Traveling on your own has a number of advantages. You have the entire bed to yourself, the contents of the mini-bar are all yours and you can order whatever you want off the menu without someone batting an eyelid. Upscale Living magazine‘s Travel Editor went in search of the most lavish hotels for solo travelers who relish the finer things in life.
ADARE MANOR, LIMERICK, IRELAND
Known. That’s how it feels. This is a place where even your first visit feels like a homecoming, where the first glimpse stirs something familiar down in your bones. When you arrive at Adare Manor, that moment of recognition is mutual. It’s your drink the way you like it and the best seat by the fire. It’s the feeling that everything is possible and the knowledge that nothing is left to chance.
A cherished heritage of Irish hospitality has been distilled into the spirit of welcome you feel within these walls. Adare Manor was a labor of love from the very start, created to delight, astonish and impress. That legacy is vividly alive in the manor house itself: sumptuously restored, brimming with gothic splendor, and perfectly appointed in every detail. It is reflected by a world-class staff whose personalized, intimate service centers you in the heart of the home.
As you roam the 840 acres of pristine parkland, play your way through the magnificent golf course, and sound the depths of relaxation in the spa, you will start to understand the soul of Adare Manor. It’s prestige without pretense and magic without nonsense. Above all, it is a sense of belonging.
Every room in Adare Manor is worthy of the Dunraven’s grand legacy of beauty and luxury, with every decision made with your comfort and enjoyment foremost in mind, something that will become immediately obvious when you step across the threshold.
BAUR AU LAC, ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
With fantastic infrastructure, world-class shopping, museums, and unmatched hospitality, Switzerland are one of the most welcoming countries to solo travelers. Visitors should begin with a visit to Zurich, known for its charming old town and innovative design shops. Situated in the heart of the city, the Baur au Lac hotel (one of Europe’s most historic hotels, owned by the same family for six generations and more than 170 years) sits in its own private park on the shores of Lake Zurich and boasts a collection of over 3,000 wines and spirits; a concierge team with members of the acclaimed Les Clefs d’Or; Pavillon, a two Michelin-starred restaurant; a luxury car garage and its own beehive.
The hotel offers 119 rooms, including 27 junior suites and 18 suites. Great emphasis was placed on spaciousness, top-quality materials, and superior craftsmanship. The rooms are individually decorated in different styles such as Art Deco, French Louis XVI, and English Regency, combined with contemporary features and the most exclusive French, Italian and English fabrics.
All furniture and lighting features are custom-made in France, Belgium, England, and Germany. Each item was hand-selected with an unfailing sense of style. While offering the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and privacy, the rooms and suites have been equipped with every, yet hardly noticeable technical refinement. The large, luxuriously appointed marble bathrooms with separate shower and toilet, heated floor and daylight match up to the highest demands of comfort, design, and equipment.
BEAU-RIVAGE GENÈVE, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
Often overlooked as a leisure destination, Geneva is home to the UN Headquarters, charming Old Town, luxury shopping, museums, the International Red Cross, sublime gastronomy and the most beautiful scenic lakes and mountains.
Beau-Rivage Genève has been an iconic hotel in Geneva since 1865 and is an extraordinary place. Your timeless retreat offers an exceptional location facing Geneva’s jet d’eau, which is firmly anchored in both the past and present.
One of Geneva’s landmark luxury hotels, Beau-Rivage Genève’s 70 rooms and 25 suites with their remarkable style ensure that you have a unique experience in the heart of this global city. For over 150 years, the elegance and sophistication of a period building and yesteryear charm is passionately preserved from generation to generation.
Currently, in the hands of the fifth generation of the Mayer family, this is the ideal home away from home. A meticulous renovation was unveiled last year, modernizing rooms and suites, with the introduction of six immaculate new lake view loft suites, with a grand staircase leading up to a king or twin bed and a ceiling window for stargazing from bed.
Named after notable guests, the suites include the Henri Dunant suite, adapted for guests with disabilities, as a tribute to the founder of the Red Cross and recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The Sissi Terrace suite is decorated with exquisitely preserved artifacts and period furniture from the era of the Austrian Empress who stayed there.
HOTEL HASSLER ROMA, ROME, ITALY
Set atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a panoramic view of the entire city, Hotel Hassler Roma offers the ideal solo getaway for travelers looking to stay like the world’s most elite guests. The Hassler has hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to George Clooney and is the hotel in which Audrey Hepburn stayed when she was filming “Roman Holiday.” Solo travelers can enjoy staying right in the heart of Rome, with easy access to all the top sites and incredible dining and shopping that the city has to offer.
