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Swellegant Stay – The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

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Down Under lies an over-the-top 6,000 acre sanctuary with only 22 guest suites. With so much land, well manicured at that, you know The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs boasts impressive views.  There are plenty of opportunities to get up-close and personal with the terrain. Expert local guides are right on property and always at guest’s disposal. Sea Toys, an excellent local excursion company, offers on and off property tours that takes guests to the heart of the farm or around the Northland. Ride a quad all around the farm, find the waterfall, breeze past the sheep and cattle, then head down below the cliffs, to the beach, and feel every bit as impressed with the land as you are with you oversized suite.

There’s a distinct lodge feel to the property.  With the wraparound verandah encircling the main dining and reception area, there’s enough space for breakfast outside and later in the evening, there’s plenty of space for mixing and mingling over pre-dinner champagne and cocktails. The welcoming design allows guests to not feel crowded, yet cozy enough that you would never realize the vast expanse of land that surrounds you. Service is exemplary, and although you truly are experiencing the comforting lodge lifestyle, it is executed with precision and attention to personalizing each guest’s experience.  They’re very clever here, effortlessly creating memorable experiences for every guest.  In summer, try going fishing with the chef and then come back and prepare your catch along side him in the kitchen.

If you’ve stayed or are staying at any of the sister properties, Matakauri on the South Island, or Cape Kidnappers, another 6,000 acre farm, each lodge knows what you’ve eaten the over past days at the lodge and does not repeat it, regardless of how many nights you plan your visit. Attention, attention, attention…they really pay attention here and this is what we love.

Insider tips when planning your stay:

If you plan your visit over the summer months, December through February, there’s loads to do as well. Try taking a shot at the evening putting competition.  If you’re like us, the championship golf course that wends its way from cliffs to farm may seem too challenging.  A little putting never hurt anyone.

www.kauricliffs.com

Swellegant Stay – The Mulia

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Located along the majestic coastline of Nusa Dua, The Mulia and Mulia Resort & Villas is home to three properties that evoke a relaxed yet polished sensibility. From expansive and elegant suites to distinct lounge and oceanfront pools, The Mulia’s luxury accommodations truly exceed expectations for style, comfort and service. Featuring superbly designed rooms, suites, the recreation on Mulia Resort abounds and the pace is up to you to discover the chic of this luxury getaway. Guests can dine at wide variety of restaurants at the resort, including the signature seaside Mediterranean and Pan Asian restaurant Soleil, a range of Japanese Cuisine at Edogin, or enjoy afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks at Sky Bar by the tranquil Indian Ocean. Mulia Spa at Mulia Resort makes every effort to refresh, renew, and revive while you relax in a tranquil oasis. Steal away to the island for a romantic retreat at Mulia. The lakeside chapel, with seating for up to 250 guests, may create those once-in-a-lifetime memories for a truly special day. There are also grand ballrooms for more formal affairs and each sets the ideal stage for one-of-a-kind island celebrations.

At The Mulia, this new ultra high-end property is made up of 111 suites for you to choose from. Of course they come with personalized butler service a meticulous attention to detail and unsurpassed sense of style and space. Mulia Resort, on the other hand, offers 526 incredibly spectacular rooms, suites, lagoon suites, dining opportunities and wonderful amenities. If suites and hotel rooms aren’t your style, there’s always the Mulia Villa offering combining intimate settings with ultra-luxury services and amenities to craft an unparalleled island experience for those seeking a sense that transcends conventional tropical getaways. The exquisite 108 villa accommodations are the largest of their kind on the island. Ranging from one and two bedroom villas, all the way to the six-bedroom Mulia Mansion. It’s a tough choice but there’s always next year and the next. These resorts are swanky!  www.themulia.com

 

 

 

Swellegant Stay – Palace Hotel Tokyo

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Have you ever dreamt of that incomparable getaway? One of culture and enlightenment? Well, I’m here to share just such a respite with you. A stay that embodies a sensual exploration of not only the five known – taste, touch, sight, sound, and scent, but the added sense of chi. You know, that balance, that ultimate one-ness. The iconic Palace Hotel Tokyo delivers just that opportunity, through Japanese hospitality at its finest!  And if you have never experienced this refined and dignified pampering, it’s a must.

