Hotel Mirador, Chihuahua, Mexico
Located a three-minute drive, or a scenic hike, from the Copper Canyon Adventure Park, Hotel Mirador sits on the highest point of the canyon like an eagle’s nest – in fact it’s the only hotel in the Copper Canyons of Chihuahua to have a panoramic view from the private terrace of every room. The hotel is surrounded by pine trees and its unique architecture and décor pay tribute to traditional Mexican style. In the rooms guests will find hand-carved beams made from local wood, hand painted tiles, fireplaces and bathrooms of natural stone complemented by modern comforts to create a truly luxurious yet authentic experience. The Adventure Park, as expected, offers plenty of activities from horseback riding and zip-lining to an annual ultramarathon each March. Nearby Creel is home to the otherworldly Valle de los Monjes (Valley of the Monks) and Recohuata hot springs.
SLH Insider Tip:People travel to Copper Canyon for the view but also for El Chepe, one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Every day since 1961, El Chepe has ventured into the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara, between Chihuahua City and Los Mochis in Sinaloa. Hotel Mirador has its own station – Barrancas del Cobre – so be sure to set aside a day for this unique experience.
VALA Hua Hin, Petchburi, Thailand
Soft opened 17th September 2020
Located over an expansive 3.2 hectares between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, VALA Hua Hin is the perfect blend of natural escape and contemporary comfort just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok. The resort’s design ensures that the green spaces have been carefully preserved throughout the development of the resort – as such VALA Hua Hin is surrounded by an abundance of lush trees and overlooks an expansive 260 metre-long beach. Each of the 84 rooms and suites, and 13 pool villas, come with a spacious terrace and uninterrupted views over the Gulf of Thailand. In the morning, wake up to the sound of the sea and wander along tranquil walkways to the white Volakas marble Olympic-size infinity pool to lap up views of the sea and a cocktail in the swim-up bar. While offering an idyllic private retreat for couples, the hotel also caters for families with a treehouse-inspired playground and family rooms with bunk beds. An organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, chicken coop and rice field ensure WOODS Kitchen and Bar restaurant minimises all food miles and waste, while WOODS Upper Deck is a rooftop bar with panoramic sunset views.
SLH Insider Tip: Book a luxurious ‘modern glamping’ style pool villa and enjoy a private saltwater swimming pool, garden area and a spacious terrace that can be customised for outdoor activities and dinners.
Koh Russey Villas & Resort, Bamboo Island, Cambodia
Opening on 18th December
A blissful retreat on Cambodia’s remote Bamboo Island, Koh Russey Villas & Resort is due to open in December. Just a short speedboat ride from the Khmer Riviera, the resort offers 50 pavilions and 13 freshwater pool villas skirting 1.2km of private beach on the Gulf of Thailand. The resort has been designed inspired by the traditional geometry of Cambodian Krama fabric, and with the island little more than 1 mile wide all the buildings blend into the palm trees and bamboo groves while the restaurant and infinity pool offer wraparound ocean views. Accommodation varies from minimalist ‘cubes’ with outdoor baths to a four-bedroom beachfront villa complete with kitchen and butler pantry. Enjoy the spa or take a culinary trip to discover the world-known pepper plantations in Kampot before sampling them in action at one of two restaurants or a private table at a variety of locations around the resort.
SLH Insider Tip:Let the staff know if you’re keen to take a magical nighttime bioluminescence swim so they can advise when will be best during a visit.
Tiara Château Hôtel Mont Royal, Chantilly, France
Just 35 minutes from Paris and 10 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Tiara Château Hôtel Mont Royal is a contemporary spin on a classic experience set in the heart of the Chantilly Forest. This beautifully-restored chateau, commissioned as the home of French composer Fernand Halphen, offers thoughtful interior design that blends Louis XV-style furnishings with a modern sense of space. Taupe, cream and gold tones provide the backdrop for grand double beds and toile de Jouy linen. Enjoy the opulence of swimming under chandeliers in the spa and the elegance of L’Opera Restaurant, once the château’s music room. Outside there are beautiful grounds to explore where guests can try their hand at a traditional activity like pétanque, or get their heart racing with a bike ride through the forest. Nearby discover the story of Chantilly’s Bourbon-Condé princes with a visit to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, which also houses some of France’s most famous paintings in the Musée Condé.
SLH Insider Tip: Reach for the heights during a stay in the Rooftop Suite, a mansard-roofed apartment including bedroom, lounge, kitchenette and a magnificent 646 sq. ft private terrace with views over the forest.
Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, Canapville, France
A listed Historical Monument manor house that dates back to the 16th century, Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville is just 10 minutes from the bustle of Deauville, a seaside resort in Normandy known as the ‘queen of the Norman beaches’ and renowned for horseracing. Set in the calm of a six acre garden, the 27 rooms and suites are spread across the manor house and nine cottages and provide contemporary crisp white and pastel tones in contrast to the buildings’ historic exteriors. While there is no restaurant on property, room service is provided by nearby restaurant L’Auberge du Vieux Tour. In winter, gather round the open fireplace sampling local poiré (pear cider) from the honesty bar. In summer relax by the outdoor pool in the sublime gardens.
SLH Insider Tip:Read up on your Pierre Corneille before visiting – widely considered to be the founding father of French tragedy this prolific 17th century playwright, a contemporary of Molière and best known for his tragicomedy ‘Le Cid’, was a frequent visitor here.
