Posted on

W Retreat & Spa Bali a design masterpiece

The W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak

W Retreat & Spa Bali

Sensational Seminyak, home of the W Retreat & Spa Bali, was my epic destination for a recent business trip to the region. Getting to the hotel you will find yourself weaving your way through the lively cultural area, streets spilling over with locally produced artworks, shops and restaurants.

W Retreat & Spa Bali

Approaching the hotel you are lead through a vibrant green tunnel of foliage – a magnificent sight!

W Retreat & Spa Bali

I walked into a gorgeous display of red lip shaped chocolates and music when arriving at my beautiful room… one of the quirky touches that just made me smile.

W Retreat & Spa Bali

Another memorable experience was breakfast at the Fire Restaurant, where you get to choose your own coffee mug in an Alice-in-Wonderland type experience – A truly unique and bold approach to luxury hospitality! They serve generous portions of Westernised dishes, all housed in beautiful architecture and chandelier clad

W Retreat & Spa Bali

W Retreat & Spa Bali

Innovation and intuition encounter a free-spirited and vivacious energy – a perfect synergy providing both an exciting vacation experience as well as a relaxing one, depending on what you’re in the market for. Think top International DJ’s and fashionable events lined up year round, drawing in people from around the world to share in this exciting atmosphere.   

W Retreat & Spa Bali

W Bali is a highlight in Seminyak. Not only is this hotel a lot of fun, but the staff are amazing. I lost my cell phone charger (and the device was a unique model), within an hour they had purchased me a new one, even though the local shop had already closed for the day. Now that is extraordinary hospitality and one that I will never forget. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Bali.

Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager

to book click W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak 

or Email: whotels.bali@whotels.com

To view more reviews click here

Posted on

Amanzi Island Lodge… a very special coastal retreat

Amanzi Island Lodge

Amanzi island Lodge

When you arrive at a destination, and you are met with playful bicycles and kayaks, you know that you are stepping into an adventure!

Quietly nestled overlooking the spectacular Knysna lagoon, discover Amanzi Island Lodge… a very special coastal retreat.

Amanzi island Lodge

Amanzi island Lodge operates like a private luxury home. Guests have access to full kitchen, dining and living areas – exuding a sense of home-away-from-home. The fridge is stocked and we helped ourselves to wonderful beverages at leisure. We particularly loved the daily high-tea, reminiscent of a bygone era.

Amanzi island Lodge

The look-and-feel of this laid-back luxury lodge is one of serenity. Clean coastal white walls, pastel blue interiors, and wooden textures lay the background tone to vacation bliss. Unique decor furniture pieces and contemporary modern artwork adorn the walls – attributing style and artistic expression.

Amanzi island Lodge

We were fortunate enough to stay in the Honeymoon Kingfisher Suite, and it was spectacular. The suite epitomizes ultimate luxury and features its own lobby, walk in closets (every girl’s dream!), spacious bathroom, wrap-around deck, pool and of course, all this looking out onto the breathtaking Knysna lagoon.

Amanzi island Lodge

The property also features a computer room, beautiful garden, swimming pool as well as multiple comfortable sitting corners to enjoy a good book. The team is incredibly friendly and they went well out of their way to provide a memorable and beautiful experience for us.

Amanzi island Lodge

Amanzi Island Lodge is one of Knysna’s best-kept secrets and would be the most amazing honeymoon option for couples or for a family holiday where there are flexible self-catering options available.

Amanzi island Lodge

Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager World Luxury Hotel Awards

for more information visit www.amanzilodge.co.za
or Book: info@amanzilodge.co.za

To view more reviews click here 

Posted on

Head Over Hills For this Luxury Retreat

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat is located high up on the famous Knysna Heads. This luxurious guest house opens out onto a large deck, infinity pool and one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The view overlooks the majestic blue ocean below and staggering cliffs. Watch these light up at sunset, when the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of pink and blue. The location and atmosphere of this property is rare and precious.

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

This intimate boutique guesthouse is the ultimate in relaxation. We could kick off our shoes and relax at leisure as if in the comfort of our own home. The house is beautifully decorated with modern and elegant features that flow with the oceanic surroundings. Above all, it has an incredible warmth, combined with luxury and class.

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

The 8 luxury rooms are spacious and the bathrooms are enormous. The owners have spared no expense in ensuring only the best is offered, but the most impressive feature is the Hästens bed. These Swedish manufactured, specialized beds were amazing and we slept so soundly – all contributing to a truly relaxing stay. One of my top treats was the Smeg fridge filled with complimentary beverages – how wonderful!

