< Previous120 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 THE ESCAPE OUTDOOR SLUMBER Located in Savaneta, the quieter side of Aruba, is Aruba Ocean Villas. The property houses seven of the most luxurious over-the-water villas in the Western Hemisphere, all with an open-air concept allowing guests to literally embrace the elements. Stay at the two-storey penthouse, Potcho Potcho, and spend your time lounging indoors or relaxing on the outdoor bed in the ocean breeze. Cool off with a dip in your personal plunge pool, the outdoor stone bathtub, or in the crystal blue Caribbean Sea that serves as your backyard. arubaoceanvillas.com The Aruba over-water villas with open-air designs deliver total immersion in nature HBI_059_120-121_Escape News_13060037.indd 12005/12/2023 11:52121 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 Our top picks to whet your appetite for travel, beauty and fashion NEWS NATURE’S CURE Under a canopy of trees, nestled at the foot of Mount Daimonji (a short walk from the gilded Kinkaku-ji ‘golden pavilion’), in the mountains high above the teahouses and temples, Aman Kyoto welcomes guests into its garden of otherworldly delights, fusing Mother Nature’s greatest attributes with Japanese tradition and craftsmanship. It’s a place where upon arrival you’ll feel her infl uence instantaneously; the natural healing properties soothe away everyday anxieties and melt stress. aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto escape MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC Settle into the tranquillity of The Maybourne Riviera, where gentle temperatures, crystalline waters, and exceptional living converge. Home to 66 sun-soaked rooms, this modernist gem combines artistry, culinary excellence and ultimate comfort, all in the embrace of the azure Mediterranean. maybourneriviera.com WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS Jacket, POA, Loro Piana Vintage bag at Sotheby’s, POA, Chanel Icon Glance silver satin boots, Dhs975, Moon Boot Earrings, Dhs12,500, Tiff any & Co. Cassidy ski goggles, Dhs1,180, Chloé The Maybourne Riviera’s modernist architecture is inspired by the rocky peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Paying contemporary homage to traditional Japanese Ryokan inns, Aman Kyoto’s rooms embrace a minimalist style HBI_059_120-121_Escape News_13060037.indd 12105/12/2023 11:53122 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 This spacious suite boasts access to a panoramic rooftop terrace with a private seven-metre-long swimming pool PANORAMIC PARADISE Channel Marie Antoinette by upping the ante and checking into the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai’s new royal penthouse HBI_059_122-123_Escape_MandarinOriental_13078980.indd 12205/12/2023 11:54123 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 The ESCAPE Over-the-top has become de rigueur in Dubai. So, it’s quite an achievement for a new reveal to cause a stir. And that’s exactly what the 850-square-metre split level royal penthouse, perched on the summit of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira has gone and done. Looking to impress? Want to feel like you’re revelling in the ultimate luxury location? Here’s the answer. Case in point; the private seven-metre plunge pool and accompanying sunbathing piscine, which are the focal point of the penthouse terrace and look out onto panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Beside them, a large sunken dining and fi re pit lounge is ready and waiting for celebratory gatherings. Nice as this is to experience solo, this al fresco space is made for entertaining. Not to be outdone, the indoors of the suite have everything a VIP visitor could ask for. Th ere is the expansive king-size bed and adjacent pair of valet walk-in wardrobes. Th e en-suite marble bathroom comes complete with a steam room, a large walk-in shower and a deep soak tub with wide window views of the sea – it’s like having your own private spa, complete with LED lights and Bose speakers. Other necessities to be ticked off the essentials list? A dining room that seats 16 comfortably, with a neighbouring chef ’s kitchen and a bar fully prepped for a mixologist to take centre stage. Beyond this, a private gym outfi tted with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment allows for a workout between time spent catching rays at the pool, and responding to emails in the kitted-out offi ce. Th e overarching look and feel of the penthouse, which is reached by a private elevator of course, is of refi ned understated luxury. Th e interior decor is an elevated mix of modern furniture and high-tech amenities. All of it, crafted in soothing hues of blue, grey and cream to complement the views from the fl oor-to-ceiling windows. Th e fi nal result of all of this attention to detail is that, in a city accustomed to sprawling penthouses and spectacular