From Mountain Top To Deep Below: Five Heavenly Hideaways

From Mountain Top To Deep Below: Five Heavenly Hideaways

Some find enlightenment by climbing mountains to witness breathtaking vistas
emerge from an early morning mist. Some find it by sinking toes into warm sand and letting the soothing sounds of lapping waves lull them into an early afternoon slumber. Whatever path you take to nirvana - soaring above the clouds or sunning yourself by the sea - let Design Hotels™ be your spiritual guide.

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Perched high above the valley below - in the Al Hajar mountains in northern Oman - the Alila Jabal Akhdar is miles away (94 to be exact) from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Muscat. A contemporary mountainkingdom, this resort hotel is comprised of 78 rooms and two villas. Using traditional techniques and locally
sourced building materials, the rich history of the Omani empire is combined with Alila's world-renowned commitment to sustainability, assuring this ethereal location will be providing exceptional service for years to come. www.designhotels.com/hotels/oman/jabal-akhdar/alila-jabal-akhdar

El Secreto, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Accessible only by boat, El Secreto is a bastion of serenity located on Ambergris Caye. The Mayans once came here to trade and fish the fertile waters, and while the merchantry might have faded, the abundance of the sea remains. A prime destination for fishing and diving, El Secreto offers the chance to take full advantage of the myriad of marvels the world beneath the waves has to offer. For its more terra-firma inclined patrons, the resort's 13 private freestanding villas are islands unto themselves, providing an atmosphere of timeless tranquility.

www.designhotels.com/hotels/belize/ambergris-caye/el-secreto

The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand
With an enchanting location and the most minimalist of design, The Library on Chaweng Beach is the perfect place to curl up with a good book. True to its name, this unique 26-cabin luxury resort features a library of over 1,300 books available for rent or purchase. This wealth of literature is complimented by the clean lines and bold design choices that are the trademark of its designer, Tirawan Sonsawat. Two new accomodations, the Bookmark and 2-Bedroom Suite, ensure that there is plenty of space to enjoy all the beauty Koh Samui has to offer. www.designhotels.com/hotels/thailand/koh-samui/chaweng-beach/the-library

The Surin, Phuket, Thailand
Pansea Bay is widely known as one of Phuket's most idyllic enclaves, and The Surin Phuket takes full advantage of the pristine white sand and crystal clear water. Offering 103 cottages, all with their very own private verandas, it combines the modern design aesthetic of renowned architect Ed Tuttle with the traditional
ideals of Thai hospitality. This union results in a heady mix of architecture and service that is certain to make guests feel as if they've transcended this mortal plane and reached an entirely new dimension of relaxation.
www.designhotels.com/hotels/thailand/phuket/surin-phuket

vigilius mountain resort, Lana, Italy
1500 meters above sea level and accessible only by cable car, vigilius mountain resort is about as far away as one can get from the endless email alerts that make up much of modern life. No honking horns, no rumbling commuter trains, no glaring computer screens. Just clouds, mountains, and the chance to rediscover simple serenity in any of the 41 rooms and suites. A visit here means that guests will leave with a sort of mild amnesia, remembering the experiences but forgetting the particulars, and all the while dreaming about their return. www.designhotels.com/hotels/italy/south-tyrol/lana/vigilius-mountain-resort