...The collection
MUCH NEEDED ME-TIME
Treat yourself after a tough year. Take a loved one to a cocooning resort or destination spa hotel where you can reconnect as a couple and feel far from the drudgery of home. Or perhaps you need some meditative alone-time after a year of spreading yourself far too thin. If work calls, consider a change of scene – a workcation in the Maldives perhaps?
ASIAN BEAUTY
Amanoi - Vietnam
Where wild, untamed jungle meets the sea is the location of Amanoi, a secluded and peaceful resort where the emphasis is on calm, soothing experiences among the pristine wilderness of southern Vietnam’s Vinh Hy Bay and the surrounding Núi Chúa National Park.
For those seeking the ultimate in calm escapism, we’d recommend taking one of the Wellness Villas. Either facing a lake or forest, the villas come with 15-metre swimming pools, plus spa facilities including a timber-clad banya, steam room, cold plunge pool and Jacuzzi, offering a truly exclusive and private spa experience. Your dedicated spa therapist is on-hand throughout your stay to help curate your wellbeing journey. When you’re not being pampered into oblivion take time to energise yourself through the power of nature – walk the rugged coastline to discover hidden bays and waterfalls, let silky soft sand run through your fingers on the private beach or snorkel colourful coral gardens. With the soundtrack of gently lapping waves and a warm, light breeze, it’s hard not to feel totally relaxed in this natural idyll.
Did you know that 'Aman' is Sanskrit for 'peace'? And with 'noi' meaning 'place' - you can get a measure of this serene hotel. Expect thoughtful details from flower-petal baths to your favourite cocktail at sunset.
MUST DO
For those keen to discard weighty emotional baggage, try Aman’s Detox Immersion which uses massage therapy and nutrition to create a clear, refreshed and enhanced feeling of wellbeing.
Whimsical Wonder
Twin Farms - Vermont, USA
Couples seeking a uniquely romantic property could do worse than head for Twin Farms in Vermont, USA. Studded with quirky artwork, with a rustic-luxe cabin vibe wrapped around by 300 acres of aromatic pine forests, Twin Farms is the kind of place that gently cajoles you into exercise without you even realising it.
Twin Farms understands the power of nature and being blessed with an abundance of gorgeous scenery on its doorstep, it feels instinctive to go and explore and enjoy it. Depending on the season you might find yourself flying down a guests-only ski run, or hiking through the invigorating landscapes, canoeing or swimming in the pond, or heading out to the hills with a gourmet picnic. When you return, ease those muscles with a treatment in the Bridge House Spa, with its glass brick steam room and Japanese furo. For water-lovers we’d suggest staying in a cottage with a stone tub jacuzzi, flickering fire and views deep into the forests.
The ultimate in cosy-luxe, Twin Farms is like staying in the home of a quirky friend, albeit a very stylish one - the house and farmhouse have been created by top interior designers and architects.
MUST DO
For peak seclusion take a couples massage in the privacy and comfort of your own cottage – try the warm Himalayan salt stone massage for the ultimate soothing and de-stressing treat.
ITALY WITH AMAN
Aman Venice & Aman Rosa Alpina - The Dolomites, Italy
We all know that the Aman brand is synonymous with soothing, pared-back design and unparalleled service in wow-factor locations, but did you know that all-season sanctuary Dolomites hotel Rosa Alpina has recently formed a partnership with Aman? This will be their second property in Italy, and we’ve worked out a fabulous way to stay in both, creating a smooth and relaxing exclusively Aman journey in Italy.
Start by exploring the watery world of Venice including canal life, historical squares and famed churches with a private guide to tell you the history of St Mark’s square, the Doges’ Palace, the Basilica and San Zaccaria church. Stay in the wonder that is Aman Venice, an elegant Venetian palazzo that overlooks the Grand Canal. The next part of your journey sees you taken by private transfer up to the heart of the mountains where you’ll be surrounded by the calming panorama of the snow-swirled Dolomites. Enjoy spending time in fresh air in the mountains and at traditional South Tyrolean restaurants, then come home for pampering at Rosa Alpina in its two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, yoga studio, hydrotherapy areas including a Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna, a Bio sauna and a cold plunge pool.
Although this trip has relaxation in mind, it's great for those craving a break from the norm. With a city break in Venice followed by mountain air in the Dolomites, you'll be thrilled by the changes of scene.
