Best Brand Pairings

We’re all about finding the right hotel fit for clients and their needs. But sometimes, sticking with one brand in a particular destination just makes sense. Offering familiar décor, continuity of service, and deeply rooted sense of place, these brands add something special to the destinations they call home:  

Peru

Belmond

Belmond has more hotels in Peru than it does in all of North America and the Caribbean, which says a lot about the wonderous magic this tiny country contains. The classic combo include a few nights at Rio Sagrado for some amazing adventures in the Sacred Valley, followed by a few nights at Sanctuary Lodge for what is sure to be the highlight of your trip -- being the first to see Machu Pichu before the crowds arrive. Finish off with a train ride on the Hiram Bingham and a stay at Cusco’s stunning Hotel Monasterio.

Cally Pirrung

Tanzania

Singita

In the safari world, the name “Singita” is synonymous with the best, and the brand has lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Tanzania. But it’s this last one – their incredible offerings in Tanzania’s private Grumeti Reserve – that serves that serves as a flagship of sorts, a one-stop shop for five totally unique ways to experience the bush. While I love the organic, intimate architecture of Faru Faru, with its enormous bedroom windows that overlook a watering hole, the unbeatable remoteness of their mobile Explore camps, where every meal is cooked over an open flame, and the total privacy of exclusive-use Serengeti House, where tennis matches are occasionally interrupted by roaming zebra, for me the ideal pairing is starting in the understated but impeccably outfitted tents at Singita Sabora, with their leather sundries, creamy linen day beds, and outdoor showers in the middle of the Serengeti (as long as you don’t get shy when a giraffe walks by while you’re mid-shampoo); after a few days of canvas walls and lions strolling past at dinner, head up to the imposing Singita Sasakwa, which is perched on a central hill like a luxurious mothership. I can think of no more epic place for a massage on earth than the Sasakwa spa, where the treatment rooms open to views over thousands of acres of grassland.

Jordy Leivers-Eaton

 Indonesia

Aman

Aman may trace its roots to Thailand, but as a brand, the hotel group corners the market on Indonesia. With five resorts across three islands and a private sailing yacht, Aman offers travelers a distinct pathway for visiting Indonesia’s diverse regions. Start with a spiritual awakening on Java. At Amajiwo, you’ll be continuously serenaded by the sound of the azzan from nearby mosques, in the shadow of the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Then head to Bali, where you can split your time between Amandari and Amankila. The former is constructed to resemble a traditional village, with river-stone walkways, thatched public spaces, and high stone walls – built above incredible terraced rice fields. At Amankila, relax in the little explored corner of east Bali, where black sand beaches and granite cliffs contribute to the dramatic scenery. Finally, embark on a voyage bound for Raja Ampat or Komodo National Park aboard Amandira, the brand’s flagship, custom-built, two-masted Phinisi yacht.  

Barkley Hickox

Turkey

Mandarin Oriental

Positioned along the glimmering shoreline where East and West collide, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul captures the unique identify of the world’s pan-continental city. The brand new property opened in August of 2021, and stands ready to become the city’s iconic address for international visitors. Not only does the Mandarin front the Bosphorous, and offer sweeping river and city views, the property is within easy reach of Istanbul’s two newest attractions: the Atatürk Cultural Center -- a recently resorted 1960s complex with a new opera house, art gallery, theater, and restaurant – and the newly revamped Galataport, a revitalized industrial area along the riverfront that now houses some of Istanbul’s buzziest shopping and dining venues.

After some time in the city, head for the Turkish coast for some relaxation at the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. The platonic ideal of a beach resort, the Mandarin is an ideal spot to unwind after an urban stint in Istanbul. This is the kind of place where you want to fill your days with absolutely nothing, other than relaxing and soaking up the scenery. Oh and maybe booking a few spa treatments.

