A Luxury Travel Blog

Suite name: Beachfront Villa
Resort: Kiana Resorts at Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
Size of accommodation: 1,500 sq ft
Cost per night: $630 (soft opening rate of $475)
Who’s stayed there? Nobody yet since it’s brand new, but several celebrities including Jamie Foxx, Sharon Stone, Christian Slater, Barry Manilow, Paris Hilton and many more were gifted a certificate to visit at the the 2006 American Music Awards.
What makes it special? What makes Kiana resorts special is the combination of its breathtaking, remote location and luxurious amenities that appeal to the adventurous, luxury traveler.

Kiana Resorts presents top-notch villa accommodations appointed with the finest furnishings. The living and entertainment spaces have a “Tropical Modern” theme, combining elements of Southeast Asian and Latin design for rustic simplicity and understated elegance. The open floor plans embrace full kitchens along with decks and covered terraces to ensure that guests can appreciate the outdoors while enjoying a comfortable indoor retreat. Luxurious bathrooms feature large bathtubs and indoor/outdoor showers, while guest beds are adorned with imported Egyptian cotton sheets, feather or synthetic pillows and large, comfortable mattresses. Each villa comes equipped with a 29-inch TV and an iPod speaker base.

The resort, which sits amidst more than 2,000 acres of mountainous rainforest, is an intimate escape comprised of just 26 exquisitely furnished, 1,500-square-foot beachfront villas grouped into four “village clusters.” It features a full service spa, an oceanfront gourmet restaurant, four pools and a fitness gym, all surrounded by a nature preserve filled with chattering monkeys and other exotic wildlife.

Kiana guests will be able to stroll out their door to nearly empty beaches or explore the jungle and all the wonders it holds. Here, shopping malls and golf courses are no where to be found. Instead this unique setting will lure outdoor enthusiasts with activities including surfing, horseback rides through the jungle, canopy tours, sunning on the beach, and trips to the Osa Peninsula, which National Geographic called “the most bio-diverse place on earth”. 

Suite name: The Presidential Suite
Hotel: Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Size of accommodation: 525 sq ft
Cost per night: $979
Who’s stayed there? Muhammad Ali, Clint Eastwood, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and several other sports celebrities.
What makes it special? Spacious suite for lavish entertainment including wet bar, iHome stereo system, enhanced work area, and beautiful marble bathroom.

Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf features bold, upscale and chic looks and wonderful ambiance with 2 fireplaces and a fountain. It is pleased to be one of the few San Francisco hotels with an heated out-door pool and Jacuzzi. Conveniently located at the historic Cable Car turnaround for the Powell/Mason line taking you directly to Union Square. Also within a few blocks of the world famous Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and North Beach.

Suite name: Presidential Suite (#415)
Resort: The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
Size of accommodation: 1,932 sq ft
Cost per night: $6,500
Who’s stayed there? Everyone from Howard Hughes to Marilyn Monroe to Donald Trump
What makes it special? The Five Star “Pink Palace” is a classic, and this suite reflects that heritage, with Deco elegance at every turn and individualized service befitting of Hollywood royalty.

The Presidential Suite features classic wood furnishings and is bathed in soft tones of peach, mauve, sage, yellow, and beige - Classic Hollywood elegance at the hands of Los Angeles design firm Dianne Wong Architecture & Interior Design.  The suite has one king-size bed, gas fireplace, a spacious living room with dining area, den, and 1½ marble bathrooms with bidet, jacuzzi tub, and two stall showers. A spacious walk-in closet with his and hers dressers and separate vanity area completes the picture.  The long balcony overlooks a quiet, residential section of Beverly Hills and offers a view toward downtown Los Angeles.  Special amenities include a grand piano, Zenith plasma TV, Bose surround system and DVD player, and Magic Chef and SubZero appliances in the kitchen.

Guests in this suite are provided with standout service as well. For example, garage staff are trained to foil paparazzi, and a private elevator provides direct access from the garage to the fourth floor.  A commercial kitchen is available across the hall for guests who travel with private chefs, and a 24-hour butler is on hand to book any area attractions or reservations for velvet-rope Hollywood hotspots.

Since the early 20th century, The Beverly Hills Hotel has been the spot where Hollywood legends socialized by the pool or romanced the night away in cozy private bungalows, while studio moguls and Wall Street financiers consummated deals in the Polo Lounge.  The hotel offers the ambiance of a relaxed resort with lush, fragrant gardens, palm-lined poolside and tennis facilities, beautiful guestrooms, and public areas reminiscent of timeless Hollywood glamour.  Today, every visitor to the ‘Pink Palace’, as locals call it, is pampered like a star.  With an ideal location on Sunset Boulevard, steps away from Rodeo Drive, in the nation’s most coveted Zip Code ’90210′. The Beverly Hills Hotel is whatever a guest wishes it to be.  It can be a place to see and be seen, to catch glimpses of famous faces, or to revel in splendid luxury.

