Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York
One Central Park West
New York
212.299.1000
www.trumpintl.com
The haute factor: The details. The Trump brand is world-renowned for tending to every minute detail one could possibly imagine. That dedication is certainly not forgotten at this New York hotel, which boasts “a higher level of luxury with unrivaled hospitality and detail-oriented amenities.”
Crash pad stats: While the elite luxury hotel will see $30 million renovations in 2010, today there are 167 rooms and suites that offer guests fully-equipped kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the views of Central Park and the city.
Let the feast begin: The on-site restaurant, Jean-Georges, was recently awarded the 2009 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Nougatine is the casual alternative dining venue, located within Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s eponymous establishment.
The Royal Cancun & Playa del Carmen
Mexico
800.760.0944
www.realresorts.com/The_Royal_Cancun
The haute factor: The spa. SPAzul is the only oceanview spa in the city, and while it may be quite posh, this is not the kind of spa in which one should lazily waste the day away. Incorporating ecoholistic Mayan-inspired services, it is dedicated to guiding guests on their quest to find inner harmony within the universe. Features of note include the hydro facility equipped with a traditional “Temazcal” stone steam bath, cold plunge pool, outdoor showers, and an all new menu of Mayan-influenced Sáas Philosophy treatments and rituals.
Crash pad stats: Designed for adults only, the resort offers 288 suites, all of which boast ocean views. The real gems of the property are the beachfront, swim-up master suites, the only ones of their kind in Cancun. All of the suites offer guests double Jacuzzis, marble baths with ocean view showers and body massage jets, “magic boxes” for discreet 24-hour room service delivery, and 32-inch plasma TVs.
Let the feast begin: The full service luxury resort could not have earned the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award without a plethora of gourmet dining options. Cuisine from around the world is well represented at the The Royal’s 13 different restaurants.
Harisch Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel
Austria
+43.535.671.900
www.roesslkitz.at
The haute factor: The winter sports. More than 100 miles of slopes, 56 cable cars and lifts, and 25 miles of cross country tracks mean that skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe hiking, Nordic walking, tobogganing, and ice sports abound.
Crash pad stats: The 68 rooms and suites are housed in a country-style abode that perfectly embraces the ambiance of a snowy mountain retreat, outfitted in elegance like silks, satins, and marbles.
Let the feast begin: Dining at its finest includes seven-course gourmet specials that are flown in from all across the globe, while homemade marmalade and farmer’s bread grace the breakfast tables. An historic wine cellar tops off the list of fine dining features.
InterContinental Almaty
Kazakhstan
+007.727.250.5000
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/almaty
The haute factor: The brand. Boasting one of the most prestigious addresses, across from the Presidential Palace in Republic Square, the InterContinental Almaty delivers on the stellar reputation of service for which the luxury hotel group has become famous.
Crash pad stats: Recent renovations made the 277 guest rooms and suites posh enough to please the likes of former president Bill Clinton and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Let the feast begin: Start the day at the Asian Café, then head to Tennis Bar for the best barbecue lunch in the city. Pre-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed in the see-and-be-seen environment of the Lobby Lounge and Atrium Bar, while the main meal of the evening might entail traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine at Bosphorus. The Belvedere Grill Room, located on the rooftop of the luxury hotel, is the ideal romantic hideaway.
Galaxy StarWorld
Macau
853.2838.3838
www.starworldmacau.com
The haute factor: The design. The award-winning architecture of this casino hotel, from renowned Rocco S. K. Yim, makes Galaxy StarWorld an undeniable Macau landmark. The building pays homage to Las Vegas with colorful lights and a playful, Lego-like block design motif.
Crash pad stats: Redefining luxury entertainment, Galaxy StarWorld offers 507 posh rooms and suites, but the real reason guests are drawn to stay here is for the gaming. With 223 gaming tables and 283 slot machines throughout 140,000 square feet of gaming area, the 39-story Starworld complex towers above Avenida da Amizade, the heart of Macau’s gaming district.
Let the feast begin: Five gourmet restaurants serve up Asian and international cuisines including the renowned Inagiku, a 100-year old Japanese restaurant brand famed for its tempura and prime toro sashimi platter, sourced directly from Japan.
