Social media has reshaped the enjoyment travelers get out of visiting a particular place with the added benefit of posting their favorite pics. Upscale Living magazine’s Travel Editor highlights her Top 10 Instagram-worthy properties around the world.
AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, South Africa
Contemporary-classic glamor and understated elegance meet at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, ensuring an unforgettable stay. Situated in Atholl, one of the most beautiful parts of Johannesburg and only a short distance from the commercial center of Sandton, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa is the best spot to be.
Guests are invited to enjoy everything this pristine property has on offer, from nine stylish and spacious suites to the comfortably furnished library with a romantic fireplace and the temperature regulated swimming pool surrounded by a large wooden deck.
The gardens surrounding AtholPlace Hotel & Villa are a perfect place to relax and unwind. A drink at the bar is obligatory, even if it’s just coffee. Delicious meals are served at AtholPlace Restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining options.
AtholPlace Hotel offers five superior suites and four deluxe suites. All nine suites have been individually designed, providing a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. The suites, all with en-suite bathrooms, are extremely spacious, ranging from 45-55 square meters. The Deluxe Suites offer interleading doors, making them ideal for families traveling with children.
Guests have a choice of twin beds (in two of the superior suites and two of the deluxe suites) or king-size beds. Luxurious duck-down duvets and soft, silky cushions contribute to the experience of absolute comfort and luxury. Each suite has large doors opening out onto a private balcony.
Situated near the Johannesburg shopping mecca Sandton City, offering world-class shops to suit everyone’s needs and only 40 minutes’ drive from OR Tambo International Airport. You can be assured of refreshingly personal service and attention to detail.
credit Justin Nicholas
Conrad Maldives, Maldives
The newest development at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is The Muraka and the first of its kind in the world. It offers guests the immersive, luxurious experience of living under the sea. This milestone adds to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s rich history of firsts – from being the first resort to introduce water villas on stilts to becoming the first resort to introduce an undersea restaurant, Ithaa, 13 years ago.
The Muraka is a unique, luxurious two-level residence that comprises an above-sea residence and an undersea level, which is completely immersed in the ocean. This allows guests to enjoy an unobstructed, 180-degree panoramic view of coral and marine life, its natural surroundings.
The above-sea residence features one king bedroom and bathroom, the standout feature being the ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking with a view of the never-ending horizon. What makes the room designs unique is the different uses of acrylic that has been incorporated into one unit.
The bedroom is an acrylic tunnel that makes guests feel completely submerged in the sea. The acrylic that forms the living room is curved vertical glass, which lets guests experience the sea wrapping around them. Finally, the bathroom has large vertical windows, giving guests the impression of taking a shower under the stars.
Envisioned by Crown Company Pvt Ltd, The Muraka is led by Director Ahmed Saleem, who is an architect by trade, the first qualified professionally trained architect in the Maldives. With today’s luxury traveler constantly on the lookout for extraordinary, immersive experiences, The Muraka is a game-changer that is sure to surpass expectations.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
The flagship property within The Safari Collection portfolio, Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 and was modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge. The history of elegant-legged giraffes on its lawns dates back to the 1970s when Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville first adopted an orphaned Rothschild’s giraffe, Daisy.
Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley bought the manor in April 2000, and since then, it has become a globally recognized, iconic hotel. Having grown up in the neighborhood, Giraffe Manor has always played a significant role in Tanya Carr-Hartley’s life. As a child, she used to ride through the grounds on horseback and would occasionally have a cup of tea with Betty before returning home.
Tanya recalls that the horses did not like the smell of the giraffe, so it was always a quick one! To own Giraffe Manor was something of a childhood dream for her, and in April 2009, this dream came true when The Safari Collection’s flagship property was added to their portfolio.
With an injection of love and passion into this historical manor, Tanya and Mikey have turned this property into one of the most sought-after hotels in the world. While the interiors have been enhanced and rejuvenated, it was essential to the Carr-Hartley’s that the manor retained the original 1930s character and preserved its colorful and charming history.
Located on the outskirts of Nairobi in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest, Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings and number one on most travelers Instagram lists, including the herd of 12 resident Rothschild’s giraffe.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Peru
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in-between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Immersed in the countryside in a gorgeous area, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba spans approximately 100 acres surrounded by imposing green mountains.
All 12 rooms in the Casa Hacienda feature breathtaking views of the valley and immerse guests in open space, serenity and relaxing solitude. Guests looking for a more intimate experience can book one of the hotel’s 24 stand-alone luxury casitas, each with their fireplace. Architecture and interiors are inspired by the area’s cultural history, with colonial furniture, authentic Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork that add to the hacienda’s local charm.
