Elite Traveler Winter 2020

R EST OF THE WOR LD

Peninsula Shanghai, Peninsula Suite SHANGHAI, CHINA Peninsula Shanghai is located where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu River in the heart of the city. Guests have the best shopping and restaurants at their doorstep, but there are many reasons to stay inside, including the Michelin- starred Yi Long Court restaurant and a beautiful 82-ft Art Deco swimming pool. The stylish Peninsula Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, a chandelier, a working fireplace and a grand piano, and there is a grand dining room, plus a fully equipped kitchen and pantry for hosting in-suite events. The 4,305-sq-ft, two-bedroom suite can be connected with a neighboring Deluxe Room to add a third bedroom. Alex Martin Best feature Ultra-stylish living room with double-height ceiling From $21,360 per night. Contact Emma Dai, reservation manager, emmadai@peninsula.com, +86 212 327 2888, peninsula.com

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Presidential Suite SHANGHAI, CHINA

ConradMaldives Rangali Island, The Muraka Suite RANGALI, MALDIVES

The Maldives is renowned for its overwater villas, but The Muraka is the world’s very first underwater suite — bringing a new (and far more desirable) meaning to the phrase sleeping with the fishes. The suite is split into two levels; one above the water and one 16 ft below the surface, and they are connected by an elevator and spiral staircase. The lower level houses the master bedroom and en suite: The floor-to-ceiling windows, acrylic domed ceiling and dedicated viewing theater mean you’re completely immersed in the underwater kingdom and all its inhabitants. The upper level has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large outdoor deck with infinity pool. It also has its own jetty, and guests of the suite have the use of a private speedboat. Samantha Coles Best feature Underwater bedroomwith transparent domed ceiling From $50,000 per night. Contact Carla Puverel, general manager, themuraka@conradhotels.com, +960 668 0629, conradmaldives.com

Mandarin Oriental Pudong is located in the Lujiazui business district, which is ideal for those early morning meetings and allows easy access to the financial hub of the city. If you’re not in town for business, there’s still plenty to enjoy: The hotel has three exceptional restaurants and a beautiful spa. The 8,482-sq-ft Presidential Suite is just as noteworthy. Taking up much of the hotel’s 25th floor, it puts you among an extraordinary urban canopy. Views of skyscrapers and the Huangpu River can be enjoyed from the suite’s private rooftop gardens. The contemporary interior is complemented by ornate Chinese artwork and sculptures. Alex Martin Best feature A private wine cellar with 400 labels From$23,800 per night. Contact Michelle Song, senior assistant director of communications, michelles@mohg.com, +86 21 2082 9888, mandarinoriental.com

Photos George Apostolidis

QualiaHamilton Island, BeachHouse AUSTRALIA Surrounded by the Coral Sea and native bushland, Qualia sits on a private peninsula at the tip of Hamilton Island. It is about as close as you can get to the Great Barrier Reef before you run out of land, and is thus a perfect base from which to explore one of the world’s great ecosystems by air or sea. The Beach House is the resort’s most exclusive property, offering indoor-outdoor living and beautiful ocean views from the private sundeck. Although there is only one bedroom, there is a large living area and dining space for 10, so it is perfect for hosting a sunset dinner. The suite can also be extended to two bedrooms with an adjoining guest pavilion. Alex Martin Best feature 40-ft infinity pool looking out over the Coral Sea From $7,370 for two nights. Contact Kyle LaMonica, general manager, guestservices@qualia.com.au, +61 794 489 222, qualia.com.au