Elite Traveler July-August 2017

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elite traveler JULY/AUG 2017

Como Villa COMO UMA PARO, BHUTAN

Nestled in the Paro Valley on a tree-clad hill, Como Uma Paro is within striking distance of the country’s cultural landmarks, and the Como Villa’s expansive living area offers panoramic views. Get to know Bhutan’s heritage and astonishing landscape with the Himalayan Discovery package, which features a guided hike through the area and takes in the extraordinary Taktsang Tiger’s Nest monastery. After a day of trekking through the Himalayas, unwind in the suite’s alfresco hot stone bathtub or have a treatment in your own spa room. From $1,500 per night, contact Agraj Tyagi, revenue manager, res.uma.bhutan@comohotels.com, +975 827 1597, comohotels.com

The Datai Suite THE DATAI, LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Immerse yourself in the middle of a 10-million-year- old rainforest at the Datai in Malaysia. Visionary architect Kerry Hill designed the hotel to unveil the hidden treasures of the rainforest and used the natural surroundings to guide the development, keeping environmental preservation at the forefront. As a result, the hotel blends seamlessly into its lush surroundings. The Datai's namesake suite, part of the canopy collection, has an expansive balcony that wraps around the entire space, so you can truly take in the virgin rainforest. Keep a lookout for the great hornbill, the dusky leaf monkey and the rare colugo. World-renowned resident naturalist, Irshad Mobarak leads nature walks every morning and evening. From$13,000 per night, contact Saravena Govendan, chief concierge, reservations@dataihotels.com, +60 4950 0500, thedatai.com

Hilltop Villa LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Set high up on a lush green hill on one of the world’s most exclusive private islands, the Hilltop Villa is a resort within a resort, and offers complete, undisturbed privacy. The island’s volcanic origin provides unexpected variations of landscape, and 80 percent of Laucala Island is blanketed in untouched tropical vegetation with an unspoiled rainforest. Offering panoramic views over the Garden of Eden-esque vista, the mammoth villa has a very generous living space and two guest residences. Be sure to go on the Taveuni Island excursion that includes a jungle hike to a beautiful secluded waterfall, or delve into the depths with a DeepFlight submarine trip. Villa from $45,000 per night, island buyout from $170,000 per night, contact Paula Vatunicoko, head of concierge & guest services, reservations@laucala.com, +679 888 0077, laucala.com

Photos Urs Homberger Arosa Switzerland, Martin Morrell, Jason Busch