By Karen Loftus
Hotels and hideaways have long provided a great base and backdrop for romance, illicit or otherwise. Once in your own private oasis, away from the demands of everyday life, romance is on the rise and senses are easily aroused. This summer you’ve got six top notch properties and six sexy directions to head in on the global road that are sure to seduce the senses.
SMELL
Se San Diego Hotel - So Cal’s Sultry Culture
As you drive in to San Diego you can’t help but smell that salty, seductive sea air as the beach beckons. Before you dip your toes in the nearby sand, slink in to the sexy doors of Se San Diego, a contemporary Asian Oasis in the heart of downtown San Diego. Reserve room for romance in one of the 161 rooms or opt for one of their 3 Penthouses where you can see both city and sea.
For the evening’s appetizer start with a visit to Se Spa, where you enjoy a mutual Moroccan Rasul, shrouded in smooth silky mud or reserve their private suite, Studio Sutra, designed for couples. Go for a Body Double massage or Puja Ritual, a couple’s massage and an aromatic soaking tub for two.
Now take your voracious appetites to Suite and Tender, their signature restaurant. Chef Anthony Calamari provides a dizzying dinner display with his blinding Bacon Braised Pork Belly, which wows the table. Finish with his Crispy Seared Sea Bass and try not to fight over his Black Truffle Mac & Cheese. Try. Finish your evening with signature cocktails in Siren, their rooftop bar. Then it’s sweet and sexy dreaming with the cityscape surrounding your suite. In the morning, tantalize those toes. Their private luxury car service will scoot you to the water’s edge.
Se San Diego:
619-515-3000
www.sesandiego.com
email us
TASTE
Miraflores Park Hotel– The Seduction of South America
Foodie enthusiasts from across the globe are pouring in to Peru’s capital city of Lima to celebrate and savor its innovative culinary culture. For the tasteful couple in search of seduction both on and off the plate check in to Miraflores Park Hotel. This Orient Express property in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Miraflores is the city’s sexiest and most sophisticated hotel. Start sampling the flavors of this hotel with a couple’s hot stone massage in Zest Spa before heading down to Mesa 18, the evocative open air restaurant set on the ground floor, surrounded by a lush garden. Chef Frederic Ziegler who hails from Michelin starred restaurants in France will taunt with his Octopus Carpaccio, Duck Tasting of Foie Gras, breast and confit and Baby Lamb Shoulder with Olive Gnocchi or his grilled Amazonian Paiche Fish with mango vinaigrette and shrimp oil. Opt to have your late libation, the country’s cocktail, a Pisco Sour in your Presidential Suite. You can sip back in your private Jacuzzi, on your outdoor terrace, or in your infinity pool.Savor your last indulgence, waking up to the crashing of waves while being surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Miraflores Park Hotel:
51 1 610 4000
www.miraflorespark.com
FEEL
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea – An Arabian Adventure
The desert has long provided a profound feeling for spiritual seekers, travelers and explorers alike. From the silkiness of the sand to the stillness that surrounds you, it easily entices. After your authentic Arabian exploration of Wadi Rum and a close encounter with Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, pull your modern chariot up to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar. You’ll feel a natural high as you enter the lowest point on earth at the world’s greatest natural spa, The Dead Sea. Cover yourselves in natural mud and float effortlessly in the serenity of The Dead Sea while the sun slowly and dramatically slips away. Slink indoors to the Kempinski’s Anatara Spa, one of the world’s top spas for a Hammam Ritual for both mind and spirit. Then retire to your room, suite or a royal villa fit for a king with a private treatment room, Jacuzzi, sauna, masseur, butler, luxury car and chauffeur to complement the royal beachfront property. The Babylonian design has housed Arabian and European royals and cinematic stars who call this oasis home while in the Middle East. You’ll never see them as privacy is paramount in this labyrinth of luxury.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: +962-5-356-8888
www.kempinski.com/en/deadsea
HEAR
Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere Paris – Fluent in French
Everyone knows that Paris is one of the sexiest and most romantic places on the planet. One only needs to hear a hint of Edith Piaf in the background to evoke images of France and a sensual Parisian lifestyle. It’s all too common to see intertwined lovers outside the Louvre, lying beside the Seine or floating along the Champs-Elysees. Perfectly positioned on the fashionable corner of Champs-Elysees and Avenue George V is Hotel Fouquet Barriere. Attached to the legendary Fouquet’s Brasserie, the Parisian Palace styled hotel opened its doors in 2006. Famous French architect Francois seamlessly fused old with new to create this contemporary masterpiece while world-renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia created a lavish art deco and empire design in the 107 well-appointed rooms and suites.
Garcia’s design together with the mini spas in each bathroom and the 100% soundproof rooms make it easy to get lost in love and leave the outside world behind. Do make it a point to branch out and brunch on the outside terrace of Le Diane restaurant by day or fine dine by night. Grab a swim in the indoor pool or hit the world famous Boulevard that beckons below. It is Paris after all, the city of love full of fine wine and evocative music.
Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere:
01 40 69 60 00
www.fouquets-barriere.com
SEE
Aman at Summer Palace – Summer Loving
If you were in search of a palatial Asian estate to call your own, look no further than Aman at Summer Palace. This picturesque property away from Beijing’s bustling city center is adjacent to the 250-year old World Heritage site, The Summer Palace. The stunning aesthetics and design are a mix of original dwellings used for guests of the Summer Palace at the turn of the twentieth century together with Ming Dynasty inspired design. After a week of touring, retreat for a few days to an exclusive deluxe or imperial suite with private spa treatment rooms, enclosed courtyards, spacious bathrooms with island bathtubs, private dining areas and Ming Dynasty inspired bedrooms. Venture out in to the lush, luxury property as it is so vast and expansive you’ll feel you have it to yourself. The spa is otherworldly with traditional and holistic offerings. Be sure to explore their world class culinary offerings in The Chinese, Japanese or Western Restaurant or in the peaceful and romantic Reflection Pavilion overlooking the pond. Succulent signature cocktails are meticulously prepared at the bar. The wine cellar was created with world class collectors in mind. It is sure to please the most discerning of palates. This palatial property was designed for rest, relaxation and unrivaled romance.
Summer Palace:
94 777 743500
www.amanresorts.com
SPIRITUAL
Sindabezi – African Queen
Zambia has recently been coined the real Africa. With that comes real romance in many forms. After a flight in to Livingstone, grab a private transfer to sister property Tongabezi, where you catch a boat ride across the flood plains of the Zambezi River to the idyllic private island of Sindabezi. The local staff will warmly welcome you with a dance at the property,which is romantically lit by candles and hurricane lamps.This luxury bush camp has five well-appointed open thatched cottages overlooking the water complete with bear claw bath tubs and a soul sating silence. Dining can be arranged in or near your chalet, with a planned picnic on a nearby private island, on a boat or on a floating dock where you’ll enjoy African wines and a fresh, locally sourced, pristine cuisine.
Thrill seekers can fly over nearby Victoria Falls by helicopter or simply live like an African King and Queen on property.
Sindabezi:
+ 260 213 327450
www.tongabezi.com
