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A Costa Rican resort that takes its design cues from nature, a former Argentinian mansion with views of the bullring and more...

By Mary Gostelow

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Elm Court
Lenox, Massachusetts

The biggest American Shingle-style house in the United States was built in 1886 for William Douglas Sloane and his wife, Emily Vanderbilt, and is now owned and run as a hotel by a descendant, Robert Berle. Of the four suites, the Emily Vanderbilt Suite, overlooking Lake Mah-Kee-Nac, is a favourite. It comes complete with wood floors, a medieval-style four-poster bed with maroon, black and gold draperies, a working fireplace and a media room with a 1.6-metre flat screen.

www.elmcourt.com

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at
Peninsula Papagayo

This 153-room resort, managed by Luis Argote, is on a narrow peninsula on a 900-hectare estate. Designed by Ronald Zurcher, it is laid out in blocks, with vertical supports emulating the surrounding fan-topped guanacaste trees and roofs curved like the backs of local armadillos. Room 1721, above the incline on 10-metre stilts, has a private infinity plunge pool and sensational views down to Playa Blanca Beach. Do not miss the sunset while relaxing in the spa’s hot tubs.

www.fourseasons.com/costarica

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
Switzerland

GM Aniello Lauro, working here since 1964, is a global legend. Writer Brian Berusch is currently compiling his social biography, including regular visits from a former U.S. president who comes here to fish and relax. Ask for a view overlooking Lake Lugano, just across the tree-lined road; the fifth (top) floor is best. Enjoy the extraordinary dome-covered indoor pool, with views over the lake, and Lugano’s fascinating street market stalls, only a 10-minute walk away.

www.splendide.ch

Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Argentina

This classical porticoed mansion, built in 1934 for the Duhau family, opens next month as a 165-room hotel run by GM Christophe Lorvo. Located in the leafy Recoleta neighbourhood, the hotel overlooks the quiet gardens of the Vatican and is only one block from the bullring (best views are from the Duhau Suite’s balcony) and the famous La Cabaña steakhouse. Enjoy the spacious gardens, the indoor heated pool and the spa.

www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com

Trisara
Phuket, Thailand

Anthony Lark, who made his name as the long-time GM of Amanpuri, is now co-owner and boss of Trisara (Sanskrit for “third garden in heaven”), a minimalist resort on 40 acres flanking a curving beach. All 42 villas and suites flow out to their own terraces, with private 10-metre infinity pools overlooking the Andaman Sea. Villa 409 is closest to the restaurant, bar and gym and the communal 45-metre saltwater pool.

www.trisara.com

Write to us: letters@enroutemag.net

Mary Gostelow is president and editor-in-chief of the online magazine Kiwi Collection. You can reach her by writing to mgostelow@enroutemag.net.

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