1. GO BEYOND THE ORDINARY
Cyan waters, sugar-white sand and lush greenery welcoming guests to a sanctuary of elegance and tranquility; there is something truly magical about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Reminiscent of the days of the olden royal courts, guests are invited to soak up the best of Maldivian hospitality with a personal Aris Meeha (island butler), elegant performances of the Boduberu drums and flame ceremonies to celebrate the stunning setting of the sun. Foodies have seven restaurants and bars from which to choose, where they can indulge in mezze platters and kebabs, Mediterranean masterpieces and contemporary Cantonese fine-dining. Choose between an elegantly designed Two-Bedroom Water Villa or a Beach Pool Villa that feature separate living and dining areas with kitchenettes, two full bathrooms, and breathtaking infinity pools with integrated decks to embrace the gentle sun. Book the Beyond Ordinary suite package and two adults and two children will be treated to half-board dining at select restaurants, a bespoke wellness experience with a family aerial yoga session, and a private Maldivian cooking class. There’s also a Cities Under the Sea snorkelling trip guided by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program Naturalists. And Marriott Bonovoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points with each stay. Dreamy!
2. SUMMER IN LONDON
Is there anywhere that shines as bright as London when the summer rays take over? There has never been a better time for travellers to head to the capital with Grosvenor House Suites’ Get One Night With Our Compliments package. Set in the heart of the exclusive Mayfair district, the property – an original townhouse of the Duke of Westminster in the 1800s – offers a perfect base to check-out some of London’s most iconic locations including the vast green expanse of Hyde Park, as well as some of the most renowned restaurants, galleries and boutiques in the city. Inside, each suite is adorned with bespoke furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities, with the good news for four-legged friends being that the property is pet-friendly. And if there is time for a dip, parents and little ones can enjoy access to the Kensington Harbour Club pool. Guests booking a stay of seven nights at Grosvenor House Suites will enjoy the final evening on the house. Prices start from Dhs4,300 (US$1,170) per night.
Grosvenorhousesuites.com
3. COSTA DEL SOL CALLING
The Andalusian village of Estepona on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, has long been a popular destination for many European travellers in search of sun and relaxation. The Old Town is world-famous for its old Pueblos Blancos (white villages) and El Orquidario (Orchid House), home to 1,300 species of the flower from around the globe. Hot on the summer events calendar is Starlite Occident Festival Marbella. Running until the end of August, major acts include Keane, The Corrs, Ricky Martin, and Robin Schulz. Enjoy the region with a stay at the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona where guests are welcomed with beautiful Andalusian-styled suites, complete with a private garden and pool. Food connoisseurs can test their taste buds with moreish Greek cuisine alongside traditional choreographies, plate-smashing rituals, and international DJ tunes that keep the dance floor buzzing at Ammos. Or satisfy Italian cravings at the world-renowned Isola. With prices starting from Dhs1,345 (US$365), plan the getaway today and enjoy daily complimentary breakfast at Isola Restaurant as well as complimentary access to Azure Beach Club.
Metthotelsandresorts.com
4. SET SAIL TO VALLETTA
Those plotting a course for the charming island of Malta this month should choose to drop anchor at Iniala Harbour House. Set overlooking Valleta’s Grand Harbour in the historic St. Barbara Bastion, the luxury boutique property is a haven for those with a passion for art. Spread over four exquisite townhouses with vaults dating back to the 1600s, the 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites’ walls are adorned with the works of local artists, also available for purchase. When it’s time for dinner, pull up a seat at two Michelin-starred restaurant ION Harbour. Helmed by Chef Simon Rogan, guests are served with traditional Maltese dishes with a side of breathtaking views. For those seeking adventure, the property curates bespoke excursions including chauffeur-driven tours, yachting experiences and scuba diving. Until the end of the August, guests who choose the Stay 4, Pay 3 offer will be gifted four nights for the price of three alongside daily breakfast for two and special welcome amenities.
Inialamalta.com
