As much as opulence and grandeur, luxury these days is increasingly about privacy. This is especially true in today’s climate where safe distancing is priority for post-lockdown travel options. “Travellers will want to get away from crowds and find peaceful sanctuaries more than ever,” says Roland Fasel, the chief operating officer of Aman.
Here are six hotels that tick all the boxes when it comes to privacy (10 rooms or less), luxury and exclusive experiences.
1. Singita Castleton Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa
Conservation and eco-tourism brand Singita has luxurious private houses across Africa. Previously the home of Singita founder Luke Bailes’ grandfather, this safari lodge was given a face-lift earlier this year and its six cottages have been spruced up with large communal spaces and elegant design elements. Apart from the daily game drives, guests can participate in guided bush walks, stargazing and wine tasting. There’s even a new yoga pavilion for your daily sun salutations. The lodge also includes your own house manager, field guide, tracker and private chef.
2. The Landing, Auckland
Sprawled across over 400 hectares on New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, this remote property offers four villas, six private beaches and even its own yacht for fishing trips or visits to local towns. Each villa has its own distinctive appeal, including one with 360-degree views of the ocean and another located in the middle of a vineyard. During your stay, enjoy award-winning wines from the vineyard as well as meals prepared by your own personal chef. Menus can be designed to your tastes, using local produce as well as fresh fish caught in the surrounding bay.
3. Belmond Villa Margherita, Italy
Few places in the world are as arresting as Italy’s Amalfi Coast, a dramatic stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula with jagged cliffs, tiny beaches and dreamy, pastel-hued houses hugging the hilltop. This magnificent property features just two suites, which can be booked individually or together, and is surrounded by lush gardens, affording you even greater privacy. A personal chef and a private butler will ensure all your needs are taken care of.
4. Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses, Hokkaido
These eight townhouses stand at the gateway to four interlinked ski areas. During the winter months, take your pick from skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. The more adventurous may even want to try a spot of reindeer sledding. Summer offers plenty of fun-filled options, too – from golf and hiking to rafting and hot–air ballooning. Back at the residence, rest your tired muscles in the hotel’s thermal pool or unwind in your beautifully decorated house. Each three-bedroom townhouse is inspired by elegance of the Edo period (think tatami floors, paper panels and heavy wood accents) but is outfitted with high-tech Japanese mod-cons.
5. Iniala Beach House, Phuket
With its secluded location and over-the-top facilities, this Natai Beach jewel is a favourite with many celebrities – including the Kardashian family, who booked the entire property for six days in 2014 when filming Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Ideal for families or big group celebrations, the complex comprises three three-bedroom villas and a penthouse. The stylish interiors are the combined effort of 10 famous designers, including Mark Brazier Jones, better known as the set designer for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. During your stay, enjoy VIP treatment and access to an army of service staff – from butlers and chauffeurs to spa therapists and fitness instructors. Guests also get a personal chef, but you can also simply pop into on-site fine-dining restaurant Esenzi, which serves a degustation menu.
6. Fivelements, Bali
Tucked away in the jungle beyond Ubud, this secluded resort features just nine intimate suites perfect for romantic getaways. Each features an open veranda overlooking the Ayung River as well as a private bamboo enclosure with a large open-air bathtub. The one-bedroom suite and two-bedroom suites also come with your own plunge pool, terrace and personalised butler service. Spa treatments are also in a league of their own, with the Healing Village offering eight private riverside suites. The resort has a special focus on wellness and has designated several bamboo huts for yoga, meditation and blessing ceremonies.
*For more information on when the hotels are receiving bookings, please check their individual websites.
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