Palatial Pads around the world
Join me, if you will, on a magical journey of self-inflicted envy and jealousy as I find some of the most palatial hotels and villas I can’t afford (but wish I could)!
Why would one take this journey? Because some of these places are truly amazing and, despite the envy, spark the travel fire inside us all.
Let’s start this journey close to home – Tasmania! If, like me, you immediately think of Tasmania as being dull and really cold then prepare to be stunned. The Saffire Freycinet, located in the Freycinet National Park, reminds me of just how beautiful our backyard can be. With a lobby and lounge area set over Coles Bay, you can take in the view through what I can only guess is a 20 metre high glass wall – nothing says luxury like a wall of glass, right?!
Saffire Freycinet lounge
The suites are something to behold. Drawing on Scandinavian design, they pair exposed stone tiled walls with dark hardwood floors and practical, yet impeccably styled furniture. If like me, you have to have a king bed and an amazing shower experience (judged by 5 factors, one of which is foot feel), then you’ll be in love with these suites. Each comes with a “bespoke king bed” which to me translates to “sleepy-time awesomeness”, and a glass-encased double shower which I can only imagine to have a foot feel of 12/10.
When (if) I stay here I’ll start my escape the moment I walk off the plane and into Saffire’s very own airport lounge – where I’ll indulge myself, while waiting for Saffire’s chauffeured limousine service to whisk me away to my suite. Also, chocolate – lots of chocolate (we are in Cadbury country after all).
Signature Suite bathroom
So where to next I hear you ask? Well of course we need to go somewhere exotic after our relaxed retreat to the Tasmanian wilderness; and what’s with all the questions? This is my post.
Off to Argentina we go; to bustling Buenos Aires and the Faena Hotel. With a long history dating back to 1902, this local landmark is truly old-world palatial with regal red and ivory white being a consistent palette throughout the entire place. The rooms are appointed with fine (again, mostly red and white) leather furniture and claw-foot everything (bed, bath, couch, day bed.)
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
While the rooms are gorgeous, I’d be more interested in exploring the plethora of bars, restaurants, spas and on-site live entertainment. In the afternoon I’d retire to the Library Lounge and sip fine whisky, and maybe listen to a piano sonata or two. I’d then tempt fate in El Bistro – a gloriously/dangerously white restaurant, serving mouth-watering pasta dishes that I would undoubtedly not only spill over myself, but also the white…everything!
El Bistro restaurant
The next day I would reclaim my dignity in the spa – oh the spa… The completely marble Hammam (Turkish style steam bath) reminds me of opulence not seen since ancient Greece. Dimly lit by candles, it’s the perfect place to take a secluded break and think… probably about whether they have their own claw-foot factory because those things are on everything – they’re even in the spa.
Check it out here.
Leaving Argentina, we hop aboard what would be a new A380 – business class, of course – and head east, or west; I have no idea what the flight path would be, but if I was in business class I wouldn’t care!
Across an ocean to China we go – to the Moller Villa Hotel in Downtown Shanghai. Now this interesting hotel is very palatial indeed; it’s an old mansion come hotel. Being over 70 years old, and of a northern European design, this beautifully restored hotel has the warm and inviting charm of a snow capped town in Sweden, but is surrounded by the metropolis that is Shanghai – a juxtaposition found throughout many Chinese provinces. This hotel applies the minimalist ethos of northern Europe in its decor; warm hardwood flaws are complemented with light earth-tone walls and finished off with just a touch of luxury in the form of a chandelier. In fact, I’m pretty sure every room has a chandelier.
Moller Villa Hotel Shanghai
The stained glass skylights and balustrades on the central stair case tell a distinguished history. This hotel feels like the lingering warmth of a long hug, after a busy day. It’s a simple indulgence that you crave when you need an escape. So while it may not have the wall of glass, or claw-feet everywhere, it does have chandeliers and a sense of homeliness. See it for yourself.
Outside view Moller Villa Hotel
But, alas, this journey, like all others, must come to an end and our visit to Shanghai marks the closing of our magical journey, and our return to reality. If like me this journey has made you realise exactly how desperate you are for a holiday, I have two words for you: Chocolate or Travel. I’ll be taking the chocolate option for the time being, and continue to torture myself looking at places I long to visit – maybe we can do this again sometime?
Have you stayed in a palatial pad? Tell us about it!
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