Cruising is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry, so perhaps it’s no wonder some of the world’s most exclusive hotel groups are gunning for a piece of the action. For decades, they have had to watch their wealthy clientele disappear over the horizon on board five-star boutique ships.

But with big money behind them, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Orient Express and Aman are quickly entering the ultra-luxury cruise market, launching a fleet of superyachts loaded with champions, caviar and the promise of adventures for some of the most remote areas of the world.

Until recently, luxury cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas had this lucrative market almost to themselves, with wealthy guests sailing in an all-inclusive cocoon of opulence, enjoying butler service, fine dining and private access to excursions – all for around £500 – £1,000 per person per night.

But the upmarket hotel groups are already demanding much higher rates, with offers such as sophisticated suites that reflect their brands’ signature style and exclusive invitation-only sailings.

Edwina Lonsdale, director of luxury cruise agency Mundy Cruising, said: ‘This will create more competition to attract high-spending customers and introduce a large number of new guests to the market. But will the hotel’s superyachts create the same atmosphere and club atmosphere?’

RITZ-CARLTON

The sleek 298-guest superyacht Evrima was launched last summer and will be joined in July by Ilma and Luminara in autumn 2025.

Five restaurants, a spa, two infinity pools, a watersports marina, a personal concierge, impressive art on the walls and a shop selling Cartier watches and Hermes Birkin handbags all add to the exclusivity.

The suites are generously sized and have a refined boutique hotel style.

Although Evrima is all-inclusive, there is one restaurant where guests have to pay, which costs more than £300 per person at three-star chef Sven Elverfeld’s specialty restaurant, SEA.

To date, 75 percent of Evrima’s passengers are Ritz-Carlton loyalty card members and about half are new to cruising. The first guests – by invitation only and mainly in their early 50s (bringing the average age in the traditional cruise market to 57) – used their loyalty points, but earned back by sailing to trendy ports including Mykonos, Saint-Tropez and St. Barts.

In addition to the convenience of booking pre- and post-cruise stays at Ritz-Carlton hotels, guests can also spend a day ashore at the group’s beach resorts when their superyachts pull into ports like St. Kitts in the Caribbean.

Book It: Eight-day return flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, departing March 16 with stops in the Caribbean, including St. Barts and Jost Van Dyke, from £5,660pp (ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com).

FOUR SEASONS

To create Four Seasons’ first yacht, designers were tasked with combining the style of the elegant yacht Christina O – once owned by Jackie Kennedy’s second husband, billionaire Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis – with the technology of a James Bond movie.

The ship, which is still under construction and as yet unnamed, will have 95 suites and 11 bars and restaurants, plus a full spa.

The four-story, 9,000-square-foot Funnel Suite will even have its own spa and wading pool, plus 280-degree panoramic views through the largest single pane of glass ever seen at sea.

The yacht will sail to no fewer than 130 destinations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Announcing the 190-passenger vessel’s entry into the cruise market at the Monaco Yacht Show, Four Seasons offered invitation-only bookings with an £8,000pp deposit for sailings due to commence in autumn 2025.

According to a Four Seasons spokesperson, this sales model is “a way to navigate demand when you have an exclusive product with a limited supply.”

Book It: Register your interest on the Four Seasons website and expect rates to start at around £2,000 – £2,750 pp per night (fourseasonsyachts.com).

ACCOR

Hospitality giant Accor has announced two superyachts for its historic brand, Orient Express, due to launch in 2026 and 2027.

A spokesperson – aggressively highlighting the competition for guests at this ultra-luxury level while proving money is no object – claims that “the ships will be more exclusive than Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima and will charge double the rates.”

The first, 220-metre Orient Express Silenseas, will be the largest sail-powered ship ever built, with three rigid sails and tilting masts, although it can use liquefied natural gas (LNG) if necessary.

Architect Maxime d’Angeac’s interior reflects the Golden Age of Travel – an era when princesses and movie stars graced the French Riviera – and features a private recording studio with sound engineer and two swimming pools, including a lap pool.

Book It: Reservations will open later this year (accorhotels.com).

