The coolest new hotels, trips and events around the globe.
St. Regis Style Comes to Langkawi
Langkawi Island – MalaysiaLocated off the west coast of Malaysia, the island of Langkawi is known as a jewel in the country’s tourism crown thanks to its natural beauty in which verdant, jungle-clad mountains and shimmering turquoise waters feature strongly. It’s already home to several well-known five-star resorts, but the opening of a prestigious St. Regis luxury resort in April this year is set to attract even more luxury-seeking travelers from around the globe.
With 85 suites and four water villas, each boasting a spectacular view of the Straits of Malacca, guests can expect the five-star luxury and bespoke services for which every St. Regis property is known, including British-trained personal butlers on hand around-the-clock. Incredible pampering treatments and specialty massages are available in the Spa Salon, while three restaurants and three bars will cater to every culinary and libationary whim. The resort’s signature bar also serves up the hotel group’s legendary Bloody Mary cocktail, born at the flagship St. Regis New York hotel in the early 1900s. stregis.com/Langkawi
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
The Orient Express Train by Belmond“It’s my experience that most folk who ride trains could care less where they’re going. For them it’s the journey itself and the people they meet along the way”. Author David Baldacci was writing about a train journey in the USA, but could just as well have been writing about the luxury train journeys offered by Belmond, the name behind the iconic Orient-Express. Renowned for its journeys through Europe and Thailand, plus the Royal Scotsman, which runs through the wilds of Scotland, Belmond has now launched its first train journeys in Ireland.
The only luxury train in Ireland, Belmond Grand Hibernian will offer a selection of journeys from Dublin for only 40 passengers in 20 en suite cabins. Visit Dublin, Belfast and Cork, and you can enjoy daily excursions such as a private tour of the Jameson Distillery, a tour of the Lakes of Killarney by pony and trap, a private tour of the Titanic Experience and a visit to the Old Bushmill’s Distillery. This is just a sample of the daily excursions on offer, which have been designed to suit a vast range of interests. The journeys are a unique opportunity to immerse in the fascinating historical, musical and literary history of this bewitching country. belmond.com
Classic Hollywood Charm
Ivory Restaurant – The Mondrian Hotel, Los Angeles, U.S.ALA’s hoteliers and restaurateurs must spend many a sleepless night thinking about how they can tap into the public’s eternal obsession with Hollywood. One of West Hollywood’s original luxury boutique hotels, the Mondrian on Sunset Boulevard, has recently opened the Ivory Restaurant. The 700msq-space takes full advantage of Mondrian LA’s classic setting and sweeping city views – and inspiration from Hollywood’s golden age. Delicious Californian cuisine from a menu designed by Chef Brian Malarkey; a selection of house-infused signature cocktails; a globally inspired, robust wine list; an oft-played grand piano and a relaxed-yet-refined ambience of lounge seating and varied indoor-and-outdoor dining options all combine to create a venue that’s a must-visit when in LA. With a glamorous and quintessentially “old Hollywood” vibe, the restaurant – and indeed the hotel – have wide appeal to locals and visitors alike, but as such, early bookings are essential. ivoryla.com
