This month, Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) added six boutique properties to its portfolio. From a bayside spa boutique to a contemporary beach club, there’s plenty to inspire every discerning luxury traveler.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa: Sausalito, California
Perched on a hillside overlooking San Francisco Bay, Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa was a former a WWII military retreat. The interiors of this 64-guestroom property are inspired by the surrounding seascape, with grey and blue palettes and plenty of outdoor spaces. For the ultimate in luxury, book the Alexandrite Suite which has an indoor and outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, hot tub and private gym. Or to feel like a rock star, The Piper Room host Pink Floyd while promoting Piper at the Gates of Dawn in 1967. Guests can relax in the on-site spa offering an assortment of natural therapies, including mineral salt scrubs and algae facials or embrace the Sausalito locale with private painting lessons, wine tasting nearby or even learn to sail.
SLH Insider Tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s partnership with Ram’s Gate Winery, the southern-most winery in Sonoma with beautiful luxe tasting rooms and excellent food and wine experiences.
Stein Eriksen Residences: Utah, USA
Opened in December 2016, and situated directly off the Last Chance ski run in Deer Valley Resort, SLH’s first hotel in Utah has easy access to the mountain's main lodge and the town of Park City. Each of the 14 residences have wrap-around windows, wood- and gas-burning fireplaces in the master suites and living rooms, and a hot tub. All units also have ski in/ski out access from a private trail. Stein Eriksen Residences have a modern design with a blend of marble, stone, and woods. The main lodge's New American concept restaurant and bar has an extensive wine collection, outdoor lounge with fire pits, heated indoor/outdoor infinity pool, hot tubs, private ski lockers, an on-site spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
SLH Insider Tip: Drive to local restaurant Handle for an ever-changing menu of seasonal small plates and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
akyra Beach Club Phuket: Phuket, Thailand
Set in a small fishing community on the Natai Beach, akyra Beach Club Phuket opened this January. The resort's 58 luxury suites and villas have floor-to-ceiling windows, nature-inspired furnishings, and private terraces. At the heart of the resort is the integrated beach club, offering guests a choice of dining options and a beachfront pool. Note: the Upper Deck restaurant serves gourmet international fare throughout the day. By the pool, guests can enjoy the resident DJ; daily yoga sessions are offered on the beach; and surf lessons, scuba diving trips and the chance to swim with leopard sharks, are all also available.
SLH Insider Tip: After dinner, head back to the beach club for after dark entertainment with fire dancers and live music.
Cape Kudu Hotel: Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Located on Koh Yao Noi in the middle of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, Cape Kudu Hotel has 55 luxurious rooms including 11 pool villas and a Robinson Crusoe suite. The resort, which opened in January, also offers an array of facilities, including three bars and dining options, a salt-water infinity pool, and fully equipped gym. The interiors are all whitewashed wood, pale greys and blues; modern lanterns and wicker furnishings help create a coastal vibe. The Hornbilll restaurant serves refined local and international cuisine with a menu made up of ingredients grown on the on-site organic garden. From May 2017, the hotel will also begin welcoming guests to its indoor/outdoor spa, Cape Spa. To get to the hotel, guests will need to take a taxi to Bang Rong Pier from Phuket International Airport before boarding a speedboat to the island.
SLH Insider Tip: Book the exclusive Robinson Crusoe suite for an ultra-luxurious castaway experience complete with hammock, lounge and a hot tub on the sea facing deck.
137 Pillars Suites and Residences: Bangkok, Thailand
The brand new 137 Pillars Suites and Residences joins sister property 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai to become the newest member of the SLH family in Bangkok. This hotel opened its doors in April and is located on Sukhumvit Soi 39, a trendy area of the city. Occupying the top level of the hotel is Bangkok’s highest infinity-edged pool. The 34 suites have traditional furnishings with a twist and a view of skyline in every room. Good to know: some guestrooms have their own private bar. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a wide range of services such as a meditation spa and wellness center, cocktails at the rooftop Sky Bar, and bespoke tour service to landmarks, including the Grand Palace and Buddha of Wat Pho in the guest's transport of choice.
SLH Insider Tip: If you can track it down, start or end an evening at Joseph Boroski’s exclusive hidden cocktail bar designed by Ashley Sutton. No menus, just tell the bartender what you like and he’ll create something unique just for you.
akyra Thonglor Bangkok: Thailand
Situated in Thonglor, this chic metropolitan retreat is surrounded by a plethora of cafes, bars and galleries to explore. akyra Thonglor has 148 rooms and suites, each with a fully equipped kitchenette and all the modern conveniences you could need. The studios and apartments each tap into a trendy local aesthetic through an collection of artwork and contrasting dark wood floors with cool base colors. Facilities and services include a pool bar with city views, an executive lounge, and high-end restaurant.
SLH Insider Tip: For the most epic Pad Thai in Bangkok, try local restaurant Pad Thai Ekkamai. The menu is only in Thai so you may need to ask a local to help you order.
Travel advisors booking with SLH can enjoy a range of benefits, including commissions ranging from 10 to 20 percent. In addition, advisors can stay up-to-date with all the latest hotel news, receive travel industry rates and sign up to the ‘Small Luxury Heroes’ program to start earning points for added benefits and rewards.
To make a booking, visit www.slh.com or call 1-877-234-7033.