The on-site 24-hour concierge can assist in planning guests’ stays, and can even provide a complimentary electric car to get around the city. Solo travelers can try the bustling Hassler Bistrot for lunch, treat themselves to a Michelin-starred dinner at the hotel’s panoramic restaurant, Imàgo, and enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at the intimate Hassler bar.
Located on the Hassler’s 8th floor, the 3,552 sq ft Hassler Penthouse suite offers the most breathtaking view over Rome’s city center skyline, including the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna with its Barcaccia fountain by Bernini as well as the famed Via Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street.
Featuring elegant, contemporary décor, blending seamlessly with a state-of-the-art music and lighting system, the Penthouse suite’s elevator provides direct access to the suite, with two panoramic terraces in Travertine marble, a grand piano and fully stocked cocktail bar area in the spacious elegantly decorated living room with dining area.
HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC, ANTIBES, FRANCE
Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, a super resort for the rich and famous on the glittering Côte d’Azur will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2020. It has a glittering list of past guests, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, Cary Grant, and Elizabeth Taylor – it is even the place where Prince Aly Khan was introduced to Rita Hayworth by the former General Manager.
The hotel’s iconic pool offers panoramas of the magnificent coastline. With 115 gorgeous guest rooms in three different locations, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s main hotel, Napoleon III houses 67 spacious, elegant rooms including five new deluxe rooms and two new suites on the second floor. There are 31 Junior Suites located in the Eden-Roc Pavillon and the jewel in the hotel’s crown, the Eden-Roc Suite.
For years, the great and the good have plotted love lives and world politics as they have sipped from a chilled glass on the deck of the Eden-Roc overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the hotel’s swimming pool. The legendary Hotel du Cap, therefore, introduced a glamorous new Champagne Lounge for its devoted clientele in May 2013.
In the hands of Chef Arnaud Poëtte for 27 years, the Eden-Roc Restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine; while the hotel’s “Chocolaterie”, run by Chef Lilian Bonnefoi, is a true experience for chocolate lovers. Purchased by the Oetker family in 1970, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the ideal place to explore the Riviera’s culture and countryside.
MARQUIS LOS CABOS RESORT & SPA, LOS CABOS, MÉXICO
Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa is a luxury, all-inclusive and all-Suites, an adult-only resort situated directly on the beach at the tip of Baja California Sur – where the desert mountains meet the Sea of Cortés just 15 minutes from San Jose del Cabo and 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Marquis Los Cabos features 235 newly renovated suites with ocean views; three pools overlooking the ocean expanse; a full-service, 13,000 square-foot Spa Marquis; five gourmet restaurants, a café and a bar all helmed by Master Chef Thierry Dufour; 12,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; access to several 18-hole golf courses within miles of the resort; and a wide variety of well-curated on-property activities and entertainment, ensuring a world-class experience.
After extensive repair and renovation, Marquis Los Cabos’ spacious, residential-style accommodations fuse effortless luxury with romance and authentic Mexican flair. All 235 suites across five categories – 203 Deluxe Suites, 26 One-Bedroom Casitas, five Master Suites with private plunge pool and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite – have been fully revamped with new beds, linens, minibars, L’Occitane bath amenities, hydro-massage tubs, and furnished outdoor terraces. Suites range in size from 650 sq. feet to 2,600 sq. feet approximately.
Upgraded culinary experiences range from the re-installation of the signature Marquis Wake Up – each morning’s in-suite delivery of fresh coffee and sweet rolls – to the several-times-daily hand-passed trays of local treats such as churros, pastries or corn-on-the-cob throughout the pool common areas.
THE MULIA, MULIA RESORT & VILLAS, NUSA DUA, BALI
Mulia Bali is the epitome of luxury, offering world-class amenities with unparalleled service and attention to detail. Our expansive beachfront resort compound, located within the exclusive area of Nusa Dua on the southern part of the island, allows you to choose from three distinct experiences – luxurious suites, serene villas, and elegant rooms – overlooking the resort’s infinity pools and pristine beach, inviting you to relax and indulge in paradise.
Overlooking the dramatic coastline of Nusa Dua, The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas are among the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Bali. Our exclusive Nusa Dua resort reflects the tranquility of our picture-perfect surroundings. Here, among the stunning beach frontage along Nusa Dua’s bay, we invite you to experience the tranquil beauty of Bali and the magnificent nature that surrounds you.