A MAN

With some of the most exclusive hotels in the world – mostly intimate retreats with fewer than 30 rooms – Aman Resorts already offers sailings on the two-masted yacht Amandira, where 14 crew members care for up to ten guests.

And now Aman has entered into a joint venture with Cruise Saudi, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, to add a 180-metre motor yacht to its fleet in 2027.

The 47-suite full-balcony ship has yet to be named but will feature two helipads, a spa with Japanese garden and a marina platform for access to water sports.

No itineraries have been released yet, although guests can expect sailings to locations away from the crowds.

Amandira already explores the islands in Indonesia’s Flores Sea, including the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, with a dive master leading expeditions to coral reefs around Raja Ampat, an archipelago made up of 1,500 small islands and crystal clear waters.

Book It: Seven-day charters on Amandira cost from £88,000, (aman.com) or sign up for the new yacht at aman.com/yachts.

Had je het met hotels? Ben je de B&B’s beu? Last van resorts? Dan is het misschien tijd om te overwegen een heel eiland te verhuren voor een werkelijk geweldige ontsnapping.

Hier presenteren we drie verbluffende opties, perfecte percelen die te huur zijn op een ‘exclusieve uitkoopbasis’ bij Vladi Private Islands (VPI).

Ze zijn niet goedkoop, maar deze eilanden hebben uiterst opvallende verkoopargumenten die het overwegen waard zijn om te gaan spetteren: ongerepte stranden, weelderige tropische vegetatie, totale privacy en aan de ene kant verblijven gasten in een van de weinige historische kastelen in de Verenigde Staten. Staten.

Scroll naar beneden… en zie.

Dark Island, staat New York, VS

Dit eiland is geschikt voor royalty’s en biedt niet alleen privétoegang tot het terrein, maar ook tot het kasteel dat zich daarbinnen bevindt.

Gelegen aan de St Lawrence River in de staat New York en vlakbij de grens met Canada, Donker eiland is de thuisbasis van ‘een van de weinige historische kastelen in de Verenigde Staten’.

Het gaat om het fort Singer Castle, dat een suite heeft die via VPI voor maximaal zes gasten kan worden gehuurd.

‘De suite bij Singer is de enige kamer die we huren’, vertelde het bedrijf aan MailOnline Travel. ‘Gasten hebben de suite, het kasteel en het kasteelterrein voor zichzelf, aangezien zij de enige mensen zijn die voor hun bezoek hebben geboekt.’

Overdag is het eiland open voor bezoekers die onder begeleiding van een gids het gebouw willen bezichtigen. ‘s Avonds wordt het overgelaten aan het plezier van de gasten die in het kasteel verblijven.

Op haar website zegt VPI dat er een ‘bepaald mysterie’ rond het kasteel hangt, dat ‘ondergrondse gangen en suggestieve schilderijen’ heeft.

Gasten verblijven ‘in de beste kamer van het kasteel, met een weelderige inrichting en een adembenemend uitzicht’, voegt het eraan toe.

Gelegen in de regio Thousand Islands, wordt het eiland door het bedrijf omschreven als ‘een van de mooiste plekken in Noord-Amerika’.

‘Geniet van het prachtige uitzicht op de rivier vanaf het terras. Dineer in de grote zaal, ontspan in de bibliotheek of ga op ontdekkingstocht door het netwerk van geheime gangen’, voegt het eraan toe.

De VIP-suite kost vanaf $ 795 (£ 624) plus belasting per nacht, inclusief ontbijt en diner. Bezoek www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/islands-for-rent/for-rent/usa/new-york-state/singer-castle-on-dark-island.

Noordereiland, Seychellen

Noord eiland op de Seychellen is te huur als vakantieverhuur en biedt 11 pensions op 500 hectare grond met ongerepte stranden en tropische palmbossen.

VPI omschrijft het als de ‘ultieme luxe ontsnapping’ die ‘het allerbeste op het gebied van privacy, locatie, service en ervaringen’ biedt.

Gasten kunnen het hele eiland op ‘exclusieve afkoopbasis’ afhuren voor maximaal 22 gasten. Of degenen die het gebied met andere reizigers willen delen, kunnen een villa aan het strand huren voor ongeveer 6.000 euro (£ 5.215/$ 6.640) per nacht.

