Full-service travel planning is available to subscribers at (800) 375-4685 or [email protected]. For comments and inquiries concerning the Hideaway Report, please email [email protected]. HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR ................................. 1 UNITED STATES .............................................. 2 CARIBBEAN/BAHAMAS .................................. 4 SOUTH AMERICA ............................................ 4 EUROPE ......................................................... 6 AFRICA .......................................................... 8 SOUTH PACIFIC .............................................. 8 AUSTRALASIA ................................................ 9 ASIA ............................................................ 10 Plus: RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR .......................... 3 SPECIAL RECOGNITION .................................. 5 BEST CRUISE, DRIVING TOUR & ITINERARY .... 11 INDELIBLE MEMORIES OF 2015 ..................... 12 Find more at andrewharper.com/grand-awards. Each year, we have the pleasure of recalling our travel experiences over the past 12 months and singling out a number of particularly memorable hotels and resorts. To be considered for our annual awards, properties must be relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer relaxing atmospheres and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service. TRAVELING THE WORLD IN SEARCH OF TRULY ENCHANTING PLACES JANUARY 2016 | Our 37th Year andrewharper.com Song Saa, Cambodia HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR 2016 GRAND AWARDS A 35-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville on Cambodia’s west coast, Song Saa lies in the pristine Koh Rong archipelago. Its name means “The Sweethearts” in Khmer, a reference to the paired islets, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, that comprise the resort. The exquisite beauty of the setting inspired an Australian couple who were sailing through the islands to construct the hotel. Their brainchild, with its 27 villas, opened in early 2012. A member of staff escorted us along a sand pathway to our 2,475-square-foot Ocean View Villa. With soaring ceilings, its main room displayed a skillful combination of woods and fabrics. Local art helped to create an air of authenticity. My favorite example was a framed aggregation of faded planks salvaged from area fishing boats. A few steps beyond the large four-poster bed, a sunken seating area opened onto a wooden deck and a private infinity pool. There are two other villa categories at Song Saa: 11 Jungle Villas nestled on the central hill afford views of the surrounding islands and waters, while eight Overwater Villas enable guests to step directly into the ocean from private balconies. Although in-villa dining is an attrac- tive option, we loved going to Vista, set just off the shoreline, where we enjoyed dishes such as spring rolls with local crab and fresh vegetables, and marinated chicken breast with a mint-cream sauce and cous- cous. The culinary highlight of our stay, however, was a Khmer feast, which included superb beef lok lak, stir-fried chicken with ginger and spring onion, and prawns with Kampot pepper. Although there is no centralized spa facility, outdoor treatment salas are scat- tered through the rain forest and along the ocean shore. Yoga and meditation are also available. Activities include kayaking, rain forest tours guided by a member of the resort’s Conservation Team and snorkeling trips through nearby coral gardens led by a marine biologist. The atmosphere of Song Saa is blissfully relaxing and otherworldly. This is a truly exceptional hideaway. COURTESY SONG SAA This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use, please contact client relations at 1-866-831-4314 or email [email protected].
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Full-service travel planning is available to subscribers at (800) 375-4685 or [email protected] comments and inquiries concerning the Hideaway Report, please email [email protected].
HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR ................................. 1
UNITED STATES .............................................. 2
ASIA ............................................................ 10
Plus:
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR .......................... 3
SPECIAL RECOGNITION .................................. 5
BEST CRUISE, DRIVING TOUR & ITINERARY .... 11
INDELIBLE MEMORIES OF 2015 ..................... 12
Find more at andrewharper.com/grand-awards.
Each year, we have the pleasure of recalling
our travel experiences over the past 12 months
and singling out a number of particularly
memorable hotels and resorts. To be
considered for our annual awards, properties
must be relatively small in size, possess
strong individual personalities, offer relaxing
atmospheres and demonstrate a consistent
devotion to personal service.
