Elite Traveler July-August 2016

INSPIRE TOP 100 SUITES

Views by Emma Love

BHUTAN COMO VILLA, UMA BY COMO, PARO

DUBAI GRAND PALM SUITE, ONE&ONLY THE PALM

NEWZEALAND RAHIMOANA, EAGLE’S NEST, RUSSELL

This two-bedroom suite is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush forest and the Paro Valley. Inside, local antiques and bed linen with hand-stitched patterns that pay homage to Buddhist culture make it feel entirely Bhutanese; outside, an al fresco hot stone bathtub and a courtyard with a fire pit mean that guests can be close to nature whatever the Himalayan weather. From $1,550 comohotels.com/umaparo

Elegant flourishes of Moorish and Andalusian architecture characterize the Grand Palm Suite on the top floor of the Manor House. A large, open-plan lounge and dining area leads to a stunning terrace with majlis-style seating and a private sun deck where you can soak up the panoramic views. A private host is on call round-the-clock. From $2,700 thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com

The pared-back palette of the minimalist interiors, sliding glass walls that appear to float under the copper roof and vast granite balconies all draw the eye naturally outwards, towards New Zealand’s famed Bay of Islands. The 80-ft infinity pool surrounded by lawns and decking is perched above a private beach. Chef, spa therapist, butler and trainer are all on call for guests. From $6,879 eaglesnest.co.nz

HONG KONG THE PENINSULA SUITE, THE PENINSULA

A truly palatial 4,111 sq ft pad with unrivalled views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from its double-height living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private landscaped terrace. A gym and cinema screening room are separated from the main living area by majestic double doors and there’s a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce available if guests want to explore Kowloon. From $16,300 hongkong.peninsula.com

“The penthouse is on the top floor of the ski-in, ski-out hotel located just above the resort's former Olympic ski jump” Penthouse, L'Apogée Courchevel, France

DUBAI ARMANI DUBAI SUITE, ARMANI HOTEL Spread across the entire

FRANCE PENTHOUSE, L’APOGÉE COURCHEVEL

INDIA THE KOHINOOR SUITE, THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN Overlooking Lake Pichola, this 2,650 sq ft suite has one of the most iconic settings in Rajasthan. The interiors are full of artisanal touches, from the patri-work brass doors and mosaic mirrors to the handcrafted beds and knotted carpets. It also features a private infinity pool with alpine and royal blue tiles, walled garden and tented dining pavilion. From $11,296 oberoihotels.com

PORTUGAL VINEYARD POOL VILLA, SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY, LAMEGO One for wine buffs, this renovated 19th-century manor house is set overlooking the serene Douro Valley. The villa features a loft bedroom and comes complete with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private swimming pool and walled garden. Its position is perfect: next to the vineyard and within stumbling distance of the hotel’s wine library. From $917 sixsenses.com

This four-bedroom, 3,229 sq ft penthouse is on the top floor of a ski-in, ski-out hotel located just above the resort's former Olympic ski jump so it’s no wonder the outlook over snowy Jardin Alpin is jaw-dropping. Plush furnishings include a gold-tiled bathroom, indoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room but the best spot by far after a long day on the slopes is the rooftop hot tub on the terrace. From $9,178 lapogeecourchevel.com

39th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, this two-bedroom suite offers the best of both worlds, with the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Dubai cityscape on the other. Personally designed by Giorgio Armani himself, it has a distinctive circular entrance hall, an eight-seat dining room, a living room, study and gym. From $5,357 dubai.armanihotels.com