Elite Traveler July-August 2016

INSPIRE TOP 100 SUITES

Wilderness by Minty Clinch

AUSTRALIA LIDGBIRD PAVILION, CAPELLA LODGE,

INDIA LORD KITCHENER SUITE, WILDFLOWER HALL, SHIMLA, HIMALAYAS Colonial life at its most civilized in a two-bedroom eyrie on the former estate of Lord Kitchener, complete with paisley print sofa, log fire and canopied four-post bed. Wildflower Hall specializes in mindfulness and wellness, with yoga, nature walks and Ayurvedic massage, plus cycling and white water rafting for the more energetic guests to enjoy. From $1,582 oberoihotels.com

US PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE, MONTAGE DEER VALLEY, UTAH A 5,300 sq ft unit on the top floor of Deer Valley’s most isolated five-star hotel. Four bedrooms, five bathrooms, three private balconies, a fully-fitted kitchen and laundry room provide everything the family needs for a top vacation. No wonder Gwyneth Paltrow, her mom and children visit. From $5,000 VIP contact Dylan English DEnglish@montagehotels. com; montagehotels.com

LORD HOWE ISLAND The pavilion is part of an exclusive nine-suite complex. The spacious upper-floor bedroom, complete with wraparound veranda, has stupendous views of the lagoon and Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird. Lounging decks, a private plunge pool and a freestanding Lotus bath beneath a frangipani tree add to the sense of idyllic seclusion.

KENYA DELUXE TENT, OLARE MARA KEMPINSKI, MASAI MARA Spot the big five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) from an elegant camp in a grove on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River. The 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, an area of acacia woodland, prime grassland and riverine forest, is home to cheetahs, leopards and lions. Perched on Mvuli decks, the tents have a bedroom and lounge area. Expert guides are on hand to ensure guests maximize their safari experience. From $1,131; kempinski.com

From $1,400 lordhowe.com

“ The best way to watch the Northern Lights is through the large diamond panes of a thermo-glass igloo at a toasty 68 degrees ” Kelo-Glass Igloo, Kakslauttanen, Saariselkä, Finland

CANADA WATSON HOUSE, POST HOTEL & SPA, LAKE LOUISE

MALAYSIA THE DATAI SUITE,

MOROCCO MASTER SUITE, KASBAH TAMADOT, MARRAKECH A standalone mini version of Kasbah Tower, with three bedrooms, terrace and private pool, Sir Richard Branson’s hideaway in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is furnished with antiques collected by former owner Luciano Tempo. Branson spotted the property during one of his hot-air balloon escapades and has converted it into a hotel. From $2,551 virginlimitededition.com

ZAMBIA SUSSI TREE HOUSE, SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA, LIVINGSTONE Sumptuous air-conditioned luxury with canopied beds and elegant furnishings. The houses are built into the canopy of ebony trees (connected by high-level walkways) above a bend in the Zambezi river shortly before it plunges over Victoria Falls. Eat dinner on your private deck to the vibrant sounds of the bush and gushing white water below. From $1,440 sanctuaryretreats.com

THE DATAI, LANGKAWI With two bedrooms, dining and living areas plus a kitchenette, the Datai suite is a delight for families. The wraparound terrace overlooks the rainforest, with dusky leaf monkeys and Sunda flying lemurs making mayhem within yards of the cane loungers. The Datai justifies membership of Leading Hotels of the World by combining a jungle escape with an awesome sandy beach.

A 3,000 sq ft mountain lodge on the banks of the Pipestone River, it has four bedrooms, a grand living room with a riverstone fireplace and butler/ concierge services from the Relais & Châteaux Post Hotel. An ideal base to ski Lake Louise in winter and explore the Banff National Park in summer. The Post is famous for its welcome, wine and fine dining.

From $3,200 posthotel.com

From $2,076 thedatai.com