Have you ever tried deep sea fishing in Jamaica, clay pigeon shooting in Ireland, visited a floating spa in England, or taken a coastal road trip in Montenegro? Luxurydefined, the online magazine of Christie’s International Real Estate, presents five hotel resorts with ultra-unique amenities, where you can get away from it all for a chance.
Varied in location and style, but united in delivering something extra special, these five hotels offer guests unforgettable experiences. Read on to try and decide which hotel to stay at first.
Goldeney in Jamaica
No ordinary hotel stay, Jamaica’s GoldenEye is a collection of private beach villas, “huts,” and lagoon cottages set amid the lush tropical gardens that made James Bond creator and erstwhile owner Ian Fleming fall in love with the island.
All lagoon cottages at GoldenEye resort have king-size beds, which face the lagoon and Santa Maria Island, the uninhabited land at the lagoon’s center. There’s a kayak with each cottage, and Low Cay Beach is a few steps away. Image: Brie Williams.
Balkan Beauty in Montenegro
Perched at the entrance of Boka Bay on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, One&Only Portonovi is the first European opening by the hotel brand. Modeled on the architecture of Venice, the complex has its own private beach, a spa that combines Chinese medicine with the latest Western wellness technology, and six pools.
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage region, Portonovi offers guests many experiences including sailing, hiking, watersports, cycling, and winter skiing. The ancient walled towns of Perast and Kotor, famed for their Medieval charm, are close by too.
Ashford Castle in Ireland
If you’ve ever wondered what life in a castle is like, and perhaps even considered buying one yourself, Ashford Castle, built in 1228, offers the perfect way to find out.
Guests at Ashford Castle can of course relax with afternoon tea, but they can also try different activities including horse riding, fishing, falconry, golf, cycling, and kayaking. There are even two dedicated activities coordinators on hand to help.
Tropical Paradise on Maldives
The secret to hospitality is to evolve and continually find new ways of delighting guests. It’s something the team at Naladhu Private Island understands very well. Following a six-month renovation and redesign, the resort has launched new experiences for 2022, including a snorkeling tour with its marine biologist to see some of the 2,000 species of fish and sea mammals that call the island home, and to learn about coral conservation. There’s also a private yacht, which can be hired for overnight cruises.
Fishing, yachting, diving, yoga, and meditation are all on offer on Naladhu Private Island. You can also hire a yacht for day and overnight cruises.
Fantasyland in England
A mere 30-minute drive from London’s Heathrow Airport, Monkey Island has long been a retreat for monarchs, aristocrats, and artists. Today, it is home to the Monkey Island Estate, where guests can choose from two Grade I listed pavilions with 40 superb rooms and suites.
Bray Lock became home to a group of Monks in the 12th century, and the island became known as ‘Monks Eyot’ or Monks Island, which is perhaps where the name Monkey Island developed from. Today, you can visit the floating spa.