Als gasten ooit genoeg krijgen van loungen op het strand, uitkijkend over de glinsterende turquoise wateren van de Indische Oceaan en genieten van het ‘sensationele’ landschap van de Seychellen, kunnen ze gaan duiken, snorkelen, kajakken op zee en cruisen bij zonsondergang, volgens de accommodatielijst.

Ze kunnen ook ontspannen met een ‘toegeeflijke spabehandeling’ en het ‘magische Takamaka-bos’ verkennen.

Om toegang te krijgen tot het eiland moeten gasten ‘naar de internationale luchthaven van de Seychellen (Mahe) vliegen voordat ze een korte helikoptertransfer naar North Island maken’, suggereert de vermelding.

Voor meer informatie bezoek www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/islands-for-rent/for-rent/indian-ocean-africa/seychelles/north-island.

Little Whale Cay, Bahama’s

Gelegen op de Berry-eilanden, in het hart van de Bahama’s, Kleine Walvis Cay belooft de ongerepte schoonheid van een privé-eiland, gecombineerd met de charme van een familiehuis met zes slaapkamers, doordrenkt van het lokale erfgoed.

Dat zegt Vladi Private Islands, die het eiland adverteert als privéverhuur voor maximaal twaalf gasten, waarbij de tarieven op aanvraag beschikbaar zijn.

Het eiland heeft een eigen landingsbaan en een eigen jachthaven, waardoor het gemakkelijk per boot, vliegtuig of watervliegtuig te bereiken is.

Gasten kunnen een privévluchtcharter vanuit Nassau boeken, die 15 minuten duurt en ongeveer £ 250 ($320) kost voor een enkele reis voor vier personen, volgens de huurlijst.

Het beschrijft dat het eiland ‘met palmen omzoomde stranden en subtropische tuinen’ heeft die de kans bieden om ‘in volledige, ononderbroken vrede’ van de zon te genieten.

De omringende wateren behoren ondertussen tot de schoonste en mooiste ter wereld en nodigen uit om te zwemmen.

Gasten kunnen verblijven in Little Whale House, bestaande uit twee tweepersoonskamers en een balkon met zeezicht; Flamingo House met vier slaapkamers, omgeven door gazons met ‘kokospalmen waar pauwen in de schaduw slapen’; of Peacock House, een ‘romantische’ slaapkamer op de heuvel ‘op slechts een steenworp afstand van het zwembad’.

Voorafgaand aan een bezoek kan een chef-kok worden aangevraagd. Tot de aangeboden activiteiten behoren sundowners, snorkelen, waterskiën, zeilen en vissen, om er maar een paar te noemen.

‘Echte romantici kunnen hun geloften hernieuwen of hun huwelijksleven beginnen in de kerk van het eiland, direct aan de waterkant’, voegt de advertentie toe.

Prijs op aanvraag. Bezoek www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/island-archive/archive/caribbean/bahamas/little-whale-cay.

Pace of Hilton offers rooms divided into three zones, including “an enveloping sleeping environment” with a Sealy accelerate temperature-controlled mattress and sound-absorbing acoustics; lights that dim at sunset; and, in some rooms, Peloton bikes, for people considering exercising their Ambien.

At the Conrad Baliguests can book a private 60-minute session TO WAVE session at the spa (from 1,500,000 rupiah, or about $95), which involves lying in a swinging, air-wrapped hammock that looks a lot like a real cocoon. The rocking is meant to simulate floating on a cloud or being in the womb.

At the Beaumont in London, travelers can stay in perhaps the coziest room of all, simply called: ROOM (£1,402 per night, or about $1,780), a 70-square-metre suite in a three-storey stainless steel sculpture of a crouching man at the hotel entrance. It lacks a TV, a telephone and even wall art. The goal of British sculptor Antony Gormley, who designed ROOM, is for guests to “achieve a meditative silence, lose the sense of their body in the darkness and allow the mind to expand.”