Suite name: Dalem Jiwo Suite
Resort: Amanjiwo, Central Java
Size of accommodation: 1,300 sq m
Cost per night: £1,278 per night (Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 11% government tax. Rates include airport transfer.)
What makes it special? Amanjiwo is set in the countryside of Central Java with clear views of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Amanjiwo has 35 suites, 34 of which encircle the main building and offer both interior and exterior living areas.

Amanjiwo is set in the countryside of Central Java with clear views of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Amanjiwo has 35 suites, 34 of which encircle the main building and offer both interior and exterior living areas.

Entry to each suite is by sliding glass door that provides a light filled living and sleeping area. The king size bed is positioned in the centre of the suite beneath the high ceiling and doomed rooftop. The bathroom has twin vanities, a dressing area, shower, and leads to a small courtyard revealing an outdoor sunken bath.

The Dalem Jiwo is set in a discreet compound ensuring the utmost in peace, privacy and luxury. The Dalem Jiwo two bedroom suite is a discreet compound, complete with a private entrance, a classically styled rotunda and surrounding terrace with two separately walled bedrooms. Each bedroom has stone steps descending to the suite’s private 15 meters pool finished in a green Javanese stone known as Hijau danau and is surrounded by rice terraces. The Dalem Jiwo butler, always on call, has separate quarters in the compound.

Suite name: Royal Suite of the House of Ambassadors
Hotel: Stanhope Hotel, Brussels, Belgium
Size of accommodation: 80-100 sq m
Cost per night: 500 Euros (weekends), 1,625 Euros (weekdays)
What makes it special? It’s the Royal Suite of the first 5-star hotel in Belgium!

With peaceful views of the park of Square de Mees, the Royal Suite of the House of Ambassadors is tastefully designed, with stylish decor, classical English style furniture and floral fabrics.  It has a luxurious marble bathroom with Molton Brown amenities.

The House of Ambassadors, a century-old residence, was inaugurated in September 2004 and consists of the Royal Suite, three single standard rooms, three deluxe rooms, six double standard rooms and two conference rooms.  This house in the hotel is an unique feature because it can be rented on its own for groups, delegations or important individuals.  Due to its two conference rooms, private breakfast, lunch and dinner can also be arranged. 

The Stanhope hotel is situated in quiet surroundings, in the historical centre of Brussels, next to the European District.  Within walking distance you can find some of the main tourist attractions in Brussels like Royal Palace, the Grand Place, and Sablon Square famous for its antiques shops.  The hotel is also nearby Avenue Louise, the most fashionable street of the European Capital.  This boutique hotel is a home-away-from-home that provides an exclusive, personalized and unique service.

Suite name: Royal Residence
Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai
Size of accommodation: 6,890 sq ft
Cost per night: 230,000 Baht, plus taxes and service charge
Who’s stayed there? Prime Minister, Head of State and several VIPs
What makes it special? Unique design which inspired by a mix of northern Thai palace and Royal Lanna architecture with six private pavilions featuring three king size beds and three twin bedrooms, three swimming pools, as well as a number of sitting and dining rooms, open-air salas (Thai Pavilion) and even a lounge with a grand piano and bar.

A stay in the Royal Residence is the ultimate experience offering guests a vast, private retreat compound at the heart of the resort. Situated behind high walls, the Royal Residence is completely self-contained with six private Lanna-style pavilions featuring three king size beds and three twin bedrooms, as well a number of sitting and dining rooms, open-air salas and even a lounge with a grand piano and bar.

The Royal Residence is the ideal choice for discerning travelers, celebrities and visiting royalty who wish to preserve their privacy while they indulge in style.  It is also perfect for groups of friends traveling together or extended families. In addition to its individual sleeping pavilions, the residence boasts three luxurious swimming pools, private Jacuzzis and saunas, all set right on the edge of the compound’s own free-form lotus pond between a number of towering Rain Trees and fragrant Frangipanis. 

The design of the Royal Residence was inspired by the mythical Himmaphan Forest of Buddhist legend, a heavenly realm of lush flowers and foliage inhabited by celestial beings and otherworldly animals. Each of the residence’s elegant teak pavilions is intricately crafted, showcasing the woodcarving traditions that northern Thailand is famous for. Interiors and exteriors are decorated with apsaras, elephants, Kinnarees, exotic birds, fish and flowers carved in wood and plaster throughout.

Brick walkways connect each unit through their poolside gardens and an enormous wall of life-size elephant sculptures drawn from Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man, provides a dramatic focal point for the entire complex. Each pavilion is unique in style and design, inspired by a mix of northern Thai palace and Royal Lanna architecture. Color schemes vary from one pavilion to the next, ranging from rich red and gold to cream and pink to black and silver. High ceilings and handcrafted details abound while sumptuous silks, plush furnishings, and a selection of rare antiques contribute to the residence’s atmosphere of lavish luxury.

A large dining room with floor to ceiling windows and pantry allow guests to entertain family and friends in the unique setting of their own ancient Lanna palace.

