BELMOND CAP JULUCA
Beach lovers, rejoice: The Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla recently re-opened after extensive renovations—and the result is what vacations are made of. That is: A white sand beach, stunning water views, villas with private pools and seafood served sea-side, with the chance to unplug and relax against a truly gorgeous background.
Just 20 minutes from the airport, Belmond Cap Juluca occupies an enviable location right on Maundays Bay, a stretch of turquoise beach on the western side of the island. The resort is Belmond’s second property in the Caribbean, with the first on the island of nearby Saint Martin.
The property’s description of its “barefoot luxury” couldn’t be more accurate—and can be felt throughout the resort, from the green-tiled pool to the limestone floors to the 108 rooms and suites, which all overlook the ocean. The rooms, suites and villas are outfitted in whites and grey and other neutrals, with pops of blue and green, which all feature a private terrace (equipped with lounge chairs that are just begging to be napped on), while others allow you to walk straight out to the beach.
Let’s start with the colors: From the white Greco-Moorish buildings to the blue of the water to the botanical designs and greenery throughout the resort, the surroundings alone can quickly transport you to a place of pure chill. Then, add everything else: While relaxing can easily get top billing, lots other cool offerings abound. There are pedal bikes and turquoise VW vans to take you around the resort; to relax and re-set, there’s a spa, The Arawak Spa (with its own pool!), and 24-hour fitness center; and a resident yoga instructor to lead classes throughout the day. Plus, there’s a whole slew of activities to tug at the heartstrings of water lovers, like kayaking and snorkeling, and sports fanatics, like golf and basketball. When it comes to drinking and dining, there are four options: the signature Pimms, which offers a chance to try local eats, the Cap Shack with its vintage food truck, where you can sip on a cocktail while you dig your feet into the sand, as well as Maundays Club, serving Peruvian tapas and Cip’s by Cipriani.
When you’re ready to jet off to the beach, booking through F1S will earn you a welcome treat, breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit, and complimentary upgrade at check-in, if available.
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ONE DALTON STREET
This new hotel marks the second Four Seasons property in Boston and is located in the heart of Back Bay—steps from global business, art and music. With a focus on wellness—including an entire floor dedicated to the hotel’s spa, pool and fitness center—and great dining options, you’ll love what’s on offer, whether you’re visiting the city for business or just for fun.
The 61-story glass skyscraper makes for a great home base. The hotel is about half an hour from Boston’s Logan Airport, close to the T (that’s the metro system, for first-timers) and is a quick walk to must-see spots, like Newbury Street and Fenway Park, as well as to the many great restaurants, museums and concert halls in Back Bay itself.
Sleek and modern are the words the hotel uses to describe itself—and the description is spot on. From the glass façade of the property to the sophisticated offerings inside, the vibe is chic and lux. There are 215 rooms and suites—with a number of “specialty suites,” including the 1300-square-foot Charles Suite, which features an 8-person dining room and the 1600-square foot Presidential Suite, which sits on the 21st floor and comes complete with a grand piano (impromptu concert, anyone?). The rooms themselves boast floor-to-ceiling windows, offering spectacular city views, with lots of white, greys and wood tones throughout. Along with the hotel rooms, there are privately-owned residences as well, should you decide you really never want to leave.
Nothing beats having a stylish place to stay when you’re visiting a city, whether the trip is for business or pleasure. And this hotel checks off all those boxes. The “guitar pick” shape itself, as we’ve mentioned, begs to be recognized, as do the floor-to-ceiling windows and the art throughout the property. One of the coolest features, perfect for either unwinding post-business meeting or relaxing after a day of walking The Freedom Trail: “The Wellness Floor at One Dalton,” the seventh floor wellness sanctuary where you can try everything from cryotherapy to a massage with custom-mixed essential oils in one of the spa’s five treatment rooms to the 24-hour fitness center to the on-site salon. Of course, no city escape would be complete without some great food. And even in a city with lots of terrific dining options, the choices at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston leave their mark—and that includes its signature restaurant, Zuma. This location marks the 12th for the restaurant, where you’ll not only find Japanese favorites along with over 70 (!) sake variations. In addition to Zuma, there’s One + One, for breakfast and lunch, and on tap is the Trifecta Bar (opening fall 2019). Rounding out the offerings? Seven meetings and event rooms, where you can host everything from a conference to a wedding.
Booking with First in Service means you’ll get breakfast for two (which you can have in your room or at the restaurant), a $100 hotel credit, a room upgrade, if available, and a welcome note at check-in.
Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville
ROCCO FORTE HOTEL DE LA VILLE
In Rome, the past and present meld seamlessly—and what better way to experience both then with a stay in a renovated 18th century palazzo? That’s exactly you’ll get at this Rocco Forte property—its second in the city—which is as sophisticated as it is stylish.
Right on Via Sistina, the hotel is atop the iconic Spanish Steps—and is close to many must-see spots, like the Trevi Fountain and Via Condotti, a high-end shopping mecca. About 45 minutes from Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, and about 15 minutes from the Roma Termini train station (if you’re continuing your Italian adventure elsewhere), the hotel is situated to help you make the most of your visit.
Classic Italian elegance is on display at this timeless property, where much of the design gives a nod to “The Grand Tour” of the 1700s, which no doubt took travelers through the Eternal City herself. There are 104 guest rooms and suites, outfitted in traditional yellows, greens, and red, with lush, velvety fabrics, handmade wallpaper and traditional furnishings—some of which have their own private terraces. The three “signature suites” offers guests everything from a walk-in closet in the Canova Suite to a private elevator that brings you directly to the Suite de la Ville. The center courtyard offers the chance to relax, when you’re not people watching in a nearby piazza.
They don’t call it “la bella vita” for nothing, and the lifestyle is definitely up for grabs at this property, which includes a slew of restaurants and bars, plus a spa and lots of other lux amenities. On the dining front, which is overseen by Fulvio Pierangelini, the Michelin-starred Creative Director of Food for the hotel brand, there’s the signature Mosaico restaurant, with its romantic courtyard seating and Mediterranean menu. (The cool black-and-white geometric tiles definitely deserve a shot out, too.) And when it’s time for an aperitivo, head to Cielo, the rooftop bar—cielo means sky in Italian, so expect great views—where the red-striped furnishings are reminiscent of an Italian beach resort photographed by Gray Malin. As far as wellness offerings, the De La Ville spa has five treatment rooms for facials and the like, as well as a thermal suite which includes a “Mediterranean salt inhalation room.” At the spa, you’ll find the exclusive Irene Forte Skincare products—they’re in guest rooms, too—which are infused with botanicals from the organic farm at Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort in Sicily. Also on hand: A fitness center and hydropool. Hosting an event or get-together? There are options for private dining, meetings—and even the courtyard can be reserved for up to 150 people.
Book directly with First in Service to receive breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, an upgrade if available—as well as to maximize your time with early check-in and late check-out.