Following the release of its 2017 Travel Trends, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has announced the addition of eight new hotels to its collection. Several of the trends for this year are “smaller is bigger,” “experiences of a lifetime,” and “love of local.”
New hotels include:
The Manoah Boutique Hotel: Shoal Bay, Anguilla (Opened December 2016): Each of the 25 guestrooms and suites are decorated in neutral shades and have a private glass-fronted veranda overlooking the beach. The resort boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens plus two tropical beach bars. Water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking or scuba diving can also be arranged.
SLH Insider Tip: With local stables nearby, spend an evening on horseback with a sunset beach ride on Cove Bay.
The Reef by CuisinArt: Anguilla (Opened November 2016): Reef by CuisinArt, a beachfront property, has 80 suites – some with sea views and others that are right on the white sand beach with outdoor Jacuzzis. The kitchen’s ingredients are sourced from the on-property hydroponic farm. The architecture and design of the hotel is modern, with touches of color.
SLH Insider Tip: Head to the other end of the island and take a boat out to tiny coral island, Scilly Cay, for live music, delicious lobster and for what many hail as the best rum punch on the island.
Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa: St Barthélemy (Opened November 2016): This exclusive oceanfront resort is SLH’s first property in St Barth’s. Its 46 rooms and suites were designed by Sybille de Margerie and the menu was crafted by Michelin-starred French chef, Guy Martin. The boutique hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated to reflect the white sands and blues of the ocean; each one opens onto a private terrace with ocean or garden views and private swimming pool. The spa has partnered with luxury French skin care brand La Mer and offers a wide array of treatments in its open-air atrium.
SLH Insider Tip: On the south-east tip of the island sits Anse de Columbiere – this undeveloped bay is only accessible by foot or by boat and is a peaceful haven for those seeking somewhere secluded to swim and sunbathe.
Paradise Beach: St Kitts and Nevis: The only villa resort on the Caribbean island of Nevis. The resort is child-friendly and the villas can accommodate eight people, which makes it a great option for a family getaway. Each of the seven villas has a marble or limestone bath, king beds, a sound system, fitness studio, dining rooms, a private pool, a sea view and Hermés bath products. The hand woven, palm roofs were designed to mirror the Nevis Peak.
SLH Insider Tip: Probably one of the more well known attractions but still well worth the hype is the Sugar train –the last scenic railway in the West Indies. The double decker carriages have open sided top decks for guests to enjoy the breeze along with their rum punch and the sounds of the train’s own choir.
Point Grace Resort and Spa: Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos: The all-suite hideaway is SLH’s first hotel in Turks and Caicos. The tropical resort is turn-of the-century style with a contemporary twist and consists of 25 suites (all over 1,000 square feet), two restaurants, and the Thalasso Spa, where treatments are inspired by the ocean. A unique collection of African tribal crafts and artwork can be found around the hotel, most of which are locally sourced from the island and lend an insight into the culture and travel experience of the turn of the century West Indian traveler.
SLH Insider Tip: If you’re a wildlife lover visit the Leeward settlement, an uninhabited islet known as ‘Iguana Island’ – a sanctuary for the endangered Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana.
Kokomo Island
Kokomo Island: Kadavu Islands, Fiji (Opening March 2017): Kokomo Island is Fiji’s newest and most exclusive private island resort, situated on the edge of the Kadavu Island group; it is also the first SLH hotel in Fiji. The boutique property is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef, which is good for diving enthusiasts (the hotel has its own Dive Center). The 21 villas, owner’s beachfront residence, and five hilltop residences have sustainable design and traditional Fijian touches. The Kokomo Island spa blends Sodashi products with indigenous Fijian beauty rituals to create signature treatments
SLH Insider Tip: Visit the nearby manta ray cleaning station, where manta rays come to get freshened up by wrasse fish, and take the opportunity to swim with the rays.
Naxian Collection Luxury Villas and Suites: Naxos, Greece: Naxian Collection is a chic hilltop retreat with ten white villas. The cave-like rooms are decked out with minimalist interiors, cream walls, bamboo screens and giant bathtubs. Each room has views over landscaped gardens, lagoons and nearby Naxos town. Agios Prokopios beach is just a ten-minute walk from the property and there are plenty of walking or horse-riding trails to keep outdoorsy guests busy. The property also has its own organic field, free-range chicken coop, plus nearby olive groves and the family vineyards.
SLH Insider Tip: Try and time your stay with a classical music concert or violin recital at the Venetian Museum of Naxos in the Kastro which offers live entertainment year round.
Sikelia: Pantelleria, Italy: Known as the “Black pearl of the Mediterranean,” Pantelleria is well suited for adventurous travelers willing to voyage a little further to be rewarded by natural volcanic hot springs, a rugged coastline, caves with warm volcanic waters. The hotel was built out of an ancient dammuso, and designed by Gabriella Guintoli. Ancient pottery, glazed painted tiles, and predominantly dark shades throughout lend an air of drama to the property. The 20 rooms include: Frette linens and Hermés products in the bathroom. At the hotel’s restaurant, Themá, the chef combines fresh fish and shellfish with vegetables grown in Sikelia’s own garden. This is all served with wine from the owner’s estate.
SLH Insider Tip: For a more informal dining experience, guests can head to the owner’s Coste Ghirlanda Wine Laboratory that is flooded with candles and offers a rustic cosy vibe where guests eat under the stars on communal kitchen tables.
Advisors booking with SLH can enjoy a range of benefits. Visit www.slh.com/travel-agents to receive commissions ranging from 10-20 percent.
To make a booking visit www.slh.com or call 1-877-234-7033