Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO, THE CHURCHILL SUITE LONDON

Few hotels o ff er you the chance to sleep in a room that changed the course of history. The Churchill Suite at Ra ffl es London at The OWO does. Ra ffl es transformed London’s Grade II* listed Old War O ffi ce into the city’s most anticipated hotel opening of 2023. The one-bedroom suite (which can be expanded to form a two-bedroom residence) inhabits the former ‘Army Council Room,’ where Britain’s most famous statesman planned many World War II battles. Reimagined by late French architect Thierry Despont, the interior’s historic DNA was preserved. Elaborate fi replaces frame either end of the oak-paneled drawing room. Huge windows drop from the double-height ceilings, and the bedroom features a marble fi replace and crystal chandelier. The suite features views over historic Horse Guards Parade. Best for History From $25,000 per night. Contact Magdalena Ivanovic, reservations manager, reservations.london@ra ffl es.com, +44 203 907 7500, ra ffl es.com

THE POST OAK HOTEL AT UPTOWN HOUSTON, THE PENTHOUSE SUITE HOUSTON, TEXAS

Literally built to house celebrities (the hotel’s billionaire founder owns the Houston Rockets), this property hums with haute monde. With a fi rst-in-class wine cellar, a helipad and a museum-worthy art collection, The Post Oak Hotel stuns at every turn. In keeping with its devotion to oversized opulence and ne plus ultra everything, its splendiferous Penthouse Suite, one of the largest in the US, takes the prize. On two fl oors, sprawling 22,000 sq ft, it incorporates a mini world of wonder via eye-popping attributes. Think: outdoor pool, a half-court basketball and cutting-edge gymscapes, a bowling alley, personal theater, sauna and a games room featuring a putting green and shu ffl eboard table. Supreme artwork, custom furniture (23 chandeliers!) and an army of attentive sta ff complete the fantasy come to life. Best for Parties From $125,000 per night. Contact: Nadia Bnafkir, director

of sales, nadia.bnafkir@thepostoak.com, +1 346 227 5000, thepostoakhotel.com

RAFFLES SINGAPORE, THE SARKIES SUITE SINGAPORE Though refurbished and deftly contemporary in its aura ando ff erings, landmark Ra ffl es Singapore reigns as one of the world’s most quixotic purveyors of bygone times. Opened in 1887, the hotel continues to re fl ect romance through its stories, teakwood halls, exquisite antiques and liveried doormen. After a Singapore Sling in the legendary Long Bar, unpack in The Sarkies Suite. Planted in the Main Building and elegantly appointed, it emanates an airy residential feel. Sip tea on the suite’s sun-dappled veranda while your butler unpacks the contents of your Louis Vuitton trunks and hangs your clothing neatly in the large walk-in wardrobe. Best for History From $18,000 per night. Contact Amy Ang, director of commercial strategy, amy.ang@ra ffl es.com, +65 633 718 86, ra ffl essingapore.com

POST RANCH INN, THE POST HOUSE BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

Precipitous Highway 1, fringed by monumental redwood trees, leads the way to Big Sur. Those on a quest for inner answers or simple relaxation can do it in style at Post Ranch Inn, an elegantly earthy refuge for wellness and gastronomy bu ff s. Raise your vibration in The Post House, its 1,800-sq-ft one-bedroom lair, perched cli ff side above the crashing Paci fi c Ocean. Abundant with windows for drinking in the views, The Post House fl aunts both indoor pleasures (a media room, a bright kitchen) and alfresco delights, such as a hot tub overlooking the crashing waves. The soaking tub positioned window-side is the stu ff ofdreams. Best for Views From $5,200 per night. Contact Liz Parker, reservations manager, liz@postranchinn.com, +1 831 667 2200, postranchinn.com

Photos John Athimaritis, Kodiak Greenwood, Tooten