Recognised by the judges for their creative excellence and commercial viability, two of the winning projects - The Savoy Hotel and Four Seasons, Park Lane, London, both feature showers and bathroom fittings from international bathroom brand Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe.
Following an ambitious £220 million restoration, the Savoy re-opened in October 2010 and won two awards ‘Interior Design of the Year’ for its lobby and public areas and one of the key accolades of the night ‘The European Hotel Design of the Year’. A British icon since 1889, the new design successfully blends old and new while allowing English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors to shine with timeless elegance and glamour. The Axor Montreux collection with its nostalgic, turn of the 20th century styling and modern technology was a perfect fit for the bathrooms in 215 of the hotel’s 268 guestrooms and suites.
Axor designers, Phoenix Design, combined clear, geometric shapes with pure, traditional elements such as filigree cross handles, ceramic detailing at the centre of each mixer handle and accessories such as wall lights with handmade crystal glass shades, soap dishes and towel rails. Other unique reminiscences of the era include bridge mixer taps and a freestanding version of the bath tub mixer. All taps, shower and accessories are available with a distinctive brushed or polished nickel finish or, as chosen by the Savoy, the timeless option of polished chrome.
Axor Citterio was the ideal partner for the finely detailed bathrooms which feature delicate marble and brushed steel, enhanced by walnut and marble cabinetry and vanity mirrors with integrated televisions. There are over 70 individual items bearing the Axor Citterio label including a wide choice of mixers for basins, bidets and baths, as well as coordinating showers, showerpipes, bath tubs and accessories. All are characterised by a strong geometric design with gleaming, perfectly crafted chrome surfaces and a harmonious combination of straight angular edges next to rounded curves. Designed to perfectly blend into both modern and classic interiors, the line radiates luxury as an expression of quality, workmanship, expertise and added value.
Ben Reed, Contract Manager responsible for both the Savoy and Four Seasons hotels comments, “It has been a privilege to be involved with these tremendous hotel projects. The Savoy is steeped in history so was not only a great contract to win but crucial to get right in order to meet the exacting standards required of the hotel design team. With the Four Seasons, we worked very closely from start to finish with the client’s designers at ReardonSmith Architects, so I am delighted also to see the practice recognised and rewarded for their vision and talent with Patrick Reardon winning the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ ‘.
Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe AG, successfully realizes “Designer Visions for Your Bathroom". In cooperation with Axor, leading product designers, architects and interior designers develop their vision for the bathroom as a living space. The Axor collections offer a great number of unique and sustainable solutions to create personalised bathrooms of the highest aesthetic and technological levels. To date, Axor collections have been created by Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola as well as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. They all contribute towards making life in and around the bathroom a little more meaningful and beautiful. The Axor brand is headed by Philippe Grohe.
The one thing you look forward to at staycations besides the breakfast buffets and movies on demand on the 42” plasma are the luxurious bathrooms. Stocked with plush towels, free-flow toiletries and if your hotel’s atas enough, a relaxing rain shower! And there’s a way you can take this hotel experience home, with some help from the experts of showers: hansgrohe.
First to invent showerheads with adjustable jets and the wall-bars on which you mount your shower heads, hansgrohe has had many “eureka!” moments with state-of-the-art bathroom inventions. And we saw it firsthand at their recently revamped showroom - from button-operated rain showers to customizable taps in a spectrum of fashionable colours - with 5 bathroom additions to “zhng” your humble bathroom to one matching a 5-star hotel:
Your best bathroom karaoke sessions are at atas hotel staycations - you reckon it’s the combination of the superb reverb and rejuvenating rain showers. But you’ll also be “singing in the rain” in the comfort of your home with hansgrohe Rain Showers.
With up to 3 spray modes like RainAir (infuses water with air to create a voluminous water-saving spray) or WhirlAir (pulsating sprays that massage you), these overhead showers more than recreate the rain-like experience of hotel bathrooms.
