Articles Mentioning Luxury

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort

The 210-room InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is a family-friendly luxury property located right on the beach of Balaclava Bay, on the northwest coast of the island. Tons of features cater to guests of all ages, with two heated infinity pools, land and water sports, an activity-packed kids’ club, and entertainment such as dance performances. Multiple beach areas are lovely and lined with loungers, but the coastline is rocky and not great for swimming. Four excellent restaurants offer buffet and a la carte dining, and an all-inclusive package is available for meals and drinks. Attractive and spacious rooms have swish amenities such as stone bathtubs and separate showers, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and furnished balconies or terraces with ocean views. However, some past guests have complained of maintenance issues and unpleasant odors in rooms. Travelers wanting a resort with a better beach should consider LUX* Belle Mare, which has similar offerings.

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Occupying an 1893 building that was previously an elite men’s club, the upscale Chicago Athletic Association Hotel retains its old style and atmosphere with a modern twist. It has a fantastic location along the Chicago Cultural Mile on Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Millennium Park. The 241 rooms are handsome and modern, with marble rainfall showers, flat-screen TVs, and charming touches such as pommel horses as bedside benches. However, many units are on the small side and past guests have complained of noise issues. Although lacking a pool and spa, features are excellent, with standouts being Cindy’s, a rooftop restaurant and bar, the Game Room, a bar with billiards and bocce bay, and the speakeasy-style Milk Room. A daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center access, free coffee or tea, a welcome Champagne toast, access to the on-site basketball court, and free bike rentals. Overall, this is a good pick for travelers intrigued by the property’s history, style, and bar offerings, but those wanting a more traditional upmarket pick with a spa and pool should consider the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Situated just a block west of Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers 311 elegant rooms and suites, most with fantastic skyline views. Comfy rooms have sophisticated decor, big windows, and marble bathrooms with showers, plus tubs and sofa beds in suites. For something particularly out of the ordinary, guests can splurge for a glamping experience on a suite terrace with views out over the skyline. The dining options here are on point, with a pan-Mediterranean restaurant, Kostali, offering fine-dining at dinner and a rooftop bar and lounge with craft cocktails, modern bar food, and curling. Breakfast and brunch are also served here. Other features include a small fitness center — but no spa or swimming pool — plus plenty of space for meetings and events like weddings. Those dead-set on something with a pool may want to consider checking in at the similarly priced W Chicago – Lakeshore instead.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort

The 500-suite Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive located on a beautiful beach outside of San Jose del Cabo. Manicured grounds are sprawling (expect to walk often) and offer great views of the Sea of Cortez, especially from the two pools (one is exclusive for Preferred Club guests) and two adjoining nine-hole golf courses. Rates are among the highest in the area, but the Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive package covers all buffet and a la carte meals, top-shelf liquors, Wi-Fi, and even tips (though expect to tip on top of room rates). Suites have traditional Mexican decor, playful, romantic touches, and modern amenities such as jetted tubs, Nespresso machines, and terraces — some are swim-out. The spa, complete with a lovely outdoor hydrotherapy area, is a highlight. Travelers seeking something a bit swankier and more hip should consider The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, though it’s not all-inclusive.

Secrets St. James Montego Bay

The luxury 350-room Secrets St. James is an adults-only all-inclusive resort situated on a secluded beachfront peninsula a 20-minute drive from the airport in Montego Bay. It has a laundry list of features that it shares with adjacent sister property Secrets Wild Orchid, including 10 restaurants, nine bars, an expansive spa, nearly half a mile of beach, and tons of activities: a theater, dive center, piano bar, shopping plaza, and game room. Outdoor pools are lovely, though the nicest one is reserved for Preferred Club guests, who also receive access to an exclusive lounge and upgraded amenities. The “Unlimited Luxury” all-inclusive package covers all meals and drinks, including top-shelf liquor, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. Attractive suites are outfitted with whirlpool tubs, terraces, and iPhone docks, plus swim-up rooms are available. For comparison, the Secrets Wild Orchid is more contemporary and puts guests closer to restaurants, though generally a bit pricier.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

With two pristine beaches and a wealth of features and services, the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a great luxury resort for both families with kids and couples wishing to relax in the Hotel Zone. Three infinity-edge pools (including an adults-only one), extensive spa facilities, and daily entertainment give guests plenty of choices, while Cancun’s top nightlife spots are within walking distance. There are numerous dining and drinking options on-site, but food gets mixed reviews, especially the Mexican restaurant. A kids’ club with a small water park keeps the young ones occupied, while those wishing to avoid the family-friendly scene can opt for a room in the adults-only tower, with its own restaurant and a rooftop pool. Rooms are spacious and chic, equipped with modern amenities, luxe marble bathrooms, and private furnished balconies. Swim-up suites are available. This is easily one of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone, but it’s worth comparing rates with the amenity-packed Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, where every room has two-person jetted tubs.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

The Dominican Republic’s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint “town” of Altos de Chavon, an equestrian center, and numerous other on-site activities. Rooms and suites are upscale and elegant, but the real deal here are the villas, which feature private pools, butlers, and full kitchens. Food is excellent at this family-friendly resort, and the spa offers great treatments. Note that many guests opt for the all-inclusive package, which covers meals, drinks, and activities such as horseback riding. Though the Eden Roc at Cap Cana may offer more luxurious rooms, Casa de Campo certainly offers more activities and some prefer its upscale, yet slightly more laid-back, vibe.

Kandima Maldives

The upscale Kandima Maldives is a stunning resort set on its own private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, surrounded by a pristine two-mile beach. It features 266 studios and villas, all of which offer furnished patios, great amenities, and panoramic views. The vast majority of villas feature an outdoor hot tub, and many offer private pools and direct sea access. There’s a lot to keep guests of all ages busy, such as a kids’ club, spa, water-sports center, and two pools with sweeping sea views. Food is good and varied, but guests may want to compare the different meal plans available, as some are limited to buffet meals and soft drinks. Many past guests opt for the premium all-inclusive package. The resort’s gorgeous setting, great amenities, attractive rooms, and competitive rates make it one of the best options in this price range in Maldives, but those seeking something a tad cheaper may want to compare prices at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.

Sandals Royal Plantation

Situated in the heart of Ocho Rios’ resort district, the 74-room luxury Sandals Royal Plantation is an adults-only all-inclusive resort set against a coral bluff right on the Caribbean Sea. This property offers some of the best amenities of any hotel in Jamaica, including a stunning, secluded beach, a serene spa, and all meals served a la carte — meaning there’s no mediocre buffets. The elegant, spacious colonial-style suites have canopied four-poster beds, free well-stocked minibars, and private butler service. Rooms have either full terraces or Juliet-style balconies, plus all have sea views. The excellent all-inclusive package covers premium liquor and wine, unlimited scuba diving and water sports, airport transportation, and nightly entertainment. It’s worth comparing rates with Couples Tower Isle, another adults-only all-inclusive resort with two pools and free excursions.

Excellence El Carmen

Excellence El Carmen is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort that sits along an idyllic beach in Punta Cana’s laid-back Uvero Alto. Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. Some rooms add semi-private swim-up pools or completely private rooftop pools. Excellence Club upgrades come with private lounge and restaurant access, an exclusive area on the beach, and daily in-room treats. All-inclusive rates cover meals at 11 restaurants (including several a la carte eateries) and top-shelf drinks, plus 24-hour room service and activities like snorkeling, Spanish lessons, and beach volleyball. Massages and salon services are available at the full-service spa, as is a free hydrotherapy circuit, and the excellent gym offers daily yoga and aerobics classes free of charge. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort, Excellence Punta Cana.