Winter Travel: Haute Holiday Stays

ST. BARTHS
STAY
Eden Rock
There’s only one place for a VIP to stay in St. Barths, and that’s the iconic Eden Rock – St Barths. For the ultimate holiday on the playground of the rich and famous, book yourself into the storied hotel’s Rockstar villa. The 16,000-square-foot space has been described as a hundred million dollar yacht on land for a reason: it’s that luxe. The villa, which comprises north and south houses connected by a fountain courtyard, is the ultimate in privacy thanks to its own gate onto a pristine beach of soft pink and white coral sand. The villa lives up to its name for the state-of-the-art music recording studio and screening room it houses, but it also includes a private business office, fully equipped gym, a Glen Affric whiskey bar, swimming and spa pools, personalized meet-and-greet services in St. Martin as well as a choice of cars in the Rockstar garage such a Porsche Cayenne or a BMW Convertible. Guests also receive their own butler from the International Butler Academy for round-the-clock service.

Baie de St-Jean, St. Jean 97133, St. Barthelemy +590 590 29 79 99
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When you’ve tired of lounging in your private cabana on Anse de Colombier — appropriately nicknamed “Rockefeller’s Beach” in honor of former owner David Rockefeller – indulge in a luxury shopping splurge at Chopard, Eres or Cartier in Gustavia. If your winter stay happens to extend through April, make sure to catch the fifth annual Richard Mille-sponsored Les Voiles de St. Barth races from April 14-19.

CABO SAN LUCAS
STAY
Esperanza
Literally translated, “esperanza” means “hope” in Spanish. However, it will be your every wish that will be fulfilled at this location by Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena. Each of the resort’s suites and villas offer ocean views, while the grandest includes a dedicated butler and private chef for personalized dining. The three-bedroom luxury suites are 3,000 square feet of space that feature a private pool and Jacuzzi as well as a terrace that overlooks the sea. Accesses to a private yacht, classes with world-renowned fitness experts and intimate gourmet dinners on the beach are also available to VIPs.
Esperanza, Carretera Transpeninsular KM 7, Manzana 10, Punta Ballena, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 23410

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There’s something for everyone at the Esperanza, whether it be your desire to be active or completely relax. Enjoy your choice of cigars at the Lounge & Humidor Bar or tee off at one of four nearby championship level golf courses (two are designed by the ultimate pro golfer, Jack Nicklaus), treatments at the award-winning Auberge spa and your choice of Spanish, salsa or painting lessons. There are even luxurious options for your four-legged friends, as pet beds with Rivolta Carmignani Italian linen sheets and a pet-specific room service menu is available. If you’re in the mood to stop relaxing, head over to ME Cabo and join the party at the international jet set party hot spot, Nikki Beach which is located at the hotel, or the VIP room of its equally hot indoor space, the Passion Lounge & Nightclub.

ME CABO 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. Mexico Phone: +52 624 145 7800

BORA BORA
STAY
St. Regis Bora Bora
For the ultimate stay in a tropical paradise, head to Bora Bora, the “pearl” of the Tahitian islands, an 18-mile island paradise surrounded by a necklace of coral. Those seeking the ultimate romantic vacations should stay at the Royal Estate at the luxurious St. Regis Bora Bora. The 13,000 square-foot space is comprised of three separate pavilions that revolve around a private pool. This includes three bedrooms, two luxurious living rooms, a chef’s kitchen, dining room, private spa area with treatment room, sauna, hammam, whirlpool and private white sand beach. Conversely, stay in the signature Tahitian accommodation of an overwater bungalow; specifically, the Royal Overwater Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. This authentic Polynesian bungalow allows guests to enjoy a terrace, dining gazebo, outdoor shower and private pool suspended over the lagoon.
Motu Ome’e BP 506, Bora Bora 98730 French Polynesia, (689) 607898

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During your stay at the St. Regis, indulge in master chef Jean Georges’ French-Asian menu at Lagoon or the resort’s new eatery, Far Niente. For the ultimate in opulent relaxation treatments, book a service at the13,000 square-foot Miri Miri luxury spa, which offers a plethora of anti-aging treatments by French brand Clarins. Other extracurricular pursuits include a visit to the private island escape of Motu Tapu, which can be visited by invite only. Certainly no one should have buyer’s remorse upon leaving Bora Bora: make sure to purchase elegant Tahitian cultured black pearls, a local specialty and Tahiti’s largest export.

