FOLIO TOP SUITES

LIVING AREA AND BALCONY / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

MASTER BATH / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

DINING AREA / MONFORTE SUITE

MUNICH MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Key selling points | Asian objets dart turn this suite into your own private museum. Cherry and rosewood furniture unify the neo-Biedermeier period and contemporary Asian

THE CHARLES HOTEL

MONFORTE SUITE Key selling points | This top-floor accommodation features a rooftop terrace offering a view over the Alps and the tops of Munichs most famous historical buildings. The living room is equipped with a Bechstein grand piano with original paintings by the 19th century artist Franz von Lenbach.

design, while a conservatory on the patio provides a unique view of the citys landmarks.

BEST SUITES OF THE HIMALAYAS

that combine pristine beauty, stellar accommodations, and untouched cultures. For this, we head to the top of the world where luxury hotels on all sides of the Himalayan
Special amenities | Nintendo Wii, Hypnos mattresses, Pedersoli linens, 55-inch Samsung TV, Aromatherapy Associates bath amenities, AEG kitchen appliances Square footage | 2,153 Number of rooms in suite | Four Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 160, including 27 suites and one Monforte Suite Whos slept here? | Reportedly actors Ken Duken and Felicity Jones, writer/director Phil Traill Nightly rate | $11,375 Location | Sophienstrasse 28, Munich Contact | General Manager Frank Heller, 49-89-544-555-1300; fheller@roccofortecollection.com; www.roccofortecollection.com
BY SCOTT GOETZ

Standout service | On two occasions, the furniture in the Standout service | The hotelmore arranged a 21st birthday party As the world grows ever more connected, it is becoming difficult to find destinations suites living room was removed for a client on Germanys for a visiting celebrity with balloons and a big colored cake. Style | Fresh, contemporary style, by Olga Polizzi, 2007

Next Superstar so he could film with a view of Munich.

Ralf Claussen of cm-DESIGN, 2008

Style | Contemporary with Art Deco nuances, by architect

mountain range have built ultimate retreats that deliver a true Shangri-la.

Special amenities | Silk bed linens, Bang & Olufsen audiovisual equipment and 32-inch flat-screen TV, Red Flower bath amenities, Bulthaup kitchen, Swarovski chandeliers, complimentary use of a Mercedes-Benz bicycle Square footage | 1,320 Number of rooms in suite | Five Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 48, including 25 suites Whos slept here? | Liza Minnelli, Jon Bon Jovi, U2, Sting Nightly rate | $13,280 Location | Neuturmstrasse 1, Munich Contact | General Manager Lars Wagner, 49-89-2909-8800; lwagner@mohg.com; www.mandarinoriental.com/munich

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LIJIANG RIVER / LIJIANG, CHINA

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TOP SUITES

COURTYARD / PRESIDENTIAL POOL VILLA

DINING ROOM / TUBO SUITE

LIVING ROOM / TUBO SUITE

DINING ROOM / PRESIDENTIAL POOL VILLA

CHINA
THE ST. REGIS LHASA RESORT
TUBO SUITE Key selling points | Decked in fine Tibetan wool carpets and contemporary art, this suite features a grand living room with three conversation areas, a dining room for 15, two offices with media hubs, a full kitchen, and a terrace. Three balconies provide guests with panoramic views of Lhasas famed Potala Palace, while a separate powder room and butler pantry ensure perfect privacy for guests. Standout service | A hotel butler helped art-loving guests locate unique local artworks to take home. Style | Modern Tibetan, by Jean-Michel Gathy, 2010 Special amenities | St. Regis 24-hour butler service, Bose media center, Japanese bidet with heated toilet seats, Herms bath amenities, heated slate floors in master bath, Moser glassware, Jacuzzi Square footage | 2,734 Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two and four half-baths Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 162, including 28 villas and 12 suites Whos slept here? | Royalty, heads of state, and top politicos Nightly rate | US$9,365 Location | No. 22, Jiangsu Road, Lhasa, Tibet Contact | General Manager Connie Lee, 86-891-680-8888 ext. 31888; connie.lee@stregis.com; www.stregis.com/lhasa
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BANYAN TREE LIJIANG

