Elite Traveler Winter 2021

EUROPE , MI DDLE E A ST A ND A FR ICA

Armani Hotel, Armani Dubai Suite DUBAI, UAE In a city of extreme lavishness, the Armani Dubai Suite at the Green Globe-certified Armani Hotel is a minimalist retreat. The suite’s curved gray walls and sleek neutral color scheme are accented by subtle pops of muted gold, creating a sense of understated yet ultra-stylish glamour — but what more would you expect in a hotel designed exclusively by Giorgio Armani himself? And, as you’d imagine of a room that occupies the 39th floor of the Burj Khalifa (aka the tallest building in the world), the views are pretty remarkable, too. As well as two generously sized bedrooms, the 4,198-sq-ft suite features a private gym, study, three bathrooms and a closet. And to ensure that closet is properly filled, the Armani Hotel also offers its guests a private entrance to the world-famous Dubai Mall. Best feature Personal lifestyle manager assigned to each guest From $5,500 per night. Contact reservations.dubai@ armanihotels.com, +971 488 839 99, armanihoteldubai.com

Heckfield Place, Church Lodge HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND

A new entry to our Top 100 Suites list, Heckfield Place is a resplendent former Georgian family home just an hour away from London. It is set within 400 acres of sustainable, biodynamic farmlands, gardens and orchards (the produce of which can be found in lauded chef Skye Gyngell’s cuisine, and flowers from the gardens are used to decorate the rooms). The Signature Rooms are as individual as they are charming: the Ochre Room is painted in that sunny shade; the Lake Room has lovely views from the bay window. But, for a real taste of cottage-core, book the Church Lodge — surrounded by ancient trees and gardens, this black-and- white timber-framed cottage spans two stories and is the original lodge of Heckfield Place. There are two cozy bedrooms upstairs; downstairs there is a study, kitchenette, dining room and sitting room with a wood-fired stove. Original British artworks from a private collection hang on the walls. Best feature Authentic cottage in the English countryside From $1,900 per night. Contact enquiries@ heckfieldplace.com, +44 118 932 6868, heckfieldplace.com

Bvlgari Dubai, The Bvlgari Villa DUBAI, UAE

Dubai is known for over-the-top luxury. However, The Bvlgari Villa is a cut above. The three-bedroom villa covers over 5,800 sq ft, including a 14-seat dining room, a large lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a hydromassage and hammam. Just in case all that indoor space wasn’t enough, the Bvlgari Villa also boasts an enormous 5,382 sq ft garden, complete with a decked terrace and oval-shaped pool. Elsewhere on the resort guests can enjoy the private beach, yacht club, exclusive Bvlgari shopping opportunities and seven restaurants. As well as providing one of Dubai’s most exclusive accommodations, the Bvlgari Resort is also committed to leaving a positive mark on the world around it: The group founded the Bvlgari Virus Free Fund to support global vaccine research and development. Best feature Private home cinema From $3,300 per night. Contact Pep Lozano, general manager, dubai@bulgarihotels.com, +971 477 755 55, bulgarihotels.com

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Presidential Two-bedroomSuite DUBAI, UAE

The Burj Al Arab has been setting the standards in luxury hospitality since it opened in 1999 and now, over 20 years later, it remains one of the most outlandish hotels in the world. Yes, this is the place with its own fleet of Rolls-Royce cars, and where guests can check their emails via 24k gold iPads. Sited on the hotel’s 25th floor, the hotel’s Presidential Two-bedroom Suite is quite literally a taste of the high life, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views out to the city and ocean below. Covering over 7,000 sq ft across two floors, with a dramatic spiral staircase between them, the Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, two bars, a stately dining room, a library and an inviting lounge space. And despite the hotel’s OTT grandeur, it is committed to leaving a positive impact on the world around it with the implementation of an environmental program with a focus on using local produce, promoting biodiversity, and diverting waste from landfills. Best feature The glass-walled, gold-leafed master bathroom, complete with Statuario marble columns From $20,471 per night. Contact reservations@jumeirah.com, +1 877 854 8051, jumeirah.com

Photos Tommy Picone, Philip Lee Harvey, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection