WYNDHAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS REJECTS UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL FROM CHOICE
Proposal Presents Unacceptable Risk to Wyndham Shareholders
Villa Orsula Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, CROATIA
13 rooms from USD 396 per night including breakfast
Just five minutes’ walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the small and perfectly-formed Villa Orsula Dubrovnik is housed in a white Art Deco villa that blends 1930s glamour with modern design – all accompanied by the scent of oranges, pines and lavender from the gardens. Rooms celebrate original features, such as the arched windows and balconies, with views looking out over the walls of Old Town or the peaceful forests of Lokrum Island, and steps lead down the terraced garden to a private bathing platform. Natural views are contrasted throughout with surrealist artwork by artists including Roberto Matta and Victor Vasarely. In the evening guests can enjoy Peruvian-Adriatic fusion dining and sea views on the vine-draped terrace at Victoria restaurant, accompanied by live jazz.
SLH Insider Tip: Enjoy a glass of Dingač reserve, exclusively available at Villa Orsula Dubrovnik and its sister property, Hotel Excelsior.
Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, CROATIA
158 rooms from USD 234 per night including breakfast
www.slh.com/excelsiordubrovnik
With its enviable address, the Hotel Excelsior is a Dubrovnik landmark that has welcomed kings, queens and Hollywood royalty. The hotel reopened in 2017 after a complete renovation combining the original 1913 villa with a sleek contemporary wing – The Tower – and this mingling of past and present is echoed in the interior styling with understated colour themes interrupted by pops of bright citrus and decadent velvet furnishings. The real wonder of this hotel, however, is where indoors meets out – whether that’s sipping coffee on a balcony, enjoying breakfast on the sun-soaked Salin terrace, a romantic dinner under the waterside arches at Prora restaurant or relaxing on the private beach. The spa takes guests on a journey of its own with Turkish and Roman baths, a Finnish sauna and freeform indoor pool.
SLH Insider Tip: Book a table for dinner on the terrace at Sensus to enjoy a degustation menu with views of the floodlit city walls across the bay and, if you’re lucky, a fireworks display.
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Bali, INDONESIA
105 rooms from USD 784 per night including breakfast
Re-opened April 2018
This tropical oasis in the heart of bustling Seminyak has re-opened following a fresh new facelift. Taking up the lion’s share of Seminyak’s prized beach front, the ocean and garden-facing villas and suites offer space and privacy while there is also the option to select joining rooms for families and those with an entourage in tow. On-site amenities include the al fresco Mediterranean Sanje Restaurant & Lounge, seen at its best at sunset coconut martini in hand, all-day dining pavilion Santan serving authentic Balinese fare, and the Hemingway-inspired wine and whisky bar Klass & Brass. The resort also boasts the acclaimed Kahyangan Spa and a sparkling infinity pool sitting on the edge of the ocean.
SLH Insider Tip: Two Bedroom Garden Pool Villas offer not one, but two, seven metre private swimming pools – one for each bedroom.
Healthouse Las Dunas, Estepona, SPAIN
55 rooms from USD 541 per night
Just minutes from the marina at Puerto Banus, this palatial adult-only spa resort has wellbeing at its core – offering anything from a complete detox from day-to-day life, or just some relaxation in the Mediterranean sun. Every suite is positioned to make the most of the coastal setting, with terraces overlooking the pool and gardens. Guests can enjoy the Healthouse Restaurant with daily four-course menus featuring healthy, balanced dishes designed by two Michelin-star chef Andoni Luis Anduriz, where they can also opt for tailored diet plans. The hotel offers two spacious spas – the luxurious Ekilum Spa offering a relaxing escape with everything from steam baths to ice showers, and the Naturhouse Health and Spa Centre which features a sensation path, salt sauna and snow cave.
SLH Insider Tip: In summer 2018 a second restaurant will open offering al fresco dining on the Andalucian patio.
Hui Yue Boutique Hotel, Xuzhou, CHINA
23 rooms from USD 236 per night including breakfast
Deriving its tranquil atmosphere from the surrounding mountains, lakes and woodland on the edge of the bustling city of Xuzhou, Hui Yue Boutique Hotel is a contemporary eco hotel that is all about sustainable resources and renewable energy. Five interconnected courtyards create a sense of space and openness flowing through interiors that combine local arts with modern architecture. Each room enjoys its own balcony and a personal butler team greets guests on arrival. Spend days exploring the local parkland and mountains, venturing into the city or relaxing in the Sabai Spa which offers authentic Thai treatments. In the evening the restaurant, Hui Yue Zuan, focuses on local delicacies, accompanied by live entertainment
SLH Insider Tip: Unleash your inner diva in one of the hotel’s private VIP karaoke booths
And in other news…
Ovolo Woolloomooloo opens Sydney’s first 100% plant-based restaurant
Ovolo Woolloomooloo has partnered with US Chef Matthew Kenney on a new restaurant and bar concept for Alibi, which opened on 22nd March. Chef Kenney’s first venture in Australia, the 100% plant-based menu will feature dishes including Kimchi dumplings with sesame and ginger, Heirloom tomato and zuchini lasagna with pistachio pesto and Hibiscus strawberry cheesecake. The cocktail menu includes an Enchanted Forest cocktail that took the Alibi bar team eight months to create involving an infusion of fresh Portobello mushrooms and absinthe foam made from green apples. Rooms from USD 230 per night including breakfast.
Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa Hotel introduces new Oceanfront Plunge Pool Suites
New for this season at Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa Hotel on Little Corn Island in Nicaragua are eco-chic suites complete with plunge pool. These generously sized rooms are perched just above the white sand beach allowing guests the optimum views of the sunrise across the inner and outer reefs. Oceanfront Plunge Pool Suites from USD 585 per night.
DUKES London celebrates Royal Wedding with themed package
www.slh.com/dukeslondon
Dukes London, just a five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, is offering a package (for two) including accommodation, transfers from Heathrow or Gatwick, a walking tour of Westminster, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, a three-course dinner at GBR, a trip to Windsor Castle with complimentary picnic breakfast and a Royal Wedding souvenir. Rooms from USD 897 per night.
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Guests can join SLH’s loyalty programme, INVITED, to receive Small Luxuries from their very first visit. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online at www.slh.com or via the iPhone app, by contacting a travel agent or calling a Small Luxury Hotels of the World reservations office; click here to view a listing by country.