Elite Traveler November-December 2016

Aerial view of the Raffles resort, Seychelles

Beachfront Villa RAFFLES, SEYCHELLES

Top interior architectural design firmWilson Associates, the creative brains behind the St. Regis Macao, Shangri-La Bangalore and others, has taken a meditative approach to Raffles Seychelles’ largest villa, located within steps of the beach. From the calming neutral tones and natural woods used throughout the bedroom space to an abundance of greenery and fresh flowers, a strategically placed bath tub to facilitate star gazing, yoga mats and even an easel and sketch pad for whiling away the hours in quiet contemplation, each element encourages total relaxation. The generous living area opens onto a balcony boasting a sheltered pavilion with day bed, dining table and a dedicated barbecue area, where a private dinner can be prepared by one of the resort’s chefs. Special amenities The famed Raffles butler service, 24-hour in-villa dining, in-villa yoga and pilates classes and spa treatments, two bars, double walk-in closet, limousine transfer. Size 2,960 sq ft Number of bedrooms Two Contact Joerg Roterberg, general manager, bookus.praslin@raffles.com, raffles.com/praslin Price $2,885 per night

Owner’s Cottage CEYLON TEA TRAILS, SRI LANKA

Arguably one of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels, the world’s first tea plantation resort consists of five converted colonial bungalows high in the hills of the Bogawantalawa region. The secluded and self-contained Owner’s Cottage, perched 4,750ft above the majestic Castlereagh Lake, is the ultimate romantic retreat, elegantly furnished with classic pieces, a canopied king-size bed and a striking fireplace in the living room for chilly nights. The huge bathroom is a real treat – twin tubs placed side by side enjoy enviable views of the lush fields below. Meanwhile, the infinity pool and adjoining hot tub is the place to head to watch the sun set after a day of whitewater rafting or mountain biking around the tea fields. Special amenities “Bed tea” is not to be missed – guests are awoken with a pot of their favorite tea, brewed from leaves freshly plucked from the surrounding estate. A dedicated butler and chef plus, of course, the afternoon tea.

Size 2,000 sq ft Bedrooms Two

Contact Suraj Perera, general manager, suraj.perrera@ resplendentceylon.com, resplendentceylon.com/teatrails Price From $1,268 per night