Palazzo Margherita, Bernalda
In a tiny southern town that sits firmly in the sole of Italy's boot in the Basilicata region, The Godfather director, Francis Ford Coppola has just opened a nine-room hotel in a 19th century building. The tiny hilltop town is relatively untouched by tourism and is where his grandfather Agostino was from, plus it's only 15 minutes from the Ionian Sea and close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Matera, which boasts ancient cave dwellings.
"The Palazzo for me is a dream come true," says Francis. "It's magical gardens, the family gatherings in the magnificent salon, intimate teas or evening of films. It is a painted palace with frescos on its ceilings and walls and palatial rooms with countless details."
While the hotel has only been open for a few weeks, the building's painstaking restoration by French architect Jacques Grange was completed by last summer. Why? Well the majestic building played host to the wedding of Ford Coppola's director daughter, Sofia, and her rocker husband Thomas Mars, so the town has already become accustomed to A-grade Hollywood glam.
Stay a few nights and make sure to save time for a cooking class in the rustic open kitchen, take advantage of the gratis in-room bar, the HD 3D in-room televisions and digital movie collection specialising in Italian cinema, the in-room massages, the bike tours, the private yoga classes - oh, and we've saved the best for last - the luxurious claw-foot baths. Bliss.
Details Rooms start from Dh1,740-a- night, including in-room beverages, breakfast and cooking lessons | +39 0835 549060 | palazzomargherita.com
Inside info
Each suite is designed to reflect a member of the Coppola family's personal style. For instance, Suite Four is Sofia's room, and is decorated in light, feminine but not cloying colours; while Suite Nine has Moorish design elements to honour Francis' Tunisian grandmother.
Raas, Jodhour, India
Nestled in a 300-year-old haveli (or mansion) amidst the hustle and bustle of central Jodhpur you'll find a haven of relaxation. Welcome quiet at the end of a crazy day in this all-encompassing city, the 39-room hotel (each one boasts a balcony with beautiful views) is directly under Jodhpur's famous Mehrangarh Fort, and is the only luxury boutique hotel in the Walled City. "Approaching the 500-year old fort in an air-conditioned taxi destroys your appreciation of its context, while an approach on foot from the RAAS embeds you directly in the fabric of history," says co-owner Nikhilendra Singh. The service, food, pool and spa are all superb. Rooms from Dh1,100-per-night.
Details +91 291263 6455 | raasjodhpur.com
Whisk, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Located on the fifth floor of the super-chic boutique Mira Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves up fresh, inventive French food courtesy of Chef William Girard. And while French may not be top of your list of cuisines to try while in HK, the Lobster cannelloni with turnips, basil pesto and avocado, to the Coconut delight with mango and basil sorbet, means the artful food is worth breaking the rules for. Post-meal, pop out to the lounge-style terrace bar and enjoy a cocktail. And, if you're in the city on a Sunday, the bubbly brunch is a dining option here that will make you feel like you're back home in the UAE.
Details +852 2315 5999 | themirahotel.com