The QuickClean technology in hansgrohe’s rain showers also makes cleaning a breeze because any dirt and limescale build up simply falls off when you gently rub the flexible silicon tip of each nozzle.
If you’re excited about getting an overhead shower but your partner’s more a hand shower person, get the best of two worlds with 2-in-1 Showerpipes and Shower Panels. All your bathroom needs is an exposed connection to the main water supply and you won’t even have to hack the walls to install these babies.
From delicate sprinkles to forceful streams, each of your family members has their favorite shower spray setting. And having to forcibly twist the showerhead dials back to your favorite setting every time you step into the shower can be quite a chore!
But you can now adjust the jets of your shower, fuss-free, with hansgrohe’s Raindance Select hand showers like the Raindance Select E120. Clicking the “SELECT” button has you toggling between 3 different spray settings - Rain, RainAir and WhirlAir. And electricity’s not at all required to operate this clever device!
Remember to check the water pressure you have at home so the hansgrohe consultants can recommend you suitable hand showers.
Not just for hand showers, the Select Technology is also available on a range of hansgrohe showers, including the overhead rain showers.
Never again settle for conventional metallic grey taps when there’s the option of stunning ones with sparkly Swarovski crystals. From the hansgrohe company’s luxury brand, AXOR, comes the closest thing to bespoke taps you’ll find. These customisations are hand-made in Germany, where taps can also be engraved with words and initials upon your request.
Mandarin words can also be printed for those of you with parents who don’t read English
You can also customize the heights of your taps to fit your bathroom. Source: hansgrohe
With 15 colours ranging from chrome to gold, these special finishes are not just pretty, they also make the metal more scratch-resistant. Taking customization up another notch, they even give you the option between matte and glossy - and you thought that was only applicable to the photographs you develop!
When guests come over to visit, the only room more visited than the living room is the bathroom. And all you need are these designer taps to give your visitors some serious tap-envy.
AXOR Starck V. Source: AXOR
With a see-through faucet made of crystal glass, this tap reveals a mesmerizing water vortex. This is how spray researchers at Hansgrohe pay homage to Klaus Grohe - the founder’s youngest son - and his passion for water. Not only is it easy on the eyes, its easy-click-in design and safety-stop function make it really easy to clean.
Turn up the zen with the AXOR Massaud’s nature-inspired designs and get a mini waterfall at your bathroom sink Source: AXOR
Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a branch and made with ⅓ less brass compared to regular taps, the AXOR Starck Organic taps are not only eco-friendly but very fancy. Source: AXOR
The sleek design of the AXOR Citterio M series is the perfect option if you don’t have much toilet space to work with. Resembling the knobs and dials that you see in cars, this bathroom collection designed by the Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio, ought to strongly appeal to you car aficionados.
AXOR LampShower by Nendo Source: AXOR
There’s never been a rain shower as quirky as this lampshade that doubles as a showerhead, where the “spotlight” is literally on you as you stand under the water converging at the centre. So get ready to belt out those karaoke tunes.
The AXOR Montreux Series - Posh up your bathroom with regal designs inspired by 20th century Europe.
There are four types of Singaporeans in the shower. If you’re the chiongster who just whacks water both hot or cold or the hum ji kia who spends 10 minutes making sure the water’s the right temperature, showering is far from a relaxing experience.
But here to change that, is a line of bathroom fixtures from AXOR and hansgrohe - from hand showers with intuitive buttons to mind-boggling taps with water vortexes - they’ll completely redefine your idea of bathroom #goals.
The showroom’s AXOR Massaud collection, featuring a lake-like bathtub and even a towel holder that looks like a branch!
Catch these bathroom taps and showers in action and head down to the newly revamped hansgrohe and AXOR showroom at 69 Mohamed Sultan Road. With bathroom collections designed by prominent names in the industry - like Phoenix Design, Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio - you’ll find there are really no bathroom boundaries in your home.
