Our top five luxury properties of the week has officially dropped, and as per usual, it’s landing with quite the bang.
We spotlight a couple of gems close to home, including a gorgeous hotel on Northern Ireland’s coast and a swish all-suite property in central London. If your clients are on the hunt for winter sunshine (who could blame them?), we’ve also listed a heavenly Madagascar resort and a majestic villa on the Turkish Riviera.
Hopefully, our lineup will give you the inspiration you need to make that special booking.
1. Ballygally Castle, Antrim
Calling all cold water swimmers, this one’s for you. Hastings Hotels’ Ballygally Castle on the Antrim Coast has introduced its ‘Sauna by the Sea’ experience, following glowing guest feedback on its beachside location.
The 16th-century property’s overnight package invites guests to enjoy a shoreside pop-up sauna session following a dip in the brisk north Irish Sea - dry robes, slippers and a thermo flask filled with a warm beverage will all be included. Back at the hotel, Espa products and a full Irish breakfast await.
2. Kempinski Hotel The Dome, Turkey
Located on Belek’s beachfront, Kempinski Hotel The Dome has been earning rave reviews since opening in July. Space is where this newly-renovated Turkish property really shines - guests can expect 175 rooms, including 43 lagoon suites, 16 Royal Golf Villas, two Pasha Villas, eight Sultan Villas, and one Presidential Villa.
There are also two 18-hole golf courses, a spa with a 12.5m indoor heated pool and Ayurvedic treatments, and access to a private beach. For when hunger hits, head to one of The Dome’s five restaurants; Seljuk, its newest restaurant, is an absolute must.
3. Voaara, Madagascar
A new five-star resort is set to open off the coast of Madagascar this September, bringing with it an ‘understated luxury’ to its Indian Ocean address.
Situated on Sainte-Marie, ‘Voaara’ is the brainchild of Kiwi Collection founder Philippe Kjellgren and aims to offer guests a more authentic experience of the stunning island. The property will initially launch with eight villas, all of which have been designed with local materials and reclaimed wood, and include their own infinity pool and Range Rover.
There will also be five dining outlets, two of which will open next month, and a spa set to open later this year. Kjellgren also plans to employ 80% of Voaara’s staff locally and to support conservation causes that benefit the community, such as a replanting programme.
4. Bequia Beach Hotel, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Luxury resort Bequia Beach Hotel has announced the introduction of a new eight-bedroom property, following the successful launch of its Grenadine Hills villa collection in 2021 with two ultra-luxury villas, Villa One and Coral Hill.
Set to be the largest on the island, Rock Villa will make its debut later this year with eight en-suite bedrooms, a private infinity pool, dining gazebo and a jacuzzi. Guests staying in the plush house will also have access to Bequia Beach Hotel’s facilities, including its garden spa, saltwater pool and private plane.