The accommodations at The Mulia all-suite resort was designed with a feeling of luxury both inside and out, providing the ultimate indulgent getaway. Relax in your spacious suite that opens to a balcony overlooking the pristine Geger Beach and the Indian Ocean or the resort’s breath-taking gardens. Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on to the sand and enjoy your private breakfast for two amid the relaxing ocean breeze.
Whether you choose our garden-facing or beachfront accommodation, The Mulia’s signature lavish bedding, first-class amenities and a spacious bathroom with separate bath and shower all aim to spoil you with unmatched luxury.
ROYAL CHAMPAGNE HOTEL & SPA, CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
The storied history of Champagne – one of the world’s great wine regions – has taken on a new dimension with the launch of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. The hotel is the destination’s first contemporary luxury hotel, which embraces the lush bounty of the wineries. Guests have exclusive access to private Champagne houses, harvesting sessions with local wine producers and tastings with Champagne producers giving true insider access, all personally curated by the in-house concierge team.
The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa boasts an enviable location, situated right in the middle of the vineyards that stripe the hills of Epernay and the historic villages of Champillon and Hautvillers of Dom Pérignon fame. Reimagining a wine-country retreat for all seasons, local Reims-based architect, Giovanni Pace has designed the property in the style of a contemporary amphitheater, incorporating the original 19th Century Post House, where it is said that King Charles X of France stopped over before heading to Reims for his coronation.
Each of the 47 rooms and suites affords spectacular views of the Champagne valley, appointed with Hermès amenities and state-of-the-art comforts. Led by Vincent Parinaud, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has unveiled the region’s first world-class destination spa spanning 16,000ft². In partnership with acclaimed French brand Biologique Recherche, the wellness center comprises nine treatment rooms; state of the art fitness facilities; a wood-lined yoga studio; eucalyptus-infused sauna; manicure and pedicure stations and a mosaic-tiled Hammam.
THE KENSINGTON, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON
The Kensington is London’s finest townhouse hotel, sitting in the heart of South Kensington, where Queen’s Gate meets the Old Brompton Road. It is made up of four traditional white Victorian townhouses, making the hotel feel more akin to a beautiful private residence than traditional hotel. Situated in one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods – home to the monarchy at Kensington Palace since 1689 and the official ‘Royal Borough of London’ since 1901 – The Kensington itself has a decidedly regal feel.
The hotels’ rooms and suites have been individually designed with elegant fabrics and custom furnishings to complement the hotel’s period architecture and those after the true ‘Royal’ experience can stay in either The Brompton Suite or The Knightsbridge Suite – some of London’s most majestic accommodation. The hotel’s restaurant, Town House, is made up of interconnected drawing rooms, bursting with natural light, complete open fireplaces and intimate porticos overlooking Kensington’s tree-lined avenues.
The recently launched London Landmarks Afternoon Tea, which takes inspiration from London’s most recognizable and historic landmarks, comes served on a London Eye-inspired stand. Meet for a drink at the K Bar, the hotel’s discreet cocktail bar, set by its elegant décor – oak panels, polished brass accents, mirrored walls, and slate floors, lending a sophisticated feel, matched by creative & classic cocktails. In addition, the hotel has partnerships with nearby V&A museum as well as The Royal Albert Hall and can secure VIP tickets and exclusive access for guests.
THE PUXUAN, BEIJING, CHINA
The PuXuan is the newest addition to Urban Resort Concepts’ ever-expanding portfolio of luxury hotels throughout Asia and is centrally located in Beijing’s arts & culture district, boasting unparalleled views over the Forbidden City. Rooted in a tradition of hospitality, the hotel is centered on the philosophy of ‘hostmanship’ and features two flagship restaurants, interiors by MQ studios and a signature spa.
Ideal for solo travelers, The PuXuan is committed to celebrating the rich local culture. Through an immersive program, guests are given exclusive access to local, hidden gems and landmarks alike, offering travelers a completely new way to experience Beijing. These half and full-day programs will consist of destination expert-guided tours through Beijing’s maze-like alleys known as hutongs, walks through the tree-lined Old Legation Quarter, or through the paths of old imperial scholars such as Confucius, offered exclusively to guests of The PuXuan.
Furthermore, with world-class service, The PuXuan is rooted in a service culture of Hostmanship™. Hotel staff is dedicated to creating a genuinely respectful and tailored experience for each guest that reflects contemporary interpretations of China’s deeply rooted hospitality traditions. The hotel captures the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host with unparalleled standards of service centered around the needs and comforts of guests. The PuXuan provides guests with 24-hour check-in and check-out, complimentary access to the fully stocked mini-bar, breakfast anywhere in the hotel, best-in-class WiFi, meeting room use, and laundry and pressing services.
