FOR ISLAND HOPPING FAMILIES
Kukui’ula
Kauai, HI
Located on the sunny south shore, Kahalawai #38, a contemporary home designed by Dean Sakamoto and Kelly and Stone Architects and inspired by the designs of mid-century Hawaiian modernist Vladimir Ossipoff, embraces the island landscape with spaces for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: With warmer temperatures year-round, Kauai continues to be a popular family destination for the holidays. This home’s open floor plan allows families to enjoy their time together both indoor and outdoor. The ample outdoor space overlooking the lush landscape of the island makes for the perfect backdrop during a Thanksgiving meal with friends and family.
Montage Residences Kapalua Bay
Lahaina, HI
This fully-furnished 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence, which is currently on the market for $5,950,000, offers incredible sweeping ocean views.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Perched above the famed Kapalua Bay, Residence 1404 offers some of the best views at Montage Kapalua Bay with enough room to comfortably host and entertain the entire family. Additionally, the lanais offer prime viewing to Maui’s world-famous sunsets. The home is just steps away from a variety of activities for all ages including, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing beachside. Groups of any size can also enjoy two world-class golf courses, hiking, walking and biking trails and so much more.
FOR FAMILIES AVOIDING THE COLD
Maravilla Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Casa Higuera is one of the only fully turnkey custom homes currently available at Maravilla Los Cabos, a private residential community situated between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez. The community spans both Las Viudas Beach and the renowned Santa Maria Bay, encompassing two of the few year-round, swimmable beaches in Cabo. The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath home features 4,059 square feet inside and 4,908-square feet of outdoor space, as well as a 951-square-foot garage.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Built with familial holiday celebrations in mind, Casa Higuera offer multiple spaces for entertainment. The full gourmet kitchens (both indoor and out) boast SubZero, Miele and Wolf appliances, along with a fire pit, barbecue and Kalamazoo pizza oven. The property’s private infinity pool features a floating dining palapa for al-fresco gatherings, while the home’s lower-level basement features a family room equipped with a full bath, 85” flat screen TV, shuffleboard and pool table as well as a walk-in 180-bottle wine cellar.
Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, SC
Tucked into Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff is 119 August Lane. This charming three bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home priced at $1,889,550 is inspired by low-country architecture and features timeless, comfortable design inside and out. Among many features, this home allows for year-round living afforded by expansive porches and Carolina room with fireplace.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Ideal for multi-generational families, couples with young children and groups looking to entertain, the residence features spacious gathering areas, including an open living and dining room, expansive kitchen, Carolina room and a fully-appointed screened-in porch.
FOR FAMILIES WHO LOVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS
Nakoma Resort
Cilo, CA
Nakoma Resort is located in Northern California’s eastern Plumas County, a region known as the “Lost Sierra.” Surrounded by mountain peaks and the Plumas National Forest, Nakoma offers an escape from the traffic and crowds around Lake Tahoe. The modern resort is home to a minimalist 42-room Lodge, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Clubhouse, 18-hole championship golf course, Altitude Recreation Center, 12 Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired villas and Ascend Residences at Nakoma, a collection of mountain-modern homes.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The snow-capped Lost Sierra is your destination for family winter play away from the crowds. Ascend Residences offer open floor plans with ample space for entertaining family around the annual Christmas tree plucked from the surrounding landscape. Families can avoid the lift lines, whip down the tubing hill or jump on a fat bike to ride atop the snowy trails. Snow permitting, Nakoma will groom 2.5 km of cross-country ski trail steps from a crackling fire in the Wigwam Room. Families who want to explore further into the Lost Sierra can plan an adventurous snowmobiling tour.
Grand View Lodge
Nisswa, MN
Spread over 750 acres, Grand View Lodge offers a variety of private, luxury lodging options with cabins, townhomes, villas and clubhouse suites dotting the shores of popular Roy and Gull Lake. Owners and guests enjoy access to 2,500 feet of sandy beaches along two glacier formed lakes, several tennis courts, an indoor pool with waterslide, 54 holes of championship golf and the award-winning Glacial Waters Spa.
Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The Lodge becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays with ice skating, hockey, skiing and snowboarding nearby, tubing, sleigh rides, ice fishing and snowmobiling. There will also be an abundance of holiday festivities for families, including Santa Elf Tuck-ins, stories with Mrs. Claus, wine tastings and s’mores by the bonfire. After a long day of winter activities, families can gather together in their cabins near the fireplace to share gifts and spread some holiday cheer.
A glimpse at some of the finest Presidential Suites in the world reveals that some of the amenities in just one of them include: Cantilevered glass balconies, a breathtaking library with a 26-foot cathedral ceiling, a Bösendorfer baby grand piano, lacquered walls with inlaid mother-of-pearl detailing, world-class art and a master bath clad in rare Chinese onyx.
In most hotels, the “Presidential Suite” will never host a U.S. president, but its very presence suggests a property possesses the requisite luxury for the most exclusive clientele. It is an opportunity for interior designers and staff to pull out all the stops to create the ultimate accommodations for heads of state, A-List celebrities or billionaire entrepreneurs.
Since James Monroe held the office, U.S. presidents have gravitated to The Greenbrier, the stately West Virginia resort 250 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., now a short flight aboard Air Force One. Surrounded by 11,000 rolling, wooded acres, the retreat has the serenity of Camp David but with world-class golf and cuisine. After a visit from President Eisenhower in 1956, a secret Cold War bunker was constructed at The Greenbrier for the relocation of Congress in the event of a nuclear attack.
Photos courtesy of The Greenbriar
The Presidential Suite is located in a wing called The Windsor Club at The Greenbrier, and currently commands $25,000 per night. A sweeping staircase leads from the entertainment areas on the ground floor to seven bedrooms (all with en suite bathrooms) above. An additional 18 bedrooms for guests or staff are available upon request. Originally decorated by legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper, the Presidential Suite still features her signature style of American Baroque furniture and vibrant hand-painted wallpaper.
According to Dr. Robert S. Conte, the resort’s official historian and author of The History of The Greenbrier—America’s Resort, the suite was created in 1947 when the property was converted back to a hotel after serving as a U.S. Army hospital during World War II. “It’s at the end of a long corridor, which provides a sense of privacy and has a dedicated concierge,” reports Conte.
Of the 27 presidents who have stayed at The Greenbrier, only Eisenhower actually slept in the Presidential Suite, as other suites offer more manageable spaces. But its occupants have included Indian Prime Minister Nehru, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The 5,500-squre-foot suite is ideal for corporate entertaining, and one family has made a tradition of booking it every Christmas for 25 years.
On the 51st floor of the I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Manhattan are a pair of beautifully appointed 1,350-square-foot “Presidential Suites” with stunning views of the New York skyline and neighboring Central Park. But heads of state, royalty or big-name celebrities may prefer to ascend to the Ty Warner Penthouse, a 4,300-square-foot suite with 360-degree views and extraordinary appointments. The Four Seasons reports the showcase suite, a collaboration of Pei, hotel owner Ty Warner and iconoclastic architect/interior designer Peter Marino, is the product of a $50 million investment.
The Ty Warner Penthouse features the four highest cantilevered glass balconies in the world, perched over one of New York’s most prestigious and strategic addresses. A breathtaking library offers a 26-foot cathedral ceiling, floor-to-ceiling bronze bookcases from French sculptor Claude Lalanne and a Bösendorfer baby grand piano. Lacquered walls with inlaid mother-of-pearl detailing, world-class art and a master bath clad in rare Chinese onyx contribute to the architectural drama, while service perks include a 24-hour dedicated guest manager and Rolls Royce with driver at the ready. The nightly rate for this opulence is about $60,000, arguably a bit pricy for a public servant.
The Presidential Suite is located in a wing called The Windsor Club at The Greenbrier, and currently commands $25,000 per night. A sweeping staircase leads from the entertainment areas on the ground floor to seven bedrooms (all with en suite bathrooms) above. An additional 18 bedrooms for guests or staff are available upon request. Originally decorated by legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper, the Presidential Suite still features her signature style of American Baroque furniture and vibrant hand-painted wallpaper.
According to Dr. Robert S. Conte, the resort’s official historian and author of The History of The Greenbrier—America’s Resort, the suite was created in 1947 when the property was converted back to a hotel after serving as a U.S. Army hospital during World War II. “It’s at the end of a long corridor, which provides a sense of privacy and has a dedicated concierge,” reports Conte.