T R AV E L I NG T H E WOR L D I N SE A RCH OF T RU LY E NCH A N T I NG P L ACE S
JANUARY 2016 | Our 37th Year andrewharper.com
Song Saa, CambodiaHIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR
2016 GRANDAWARDS
A 35-minute speedboat ride from
Sihanoukville on Cambodia’s west
coast, Song Saa lies in the pristine
Koh Rong archipelago. Its name means “The
Sweethearts” in Khmer, a reference to the
paired islets, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, that
comprise the resort. The exquisite beauty
of the setting inspired an Australian couple
who were sailing through the islands to
construct the hotel. Their brainchild, with
its 27 villas, opened in early 2012.
A member of staff escorted us along
a sand pathway to our 2,475-square-foot
Ocean View Villa. With soaring ceilings, its
main room displayed a skillful combination
of woods and fabrics. Local art helped to
create an air of authenticity. My favorite
example was a framed aggregation of faded
planks salvaged from area fishing boats.
A few steps beyond the large four-poster
bed, a sunken seating area opened onto a
wooden deck and a private infinity pool.
There are two other villa categories at
Song Saa: 11 Jungle Villas nestled on the
central hill afford views of the surrounding
islands and waters, while eight Overwater
Villas enable guests to step directly into
the ocean from private balconies.
Although in-villa dining is an attrac-
tive option, we loved going to Vista, set just
off the shoreline, where we enjoyed dishes
such as spring rolls with local crab and
fresh vegetables, and marinated chicken
breast with a mint-cream sauce and cous-
cous. The culinary highlight of our stay,
however, was a Khmer feast, which included
superb beef lok lak, stir-fried chicken with
ginger and spring onion, and prawns with
Kampot pepper.
Although there is no centralized spa
facility, outdoor treatment salas are scat-
tered through the rain forest and along the
ocean shore. Yoga and meditation are also
available. Activities include kayaking, rain
forest tours guided by a member of the
resort’s Conservation Team and snorkeling
trips through nearby coral gardens led by
a marine biologist. The atmosphere of Song
Saa is blissfully relaxing and otherworldly.
This is a truly exceptional hideaway.
CO
UR
TES
Y S
ON
G S
AA
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use, please contact client relations at 1-866-831-4314 or email [email protected].
For the past two decades, Singita properties in South Africa and Tanzania have
set the standard for luxury wildlife lodges. Only one member of the portfolio
has remained relatively obscure: Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe.
Located in the remote southeastern corner of the country, it is surrounded by the
130,000-acre private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary for endangered species.
The main lodge at Singita Pamushana is built of stone in a style that evokes Great
Zimbabwe, capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe from the 11th to the 15th centuries,
and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Passing through a conical entrance tower,
we emerged onto a wide wooden deck with a cobalt-blue free-form pool and a serene
backdrop of a glassy lake and green wooded hills. The lodge’s seven air-conditioned
suites are on a gentle slope and are surrounded by huge baobab trees and massive
boulders. Inside, we found a sizeable lounge decorated in a vibrant African style. The
separate bedroom opened out onto a deck with a private plunge pool and loungers,
from which it was possible to gaze at the lake 200 or 300 feet below.
The terrain at Malilangwe varies from open grassy plains to tangled bushveld.
Elephant and giraffe are seen frequently, as are cheetah and hyena. And the guides
can usually track down lion. One of the Malilangwe’s great draws, however, is the
ease with which you can observe both black and white rhino. This superb lodge is a
wonderful extension to an itinerary in Botswana or South Africa.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp NAMIB DESERT, NAMIBIA
The new Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located on a private concession close to
the dry bed of the Hoanib River just outside Skeleton Coast National Park. The
Atlantic, and hence the actual coast, lies some 40 miles to the west. We arrived
to find spacious open-sided public areas, covered by steeply pitched tented ceilings,
that flowed unimpeded into the desert landscape. The accommodations comprise
seven tented suites, plus one two-bedroom family unit. They are set wide apart and
come with shaded outdoor decks that are ideal for a languorous afternoon with a
book or a tranquil sundowner. Although partly made of canvas, our suite had large
glass windows, sturdy wooden doors and electric lights. A sizeable bath provided twin
sinks and an excellent shower with abundant hot water from a nearby solar panel.