suites, this penthouse has secured its spot as the ultimate luxury sanctuary. mandarinoriental.com WORDS BY NA TASHA F ARUQUE, IMAGES COUR TESY OF MANDARIN ORIENT AL JUMEIRA The elegant master bedroom features a wrap-around balcony, grand dining area and a large en-suite marble bathroom The living room is the ideal place to unwind with fl oor-to-ceiling windows which project onto unobstructed sea views HBI_059_122-123_Escape_MandarinOriental_13078980.indd 12305/12/2023 11:54124 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 RETURN TO WHOLENESS A guamadera, derived from the Spanish words for water and wood, is a secluded home away from home. It’s a place, which fi rst opened in early 2023, that guests visit to connect with like-spirited individuals, nature and themselves. Located across 27 acres of land, on a hill adorned in pine trees and olive groves, near Cala Llonga, this 19th-century colonial fi nca, or farmhouse, was renovated by Iria Urgell Calderón of the Pacha group and hotelier, Pablo Fernández-Valdés. Th e agritourism hotel boasts stunning vistas of the valley and is surrounded by a sloping garden of fruits, vegetables and herbal medicines. Th e main house features seven rooms, while there are fi ve larger suites in the corrals, the outbuildings that once housed livestock. Some rooms have a fi replace, Ibiza might be known for its parties, tourists and a buzzing nightlife, but wellness retreat Aguamadera shows visitors a new side to the Spanish island Ibiza Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands, off ers a haven for rejuvenation A palette of wood tones with variations in warmth enlivens the space HBI_059_124-125_Escape_ibiza_13074389.indd 12405/12/2023 11:55125 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 The ESCAPE WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF AGUAMADERA IBIZA private terrace, and swimming pool. Th e theme throughout the hotel is apparent – minimalist, earthy tones, natural features, terracotta fl oors, dry stone, wooden furniture, linens and jute carpets. Aguamadera marries minimalism and natural materials to enhance relaxation felt by guests, with a focus on food, nature, holistic living and art. Instead of off ering the stereotypical techno music that party-goers fl ock to on the island, the retreat off ers special events, workshops and exhibits to celebrate the talent of various types of artists. Th e main building also displays rotating works by local artists. Th e property prides itself in off ering a genuine and raw focus on holistic, non-invasive living. Th e programme is described as being designed with ‘the human being, its physiology, and the energetic body’ at the heart of it all. Here, the motto is that every guest is able to return to wholeness. Th rough off erings such as non-invasive aesthetic treatments, massages, sound meditations, breathwork exercises, fi tness routines and meals cooked with fresh, regional ingredients, Aguamadera hopes that every guest fi nds an aspect that heals them during their stay. Come for the getaway – and leave with a healthier version of yourself. aguamaderaibiza.com From left: Understated, minimalist aesthetics create a serene atmosphere; Earthen tones seamlessly blend the property into its organic surroundings Textures drawn from nature are evident in the materiality of design elements within the rooms From left: Clutter-free design, with an essentials-only approach ushers in tranquility; Poolside repose at its best HBI_059_124-125_Escape_ibiza_13074389.indd 12505/12/2023 11:56126 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 IMAGES: SUPPLIED Geneva SWISS GEM Unforgettable river views and nature-inspired beauty await at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s newly redesigned rooms Mandarin Oriental, Geneva delivers untamed views of the River Rhône right to your window HBI_059_126-127_Escape_Geneva_13074781.indd 12605/12/2023 11:56127 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 The ESCAPE Superbly located near the Old Town, as well as the city’s shopping and business districts, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is the perfect setting for a relaxing stay in the heart of the Swiss city. Th e hotel has unveiled brand-new designs of its Rhône river-adjacent rooms and suites, with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Th e design of the new rooms nods to elements of nature such as mountain ranges and bodies of water; all rooms and suites feature hues that play off the seasons – blues, yellows and light greys represent spring and summer tones, while warmer orange and brown colours refl ect autumn. Th e contemporary Swiss artwork on the walls pays homage to the history of the building, formerly known as the Hôtel du Rhône, as well as to the landscape of the country. Th e rooms also feature beautiful photographs by landscape and nature specialist, Rosario Civello, as well as mountain