*From now until 28 February, simply pay with your Citibank debit or credit card and get 25% off regular-priced products under hansgrohe brand.
Read article : Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
To help you out with the decision where to stay in Antwerp, we’ve put together a list of neigbourhoods and the best hotels in the city.
Antwerp is often left out when planning a trip to Belgium. Touristy cities like Brussels or Bruges easily obscure trendy towns of Antwerp or recently re-discovered Ghent.
However, from what we’ve experienced in Antwerp, it’s a vibrant, extraordinarily creative city full of history, so you’re doing yourself a favor by staying here longer, and exploring it for more than a day away from Brussels.
This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Antwerp if your goal is to catch up with sightseeing. The old town is full of museums, lively squares, and a number of cafes, restaurants, and beautifully renovated bed & breakfasts in historical houses.
The area is very walkable, and you can easily access the riverbank. It’s also safe and quiet at night.
We stayed in this family-run boutique hotel for three nights, only a minute walk from the main square Grote Markt.
The luxurious interior with elegant decoration made us feel comfortable, as well as the immense space in the bedroom and bathroom. Hot tub, solid wooden writing table and sofa were also part of the room. Our room faced a small courtyard and a garden, so it was absolutely quiet during the whole day.
The breakfast is served in the dining room furnished with antique plates and furniture. If you’re looking for some insider tips on the city, ask the owners. They are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable, since Carl has worked at one of Antwerp’s museums. Check the latest price.
Luxury > Hotel ‘T Sandt Spotless, spacious rooms with an incredibly homey touch. The suites and rooms are bright thanks to big windows. Excellent location near the Grote Markt, good breakfast included. Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Aplace Antwerp City Flats & Suites Very tastefully decorated rooms and apartments in vintage style with modern elements. Apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen. Pets allowed. Check the latest price.
Budget > Kathedraallogies Drie Koningen Unusual and affordable bed & breakfast in the historical center of Antwerp. You can choose from rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The property is a renovated building from the 16th century. Check the latest price.
Het Zuid is well connected to the city center and train station by public transport. We stayed here for a few nights and loved it here for its laid back vibes and a running path along the river.
In case you prefer cooking your own food and are hoping for some privacy, The Soul would be the best place to stay in Het Zuid. Modern studio with vintage interior offers an equipped kitchenette with a dining corner and comfy sofa, (which we found great after walking the city all day).
The apartment is located right in the heart of the south district, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. By the way, you can grab a coffee, breakfast or lunch at the atmospheric Soul Cafe. In case you decide to cook, there is a big grocery shop within 5 minutes walking.
Our studio was clean, with a separated bedroom, bright seating area with a dining table and kitchenware, and a private bathroom. The place is also run by welcoming and easygoing owners. Check the latest price.
Luxury > The Glorious Inn In case you’re wishing for some extraordinary place to stay in Antwerp, check it out here. Thematically decorated rooms, classy furniture, and a very quiet location.
We stayed here only a night, but enjoyed the funky atmosphere of the room with a Sleeping Beauty theme. We won’t spoil the surprise, but the room was full of secret hints related to the fairy tale. You better come and check for yourself.
It featured a large and very comfy bed, a tea table with plenty of herbal choices. The highlight of the room was a bathroom with an enormous bathtub, candles, and high-quality toiletries.
Spoil yourself, and if you come during the week, make sure to have dinner in their restaurant downstairs. Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Maison Emile Stylish, modern, and clean rooms with a rich healthy breakfast. It features double and single bedrooms. Check the latest price.
Budget > Le Sud Very affordable and clean budget option with different types of rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Check the latest price.
The area near the Central Station is the oldest diamond center in Europe, and rumour has it they were playing around with diamonds long before the first traders in Hong Kong or New York.
Stay around on Friday or Saturday, and you’ll see the Jewish community walking to and from the synagogues here. Currently, more than 80% of the Jews in Antwerp are involved in the diamond trade.
