LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FROM EUROPE
Leading Hotels of the World recently announced the addition of new members to its collection of over 375 independent, luxury hotels. The five properties span Europe and offer varied styles of design and architecture, though all aim to provide immersive cultural experiences.
Gran Melia del Mar, Mallorca
This adults-only resort is surrounded by a garden of pine trees and set in its own exclusive cove. Every suite has a balcony with views overlooking the sea. Fine dining with Majorcan cuisine is available at four dining venues, and a Luxury Spa by Clarins provides the latest beauty and well-being treatments.
Recommended Experience: Savoring a dinner for two in Gran Meliá de Mar’s private cove, after which an intimate evening on a private beach can be arranged with a candle-lit atmosphere, paired with premium wines.
Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort, Zakynhtos
This property also cut its ribbon this past May. The resort has 65 guest rooms all facing the surrounding Ionian Sea. Its several fine dining restaurants provide Mediterranean flavors prepared by the Executive Chef George Plotas. Guests can also relax and be rejuvenated in the accompanying Essence Spa with a Germain de Cappucini treatment. For a picturesque arrival and departure, a helicopter transfer can be arranged which will provide a vista of all the Greek islands.
Recommended Experience: Exploring Zakynthos and the surrounding islands by private yacht; Lesante Blu organizes an outing that includes stops at Zakynthos’ famous blue caves, secluded beaches, swim spots of the Marathonissi and ventures to further Ionian islands.
The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, Venice
The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel first welcomed guests through its 16th-century doors back in August 2016 following a 50-year closure. Located right on the Grand Canal, each of the hotel’s 18 rooms are decorated and designed based on a unique aspect of Venetian history and culture. Original features such as Renaissance frescoes and marble fireplaces have been restored by local specialists and are complemented by antiques and custom furnishings. Enrico Bartolini oversees the accompanying GLAM Restaurant, which serves exclusive menus to guests of the hotel.
Recommended Experience: Enjoying a morning cappuccino in the Palazzo’s private gardens, which opens directly onto the Grand Canal. Guests can then take the hotel’s private water taxi straight from the property into the City of Water to explore.
Lotte Hotel, Sankt Petersburg
Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg is a piece of history unto itself. Built in the beginning of the 19th century, John Quincy Adams, first ambassador to Russia and sixth president of the United States famously lived in the building from 1810 to 1811. The hotel has 150 classic and modern rooms, including seven suites. Guests can dine at the Lounge restaurant or the premium Japanese MEGUmi restaurant; two banquet halls and a Balinese Mandara Spa are also on site. The hotel is located on St. Isaac’s square with views of the city’s famous cathedral, the Moika River and the Blue Bridge; it is also walking distance to the Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect and Mariinsky Theatre.
Recommended Experience: Ordering a cocktail at the rooftap L Terrasa bar during the summer months to enjoy views of the “Venice of the North.”
Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s Paris
Following a six-month renovation, this 81-room-and-suite hotel reopened in July. Each living quarters are decorated with refined materials, delicate fabrics and lighting, reflective of the distinctive interior design style of Jacques Garcia.
Recommended Experience: Enjoying three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s bistro cuisine at Fouqet’s famed brassiere, center stage on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.
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