If you’ve been following this mini-series on where in the world you can find Luxe by ALG Vacations®, you already know that far-flung doesn’t have to mean a trade-off for a more rustic way of life. There are so many parts of the world where you can have your delectable cake and eat it, too, especially with the help of the Luxe Concierge consultants who are standing by to find cake in any flavor your high-end clients may want, whether it’s sky-high, airy, and light like that in South Africa, or in the form of sticky mango rice pudding as you might get in Thailand.
Both of these countries are offer incredible stays that fit the Luxe parameters. Keep reading to find out where we recommend staying in the last six “Unexpectedly Luxe Spots by ALG Vacations®,” finishing up a three-part mini-series.
Seychelles
Pronounced say-SHELZ – nearly (and fittingly!) like “seashells” – this island nation off the coast of East Africa is the dream luxury beach destination where if you know, you know. Their tagline is “Another world,” and the experience lives up to that claim. Each island in the chain is different from another, but share in common a wild, rustic feel, raw with natural charm, and gorgeous shorefronts that extend beyond imagination.
Beyond the colonial-style mansions in town, find Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, an inspiration to James Bond creator Ian Fleming; Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, which offers direct access to the Aquarium of Wonders from only 41 exquisite rooms and suites; and private island resort North Island, A Luxury Collection Resort in the Luxe portfolio. These are all located in the area of Victoria, a prime area along the Indian Ocean.
South Africa
Located at the very tip of the continent, home of the turning point for the Western World, the Cape of Good Hope, this country is an experience of a lifetime. It’s a safari trip if you plan to visit Kruger National Park; a wine-lover’s romantic escape if you go to Stellenbosch and Paarl; a city romp in Cape Town or Johannesburg; and an iconic beach and surf vacation in Muizenberg.
But if you stay in a Luxe by ALG Vacations® hotel, it’s a glamorous, upscale getaway no matter where you go. In Cape Town, the Hyatt Regency Cape Town places you right in the middle of the trendy Bo-Kaap neighborhood, walking distance to the Cape Quarter Village, and within spitting distance of the dining districts of Long and Bree Streets … all within view of Table Mountain.
In Johannesburg, opt for Africa Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection or Hyatt Regency Johannesburg. The latter places you in upscale Rosebank, while the former is contemporary, stylish, and right downtown.
South Korea
Is there anywhere trendier, hotter, and more glamorous to visit than South Korea right now? This country’s culture – from Kpop to skincare to KBBQ – has become all the rage here in the States, and the real deal is even better. ALG Vacations® offers three Luxe choices in Seoul, the heart of all of the action: Andaz Seoul Gangnam, Grand Hyatt Seoul, and Park Hyatt Seoul.
Grand Hyatt Seoul is considered iconic in the central city, mere minutes from downtown, Myeongdong, and Itaewon, with views of the Han River and Mount Namsan from its location. Its sister, Park Hyatt Seoul, like the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, was built in the Gangnam district for immersion into that high-end shopping, art, fine dining, and fast-moving business lifestyle.
Thailand
For a small land, Thailand is huge with experiences. Most people are familiar with the main city of Bangkok, where our picks are Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, and Park Hyatt Bangkok. For beach stays, Phuket is on many a wish list, which ALG Vacations® fulfills with booking guests at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort and InterContinental Phuket Resort. But don’t forget to build in stays at Koh Samui and Pattaya as well … or as alternative options.
Pattaya offers Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, and this city is also known for its stunning beaches, its quiet fishing village aesthetic now developed into high-rise resorts, nightlife venues, shopping, and golf. But the old world is never far off – others stay here to see the famous golden Buddha at nearby Wat Phra Yai Temple.
Koh Samui also gives you easy access to the same Buddha, but provides a much more laid back, beach retreat feel. For city and sea, try Pattaya, but for just coastal carefree and barefoot luxury, stay at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui or Kimpton Kitalay Samui.
Turkiye
Istanbul was once known as Constantinople, the stronghold of the Byzantine Empire, same as Turkiye was only just years ago called Turkey. Changes like these are par for the course for a land with such history, whose streets date back to thousands of years of influence and evolution. But through it all, a constant has been a commitment to luxury. After all, it’s always been a coveted seat for nobility and conquerors. That’s why in one city alone, you can find four Luxe by ALGV properties to recommend.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus stands out for its location right before the waterway, deep within the Sultanahmet Old City. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is just as close – right on the banks of the Bosphorus, but a few minutes farther from the center’s attractions in order to offer better views of them.
In the “newer” part of the city, near Taksim Square, there’s Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas, that delivers authentic tradition by way of authentic Turkish baths in 25 of its 90 rooms. The St. Regis Istanbul also offers a more modern vibe and location – in the posh Nişantaşı district, close to designer boutiques and the Dolmabahçe Palace.
United Arab Emirates
Known also solely as the Emirates, this West Asian/Middle Eastern country at the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula has become nearly synonymous with wealth, opulence, and grandeur, thanks to its oil trade and healthy relationship with the U.S. In fact, developers in this flashy country are so eager to outdo themselves – and each other – that a whopping 26 hotels and resorts made it into the ALGV Luxe list. These are split across two of the most desirable cities in this elective monarchy of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital, and Dubai, an international hub.
Find brand names like Anantara, Atlantis, Bulgari, Conrad, Grand Hyatt, Grosvenor House, InterContinental, Nikki Beach, Taj, The Ritz Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and The St. Regis among a selection that doesn’t fail to impress.