There are more than 1500 companies involved in selling, cutting, and polishing diamonds in the city, and you can check out some of them on Pelkinstraat Street near the railway station, or in the boutique shops on the Appelmansstraat, Lange Herentalsestraat and Vestingstraat streets.
Always ask for the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading report when buying a gem. Read more about the history of Jews in Antwerp.
Located right in the center of the Diamond district, a couple of minutes walking from the Central Station. Luxurious 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, spacious rooms with writing desk. Suites available. Check the latest price.
Luxury > Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen Spacious and super clean rooms, some of them with a great view. The hotel features a gym, and you can use sauna and swimming pool at the Health Club that is 100 m away. Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Queen A Antwerp Incredibly cosy rooms and common area, decorated with a great taste and sense for interior details. Very kind staff and excellent breakfast! Check the latest price.
Budget > Eden Hotel Simply decorated in pastel colors, and for a very reasonable price considering the proximity to the main railway station. Free tea/coffee station available. Check the latest price.
Rough and poor area in the past that has become a shopping area with lots of cafes now. Popular for its vintage vibes, great proximity to the centre and best Antwerp attractions. Safe and lively Southern neighbourhood in Antwerp.
Wonderful holiday home for family or groups of friends. It features three double beds, a seating area, washing machine, and a small kitchen. It’s centrally located, with many cafes and restaurants around. Check the latest price.
Luxury > Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites Ultra clean, beautiful, bright, and spacious rooms designed in black & white minimalistic style. Possibility to prepare your own food with the kitchenware. Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Kaai11 City Flats & Rooms A luxurious option for a mid-range budget. Situated near the Schelde River, most of the rooms have awesome views. Modern & elegant interior. Some suites come with a fully equipped kitchen. Check the latest price.
Budget > Antwerp Cental Youth Hostel Very cool place in a great location. Simple and clean with twin, quadruple, or dormitory rooms, all with private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast included. Check the latest price.
Het Eilandje means “Little Island,” and currently the area is boasting with loads of cafes, and some of the most distinct museums in Antwerp: MAS, which is a highlight of the Het Eilandje, and Red Line Star – a museum dedicated to the emigration waves that brought millions of European overseas, and the iconic Port House of Zaha Hadid.
It’s a cool area to chill out, enjoy an afternoon coffee, and make your artistic soul happy.
Luxury > B&B Suites@FEEK This is something quite different. High ceilings, futuristic white design with a jacuzzi in the room. Great breakfast! Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Best Western Hotel Docklands Modern rooms of a 3-star hotel, some of them with harbour views and a balcony. Very friendly staff. Some rates include delicious breakfast. Check the latest price.
Budget The area doesn’t really offer budget options, but you can find a budget accommodation not far from Eilandje.
Condo Gardens Antwerp Simple, clean studios with a kitchen, great location for a very reasonable price. Check the latest price.
The area doesn’t have the best reputation, but only because of its multicultural nature, as it’s a home to 90 different nationalities.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of an “underground,” creative area with music festivals, quirky bars, and a Moroccan & Turkish minority, which means great food, head to the Borgerhout.
Very stylish and comfortable B&B. You can stay either in an apartment for 2-4 people with kitchenware, or in a double room. Located in a beautiful old mansion from 1907. Minimalistic design with soothing feeling.
Luxury There aren’t any top luxury hotels in the area, although the B&B mentioned above can be considered a high-end choice of accommodation in Borgerhout.
Mid-range > B&B Antwerp Large, impeccable rooms with lots of sunlight, very tastefully decorated. The quadruple room also features a seating area and facilities like a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. Check the latest price.
Budget > Kif Kef City Apt. Incredibly charming apartment with minimalistic design. Fully equipped kitchen, sun terrace and bike rentals (for an extra charge) available. Check the latest price.
Located in the east of Antwerp, famous mostly for its huge green area: the Rieverenhof Park. It’s the area of townhouses, and it’s not popular among tourists as it lacks Antwerp’s cultural vibes. However, it’s a good option if you feel like staying out of the city center.
