Top luxury travel advisor Jack Ezon, CEO of Ovation Vacations, is always on the road testing hotels. Last week, I asked asked him about his favorite hotels that recently opened, or in the case of Le Crillon in Paris and Peninsula Beijing reopened. It’s no secret that it often takes time to get a new hotel working to exacting standards, so you can rest assured that the picks in this issue are hotels that Ezon has personally visited and recommends to his customers. With each, we highlight top suites for your review.
1. Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Ibiza is still for partygoers and Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, from the owners of the venerable Marbella Club brings luxury a luxury resort to the Mediterranean island. The hotel is in the city center putting you at the center of action and also has fabulous water views, says Ezon.
The Royal Suite at 2,444 sq. ft. embodies the Ibiza Bay experience; a blend of relaxed chic, understated quality and indulgence. Located on the top floor, the Royal Suite boasts stunning views of Salamanca Bay and Ibiza Town.
Featuring a grand entrance, living room, dining area, kitchen, king-size master suite and guest room, the Royal Suite feels like your own private seafront villa. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the walls that look out on the Mediterranean. The bathroom is crafted of Persian marble, with a deep soaking tub, rain-fall shower and mother-of-pearl inlay.
There is an expansive 667 sq. ft. lower terrace. Gardens and custom-made relaxation areas on the 861 sq. ft. upper terrace provide plenty of space to enjoy the company of loved ones or just have a party.
2. Dewberry, Charleston, South Carolina
Ezon calls Dewberry, “Charleston’s newest gem.” He says, “This rustic-luxe bright architectural gem in the heart of the city will be the place for Millennials looking for the great nightlife on King Street with easy access to the city’s historic district.
Light-filled Charleston Flats at 511 sq.ft are located in the corners of every floor. Loft-like sanctuaries with hardwood floors, the flats features living rooms with leather wingback chairs, in-room dining areas, and glass-enclosed bath suites.
Stickler-Crafted armoires are finished with hand-painted wallpaper by local artist Becca Barnet and bathrooms feature Danby Vermont marble. From the Irish linen bedding to the seasonal in-room bars curated by the chef, Ezon says Dewberry is worth a try on your next visit.
3. The Silo, Cape Town
“The sexy new The Silo hotel in Cape Town is inside the new Seitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa with dramatic views of the waterfront and table mountain, whimsically eclectic interiors, chic rooftop infinity pool and bar, and inside access to the city’s hottest museum,” says Ezon.
Of its 28 rooms and suites, The Penthouse at 2,012 sq. ft. is a one-bedroom penthouse located on the top floor facing Table Mountain with a 258 sq. ft. balcony.
4. Peninsula, Beijing
Ezon says, “Peninsula finally transformed this staid grand dame into the shiny, sumptuous experience that Peninsula is known for. Half the rooms have been eliminated to create an all-suite hotel, with the smallest accommodation now a full one-bedroom suite. Expect the intuitive technology and setup that makes Peninsula so fabulous with one of the best locations in Beijing, just 2 blocks from Tiananmen Square and three blocks from some of the best shopping the city has to offer.”The 1,776 sq. ft. Beijing Suites face the forecourt and city. As you enter the living area, modern decorations and traditional tones fill the room with warmth. Family moments await in the private cinema room, with an 80-inch HDTV and surround sound bringing films to life. There is a separate powder room, dressing area and walk-in closet. Located on floors five through 13, each suite has two separate entrances making the category a good choice when you are traveling on business with a companion.
5. The Ned, London
In a city filled with luxury options, Ezon says, “Look out for this fabulous new concept in London, The Ned, which is a pimped-out private club offering travelers an insider look with its new hotel open to the public. Guests get full access to member-only spaces. It is a cross between New York’s Beekman hotel and Soho House, on steroids with a plethora of sophisticated facilities unlike anything else in the City of London.”
The 1,076 sq. ft. Lutyens suite named after the building’s architect encompasses two bedrooms, a large lounge with a custom-made eight-seat corner sofa, and a bar and dining space. You also enjoy private access to the rooftop, with its panoramic views, pool, dome bars and restaurant. The master bedroom features a four-poster super king-size bed, while the adjoining marble-clad bathroom has a roll top bathtub. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed, dressing table and marble bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower.
6. Single Thread Farm, Healdsburg, California
Ezon says, “Chef Kyle Connaughton is the former R&D chef of the French Laundry (and) just opened a foodie nirvana in Healdsburg just outside of Napa.”
On the second floor, the inn has five guest rooms, including a 700 sq. ft. suite. Each room is designed and crafted to create a timeless, yet luxurious and contemporary feel. All rooms host an assortment of curated amenities.
7. Le Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, Paris
Ezon says, “Move over Ritz Paris. Rosewood Hotels has reincarnated the city’s classic Le Crillon located right on Place de la Concorde in the middle of everything Paris has to showcase. It offers a fresh take on a classic grand dame restoring it to its former glory peppered with contemporary touches bringing this ancient palace into tomorrow.”
Situated on the fourth floor, the two Les Grands Apartments offer views over Paris and its landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay and Place de la Concorde. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld they feature bespoke furniture, unique bathroom decors, a dining room and ultra-contemporary design dressing rooms. The two Grands Apartments, 1,895 sq. ft. and 1,346 sq. ft. can be combined together, as well as with an adjoining bedroom, offering a three bedroom 3,606 sq. ft. suite.
8. Hotel Eden, Rome
Ezon says, “The Eden is the new home run hotel in Rome, reinvented by the Dorchester Collection with no expense spared. Postcard worthy views are best taken from the terraces of one of the penthouse suites which offer panoramic views over Rome.”
The Penthouse Suite (2,174 sq. ft.) at Hotel Eden combines modern elegance with touches of architectural detail throughout and hardwood flooring. The furniture has been carefully selected to blend harmoniously with an array of decorative objects. From the suite’s rooftop location, there are magnificent views of Rome via floor-to-ceiling windows. The suite features a study area, living room for entertaining, and a dining area for up to eight people. The master bedroom connects to the master bathroom, which features exquisite mosaics, marble vanities, Bottega Veneta toiletries, a walk-in rain head shower, and an oversize circular bath with spectacular views of Rome and the private gardens of Villa Aurora. Access is by private elevator.
9. The Shore Club, Turks & Caicos
Ezon says, “This striking new British-Caribbean styled resort opens up the north shore of Providenciales, famous for its surf, with stunning ocean front villas offering sweeping views steps from a white powder sand beach.”
The Shore Club only sustained damage to its landscaping from the Hurricanes Irma and Maria. It re-opens this week and its three 3-bedroom executive penthouses on the top (5th) floor can be connected into a nine bedroom residence with three masters spanning 11,200 sq. ft.