As well as game drives to view desert-adapted lion and elephant, more adventur-
ous and athletic guests can go on escorted hikes. The one activity that no one passes
up is the four-hour drive across the desert plains and the subsequent dune sea to the
Skeleton Coast. Although the dirt road is rutted and potholed — Land Cruiser tires
last a maximum of six months — the feeling of being somewhere close to the end of
the world is overwhelming. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a remarkable place that
fully deserves its many accolades. It cannot be compared with ultra-luxurious safari
camps such as the Singita properties in South Africa; rather, it aims to provide a
wilderness experience that is nonetheless very comfortable and reassuringly safe.
Singita Pamushana / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER Nanuku / COURTESY AUBERGE RESORTS
JANUARY 2016 HIDEAWAY REPORT 9
Ratua Private IslandVANUATU
The 80 islands that make up the
archipelago of Vanuatu lie 750
miles west of Fiji. Ratua Private
Island is located a 45-minute flight north
of the capital, Port Vila. Guests stay in
one of 13 striking Indonesian wood farm-
houses, estimated to be around 200 years
old, which were painstakingly restored
by artisans on Bali. Our house had a
vaulted thatched roof and a canopy bed.
A furnished terrace faced our private
stretch of beach. It all felt thoroughly
exotic and beguiling. Much as I enjoyed
these accommodations, they are clearly
not for everyone. Travelers unwilling
to forgo air-conditioning, television or
in-room Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
The Yacht Club is the heart of the
resort and the home of the main restau-
rant, which presents simple but delicious
seafood-focused meals accented by
local produce. Activities include paddle
boarding or kayaking in the channel and
snorkeling around the island’s reef. One
day, we circumnavigated the island by
horseback, riding through its groves of
mature coconut palms and patches of
mangrove forest. Guests can also take
advantage of an overwater spa with two
treatment rooms, one of which has a full-
size bathtub hewn from the trunk of a tree.
Service tended to match the quality
of the facilities, getting everything right
that really mattered. Excursions and
transfers went smoothly, and in general,
everyone seemed anxious to help. Shyness
sometimes prevented proactive service,
but this felt like a small price to pay for
the experience of a place so thoroughly
unique and unspoiled.
SOUTH PACIFIC AUSTRALIA
Cape Lodge MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA
I had long wanted to visit the southwest corner of Australia for its wines, eucalyp-
tus forests, surfing beaches and Mediterranean climate. The town of Margaret
River lies three hours’ drive south of Perth, six miles from the sea. Cape Lodge
is 20 minutes north of Margaret River on Caves Road, the tree-shaded main thor-
oughfare of the wine country. Turning onto the property, we found ourselves amid
vine-covered hills. Following the winding road, we came to the main lodge, a gabled
structure reminiscent of the Cape Dutch architecture of South Africa.
Although the property offers nine attractive Garden Rooms, we had opted for
one of the 12 spacious Lake View Suites. This proved one of those occasions when we
loved our room at first glance. Clean lines and a restrained color scheme created an
atmosphere of deep tranquility, while a peaked ceiling added an element of drama.
Sliding glass doors offered a lake vista. The hotel’s restaurant recently acquired a
new chef, Michael Elfwing, who has worked with gastronomic luminaries such as
Heston Blumenthal. During our stay, there wasn’t a dish we didn’t enjoy. Among the
highlights were a shellfish soup filled with scallops and prawns, and lamb served
two ways — as a perfectly cooked rack and a meaty croquette — both with eggplant,
organic root vegetables and a flavorful tapenade. In addition to wine tours, the lodge’s
concierges can make arrangements for golfing, biking and more. Overall, the whole
area reminded me of another favorite place: the wine country north of San Francisco.
The Berkeley River Lodge KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA
Set in the far northwest, the Kimberley is one of the most rugged and remote
regions of Australia. Its 135,600 square miles are home to just 35,000 people.