PRESIDENTIAL POOL VILLA Key selling points | A modern take on traditional local Naxi style, this U-shaped villa highlights outdoor living with a large, private walled garden that includes a pagoda pavilion, pool, covered sitting porches, and stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Two bedrooms with large sliding wood-and-glass doors face each other across the courtyard. Guests enjoy a common living room and dining room for six. Standout service | The hotel built a dining platform in the middle of the propertys lake for a couple staying in the suite. Style | Naxi luxe, by Ho Kwon Cjan, 2006 Special amenities | Outdoor heated pool, artwork of local Naxi village scenes, large stone-and-tile tub, butler service, rose petal turndown, satellite TV, Banyan Tree Spa amenities, three kinds of bathrobes, incense burners, champagne Square footage | 12,000 (inclusive of outdoor space) Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 82 villas and 42 suites Whos slept here? | Reportedly Avril Lavigne Nightly rate | US$5,310 Location | Yuerong Road, Shuhe, Lijiang, China Contact | Area General Manager Michael Thomas, 86-888-533-1111; michael.thomas@banyantree.com; www.banyantree.com/en/lijiang

MASTER BEDROOM / TIBETAN SPA SUITE

TERRACE / VICEREGAL SUITE

INDIA
BANYAN TREE RINGHA
TIBETAN SPA SUITE Key selling points | This historic two-story farmhouse, once home to a Tibetan family and their livestock, was reassembled log by log on-site and completely renovated. Intricate wood carvings are juxtaposed with large, colorful Tibetan carpets that cover the wooden floors on both levels. The suite boasts views of the fabled valley of Shangri-la, a couples spa suite, round wood bathtub, fireplace, large balcony with rocking chairs, private courtyard, and a study area. Standout services | For the launch of a new Lancme product, the hotel arranged for a monk to bless the product in a grand ceremony featuring local dancers and musicians, and VIP guests received special Banyan Tree Spa treatments. Style | Tibetan farmhouse chic, by He Guangcan, 2005 Special amenities | Butler service, rose petal and candle turndown, satellite TV, Banyan Tree Spa amenities, incense burners Square footage | 4,036 Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 32 suites Whos slept here? | Global rock stars and Chinese actresses Nightly rate | US$863 Location | Hong Po Village, Jian Tang Town, Yunnan, China Contact | Hotel Manager Tashi Yangzom, 86-887-828-8822; tashi.yangzom@banyantree.com; www.banyantree.com

ANANDA
VICEREGAL SUITE Key selling points | At the restored Viceregal Palace that once belonged to the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, this villa sports a period four-poster bed, sitting and dining areas, and a bathroom with antique fittings. The private terrace and rooftop Jacuzzi overlook the Ganga Valley, but itll be the oldest billiard table in India and pictures of the maharajas many famous guests that will enchant history buffs. Standout service | When a guest forgot the ring for a proposal, a butler traveled to a jeweler to have an identical ring made. Style | Colonial hill country, by Chhada Siembieda & Associates Ltd., 2012 Special amenities | Complimentary airport transfers, 24-hour butler service, flexible check-in/check-out, complimentary Wi-Fi, private al fresco dining set ups upon request Square footage | 2,370 Number of bedrooms in suite | One Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 78, including five suites and three villas Whos slept here? | Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman Nightly rate | US$900 to US$1,380 Location | The Palace Estate, Garhwal, Uttaranchal, India Contact | General Manager Nikhil Kapu, 91-1378-227500; nikhilk@anandaspa.com; www.anandaspa.com
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TOP SUITES

LIVING ROOM / LUXURY SUITE

LIVING ROOM / LORD KITCHENER SUITE

MASTER BATH / LUXURY SUITE

BHUTAN
WILDFLOWER HALL
LORD KITCHENER SUITE Key selling points | A grand four-poster bed and Burmese teak walls, floors, and ceilings imbue this suite with the colonial and aristocratic history of the British Rajs fashionable summer seat. Located on the hotels fourth floor, the suite offers a separate living room with a fireplace, two bedrooms with dormer roofs, and spectacular views of the Himalayas in an environment of tufted sofas, marquetry tables, and Bokhara carpets. Standout services | Upon the request of guests, the hotel has arranged thrilling white-water rafting trips and superserene in-suite massages. Style | Colonial hunting lodge, by Chhada Siembieda & Associates Ltd., 2001 Special amenities | Hand-knotted rugs, Ayurvedic toiletries, butler service, welcome beverage Square footage | 1,129 Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 86, including five suites Whos slept here? | Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan Nightly rate | US$1,370 Location | Mashobra, Chharabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India Contact | General Manager Abhishek Sharma, 91-177-2648585; generalmanager.wildflowerhall@oberoihotels.com; www.oberoihotels.com
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TAJ TASHI THIMPHU