You become very sleepy

This month, in celebration of the NSF’s Sleep Awareness Week (March 10 to 16), the Mandarin Oriental is partnering with the hypnotherapist Malminder Gill, also known as the sleep concierge, at the Hyde Park building in London. (After Hyde Park, the service is available on the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, which opens this spring, followed by pop-ups across Europe, New York and other destinations later this year.) From £500, guests can meet Ms Gill in the spa for a sleep consultation and session tailored to their specific sleep concerns. with Ms Gill even recommending optimal meal times and order of food intake. There will also be an option for a private bedside session, where, if all goes well, guests will fall asleep.

“I’m walking on my toes,” Mrs. Gill said. “I know this sounds very bizarre.”

The Royal Sonesta Benjamin New York has a similar program called Rest & Renew, run by Rebecca Robbins, co-author of “Sleep for Success! Everything you need to know about sleep but are too tired to ask.”

Section 144 in Pune: According to police, key restrictions include all bars and permit rooms strictly adhering to the 1:30 am closing time.

Pune: The restrictions imposed under Section 144 have been extended in Pune till March 31, Pune Police said, adding that the decision was taken after consultation with all stakeholders. Earlier this month, Section 144 was imposed in the city by the Pune Police until March 4.

Giving details, Pune Police said that a meeting was held with all stakeholders on February 28 and the authorities had considered all suggestions and objections from them and accordingly a revised order was passed on Monday.

After the meeting, Pune Police issued 26 directives for a safe environment and maintenance of peace in the city.

View the full list of restrictions

1. According to police, the main restrictions are that all bars and permit rooms strictly adhere to the 1:30 am closing time.
2. All indoor music performance limits must be 1:30 am.
3. The limit for outdoor music performances should be 10:00 PM.
4. No more orders for food and drinks may be taken after 1:15 am.
5. A 30 minute grace period will be allowed to leave their establishment.

The police said they have incorporated possible suggestions from the stakeholders, and now all stakeholders must adhere to the police guidelines.

Commenting on Section 144 in the city, Ganesh Shetty, president of Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association (PRAHA), told HT, “We have told the police that some police officials are forcing restaurant owners to close at 11.30 pm. They should at least allow us to do business before 1:30 am. ”

He further added that they have requested the police not to intervene in liquor-related cases. According to the government’s GR, such cases should be dealt with by the state excise department.

Hotels – and B&Bs for that matter – have become outrageously expensive after the pandemic. Some of the more expensive hotels in London charge more than £1,000 per night; elsewhere £400 is becoming normal. And that's before you've even gone to the bar for a pencil sharpener.

But there's still something special about a night away from home, with no cooking to do, no dishes to do, and a breakfast spread to keep you going all day.

This selection includes places with just a few rooms, and some larger options that require a deep wallet.

The forest of Narberth

Molleston, Pembrokeshire

This fantastic family hotel is nestled behind a pond, surrounded by ancient forests and sky-blue hydrangeas. There is no ugly signage; no framed AA Rosette awards; no leaflets. Just a beautiful, slightly quirky house, parts of which can be traced back to the 14th century. The restaurant has a Michelin star.

Doubles from £201 grovenarberth.co.uk

The Lamsherberg

Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire

Arriving here amid the chatter of happy diners spread across various nooks and crannies, with tiled floors, a creaking bar and five understated rooms, is a life enhancer. Good price too. Two thirtysomethings, Peter and Tom, are in charge and offer an excellent menu (don't miss the anchovy toast). Antique furnishings and luxurious linens await you when it's time to say goodnight.

Doubles from £99, thelambshipton.com

Lindeboom Hotel

Ebury Street, London

This exceptional B&B in a double-fronted Belgravia house is one of London's best-kept secrets. There are 27 rooms, all renovated in the last three years.

It has the feel of a private country house, with soft sofas, light cushions and a pretty walled garden. The only thing missing is a golden retriever scattered in the hall. Breakfast is served in the Buttery next door, where guests receive a 10 percent discount.

Doubles from £220, limetreehotel.co.uk

The Nici

Bournemouth

Miami Beach comes to Bournemouth in the form of this chic hotel that has just spent £25 million on it. Your mood will soar as you enter the sunny Art Deco-style lobby, with palm-themed art and fun touches like a Playboy pinball machine and foosball table.

