Elite Traveler Winter 2021

THE A MER ICA S

Chablé Yucatán, Royal Villa MÉRIDA, MEXICO

Steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery, Chablé Yucatán exudes a rare sense of peace and serenity. The sprawling 740-acre Mexican retreat was painstakingly designed around a 19th-century hacienda with spectacular results. From the on-site Melipona bee sanctuary to the native plant restoration projects and plastic-free programs, the resort’s green credentials impress. The aptly named Royal Villa is the most exclusive of the properties: The three-bedroom, 10,000-sq-ft villa has tons of space for relaxing. Award-winning interior designer Paulina Moran seamlessly blends old and new with wood, stone and modern art. The king-size freestanding bathtub is especially lavish — take a long soak with a glass of bubbly. Best feature The outdoor ‘moon’ shower From $5,904 per night. Contact Pilar Rios, corporate director of sales and marketing, pilar.rios@ chablehotels.com, +52 554 161 4262, chablehotels.com

RosewoodMayakoba, Founders Villa PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO Sustainability is at the heart of Rosewood Mayakoba’s ethos. Utmost care is taken to protect the precious mangroves and indigenous species living on the lush 620-acre site located on the white sandy shores of Mexico’s Riviera, and daily eco-tours give guests the chance to learn about the surrounding wildlife. Founders Villa is the most exclusive of the private residences. Thoughtfully designed to blend indoor and outdoor living, the six-bedroom, 16,300-sq-ft villa has unobstructed views of the ocean and an open-air courtyard as its center. Paying homage to Mayakoba’s magnificent natural environment, the property is encased in locally sourced wood, features plenty of stone and is dotted with plants. Best feature In-villa cooking classes From $25,000 per night. Contact Coral Ortiz, director of residences, coral.ortiz@rosewoodhotels.com, +52 984 875 8028, rosewoodhotels.com

Eden Rock, St Barths, Christopher Columbus Signature Suite ST BARTHS Surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Eden Rock is a Caribbean paradise. As the first hotel established on St Barths, sustainability has always been a top priority, with initiatives ranging from the introduction of electric vehicles to restorative safekeeping of sea life. Perched atop a jagged rock formation overlooking St Jean Bay, the iconic main house has the Christopher Columbus Suite. The ultra-private, 2,200-sq-ft suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the Atlantic, oak floors throughout and a lavish Carrara marble spa-like bathroom that connects to spacious walk-in dressing rooms complete with make-up tables. Best feature The option to connect the suite by exterior terraces with the Howard Hughes Loft and the Garbo and De Haenen suites From $4,700 per night. Contact Laureen Alenda, communications and marketing coordinator, laureen.alenda@ oetkercollection.com, +1 590 297 999, oetkercollection.com

Jade Mountain, Galaxy Sanctuary ST LUCIA

Arriving in St Lucia in the 1970s, architect Nick Troubetzkoy was so inspired by the island’s striking beauty that he set out to design a resort to blend seamlessly into the surrounding Caribbean natural environment. The result is nothing short of spectacular. Set within 600 acres of lush tropical hillside, each of Jade Mountain’s suites is reached by its own suspended sky bridge. For the most astonishing views of the Piti and Gros Piton Mountains, go for the Galaxy Sanctuary. The extravagant suite features decor inspired by the rain forest with plenty of rich tropical hardwoods, a large terrace ideal for cocktails, generous open-plan living spaces and a two-person chromotherapy whirlpool tub. Best feature The 900-sq-ft infinity pool with stunning views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea From $3,795 per night. Contact Catarina Dinis, guests services manager, guestservices@jademountain.com, +1 800 223 1108, jademountain.com

Photos Kenny Viese, Steve Passmore