Of the 27 presidents who have stayed at The Greenbrier, only Eisenhower actually slept in the Presidential Suite, as other suites offer more manageable spaces. But its occupants have included Indian Prime Minister Nehru, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The 5,500-squre-foot suite is ideal for corporate entertaining, and one family has made a tradition of booking it every Christmas for 25 years.
Photos courtesy of Caesar’s Hotel and Bel Air Hotel
On the 51st floor of the I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Manhattan are a pair of beautifully appointed 1,350-square-foot “Presidential Suites” with stunning views of the New York skyline and neighboring Central Park. But heads of state, royalty or big-name celebrities may prefer to ascend to the Ty Warner Penthouse, a 4,300-square-foot suite with 360-degree views and extraordinary appointments. The Four Seasons reports the showcase suite, a collaboration of Pei, hotel owner Ty Warner and iconoclastic architect/interior designer Peter Marino, is the product of a $50 million investment.
The Ty Warner Penthouse features the four highest cantilevered glass balconies in the world, perched over one of New York’s most prestigious and strategic addresses. A breathtaking library offers a 26-foot cathedral ceiling, floor-to-ceiling bronze bookcases from French sculptor Claude Lalanne and a Bösendorfer baby grand piano. Lacquered walls with inlaid mother-of-pearl detailing, world-class art and a master bath clad in rare Chinese onyx contribute to the architectural drama, while service perks include a 24-hour dedicated guest manager and Rolls Royce with driver at the ready. The nightly rate for this opulence is about $60,000, arguably a bit pricy for a public servant.
On the other coast, a favorite spot of the rich and famous is the Hotel Bel-Air, whose attraction is not only its prestige but its seclusion. Buffered by 12 acres of landscaped gardens with an idyllic swan pond, the hotel’s Presidential Suite is understatedly elegant, with arched floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers hanging from coffered ceilings and luxurious limestone floors more suggestive of a grand residence than a hotel. A stunning Bianco Ondulare marble-clad fireplace and grand piano occupy the living room, while gracious dining for 10 is accommodated in a room with silver-laced, hand-painted walls. Guests pass through French doors into a private courtyard with its own swimming pool, reflective of the signature serenity of the entire property.
The Bel-Air’s versatile 6,775-square-foot Presidential Suite, for which the nightly rate starts at $15,000, is accessed through a private entrance ensuring privacy and providing a more residential feel. “The suite is situated in a compound layout, so anyone traveling with security or an entourage can have connecting suites or rooms,” explains Kayal Moore, assistant director of rooms at the Bel-Air. Addressing the enhanced service that complements the environment, he says, “We truly offer a unique and tailored stay for each guest.”
Everything on the Las Vegas Strip, where there is a different standard for conspicuous consumption, is over-the-top, so it should come as no surprise that the premier accommodations at the city’s iconic hotels are truly spectacular. Many decadent suites are set aside for high rollers at Caesar’s Palace (none officially titled “Presidential Suite”), some whose pink onyx bathtubs with 24-karat gold fixtures are better suited for pleasure than official business.
Photos courtesy of Caesar’s Palace
When President Obama and family stayed at Caesar’s, they occupied the Cleopatra Villa and the adjoining Mark Antony Villa, totaling 20,000 square feet of lavish, marble-clad space with a glass-covered atrium, six bedrooms and an oversized outdoor spa. “Now that I’m president, they upgraded me,” Obama reportedly joked during his 2009 stay, acknowledging the over-the-top accommodations. The two combined suites, priced from $33,000 per night and favored by platinum record pop stars, royal families and tech tycoons — are accessed by secure private elevator and served by a dedicated butler 24 hours a day.
The Venetian, Las Vegas’ luxury Italianate hotel, offers not one but four Presidential Suites that combine understated elegance with a little glitz, consistent with a property that values artistic expression. Each suite’s 5,200 square feet of living space includes grand marble foyers, lavish dining rooms and a pair of bedrooms with elegant amenities. Naturally, the occupants have access to any of the hotel’s acclaimed chefs and can relax over a game of billiards in a stately game room. Hotel representatives report the Chairman Suites at The Venetian’s adjoining sister property, The Palazzo, are larger, flashier and even more befitting the highest of rollers.
