Leading Hotels of the World recently announced the addition of eight new members to its collection of over 375 independent, luxury hotels; of these, six are new to the hospitality arena in 2017, and two are set to open later this year. The eight properties span the globe and offer varied styles of design and architecture, though all aim to provide immersive cultural experiences.
Here are the eight new members:
Le Mount Stephen (Montréal, Canada)
Le Mount Stephen opened its doors this past May. The property is in the Golden Square Mile, and its entrance and dining venues are a short distance from the George Stephen House, a historical monument and mansion built by Lord G. Stephen, the first president of the Canada Pacific Railway. The contemporary tower houses 90 rooms and sky-loft suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and state-of-the-art amenities.
Recommended Experience: Ordering the Golden Square Mile Sour or Lady George No.1 at the hotel’s Bar George, then relax in Le Mount Stephen’s historic mansion before retiring to the modern guest rooms.
Gran Meliá de Mar (Mallorca, Spain)
This adults-only resort is surrounded by a garden of pine trees and set in its own exclusive cove. Every suite has a balcony with views overlooking the sea. Fine dining with Majorcan cuisine is available at four dining venues, and a Luxury Spa by Clarins provides the latest beauty and well-being treatments.
Recommended Experience: Savoring a dinner for two in Gran Meliá de Mar’s private cove, after which an intimate evening on a private beach can be arranged with a candle-lit atmosphere, paired with premium wines.
Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort (Zakynthos, Greece)
This property also cut its ribbon this past May. The resort has 65 guest rooms all facing the surrounding Ionian Sea. Its several fine dining restaurants provide Mediterranean flavors prepared by the Executive Chef George Plotas. Guests can also relax and be rejuvenated in the accompanying Essence Spa with a Germain de Cappucini treatment. For a picturesque arrival and departure, a helicopter transfer can be arranged which will provide a vista of all the Greek islands.
Recommended Experience: Exploring Zakynthos and the surrounding islands by private yacht; Lesante Blu organizes an outing that includes stops at Zakynthos’ famous blue caves, secluded beaches, swim spots of the Marathonissi and ventures to further Ionian islands.
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel (Venice, Italy)
The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel first welcomed guests through its 16th-century doors back in August 2016 following a 50-year closure. Located right on the Grand Canal, each of the hotel’s 18 rooms are decorated and designed based on a unique aspect of Venetian history and culture. Original features such as Renaissance frescoes and marble fireplaces have been restored by local specialists and are complemented by antiques and custom furnishings. Enrico Bartolini oversees the accompanying GLAM Restaurant, which serves exclusive menus to guests of the hotel.
Recommended Experience: Enjoying a morning cappuccino in the Palazzo’s private gardens, which opens directly onto the Grand Canal. Guests can then take the hotel’s private water taxi straight from the property into the City of Water to explore.
Lotte St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Russia)
Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg is a piece of history unto itself. Built in the beginning of the 19th century, John Quincy Adams, first ambassador to Russia and sixth president of the United States famously lived in the building from 1810 to 1811. The hotel has 150 classic and modern rooms, including seven suites. Guests can dine at the Lounge restaurant or the premium Japanese MEGUmi restaurant; two banquet halls and a Balinese Mandara Spa are also on site. The hotel is located on St. Isaac’s square with views of the city’s famous cathedral, the Moika River and the Blue Bridge; it is also walking distance to the Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect and Mariinsky Theatre.
Recommended Experience: Ordering a cocktail at the rooftap L Terrasa bar during the summer months to enjoy views of the “Venice of the North.”
Signiel Seoul (Seoul, South Korea)
Opened in April, the Signiel Seoul is located in the landmark Lotte World Tower, the fifth highest high rise in the world, which itself resides in the greater Gangnam area. Each room provides skyline views and combines classic and contemporary design in a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Michelin-starred chefs provide the culinary options while the accompanying Bar 81 houses the largest champagne collection in Korea—both are located 342 meters in the air. An Evian spa, fitness center and a swimming pool are also available.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris (Paris, France)
Following a six-month renovation, this 81-room-and-suite hotel reopened in July. Each living quarters are decorated with refined materials, delicate fabrics and lighting, reflective of the distinctive interior design style of Jacques Garcia.
Recommended Experience: Enjoying three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s bistro cuisine at Fouqet’s famed brassiere, center stage on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.
Bürgenstock Hotel (Obbuergen, Switzerland)
The newly built hotel will officially open on August 28, 2017, complete with modern architecture, contemporary design and full vistas over Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Cultural icons like Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin have visited the greater resort since the first Grand Hotel opened in 1873. The grounds include a 10,000 square-meter spa, a wellness center, 12 restaurants, several boutiques and a 9-hole golf course. Tennis, golf, curling, water sports, hiking and bike trails are all nearby for those seeking active recreation as well.
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li (Shanghai, China)
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li is located in the cultural preservation zone of Xuhui District and is set for a September 2017 opening. The ribbon cutting follows a highly anticipated restoration and conversion project. The compound houses 22 rows of shikumen lanes, connecting more than 200 two-story houses dating back to the 1930s. Traditional Shanghainese and French architectural styles are blended in 55 three-level villas available. The property is also home to three-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire’s only Mainland China restaurant, Le Comptoir.
Recommended Experience: Developing a custom-crafted stay, with venue and restaurant booking with the help of a Capella personal assistant.
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