Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is celebrating the month of love by introducing three new romantic hotels in breathtaking destinations including Comporta in Portugal, Raa Atoll in The Maldives and Santa Teresa de Cobano in Costa Rica. Each hotel blends into its natural environment, surrounded by lush vegetation and offering unparalleled sea views that are meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. Ski lovers will also be delighted with the introduction of two elegant mountain retreats in South Tyrol and Zermatt that fuse contemporary style with Alpine chalet charm.
Quinta Da Comporta Wellness Retreat, Comporta, Portugal
Opens 15th March 2019
Located in the heart of Comporta’s idyllic village, Quinta da Comporta is the new sustainable signature project envisioned and designed by renowned Portuguese architect, Miguel Câncio Martins. Nestled on a stunning 17-hectare estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches, the hotel features whitewashed walls and cool-toned touches, reflective of both traditional Portuguese style and contemporary design. Each room has a luxurious beach hut feel, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette and sun-bleached woods that merge seamlessly with the hotel’s beautiful surroundings. The restaurant serves organic and fresh produce that is locally sourced and harvested in the hotel’s Bio Garden. Rising out of the Rice Fields just over the heated Infinity Pool, Oryza Spa uses rice as the core element of inspiration, sourcing its health and holistic benefits through the development of innovative treatments and products that are exclusive to the spa.
SLH Insider Tip: Guests should pay a visit to Comporta Café on Comporta beach, a rustic lounge bar featuring a row of white cabanas and DJs spinning house music at sunset. It is a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a plate of seafood.
Faarufushi Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Opens March 2019
Bringing barefoot luxury to the remote northern Raa Atoll, Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas that offer a striking realisation of contemporary design amidst a naturally stunning seascape. Hidden among palm trees are 10 Beach Bungalows and 27 Beach Retreats, whilst 39 sleek Ocean Retreats with Pool are positioned over the island’s sparkling azure lagoon. For the ultimate indulgence, the Island Residence comes complete with an individual expansive infinity pool overlooking at its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s Nika Spa blends into the lush vegetation of the island with six treatment rooms and a garden compound with a hydro pool surrounded by outdoor lounges and relaxation pavilions. The Faarufushi house reef boasts magnificent coral overhangs and swim throughs, allowing guests to discover the abundant marine life that lies beneath the waves. This spectacular reef will be the ideal experience for divers and snorkelers alike.
SLH Insider Tip: At the reef’s edge, the overwater bar with alfresco seating provides the perfect sunset view as well as a great location to enjoy floral and tea-inspired cocktails.
Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa de Cobano, Costa Rica
Opens February 2019
Immersed in the surf culture of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Nantipa is set to make waves in this picturesque part of Costa Rica with every design element inspired by the ocean and the sky – right down to its name, which means ‘blue’ in the native Nicoya tribal language. The cloud-nine boutique retreat offers beach-edge suites and bungalows with hammocks and garden, pool or ocean views ensuring guests have the sand between their toes and the soothing sound of the sea in their ears from dusk til dawn. Beautifully positioned right on the beach, Nantipa’s restaurant serves creative Costa Rican cuisine with a side of sunset views. The zingy ceviche assortments and the grilled seafood are staples on the authentic menu that also features favourites like tacos, gallos, casados among other local delicacies. With the wildlife-rich jungle behind and the ocean in front, there is plenty to do in the area from surf lessons and beach horseback riding to visiting the mighty Montezuma Waterfall or taking a boat to the talcum powder sands of Tortuga Island.
SLH Insider Tip: The beach in front of Nantipa has scenic rocks with small tide pools perfect for children to dip in before enjoying a swim in the 270 square meters pool at the center of the property.
Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt, Switzerland
Re-opened 21st December 2018
Recently acquired by Michel Reybier, the iconic Schweizerhof Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of The Alps, re-opened on 21st December, transformed, ready for the 2019 ski season. The new style is warm and bold, with alpine charm, including soft rugs and wood which are present throughout. Some of the in-room technology includes Chromecast devices for screen mirroring, Netflix and Spotify account access, smart lighting control and RFID room keys. A client app also enables guests to book their table and pay their bill, book spa treatments, open their room, speak with the in-house teams, reserve ski equipment and check the slope conditions. The Spa by Schweizerhof offers an exclusive list of spa treatments created with cosmeceutical products from Nescens, the Swiss anti-ageing science. Guests will also be kept entertained with an indoor swimming pool, three saunas open 24/7, a Turkish bath and a fitness centre, while yoga masterclass and private fitness coach are also available.
SLH Insider Tip: The Valais region is honoured in each dish at the hotel’s Cheese Factory: a table with a decidedly Swiss “stübli” feel, where raclette and fondue can be shared in an atmosphere roused by the Alpen horn and Swiss folk music. Try one of the unashamedly rich desserts on the menu including the meringue with red berries served with Gruyère double cream.
Hotel Montchalet, South Tyrol, Italy
Set in the idyllic mountain village of Ortisei, in Val Gardena, Hotel Montchalet is surrounded by the soaring natural wonders of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property combines four ranges of luxury suites (silver, gold, platinum and VIP) featuring pebble tones and crisp whites, silver tints and charcoal accents – alongside beautifully exposed wood. Some of the suites even include their own private infrared saunas as well as steam baths and outdoor Jacuzzis. Its spa and wellness area has been designed to ensure deep relaxation boasting unique facilities such as futuristic floating sunbeds by NU RELAX, an indoor pool, experience showers and a fitness area with Technogym machines. When it comes to gastronomy, the smartly-dressed dining room exudes a sense of high-altitude glitz serving wellness cuisine with reimagined traditional Tyrolean recipes. The property provides daily Maserati transfers to Europe’s finest slopes as well as sleigh rides and snowshoeing during the winter.
SLH Insider Tip: Guests looking to enjoy active holidays need only ask the hotel’s knowledgeable concierge team. From organising golf or tennis lessons, mountain biking, paragliding to hiking routes in the Dolomites, they know the region like the back of their hands.