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

Dining was an event all on its own… The charismatic and hospitable staff hosted us on both evenings, and they never failed to impress. Impeccable meals were served using fresh ingredients, and of course were presented beautifully to round off the experience.

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat
Delicious oysters

By the time we left, I felt like family. They hosted us with so much warmth and care that we were instantly bonded. The owners of Head over Hills are passionately involved with the daily operation of their bespoke property, and they remain shining examples of what it means to provide outstanding and world-class hospitality.

Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat

They have recently also launched Head over Hills Travels, an expert travel company that specializes in booking a dream South African holiday. www.headoverhillstravel.co.za

Michelle Snyman- Brand Manager World Luxury Hotel Awards


“This property is remarkable and showcases one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. Make sure you experience this at least once!”
www.headoverhills.co.za
Contact: info@headoverhills.co.za
Posted on

Conrad Pezula… a picturesque escape to the Garden Route of South Africa

Perfectly perched on Knysna’s famous Eastern head, the Conrad Pezula was our abode for a few dreamy and inspiring days. As we entered this extraordinary hotel, we were warmly welcomed into the spectacular lobby, showcasing elegant décor and African art. The scenic golf cart ride to our room was an unusual treat and instantly connected us with the beauty of our surrounds: manicured golf greens, indigenous forest, and the sparkling Indian Ocean. 

 

The butler staff are incredibly attentive and arrive within 2 minutes that you request them. Pure indulgence! The rooms are generously sized and boast a cosy fireplace which we loved and it kept us extra warm. Walking out onto the beautiful balcony that overlooks the grand estate in the imported gowns they provided, made me feel like pure royalty. The bathroom and walk-in closet are beautifully decorated and reflect the stylish character of this iconic destination. A gorgeous bottle of Stellenbosch wine and chocolates were waiting for us on arrival and really made us feel exceptionally welcome and special. 

 

The main lodge features high ceilings, contemporary décor and beautiful earthy colours. Walking down the dramatic staircase you are met with a model of the entire estate that is 1000 hectares in total. The ground floor features an exclusive boutique, the spa as well as the two restaurants, Café Z, Zachary’s and Noah’s Champagne and Cocktail Lounge. The kitchen uses the resorts homegrown vegetables as well as locally sourced fresh ingredients to create the generously portioned and delicious cuisine, reflecting true South African flavours and hospitality. Breakfast is an event, as we were wonderfully surprised with a glass of champagne, which always made us smile – what a great way to start the day! Dinner was world class, and the chefs outdid themselves in showing off the region’s freshest produce with style, flair, passion and Decadence. 

A feature we particularly enjoyed was the Conrad Concierge App. We were able to customize our entire experience, including dinner reservations, special arrival request, and local activities – all in advance. It’s wonderful to see how technology is being embraced and used to maximize the guest experience. 

A once-in-a-lifetime memory I will take away from our stay there, was our privately guided horse ride through the deep forest on the estate. How surreal it was to experience life from this viewpoint, and it connected us with nature in such a beautiful way. Food for the soul! 

The spectrum of attractions at Conrad Pezula is vast, so we’ve had to put them on our bucket list for a return visit. These include the uniquely accessible Noetzie Beach & Pezula Private Castle, the outstanding Spa as well as their wedding and conferencing options. Conrad Pezula is one of the best luxury travel experiences in Africa and I would highly recommend it to any discerning traveler.

Michelle Snyman-Brand Manager

To Book Conrad Pezula

www.conradpezula.com

Book: conrad_pezula@conradhotels.com

Posted on

Azamare Luxury Guest House A Seaside Masterpiece

Camps Bays Azamare Guest House has blown us away with our recent sublime stay…

Azamare is elegantly perched on a prime coastal real estate, overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, and cushioned by the fynbos-clad Twelve Apostles Mountains. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the lush and luxurious finishes to the attentive and intuitive guest service we experienced.

This was a perfect nest from which we explored the famous Camps Bay strip and surrounding attractions, while still enjoying privacy and quiet from our cocooned abode. Not that we needed to get out much, to be honest…

The full English breakfast was scrumptious, and our laid-back wine time in the evenings was just surreal, especially paired with Cape Town’s pink and orange complimentary sunsets.