Clearly, Washington, D.C. knows how to accommodate diplomats, prime ministers and sultans, with suites pre-approved by the Secret Service. The Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, which has nightly rates starting at $15,000, offers spectacular views of the nation’s capital and traditional yet exquisite décor. A hexagonal living room with vaulted ceiling and crystal chandelier adds to the ease of entertaining in this 3,500-square-foot suite, where stunning spa-like contemporary bathrooms — the master features a two-person glass shower — adjoin spacious sleeping quarters.
Hotel manager Marie-Elise Lallemand insists the Mandarin Oriental’s Presidential Suite is the only one in the District with genuinely monumental views, noting its 180-degree panorama encompasses many of the capital city’s most recognizable landmarks. In fact, a circular window in the 10-seat dining room perfectly frames a postcard-worthy vista of the Washington Monument. “With two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, dining room with chef’s prep area, living room, office, sitting room, and grand foyer, our Presidential Suite is truly unique,” says Lallemand, who maintains the level of service is commensurate with the presidential premises.
Sweet Suites
Hotel Bel-Air • Los Angeles • www.dorchestercollection.com
Caesar’s Palace • Las Vegas • www.caesars.com
Four Seasons • New York • www.fourseasons.com
The Greenbrier • Sulphur Springs • West Virginia • www.greenbrier.com
Mandarin Oriental • Washington, D.C. • www.mandarinoriental.com
The Palazzo • Las Vegas • www.palazzo.com
The Venetian • Las Vegas • www.venetian.com
Explorers looking to stray from the usual sightseeing routes or tropical destinations and go off the beaten path are in luck as high-end travel companies begin to offer more journeys that embrace wildlife and nature.
Enjoying 24 hours of daylight on a cruise through icy waters, standup paddle boarding in the vicinity of pink dolphins and trekking through a national park to appreciate the sight of tigers and elephants are just a few of the many exceptional offerings from luxury travel companies.
“Travelers are now more than ever looking for extraordinary moments filled with authenticity and personal value,” says Sarah Casewit, co-founder of curated experiential travel company Naya Traveler. “It’s no longer enough to check off the must-see list, or come home with a suitcase full of souvenirs. They’re seeking personalized experiences that go beyond the tourist sightseeing route, in favor of opportunities to engage with locals and their traditions.”
When it comes to the exact locations that allow for unique, nature-driven travel, destinations all over the globe have a lot to offer, but Casewit notes that a few particular locations are of high interest lately. “These destinations attract a similar traveler profile due to the adventurous nature of the experiences, complete with adrenaline-filled activities,” Casewit says, noting that clients usually look for rustic chic lodges and a high-end glamping experience that infuses unique cultural elements including music, art or cuisine to complement the journey.
According to luxury travel company Natural World Safaris, one such location is Norway — experience life under the midnight sun with 24 hours of daylight while cruising the icy waters of the Svalbard Archipelago. “Great for those seeking a niche experience with an interest in wildlife, polar regions and conservation efforts,” is NWS’ Polar Bear Explorer trip, starting at $9,305 for 11 days.
Set sail north from Longyearbyen aboard some of the smallest expedition ships to cruise these waters with just 12 passengers for a uniquely intimate voyage. “This small ship expedition isn’t possible to book yourself, plus NWS offers the expertise of specialist leaders including National Geographic photographers,” says Will Bolsover, NWS founder and managing director.
The Polar Bear Explorer journey includes walking and sailing through incredible landscapes, fjords and waterfalls, and searching for colonies of walrus, polar bears and other marine mammals. The small ships are perfect for exploring the icy waters, creating the opportunity to have unrivalled up-close encounters with Arctic wildlife.
For a warmer destination, adventurous families looking for a multi-activity break can venture to Costa Rica for NWS’ 10-day, tailor-made trip, starting at $3,520. The excursion can include activities such as whale-watching, observing turtle nesting on the beaches, learning more about the species found in Costa Rica at butterfly, frog and iguana farms and exploring tropical Tortuguero, home to tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, sloths and more.
