1 HERITAGE TREASURE
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Floating in the centre of Udaipur’s Pichola Lake, Taj Lake Palace was once the royal residence of the Maharaja of Mewar. Globally recognised for its striking Rajasthani architecture, this 18th-century hewn-marble structure is a spectacular arrangement of turrets, cupolas, domes, bastions and balconies.
The interior design is rich with frescoes, plaster-relief friezes and intricate mouldings, complemented by bold colours and patterns. To ensure visual balance, the furniture selection across the 83 guest rooms and suites is simple and elegant, an approach that extends to the spa and four restaurants. tajhotels.com
2 WINE COUNTRY
Solar de Vila Meã, Silveiros, Portugal
Nestled in the vineyards of Northern Portugal just 30 minutes from Porto is a new boutique property designed by Joana Aranha Studio. The 19th-century manor house has been transformed into a colourful 29-suite hotel with a design concept that celebrates the cultural heritage of the Minho region. Wicker, clay and embroidered textiles reflect the region’s arts, while wood, velvet, linen and wool impart warmth throughout the concept. Blending tradition with today’s contemporary luxuries, Solar de Vila Meã is the ultimate wine country escape with indoor and outdoor pools, manicured gardens, a spa and wellness centre, restaurant and bar. solardevilamea.pt
3 Design Gems
The Langham, Gold Coast brings all the right opulent touches to its seaside location.
It’s the latest resort to bring glitz to the Gold Coast, the first new beachfront hotel to open in Australia’s holiday capital in more than 30 years. This five-star, sustainable and sleek resort showcases sensational sea-to-spoon dining and starry seaside attractions that will captivate you on arrival.
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences is on absolute beachfront at the southern end of Surfers Paradise. With a distinctive glass curtain walling system, its three structures are an eye-catching asset to the Gold Coast’s skyline, with Towers 1, 2 and 3 standing a lofty 41, 51 and 34 storeys high. The impressive structures are designed to reflect three crystals emerging from the ground, with the brown façade representing the soil. More than 400 lightbulbs traverse each tower, illuminating the build that can be showcased by colour or sequence. The shimmering exteriors are visible for kilometres – from the Nerang River to the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Inspired by gemstone shards discovered in the region thousands of years ago, the towers’ crystalline forms are the mastermind of architects DBI Design, who worked with US-based Oppenheim Architecture + Design. The coastal location and Hinterland also informed the interior design by Sydney-based Studio Aria. From deluxe rooms to the Presidential Suite, the 169 hotel rooms – and 170 residences – are dressed in a palette of white, light grey and touches of blue, with floor-to-ceiling windows optimising the dazzling sea views.
Jewel Residences apartments range from one to four bedrooms, with the ultimate Four Bedroom Ocean Penthouse being a grand affair with 180-degree vistas of both the Hinterland and Pacific Ocean. It comes with an elegant dining room and top-of-the-line Gaggenau-fitted kitchen, perfect for those private dinner parties. However, should you venture beyond your accommodation, you’ll experience award-winning culinary expertise across six dining options, including the refined plates at Akoya and fine-dining Cantonese cuisine at T’ang Court, the sister restaurant to the Hong Kong eatery that boasts three Michelin stars. Stunning on-site artworks, an indoor magnesium pool, state-of-the-art gym, and outdoor lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar complete the offering. langhamhotels.com
4 GRECIAN GODDESS
Gundari, Folegandros, Greece
Opening May 2024, Gundari is the first luxury
