Article by
Johnny Ikon
Click to email me
Five Hotels to put you on a HumanHi….
by JohnnyIkon.com
International jetsetter and full-time member of the glitterati Johnny Ikon (alias celebrated writer John Gough) chooses the five best hotels he's stayed in lately, and wants to share them with humanHi readers. Read on for his pick of the best!
1. A Sunshine HumanHi: Sandy Lane Golf Resort and Spa, Barbados
The glamorous and gorgeous 'Sandy Lane' opened in 1961, and has a reputation that speaks for itself. Synonymous with luxury, this is the celebrities' favourite stop-off on the hot hot hot Caribbean island of Barbados. Simon Cowell, Michael Winner and Cilla Black always celebrate Christmas here, while Tiger Woods held his wedding on this West Coast piece of paradise. The secret of its success has to be the 50,000 square feet spa, where time stands still just long enough for you to enjoy every treatment imaginable, including hydrotherapy and the signature Sandy Lane four hand ritual massage. Pure indulgence!
Info: Room rates $1,000-25,000/night
2. A Historical HumanHi: Cliveden House, Berkshire Cliveden is a piece of British history, a grand mansion with history written on its walls, perhaps most infamously with the example of the Profumo Affair. Christine Keeler met John Profumo at the pool before embarking on her affair with the Secretary of State for War, sparking a national security crisis that outraged the country in 1963. These days, the Taplow stately home is home to the Cliveden private members club, hotel and restaurant. If you're making a weekend of it, make time to head for the boathouse and the fully restored flotilla of vintage launches. You can even hire one during the Henley Regatta if you want to make a bit of an arrival at that particular society favourite. Or perhaps a helicopter ride is more your thing? You'd be forgiven if not wanting to stray too far from the sumptuous, decadent surroundings though.
Info: Room rates £240-1,430/night.
3. A Businessman's HumanHi: The Trump International Hotel Tower, New York City Trump Tower stands at the junction of Central Park, Columbus and Broadway, 52 stories in tribute to all that Donald Trump stands for: capitalism, the American dream and entitlement to the best of everything. To that end, from your suite you can expect breathtaking views of Central Park, one of the most indulgent spas in NYC, and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and custom designed furnishings. Those staying here want a taste of the cut-and-thrust of the Big Apple - after all, what says Manhattan businessman more than the name Trump? Keep your eyes peeled here for the man himself, not to mention Michael Jackson, who makes Trump Tower his base when in town.
Info: Room rates $875-3,300/night.
4. A Romantic HumanHi: The Plaza Athenee, Paris
The capital of romance's most luxurious hotel has to be the Plaza Athenee, on designer boutique-lined Avenue Montaigne, with masterchef Alain Ducasse heading up menus at the hotel's four restaurants, every room decorated in signature decadent reds, golds and bronzes, and an incredible spa operated by the Dior Institut. Take your sweetheart out to enjoy the nearby sights of the Eiffel Tower or Champs Elysses before returning to one of 43 luxurious suites where the concierge will indulge you by bringing clothes from nearby boutiques hand-picked for you by the stylist attached to the hotel. How's that for romance? Flex that credit card!
Info: Room rates EUR730-4,700/night.
5. The Club Kid's HumanHi: The Delano Hotel, Miami
If you're a party person, then Miami is the city for you with clubs such as BED, Prive and Mansion vying for your attentions. When you've partied too much, you'll need a decent place to rest your weary limbs and the Delano fits the bill perfectly. The spaces are restoratively relaxing, with big white walls and a spa by Agua when the tolls of too many late nights need wiping away. Start your evening later on back in the pink-lit Rose Bar with incredible cocktails, and during the day you'll be able to get a Miami tan as the hotel is situated right on Miami Beach in South Beach, even hosting its own seafood cook-up right on the beach every day where you can expect to spot P. Diddy, Chris Rock or Matthew McConaughey enjoying the party vibe!.
Info: Room rates $430-1,500/night.