Inviting to the sense of touch, experience the rituals and relaxation under the masterful hands in the evian SPA facilities. Appealing to the sight, the minimalistic, contemporary décor is the ideal, understated backdrop to fully reveal the incomparable views of the Imperial Palace gardens through floor to ceiling glass walls and windows. Taste buds are tantalized by an array of culinary options. The Grand Kitchen’s international fare offers French, Italian, Spanish and American flavors that are elevated with a Japanese touch. Then there is the privacy of GO with fresh cuisine from land or sea prepared on traditional teppanyaki grill. There is the option to savor the dining experience secluded behind the naguri-style woodwork in Wadakura.

Get transported beyond the quiet, sophisticated ambience of the indoors and delight in the cultural exploration of the sounds of Tokyo. Whether the day’s venture is to stroll down the picturesque, tree lined boulevard of Marunouchi Naka Dori to the city’s most sought after shopping and dining excursions or just remain indoors to explore the 10 distinctive restaurants and bars, seductive spa packages, and scenic views wrapped in history, culture and art – become immersed and find your chi, in the sensually and luxuriously stimulating Palace Hotel Tokyo www.en.palacehoteltokyo.com

 

Swellegant Stay – The Chatwal

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Rich hues of saffron, ruby and sepia lure you into the Chatwal.

The 1930’s Art Deco building has been reimagined to suit today’s expectations.  While owning its position, steps away from Broadway, the hotel stands on its own merits.  Each of the 76 guest rooms and suites are outfitted with luxe amenities like handmade mattresses.  Yes, handmade. This is how you set yourself apart in the city that never sleeps.  Throw in custom closet space to rival any you have at home, and complimentary butler service, well…you start to get the drift.Guests who discover this Manhattan hotel are a collection of international and domestic travelers looking for a different experience in the heart of the city.

Although the hotel maintains its Art Deco feel, rebranding has taken place over the past two years, so even those who have stayed here before will be impressed with the overall refresh and improved suites. Although it is perfectly suited for the business traveler, being located between 6th and 7th, there are bikes available to wander the city and discover all the spunk that New York has to offer. Cycling in the city may require a bit more dexterity than most of us are willing to muster up, so a stroll to a show or downstairs for a meal, is always a simple decision.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Lambs Club, predates the 1930’s hotel by about 25 years, and was home to America’s first professional theater club. The original honor roll is located just off the elevator. If only these walls could talk, we think they’d babble on and on. It’s very swanky to have one of the country’s most historic restaurants in the lobby of your hotel. Sit close to the 18th century fireplace in the center of the dining room and give your friends an eye-full on social media.

Insider tips when planning your stay:

Saturday’s Broadway brunch includes a performer from a Broadway show who will come and perform live during brunch!

Planning your visit: The Chatwal has partnered with Broadway show, Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 to create a special package for guests when they book a hotel stay.

www.thechatwalny.com

WAOW Charters

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It’s 5:57 pm and the sun has just dipped below the sea, the evening sky is set ablaze by fierce refractions of light sending spectacular colours in every direction. If you turn around, the brightest stars are already faintly visible on the horizon, sections of constellations getting brighter by the second as the light quickly fades. The Water Adventure Ocean Wide (WAOW) Charters ship has just drawn anchor and begins her nightly voyage into the painted sky.

The massive wooden vessel, which looks more akin to a pirate ship than a dive boat, left its home port of Benoa seven days ago. Embarking on a twelve-day excursion which began on the island of Bali, the guests and crew of WAOW have been meandering their way West across the Java Sea towards the island of Flores. This particular itinerary entitled “West meets East” is one of many offered by WAOW, and after spending the day exploring the Island of Komodo and the waters around its northern coast, the ship adjusts its course to head south in search of colder waters, and larger marine life.

