Sophisticated beach villas in Thailand together with unparalleled, Ottoman-inspired spa treatments in Turkey are among this year’s hottest international resort launches, providing the perfect retreat for tourists from the Gulf looking for new holiday getaways this summer.

These include the Iniala Beach House in Thailand, The Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel and Residences in Montenegro, the Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman, the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum in Turkey, the Mondrian London in the UK, and the Portrait Firenze in Italy, reveals international concierge expert Timmy Coles-Liddle.

THAILAND

Located on Natai Beach in Phuket, the Iniala Beach House is a stunning three-villa, ten-bedroom private retreat and the grand-dame of super-luxe getaways. Thai architecture is married beautifully with modern themes created by designers from Europe, South America and Thailand, resulting in a cool, surreal and sophisticated vibe.

Iniala’s gastronomic delight, Aziamendi, is presented by three-Michelin-starred Spaniard Eneko Atxa, fusing European cooking techniques with fresh, locally sourced delicacies.

Each villa has its very own spa and the children will love ‘Fort Iniala’ – a playhouse designed and dedicated just for them. The Iniala experience offers luxury chauffeurs and car rental, all meals and up to six massage treatments per day.  Discerning guests can choose the extraordinary 415-sq-m Iniala Penthouse and marvel at designer Graham Lamb’s surreal decorative interpretations, 12-seater swivel table and indoor/outdoor swimming pool.

MONTENEGRO

Combining an eclectic naval design and charming waterfront location, 35 hotel rooms and 51 residences have been carefully curated at The Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel and Residences, Montenegro’s hottest new destination hotel.

There is a choice of various dining establishments including The Gourmet Corner offering organic patisserie and deli options.  Something more substantial, such as tapas, can be found in the sleek Mediterranean and Asian-inspired Library Bar.

Guests can iron out life’s stresses at the sumptuous Signature Regent Spa. Age-old holistic traditions from around the world are combined with the very latest high-tech equipment, offering four individual treatment and relaxation rooms, a hammam and nutritious juice bar. For the ultimate destination getaway, why not spend the afternoon at the hotel’s private beach, solely accessed by boat?

Sailors and yacht charter enthusiasts will

be thrilled to hear that the 250-capacity marina is currently being increased to cater for up to 420 berths.

Speaking of the forthcoming opening, the hotel’s General Manager, Michael Posch, says: “The opening of The Regent Porto Montenegro and its introduction of residences into a hotel concept is undoubtedly exciting, especially in an area where tourism has just begun to pick up. We are confident that our magnificent accommodation and bespoke Regent services, along with the sheer beauty of this region, will make a tremendous impact to the area.”

OMAN

A little closer to home and boasting an extraordinary cliff top location, perched atop the Al Hajar mountains in Oman, Alila Jabal Akhdar surrounds itself with fresh roses, pomegranates, dates and peaches. Forward-thinking design and sustainable architecture are combined with the very best of local Omani artesian craftwork to produce a truly luxurious getaway.

Exhilarating mountain biking, treks and desert driving experiences have been created for the adventurous, together with locally inspired bespoke spa treatments for those happy to sit back and relax. Incorporating numerous slick bedrooms and suites, as well as two exclusive royal villas, and a dramatic cliff-side restaurant and pool, the Alila Jabal Akhdar offers the ultimate in mountain-chic luxury.

Travellers can use the resort as a base to explore the spectacular mountains, Muscat and the stunning Omani coast.

TURKEY

Newly opened and taking pride of place on the waterfront on the northern side of the Bodrum peninsula at the superbly named ‘Cennet Koyu’ or Paradise Bay, the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is an exclusive retreat offering unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea. Made up of 82 delightful guestrooms and 20 suites, the resort provides sea view sundecks and terraces to make the most of the glorious sunshine, lush mountains and turquoise coast. For the ultimate indulgence, travellers can choose the two-storey Oriental Villa complete with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, mini spa, private garden and infinity swimming pool.

The most taxing decision of the day will be to choose whether to relax in one of the six restaurants and bars, the ultra-sleek lobby lounge, the chic poolside bar or the Beach Club, complete with every water activity imaginable. Boasting its own private beach, the vast 2,700-sq-m in-house spa will provide the very latest in wellness, beauty and massage treatments inspired by Turkish Ottoman traditions. Image-conscious gentlemen are not forgotten and may wish to check-in for an appointment with the spa’s barber.

Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, says: “We are delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality to Turkey and are looking forward to creating a luxurious hideaway on this culturally rich and stunning coastline.

The secluded location and all-encompassing luxury facilities of Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, underpinned by the chain’s legendary award-winning service, will provide a remarkable retreat for hotel guests and private residence owners.

UK

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in the iconic Sea Containers building, the first Mondrian-branded hotel outside of the US will make a welcome addition to London’s luxury hotel scene. Guests at the Mondrian London can expect up-to-the-minute interiors by world-renowned design aficionado Tom Dixon. The extraordinary venue, defined by striking design and clean lines, boasts panoramic views over the City together with 359 sumptuous guest rooms and suites, a rooftop lounge, restaurant and private screening room. Ladies will enjoy the signature agua spa complete with six treatment suites, relaxation space, and a manicure and pedicure room.

ITALY

The Portrait Firenze, a recently unveiled boutique offering from the Ferragamo family, provides enchanting vistas over Florence’s River Arno and the world-renowned Ponte Vecchio.  Thirty-four sumptuous suites and studios have been thoughtfully decorated with elegant fabrics and handcrafted furniture, designed by celebrated Florentine architect Michele Bonan. Whizz up to the penthouse, which boasts an impressive 273 sq m – the entire top floor of the hotel. Step out onto the private terrace and sip Aperols while gazing at the beautiful Roman Ponte Vecchio below. Luxury lovers will adore the Carrara marble bathrooms and alluring range of toiletries by Salvatore Ferragamo.

The hotel’s restaurant, Caffe Dell’Ora, offers guests haute cuisine. Chefs serve up classic Italian dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from all over Italy. With meticulous attention to detail combining the rich heritage of Italian designers, Portrait is a must-visit for any discerning, luxe-conscious traveller.

Commenting on the launch of these new properties, Coles-Liddle, who is the chairman and CEO of NINE, a UK-based boutique concierge club, says: “These new properties will undoubtedly go down well with the well-heeled from across the world including the Gulf region. London’s cooler summer climate and extraordinary selection of world-class restaurants remains an attractive destination for smart Arab travellers, while Turkey and Italy’s rich history, welcoming culture and panoramic coast also appeal. Luxury seekers now demand much more than fine dining and dramatic vistas. Regularly tasked with making travel arrangements on behalf of members, we are often impressed by each hotel’s team of dedicated staff, meticulous attention to detail and exceptional standard of service. I am positive these new luxury additions to the international hotel scene will not disappoint.”