Alex Creange

Bhutan

Six Senses

Less of a pairing and more of a circuit, Six Senses Bhutan comprises five separate lodges in the dreamy valleys of Bhutan.  Each valley is unique and has its own topography and character, and I recommend visiting at least three during your stay, to allow yourself plenty of time to really explore the variety contained in this tiny Himalayan country. Part of the magic of Bhutan is its combination of Buddhist spirituality, friendly and welcoming people, and of course awesome natural wonders.  Six Senses has designed each of their five lodges to highlight the unique qualities of their settings and surroundings, so each lodge feels new when you walk in the front door. Yet there is a common thread of natural materials that is woven throughout the collection: light wood, rustic stone, and muted yet colorful fabrics. Each Six Senses lodge was built to maximize the sunlight -- and the views are beyond spectacular. I will never forget entering the living room in Paro and seeing the expanse of the Himalayas literally shimmering in the distance! Then I was offered a cocktail and a foot-rub so yes, I was in Heaven. To me, Six Senses Bhutan offers a perfect balance between activity and relaxation. There are spectacular hikes, incredible spa treatments using local methods, temples to visit, archery to try, and then colossally fail at, picnics in rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, river rafting and the most genuine interactions with lovely Bhutanese people. Six Senses has captured the beauty of Bhutan and I can’t wait to return!

Camilla Catlin

Caribbean

Rosewood

The debut of Rosewood Le Guanahani has been one of the most anticipated Caribbean hotel openings of late given the hotel is the last five star hotel to reopen on St. Barth’s post Hurricane Irma. Having undergone an extensive renovation over the past 4.5 years that touched all 66 guestrooms and added private plunge pools to many, Le Guanahani has reemerged as a more contemporary, design-forward property with larger gathering spaces ideal for large families and groups, yet maintains the same family-friendly, colorful gingerbread style that made it beloved for years. Rosewood's stewardship will ensure the resort stays rooted to the island's signature French West Indian culture ensuring a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a focus on cuisine and self-care - the spa is not to be missed. And with the most beachfront of all the hotels on the island, it's guaranteed to appease all those in search of the ideal flip and flop location.

Of course, once you've had a good thing, it's hard to not want for more, and what better way to follow it than heading down to the BVI, to Rosewood's Little Dix Bay for more alluring beachfront lounging and indulgent spa treatments. Of course, the BVI, similarly to St. Barth, are home to plenty a sailor and wind-sport aficionados, though perhaps even more so given the ample surroundings and famous neighboring marinas. Fortunately, Rosewood's array of offerings from private sails, to secluded beach drop-offs by boat and even lessons tacking through the famous Sir Drake Channel, ensures the delight of the area won't be missed. 

Meg Nolan

Los Angeles

Dorchester Collection

In the land of Hollywood, music, and entertainment, LA offers countless luxury hotels. However, no hotels are as iconic as The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, located in two of LA’s most famous neighborhoods. It is said that you go to The Beverly Hills hotel to be seen and Hotel Bel-Air to hide. Never has a more accurate statement been made. We’d recommend starting at the Beverly Hills Hotel, otherwise known as the pink palace. Book one of their signature bungalows, dine and people-watch at The Polo Lounge, then spend afternoons on Rodeo Drive or by the expansive pool and cabanas under the southern California sunshine. For added entertainment, the pool has underwater music. Dive in! 

Once you’re ready to relax, there is nowhere better than Hotel Bel-Air. Hidden away in this prestigious enclave, you’ll find a slice of paradise. With over 12 acres of magical gardens, you will pass by the resident swans at swan lake, lingering smells of jasmine, and smiles from every member of staff you meet. Service is world-class but never stuffy - this is California, after all. After a day at the spa and a soak in your private hot tub, enjoy fine dining courtesy of Wolfgang Puck's signature restaurant. 

James McLaren

Chile

Tierra

For Chile, a trip that includes Atacama and Patagonia is basically the ultimate pairing, and no one does it better than Tierra. You get to experience a wide range of climates and landscapes within the same country but have the consistency of the brand to make you feel at home. In the Atacama Desert, you’re hiking, biking, star gazing, and jumping on sand dunes while in Patagonia you’re horseback riding, fishing, getting up close and personal with glaciers, and hiking the world famous W Trail. At the end of the day you get to come back to the comfort of a Tierra property including their amazing spas and many glasses of Chilean wine (which is included in the rate). The staff at both properties is really friendly and the expert guides are what truly makes the trip. It’s all very casual too. On arrival you sit down, look at the map and activity options, and plot out your day to day. For something that may seem logistically heavy, Tierra makes it seamless.

Alex Erdman