Choose a sea view room and don't miss the spa in the basement. The outdoor pool, flanked by cabanas, high-end lounge chairs and sunken fire pits, is as chic as anything Miami has to offer.

Doubles from £155, thenici.com

Callow Hall

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

After opening two years ago, Callow Hall, on the edge of the Peak District, has received all kinds of rave reviews. Justifiably. Completely trendy, with fabrics from Penny Morrison, wallpaper from Robert Kime and lampshades from Fermoie. The house dates back to the 1850s and the cedar tree at the front door is 800 years old. The bar and restaurant are located in a beautiful glass box at the back of the building.

Doubles from £224, wildhive.uk

Grand Hotel

Birmingham

No one is claiming that this 185-room establishment is bijou – with an entire floor dedicated to conferences, a ballroom, a huge chic bar and a New York-style restaurant in the basement. About £45 million has been spent on reviving it – and it's working. Look out for the spiral staircase with Corinthian columns. Grand, indeed.

Doubles from £199, thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

The Olive Branch

Clipsham, Rutland

Ben Jones, who worked at both Hambleton Hall and Gravetye Manor, bought this closed pub in 1999 and subsequently acquired the pretty cottage opposite, which now has six bedrooms. The atmosphere is inviting (Ben's father used to be in the antiques business), the food is downright delicious. A perfect stay.

Doubles from £175, theolive branchpub.com

The pig in the wall

Southampton

The Pig is a big brand. This is the smallest and cheapest, with just 12 rooms in a beautiful turreted building within Southampton's medieval walls. The space downstairs is furnished with old wooden tables and comfortable upholstered armchairs. There is no restaurant as such, but there is plenty to eat at the deli and a few daily specials.

Doubles from £159, thepighotel.com

The retreat at Elcot Park

Newbury, Berkshire

Young Hector Ross' Signet Collection has taken over this former Mercure hotel, which once belonged to poet Percy Shelley's mother, and transformed it. On site you will find a spa, swimming pool, bakery, wine shop, delicatessen and hairdresser. There are two restaurants, including a pan-Asian restaurant. Don't miss the 'crispy cauliflower popcorn' with teriyaki and soy.

Doubles from £216. retreatelcotpark.com

The bell

Charlbury, Oxfordshire

It's easy to mock Lord and Lady Bamford's growing Daylesford empire, but this latest revamped twelve-room pub won't disappoint. Every nook and cranny works. There are at least three crackling fireplaces; the wood paneling and artwork (including a wall of pressed flowers and herbs) have a sense of belonging; the staff are all friendly. the food is fantastic.

Doubles from £176, thebellatcharlbury.com

Locanda on the weir

Portlock Weir, Somerset

There are only four rooms, three of which have a sea view. The building is located away from the main road, which attracts visitors all summer long. It was bought six years ago by a former Italian city merchant and his designer partner. Dinner is the most important: fresh, creative and beautifully presented.

Doubles from £225, locandaontheweir.co.uk

Schloss Roxburghe

Kelso, Scotland

From the outside it looks like Balmoral, albeit with a huge, newly built spa at the back of the building. It used to be owned by the Duke of Roxburghe before being sold to a German company.

Fantastic rooms with high ceilings, antique furniture and two restaurants. Locals say around £50 million has been poured into this resort hotel in the Scottish Borders. It shows.

Doubles from £194, schlosshotel-roxburghe.com

The bottle and the glass

Henley-on-Thames

This is a small thatched pub in the Chiltern Hills, which has been extended into a large dining area and three rooms in an adjacent building. You come here for the atmosphere and the food. Value for money too.

Doubles from £120, bottleandglassinn.com

Middleton Lodge

Richmond, Yorkshire

A Georgian house designed by John Carr is the centrepiece, but there are 41 rooms spread across the converted stables, dairy, orchard and wall garden. You're just minutes from the A1(M) near Scotch Corner, but it feels like Provence.

The staff is cheerful; the food is all locally sourced; the wines carefully chosen and reasonably priced. Some rooms have their own wood-burning stoves. Take a stroll through the gardens before you leave.

