As you may have surmised in Part 1 of this mini-series (and the fact that there are multiple parts!), Luxe by ALG Vacations® has a reach that extends far beyond what travel advisors are accustomed to booking with our brands. In fact, the geographic spread is even farther than the usual high-end destination stand-bys, extending into Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and more … as you’ll learn as you keep reading with the second edition of how far Luxe can take you.
Indonesia
Many travelers have Bali on their bucket list without even realizing that it’s just one part of Indonesia. However, it’s the most famous destination in that country, and the most posh, which is why Luxe has a whopping six qualified properties available there. Under the Alila umbrella, an upscale chain founded in Indonesia in 2001, there’s the oceanfront Alila Seminyak, Ubud overlooking the Ayung River and jungle, and the private, sumptuous Villas Uluwatu.
More recognizable to American travelers, the Grand Hyatt Bali and Hyatt Regency Bali, both of which are close to the airport and on top of a beach. And last but not least, InterContinental Bali Resort rounds this island out.
Israel
In trendy, hip Tel Aviv, three outstanding hotels wow with their Luxe qualifications. Publica Isrotel, Autograph Collection is known as a trendy urban hotel in Herzliya, and The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya offers another option on the Mediterranean coast, overlooking the marina. The Jaffa, A Luxury Collection Hotel is also a great choice for modern travelers, with sleek interiors that provide an incredible contrast to the 19th century complex in the enchanting walled city of Jaffa, blending both old and new.
Japan
A destination that’s been long sitting atop a pedestal for Western travel consciousness, Japan is a country known to be ahead of the curve, gently and discreetly hospitable, and innately civilized – one of the most polished cultures in the world. Therefore, it’s a matter of course that there are several Luxe-qualified hotels in this country, making it possible to experience its most major cities in refined style.
In the capital, there are nine options in Tokyo, including brands like Kimpton (Shinjuku Tokyo), Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt options, plus selections from the Marriott Autograph Collection, Conrad, InterContinental, and Andaz. Make it a multi-stop with The St. Regis Osaka, and choose from The Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt, and Hyatt Regency in Kyoto to make it worth the long-haul flight.
Jordan
Jordan is famous for its ruins in Petra, the archeological wonder in the desert, but for more modern travelers, Amman is where they want to spend the bulk of their visit. The capital’s lively nightlife is a draw to the young, the glamorous, and the well-heeled from wealthy Arab countries and visitors from Europe. That’s why there are four well-established properties there that fell easily within the Luxe by ALG Vacations® collection.
Grand Hyatt Amman has been a top choice for visiting dignitaries, global statesmen, and the like since it opened in 1999, and the The Ritz-Carlton Amman appeals to upscale leisure travelers. There, don’t miss taking part of the daily sunset Olive Tree Ceremony. The St. Regis Amman is a tough competitor for the luxury market and boasts an extensive art collection by artists from the Levant. Generally, vacationers love the InterContinental Amman for the largest rooftop in the city.
For a city-and-sea stay, add on nights at Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Aqaba. It’s the only resort there to qualify for Luxe inclusion and earns that designation as the first five-star property in the ancient port with Frette linens, a private lagoon and beach, and complimentary access to the seasonal water park.
Kenya
Some people think traveling to Kenya and experiencing the wildlife of that country might require roughing it a bit on safari. Those people would be wrong, as the opulent boutique Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection hotel stands out in the Luxe portfolio for its elegance. Located in the Westlands in the heart of Nairobi, this property prides itself on curating tailor-made experiences for guests, conveniently located near The Village Market, a rooftop pool and bar, and Club amenities, so you can return from a jaunt through Nairobi National Park to comfort and class.
Malaysia
Okay, perhaps Malaysia’s inclusion on this list oughtn’t be a surprise – it’s well known as a luxury tourism destination. But we wanted to call it out as perhaps not quite as top of mind as other Asian countries on its level, such as Macau and Singapore.
In Kuala Lumpur, Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur make the elite list, the first a high-rise oasis in an affluent suburb rife with upscale galleries and international restaurants; the second overlooking the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and its famous sky bridge, near the convention center, and within walking distance of the Golden Triangle shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Qatar
Another unsurprising destination for Luxe by ALG Vacations® to land in, this wealthy nation has been fast setting the pace for high-end luxury development. However, we’ve included it in the “unexpected” category since many travel advisors aren’t aware that ALGV’s international reach extends all the way into the Arabian Peninsula.
Eight gorgeous properties were selected to be a part of the Luxe program: Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa; Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection; Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas; InterContinental Doha – The City; Park Hyatt Doha; The Ritz-Carlton Doha; The St. Regis Doha; and The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar. Each of these are destinations in and of themselves, but should you choose to venture out from the lap of luxury of these properties, it’s worthwhile to dip a toe in the Persian Gulf, learn about its pearling and fishing history, and the Bedouin tribe culture of the desert beyond.