There’s great cycling infrastructure. For the best Antwerp attractions you’ll need to take a tram or a bike to the city center. Or… go local and visit some of the Deurne’s cultural events.
Elegant & artsy rooms, some of them with a seating area. The place has a lovely garden, and delicious breakfast included. Very pleasant hosts. Check the latest price.
Mid-range > Luxury Suites Arendshof Modern & simple design, located in a quiet area. The suites are in a two-floor house with a living room and a jacuzzi. Breakfast for an extra fee available. Check the latest price.
Residential, trendy, silent and … the pricey area of Antwerp with convenient public transport. It’s popular for its art nouveau architecture. Over 170 houses in the neighborhood have the status of protected monuments, and most of them were built in 1900’s.
Zurenborg is a bit off the beaten path, as it lacks the typical tourist attractions, but is easily accessed by a short tram ride from the centre. Very worth a visit even if you don’t book a hotel here.
Apart from exploring the special architecture, you can stop by for a coffee, a lunch, or have a pint in one of plenty of Zurenborg’s cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Mid-range > Amaaj Simple, neat rooms with private bathrooms and a bathtub. Great relaxing area. Check the latest price.
Budget > Alias Youth Hostel A fantastic choice for budget travelers. Clean, simple, with dormitories or double bedrooms with shared or private bathrooms. Tram stops nearby. Check the latest price.
Make a trip to the southern neighbourhood and visit Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum
Hopefully this ultimate guide on where to stay in Antwerp helped you to decide which hotel to book, and what attractions you can see in each neighbourhood.
Have a blast in this incredibly vibrant city, and in case we missed any district you’d recommend staying in or cool things to do in Antwerp we haven’t included here, please, leave a comment below.
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Read article : Roca - world-class designs for your bathrooms space
March 16, 2013, 8:02 pm
Giving Sri Lanka a feel of elegant European bathroom designs, Roca has impressed local consumers by their state-of-the-art bathroom spaces. Being the market leader in Europe, Latin American, India, Russia, Middle East and Africa the global leader in bathroom spaces, gives an unforgettable bathroom experience to every lifestyle. The Ceramic World Report has recognized Roca as the number one company in the bathroom space and sanitary ware industry for 2011/12
Marking their presence in Sri Lanka six months ago, Roca has brought the excellence and the state of art designs which have emerged from their core values being leadership, innovation, designs, sustainability and well being.
Roca specializes in sanitary ware, facets, baths, shower trays, furniture units, spas, floor and wall tiles, kitchen sinks and wellness centres which includes bathrooms spaces for the disabled and children and other design to create spaces in your bathroom
The unique designs which come from world leading and prestigious design studios such as Benedito, Giugiaro, Schmidt and Lackner, have impressed people over the world which has resulted in creating a big demand for Roca’s bathroom spaces in the most emblematic locations.
The designs are also demanded by many world class hotels and more than 1200 five, six and Seven Star hotels currently have Roca designs including the world famous Bora Bora Resort Hotels in French Polynesia, Rafayel on the Left Bank UK, Hotel Arcadia in Slovakia and Hotel La Gavina in Spain
Roca which was established in Gava, Barcelona in 1917 has expanded its wings over the globe rising as a global giant that operates in 135 countries. With more 78 production centres in 18 countries, Roca employs over 21,000 individuals.
Not only that, Roca has gone beyond their social responsibility and has embarked on a journey to save Water. Roca is known as an environmentally friendly company which has even received several accolades as a top green company, while promoting the campaign ‘Save Water’ for the under privileged nations
Being one of the few companies in the sanitary ware industry who prioritize green concept of saving water, Roca has joined hands with the UNICEF and Oxfam to protect and generate the precious water resource. Their "We are Water" foundation is dedicated to provide clean drinking water to families in Asia and Africa. The company is also recognized as a zero waste organisation as they adopt a waste free industrial process.