Doubles from £245 b&b, middletonlodge.co.uk

Boys room

Ashford, Kent

Not the healthiest area, but once you're in this fantastic Jacobean house (built by Thomas and Margaret Boys in 1616) all is well.

The rooms are large and tasteful, some with freestanding baths. The restaurant is a barn-like conversion at the back with a large fireplace.

No TVs except one in the pub, hidden in the main room.

There are currently seven rooms, but more are planned, some in lodges in the garden.

Doubles from £180, boys-hall.com

Trewornan country house

Wadebridge, Cornwall

This Grade II listed country house near the spectacular North Cornwall coast was in a poor state when the owners bought it in 2014.

Today it's a great B&B, with a generous spirit (complementary cakes at tea time), an honesty bar and 25 acres of grounds.

All rooms are named after beaches in the area.

Not cheap but always cheerful.

Doubles from £180, trewornanmanor.co.uk

NOTHING screams vacation more than a poolside resort, but not all coastal areas are the same.

Where you stay can often make or break an entire trip, but US News has taken the guesswork out of vacation planning with them list of the ten best hotels in the country.

Experts ranked their top picks based on a combination of “analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings and user reviews.”

10

Acqualina Resort & Residences (#1)

With six Critics Awards and thousands of rave reviews, Miami Beach's Aqualina Resort beat out more than 30,000 hotels to take the top spot of the country's best resort.

The five-star Mediterranean-style resort features three oceanfront pools, a large spa, meeting rooms and four dining options, including New York's elite Il Mulino.

Take a nice breather in the resort's signature poolside lounge or enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself in their VOI hair salon.

With your choice of oceanfront rooms that offer expansive views of all Miami has to offer, your stay is sure to be unforgettable.

10

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club (#2)

Another highlight of Miami Beach's resort scene proudly boasts a roster of star-studded visitors.

Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill were just a few of them Surf clubs guests from the past.

The three twelve-storey towers comprise a total of 77 luxury rooms and 119 private residences, with a ballroom, the Lido Restaurant, a champagne bar and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Surf Club is home to a world-class spa that will alleviate even the worst cases of jet lag with its message therapy, skincare and fitness offerings.

10

Montage Laguna Beach (#5)

Southern California's best resort is located right on its namesake, Laguna Beach.

With direct access to the water, this seaside hotel allows you to relax on the coast.

Vacationers can enjoy classic California dishes at one of three onsite restaurants, The Loft, Mosaic Bar and Grille, and Lobby Lounge.

The atmosphere of Laguna is described by customers as 'romantic', best suited to couples, although the resort also offers an impressive range of baby and children's programmes.

10

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (#6)

Located in the heart of Hawaii's mountainous Big Island and Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani is the state's pride and joy when it comes to outings.

Exclusive to the resort are routes that most hotels can hardly beat, including award-winning golf courses right on the water.

Catch humpback whales, dolphins and pilot whales as they return from Alaska between January and April, or listen to live music by the sea at dusk.

Foodies can even start their day off with freshly brewed Kona coffee or Japanese-inspired dishes at one of the seven restaurants and markets on site.

10

Four Seasons Resort Orlando in Walt (#7)

Disney fans are in for a truly magical experience at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Guests of all ages can enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Explorer Island water park.

Or, for the tired parent looking for some alone time, naps can be had in the Oasis adult pool.

Families can even toast a perfect holiday with fireworks overhead during a rooftop dinner at the resort's Michelin-starred Capa steakhouse.

10

Faena Hotel Miami Beach (#10)

a third destination in Miami Beach took the last spot in the top ten, with its designs with gold and red accents.

The 1950s-themed resort is perfect for creative types or those looking for a touch of nostalgia.

Catch a production at the Faena Theater, where the resort offers its own critically acclaimed cabaret performances.

Those with a varied palate will also be pleased with their four on-site dining options, including South American, Asian fusion, Mexican and Japanese omakase dishes.

10

The Langham, Chicago (#3)

Although visitors certainly can't lounge next to Lake Michigan, the closest body of water around The Langhamthe hotel itself is still impressive.