LUXURY SUITE Key selling points | With breathtaking 180-degree views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley, this elegant abode offers a spacious and relaxing respite, with canopy beds and walk-in closets. Natural lighting emphasizes a large, well laid-out bathroom. Interiors feature a blend of Bhutans Dzong architecture and modern elements, along with highlights of the regions art and colors. Standout service | To secure a special brand of tea that wasnt available in Bhutan for a guest, a staff member asked her friend abroad to send the tea with an airline pilot. Style | Contemporary Dzong, by P49, 2012 Special amenities | Complimentary wine, state-of-the-art Samsung home theater system, Forest Essentials toiletries, Moohandas Arjundas linens, butler service upon request Square footage | 1,000 Number of bedrooms in suite | One, with the option to connect to a deluxe room Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 66, including nine suites Whos slept here? | Actors Emily Blunt and John Krasinski Nightly rate | US$1,000 Location | Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan Contact | General Manager Sibi Mathew, 975-771-00081; sibi.mathew@tajhotels.com; www.tajhotels.com

FOLIO

LIVING ROOM / COMO VILLA, UMA PARO

TERRACE / COMO VILLA, UMA PUNAKHA

LIVING AREA AND BALCONY / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

MASTER BATH / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

MASTER BEDROOM DINING / COMO AREA VILLA, / MONFORTE UMA PAROSUITE

MASTER BEDROOM / COMO VILLA, UMA PUNAKHA

UMA PARO
COMO VILLA Key selling points | Set on a Himalayan hilltop, this twobedroom suite has a large living area with panoramic views of the Paro Valley, as well as an outdoor hot-stone bathtub and fire pit in the private, open-air courtyard. Decorated with Bhutanese antiques, the suite comes complete with a full kitchen, dining area for eight, and a spa treatment room. Standout service | The hotel planned a completely custom, ultra-luxurious three-night camping trip that took guests on honeymoon from Paro to Punakha. Style | Bhutanese minimalism, by Cheong Yew Kuan, 2005 Special amenities | Egyptian cotton linens, goose-down duvets, satellite TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, COMO Shambhala bath amenities, butler service Square footage | 3,229 Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 29, including nine villas Whos slept here? | Reportedly Cameron Diaz Nightly rate | US$1,100 Location | Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan Contact | General Manager Norman Luxemburg, 975-0827-1597; norman.luxemburg@comohotels.com; www.comohotels.com

UMA PUNAKHA
COMO VILLA Key selling points | Simplicity prevails in this two-bedroom villa flooded with natural light and sweeping Punakha Valley views. Two bedrooms flank each side of the living and dining area, affording dramatic vistas and welcome privacy. Hand-stitched bed covers pay homage to Bhutans Buddhist culture, while hand-knotted Nepalese rugs adorn the floors. An outdoor terrace is set in a private garden blooming with azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. Standout service | The hotel provides special VIP access to Punakhas tsechu festivals. Style | Understated Bhutanese elegance, by Cheong Yew Kuan, 2012 Special amenities | Handmade Italian linens, satellite TV, COMO Shambhala bath amenities, Wi-Fi Square footage | 969, plus a 432-square-foot terrace Number of bedrooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 11, including two villas Whos slept here? | A-listers escaping the bright lights Nightly rate | US$800 Location | Punakha, Kingdom of Bhutan Contact | General Manager Norman Luxemburg, 975-0827-1597; norman.luxemburg@comohotels.com; www.comohotels.com
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MASTER BEDROOM / AMANKORA - BUMTHANG

AMANKORA
Amankora is a series of five authentic lodges in Bhutan that follow a path from Paro, where visitors arrive by plane, to the remote region of Bumthang. Travelers stop along the way for stays in Thimphu, Gangtey, and Punakha. Here are two of their best: Punakha and Bumthang.

