It’s peak road-trip season and sun and scenic routes are on our minds, so this week we’ve been California scheming. Take the infamous Highway 1 for its vertiginous coastal views, then hotfoot it inland to wine country. Luxury boutique hotel the Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma County (Napa Valley’s chilled-out contender) awaits with its sip-worthy wining [...]
Bali’s nicknamed the island of love, and this week we’re setting the scene with L Hotel Seminyak. When the sunset views on the rooftop terrace and waterfall table for two get a bit too much, step out the door to sample Petitenget’s divine boutiques and lychee martinis. Style: Luxe, lively, lovely Setting: Seminyak’s style strip [...]
This month, the intrepid Smith team of style-seeking hotel hunters began its global trek in canal-crossed Amsterdam, home to a trio of reinvented Dutch stunners: a modern aristocrat named Sir Albert (originally a diamond factory), the fantastical Andaz Amsterdam (formerly a library) and modernist masterpiece Conservatorium (the one-time Sweelinck Conservatory of Music). Then, we headed [...]
This week we’re dusting off the ski boots and setting our sights on snow-covered slopes. Swap rainy cityscapes for jaw-dropping mountain panoramas at Azur Lodge in New Zealand, set on the hills over Queenstown’s spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Style: Luxe lakeside lodges Setting: Lush Queenstown hillside Why this week? As the southern hemisphere’s cooler months creep up, it’s the [...]
This week we’re wowed by the warm waters and white beaches of the Maldives. With its palm-dotted sands, piercing blue seas, overwater spa and underwater restaurant, family-friendly hotel Anantara Kihavah Villas is the stuff of desert-island dreams. Style Breezy seaside retreat Setting Blissful Baa Atoll Why this week? If you’re already setting your sights on school holidays [...]
Fancy whetting the wanderlust in your life? Then get hinting on our cheeky new Facebook app, guaranteed to galvanise your partner, posse or pals into travel action… If you’re hankering to be whisked away somewhere Smithy, just drop a hotel-hopping hint on Facebook and let Smith’s witty new app play Cupid. You can choose any [...]
This month, we explored the edenic eastern Algarve from our temporary home at quirky country house Fazenda Nova; after that, we lounged by the pool at Corsican beauty La Signoria. Once we managed to tear ourselves away from the sun, we were northward bound, off to hang out with a host of cool locals at [...]
Longing to live the high life? Ascend from the world of mere mortals to Spicers Peak Lodge, a summit-set haven in rustic Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Within easy reach of Brisbane, this mountain retreat offers gourmet dining, outdoor pursuits, spa pampering and vineyard-hopping in Australia’s Granite Belt wine region. Style Luxe modern chalet Setting Peak plateau Why this [...]
This week we’re craving tagines, mint tea and a tadelakt bathroom… so we’re heading to one of the world’s most loveably chaotic cities, Marrakech. It’s renowned as a riot for the senses, so for a quieter time we’d bed down at our hotel of the week, elegant Riad 72. Style Luxury riad Setting Alleys of [...]
As St Valentine briefly flitted in and out this week, we were reminded that one day dedicated to romance simply isn’t enough. So, why not extend the affair at a spot designed with passion in mind – luxury boutique Faena Hotel in sultry Buenos Aires? Style Seeing red Setting Waterfront Puerto Madero Why this week? Even if you came through [...]