The five-star hotel's Travelle Lounge overlooks the Chicago River and offers skyline views as guests chat over cocktails.

The Pavilion is perfect for tea lovers. On weekends it is open in the afternoon for those who want to relax with a book and some savory snacks.

Langham's Chuan Spa helps guests relax with a full-body experience guided by the five elements, and features facilities such as a 20-metre indoor pool, Hydro-Vitality hot tub, oriental steam room and eucalyptus and Himalayan salt stone saunas.

10

The Chicago Peninsula (#4)

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, The peninsula is “Far Eastern grace where it meets Midwestern hospitality.”

The Asian-inspired hotel has received a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide every year since it opened in 1997.

Fitness enthusiasts will feel right at home in their state-of-the-art gym, with floor-to-ceiling ceilings and a semi-Olympic-sized indoor pool.

The pool, located on the 19th floor, also overlooks Lake Michigan.

10

The Jefferson, Washington, DC (#8)

Originally a block of luxury apartments, architect Jules Henri de Sibour took just two years to transform the units into an impressive building hotel.

Located in the nation's capital, it only makes sense that The Jefferson would have its own resident historian.

Susan Sullivan Lagon, PhD, meets daily with guests to share details about the history of the building, its architect, and its location.

The pet-friendly hotel also features a state-of-the-art kitchen, restaurant, bar, book room and fitness center.

10

XV Beacon Hotel (#9)

Word on the street is that Boston's Beacon Hotel was once home to Geoge Washington, America's first president.

Although ironically there is no presidential suite, Beacon guests can choose from seven different room types, from the Classic with queen beds and a walk-in shower to the two-bedroom Gilbert Stuart Suites.

All Beacon rooms feature amenities such as white Italian marble bathrooms, fresh flowers, and even complimentary bath salts and CBD bath bombs.

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Mooo, offers a menu of all-natural grass-fed ribeye and Wagyu A5 sirloin steak.

Crown Princess Mary will become the world’s first Australian-born queen when her mother-in-law abdicates the Danish throne in two weeks time.

Margrethe II caused shock when she announced in a speech on New Year’s Eve that she would be stepping down as monarch after 52 years.

She will be succeeded by her son, Crown Prince Frederik, on January 14. 

It means his wife Mary, whom he first met at a pub in Sydney, will soon become the world’s first Australian-born queen.

The 51-year-old was working as an advertising executive when she first met Frederik in a packed city pub 23 years ago and had no idea the handsome European tourist she had been chatting to for hours was actually the future king of Denmark.

Now, married for 19 years and proud parents to four children, Mary has won her adopted country over by her dedication to royal duty and her fluency in the language. 

Gossip magazines in both Denmark and Australia have published speculation about the state of the royal couple’s marriage over the years, but there is nothing concrete to suggest they are anything but happily married. 

The couple’s relationship was most recently scrutinised after photographs emerged of Frederik, 55, enjoying a night out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Madrid in October. But despite rumours of an alleged ‘affair’, Frederik and Mary made a show of unity as they headed into Aarhus cathedral on Christmas Eve.

Mary Donaldson was 28 years old when she met Frederik in the Slip Inn in Sydney 23 years ago. 

After the pub encounter, then 32-year-old Fred – who was in Australia to support Denmark’s sailing team at the 2000 Olympics – asked Mary for her phone number and a romance blossomed.

‘The first time we met we shook hands. I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are’?’ Mary revealed in an interview about meeting the heir to the Danish throne.

They maintained a long-distance relationship for a year, with Frederik making secret trips Down Under before Mary moved to Denmark to study Danish language at Copenhagen’s Studieskolen in 2001.

In early 2003, Frederik’s mother Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged the relationship and the couple announced their engagement at Amalienborg Castle later that year on October 8.

Frederik and Mary married on May 14, 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral, with the newly minted Crown Princess opting for a beautiful gown by Danish designer Uffer Frank and a veil first used by Crown Princess Margaret of Sweden in 1905.

In a nod to her heritage, Mary carried a bouquet of Australian snow gum eucalyptus interspersed with blooms from the Palace garden.