An earth-to-table concept is operated at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. The hotel was a 10-acre organic plantation which supplies the kitchen with sustainable carbon-free crops such as quinoa, Urubamba giant corn, medicinal herbs, and a variety of potatoes. All crops are farmed with traditional hand tools and oxen, as was done centuries ago.
The Inkaterra team can arrange for private dinners for couples with candles, cava, or wine, and guests can also take part in exciting on-site excursions such as cooking classes, wine tastings, traditional payment to the earth ceremonies, and coca leaf readings by a local shaman.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is home to some of the finest Inca sites, offering a great start for your visit to Cusco. The Valley’s good weather and beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, folk arts and crafts, and friendly people reflect the authenticity of Peru that travelers come searching for.
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Built entirely from local, sustainable wood, Asilia’s Jabali Ridge is at one with nature. Almost invisible on the horizon, the camp blends seamlessly into the surroundings, blurring the lines between inside and out. Jabali is a sophisticated oasis in a landscape dotted with spiky palm trees and bulbous baobabs.
Two large baobab trees, dwarfing all who arrive beneath them, stand sentinel at the entrance to Jabali. Lining the passageway beyond are granite boulders, forming the rim of a spectacular natural ‘bowl’ in which the main area is hidden from view, undetectable until you are almost upon it.
It is this element of surprise, of revealing the unexpected that makes Jabali so unique. A short walk takes you to the rim and the magnificent views of the baobab-studded landscape stretching ahead. Throughout the property, granite boulders and vegetation have been used in place of walls, creating an open, natural feel and making each space unique.
The main areas are predominantly open. Granite boulders form natural partitions and provide privacy, as well as enabling air to flow freely through the spaces. The rim-flow infinity pool and bar offer spectacular views of the park below.
Each guest room has been designed to showcase the views over Ruaha from every corner, be it from the bed, the desk, or the bathroom. Every way you turn, nature is evident. Timber, used in the studded wooden doors and the bed, gives an earthy feel to the rooms as well as allowing the structures to blend effortlessly with the environment.
San Camp, Kalahari, Botswana
Imagine a smattering of billowing white tents, shaded by desert palms and surrounded by a thousand acres of shimmering, sparkling nothingness. You’ve just dreamt up San Camp, Naturals Selection’s impossibly romantic, seven-bedroom camp on the edge of the Nwetwe Pan in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi.
San isn’t a place for frills and fluffiness. The magic is in the minimalism, both at the camp and in the mysterious desert landscape. You can forget the tourist crowds and over-stuffed 4x4s too; it’s just you, the wildlife, and a handful of local San Bushmen, waiting to share their secrets with you.
Iconic in its own right, Nwetwe is home to a myriad of meerkats that pop up from the desert dust, brown hyena hiding in the grass, and the ethereal surroundings and atmosphere that makes San Camp spectacular in simplicity. Disappear into a remote world, a million miles from glowing screens and fruit-themed devices, where the 360-degree panoramas are so vast; you can see the curvature of the earth.
The real allure of San Camp is in its unpretentiousness, and this extends to the setting. San sits at the edge of the mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, overlooking Nwetwe Pan to be precise, in the heart of the Kalahari Desert and adjoining the Makgadikgadi National Park.
The pans were once a super lake covering most of Botswana, and they shimmer seemingly never-ending to the horizon, interrupted only by scatterings of desert palms and baobabs. The beautiful nothingness brings with it a cathartic sense of silence, and there is truly nowhere on earth like this magical corner of Botswana.
Sina Centurion Palace, Venice, Italy
Once Palazzo Genovese, today Sina Centurion Palace. A 5-star luxury hotel located on the Grand Canal with stunning views of both the Grand Canal and the traditional Venetian internal garden.
The hotel is located at the heart of the Dorsoduro district next to the Basilica of S.Maria Della Salute, Punta Della Dogana, and the famous Guggenheim museum. A unique blend between the ancient building’s gothic façade and the contemporary exclusive bespoke design of the interiors, a contrast in harmony with the district where the hotel is located; the most ancient in Venice and home to contemporary art.
Standout rooms are the ones that face the famed Grand Canal while others look towards the private internal garden. The harmony between the historical architecture and the contemporary interiors deliver and exclusive sense of style that can be found in every room. Such as the unique bathrooms covered in gold leaf as well as each piece of furniture crafted bespoke for this hotel.
When it comes to fine dining, Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant has a few exclusive outdoor tables in summer on the deck right on the Grand Canal, which need to be reserved in advance for an unforgettable and romantic dining experience. The Executive chef of Antinoo’s serves cuisine with a contemporary twist, reflecting the setting of the restaurant.
