Wylde World: June Destinations
Report by Leanne Bracey
Never ones to take the well-trodden path, here at Wylde we try to live up to our name and go for the unusual, and that includes travel destinations. In our June roundup there's something for every taste; from the height of Parisian luxury... to the uncharted wilds of Mongolia.
Where: VIETNAM
We are super excited about the newest project by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the man responsible for some of the most exotic luxury resorts in the world. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay features opulent, tasteful interior design within a former university with references to Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, the French Naturalist. The hotel has a French colonial feel and with 244 of the rooms with ocean facing views, you're certainly not going to be left gazing at a wall. We particularly love the colour schemes in the bedrooms; relaxing sea colours with the occasional flash of red. There are so many quirks to this hotel, from the mushroom inspired treatments and design in the Chanterelle Spa, to the traditional shop houses along the Rue de Lamarck, bringing the streets of Hoi An to you. There are a whole range of places to eat from the patisserie to a beach grill and a fine dining Cantonese restaurant. We can’t wait to visit.
Rooms from £271 per room per night including breakfast, welcome arrival drink, Internet access and discounts on food and drink, laundry services and airport transfers. Minimum 3-night stay, rate excludes tax and service.
Book at marriott.com
Where: MONGOLIA
Mongolia is up there on many intrepid travellers bucket lists. It always seems like it's so difficult to get to; there's no denying it's pretty niche. As the country comes out of a 25-year rule under a Soviet influence, there's going to be a new airport opening, set for 2018 in Ulaanbaatar, meaning Mongolia will soon be a whole lot easier to reach. On the one hand it's shame that one of the most untouched borders in Asia is opening up to the Western world, ultimately bringing with it some globalisation, but there's a whole wealth of culture to explore, including its intriguing nomadic life.
Visitors can still stay in luxury however; The Gran Melia Ulaanbaatar is the latest in the line of high-end hotels set to open at the end of this year. Book an epic journey to Mongolia with World Expeditions, who are running several interesting trips, from 18 days at the ‘Mongolian Panorama and Naadam Festival’ to a ‘Five Gods River’ and trek expedition. We have our eye on 'Highlights of the Gobi', a wonderful 2 week adventure to see dinosaur relics, ice formations, wild horses and the famous windswept dunes of the Gobi desert plus a night saying with a local nomadic family.
For information and bookings visit worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135
Where: AMSTERDAM
We get excited at the thought of a quick European short break at Wylde and this month, we have our eye on a stay atKimpton de Witt Hotel in Amsterdam. We love the delft tiles, whimsical floral design and living wall full of blooms within a thoroughly Dutch building harking back to the Golden Age. You can hire bikes from the hotel and explore the Palace Quarter area and beyond. Plus it's right next to the main train station. Easy!
Double rooms start from 289 Euros including VAT but excluding city taxed. Website
Where: ITALY
One of our favourite hotels, the Hotel Lungarno in Florence, has reopened after a complete facelift. Hooray! This is a gorgeous family-owned hotel and we love it for its epic view out to the Ponte Vecchio and its Michelin-starred restaurant, the Borgo San Jacopo. Art aficionados will relish staying amongst original Picassos and Cocteaus, alongside great Italian artists' works, located throughout the hotel.
Book its special introductory rate of 410 euros per night, including a complimentary massage treatment.
Website
Where: MALLORCA
After a recent trip to Mallorca, Wylde has fallen in love with the island. It continues to surprise us, as a continuing flux of openings, particularly in the luxury sector, continues to grow. One to book is the stunning spa at Cap Rocat just outside Palma. This spa has been carved from limestone into the depths of the 19th century former military fortress, which makes this place a true hideaway. We can't wait to dive into the saltwater pool that's been sunken below ground level, wander around barefoot in a state of peace and experience a few of the naturally inspired treatments using the ingredients of the Mallorcan landscape to influence their product range. Overnight stays from 450 euros per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis
Website
Where: FRANCE
A perfume making stay in Paris has recently caught our attention, especially this one, as it's teamed up with Musée du Parfum Fragonard and the Hotel Pavillon des Lettres. Delve into the science and history behind perfume, the techniques needed to create a one and leave with a personalised fragrance. The price also includes a romantic stay in the hotel. Who needs to wait until Valentines?
Perfume making stays with Pavillon des Lettres are from 388 euros based on two sharing on a B&B basis with a 45 minute guided visit of Musée du Parfum Fragonard and a 90 minute perfume making workshop. Available every Saturday.
Website
Where: SPAIN
For classic glamour, take to the beach of Malaga and book in for a few nights at The Gran Hotel Miramar. This is a seriously huge hotel with 200 rooms and suites, a plethora of restaurants and bars and to top it all off a huge spa set over two floors. They've just added a new Finnish sauna, sensation pools, a hammam and a salt therapy room to their offerings.
