The best hotels of 2016
From the Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles and Les Neiges in Courchevel, to Soho House Barcelona and Hotel Saint-Marc in Paris, whether lost on a white sand island, perched up high amongst snowy peaks or tucked away in the hottest neighborhoods of the world’s capital cities, Vogue looks back at the best hotels of 2016.
1/10The Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island, Seychelles If ever proof were needed that luxury and comfort can go hand-in-hand with the surrounding ecosystem, the newly opened Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles is it. Nestled amongst the rocks of Félicité Island, the hotel’s 30 villas are hidden from each other by dense vegetation but at the same time, open to the wide horizon and blue waters surrounding the private island. Travelers can feast on the archipelago’s extraordinary beauty through activities like boat tours around the islands, diving in the crystalline waters, waterside lunches, snorkeling and kayaking amongst tropical fish and sea turtles, bicycle rides through the palm trees and hikes amongst the island’s flora and fauna. The hotel spa offers yoga classes looking out over the ocean, divine essential oil massages and the Integrated Wellness program, a full-body check-up with detox advice. As the sun sets, head to the Ocean Kitchen for flavorsome ceviche and grilled fish, book a Cinema Paradiso session in the open air or on the deck of your room, or take a late-night dip in your own private pool, under a sky of shooting stars. http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/zilpasyon/destination
Fabrice Rambert2/10Les Neiges in Courchevel For their first mountain address, the Barrière group chose Courchevel. At the foot of the pistes, the Les Neiges palace is a one-of-a-kind introduction to joys of alpine life - five star style. Stop by the ski room - designed by Bernard Orcel - for all the specialist equipment you need to roam the Three Valleys snow in style, from Fendi padded jackets to Bogner helmets and Toni Sailer salopettes, while the Diane Barrière spa is ready and waiting with a range of relaxing massages and treatments using targeted Biologique Recherche products. The good times continue in the slick BFire restaurant, whose delicious Fouquet's-inspired menu is packed with head chef Mauro Colagreco's seasonal grilled specialties. Finally, return to rest your head in the cozy, fur-trimmed bedrooms, completing the fairytale picture with a view over miles of snow-capped rolling peaks. Skiing doesn't get more luxe than this. 422 Rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, Tel.04 57 55 22 00
3/10Soho House in Barcelona More than just your ordinary hotel group, Soho House has imposed its own lifestyle on the industry with its modern-day members clubs. An expert in luxury cool, the location for each hotel is carefully scouted in the most creative neighborhoods of the big capitals of the world and they are all designed as private microcosms with spas, innovative restaurants and the group's signature rooftop pools. No exception to the rule, this new Barcelona hot spot opens its doors today on the well-known Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, facing Port Vell marina in the heart of the historic 8th century gothic quarter. The hotel is inspired by Catalan decor, mixing blue mosaic tiles, exquisitely colorful Persian fabrics and gothic furniture, with a Cowshed spa and two restaurants serving Iberian cuisine and the good news is that you don't have to be a Soho House member to use. Rumor has it the next hotel will open in Amsterdam next year. Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4, 08002 Barcelona, Tel.+34 932 20 46 00
4/10Mar Adentro in Los Cabos Surrounded by sublime sandy beaches on the southernmost tip of Baja California, Los Cabos is indisputably the hottest holiday destination in Mexico. It comes as no surprise that celebrated architect Miguel Angel Aragonés has chosen this pristine pocket of tropical landscape for his latest venture Mar Adentro, which opened its doors in December 2015. In a setting entirely designed by himself, the hotel offers its guests a totally immersive architectural experience, with immaculate cubic installations looking over the shimmering surface of the salt-water pools stretching out towards the horizon and state-of-the-art rooms that come equipped with tablets capable of everything from changing the temperature to closing the curtains and ordering room service. A must-visit that is heralding the start of a new hotel era. Paseo Malecon San José, Zona Hotelera, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico, Tel.+52 624 104 9999
5/10Amanemu in Ise-Shima National Park For its second Japanese address, the Aman group set its sights on the spectacular scenery of Ago Bay, a region of Kansai renowned for its sublime national park Ise-Shima and its cultured pearls. Surrounded by cherry trees, plum trees and wild bamboo and with views stretching out across the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel offers guests a chance to get closer to nature. They equally emphasize the importance of wellbeing, with yoga and meditation classes taking place in the hotel's tranquil pavilion and a spa offering a host of treatments such as soothing baths in the private hot springs. This peaceful oasis is just as relaxing as it is revitalizing; also on offer are steam therapy sessions and guided watsu sessions. The ideal spot to reconnect with your zen.
Philippe SERVENT6/10Hotel Saint-Marc in Paris Hoteliers Nadia Murano and Denis Nourry, who own the Petit-Moulin in the Marais, have now opened the Hotel Saint-Marc, just across from the Opéra-Comique in Paris. With Dimore Studio in charge of design, this new Paris address has a warm feel and strong Art Deco influences. With a mahogany and velvet interior, orange-toned Seventies fabrics and Asian-inspired screens, it is typical of the Milanese duo’s signature style, mixing modern and vintage for a harmonious aesthetic that is warm and welcoming. We take a tour with the designers.
7/10Little Green Bay in Hvar With brother and sister duo Mathieu and Julie at the helm, Little Green Bay has just opened its doors in Hvar, Croatia, an island considered one of the most spectacular spots in the country with Greco-Roman architecture and a whole host of wild creeks. Housed in a stunning restored farmhouse, the boutique guesthouse feels relaxed and homely thanks to predominantly natural materials – wood, stone, glass and linen – and aromatic gardens surrounded by the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Boasting a restaurant with the very best of Mediterranean cuisine, a tree-lined private beach and therapists specializing in relaxing massages, it’s barefoot luxury done beautifully. Owner Julie tells us more.
© Simon Watson8/10Ace Hotel in New Orleans With hotels already in Palm Springs and Panama, in March the Ace Hotel group opened another address southern American city of New Orleans. Situated in the trendy Warehouse District, Ace Hotel New Orleans is conceived with the same alternative spirit as its other outposts across the globe. Playing with different schools of design, the hotel mixes the building’s original Art Deco features with an ultra-modern décor designed by the New York firm Roman and Williams that also includes the odd Cajun and French touch, reflecting the city’s profoundly multicultural heritage. The bedrooms are decidedly welcoming, with aubergine walls, Impressionist-style watercolors on the wardrobes, retro Smeg fridges and NOLA custom-designed beds. Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman have created a menu that combines traditional Italian cuisine with the traditional flavors of New Orleans, all served in a cozy restaurant with leather stools and – of course - live jazz to hum along to. Another good reason to head south to N’Orlins this summer. 600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States, Tel.+1 504-900-1180.