AMANKORA BUMTHANG
SUITES 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Key selling points | The Bumthang lodge is the most remote of the five lodges that comprise Amankora. Lay on your suites daybed, overlooking the nearby Wangdichholing Palace (sum-

MASTER BATH / AMANKORA - BUMTHANG

mer home of the first two kings of Bhutan) and ancient monastery, and gaze at the monks on their way to daily prayer. Warm, wood-paneled interiors include a king-size bed, woodburning stove, and a terrazzo bathroom with shower and twin vanities. Standout services | Aman arranges for a monk to talk to guests about the significance of the tsechus (festivals), and staff bring guests cushions, special hand warmers, and flasks of hot tea. Style | Minimalist Bhutanese retreat, by Kerry Hill, 2007 Special amenities | Custom-designed fabrics, furniture, and lanterns made with local nettle, yak hair, and wool; Bhutanese Goh-inspired bathrobes; turndown gifts of local Bhutanese handicrafts; custom Aman toiletries Square footage | 560 Number of bedrooms in suite | One Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 16 suites Whos slept here? | Le Bernardin chef Eric Ripert Nightly rate | From US$775 per person Location | Bumthang, Kingdom of Bhutan Contact | General Manager John Reed, 975-2-331-333; jreed@amanresorts.com; www.amanresorts.com

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TOP SUITES

MORE HIMALAYAN HIDEAWAYS TO COME IN 2014

Amanresorts will debut 32 suites in Lijiang Old Town when AmanDayan opens its door atop Lion Hill. Crowning this jewel will be the two-bedroom Aman Villa set across 4,250 square feet. Hand-carved wooden screens, Jim Thompson silks, and traditional materials will be incorporated throughout, ensuring that the suites and villa convey a sense of place with subtlety and style.

Opening in spring 2014, Shangri-La, Lhasa, a 289-room luxury urban resort, will reflect traditional Tibetan architectural motifs in a modern space. Its interior design will involve local art, crafts, and fabrics. The hotel will comprise 262 spacious guest rooms and 17 suites, including exclusive Horizon Club accommodation and a private lounge. To help guests acclimatize to Lhasas high altitude, the property will be encircled by gardens, featuring indigenous plants to boost oxygen levels. Services will include Tibetan welcome rituals and local hand-churned butter tea.

MASTER BATH / AMANKORA - PUNAKHA

HIMALAYAN TOURING
Ker & Downey, with offices soon opening in Asia, offers guests a three-week, in-depth exploration with their new best of the Himalayas Top of the World Tour. Starting in China, then cross-

AMANKORA PUNAKHA
SUITES 2, 4, 5, 6 Key selling points | These suites are set within a compound designed around a Bhutanese farmhouse, built by a former chief abbot of Bhutan to oversee the fruit orchards and rice paddies. Guests warm themselves beside a traditional woodburning stove as they look out on the views of the surrounding valley. Featuring an open-plan lounge and bedroom, window seat, and reading chair, the space opens onto a large terrazzo bathroom. Standout service | Staff has arranged unique experiences for guests, including farmhouse lunches with a local family. Style | Minimalist Bhutanese retreat, by Kerry Hill, 2005 Special amenities | Custom-designed fabrics, furniture, and lanterns made with local nettle, yak hair, and wool; Bhutanese Goh-inspired bathrobes; turndown gifts of local Bhutanese handicrafts; custom Aman toiletries Square footage | 560 Number of bedrooms in suite | One Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | Eight suites Whos slept here? | International tycoons and royal couples Nightly rate | From US$775 per person Location | Punakha, Kingdom of Bhutan Contact | General Manager John Reed, 975-2-331-333; jreed@amanresorts.com; www.amanresorts.comw

ing over to Nepal, into Bhutan, and ending with India, this tour comes complete with special invitations to Bhutanese festivals and the option of helicoptering to Everest Base Camp.

Ker & Downeys air partner, Cathay Pacific, along with sister airline Dragonair, serves 22 destinations in mainland China, and recently unveiled rejuvenated first-class cabins. Significant enhancements include a new look by London-based architects Foster + Partners, the same designer of the First Class Lounge of The Wing, that brings elements of the lounges design into the first-class cabin; a new 4.3-inch LCD touch-screen controller, which allows passengers to easily recline the seat, adjust lumbar support, and turn lights on or off; BOSE QuietComfort15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones; and redesigned firstclass pajamas and bedding with 500-thread-count cotton fabrics for the duvets, pillows, and cushions by PYE. Gents in transit will be offered amenity kits in an Ermenegildo Zegna black pouch and ladies will be provided with a new Trussardi amenity bag in complementary colors, featuring Aesop toiletries.

Contact: Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com

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