The safari is full of adventure, with jungle walks, horseback riding and canoeing, as well as the chance to witness four species of primate in Manuel Antonio National Park. If Bolsover had to pick just one experience that every client or visitor must take advantage of in Costa Rica, he says: “It has to be zip lining through the jungle canopy.”
Marine wildlife and tropical birds abound in Peru, where Naya Traveler offers a three-night journey in Puerto Maldonado combined with three nights aboard River Cruise in Iquitos starting at $900 per person per day. The country has three distinct regions, one of which is the virgin rainforest, which covers about 60 percent of the country and is rich in a biodiversity that is native to the Amazon. Journeying from Iquitos, travelers can explore the rainforest from the river on an intimate cruise, or stay in a missionary-style hacienda on the banks of the river in Madre de Dios.
“Visitors can cruise along the Amazon River and witness the meeting of the waters, standup paddle with pink dolphins surrounding them, and fish for piranhas at night,” says Casewit. She recommends taking a “night safari” through the Amazon rainforest, where travelers can see the animals that come out at night.
Across the South Atlantic Ocean in South India, Naya Traveler’s six-night journey consists of trips to Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Coorg, starting at $600 per person per day. This journey can be curated to include trekking alongside a tribal villager through Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to some of India’s most majestic creatures including tigers and elephants, riding a skiff through the backwaters of Kerala to see locals living in equilibrium with nature, or spending the night on a traditional houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala.
Cultural diversity and a rich heritage abound all throughout South India, including Kerala, where language, music, art, cuisine and architecture can vary from one state to the next. The region also boasts a varied topography, with rolling hills, winding backwaters and tropical valleys to explore during the trip.
The land throughout the Southernmost continent in the world is barely touched by humans, offering breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Travelers can ride among whales, pinnipeds, albatross and penguins, and take a flight over the Geographical South Pole on a journey through Antarctica with Naya Traveler’s ‘The White Desert by Cruise’ trip.
“Cruise through Drake Passage with Antarctica on the horizon, take a dinghy to walk on Earth’s White Continent, witnessing Emperor Penguins breeding,” Casewit says of the trip, consisting of 10 nights starting at $1,300 per person per day. The excursion can also be altered to travel from South Africa to Antarctica by private jet and stay in luxury pods for eight nights, starting at $80,000 per person.
If you’re looking to explore more than a single continent in one sweeping trip, Natural World Safaris’ 18-day multi-destination experience, starting at $37,391, takes travelers on a journey from the red African deserts to Antarctica’s white landscapes. This safari expedition includes activities such as quad biking across the deserts of the Makgadikgadi Pans, a hot air balloon flight over the sand dunes of Sossuvlei, and discovering the desert-adapted wildlife of the Kalahari.
Each day offers a unique experience, such as flying in by jet to land on an ice-runway in Antarctica, where you can spot penguins and trek on the tundra. Bolsover says, “This is a finely-tuned safari which is coordinated to maximize on time and uses the expertise of the team to ensure the best experiences in each destination.”
No matter what destination your wildlife-oriented journey brings you to, Casewit recommends taking advantage of a travel company to enrich the experience, noting “These trips are designed to provide a unique space for clients to discover a destination through the eyes and knowledge of those who know it best.”
By Mia Ingui
“Although the building has many stories to tell, it is now about the lodge’s evolution over the past 25 years that provides the reason visitors should choose The Marlborough Lodge.”
New Zealand’s province of Marlborough, the country’s largest producer of wine and world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, is now home to the luxury Marlborough Lodge, a new resort that serves as the perfect spot to uncover the culture, beauty and cuisine of the region.
Boasting the most hours of sunlight in New Zealand, the Marlborough region is almost always covered in sunshine, perfect for the 110 wineries of the region to thrive. The Marlborough Lodge is located right in the heart of Marlborough, and is on the second stage of its four-stage renovation.
“We have retained many of the beautiful historic elements highlighted throughout the building and mixed those with a modern eclectic decor, while adding the creature comforts expected in the 21st century,” said Angela Dillion, the managing director and owner of the Marlborough Lodge, “The mix of New Zealand art throughout the lodge was chosen to highlight the talent in the country while also creating talking points and conversation pieces.”
