W Hotels debuts in Southeast Asia

W Hotels Worldwide opened the doors of W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W in Southeast Asia, in November 2010. An all-villa beachfront resort located at the peak of the north shore of Thailand’s famed Samui Island, W Koh Samui features 75 private villas equipped with modern amenities, including private pools, daybeds, outdoor showers, 46-inch plasma-screen TVs, wine refrigerators, and the signature W bed.

Located adjacent to W Retreat Koh Samui is The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui, which features 17 secluded beachfront villas ranging from three to five bedrooms and from 3,280 square feet to 9,028 square feet. Each residence offers a modern and tropical Zen style with exotic touches, as well as full access to the benefits, services, and amenities of W Koh Samui.

W’s signature W Lounge brings an irresistible new highlight to Koh Samui’s nightlife. Right next to the W Lounge is the breathtaking WooBar. Open on three sides and perched on the corner of a hillside, WooBar offers 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hillside, a unique design that allows WooBar to transform its look from day to night.

A masterpiece of modern design, Away Spa comprises indoor and outdoor spa treatment areas that allow for total privacy and complete renewal, featuring signature treatments including massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and a range of treatments incorporating Thai influences. The first of its kind in Asia, the Away Spa’s unique Thaimazcal treatment is based on Mexican tribal rituals, using local Thai ingredients. Guests will also be able to enjoy the pool, state-of-the-art fitness facility, water sports center, and tennis court. whotels.com/kohsamui.

Seven Stars Shines

Named for the seven stars of the storied Pleiades constellation, the all-suite Seven Stars Resort on Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos sits on 22 acres of manicured, palm tree-lined grounds and anchors the sweeping arc of Grace Bay Beach, rated one of the world’s best beaches. Accommodations range from junior to four-bedroom suites, which feature wrap-around balconies. Seven Stars recently revamped its entire beach and pool scene by adding lounge/day beds; full beach service, from frequent water replenishments to towel changes; food and beverage service on the beach; and more. The property is also home to the only heated salt-water pool on the island. Seven Stars also completely renovated the fine-dining room, renamed “Seven, which accommodates 190 people inside and outside. sevenstarsgracebay.com

The Fab Five

In November 2010, Azul Hotels by Karisma, a collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, opened Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma in Playa del Carmen. The all-suite property features 360 one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, private and expansive rooftop lounge decks, a variety of gourmet dining options, a sky bar overlooking the Caribbean, and a 15,000-square-foot Vassa Spa. Additional amenities include a fitness center, VIP couple’s massage suites and hydrotherapy areas, three swimming pools, a children’s pool, and full-service concierge. When they’re not relaxing at the spa or poolside, guests can play tennis, table games, shuffleboard, and volleyball, or take aqua aerobics, dance and cooking classes, or scuba diving clinics. Rates from $282 for a deluxe suite to $1,229 for a three-bedroom penthouse suite for up to eight people. karismahotels.com

Queen B

In December 2010, B Hotels & Resorts debuted its flagship hotel, B Ocean Fort Lauderdale. Located on the famed Fort Lauderdale Beach, B Ocean Fort Lauderdale sets the tone for a spectacular brand experience sure to attract travelers from all over the world. The hotel’s location and offerings are ideally suited for business or pleasure. Conveniently located on Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, guests can be downtown or at the Las Olas art and entertainment district within minutes. Food and beverage offerings at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale include a signature restaurant, a bar, in-room dining, pool/patio dining, banquets, catering and the B’Stro, offering a variety of organic menu selections. The hotel began accepting guest reservations in October 2010. A grand opening event is planned for early 2011. boceanfortlauderdale.com

Hot House - SoHo House heads south to Miami

SoHo House debuted in Miami last fall. The oceanfront property, designed by Martin Brudnizki, whose resume also includes New York’s Le Caprice, comprises 50 guest rooms (including six tower suites), beachside cabanas, a fitness center, and two pools.

With South American influences, all bedrooms are decorated with one-off pieces of antique furniture and feature king-size beds and rainforest showers. Most bedrooms offer water views, and a number have freestanding baths and private terraces. The entire property offers complimentary WiFi; select floors have Macs for guests.

SoHo Beach House is located on the site of the historic Art Deco-style Sovereign Hotel, which has been redesigned and expanded to include a 16-story oceanfront tower. The 50 hotel guest rooms, ranging from 350 to 1,500 square feet, offer ocean and bay views and feature antique furniture, king-sized beds, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and rainforest showers.

The Cowshed Spa features six spacious ocean-facing mani-pedi chairs; five private treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite; steam rooms; a relaxation area; changing facilities; and its first Blow Dry Bar for the perfect ‘do. The property’s oceanfront gym features floor-to-ceiling windows, a full range of equipment, personal trainers, and Yoga and Pilates classes.

The club pool, which overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by double sun loungers and fans to keep members cool and comfortable, is for use by adult members and guests only. The floor also has its own towel station and showers with an adjacent bar.

SoHo Beach House also offers a private members’ club along with the brand’s signature hospitality experience for club members and hotel guests. Local membership for the Beach House is $1,800 annually, with membership for all SoHo House clubs set at $2,400. sohobeachhouse.com.

Bahia Beach Beauty

St. Regis’s first Caribbean hotel, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico, opened in November 2010, nestled between El Yunque rainforest and the Espiritu Santo River. The resort boasts 139 guest rooms, including 35 suites with private terraces offering ocean views, as well as 25 private St. Regis Estate Homes. The resort offers signature St. Regis Butler Service and features the Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, Jean Georges Restaurant, a Remède Spa, and an oceanfront golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The resort is also the Caribbean’s first certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Combining Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and rich history with St. Regis’s service and amenities, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s arrival here could change the landscape of luxury travel in the region. stregis.com/puertorico