Roca designs are available in Sri Lanka, in all the Uncommon Homes showrooms which are located in Nawala, Pagoda,, Kandy, Rathnapura, Katugasthota and Kurunegala. Euro Brandz (Pvt) Ltd. is the sole distributor of Roca products in Sri Lanka.
"We are proud to have Roca in Sri Lanka. It gives the Sri Lankan customer the elegant experience of European bathroom spaces. Roca’s sole distributor in Sri Lanka, Euro Branz (Pvt) Ltd will open an exclusive showroom very soon to provide our customers with a unique bathroom experience" said Shazly Oowise, Chief Marketing Officer of Euro Branz (Pvt) Ltd.
Read article : The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean
With infinity pools overlooking the water, canopied beds ideal for cuddling, and elegant spas for couples' massages, many Caribbean hotels were designed for romantic escapes. But of course, some are better than others for vacationing with a significant other, so we set out to find the best of the best. After visiting hundreds (and hundreds) of hotels throughout St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and dozens more Caribbean destinations, we compared and evaluated each breathtaking property. Take a look at the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, and get inspired!
Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.
Interiors here are designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and the 30 rooms feature comfortable four-poster beds with crisp, white Frette linens and unique wicker canopies. Bathrooms have coral floors, deep hot tubs, large stand-up glass showers, and toiletries from L'Occitane -- about as good as it gets in the D.R. The best part: the nightly turndown includes a drawn bath with floating red flower petals and tea lights. Tortuga Bay's luxury Six Senses Spa is one of the D.R.'s best.
This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. The treehouse-style villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. All of this comes at a price, but Ladera is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain (rates are often around half as much). Ladera is within close range of several of the island’s best tourist destinations -- notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and tourist hot spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are both nearby.
This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest.
One of Jamaica's most romantic escape (for adults only), the Caves' 11 unique, private cottages and suites are tucked along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs (there's no beach) carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos.. A top-shelf bar, an Aveda spa, free cooking classes, and intimate, incredibly attentive service make it Jamaica's best all-inclusive. High-quality food celebrates local ingredients, and the scene is laid-back and bohemian -- suited to travelers who appreciate outdoor showers and artful decor in favor of conventional luxury.
This luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most elegant and well-regarded hotels on the island, with 64 posh suites dotting a quarter mile of beachfront. Spice Island is a serene oasis amidst the bustling Grand Anse beach area, with clean lines, and a polished, upscale vibe that still maintains the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. The resort includes two restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a variety of activities, but peace and relaxation are also easy to find. The nice pool area is quiet and private, yet the beach -- though beautiful and clean -- is shared by locals and guests of nearby resorts.
Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.
This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. Unlike Ladera and Jade Mountain, the other two St. Lucia properties on this list, Sugar Beach does allows children, but it tries to ensure peace and quiet for couples, as well, and opened an adult-only beach in spring 2016.
The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet seclusion it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.
This adults-only luxury resort offers just two room types: deluxe rooms on the second floor, and slightly larger junior suites on the lower level with access to the beach. Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style property is romantic, and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free non-motorized water sports. But all this comes at a price -- room and restaurant prices are some of the steepest in Barbados.
One of Barbados' most exclusive resorts, The House is the definition of luxury. Located on the ritzy west coast, the adult-only property doesn’t even have a sign out front on the road. The property is secluded and private, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a chic lounge area. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with upscale amenities including a massage jet shower and a free bottle of rum punch. Thoughtful freebies include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast, and jet lag revival massages. There is no spa on-site -- surprising for a hotel of this caliber.