Cattle stations take up some of that space, but for the most part, the landscape
comprises craggy sienna-hued ranges, emerald forests and wetlands, and forbidding
cliffs that plunge into the ocean. Berkeley River Lodge, which opened in 2012, is located
on towering sand dunes, two hours from Darwin by light aircraft. The main lodge
and the 20 villas had to be specially designed and the materials brought in by barge.
Safari-style vehicles drove us to an airy, triangular pavilion — the best shape for
withstanding cyclones, apparently — with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished wood
floors, a small library nook and a comfortable bar. One level down, the pool beckoned.
Each villa provides an outdoor bath, shower and freestanding soaking tub. Inside, the
spacious, air-conditioned room comes with a king-size bed and screened windows,
plus a sliding glass door that leads out to a sheltered deck with a 180-degree view.
Daily programs give guests ample opportunities to explore. On a memorable hike,
we splashed in freshwater pools and sat beneath thundering waterfalls. On another
morning, we went to view Aboriginal pictographs. Later, we ventured up the Berkeley
River on a boat cruise beneath towering red cliffs. In the evenings, we enjoyed well-
prepared five-course dinners with dishes such as golden snapper with broccolini,
croquettes and beurre blanc. At the end of our stay, we left with real regret.
Ratua Private Island / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER Margaret River vineyards / COURTESY CAPE LODGE The Berkeley River Lodge / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER
10 HIDEAWAY REPORT JANUARY 2016
SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace JAIPUR, INDIA
The Rajmahal Palace was construct-
ed in the early 18th century as a
serene pavilion surrounded by a
pleasure garden. After independence,
the flamboyant, polo-playing Maharaja
Man Singh II adopted it as his personal
residence. The palace soon became a kind
of guesthouse for the global elite. Now, it
has a new incarnation as a boutique hotel.
At present, Rajmahal offers 14 air-
conditioned rooms and suites, including
two magnificent Royal Apartments, but up
to 15 new accommodations are planned.
The two-bedroom Maharaja’s Apartment
comes with a drawing room that opens
onto a private terrace, a dining room with
seating for eight, and a dedicated butler.
Scarcely less lavish are the four Royal
Suites, which include The Queen Elizabeth
II Suite, built for the British monarch’s
state visit to India in 1961.
The hotel’s principal dining venue
is The Orient Occident, where excellent
Indian and Western cuisine is graciously
served in a grand mirrored space. I
particularly enjoyed taking light meals in
The Colonnade, an exquisite glass-fronted
veranda overlooking the gardens. Nearby,
The Polo Bar displays silver trophies and
black-and-white photographs from the
former maharaja’s polo-playing days,
and provides an atmospheric venue for
an early-evening martini. The property
has an exquisite art deco (unheated)
swimming pool and a small spa.
Rajmahal permits its guests to feel
that they have been personally invited
to stay in a sumptuous private residence
— one with exceptionally gracious and
obliging staff — rather than in a hotel.
Aman TokyoJAPAN
I have long been an admirer of Aman
resorts, with their striking architec-
ture and serene locations. The debut
of the group’s only urban property was
therefore of consuming interest. I was
eager to see whether Aman had main-
tained its signature style of refined luxury
a few minutes’ walk from Tokyo Station.
The new 84-room Aman Tokyo is
set in the top six floors of the 38-story
Otemachi Tower. Designed to evoke
the feeling of being inside a giant shoji
lantern, the atrium lobby has 100-foot
ceilings and a garden with an ikebana
flower arrangement display, as well as
two classic Kyoto-style rock gardens. Our
Deluxe Room on the 35th floor was deco-
rated in cream with jet-black accents and
came with pale pine floors and light wood
walls; a sunken living area featured low-
set furniture, a long daybed and an end
table adorned with a bonsai. Expansive
windows provided unobstructed vistas of
the Imperial Palace gardens during the
day and panoramic views of the scintil-
lating cityscape at night.
The Restaurant by Aman is located
on a corner of the 33rd floor and serves
seasonally inspired European cuisine.