At the altar, Frederik announced: ‘From today, Mary is mine and I am hers. I love her, and I will protect her with all my love.’

Their first child, Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John, was born October 15, 2005; Princess Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe followed on April 21, 2007.

Almost four years later Mary and Frederik welcomed twins, Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda and Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on January 8, 2011.

Standing on the hospital steps, a beaming Frederik declared: ‘It’s a miracle.’

The family has returned to Mary’s native Australia on many occasions, visiting famous landmarks in Sydney, Canberra and the Northern Territory and even spending Christmas Down Under.

The sporting event which brought them together continues to hold a special place in their hearts, with the couple attending the Olympics in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, Vancouver in 2010, London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. 

In 2009, Frederik was appointed to the International Olympic Committee – a role he has had ever since.

In October 2019, Mary was named regent in a historic move by Queen Margrethe. The title gave the Princess power to perform duties as head of state when the 80-year-old monarch is overseas or otherwise engaged.

Between raising her children and appearing at diplomatic events, Mary has worked tirelessly to prove her commitment to charity, becoming a patron of more than 25 international organisations since her marriage to Frederik in 2004. 

Patronages include the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe and the United Nations Population Fund, where she supports their work to promote maternal health in more than 150 developing nations.

In 2007, the Princess launched The Mary Foundation, a charity focused on stamping out domestic violence, bullying and loneliness.

Mary will soon become Queen of Denmark when her husband Frederik takes the crown.

Queen Margrethe announced during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech that she will abdicate on January 14 next year after 52 years on the throne.

The monarch, famed for her chain-smoking as well as her flamboyant sense of style, will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik.

The 83-year-old queen, who took over the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

In February, she underwent a successful back surgery.

‘The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,’ she said in her speech.

‘I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.

‘I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.’

News of her abdication comes just months after the Danish Royal Family has been shaken by rumours of an alleged ‘affair’ between Frederik and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

Photos published by Spanish magazine Lecturas in October that showed Prince Frederik out for the evening in Madrid with the 47-year-old socialite.

The newspaper published the photos and alleged the pair had spent the evening at a bodega in the Spanish capital where they watched flamenco dancing and dined into the early hours. 

Since the photos emerged Mary has remained tight-lipped about her husband’s dinner with the socialite, and the pair have adopted a ‘business as normal’ attitude during public appearances. 

Days before Christmas, the mum-of-four shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection during the festive season. 

The post came after the Princess reconnected with Frederik and three of their children in New Zealand during an unofficial getaway.

In the letter which was posted on the Mary Foundation website the future queen reflects on the past year – and says she felt it was shorter than previous years.

‘And at the same time, so much has happened that it is impossible to put it all into words,’ she continued.

An excerpt posted on the official Instagram of the Danish Royal House had some speculating the princess was using her foundation to hint at the ‘affair’ rumours. 

‘We need each other if we are to succeed.’ And that’s not only true in the working world and for those of us who are working to combat social isolation,’ it read.

‘This is true for all of us. Humans need humans.’

The post and powerful words were pictured alongside a gorgeous picture of the royal in the snow.

Frederik and Mary were also spotted holding hands at a Christmas Eve church service at Marselisborg Castle with their four children Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine, both 12.

According, according to Hola!, Frederik’s private trip to Spain was to enjoy art exhibitions, watch flamenco and visit new restaurants.

It is believed that he had planned to attend the Picasso exhibition with a mutual friend he shares with Genoveva – however at the last minute, the friend was unable to go and asked Genoveva to attend in his place. 

After visiting the exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the pair walked through El Retiro Park, before heading to El Corral de la Morería for dinner.

Genoveva has since hit back at ‘malicious’ rumours she was romantically involved with the heir to the Danish throne.

A statement from the socialite said: ‘I categorically deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederick and me.’

She added: ‘Any statement of this type not only completely lacks the truth but also misrepresents the facts in a malicious manner. 

‘This is already in the hands of my lawyers, who will take care of the pertinent steps to protect my right to honour, truth and privacy.’

By Matt Demarco for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 05:27 EST, January 10, 2024 | Updated: 05:27 EST, January 10, 2024