 

 

Mandala Spa – Spa Uncommon

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If the Philippines isn’t already on your destination radar for 2017 it certainly should be. Infamous for their hospitality and generosity, the people of the Philippines are notoriously proud of their country, and for good reason. As a nation comprised entirely of islands it’s no surprise that Philippines is hailed for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Palawan Island was recently ranked as the second-best island on the planet, second only to its smaller sister island, Boracay. Although Boracay has exploded into the vacation limelight in recent years, in some circles it has been on the map for quite some time, thanks in no small part to Mandala Spa and Resort Villas.

Mandala Spa has been blazing the trail as the nation’s quintessential holistic wellness provider for over fifteen years, nestled in a lush tropical estate surrounded by the natural beauty of Boracay Island. With a list of services and packages that would be better described as a short story than a menu, it’s clear why Mandala is considered the country’s pioneer in holistic wellness. Mandala Spa is internationally renowned for their eco-conscious treatments and constant drive to excel which is why they continue to be recognized on the global stage, amassing over 30 international spa and resort awards in just over a decade. This year alone Mandala was recognized as the Philippines Leading Resort and Philippines Leading Spa Resort by the World Travel Awards. They also received two notable mentions at the Asia Spa Awards for Philippines Best Wellness Retreat and Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat.

 

A Letter From North America – Maimi Beach

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We’re in Miami…Beach! Hopped off the plane and headed for some winter sun on South Beach.  We were looking for a city and a hotel that would be exciting and romantic. Although we bring the excitement to wherever we are, we knew that on some level, there would be additional shenanigans to be had in Miami and on the beach. We wanted a week full of exploring, dancing, drinking and sightseeing. When we were planning our stay, we knew the hotel needed to be in a great location, odder wonderful service, and we didn’t want it to necessarily be part of a chain.  We like the idiosyncrasies of independently owned hotels.  There’s a charm to them and The Cavalier did not disappoint. Having heard about the newly opened hotel, right on Ocean Drive, we simply had to check it out.  No extra steps to the beach and it put us right in the middle of all the action. We were so glad we decided to make this our spot for the entire week.

We landed at different times, adding a little spice to our first reconnection after seven weeks of being apart. As my excitement grew to see him and give him a hug, all I wanted to do was park the car, exit like a movie star and melt into his arms.  That’s when the humorous events began. You picture yourself approaching this beautiful hotel with its brass plate gleaming on the exterior wall with “The Cavalier…Established in 1936” elegantly engraved. Pulling up to the hotel, I was full of nervous energy and smiles. All I had to do was park the car, and be that movie star, while getting my bags out and we would dissolve into the nightlife of South Beach…right?  Sure, that would have been easy as The Cavalier has a parking spot directly in front of the hotel, making it simple for guests to check in and do exactly what I had envisioned; a quick drop and off we would go in to the night air. Well, there was the parking spot, and here I was in a tiny car, tons of space, yet I still managed to bump something as I anxiously pulled in. Yes, he was standing right there awaiting my arrival. He saw it all. Instead of being the seductress, we started off our evening in stitches; thankfully only figuratively speaking.

Bad driving skills aside, we could not wait to get the week started and check out the hotel. The old-school elevator with the gate that needs to be pulled shut before it lifts or lowers you to your floor was a bit of a throwback treat for us.

This Art Deco gem was restored with an elegant lobby and was full of light, Renovated with chandeliers in the lobby, we took breakfast there almost every morning, alternating between indoor and outdoor seating.  It didn’t take long to get settled in to the hotel’s ocean view room.  The nice finishes in the bedroom and bathroom, were crisp and at the same time comforting, but we also had a world of outdoor fun to get swept away by. And for that, the location could not have been any better.

