Elite Traveler January-February 2019

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2019 81

BLACKBERRY FARM WALLAND, TENNESSEE, USA

Every detail of this intimate resort at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is carefully thought out: Situated on 4,200 acres of rolling hills, it has an on-site creamery, bakery and charcuterie — even a beekeeper. With only 68 guest rooms, the hotel never feels too inhabited but is full of international guests who return time and time again thanks to its impeccable service (staff will remember your favorite dessert). While the resort is quiet, there’s plenty to do — choose horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, carriage rides, clay shooting or hiking. The resort is family-friendly, too, with culinary, fine arts and outdoor activities for children. Top suite Carriage House Suite from $1,995 per night Cheers Blackberry Farm curates only the best whiskies in the world, with some 300 whiskies on offer from American Master Distillers and international connoisseurs. Contact Betsy Funderburk, assistant reservations manager, bfunderburk@blackberryfarm.com, +1 865 984 8166, blackberryfarm.com

THE BEVERLYHILLS HOTEL BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA

Immediately recognizable by its pink, hacienda-style facade and banana leaf-printed wallpaper, The Beverly Hills Hotel is an iconic landmark. It’s been a hideaway for Hollywood’s rich and famous for over a century —Howard Hughes, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor were regulars. While keeping its Old Hollywood allure, the hotel has been modernly restored, from each of its 210 rooms to its private bungalows and famed diner, the Fountain Coffee Room. Each three-bedroom Presidential Bungalow is outfitted with decor collected from the 1920s to today and has private landscaped gardens. The hotel’s pool is a Beverly Hills institution and looks plucked out of a film set with its striped and pale pink loungers and private cabanas. Top suite Presidential Bungalows 23 and 24 from $16,000 per night Power dining Some of Hollywood’s biggest deals have been made in the Polo Lounge. Enjoy the American fare with an Italian edge. Contact Jason Prost, area director of sales and marketing, jason.prost@dorchestercollection.com, +1 310 887 2592, dorchestercollection.com

FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI LANAI, HAWAII, USA

Every corner of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is better than the last, whether you’re soaking in one of two pools surrounded by tropical plants and towering palms, or teeing off at the Jack Nicklaus-designedManele Golf Course next to Hulopoe Bay. There’s so much to explore (much of the island is untouched by development); ATV through the island’s ironwood forests — spend the day on the hotel’s 50-ft catamaran and swim through coves and snorkel, or allow a private guide to take you to the island’s most beautiful spots. Save up energy to sip on a punchy cocktail at one of three bars before indulging in Hawaiian seafood and American steak at One Forty or fine Japanese cuisine at Nobu Lanai. Top suite Alii Royal Suite from $21,000 per night Aerial adventure Learn to fly with the Maui Flight Academy. Take to the skies in a small charter plane and explore all sides of the island from above. Contact Cate Denis, reservations manager, res.lanai@ fourseasons.com, +1 808 565 2587, fourseasons.com

THE INNAT LITTLEWASHINGTON WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA, USA

THE LITTLE NELL ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

This Relais & Châteaux property at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains is a colonial-era hotel that delivers the best of Southern hospitality and exquisite dining under one roof. Chef Patrick O’Connell earned the hotel its thirdMichelin star in 2018 —a first for theWashington area and a groundbreaking accomplishment (he earned the coveted three stars in just three years). Colorful Victorian-inspired decor shrouds almost every inch of the hotel’s interiors from its lavishMain Inn to the immaculate Claiborne House. The 3,600-sq-ft cottage is steps away from the main house and has a wood fireplace, chef’s kitchen, media room and private garden. Top suite Claiborne House from $3,600 per night Don’t miss Cuisine is an integral part of The Inn’s DNA, hence the three tasting menus: Four Decades of Our Enduring Classics, the Gastronaut’s Menu and The Good Earth. Contact Dawn Batson, director of reservations and revenue, reservations@theinnatlittlewashington.com, +1 540 675 3800, theinnatlittlewashington.com

The Little Nell is the only five-star ski-in, ski-out resort in town with direct access to Aspen Mountain, and the excitement of the city is just steps away. Although Aspen is relatively small, the year-round activities will satisfy any traveler. Winter lends itself to impeccable skiing (the concierge will help you map out a day of perfect trails), snowcat adventures or heli-skiing for the more daring, while summer invites you to take in the fresh air with biking, fly fishing and stargazing. Indulge in seasonal dishes with local meats and produce at Element 47 and Ajax Tavern. Furry friends are welcome, too — the hotel has a Puppy Jet Lag Kit and a special pet menu. Top suite Paepcke Suite from $7,100 per night Après ski Sip on bubbly and warm up with the famous wagyu double cheeseburger and truffle fries at Ajax Tavern — you will not be disappointed. Contact Simon Chen, managing director, schen@ thelittlenell.com, +1 970 920 4600, thelittlenell.com