Thoroughly Modern, Steeped in History
{Turkey} St. Regis Istanbul
The St. Regis Istanbul stands proud in the heart of Nişantaşı, the “5th Avenue” of Istanbul. It is just steps away from the Bosphorus, Maçka Park, and the Istanbul Congress Center, as well as destination shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and museums, and everything else that defines the capital bridging Europe and Asia. The hotel’s public areas raise the neighborhood’s luxury shopping profile, with such globally renowned retailers as Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Lanvin.
While Wolfgang Puck’s Spago provides U.S. visitors a taste of home, the 950-square-meter Iridium Spa envelops guests in local authenticity, down to restorative pools that offer refined relaxation after a day of business meetings or an extended sightseeing session around town. The property features 118 rooms and 18 suites, including a sprawling two-bedroom Presidential Suite ($16,190) and St. Regis’ second Bentley Suite (from $5,453), inspired by the automotive legend’s Continental GT model. The experience is completed and elevated with such St. Regis accents as dressing rooms, marble bathrooms with Remède bath amenities, and butler service.
thestregisistanbul.com
King for All Seasons
{Morocco} Four Seasons Casablanca
The five-story, 186-room Four Seasons Casablanca, opening in November, rests on the city’s Atlantic oceanfront promenade anchoring the posh Corniche District. The modern oasis will not only offer guests sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and exquisite Moroccan sunsets, but also a French brasserie and bar and a spa that integrates a mix of progressive Western and local therapies (including an authentically Moroccan hamman).
The 25-acre architectural plan, including the lobby lounge, ballroom, meeting rooms, and fully-appointed fitness center, was devised by globally acclaimed firm Foster + Partners. The interior design conceived by GA Design International is fresh, modern, and layered with elements that incorporate color palette inspired by the local culture. According to its management, the second Four Seasons property in Morocco not only expands their presence in the region, but also provides leisure and business travellers the perfect gateway into what makes it a timelessly exotic and sophisticated destination.
fourseasons.com/casablanca
Swept Up in a Balinese Breeze
{Indonesia} The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, endeavors to outdo even some of the Ritz family’s most breathtaking resort achievements architecturally and sensorially—down to a gravity-defying elevator that connects some of its 300 dwellings. The suites include its Pool Pavilions, with direct access to one of the many swimming pools from their terrace, the Sawangan Junior Suite and Ritz-Carlton Oceanfront Villa, covering more than 7,300 square feet.
Dining options are just as impressive, with authentic Indonesian fare at Bejana, Japanese cuisine at Raku, The Beach Grill’s casual poolside snacks, and Senses (which comprises an all-day indoor restaurant and a beachfront pool bar). The spa offers food for body and soul, with 14 treatment rooms, 4 of which are for couples. It’s a full-on paradise in itself, with its exclusive ESPA treatments, outdoor vitality pools, aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, relaxation rooms, and a studio for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/indonesia/bali