A special thank you to Jan & the Azamare team for going above-and-beyond in creating and hosting our magical travel experience

Reviewed By Elizma Graham – World Luxury Hotel Awards

 

To book, contact their team on +27 21 4390682 or info@azamare.com

www.azamare.com

Posted on

A Luxurious Break In The Cape Town City Centre

Pepperclub Hotel & Spa

Located in the heart of Cape Town South Africa Pepper Club Hotel & Spa is a prime business and leisure hotel

A glass of decadent bubbly and a warm towel to refresh as we entered the uber stylish and glamorous Pepperclub Hotel & Spa was a fantastic start!

High up on the 14th floor, we checked into our luxurious studio apartment overlooking the majestic Cape Point. A sliding door opening up onto our balcony welcomed the fresh Autumn air and the famous Lionshead and Table Mountain – Cape Town’s pride and joy!

Ideally located, we took a short stroll and explored the sights, smells, and sounds of bustling Long Street. We loved the energy of Long Streets diverse cultures and endless pubs, clubs, divine eateries and boutique shopping spots that line the pavements.

Prepare to be ‘wowed’ by the onsite restaurant, Sinatra’s, decadent buffet style breakfast! An over-the-top display of culinary genius is spread out for patrons… it never disappoints. Definitely, make a plan to dine here if you are ever in Cape Town.

Popcorn and front-row movie seats to the hotels private retro 60’s style cinema were definitely on the cards, competing with a quick dip in the hotels 8th floor heated swimming pool… a treat in the cooler Autumn weather.

 Wellness is a priority at the Pepperclub, where we found the stunning Cayenne Spa which is incredibly serene and ultimately relaxing. We noticed some guests having a leisurely workout in their Fitness Centre which is fully furnished with the latest cardio and strength training equipment – all the while gazing over the pristine Table Mountain.

We checked out of this hotel with treasured memories and a great love for this exquisite property. We also would like to wish all the staff and management the very best for their 3rd season competing in the World Luxury Hotel Awards! It’s easy to see why the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa has won titles in both 2015 and 2016 – standing out as one of Cape Towns finest luxury hotels!

“From all of us at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, we would like to thank the World Luxury Hotel Awards for this distinguished award, we are really honoured by your recognition. 2016 has been a great and successful year for our hotel, and we are proud of our team for their dedication, commitment and hard work. We strive to deliver on our service promise, and delivering exceptional service to our guests is our mission and commitment. -Says Josiah Montsho general manager of Pepperclub Hotel & Spa”

Melissa Hofmann – World Luxury Hotel Awards

To view more or book online click www.pepperclub.co.za

Book: info@pepperclub.co.za

Posted on

Architectural Wonder In Ubud Bali

The Hanging Gardens of Bali is an architectural wonder, located in the heart of the Balinese jungle. The property and location can be described as sacred, as it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful regions in the world. Nestled on top on a hill and surrounded by natural forest, the Hanging Gardens of Bali provides the essence of luxury, while still preserving Balinese history and protecting the natural environment.

With 700 local craftsmen using traditional materials and adapting indigenous ideas, the resort took shape in the heart of Ubud. A winding path of 88 steps leads from the reception to the restaurant; built with Feng Shui principles to mean infinity and stability of energy: an important factor when building on a 45-degree angle

The creation of Hanging Gardens of Bali also resulted in providing the first telephone lines and electricity to the local villagers.

Getting to the property is an exciting experience as you travel, away from the busy Denpasar centre, you enter the rural area which is decorated with an abundance of beautiful green rice lands and local villages.

While dodging a few local villagers on scooters, you will get to view village life, beautiful temples and Hindu offerings. Arriving guests will travel a narrow road the top of a hill to reach the reception of the hotel. Guests can then look forward to taking an outdoor tram to the different levels of the property. It is a unique and exciting experience.

The resort features a private boutique, a magnificent restaurant and deck that overlooks the legendary pool, 44 private villas as well as an out-of-this-world spa.

The property overlooks the ancient holy Dalem Segara Temple. The resort offers guests the option of a personal chef to serve an exclusive and private gourmet dinner at the temple or you can experience one of the 6 dining areas in the resort.

The luxurious Spa Collection combines natural, local ingredients and ancient techniques, to create beauty therapies and treatments that soothe the mind, rejuvenate the body and energise the soul.

The property offers a variety if authentic Balinese experiences, from private cooking classes to a picnic by the river and even embarking on a spiritual journey and teaching of the Balinese Blessing.

“The owner and staff of The Hanging Gardens create a once in a lifetime experience. I consider it a privilege to have visited a place of such beauty and spiritual wellness”

 

Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager at World Luxury Hotel Awards

Contact Hanging Gardens of Bali

To book contact reservations@hanginggardensofbali.com

Or view this beautiful award winning hotel online via www.hanginggardensofbali.com