(Indigenous fare is available only at
breakfast.) The chief amenity at the hotel
is a two-floor, 27,000-square-foot spa. The
98-foot basalt-lined indoor infinity pool
is designed so that the nearby skyscrap-
ers are invisible from the water, and on
clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen in
the distance. Aman Tokyo provides a
welcome retreat from the hustle and
bustle. The city has long lacked a boutique
hotel of this caliber.
RAASJODHPUR, INDIA
For many years, my recommended
hotel in Jodhpur has been the
colossal Umaid Bhawan Palace,
part of which is still home to the current
maharaja. For those who prefer smaller
hotels, however, there is now a superb
alternative. RAAS is an 18th-century
haveli (mansion) situated directly beneath
the walls of the city’s spectacular Mehran-
garh Fort that was converted and extended
into a 39-room resort in 2009.
In addition to the four original build-
ings, the resort has three contemporary
structures. These have been designed in
an austere modern style, but incorporate
Rajasthan’s distinctive red sandstone as
well as traditional motifs such as hand-
crafted jhali window screens. One houses
four Duplex Suites with private balco-
nies. We had reserved a Luxury Room
in the main accommodations block. At
484 square feet, this proved to be on the
small side. On a future occasion, I would
probably opt for a Duplex Suite or for one
of the three Heritage Suites in the old
haveli buildings. The latter are much more
spacious and extremely atmospheric.
Darikhana serves Indian cuisine,
while Baradari offers a menu of interna-
tional (chiefly Thai and Mediterranean)
dishes. The setting of the latter, spill-
ing out from an old stone pavilion onto
a terrace overlooking a large heated
swimming pool, is particularly appealing.
The resort’s other amenity is a small but
attractive spa. Throughout our stay, the
staff members were charm personified.
Overall, this is one of the most stylish and
distinctive small hotels I have discovered
in recent years.
ASIA
RAAS / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER Aman Tokyo / COURTESY AMAN
JANUARY 2016 HIDEAWAY REPORT 11
BEST CRUISEAqua Mekong, Cambodia In December 2014, the Aqua Mekong became the first
luxury vessel to ply the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. This is
the third and newest member of the Aqua fleet; the other two boats operate on the
Peruvian Amazon. The Mekong carries 40 passengers in 20 stylishly appointed
suites. As with its siblings, it comprises three decks, the first two devoted primarily
to guest cabins, with the rear of the second taken up by a lovely dining room. On the
top deck, the Mekong has a spacious bar/lounge with seating areas along floor-to-
ceiling windows, a media room with a large screen, and a small library. At the stern,
a gym provides a selection of aerobic machines, while in the bow, a shaded plunge
pool offers an idyllic place to relax or to sip a glass of wine. The cuisine is under
the supervision of Michelin-starred chef David Thompson, whose restaurant nahm
in Bangkok is justly regarded as one of the finest in Asia. Daily excursions include
bicycle trips through the Cambodian countryside and kayak forays into unspoiled
floating villages. An exceptional staff helps to make this a ship of great distinction.
Seven TerracesPENANG, MALAYSIA
George Town is the capital of the
island of Penang. A mini-boom
has led to many of the city ’s
so-called “shophouses” being converted
into boutique hotels. The shophouse is
George Town’s most emblematic form of
architecture. The idiom became common
as a result of Chinese immigration in the
19th century, which explains why so many
have a Chinese appearance, with ceramic
tile roofs and elaborate decoration.
Hotelier Christopher Ong and Karl
Steinberg acquired seven fire-ruined
shophouses near the center of the city and
undertook the massive task of restoration.
The 18-suite Seven Terraces opened in
2013. While preserving the 19th-century
façades, Ong and Steinberg managed to
create a large, tile-floored central atrium
ornamented with sweet-smelling fran-
gipani trees. The ground floor includes
Kebaya, serving a menu of Indo- and
Straits Chinese dishes, plus a bar, a
library and a lap pool. The public rooms
display Ong’s collection of local antiques,
including lacquered tiffin carriers and
teak couches inlaid with mother of pearl.
