1. GREEK ODYSSEY
On the southern side of Athens sits the chic, coastal hub of Glyfada. Home to a stunning stretch of the Athens Riviera, travellers will find the famed Glyfada Beach, shimmering azure waters and a plethora of local boutiques, fine dining restaurants and stylish, late-night cocktail bars. This corner of the Greek capital is also where One&Only Aesthesis invites guests to soak up gentle whispers of nostalgia with its sustainable, eco-friendly designs inspired by the cosmopolitan glamour of the 1960s. Guests can indulge in the resort’s exquisite amenities that include waterside Peruvian hotspot, Manko Athens, sun-blushed Ora by Ettore Botrini and Greece’s first Guerlain Spa. Book the Riviera Staycation package and you will enjoy 30 per cent off selected treatments at the spa, complimentary pre-dinner cocktails for two at Alelia Bar and Dhs400 (US$110) resort credit per room. There’s also an early check-in and late check-out so you can linger for even longer at this serene Greek oasis.
Oneandonlyresorts.com
2. ISLAND INDULGENCE
Relais & Châteaux’s Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a blissful retreat framed by perfect white sand and aquamarine water. Set on the picturesque island’s southwesterly coast, the property offers guests a secluded sanctuary in the form of its two-bedroom family villas. Combining elegant luxury with Swahili craftsmanship, each villa possesses a private pool, outdoor deck and spacious living room, as well as a private butler for each and every whim. But be sure to stray from this haven to discover a wealth of experiences around the resort. Gastronomes enjoy elevated dining at Doors to Zanzibar Restaurant with seaside lunches savoured at the Beach Restaurant & Bar. For a night cap with a starry African sky, head to Sunset bar, where a telescope can be installed upon request. There’s plenty to increase the tempo of the stay too, with fat tire beach biking, kitesurfing and kayaking just some of the activities to relish. Our tip? Join the Garden Tour for an introduction to the famous baobab tree alongside its friendly resident monkeys. Book the Zanzibar Bliss package and be gifted three nights for the price of two at this beautiful resort.
Whitesandvillas.com
3. CHILEAN SPLENDOUR
Lost among the hills of Chile’s Millahue Valley, sits the futuristic retreat of VIK Chile. Bestowed with an undulating structural roof of titanium and bronze, a shimmering glass exterior invites guests to savour 360-degree views of the Andes Mountains, as well as the sprawling vineyards that stretch out over 11,000 acres. Inside, the blend of extraordinary architecture and remarkable art continues with guests being greeted by a central patio and Zen Garden, home to vibrant and colourful flowers. Aesthetes should make their way to The Living Room where notable artworks include paintings by Roberto Matta and a diptych from Anslem Kiefer’s famous series, The Secret Life of Plants.
However, the true exquisiteness of the Smiljan Radic-designed property is spotlighted by its one-of-a-kind activities for all the family. Parents can tour and sample wine from the retreat’s vineyards while little ones can partake in a ‘Smell Don’t Taste’ experience alongside introductions to the basics of winemaking. There are also nature hikes with local guides, horseback riding, Spanish lessons and an epic game of capture the flag across the expansive grounds. When stomachs murmur, head to Milla Milla, the signature, glass-walled restaurant for a Chilean feast before retiring to one of the 22 themed rooms or your glass-encased bungalow.
Vikhotel.vikwine.com
