Up Close and Personal

IMPECCABLE SERVICE and premium amenities are just the beginning of a stay with these distinguished brands. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts; the purposeful, modern style of Conrad Hotels & Resorts; or the individualized approach at LXR Hotels & Resorts, you’ll also find unique opportunities to engage with your destination.

Inspired by their surroundings, they blend intentional design and regional fine dining with workshops on Indigenous craft, programs that nurture native wildlife, off-the-beaten-path tours, and more. Unpack the details and discover seemingly endless ways to imbue more meaning into every moment of your holiday.

Effortless Elegance

Fine furnishings, stunning architectural details, and anticipatory service combine at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, cultivating a sense of place that gracefully reflects your locale.

*At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s Terra, the seven private bamboo nests are handcrafted and perfectly positioned for sunset views. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*As the sun melts into the Indian Ocean, sip the resort’s signature Krug Champagne. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*The villas hover over the Indian Ocean. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*The Maldives’ natural beauty is woven into the fabric of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*The Rock is home to the resort’s extensive wine cellar of New World favorites and Old World classics. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*The dining program ranges from Australian barbecue and garden-to-table fare to Izakaya. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*Tranquil Maldivian surroundings give way to villas outfitted with fine modern comforts. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi boasts 11 distinct restaurants and bars. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

*The architecture celebrates the resort’s tropical setting. Photo by Yashrib Ahmed*

There’s dining al fresco. Then there’s dining at Terra, one of 11 restaurants at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Nestled among the secluded island’s treetops, seven private bamboo nests invite you to take a seat and tune into birdsong and rustling leaves, the echo of waves rolling on the sand. As the sun melts into the Indian Ocean, sip the resort’s signature Krug Champagne before savoring a bespoke seven-course dinner. Crafted by the culinary director, each dish highlights world-class ingredients, from fragrant Alba white truffles and fresh Hokkaido scallops to succulent Miyazaki beef.

The epicurean evening awakens the senses — as does a jaunt through the sea by glass-bottomed boat or a tranquil moment at the spa’s candlelit garden. Complete with villas that celebrate the environment’s natural beauty and sincere staff, this retreat exemplifies the effortless sophistication synonymous with Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

*The Hutong Courtyard Villa at Waldorf Astoria Beijing draws from Ming Dynasty architecture.*

*Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s Peacock Alley serves traditional afternoon tea.*

Explore more refined havens

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait maximizes its coastal location with unforgettable dining experiences aboard luxurious boats. Sip and sail with a scenic afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. For something romantic, glide across the Arabian Gulf at sunset as the hotel’s chefs serve you a custom menu.

Meanwhile, Waldorf Astoria Beijing makes the world feel both fresh and familiar, infusing Chinese culture into signature amenities, from a Ming Dynasty-inspired courtyard and spa treatments rooted in ancient healing practices to Michelin-starred Cantonese fare at Zijin Mansion.

In Harmony

Mindful contemporary design and smart sustainability initiatives underscore a noble respect for the outside world at Conrad Hotels & Resorts, empowering you to immerse yourself in your destination.

*The outside makes its way into Conrad Washington, DC through skylights in the atrium and floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Estuary’s Chef de Cuisine, Ria Montes, harvests herbs from the roof of Conrad Washington, DC. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Estuary appears to hover over the city while sitting on the third floor of the hotel. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*The culinary program reduces the hotel’s footprint through partnerships with hyperlocal vendors and businesses that extend the life of food scraps. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*The blue art piece in Estuary is crafted out of fragments of ornate teacups. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Sleek interiors embody the contemporary Conrad Hotels & Resorts spirit. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Black and white marble subtly echo the popular clean limestone architecture found around Washington, DC. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Summit Rooftop is a divine setting for sunset cocktails and unparalleled views of Downtown DC, the US Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*The property’s verdant roof and terraces serve up charm while cleverly augmenting insulation and air filtration as well as recycling rainwater for air-conditioning. Photo by Matt Dutile*

*Floor-to-ceiling windows in Conrad Washington, DC’s guest rooms transform the bustling capital into your bedroom wall. Photo by Matt Dutile*

Sunlight streams through honeycomb-like skylights, lighting up the soaring atrium of Conrad Washington, DC.

