BORGO FINOCCHIETO
Tuscany, Italy
This lovingly restored 800-year-old Italian hilltop village offers its guests sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside and the choice of accommodations in either the manor house or four other homes. Modern touches include a gym, swimming pool, sauna, and tennis, basketball and bocce courts. A private chef is also available, along with a concierge who can arrange custom tours and experiences. Guests can visit numerous wineries in the neighboring towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Siena; take part in truffle hunts, and sample the first olive oil of the season from local artisans. With 22 rooms, Borgo Foncchieto is ideal for groups that would like to rent the entire village.
PRICING: Prices start at about $930 per room (double occupancy.)
INFORMATION: www.borgofinocchieto.com
TRIBECA APARTMENT
New York City, New York
This two-bedroom apartment lets guest live like locals in the Big Apple within easy striking distance of great restaurants and all the seductive diversions of lower Manhattan. Still, if you want to be a homebody that’s fine, too, since there’s a private gym, a gourmet kitchen, and plenty of space for entertaining. The family-friendly apartment, in a 1920s era building that was originally a rubber factory, is served by a private elevator and offers one of the most sought-after of all New York City amenities— a roof terrace with garden. The high ceilings complement the minimalist contemporary décor with large windows offering views of sunsets across the Hudson River.
PRICING: $845 per night with a five-night minimum stay.
INFORMATION: www.onefinestay.com
THE LEWA HOUSE
Isiolo, Kenya
Located amid the vast mountains of eastern Kenya, these luxurious cottages present their guests with a splendid lodge and private-safari experience. Over the years, Lewa House has maintained its status as one of Africa’s most respected conservation communities. Guests can choose various ways to explore the local terrain and view wildlife, including horseback riding, camel trekking, biplane flights, game drives (day or night) and game walks. Or they can cool off in the swimming pool overlooking a popular waterhole that lions, zebras, rhinos, and other animals often frequent. With newly renovated cottages, along with superb meals and breathtaking views, Lewa House strives to help guests enjoy the luxury of the wild.
PRICING: Rates start at $750 per person with meals, $490 for children ages 5 to 15, and $900 for single occupancy with three-day minimum.
INFORMATION: www.bush-and-beyond.com
BULAGARI HOTEL
London, England
Bulgari’s latest hotel, in the affluent Knightsbridge neighborhood, is the first new luxury hotel to open in London in 40 years, with a sleek and glistening architectural style that pays homage to the jewelry company’s silversmith origins. The 85 rooms and suites offer views across Hyde Park with an on-site spa, gym, and lustrous swimming pool with green and gold mosaic tiles. There’s also a cigar shop and sampling lounge and a 47-seat private theater. The hotel lobby features stunning pieces from the private Bulgari collection and the hotel’s Il Bar is a popular local watering hole.
PRICING: Rooms start at about $710 (low season.) The hotel offers a two-night stay for two in a suite with butler service, a bottle of Italian wine, full English breakfast, complimentary cocktails, a unique Bulgari gift, and $100 spa credit for $2,500 a night.
INFORMATION: www.bulgarihotels.com
ALGODON MANSION
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nestled in the heart of the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, this landmark 1912 building has been impeccably designed to enhance its French Classical design. The suites are spacious—from 592 to 1,300 square feet—yet a feeling of intimacy pervades the property, giving guests the feeling that they have the run of their own private mansion, especially with the 24-hour butler staff. The hotel is affiliated with the renowned Algodon Wine Estates, and its 50-seat restaurant Chez Nous, with adjacent bar, offers a perfect place for sampling some of Argentina’s finest vintages. The rooftop terrace features a Davidoff cigar lounge and swimming pool. And the works of Eduardo Hoffman, one of Argentina’s most acclaimed artists, are displayed throughout the property.
PRICING: Suites start at about $450 per night.
INFORMATION: www.algodonmansion.com