Some of the shiniest luxury tools in Accor's brand toolbox are overseen by Omer Acar, the CEO of two of Paris-based Accor's glitziest brands: Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
11.03.2024 - 19:49 / lonelyplanet.com
Few things at a hotel are as luxurious as access to your own private pool.
Morning coffee while you soak in your own pool? Letting the day melt away with a private dip in the moonlight? The serenity and privacy of a pool suite lets you relax in bliss, without any distractions or disruptions. From the safari lands of South Africa to the picture-perfect cliffs of Santorini, these are some of the world's best private plunge pools.
How many pool suites: 17
Starting rate: $1500
At the eight-acre Spice Island Beach Resort, you can enjoy a luxury private pool experience just a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s most famous beaches, Grand Anse Beach. The all-inclusive resort features a Royal Collection Pool Suite that boasts pools framed by lush interior gardens, where your private cedar sauna awaits you. For a more intimate experience, the Anthurium Pool Suites feature smaller plunge pools with private shaded sundecks, nestled in the landscaped gardens of the resort. Head to Janissa’s Spa to choose from a menu of treatments that incorporate local herbs and spices.
Expert tip: A stay here includes access to tennis courts, kayaks and use of the state-of-the-art fitness center.
How many pool suites: 27
Starting rate: $2100
Check into an over-water bungalow suite at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, where your private plunge pool is the perfect spot for a sunset toast and unobstructed views of the lagoon and Mt Otemanu. These suites allow guests easy access to go snorkeling and explore the diverse local marine life. The luxe property has solar panels to provide power to heat the water in the suites and villas. Whet your appetite at one of the resort’s four restaurants, tucking into local dishes such as grilled spiny lobster.
Expert tip: Consider visiting in July for Heiva Bora Bora, the island’s annual festival of song and dance to highlight Polynesian people and their culture.
How many pool suites: 33
Starting rate: $800
Travel to this luxury resort in Oman to stay in one of the 33 villas located in the majestic Al Hajar Mountain range. In addition to personal services, each villa has a private infinity pool overlooking the cliffs or surrounded by a lush garden. You have a choice of either a one- or two-bedroom villa or you can go all out with the three-bedroom Royal Mountain Villa. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort features a main infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court and the Anantara Spa. Immerse yourself in authentic local traditions and visit mountainside ancient villages, explore nearby heritage sites or take Omani cooking classes, part of Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons series.
Expert tip: Treat yourself to the ultimate dining experience at the Canyon's Edge, a glass platform overlooking
Some of the shiniest luxury tools in Accor's brand toolbox are overseen by Omer Acar, the CEO of two of Paris-based Accor's glitziest brands: Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Four Seasons is already famous for its over-the-top private jet itineraries that have travelers with deep pockets flying between world-famous landmarks, cosmopolitan cities and adventures in national parks, safari camps and everything in between.
Four Seasons revealed on Tuesday the first itineraries for its new brand, Four Seasons Yachts. The hospitality company also shared the first renderings of its maiden vessel, which it has yet to name.
South Africa is widely known and loved for its stunning landscapes, safari experiences, wealth of wine, and of course the vibrant city of Cape Town. But whether travellers are first time visitors looking for something a little different, or South Africa lovers wanting to go beyond the tourist trail, the country has so much more to offer than many itineraries include.
Greece inspires our dreams – we dream about its azure seas, its charming island villages and its myriad beaches, both broad and minute. We dream about the Acropolis, shining on a hill over fascinating Athens. This grand country, from mountaintop to city street, lives up to those dreams. Greece satisfies travelers looking for adventure, the great outdoors, relaxing seaside vacations and immersive cultural experiences.
I recently went on a short trip to Santorini from my home in Athens and decided to take a ferry both ways.
The world is a big place, and there are oodles of countries to explore and wild experiences to relish. Many folks have saved up vacation days and squirreled away funds for a journey of a lifetime. The questions are: Where should you go and how should you start the planning process? The advantages of small group travel abound. You’ll meet new people from different places around the globe, logistics and safety protocols will be expertly considered, and a professional tour guide will lead the way so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.
Cruises are more popular than ever, but they're also more controversial than ever, with destinations around the globe limiting or outright banning them from ports in an effort to combat over-tourism.
I live in Athens, Greece, and often take ferries to explore the Greek Islands.
I've been on two African safari trips. Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.
Get out your bucket list; it’s time to cross off a major line item: Greece.
What makes one passport more powerful than another? The best-known passport ranking, from London-based investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners, focuses solely on visa-free travel. Essentially, the more countries a citizen can visit without a visa, the better. In that ranking, six nations—France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain—tie for the top position, with 194 visa-free destinations apiece. (In 2024, the U.S. is tied for sixth, with 189.)