The suites are decorated in a similar
style. The most desirable are the duplex
Argus Suites, which overlook a quiet
back street. Ours came with a spacious
lounge furnished with Chinese antiques
and colonial-style furniture of British, Sri
Lankan and local provenance. Reached
via stairs, the bedroom opened onto a
small private balcony overlooking George
Town’s Anglican church. Throughout our
stay, service was outstanding. The Seven
Terraces is a truly distinctive and utterly
delightful hotel.
BEST DRIVING TOURSardinia, Italy Sardinia is the wildest and most unspoiled major island in the Medi-
terranean. It offers a spectacular variety of landscapes, gorgeous empty beaches,
intriguing archaeological sites, superb restaurants and outstanding hotels. Our
eight-day tour proved to be one of the best driving trips we’ve ever taken. After two
days in Cagliari, the island’s largest city, we headed west to Nora, then retraced
our steps and followed the island’s eastern coast north — the SS125 from Santa
Maria Navarrese to Dorgali is one of the most beautiful roads in Europe — before
heading inland to Oliena. Finally we drove up to the old Catalan-inflected seaport
of Alghero. The roads in Sardinia are excellent. To view my trip in detail, visit
andrewharper.com/itinerary/sardinia-road-trip.
BEST ITINERARYChile and Argentina I often find that my journeys, with slight modifications, can
readily be followed by Hideaway Report subscribers. This certainly proved to be the
case with my recent visit to Chile and Argentina, two countries which are easily
connected by a short but memorable flight over the spectacular Andes. The trip
included visits to top wineries, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, kayaking, the
gastronomic delights of Santiago and Buenos Aires, and stays at several delightful
resorts. Find day-by-day details at andrewharper.com/itinerary/chile-argentina.
Infinity pool and Carmenère grapes at Viña Vik resort in the Colchagua Valley, Chile / PHOTOS BY ANDREW HARPER
Seven Terraces
INDELIBLE MEMORIES OF 2015
Lunch on the Skeleton CoastAfter a four-hour drive through the desert
from Hoanib Camp, we finally reached the
Atlantic shore, where hundreds of Cape
fur seals were bobbing in the roiling surf.
Before our arrival, someone had set up a
long table on the beach, and half a dozen
metal-framed canvas chairs had all been
arranged to face the ocean. Our guide
began opening large plastic containers
and scooping their contents onto metal
serving plates. He then uncorked bottles
of red and white South African wine. We
sat down for a lunch of fried chicken,
meatballs, pasta and feta salad. Our chairs
were so close to the sea that exhausted
breakers occasionally washed around
our ankles. We had come to the end of
the earth, it seemed, and all our cares
were behind us.
Bugling elk in the TetonsIt was late October when we arrived at
Jenny Lake Lodge. Aspens glowed with
autumn gold, but low-lying clouds hid
the craggy peaks. We enjoyed a leisurely
dinner in the lodge’s log dining room, so
night had fallen by the time we finished
dessert. Outside, no moon or stars were
visible, and a light mist descended as
hike,” he cautioned, “but I think you'll like
it.” With that, we hopped out and began
flanking a stream punctuated by inviting
pools of water, which would have provided
welcome relief from the sun. “Not yet,”
warned Bruce. “The salties can get up
this far.” So we continued, until, tired and
sweaty, we were high enough to be safe
from the crocodiles. Following Maycock,
we jumped into a big pool fed by a stunning
cascade. The cool water crashed around
our heads and pummeled our backs in a
delirious outdoor massage.
Daydreaming in an Italian lighthouseSardinia’s idyllic Faro Capo-Spartivento
hotel is housed within a former lighthouse.
Having settled in, I set off to explore and
soon discovered a staircase that led up
to the lighthouse keeper’s watch, a perch
made even more companionable by the
fact that it was furnished with two chairs
and a telescope. Lulled by briny breezes,
I spent several quiet hours dividing my
attention between a book and the soul-
stirring views of the azure Mediterranean.