Sina Centurion Palace has an international reputation that continues to grow. Since its inauguration, it has hosted exclusive events during the Venice Film Biennale, welcoming personalities like Al Pacino, Shakira, Naomi Watts, Chiara Ferragni, Daniel Radcliffe, James Franco, and Roberto Bolle among others.
The Chedi Luštica Bay, Montenegro
At the meeting point between azure seas and rolling mountains, you’ll find The Chedi Luštica Bay Hotel: the best five-star luxury hotel in Montenegro. Set on the waterfront of Montenegro’s Trašte Bay along the Luštica peninsula, within the coastal town of Luštica Bay, The Chedi Luštica Bay welcomes you to unwind amidst authentic, breathable luxury. This contemporary resort hotel offers elegant, light-filled rooms that echo the movement of the Adriatic Sea and the colors of the Mediterranean beyond.
It encompasses 111 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, a high-tech conference and business center, a wellness spa with an indoor pool, a private beach, and a heated outdoor infinity pool. From culinary artistry through to thoughtful technology, facilities are everything you would expect from Montenegro’s most exclusive hotel, brought to life with genuine Montenegrin hospitality and one-step-ahead service.
Deluxe rooms and suites embody Mediterranean elegance, looking out through floor-to-ceiling windows onto the dreamy sea of Trašte Bay and mountain views of Montenegro. With sumptuous furnishings, modern technology, and luxurious amenities, rooms are designed to make your stay as effortless as possible.
Calling upon seasonal Montenegrin ingredients, contemporary menus sing with freshness and flavor. Enjoy a modern take on regional favorites in The Restaurant or creative cuisine at our brasserie-style The Spot. The elegant Lobby Bar offers refreshments and afternoon tea, while The Rok beach bar serves up light bites and cocktails. Stay at The Chedi Luštica Bay in Montenegro and be treated to five-star facilities and a range of luxurious extras, delivered with warm service by our team of highly trained staff.
The Penthouse at the Silo, South Africa
The Silo is a stunning 28-room luxury hotel from the acclaimed Royal Portfolio, occupying the top six floors of the historic grain silo building in Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. It also includes a spectacular one-bedroom penthouse. Each room has been individually designed and decorated by the stylish wand of owner Liz Biden.
The property boasts the phenomenal Penthouse suite with wrap-around views of the Cape Town skyline and its top sights. The 2,012 square-foot one-bedroom suite features views of the famed Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, and the city below, framed through the hotel’s unique ‘pillowed glass’ windows.
The Penthouse also includes a 258-square-foot balcony for even more exposure to the incredible views out over the city from The Silo hotel’s top floor. This extraordinary five-star hotel has set a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magical hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City.
Heatherwick Studio designed the exterior of the building. From the outside, the most significant visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These multi-faceted structures glisten like diamonds during the day while at night, the building transforms into a glowing beacon in the Table Bay harbor.
The Silo Hotel is a celebration of art, style, architecture, and design. A tribute to timeless glamour and contemporary luxury, offering the highest levels of personalized service synonymous with The Royal Portfolio.
Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico
On the Sea of Cortés in Baja California, at the edge of the horizon, a modern dreamscape promises anything but the predictable. Immerse yourself in the recently fully renovated Viceroy Los Cabos, an architecturally stunning hotel concept by Miguel Angel Aragonés.
While the historic Colonial streets of San José del Cabo will call, there are limitless discoveries right here. Lose yourself in the style and amenities that Viceroy is known for, including four restaurants and lounges, a rooftop bar and a spa, and discover what makes this retreat the crowning jewel among Los Cabos luxury resorts. Let intrigue be your guide.
When it comes to accommodation in Los Cabos, it doesn’t get more refined than this. Find yourself in harmony with nature and modernity in your guestroom, designed for indoor/outdoor living with abundant natural light. The look is minimal and stylish. And the vibe is pure, sun-dappled luxury.
Under the warmth of the sun, yet cooled by the ocean breeze, Viceroy Los Cabos offers a transformative experience filled with dramatic contrasts. It’s an oasis in the desert where authentic Mexican flavors and traditions meet modern-day amenities, from scrumptious designer toiletries by ROIL to the nest-like structured Nido Cevichería + Bar, Nidito Beach & Poolside Bar, Casero Restaurant, Otro Bar and Cielomar Rooftop.
Explore the five pools that stretch out to the open sea and distant horizon, framing the surrounding reflective water features. Guests can cool off at the spectacular infinity-edge pool’s beachfront, relax on the custom-made solid teak lounges or soak up the sun at the serene adult-only rooftop escape.
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