Elite Traveler January-February 2019

EMEA

CLARIDGE’S LONDON, UK

An Instagrammer’s dream, Claridge’s is so charming in its quirky details that you might not need a filter: the red-brick facade, the black-and-white marbled floor of the lobby, sleek Art Deco interiors and, of course, the famous afternoon tea. The hotel is pure class; hardly surprising that it has seen many famous guests throughout its 206-year history, including kings and queens, heads of state and Hollywood’s elite. There is a grand reading room, Michelin- starred dining and an excellent health club. The suites each have their own distinct character thanks to individual designs by Viscount Linley, Guy Oliver and Diane von Furstenberg, among others. Top suite Royal Suite from $10,000 per night Happy hour Beyond an original Lalique door panel lays 1930s-inspired hideaway, The Fumoir. Order a Claridge’s Julep, served in a Lalique crystal glass. Contact Eugene Leonard, hotel manager, reservations@ claridges.co.uk, +44 207 629 8860, claridges.co.uk

SIX SENSES DOUROVALLEY LAMEGO, PORTUGAL

Perched high on a hill in the Unesco World Heritage Douro Valley, overlooking the Douro River and rolling vineyards, Six Senses perfectly blends indulgence with wellness. As the terracotta–hued, 19th-century manor is set in Portugal’s wine region, there are naturally many wine-centric activities on offer, as well as family experiences and adventures in the great outdoors. The multiple-award–winning hotel is as captivating as its surroundings. It has a wonderful spa, organic garden, protected 10-acre woodland, wine library and divine restaurants, including The Vale de Abraão Restaurant. Top suite Quinta Courtyard Suite from $1,460 per night Grape stomping Become a winemaker for the day and join in the age-old tradition of stomping the grapes to commence the vintage.

Contact Nicholas Yarnell, general manager, reservations-dourovalley@sixsenses.com, +351 254 660 600, sixsenses.com

BELMOND LARESIDENCIA MALLORCA, SPAIN

In the artists’ village of Deià, hidden in the foothills of the Serra Tramuntana Mountains and surrounded by fragrant citrus and olive groves, Belmond La Residencia is a Mediterranean dream. It's comprised of two 16th-century stone manor houses and spread across different levels, and the grounds are pruned to perfection. Interiors are fresh and light, and the hotel has its own art curator who selects the fine artworks on display. If you feel inspired, there are ceramic, sculpture and painting classes available. There’s also a super-fun kids club and plenty of family-friendly activities. Top suite Presidential Suite from $4,000 per night Mallorcan memento Take a bottle of olive oil home with you. Produced in the resort’s groves, the oil has been cultivated here for 2,000 years.

ADAREMANOR LIMERICK, IRELAND

Sitting prettily on the banks of the River Maigue in Limerick, Adare Manor is the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven. The neo-Gothic architecture is as grand as the decor within— think plush velvet, gold-leaf ceilings, chandeliers, works of art and roaring fireplaces. There are subtle references to the Dunraven family throughout — keep an eye out for intricate wood carvings depicting the family’s crest. You might visit for the Tom Fazio-designed golf course, but with 840 acres of lush parkland there’s plenty of country pursuits on offer too, such as fishing, archery and falconry. With your lungs full of fresh air, head to The Gallery for a delightful champagne afternoon tea, and for dinner, enjoy a five-course tasting menu by candlelight in the Oak Room. Top suite Lady Caroline Suite from $2,360 per night Sláinte The Tack Room has a whiskey collection of over 100 rare bottles, from Japan to Canada, but of course, many are Irish. Relax by the fire and sample to your heart’s content. Contact Deirdre Moloney, reservations manager, dmoloney@adaremanor.com, +35 361 605 200, adaremanor.com

Contact Federica Vitali, reservations manager, federica.vitali@belmond.com, +34 971 639 011, belmond.com