Occasionally, a passing ship would come
within range of my telescope.
we made our way along a path through
smoke-scented air in the darkness. Then,
from the distance, came the eerie sound
of bugling elk. Thrilled, we stopped and
listened as one bull’s challenge was
answered by another, and another. The
next day, the clouds parted and revealed
the majestic Teton spires, powdered with
fresh snow.
An experimental Mendoza wineryRising like a Mayan pyramid from the
vineyards, the Catena Zapata winery is
one of Mendoza’s most popular stops.
We took the basic tour, but what really
made the visit unforgettable was our
private visit to the experimental winery. I
delighted in sampling cutting-edge wines
right from the barrel, such as a rich and
warmly spicy Roussanne and a surpris-
ingly good Criolla, a variety typically
relegated to bulk wine. My favorite was
the gorgeous passito of Malbec, a wine
made from sun-dried grapes.
A hike in the OutbackOn an excursion from The Berkeley River
Lodge in northwestern Australia, our
guide, Bruce Maycock, eased our boat
toward a rocky inlet. “This will be a bit of a
MORE AWARDSVisit andrewharper.com/grand-awards for more
accolades, including best SPA, BEACH and POOL,
the HOTEL I MOST HATED TO LEAVE, WILDLIFE
ENCOUNTER of the year, MOST MEMORABLE
WINE TASTING and GASTRONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS.
To download our 2015 Hotel and Resort Index, visit andrewharper.com/go/hr-index.
Cape fur seals on the Skeleton Coast, Namibia / PHOTO BY ANDREW HARPER
The Hideaway Report (ISSN 0884-7622) is published monthly by Andrew Harper at 1601 Rio Grande St., Suite 410, Austin, TX 78701. Periodicals Postage is paid at Austin, TX, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Andrew Harper, P.O. Box 684368, Austin, TX 78768. Tel. (866) 831-4314 or (512) 904-7342. Fax (512) 904-7350. Copyright 2016 Andrew Harper, LLC. CST #2110806-40; IST #1096; WST #603248672. All rights reserved. Quotation, reproduction or transmission by any means is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.
Editor-in-Chief Andrew Harper Art Director Kristina Mitchell Research Editor Adrienne Jany Photo Editor Kelly Zhu
Free of hotel advertising since its inception in June 1979, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report® is a private publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels and restaurants for inclusion is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper, LLC paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses.
T R AV E L I NG T H E WOR L D I N SE A RCH OF T RU LY E NCH A N T I NG P L ACE S
JANUARY 2016 | Our 37th Year andrewharper.com
Rotorua, North Island
newzealand.com/luxury
Photo Credit: Pure Cruise
You’re never far from the ocean in New Zealand. Make the most of long hot summer days with sailing, surfing, diving and fishing on thousands of kilometres of stunning coastline. Swim too with the Hector’s Dolphin. The world’s smallest dolphin – found only in New Zealand.
One of the most special things about fall in New Zealand is the colors. Deciduous trees turn brilliant hues of yellow, gold and hot orange, all set against a sky that seems far too blue to be true. Grape vines turn to gold, laden with fruit that will become some of New Zealand’s most lauded wines.
Queenstown, South Island
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Photo Credit: Julian Apse
From June to September, New Zealand’s South Island transforms into a winter-wonderland. Snow sparkles from alpine peaks and sunshine dances on the waters of crystal clear lakes. For those more accustomed to apres ski, picnic atop a glacier on virgin snow, enjoying champagne on ice - our way.
Jura Glacier, Queenstown
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Photo Credit: Darryl Ward
Vibrant and uplifting, spring in New Zealand is sublime - crisp days, new blooms and rare wildlife. Cherry blossoms and bluebells nod in the breeze, and baby lambs bleat in the background. Fly-fishing purists come to New Zealand, the ‘world’s best trout fishery’, in springtime to try their luck on ‘fresh’ Brown Trout, fish well rested over the winter months.