MUST DO
When at Aman Venice, don’t miss the spa and in particular the thermal bathing treatments, using the healing waters of Salsomaggiore Terme and while in the mountains, we’d recommend succumbing to an Alpine Herbs Massage using arnica oil and Alpine essential oils to relieve tension.
Ultimate Seclusion
Como Parrot Cay - Turks & Caicos
It’s understandable that you might be wary of holidaying where the hoards are. Which is why it’s even more important that you use our resource and expertise to find you the perfect holiday where you’ll know you will be able to relax and unwind.
One such resort which has been a stalwart favourite and consistently gets above and beyond feedback is Como Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. Having secretly housed celebrities here for years, they know a thing or two about privacy, space and dependable service. Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple or alone, you’ll find solace in the startling beauty of wild, powder-white beaches and azure waters. Take an ocean front villa for access directly onto your own slice of paradisiacal beach and the mind-reading capacities of your personal butler will surprise you daily, perhaps arranging time at the Como Shambhala spa – with its spa pavilions, yoga pavilions, jacuzzi and Japanese onsen baths spread around the lush gardens.
If you thrive on peace and tropical perfection, Como Parrot Cay could be ideal for your next family holiday. Hunker down in a beach-side villa while your butler ensures you have everything you could possibly need.
MUST DO
The Como Shambhala Bath Treatment could well be the most relaxing experience ever. Be buffed and scrubbed with natural nut oils, salt and sugar and slathered with shea butter before a long soak in the bath followed by a deep, slow massage.
WORKCATION
The Nautilus - Maldives
Working from home has its pros and cons and we’ve all had to adapt. But with commutes gone and face-to-face meetings a thing of the past, is it time to consider moving your desk to…paradise?
The Nautilus in the Maldives had always allowed its guests to dance to their own beat, but now, it’s offering a sensational package to ease you through the working week, where the minute you log off you could be submerged beneath an aquamarine sea straight from your wooden deck, destressing with a yoga session or jumping onto a sunset cruise to spot dolphins. The resort supplies high speed Wi-Fi, full computer set up with office chair, even your own PA. Any residual stress can be pummeled out at the Solasta Spa, with its glass-bottomed treatment rooms. Bringing the kids? Enroll them in the educational Young Wonders program for the ultimate in worldly enrichment.
To create the ultimate Zoom call backdrop, move from your villa to a sandbank for the day with your own personal desk, a shaded sun canopy and portable high-speed wi-fi.
MUST DO
Use the utterly gorgeous surroundings of The Nautilus to kick start a meditation habit. With a trained practitioner, find peace using yoga and massage to prime you for inner reflection. Work on breathwork to gain transformative results.
TROPICAL HEAVEN
Kamalaya - Koh Samui, Thailand
If you like combining spa time with relaxing on a beautiful tropical beach, then Kamalaya should be top of your list. Perched above a white-sand bay overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Kamalaya’s location on Koh Samui is superb, where jungle-clad villas are nests of contemporary comfort and service is unobtrusive yet intuitive.
However, the jewel in Kamalaya’s crown is its bevy of highly-qualified staff, from top-level therapists, Ayurvedic doctors, acupuncturists, yogis and gurus. There’s a huge range of treatments to suit every modern ailment – you might come here for a dedicated yoga holiday, an intense detox plan or a radical lifestyle change. Whichever you choose, there’s an army of kind practitioners ready to help on your journey of self-improvement. And if you’re here for simply a few daily massages, cocktails and beach time – then that’s absolutely fine too.
Even without the world-class spa and therapy facilities here, just sitting on your jungle-clad terrace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand perhaps with your feet dipped in your private plunge pool, with the trilling of tropical birds all around you, is relaxation personified.
Must do
For anyone who’s struggling to adjust to the ‘new normal’ perhaps some re-calibrating via Kamalaya’s ‘Embracing Change’ program might help to calm your inner disposition and focus on the tools you need to restore emotional balance.
The collection
Best of the Best – Maldives
The last few years have seen some sensational openings and refurbishments in the Maldives, so we’ve put together a collection of three of our favourites.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Highlights
The Ultimate Caribbean
The review
Going off Grid: Deplar Farm, Iceland
