Elite Traveler July-August 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 SUITES

PENINSULA SUITE PENINSULA SHANGHAI, SHANGHAI Overlooking the Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong, the 4,305-sq-ft Peninsula Suite has two stunning bedrooms, study, a large living room (and a telescope to further enjoy the views) with fireplace and balcony, a grand two-story dining room, plus a kitchen and pantry. The private gym means you don’t have to leave your suite to work out, but do pay a visit to the Peninsula Spa — more than 13,455 sq ft of indulgence with a decidedly 1930s Shanghai interior, the treatments are a blend of modern and traditional therapies. Wake up early to swim laps in the gorgeous Art Deco- style swimming pool — the full-length skylight above means you’ll still catch the sunrise. From $22,880 per night. Contact Vincent Prioult, hotel manager, psh@peninsula.com +86 21 2327 2888, shanghai.peninsula.com

PENTHOUSE SUITE IL SERENO, LAKE COMO, ITALY When the hotel name loosely translates to “serene,” you know you’re in for a peaceful stay. Those familiar with Le Sereno St Barths will enjoy the similar intimacy of this sister hotel but with a contemporary edge, thanks to design by Patricia Urquiola. Sitting right on the edge of Lake Como, every room has a dazzling view, but the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite, situated on the top floor, has the absolute best. The floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights fill the suite with natural light and enhance these beautiful lake vistas; however, we think the most peaceful way to soak up the view is in the private terrace’s hot tub. From $3,495 per night. Contact Valentina Paggi, hotel manager, valentine.paggi@ ilsereno.com, +39 031 547 7800, serenohotels.com

THE NIZAM SUITE TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD, INDIA The former palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad is still fit for royalty, which is hardly surprising as Her Highness Princess Esra Jah managed the 10-year, no-expense-spared restoration. The hotel’s opulence pays homage to the ruling Nizams of days gone by and The Nizam Suite is the largest presidential suite in the country at 1,938 sq ft and was once the home to the world’s richest man. Princess Esra was personally involved in refurbishing the lavish duplex, evident by the regal interiors. The standout feature is the beautiful swimming pool and garden— the perfect spot to have a private yoga session. Don’t miss the palace tour offered every afternoon; you’ll walk the hotel’s grounds with a crisp glass of champagne in hand to learn about its illustrious history. From$6,685 per night. Contact Vishaka Gurung, front office associate, falaknuma.hyderabad@tajhotels.com, +91 40 6629 8585, taj.tajhotels.com

Photo Patricia Parinejad, Jaideep Oberoii, enricocano.fotografo@gmail.com, Jan Schuenke