Suite name: The Ritz-Carlton Suite
Resort: The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
Size of accommodation: 210 sq m
Cost per night: 5,000 Euros
Who’s stayed there? Robbie Williams, Christopher Lee, Leonardo Di Caprio
What makes it special? Standing just a short distance from what was formerly a section of The Berlin Wall The 2.260 sq.ft. Ritz-Carlton Suite offers a cosmopolitan experience with the ambiance of a private home and view to the vibrant cityscape of Europe’s most contemporary urban plaza, the Potsdamer Platz with his greenery of the Tiergarten, Berlin’s biggest inner-city park nearby.

The interior design of The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin was created by Cologne based Peter Silling. He, in turn, was inspired by the works of renowned Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841), whose architectural genius can still be viewed in many of Berlin’s most famous buildings. Furnishings chosen for The Ritz-Carlton bear marked resemblance to the German Imperial style which dominated the historic city for generations. It remains a strong influence even as Berlin gains a new reputation as a stylish capital city of contemporary innovation and design.

To further reflect the influence of Prussian architect Schinkel, each of the 302 guestrooms and suites as well as The Ritz-Carlton Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin is distinguished by original watercolors being created by Professor Markus Luepertz, a German artist highly noted for his 20th century neo-expressionism style. His works, entitled “Homage a Schinkel” come from the architect’s original design sketchbooks. Each of Luepertz’ copperplates is printed on hand-made paper, an original and unique tribute to one of the world’s most respected architects. 

The artwork complements very spacious accommodation featuring some of the most up to date technological features, from bedside control panels to heated bathroom floors. Inlaid cherry wood closets and armoires contrast with the soothing shades of beige, browns, and golds of the interior. The Ritz-Carlton Suite is especially adjusted with interior design of chosen antiques, arts and fabrics, two bed rooms and a sauna in the bathroom. Further elements of The Ritz-Carlton Suite: Marble bath with separate shower, toilet cabins, two sinks and floor heating, complimentary local newspaper in the morning, In-room safety deposit boxes, CD- and DVD Player, TV with remote control, SAT-TV and complementary mineral water as a welcome amenity as well as flavoursome bath salts fluffy bathrobes, slippers and Bulgari Amenities.

Suite name: Executive Suite
Hotel: Sheraton Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
Size of accommodation: 91 sq ft
Cost per night: BD500++
What makes it special? Tasteful design that offers a timeless yet contemporary feel.

With breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf and the city, the suite is tastefully designed, with stylish décor that offers a timeless, yet contemporary feel, blending warm pastel colours and fine fabrics.

It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as LCD TVs, tea & filter coffee making amenities and a seamless broadband wired/wireless internet connection, personalized butler, private meeting room on the club floors (complimentary and subject to availability), convenient work desks, DVD players and VIP amenities. Designed for comfort and a good night’s sleep, the celebrated ‘Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed’, is present is also available in the suite.

In room amenities also include complimentary continental breakfast, refreshments and snacks available all day without charge, complimentary bar daily from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and complimentary fruit basket on arrival upon request.

Private meeting room on the Club floors (complimentary) for the Suite guests.

Suite name: The Infinity Suite
Hotel: The Langham, London, UK
Size of accommodation: 326 sq m
Cost per night: £4,150 + VAT for 2 bedrooms / £3,500 + VAT for 1 bedroom
What makes it special? Endless Elegance. Boundless Beauty. Take luxury to new levels. And beyond.

As London’s Original Grand Hotel, The Langham is steeped in grandeur. Our Infinity Suite goes further. Much further. With bespoke furniture, stylish sculptures and discreet technology, it offers contemporary grandeur on a limitless scale. Traditional materials such as velvet, silk toile and taffeta merge with modern lighting and entertainment systems to produce a contemporary design with classic touches. The effect is infinitely hospitable.

More than living up to its name, our Infinity Suite features an ultra deep, constantly overflowing Infinity Bath in the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom. As the water moves through a spectrum of colours, either relaxing or stimulating, champagne-like bubbles gently massage. The second bedroom features two queen size beds and a beautifully practical bathroom. Throughout the suite, a programmable lighting system switches between mood levels. Abstract oil paintings and intriguing artworks add to the rich, eclectic grandeur.

Suite name: Hollywood Suite
Hotel: Warwick New York Hotel
Size of accommodation: 650 sq ft
Cost per night: $3500 plus tax
Who’s stayed there? Cary Grant, Elvis Presley and the Beatles
What makes it special? This prestigious suite overlooking New York has welcomed the most famous actors of Hollywood.

Redesigned in June 2006 in conjunction with the “Sleep in Style” concept by Historic Hotels of America, the Hollywood Suite recreates the essence of “Hollywood Glamour” at the Warwick New York Hotel in the 1930s. The design elements emphasize 1930s art deco elegance with today’s modern and luxury home living. The colour motif of the suite in warm hues of tile red and calm sagebrush further enhances the suite’s residential ambiance. The experience of the Hollywood Suite with its wrap around terrace and Manhattan underneath one’s feet is sure to lure back the enchanted bygone eras of Hollywood.