No two rooms are alike and each feature their own unique style, thanks to the interior design of Peter Lloyd. The lodge includes remnants of the original lodge, which was a Victorian convent from 1901 and original artwork from New Zealand artists.
The Marlborough Lodge is offering two new food and wine experiences, along with its Harvest Restaurant, open to lodge and non-lodge guests. The first is the, Taste of Cloudy Bay Surf Clams & Sauvignon Blanc, in which the guests will get up close and personal with Cloudy Bay Surf Clams and later prepare them with Chef Sam Webb in an interactive cooking demonstration. The lodge’s new, Helicopter Reef Fishing: D’Urville Indulgence excursion is for the adventurous guests. Guests will fly by helicopter to fish off of a reef, catch Blue Cod, and enjoy a beach lunch.
“Our team of chefs showcase some of New Zealand’s best produce in our a la carte restaurant, and our wine list supports this with an evolving selection of local Marlborough, New Zealand and international wines,” said Dillion on the Lodge’s dining.
In terms of moving forward in the renovation, Dillion spoke about the Lodge’s big plans. “We are currently underway on renovating a small chapel that is on site, and this will become a guest entertainment area,” she said, “This will provide even more space for our guests to relax and enjoy the gardens from with comfortable seating that flows out through large bi-fold doors.”
The lodge is also adding on a spa area, according to Dillion, “We are also creating a massage and treatment room for our guests at the back of this building. This will be unique as it will encompass the old altar area of the chapel.”
Other amenities of the lodge include bicycles to explore the grounds, a freshwater pool, tennis courts, and tours of the surrounding gardens and vineyards. Rates per suite start at $843 USD.
Motu Tane, a 9.6-acre private island located in the lagoon of Bora Bora, is dotted with 1,500 coconut palms and native flora, and 22 separate structures to create a remote, garden-like retreat.
Owned by cosmetics mogul François Nars, Motu Tane features two luxurious 2,500-square-foot suites, each with a sunken lava bathtub, shower and dressing area, as well as panoramic views to the garden, the beach and the main island.
“The island is a uniquely realized meld of striking natural beauty, world-class beaches and dream-like views, complemented and enhanced by the visions of François Nars, Parisian landscaper Pascal Cribler and interior designer Christian Liaigre, who together created the ultimate luxury retreat,” says listing agent Bob Hurwitz of Hurwitz James Company.
Throughout the island are nine beach bungalows to accommodate up to 20 guests, a library with Polynesian art and artifacts, a photography studio, a chef’s kitchen featuring commercial-quality equipment and two staff quarters. The great room, perfect for small gatherings or formal entertaining, and the adjacent dining area featuring extra-large, custom-made tables, are surrounded by the garden. Custom-crafted furniture made from rare tropical wood and natural fabrics can be found in rooms throughout the island, listed at $42 million.
“Traveling is my longtime passion and I have both marketed and vacationed on some of the most beautiful and pristine properties on earth,” says Hurwitz. “This includes a large number of jaw-droppingly beautiful islands. Among the many privately owned islands I have visited, Motu Tane stands alone at the top of the list.”
“For the rare individual who has the money to buy whatever he or she wants and has already done so, there still remains Motu Tane. Anyone who can afford it and visits it will buy it,” says Hurwitz. — Kelly Potts
Photos courtesy of Hurwitz James Company
Grace Bay Resorts developer Mark Durliat introduces his new vision for luxury island living in Turks and Caicos with the launch of Rock House, a residential resort tucked into the rugged, untouched limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore, the first of its kind. The first phase of Rock House is slated to be finished in 2020, with a second phase of homes to follow.
Rock House is designed to emulate a seaside town found in the South of France, Capri or elsewhere on the Mediterranean coast. 41 studio suites are on the property, with one and two-bedroom cottages ranging from 631 to 1,907 square feet and priced from $600,000 to $1.625 million. Four additional four and five-bedroom single-family estates at the hillside resort will be offered for sale in the second phase.
“We are re-imaging what it means to escape to the islands, and buyers are responding. Fifty percent of the homes have already been sold,” said Mark Durliat, CEO and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts. “With an exclusive location in the upscale residential neighborhood of International Drive, Rock House will deliver an elegant property with timeless appeal that cannot be found in a traditional oceanfront condominium.
