when the lavish One&Only Hayman Island resort opens in July. Formerly the Hayman, Great Barrier Reef Resort, this completely renovated and refurbished haven is located at the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef which prides itself on its plethora of marine life and “pristine coral reef formations.” The accommodations are being completely reimagined. One or two-bedroom suites will have lagoon or ocean views and some will have direct access to the pool from a private terrace. Beach villas with privacy in tandem with exquisite service promise not to disappoint. The Luxury Travel Bible praises, “This is the place for those who like to indulge themselves.”
Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
“Some things are too good not to mention” The Luxury Travel Bible confesses. Though this hotel brings the number of properties on the Hot Hotels 2014 list to 11, the Alila Jabal Akhdar really is too good not to be included. Located in Al Hajar Mountains, this new spine tingling destination lies at the edge of a gorge, which seems to have been formed with the Alila in mind, with magnificent views of the arid and rugged landscape. Make no mistake, this hotel is an oasis of luxury despite its desert location and mixes traditional Middle Eastern design with modern amenities, like cliff-side pools, a spa, and a fitness center.
The heat is on Luxury Travel Bible to top these scorching hot destinations in 2015. With amazing views, intriguing design, and unprecedented locations, I’m burning with anticipation to see what will make the list next year.