Unveiling Hidden Gems from Saudi Oasis to Bahamian Paradise
Virgin Territory
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
An oasis in the truest sense of the word, Six Senses made its Saudi debut in the desert with the opening of its heritage resort – Southern Dunes. Part of The Red Sea Resort, which will extend to 10,800 square miles along the Saudi Arabian coastline, the Six Senses is the ideal first of the many properties to open in the sustainable luxury tourism destination. It couldn’t be more apt a duo, given Six Senses’ nature-first approach. The unique Alnesai desert property was designed by Foster + Partners, whose 36 guest rooms and 40 dune-hugging villas are both out of the ordinary while still seamlessly blending into the landscape. The brand’s wellness formula is embodied throughout the resort, with the spa, gym, pools, and the ample Arabic activities on offer in the sweeping desert dunes that surround the property. sixsenses.com
Purer Shores
The Potlatch Club, Eleuthera
The Bahamas may be flush with new hotel arrivals, but this summer there was an extra focus on the island of Eleuthera – the birthplace of The Bahamas. Following a seven-year restoration, The Potlach Club is the island’s first truly luxury boutique hotel. A former private home that was frequented by New York socialites and silver-screen legends, the likes of Greta Garbo and Rita Gam during the 1960s and 70s, the property fell into disrepair until its new owners came on board in 2016. What they have created along the seven-mile deserted stretch of pink-sand beach is an oceanfront escape where coastal elegance meets Caribbean charm. Paying homage to the property’s storied pass, the original clubhouse remains, while a mix of historic and newly built suites, cottages, and villas are dotted around 12 acres of landscaped gardens. thepotlatchclub.com
Fresh Revival
Cape Grace, South Africa
The smart crowd have set their sights on Cape Town’s treasured hotel Cape Grace, which has opened after nine months of renovations. Unveiling a new design, the iconic waterfront property opened its doors in the spring with a new look inspired by South Africa’s heritage, culture, and artistry. South Africa’s array of landscapes, diverse languages, vibrant art scene, and rich cultures make for a diverse narrative that interior designers have interpreted throughout each of the 112 rooms and suites. Featuring large French windows or balconies, each room offers views of either the waterfront marina or the iconic Table Mountain. The Fairmont Spa has also been revamped, along with additions to the culinary offerings, including the new restaurant, Heirloom. capegrace.com
Singita Comes Full Circle
Singita Ebony Lodge & Singita Milele
Singita’s founding lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve unveiled a new look that both honors the origin of the Singita story while meeting the changing needs of modern guests. At the heart of Singita Ebony Lodge is a new Conservation Room where guests can enjoy food and drinks while learning more about the 30-year history of Singita, the biodiversity of the region, and the work of the Singita Lowveld Trust – Singita’s conservation partner in South Africa. The main lodge also houses a new informal lodge and a wine cellar that leads out onto a deck area overlooking the Sand River. Cécile & Boyd, who were responsible for the project, also redesigned the 14 suites – all of which feature a private plunge pool.
Spring also saw Singita expand in Tanzania with the opening of Singita Milele. Part of the Singita Private Villa Collection, this one-of-a-kind private villa is perfect for families or friends traveling together, offering accommodations for up to 10 guests in five suites. Private Jacuzzis, expansive decks, and views over the Serengeti plains are just part of the property. A fitness studio, infinity pool, and movie room add to guest facilities. Designed to minimize the barriers between guests and nature, the property sits within 350,000 acres of pristine wilderness in Singita Grumeti, in northern Tanzania. singita.com
An Icon Reborn
Royal Mansour Casablanca
The unmitigated glamour of the rebuilt Royal Mansour Casablanca encapsulates timeless elegance with modern luxury. Occupying the site of the former Art Deco landmark, the Le Royal Mansour Méridien, which made its iconic debut in 1953, the Royal Mansour Casablanca is the real deal. After eight years of restoration, the property is flaunting a fresh take on Casablanca’s mid-century glamor. With some of the original hotel’s most iconic details reinterpreted for the modern day – Carrera marble surfaces, inlaid wood paneling, rich fabrics, and brass accents – the contemporary Royal Mansour Casablanca doesn’t shy away from the hotel’s storied past. A striking staircase near the bar is a nod to the original spiral staircase where the likes of Muhammad Ali and Sean Connery were photographed back in the day. Located in the heart of the White City, the 149 rooms, suites, and private apartments (including the largest suites in town spanning up to 12,800 square feet), along with four restaurants and a two-story, 27,000-foot wellness oasis, make this renewed icon the best in town. royalmansour.com/casablanca