This is called One&Only for good reason -- there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. The 106 rooms and suites, split into two sections, are luxurious, though those in the newer Crescent Wing are a bit more modern and stylish. Guests have access to the amenities at the Atlantis but the advantage of being removed from the crowds. Expansive manicured grounds have two outdoor pools, a romantic garden and statuary modeled after Versailles (a dream for weddings), and the endless stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise waves. Health and wellness nuts are spoilt for choice with daily yoga, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor/outdoorfitness center, and a Balinese-style spa with private villas. After a day in the sun, guests return to the room to find champagne and strawberries waiting, and many choose to begin their evening with sunset drinks at Jean-Georges' Dune restaurant.
Rosewood Tucker's Point's obvious lures aside -- four pools, a private beach, a championship golf club, a tranquil spa, four restaurants, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views -- it’s the fine-tuned details that make this 200-acre property truly spectacular. For example, in the library just behind the lobby, old photos of Bermudian cricket matches, cabinets filled with china, and an antique Oriental rug feel like a swanky 1920s living room frozen in time. Rosewood is easily one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts, but the rates are also higher here than anywhere else on the island. But perfection (or near-perfection) has its price, and at Tucker’s Point, it’s well worth it.
Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. However, some of the villas feature outdated decor and worn furnishings that seem inconsistent with the resort's high nightly rates.
If you ever wondered where the stars might go for R&R, look no further than the minimalist Le Sereno, a chic five-pearl boutique hotel reserved for travelers seeking all-around luxury. The simple, elegant interiors by famed designer Christian Liaigre are matched by top-notch amenities and lovely views of the ocean, and the option of in-room (or oceanfront) spa treatments as well as 24-hour room service makes for a truly pampering experience. The hotel’s restaurant, while tasty, is quite pricey -- even for fancy St. Barth's -- and the semi-private beach is not as pretty or wide as the island’s numerous other strips of sand. The hotel is best for couples who don’t mind paying a little extra and renting a car to reach the secluded romance of this hillside hotel.
This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.
The Caribbean Club is a luxury boutique hotel located on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The 37 spacious suites and villas are individually owned and exquisitely decorated, and all have full kitchens, balconies with ocean views, and marble bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers. The Club has one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Seven Mile coast with white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves. The beach and pool areas are not crowded, allowing for a quiet and serene tropical getaway. The restaurant here is one of the best on the island, but note that there is no spa.
Easily the most luxurious resort in St. Martin, the 55-acre La Samanna resort brings tranquility to an otherwise tourist-filled island. Featuring two beautiful pools, an extensive wine cellar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a European-style spa, and the island's most pristine beach, this 81-room, eight-villa retreat is hard to beat. The vibe is about as fancy as it gets for St. Martin, so of course everything -- from the nightly rates to the dinners and spa treatments -- comes at a sky-high cost.
Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados -- indeed, it's one of the most luxurious resorts in the world -- known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, for those who can afford it.
Sandals is the epitome of a couples-only Caribbean mega-resort. With 11 restaurants, 373 luxurious rooms, and six pools, it's expansive, if not a bit overwhelming. You could easily get lost in the 27 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and along the pathwayswinding between buildings. The Sandals brand is evident at every turn, and the experience can feel generic, pre-packaged, and lacking in authenticity. However, this popular upscale all-inclusive with elegant rooms is definitely dedicated to creating memorable, romantic getaways. (Just be prepared to share yours with a few hundred other couples.)
The relaxed, tranquil environment of this adults-only boutique resort is a major part of its appeal. This isn't Antigua's fanciest property, but it doesn't need to be: Simple Caribbean style (think: thatched roofs, stone, and rattan), a truly gorgeous beach, and all-inclusive food that's better than average for the island make for a winning combo. Water sports are also included in the rate, but the ocean here can get a bit rough so guests shouldn't count on being able to swim in it every day.
The Bucuti is a romantic, adults-only resort at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This intimate, 104-room property has 14 acres of beach, and the main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shaded palapas; there's also a chic infinity edge pool. Rooms are stylish and have higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, and built-in TVs in the bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche -- and plenty more restaurants are within walking distance. The resort sees a high percentage of repeat visitors, so book early.
This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. The rooms have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private plunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.