SECRET ESCAPES
Secret Escapes is an exclusive members-only club offering travel deals on luxury hotels and holidays across the world. During my time at Secret Escapes, I was responsible for producing engaging copy for our premier promotions and editing all other listings for accuracy and consistency.
THE MONDRIAN HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
Every inch of the sun-soaked Mondrian South Beach has been designed with fantastical whimsy and sleek, contemporary style in mind. If you didn't know any better, you'd think this boutique gem was plucked from a fairytale.
This dreamy retreat was conceived by famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, whose vision was to create Sleeping Beauty's castle, where guests can escape into a magical world, complete with kissing gardens, shimmering chandeliers at every corner, and oodles of decadence.
It’s not just the style that's been perfected to a T; the location is utterly sublime, thanks to a waterfront placement on the edge of Biscayne Bay with views of the bright neon skyline in the distance.
Team these wow-worthy panoramas with a vibrant pool scene, an award-winning culinary lineup, and opulent accommodations, and you have a glamorous hideaway straight from a storybook.
HUDSON HOTEL
A glowing beacon for what's effortlessly cool and chic in Gotham City, The Hudson New York is one seriously hip hotspot. Begin your stay through an electrifying entrance and ascend the neon yellow escalator to a dimly-lit lobby with exposed brick walls covered in ivy. Designed by Philippe Starck, this boutique bolthole perfectly marries converted industrial architecture with grand, art nouveau interiors.
The Hudson is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in Manhattan - moments from Columbus Circle, a few blocks from Central Park and mere minutes to Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. With a sleek stay and many of the best sights at your doorstep, you may never need to leave Midtown West.
VEDANA LAGOON RESORT & SPA
It's easy to align your mind, body, and spirit with an escape to the serene shores of Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa. This five-star luxury retreat is located in the Phu Loc region of north-central Vietnam, a short distance from the mountain-dotted beaches of Da Nang. In a secluded enclave, it feels utterly removed from typical tourist towns and is a beacon for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.
This far-flung oasis jets out onto the calm waters of the lagoon and is surrounded by hundreds of palm trees swaying in the wind. There are plenty of thatched-roof bungalows ideal for practising your Tai Chi or yoga, perfectly still pools beckoning for a dip, and lots of activities on hand if you want to work up a sweat.
You can fill your days with biking, kayaking, tennis, and volleyball, or you can slowly slip into deep relaxation with a made-to-measure massage and deep cleansing facial. Whatever your getaway agenda, you will find heavenly bliss within this serene spa and wellness resort.
CHALET VIEW LODGE
There's a lot to love about the Chalet View Lodge in California, which lies within Plumas National Forest on a perfect pocket of land. Encircled by pine trees the size of giants and snow-capped mountains in the distance, the lodge's views serve up the best mother nature has to offer. This inviting and laid-back retreat is ideal for relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.
There's plenty to keep you active, from the nine-hole executive golf course to the swimming pool and the catch-and-release fishing pond. Hiking, dirt biking, skiing/snowboarding, and horseback riding can also be on the agenda. However, if you'd rather borrow a page from laid-back Californians, opt for an afternoon spent next to the fire while sipping on a craft beer or indulging in a hot stone massage at the spa.
THE MIRROR
More than a stylish space to rest your head at night, The Mirror Barcelona is a seriously hip spot that serves up high design with substance.
White is the name of the game here, with bleached-out floor-to-ceiling walls and modern, minimalist furnishings. Mirrors throughout the space lend it a futuristic vibe, while sculptures from Christoph Mertens liven up unexpected corners.
With a laundry list of loves, including cutting-edge accents, a rooftop pool, a two-Michelin-starred chef, and a covetable location in the heart of the city, it's no surprise that The Mirror swooped up awards from TripAdvisor and Conde Nast Traveler.
