Elite Traveler Winter 2021

R EST OF THE WOR LD

North Island, Villa North Island SEYCHELLES Sitting to the northwest of Mahé, from a distance North Island appears to be a deserted slither of tropical paradise. Get a bit closer and you begin to see signs of life. This ultra-exclusive resort has just 11 villas across its 500 acres, each one with enough space to make you feel like you’re on your own private island. But Villa North Island (Villa 11) takes it up a notch. Sitting at the end of the island’s main beach, the resort’s top accommodation has been built directly into granite boulders. Find the concealed entrance among coconut groves and cross the leadwood bridge into 8,000 sq ft of utter seclusion. The wonderful views are best savored from the huge bathroom’s sunken tub. Enjoy breakfast on the lawn where the island’s giant tortoises regularly come to feast on the manicured grass. Best feature Large wooden deck with hot tub From $8,141 per night. Contact Maria Cristina Cesario, director of sales and marketing, mariac@north-island.com, +971 508 734 046, north-island.com

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Four-BedroomResidence Villa SEYCHELLES Perched on the granite hillside above the shimmering Petite Anse Bay, this stunning retreat offers views that just don’t grow old. The bountiful tropical foliage creates the perfect secluded hideaway for up to eight guests. Four king-size bedrooms, each with large bathrooms complete with sunken baths and outdoor showers, act as private suites accessed by the villa’s adjoining outdoor walkways. Alone time complete, you can rejoin your group on one of the villa’s outdoor decks or for a poolside sunrise yoga session. On the beach below, guests can help protect the region’s essential coral reefs by partaking in the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project. Best feature Indian Ocean views from the private infinity pool From $7,608 per night. Contact Ashwani Wasson, cluster reservation and revenue manager, ashwani.wasson@fourseasons.com, +24 843 930 00, fourseasons.com

Raffles Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles Suite SINGAPORE

Established in 1887, Singapore’s grande dame reopened in summer 2019 after a highly anticipated two-year restoration. Named after the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, the iconic 134-year-old hotel retains much of its original old-world charm— both aesthetically as well as through its meticulous dedication to service. The hotel’s timeless 2,798-sq-ft suite (which takes the British statesman’s name) overlooks both the preened greenery of Palm Court and the hotel’s iconic porte-cochère. Featuring lofty ceilings, polished teak floors and curated antiques, the Sir Stamford Raffles Suite offers guests a luxurious taste of travel’s golden age. Best feature A full-length private veranda overlooking Palm Court From $8,841 per night. Contact Amy Ang, director of sales and special projects, amy.ang@raffles.com, +65 641 212 89, raffles.com

The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Suite SHANGHAI, CHINA

The Peninsula Shanghai is located in the heart of the city just off the famed Bund waterfront, but those visiting don’t need to go any further than their doorstep to find the city’s best shopping. In fact, they don’t need to leave the Art Deco confines of the hotel, which boasts an exclusive selection of high-end boutiques ranging from Chanel to Harry Winston. The 4,305-sq-ft Peninsula Suite is the ideal home-away- from-home to return to after a day exploring the city. With floor-to-ceiling windows, chandelier, balcony, grand piano and a working fireplace, it oozes glamour. Perfect for entertaining, a suitably splendid dining room seats 12 and is served by a fully equipped kitchen and pantry. The two-bedroom suite can be connected with an adjacent Deluxe Room to add a third bedroom. Best feature Skyline views across the Huangpu River, framed by the double-height living room window From $22,420 plus 16.6% surcharge per night. Contact Emma Dai, revenue manager, emmadai@peninsula.com, +86 212 327 6618, peninsula.com

Photos Ralf Tooten, Devaka Seneviratne, Kiattipong Panchee,

Frederik Wissink, Claudio Cerquetti