I’m leaving you here because we are off to the beach again.  It is right across the street, but after evenings spent absorbing all the South Beach nightlife, it feels good to soak up the sun and feel the sand beneath our feet.

See you soon!  With love from The Cavalier…

 

Peta

Letter from Asia – Thailand

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Letter from Asia

Thailand

Along our journey, we found this intriguing tale.  It reminded us of The Sword in the Stone

Over 40,000 temples are found in Thailand. On the island of Phuket lies what is purportedly one of the oldest in the south, Wat Phra Thong. Within its hallowed halls sits half-buried golden Buddha, Luang Poh Phra Thong.

As the legend goes, a kindly old farmer was dismayed to find his son and cow had passed away in a field for no discernible reason.

Upon revisiting the site, the half buried Buddha relic was discovered. Although countless community members attempted to unearth the golden rendering of the god in its entirety, none were successful and upon each who touched it befell a curse. To protect the artifact and those who came to cast their eyes upon its gleam, a temple was erected around it.

No worthy visitor has unearthed it since the discovery centuries ago. For those who deem themselves a modern-day King Arthur, the sole soul able to lift the curse, there are ample accommodations nearby.

One option is the Akyra Beach Club Phuket, just recently opened or the exclusive private residences at the Aleenta Phuket

If someone finally breaks the curse, we cann celebrate at the Aleenta Phuket which manages exclusive, hillside and beachfront villas. These villas are owned by billionaires and feature entirely original artworks and design.

Wish you were here?

The Swank Team

 

 

A Letter From The South Pacific – Bora Bora

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French Polynesia photographs well, but if you’ve ever been tempted by those images of pristine waters, and mount Mont Otemanu rising from their depths to separate the blue of the sky from that of the South Pacific  …you’re ready for your close up with this beauty. The Intercontinental Bora Bora puts you smack-dab in the middle of this paradise.

We are always seeking swanky getaways with a definite connection to authenticity and what we discovered here is traditional staff providing wonderful service. In your over-water villa, which may as well be a luxury yacht. The beauty of not sailing away is that you can get breakfast served via room service.  We love this as it’s brought over by traditional outrigger canoe. Seeing the colorful fruit along with the rest of the meal arrive against the backdrop of the crystalline water can only be rivaled by the splash of a passing ray or fish breaking the surface. You rise with the sun in Bora Bora. The long, languid days heat up quickly and by 8 am, a swim is more than appropriate. Heck, midnight seems appropriate with water this clear and calm.  This is a shallower portion of the ocean and everything about it calls you in to come play. It’s your saltwater swimming pool and either out your backdoor, down the steps of your balcony, or wading in from the beach side of the resort, you’re bound to be in the water more than you are out.

Evenings aren’t spent in the common areas of this hotel, even on evenings when a local floorshow is being performed, there’s always another show taking place right under the lighted platform of your room, so things wind down early enough for guests to take advantage of that or indulge in romantic strolls.

Wish you were here,

Peta

P.S. Definitely have drinks in Bubbles Bar, the open yet intimate contemporary lounge area, and then slip into dinner. Learn how to open a coconut, feed the stingrays at 2pm and hang a lock in the secret garden of love.

www.thalasso.intercontinental.com

Top Hole Golf – Cape kidnappers

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On the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is a farm with a golf course attached.  Sounds simple and quant, but I assure you, either the views or the holes will blow you away. Cape Kidnappers’ golf course was completed almost thirteen years ago and is the number one course in New Zealand and ranked sixteenth in the world.

The farm that it’s partially surrounded by is over 6,000 acres and you can often times be teeing off next to grazing cows.  It’s rather swanky to have cows feeding on sweet golf course grass, don’t you think? This par 71 course is most certainly a modern marvel and whether you’re an avid golfer or out to improve your game you’ll definitely think it’s one of the swankiest courses you’ve ever played.

 

 

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