MAUI
STAY
Four Seasons Maui
The Four Seasons name is synonymous with luxury, which means that your every need will be met upon saying ‘aloha’ to the most quintessentially picture-perfect of the Hawaiian Islands. The resort’s ultra luxurious Maile Suite is in the process of being renovated, but come February guests who book a stay in its hallowed halls will be treated to 5,000 square feet of marble bathrooms, a full-size private dry sauna and the services of a private concierge from a Four Gold Key Clefs d’Or member. Additionally, VIP guests receive round-trip airport transfers in a Tesla S 85, a 50-minute massage and the use of an adults-only serenity pool with Missoni-designed cabanas.
Four Seasons Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, HI 96753, (808) 874-8000

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There are three golf courses at the Four Seasons Maui alone, including the par-72 Wailea Emerald and Wailea Gold, both of which were designed by golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II. There is also five-star shopping at the Four Seasons courtesy of luxury retail management company Seaside Luxe. 22 Knots includes designer apparel from Pucci and Lanvin, while Cabana offers threads from the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, James Perse and Rag & Bone. And don’t even try to leave Maui without a treatment at the Grand Wailea’s Spa Grande, which, at 50,000 square feet, is the largest spa in Hawaii. Try the Exclusive Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit, a unique haven of water therapies featuring a Roman tub, saunas, waterfalls, Swiss jet showers, a Japanese furo and five specialty baths.
The Grand Wailea, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753 (808) 875-1234

COURCHEVEL
STAY
There are 16 five-star hotels and two five-star palaces in Courchevel, so you certainly aren’t hurting for options. But don’t you deserve the best? We think so, and thus, we recommend you book The Apartment of the five-star palace Cheval Blanc. This penthouse hosts three suites, a triple reception room, a dining room, bar and private kitchen, as well as a private treatment room, fitness room and private elevator. Cheval Blanc offers guests pre-ski personal training, limited-edition gifts such as cashmere pashminas or scarves, spa treatments by Guerlain and a Berluti shoe polishing service. Those in the know may also want to book a room at the L’Apogee Courchevel in advance of its Dec. 11 opening date. This Oetker Collection property in the Jardin Alpin has 33 suites, 20 rooms and a penthouse with a Jacuzzi and private entrance. Two Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Franques will oversee the resort’s Comptoir de L’Apogee restaurant and caviar bar.
Cheval Blanc, Jardin Alpin – 73120 – Courchevel, France, +33 (0) 4 92 93 32 40
L’Apogee Courchevel, Jardin Alpin 73120, France, +33 4 79 00 50 50

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Gourmands rejoice: Courchevel has seven Michelin-starred restaurants at your disposal. Whether you’re dining at Kintessence, Le Chabichou, Le Table le Killimandjaro, Pierre le Gaignere Pour Les Airelles, Le Strato, Le Table le, Le 1947 or Le Azimut, you’ll be certain to have an unparalleled culinary experience. Conversely, if athletic adventures are more your thing, check out the BMW Polo Masters tournament from January 30 – February 2. This three-day competition featuring the best players in the world is also the highest snow polo tournament of its kind at an altitude of 2.007 kilometers.

ASPEN
STAY
The Little Nell
The Little Nell is the only ski-in ski-out hotel in Aspen, which is a luxury in itself. But this 5-star resort sets itself apart by not only offering an unseemly amount of concierge amenities, but also its own ski concierge, which includes equipment waxing, boot warming, tune-ups and repairs. The actual hotel concierge has also considered every possible need, from iPad rentals to private trainers to oxygen rentals. Even better, the hotel has partnered with Audi for its test drive program, which makes the Audi A7, A8 and QT TDI available to guests. Look to stay in the well-appointed Pfeiffer Suite, which will complete a renovation of blackened metal, bronze chandeliers and one-of-a-kind pieces courtesy of designer Holly Hunt this winter. The St. Regis Aspen is another luxurious option for an overnight stay in the ritzy Colorado city. Thanks to a recent $40 million redesign, the resort now resembles a mountainside manor in the manner of St. Regis visionary John Jacob Astor. Modern-day design master Ralph Lauren is responsible for the upscale furniture.
The Little Nell, 675 E Durant Ave. Aspen, CO 81611, (970) 920-4600
St. Regis Aspen, 315 E. Dean St. Aspen, CO 81611, (970) 920-3300

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The Little Nell has now created Oasis, the world’s first ski-in ski-out pop-up champagne bar which, as its name implies, offers skiers a haven to sip Veuve Clicquot at 11,000 feet. Climb a little higher to 11,200 feet and you’ll find the Aspen Mountain Club, the most exclusive place in the city to eat and play. Guests reach the club via a three-mile long gondola and, once, inside, discover a majestic Alpine paradise designed by David Anthony Easton. Those who gain entry to the tune of $125,000 (after being placed on an extensive waiting list, of course) will receive ski passes, access to special events and reciprocity with clubs in St. Moritz and Gstaad, Switzerland.