Grab a front row seat to this star-studded runway show of new European hotels.
1. We’ve Discovered Atlantis…and It’s in Zurich
The past mingles exquisitely with the present in the newly reborn Atlantis by Giardino, located at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain in Zurich. After some time in neglect, the storied, 95-room and -suite Atlantis hotel—known as a grand dame of Swiss hospitality—has been transformed and is now ready for her close-up. Located near Zurich’s city-center and cultural landmarks, guests at this Design Hotels member, which showcases furniture from the ‘60s and ‘70s interspersed with modern pieces, will love the Hide & Seek Bar, featuring a replica vault, as well as the adjoining restaurant, offering unique fusion cuisine. The spacious accommodations are divine with dark parquet flooring, suede-look walls and wood accents. Onsite gems include the fine dining restaurant, Ecco Zurich, and the dipiu spa, with its own yoga and Pilates studio, as well as an outdoor pool with jaw-dropping views of the mountain forests. Packages through Design Hotels start at $581 per night. designhotels.com/atlantis-by-giardino
2. Oceanside Bliss…in Albufeira
This June will see the opening of the Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, A Luxury Collection Resort that’s part of the Pine Cliffs resort development in Albufeira, Portugal. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the 148 Ocean Suites, including 72 Premium Ocean Suites, 56 1-Bedroom Ocean Suites and 18 2-Bedroom Ocean Suites, are ideal for those seeking a sublime getaway in a slice of lush green paradise. These spacious suites come with a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area that seats up to eight, and a lounge. The amply proportioned bedrooms are furnished with signature Luxury Collection beds and are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus each master bedroom adjoins an oversized en-suite bathroom, with a spacious bath and rainfall shower. The location itself, aside from being truly spectacular, offers easy access—about 18 miles away—to Faro, the capital of Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, and of course, there’s a private beach where guests have access to an array of watersports. Golf and tennis, too, are available. At press time, rates were unavailable. starwoodpro.com
3. When in Bath…Do Like the Locals
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, part of the YTL Hotels collection, boasts of being the first and only hotel in the UK to offer its guests the opportunity to access and experience Bath’s natural thermal waters in its spa. The Leading Hotels of the World property features a private water reserve packed with rich natural minerals and its Bath Circuit includes thermal pools, saunas, a steam room, and an ice alcove. Beyond the spa, the hotel offers 99 lavishly designed rooms with two poster beds, marble bathrooms, and dramatic draperies framing tall windows. Onsite, guests will find the Johann Lafer at The Gainsborough restaurant, showcasing a menu that combines locally sourced English products with Asian flavors. The resort offers overnight Day Spa & Stay packages that start at about $700 for two people. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
4. A Suite Stay Awaits…In Mallorca
With a stellar position overlooking the fertile Canyamel Valley, and located only minutes from the beach and the Balearic Sea, the 158-room and -suite Park Hyatt Mallorca is set to debut this spring. Guests will have access to three pools, a 7-room Wellness Centre and Spa, an adjacent country club featuring an all-purpose sports field, tennis courts and an indoor heated and outdoor pool, as well as a dedicated Beach Club near the hotel. When they are not enjoying the hotel’s many amenities, including dining at the Balearic Restaurant, which will serve regional Mallorca cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, guests can explore the area via Alpine walking, horseback trekking, on- and off-road cycling, and sea fishing, among other activities. As of press time, rates were not available. mallorca.park.hyatt.com
5. Irresistible…Exhilarating
These hotels might not be new, but their packages are worth taking note of. Fashionistas are going to want to get their hands on the new menu of cocktails created by Parisian chef Yannick Alleno at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg’s Bar du Faubourg. Inspired by the visual beauty and luxe textures of couture fashion, libations include the “Christian” (as in Dior), a champagne cocktail with floral notes; the “Yves” (as in St. Laurent), with a Moroccan flavor of spicy mandarin; and the “Gabrielle,” reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s creations decorated with a black ribbon. sofitel.com
To go all couture, clients need to look fab, and for that we’ve got the David Millar Ultimate Cycling Weekends at Mallorca’s Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, April 7-11 and 14-18. This 4-night experience includes a stay at Jumeirah; morning briefs, and dinners with Millar, among other inclusions. Cyclists have access to renowned climbs: Puig Major, Sa Calobra and Coll de Soller. Rates start at about $3,800 pp. jumeirah.com
“Luxury is changing. A big change is hotels. They have to create an experience. So what if there is a spa? Do you have outstanding original artwork? Does your staff know the cool local spots? NOT tourist spots! Where do I eat that has the up-and-coming chef? Is the bar at the hotel a spot locals hang out in? Clients want a good thread count, but so much more. Experiences are what make tongues wag these days. An example of a company that has figured it out is the Firmdale group in London and NY—spot-on luxe boutique. The First hotel in Rome changes artwork in guestrooms monthly; staff is outstanding; location is central.”
—Lynn Ciccarelli, Owner, Bella Vacations; accredited Virtuoso agent
