5 – Las Alcobas Napa Valley, a Luxury Collection resort, USA
Opening: January
This historic resort, ideally located in the heart of St. Helena, boasts 68 rooms and suites, most with a beautiful outdoor terrace and vineyard views. Soak in the Spring Mountain sunset, take a dip in the pool, or indulge in the 350sqm spa with curated treatments over 2,000 years old. Create memorable experiences at Acacia House, a Chris Cosentino signature restaurant. Napa Park, the hills and the many acclaimed wineries and wine tastings are some of the short excursions to take from the resort to discover a new face of California.
4 – Alila Fort Bishangarh, India
Opening: February
Alila Fort Bishangarh is a 230-year-old fortress lovingly restored and transformed into a luxury resort. Fort Bishangarh is a unique example of the Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both the Mughals and the British. A completely new structure is created above and outside the old fort to house 59 suites designed to make the most of the stunning views from the large openable windows. 4 specialty restaurants and bars are on premises and the Spa Alila, carved out between granite rocks, is situated in the dungeon within the main fort. Located within driving distance of both New Delhi and Jaipur, the country retreat is a compelling stop for those exploring rural Rajasthan.
3 – Tierra Chiloé, Chile
Open till March – Reopens in October 2017
This property is located amid the blue waters of Chile´s Northern Patagonia, on a mythical island dotted with picturesque fishing villages. The 12-room lodge comes complete with its own boat, the “Williche”, for navigating the inland waters. The cuisine at Tierra Chiloé includes representative Chiloé dishes, giving guests a tasty insight into the culinary spirit of this island. The fully equipped spa offers a comprehensive array of services, in addition to a sauna and steam room, massage room, a large and comfortable Jacuzzi and deckchairs to relax in while gazing at the Pullao wetland.
2 – Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Opening: June
Situated next to Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge will have 6 thatched villas set inside an eroded volcano cone surrounded by forest. The luxurious forest villas will provide intimate bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, all featuring spectacular views of the Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno volcanoes. The lodge will be partnering with farm owners to rehabilitate gorilla habitats and guests will be given the opportunity to witness the iconic animals with a “gorilla trek,” as well as several other naturalist-led excursions to encounter the golden monkey tribes, tropical bird-watch, or to visit a local tree nursery.
1 – Six Senses Bhutan, Bhutan
Opening: 2017
Six Senses is expanding to Bhutan to open 5 new lodges throughout the country featuring just 82 total suites. The properties are meant to be visited in succession to get a more in-depth tour of the colorful Kingdom known as the Happiest Place on Earth. Begin in the capital of Thimphu, where the design emphasis is on culture. Second stop is Bumthang, where a forest within a forest has been created. Moving next to Punakha, the feeling of a traditional farmhouse in this rural region of fertile land and terraces has been created. The fourth gem is Gangtey and its unique bird-watching bridge. The fifth stop is Paro, the site of old stone ruins. Altogether, they form Six Senses Bhutan, an unrivaled immersion into the protected Himalayan culture and life.
Geoffrey Ravoire
Founder of UNITIATE, Geoffrey is a Marketing Expert, Luxury Specialist and Hospitality Enthusiast. Wherever he goes, his early career and personal interests have always helped him nurture and cultivate a passion for the Travel and Leisure industries. French born, Geoffrey has accumulated an extensive experience abroad, thanks to regular visits to foreign countries but also thanks to years of expatriation. Currently based in Chicago, Geoffrey has already lived and worked in New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Monaco. You can meet Geoffrey on Twitter and Linkedin.
