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Hotels and rooms that embrace the benefits of alfresco living
We cleverly sustain ourselves in places that are windswept and wet for most of the year, so when we travel to sunnier climes we want to make the most of bright mornings, hot lazy afternoons and warmer nights. We’re also seeking a break from routine, to step out of our daily comfort zone and try something new. We reveal hotels, rooms and experiences that take outdoor living up a notch.
With a Tropicsurf centre exclusive to guests of One&Only Palmilla, Mexico, it doesn’t get much easier to hang ten in style. The stunning coastline of the Baja Peninsula is a surfer’s paradise regardless of age and ability with sand bar beach breaks, short and punchy reef breaks, and long rolling pointbreaks. Resident Tropicsurf pros Mike and Dan know the resort and surrounding waves better than anyone and can find the most secluded waves for a truly authentic experience. When was the last time you tried something new? This is your chance to learn secrets from the experts and ride the best waves of your life on eco-friendly boards.
Ever heard the musical call of a beluga whale? Or seen the eight-foot tusk of a narwhal? Step aboard the ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn for the rare chance to see these magical creatures. The Seabourn Venture is the line’s first ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship where guests can explore the most remote and least-populated of its destinations. Catch glimpses of polar bears, seals and shining blue-white glaciers and, with two custom-built submarines onboard, you can experience an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface.
Cut into the rocky cliffs overlooking Daios Bay in Crete is Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, where the suites and villas seamlessly blend in with the rugged surroundings to create a natural hub of beauty and serenity. Recharge and reconnect in the premium living space ‘The Mansion’, which provides 600sqm of spacious open-plan living on three levels, as well as an expansive terrace and deck area for alfresco dining. The infinity pool is the perfect place for reflection and your daily invitation to take in the panoramic views of the stunning Cretan landscape, leaving you feeling inspired and invigorated.
For the ultimate in discreet, understated, casual luxury with the space and privacy to do as you please, Jumby Bay Island, Antigua has private residences that are no ordinary homes. One such example, Dragonfly, is a 10,000 sq ft tropical estate that comes with a grand infinity pool, outdoor soaking tub, your own tennis court and a PGA caliber putting green with golf simulator. Epicures can become locavores at the Jumby Bay Farm, a unique location for a private farmto- table dinner set under the stars, where chefs create sustainably harvested dishes using the farm’s organically grown ingredients.
The resident island tortoises at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan in The Grenadines set the scene for slow living. Here, laid-back luxury fuses with castaway-chic to create a level of escapism reserved for the truly elite. Maximise your time outside in this dreamy setting, taking advantage of your personal butler who will serve up anything you desire direct to your sun lounger. Whether it’s a Coconut Cosmo cocktail or a frozen aloe vera cube to soothe your sunburn, your wish is their command.
For some, Dubai is all skyscrapers and shopping malls, but hidden in a quiet spot within Madinat Jumeirah’s captivating waterways is the resort’s most luxurious accommodation: the Jumeirah Malakiya Villas. This architectural marvel of seven exclusive villas connects the man-made with the natural for your own secluded piece of outdoor living, complete with butler service. With views of ‘ancient Arabia’ and delicate touches of splendour, everything here is private, from the terraces to the plunge pools.
Miles of idyllic sandy beach, acres of Mayan jungle and a plethora of open-air indulgences await at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico. The tranquil all-suite, all-inclusive resort embraces the Yucatán Peninsula’s natural flora and fauna into the design, fusing the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of the surrounding ancient cultures, to offer stunning views and a relaxed ambiance. Whether you’re feeling romantic, zen or adventurous, there’s an experience and suite tailored just for you, from photography safaris and movies under the stars to snorkelling and kayaking. Before you leave, cement your roots here on an eco-tour, with the opportunity to plant your own tree – a lasting legacy to the environment.