Elite Traveler Winter 2020

Laucala Island, Hilltop Estate FIJI

Laucala Island is the brainchild of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz — bought with the sole intent of transforming it into a dream vacation spot. No expense was spared to make this private island resort the ultimate in luxury, and that is best demonstrated in the ultra-exclusive Hilltop Estate. As the name suggests, this sprawling suite sits at one of the island’s highest points and commands views across the Fiji archipelago. Offering 131,319 sq ft of private space, it is a boutique hotel in itself. The grounds include a master residence, two guesthouses, a two-tier private pool, and an airstrip for discreet arrivals. Alex Martin Best feature Despite the vast development, much of the natural environment remains intact; the estate is surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife From $45,000 per night. Contact Luciana Nijdam, general manager, l.nijdam@laucala.com, +679 888 0077, laucala.com

Raffles Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite SINGAPORE

Four Seasons Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Lobanov Presidential Suite ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Swathed in the classic St. Petersburg colors of pale blue and yellow, the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons is a palatial delight that will immerse you in the dramatic history of the birthplace of the Russian Empire. Inside, antique furniture, heavy brocade fabric and chandeliers abound; outside, the expansive private terrace overlooks the Aleksandrovskiy Sad park and historic Admiralty buildings. If you can bear to leave your regal haven, the hotel is home to an excellent spa, which offers a range of treatments to revitalize and relax. The award-winning restructuring black caviar facial will give you a beautiful glow, the ideal tonic to winter skin. Thea Halstead Best feature The fireplace is perfect for snowy evenings From$21,000 per night. Contact Natalia Eltsova, reservations supervisor, stp.reservations@fourseasons.com, +7 812 339 80 00, fourseasons.com

Known for its colonial charm and for being one of the most celebrated grand dame hotels in the world, Raffles Singapore reopened in 2019 to great acclaim, after a meticulous two-year restoration. Each of the 115 suites in this all-suite hotel has been restored, including the Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite. Named after the founder of modern Singapore, the suite overlooks the tranquil Palm Court and Raffles’ legendary porte-cochère, and comes with a private veranda that runs the length of the suite. At almost 2,800 sq ft, the suite is vast and architecturally stunning, and is decorated with carefully curated antiques and artworks. Sophie Killip Best feature The long, private veranda From $13,000 per night. Contact ChristianWestbeld, general manager, singapore@raffles.com, +65 633 718 86, raffles.com

Eagle’s Nest, Rahimoana RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s natural beauty and isolated position in the Pacific Ocean have always appealed to the adventurous, even more so after the events of 2020. Eagle’s Nest takes this vision of isolation and romanticizes it further. Situated in a nature reserve on the North Island, this boutique hotel is nothing short of a haven. Rahimoana, meaning ‘sun god over the ocean’ in Maori, has been designed with a distinct post-futuristic style, both in its architecture and interiors. It could pass for a spaceship in a Stanley Kubrick film and, just like a spaceship, it has everything you need to live without outside intervention. It has four en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen, office, infinity pool, wine cellar and cinema — a truly self-sufficient sanctuary. Alex Martin Best feature A private helipad for the ultimate arrival From $6,420 per night. Contact Tony Acland, general manager, admin@eaglesnest.co.nz, +64 940 383 33, eaglesnest.co.nz