photographer, Jean-François Hagenmüller. Aside from Switzerland, the materials of the redesign have been sourced from neighbouring countries such as France, Italy and Germany. “It’s with great pride that we unveil our redesigned rooms and suites overlooking the Rhône, designed with superior materials from Europe and reminiscent of our history and heritage as the Hôtel du Rhône,” expresses David Collas, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva. “Our daily commitment to sustainability continues. We’re also determined to continue our transformation to provide unforgettable comfort and luxury leisure experiences for our guests and Fans of M.O. members, right in the heart of Geneva.” Harmony and serenity reside in the cosy Corner Suites. Furnished to make guests feel at home with a library, living room, and a dining area, most of the suites have private terraces with views of the Rhône, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Swiss Alps. For a truly memorable vacation, the ‘Suite Indulgence’ package delivers supremely. It includes in-suite check-in on arrival, a welcome pastry from Chef Michaël Perrichon, an à la carte breakfast for two served at the Yakumanka restaurant or in the comfort of the suite, an in-suite cocktail experience with a video tutorial from an expert mixologist, a complimentary minibar replenished daily and limousine airport transfers. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva makes a perpetual eff ort to become a more eco-sustainable establishment. Since 2021 the hotel has implemented eff orts to eliminate single-use plastics, through aluminium soap dispensers and packaging, room keycards made of wood, and reusable glass water bottles in the rooms. From stellar design to exceptional service, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is the epitome of contemporary Swiss hospitality. mandarinoriental.com/en/geneva/rhone-river Below: The Corner Suite is swathed in a soothing, neutral, nature-inspired palette, and overlooks vistas of River Rhône From left: Breakfast becomes an experiential event with scenic service; Yakumanka restaurant in partnership with Gastón Acurio WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF MANDARIN ORIENT AL, GENEV A HBI_059_126-127_Escape_Geneva_13074781.indd 12705/12/2023 11:56IMAGES: SUPPLIED Belize SUBLIME SANCTUARY The Central American country of Belize is known for its crystal-blue waters, incredible hospitality, and peacefulness – the private island resort Cayo Espanto delivers all three The island of Cayo Espanto off ers total oneness with nature HBI_059_128-129_Escape_Belize_13074779.indd 12805/12/2023 11:57129 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 The ESCAPE Clockwise from top: Dine with nature via curated, custom dishes made personally for you; Casa Estrella invites sparkling blue vistas in with a 180-degree view of the Caribbean; Cayo Espanto delivers on the promise of being ensconced in the great outdoors Stepping into Cayo Espanto’s private sanctuary, one feels an immediate sense of familiarity and relaxation – an aura of being right at home. Travelling to the island is no small feat; an international fl ight, followed by a Cessna fl ight, a two-minute car ride, and fi nally, a ten-minute boat journey. Th e private island, located off the coast of Belize – three miles from San Pedro, is home to seven secluded villas with each donning a diff erent design. All the villas are made with foldable shuttered walls that are opened each morning to create an open-air space, allowing guests to be fully immersed in nature. While Casa Olita off ers a private beach area and an outdoor private shower garden, Casa Estrella consists of a two-stories, Casa Ventanas is over the water, Casa Brisa features a wrap-around deck, and Casa Aurora has the largest plunge pool of them all. Th e island encourages disconnection from the outside world and complete engagement with nature. Th ree daily meals are designed just for you based on distinct palates, and no two dining experiences are the same. Th e chefs memorise personal preferences and intuitively know what you’d like during your stay. Th ey off er wonderful surprise dinner locations every evening and specialise in romantic settings. Guests can opt to spend their time in the villa reposing in the breeze, or embark upon adventures through the Caribbean Sea – on a yacht to fi sh for various dinner options, free-dive for lobster and conch, snorkel, or simply take in the breathtaking sightings of sea life such as manatees and nurse sharks. Attention to detail is vitally honoured at Cayo Espanto, where true bliss prevails. aprivateisland.com From left: A stunning aerial view of the island at sunset; Warm, organic wood tones are interspersed through the villas WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF CA YO ESP ANTO HBI_059_128-129_Escape_Belize_13074779.indd 12905/12/2023 11:57Next >