Elite Traveler January-February 2019

SONEVA FUSHI BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES

Soneva Fushi is the epitome of barefoot chic, but it also has more than its fair share of extravagance. Thatched villas are made of natural materials to blend into their tropical surroundings, with huge living areas spilling out onto terraces, freeform pools, wine cellars and even water slides. Try out the many water toys and sign up for activities you won’t find on many other islands. The resort has the Maldives’ only glass-blowing studio, a state-of-the-art observatory and expertise in freediving and eco-friendly surfing. Come evening, head to Fresh in the Garden by Sobah for treehouse dining. Top suite Nine-bedroom Private Reserve from $28,100 per night Destination dining Head out for an astronomy dinner cruise and enjoy fine wine and delicious food while unlocking the mysteries of the night sky with the resident astronomer. Contact Mimi Jacob, director of reservations, reservations@soneva.com, +91 124 451 1000, soneva.com

TAJ LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR, INDIA

This breathtaking property is a former residence of the Indian royal family. And it is certainly fit for royalty — the white- marble palace-turned-hotel majestically rises from the shimmering water of Lake Pichola. So captivating is this locale, it was featured in the 1983 James Bond movie Octopussy . Arrive in style by taking a boat from the pier in front of City Palace, then lose yourself in a world of ornate domes, sweeping arches, serene pools and lavish suites filled with Indian textiles. Step aboard Jiva Spa Boat for Indian spa therapies with the sound of lapping water nearby, then taste the authentic cuisine of Mughal Emperors at Neel Kamal, followed by a smoky single malt at Seasons Bar. Top suite Grand Presidential Suite from $15,000 per night Floating dinner Host a dinner party for up to 14 guests on the 150-year-old boat, Gangaur. Sample local delicacies such as dried lentil dumplings and local Rajasthani firey lamb while living the life of the Maharanas. Contact Vinayak Kumar, director of sales, vinayak.kumar@tajhotels.com, +91 294 242 8800, tajhotels.com

VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND NOONU ATOLL, MALDIVES Velaa is set in the Noonu Atoll, where turquoise lagoons and islands of white sand and lush vegetation come with a wealth of marine life and close proximity to world-class dive sites. The no-expense-spared design includes work from award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar: See the opulent teak-furnished villas, and the cocoon-like wine cellar and restaurant Tavaru. Go from dining with your feet in the sand at Athiri to a candlelit meal at the overwater restaurant Aragu. Try the technologically advanced treatments at Spa My Blend by Clarins, or tee off on a golf course designed by José María Olazábal. Top suite Romantic Pool Residence from $7,950 per night Yellow submarine See below the surface of this marine-life– rich atoll by venturing out in Velaa’s state-of-the-art semi-submarine. Contact Hassan Zahir, reservations manager, hassan.zahir@velaaisland.com, +960 656 5000, velaaprivateisland.com

THE ST. REGISMALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT DHAALU ATOLL, MALDIVES The first thing you’ll notice at Vommuli is the resort’s striking architectural design, from the curved whale-shark– shaped exterior of the Whale Bar, to the dhoni -inspired beachfront villas and the overwater Iridium Spa, which mimics the shape of a lobster. The John Jacob Astor Estate, which is named after the founder, is the Maldives’ largest overwater villa with multiple pools, a cinema room and spa suite for each of the three bedrooms. The resort takes pride in offering an epicurean experience, too. Try the five-course degustation menu paired with vintage wines at gastronomic Decanter restaurant. Top suite John Jacob Astor Estate from $26,220 per night One of a kind Visit nearby islands Rinbudhoo and Hulhudheli to see the silver and gold jewelry that’s made according to centuries-old Maldivian tradition. Contact Sage Livingstone, marketing and communications manager, sage.livingstone2@stregishotels.com, +960 676 6327, stregismaldives.com

THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI SHANGHAI, CHINA

When it opened in 2009, Peninsula Shanghai occupied the only structure built on Shanghai’s historic waterfront, The Bund, in over 60 years. The view from this iconic riverfront spot is most captivating from the rooftop bar, Sir Elly’s Terrace, but it’s the two-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yi Long Court that impresses most. Sir Elly’s Restaurant joined this celebrated dining spot inMichelin status when it won its first star in 2018. Head to The Lobby for afternoon tea and live jazz, and take your pick from the classic cocktails in the glamorous 1920s bar, Salon de Ning. You can make up for the inevitable indulgence in the excellent Peninsula Spa —go for the toxin-eliminating Oriental Thermal Infusion or an energy-stimulating Bamboo Harmonsier. Top suite The Peninsula Suite from $21,000 per night Behind the scenes Sign up for one of The Peninsula Academy classes, activities or tours. If you’re passionate about fashion, meet Chinese designer Lu Kun for a tour of his studio. Contact Gracie Shen, director of sales, gracieshen@peninsula.com, +86 212 327 6603, peninsula.com