The free-standing one- and two-bedroom cottages will include private pools and outdoor terraces, bathrooms with outdoor private shower gardens, 13-foot vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors to maximize the views of the island’s turquoise waters. Envisioned by Architectural Digest’s AD100 interior designer Shawn Henderson, each residence’s interiors will feature an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional design with Scandinavian and custom-made furnishings, porcelain and terrazzo flooring, oversized soaking tubs and Waterworks fixtures in their kitchens and bathrooms.
Rock House’s signature restaurant will offer dazzling 180-degree views of the archipelago’s barrier reef and Atlantic Ocean. A spa and fitness center, tennis courts and jogging trails will enhance the sense of well-being for residents of Rock House.
One of eight inhabited islands out of the 40 Turks and Caicos Islands, Providenciales is world-renowned for its pristine, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It has become one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury second-home owners. Selected as one of the World’s Best Islands by TripAdvisor, the destination features diving and snorkeling in the island’s miles of spectacular coral reefs; water sports including world-renowned kite surfing, horseback riding, golfing, and notable sites including the world’s only conch farm and relics from the island’s plantation history.
Photos courtesy of Rock House
Owners at Costas Palmas have access to the members-only Beach Club, which serves as the heart of the club community, offering organic cuisine, fitness and locker rooms, full-service pools and proximity to the beach.
Owners can also take advantage of “Aventura” guides, offering jet skiing, paddle boarding, wake surfing, sport fishing, ATV adventures to secret caves or waterfalls, and sunset horseback rides on the beach. The Costa Palmas Marina, a deep-water marina with 250 slips, is located just steps away from the marina village offering artisanal boutiques, dining, music and art. — Kelly Potts
rendering & photos courtesy Costa Palmas
Costa Palmas, a 1,000-acre private beachfront resort community on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, will soon be home to the first Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences in Los Cabos. Options for owners include a fully furnished, fully managed golf, beach or marina one- to five-bedroom residence, or one of just 18 private, custom-designed villas of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet located on the beach or marina.
Summer is the season for camping! Or, if you’d rather not sacrifice comfort and luxury during your scenic outdoor expedition, then ‘glamping’ may be the perfect fit. From tiny homes bordering national forests to island excursions for young campers and expansive tents with endless views of Hollywood Hills, here are three ways to glamp all season long.
Beverly Wilshire
Beverly Hills, California
Bringing a touch of the great outdoors with the first urban glamping experience available in Los Angeles, the Veranda Suite is a one-of-a-kind, studio-style suite suite featuring a 2,140-square-food terrace with unparalleled 270-degree views of the Hollywood Hills and Rodeo Drive.
The expansive tent, which is 16 feet in diameter and over 10 feet tall in the center, offers the coveted Four Seasons sleep experience with a queen-size bed and Four Seasons linens, and lavish furnishings including a crystal chandelier, marble lamps, fur rug and antique nightstands. Outdoors on the terrace, oversized lounge furniture surrounding a fireplace and a dining area for eight completes the glamping experience.
Guests can also enjoy an exclusive glamping menu during their stay, prepared on the veranda by the executive chef. Urban glamping in the Veranda Suite is available for a limited time, with rates starting at $3,500 per night.
Snake River Sporting Club
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Situated on 800 acres with nearly seven miles of private access to Snake River, this private club recently began offering luxury overnight lodging to the public.
The Discovery Village, perfect for couples, is an intimate collection of four designer-furnished, 1-bedroom tiny homes, each with their own fire pit and patio surrounding a communal open space. The tiny homes range from $225 to $625 per night, and guests can enhance their stay with outdoor activities such as world-class golf, fly fishing, hiking and biking, or the restored hot springs.
Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina
Kapolei, Hawaii
Located at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, the glamping excursion allows young campers to gather under the night sky surrounded by the comfort of a luxurious tent with Four Seasons bedding.
The well-appointed outdoor accommodations are matched by traditional camping experiences for an evening of Hawaiian stargazing and story-telling, games, movies and a “Great Outdoors” inspired dinner.
Overnight glamping is $150 per camper, which includes supervision, dinner, camping materials and breakfast. Glamping without camping is $100 per camper, including supervision, dinner and games until 10 p.m.
