We had a hard time saying "goodbye" to this view!
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort — guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 16-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it’s far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve.
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Beach Hotels,
Boutique Hotels,
Costa Rica,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
Romantic Hotels
Lobby at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Gansevoort Meatpacking opened in 2004, so it may be hard to believe that it’s still selling out rooms and people continue to line up at the door to be a part of the hotel’s nightlife most weekends. And yet it’s true, especially thanks to a huge 2012 renovation that has helped the hotel stay on the cutting edge with a fresh makeover (good-bye passé neon, hello sophistication). Sure, the hotel is most popular with the party set, so it may not be best for those who want a low-key, quiet getaway. But amazing rooftop views, an outdoor heated pool, an Exhale Spa offering tons of fitness classes, and delicious sushi at Toy restaurant all help solidify Gansevoort Meatpacking as one of downtown New York’s most luxurious, energetic, and vibrant hotel options. Read more about this hip spot — and see more fab photos — after the jump.
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In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
party hotels
Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon
The Altis Hotel, with 300 rooms, is the largest property in the Altis chain and is certainly one of the brand’s most luxurious hotels. Elegant rooms are a decent size with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and TVs embedded in the mirrors. A major renovation was completed in 2011, and rooms feel fresh and contemporary. The hotel’s long list of amenities includes a restaurant on the 12th floor with great city views, a cozy lobby bar, and a coffee shop. The Altis also has a health club with an indoor pool, fitness center, and several treatment rooms. While this property has a reputation as a business hotel, it also attracts tourists with its convenient location near numerous attractions. A spacious marble lobby features large art installations and plenty of space to sit. Check out more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»
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In the Spotlight,
Lisbon
by Jane on April 18, 2013
The Outdoor Pool at the East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast
This elegant B&B in East Hampton, New York is exactly what its name suggests: a house full of art. Designed and decorated by the owners, Michael and Rosalind, who combine mutual talents in art and hospitality, the Art House features just four rooms with attractive touches such as hardwood floors, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and massive flat-screen TVs. But despite its small size, the hotel boasts all the amenities of a larger property – endless communal spaces, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center, just to name a few. With attentive and friendly owners, who serve up delicious breakfasts of waffles, omelets, and fruit, the Art House has the feel of a private Hamptons home while including all of the luxuries of staying at a high-end inn. With these luxuries, of course, comes pricey rates. And now that spring has sprung, it’s time to start making your summer plans — the Art House books up fast. If the summer rates are outside of your budget, the inn remains open year-round, and with cozy features such as gas fireplaces and a waterfall whirlpool, this B&B is a great escape no matter the time of year. Wanna know more? Check out more photos of the hotel after the jump or read our review now>>
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In the Spotlight,
Summer,
The Hamptons
Beach at Sandy Lane; Barbados
Decked out in its signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is arguably the best resort in Barbados, known for its unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super-exclusive Green Monkey golf course (so that’s probably why Tiger Woods got married here). Upon arrival, the road winds through beautiful grounds and mahogany trees toward the impressive entrance and marble lobby. Once there, the staff will whisk your luggage away to your room, marked with luxe touches including Italian marble floors, plantation-style designer furniture, and state-of-the-art bathrooms. The top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are mere cherries on top. Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
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Barbados,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
Romantic Hotels
by Jane on March 21, 2013
Bedroom at The One by the Five
One by the Five gets its name because it is literally one guestroom. Clearly designed to set a romantic mood for guests, the room offers scent choices, a “love elixir” cocktail that can be made in the suite’s kitchenette, a rose petal-covered levitating bed (it’s attached to the wall but not the floor), and a common area dubbed “the dance floor,” with all-red decor and crushed velvet curtains. And though some find it cheesy, the suite still has an upscale vibe, particularly in the mod bedroom where the lighting can be dimmed down so that the ceiling glows with a twinkling starlight effect. A flat-screen TV, iPod dock, and free Wi-Fi are also on offer. There are literally no features at this one-room property, but room service is available, there are several restaurants within walking distance, and guests have a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»
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Boutique Hotels,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
Paris,
Romantic Hotels
Lobby at Esperanza Resort
This beautiful, luxurious 57-room resort is one of the nicest in Los Cabos, and offers more of a home-y vibe than other high-end properties in the area. Handsome, tastefully rooms start at 925 square feet, and are decorated in traditional Baja style, with authentic artwork and wood detailing. They come with high-end electronics and decadent bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs), but the private terraces are arguably the highlight; all have at least partial ocean views (many have jaw-dropping ocean views), and some have Jacuzzis. The beach is secluded and gorgeous, but the large waves and rough reefs make it unfit for swimming. The resort’s pools are top-notch, though, and pool staff offers free treats (like ice pops and fresh fruit) every hour. Since it’s a smaller resort, guests get a decent amount of individual attention. Although not much is within walking distance, the resort provides plenty for guests to do on-site, including several dining/drinking options and an art gallery. Read More »
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Cabo San Lucas,
In the Spotlight,
Los Cabos
The Flat at the Jasmine house Inn, Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for some old-world charm, check out the Jasmine House Inn, located in a tony downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina. The hotel is actually a converted 19th century mansion, and features 12 rooms with as much vintage allure as there are modern innovations. Think 15-foot ceilings and hardwood floors juxtaposed against flat-screen televisions and fast, free Wi-Fi. Most notable is the highly stylized décor (everything matches), including patterned rugs and floral wallpaper. Freebies include continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres – but parking is not included.
Read the full review>>
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Boutique Hotels,
Charleston,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels
by Jane on February 7, 2013
The lobby has numerous corners for lounging and chatting.
The newest hotel on Atlantic City’s boardwalk, Revel is a pristine luxury property with a smoke-free policy that helps keep its casino fresh and airy. The spacious rooms are top-notch: All feature ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows, sexy bathrooms with double vanities and large showers, and tech-friendly amenities such as massive flat-screen TVs, remote-controlled lights and shades, free Wi-Fi, and even door sensors that let staff know when room service carts have been pushed into the hallway. The resort has everything that other luxury properties in Atlantic City offer, such as numerous celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, several nightclubs, a theater, a pool, and a beautiful spa, but Revel offers a more serene vibe. Plus, it has the celeb factor: Beyonce and Kanye West (who infamously announced Kim Kardashian’s pregnancy during a performance at the hotel), and even Michelle Obama, have all stayed here. Like at other resorts, however, the restaurants are overpriced and there are long lines at the nightclubs, but fist-pumping locals and visiting bachelor and bachelorette parties would argue that it’s worth the wait. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now »
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Atlantic City,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels
The Gale South Beach
In the 1940s, Gale South Beach and Regent Hotel stood on Collins Avenue, one of South Beach’s main Art Deco drags. Two months ago, just in time for Art Basel, the two properties re-opened as one very hip, very retro hotel. From the young team that remodeled the historic Shelborne Hotel (just down the street), Gale’s brand new interiors – the restoration clocked in at $35 million — manage to maintain the vibe of a bygone era, while also reaching modern luxury standards. Black-and-white photos (many pulled from ‘40s and ‘50s archives) line hallways and adorn rooms; terrazzo lines the lobby floor; and outdoor signage replicates the hotels’ originals to a T.
Along with a flurry of other hip, boutique openings on Collins Avenue lately (SLS Hotel South Beach and The James Royal Palm, for example), it’s clear that Gale’s serious focus on cocktails, socializing, and retro style will make it a major player with the in-crowd.
Take a photo tour after the jump and keep your eyes peeled for the full review, coming to Oyster.com soon!
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In the Spotlight,
Miami,
South Beach
