Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

BANYAN TREE ALULA, DUNE THREE BEDROOM POOL VILLA SAUDI ARABIA

Located within the spellbinding Ashar Valley, Banyan Tree AlUla practically disappears into the surrounding sand dunes and vast sandstone cli ff s. Greatly lowering its impact on the environment, Banyan Tree AlUla is formed from tented villas that dot the landscape, creating an oasis of serenity where travelers can tune out the outside world. At Banyan Tree AlUla, it’s the Dune Three-bedroom Pool Villa that’s truly special. The decor is decidedly contemporary, blending modern minimalist stylings with handcrafted antiques to add authenticity to the humble abode. This 2,500-sq-ft villa features three impressively large bedrooms capable of sleeping six. It’s also fi t for entertaining with a 10-person dinner table and private swimming pool. Best for Wilderness From $1,120 per night. Contact Adil Khan, assistant director of sales, adil.khan@banyantree.com, +966 540 834 205, banyantree.com

BULGARI HOTEL PARIS, THE BULGARI PENTHOUSE PARIS

BULGARI TOKYO, BULGARI SUITE TOKYO

When staying in Paris, location is vital, and Bulgari Hotel Paris — with its ideal spot in the heart of the Golden Triangle on Avenue George V — is one of the best. This property carries an almost boutique vibe with only 76 rooms and suites, and looks to reimagine Italian savoir faire in the French capital. Expect marble aplenty, silk wall coverings, granite and tapestries that hark back to the Renaissance. For the fi nest stay, seek out the Bulgari Penthouse which, at 4,300 sq ft, stretches across the top two fl oors of the hotel and provides just as much outdoor terrace space. The views are some of the fi nest in the city, with theEi ff el Tower, Sacré-Coeur and Grand Palais all on full display. Guests can also expect two kitchens, a bar, a private gym and a hammam. Best for Romance From $48,000 per night. Contact Paul Moreau, director of sales and marketing, paul.moreau@bulgarihotels.fr, +33 648 161 4 98, bulgarihotels.com

Aswith its fi ne jewels, Bulgari refuses to compromise on craftsmanship when it comes to its collection of hotels. When Bulgari Tokyo opened in 2023 — the Roman jewelry house’s eighth hotel — it quickly found itself on the world’s best new hotel lists. Interiors designed by renowned Italian architects ACPV bring the brand’s contemporary Italian sophistication into harmonious dialogue with re fi ned Japanese tradition. The top key belongs to the sleek 4,300-sq-ft Bulgari Suite, one of the largest suites in Tokyo. A vestibule adorned with Japanese calligraphy by Toko Shinoda leads to an expansive living space with a skyline-skimming glass facade. The 10-seat dining room is lit by a Murano glass chandelier and serviced by a full kitchen. In the bedroom, an emperor-size bed is backed by a full-length silk headboard designed by artist Shoko Okumura and crafted by Hosoo, one of Kyoto’s oldest kimono textile producer. The en suite is pure Italian luxe, decked head-to-toe in Roman travertine. Best for City From $30,000 per night. Contact bhr.tyobt.reservation@ bulgarihotels.com, +81 362 623 333, bulgarihotels.com

BULGARI RESORT DUBAI, BULGARI VILLA DUBAI, UAE Sitting in pride of place on a seahorse-shaped island in Jumeira Bay, Bulgari Resort Dubai brings Mediterranean style luxury to the Middle East. Vast ocean views and the world’s fi rst Bulgari Yacht Club and Marina certainly delivers that Côte d’Azur vibe we all know and love. There’s even a two-Michelin-star Italian restaurant in the resort for those looking for the full experience. At Bulgari Resort Dubai, it’s the Bulgari Villa that truly impresses. The largest on the property at a sizable 5,800 sq ft with an additional 5,300-sq-ft garden and outdoor terrace, this is the ideal suite for those looking for space and privacy. Perhaps most impressive is the oval-shaped pool that looks out over the water. Those fortunate enough to stay will also discover a private home cinema and a hammam. Best for Beaches From $180,000 per night. Contact Valerie Vayssiere, director of sales and marketing, valerie.vayssiere@bulgarihotels.com, bulgarihotels.com

Photo TOMMY-PICONE, Ales Vyslouzil