A giant, moonlike pendant hovers at the center, encircled by undulating walls. This referential design draws the outdoors in, heightened by floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms, which transform the bustling city into your bedroom wall.

Green is more than just a color at this striking hotel. A LEED Gold certified building, the property boasts a verdant roof and terraces that serve up charm while cleverly augmenting insulation and air filtration as well as recycling rainwater for air-conditioning. The culinary program similarly reduces the hotel’s footprint through partnerships with hyperlocal vendors and businesses that extend the life of food scraps. Chefs even harvest herbs from on-site planters.

Collectively, these efforts represent Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ aim to build a profound connection to your destination — and thoughtfully preserve what pulled you there.

*Conrad Koh Samui overlooks the Gulf of Thailand.*

*Conrad Algarve also hosts the Michelin-starred Gusto by Heinz Beck.*

Survey more stays with purpose

Eco-friendly cooking shines at Conrad Koh Samui, which houses Iris Farm on its grounds. Every month, the organic farm produces over 2,600 pounds of vegetables and herbs for the hotel and processes roughly 7,500 pounds of compostable waste.

In Portugal, Conrad Algarve offers cultural excursions — clam picking with a traditional fisherman, shopping at an Algarvian market with the executive chef — and wraps you in works from national and local artists thanks to its partnership with the local gallery, ArtCatto.

Stories to Tell

Steeped in their settings, LXR Hotels & Resorts forge formative memories, championing one-on-one encounters with locals and spirited adventures.

*Mango House Seychelles invites you to scout the island by car, bike, and even helicopter. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*Beyond Creole, there are also Japanese and Italian options at Mango House Seychelles. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*The intimate retreat is perched along the picturesque Anse Aux Poules Bleues (often called the “Aquarium of Wonders”). Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*Some of the world’s finest rums can be tasted at the resort’s cocktail bar, Kokoye. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*Mango House Seychelles sits in the former family home of famed Italian fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*Mixologists at Kokoye can freestyle and craft custom cocktails according to your preferences. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*This intimate oasis celebrates the natural beauty of the Seychelles. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*Relax your mind and body with personalized treatments at the resort’s spa, Anpe. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

*The resort boasts five unique dining experiences. Photo by De Waal Rautenbach*

Enlightening conversations, lesser-known flavors, heart-pounding activities — Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts tempts the adventurer in us all.

Perched along the picturesque Anse Aux Poules Bleues (often called the “Aquarium of Wonders”), this intimate oasis is the former family home of famed Italian fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. Photographs from his time on the island adorn the walls, along with works from other local artists. Add individualized service and you feel like you’re visiting a friend with insider access to everything around you.

This personal touch threads through the entire retreat. Moutya, the heart of the culinary program, champions Creole dishes — including the chef’s family recipes — and native ingredients. Beyond the grounds, you can explore the island’s terrain and wildlife in a 4x4 while chatting with your private ranger from the passenger seat.

These one-of-a-kind scenes and lively characters spark colorful tales to share with friends at home. That desire sits at the core of the LXR Hotels & Resorts experience.

Up Close and Personal Image Gallery — *Tenjin Chef’s Table at ROKU KYOTO crafts nature-inspired plates.*

Discover more of these singular sanctuaries

Anguilla comes to life at Zemi Beach House, where you can snorkel, sail, and hike, then stop by the Zemi Thai House Spa before unwinding in your Caribbean-inspired quarters. Don’t miss the Rhum Room, which holds 140 types of small-batch, single-estate rums and tastings led by an in-house expert — cigar optional.

Or surrender to serenity in the Takagamine mountains at ROKU KYOTO. You can practice the art of kintsugi with a master, delight in hyperseasonal plates at Tenjin Chef’s Table, learn how to cook yuba (tofu skin), and sit for a Japanese tea ceremony surrounded by sacred cedars and vibrant maples.

Which Experience Calls to You?

Deepen Your Relationships With Local Cultures

Let Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ effortless elegance, Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to community, and LXR Hotels & Resorts’ cultural encounters expand your worldview. Explore now.

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The editorial staff of Departures was not involved in the creation of this story.

Our Contributors

Departures Studio84

Departures Studio84 is the creative, strategy, and media team at Departures dedicated to bringing merchant partnerships to life.

Matt Dutile Photographer

Matt Dutile is a New York City–based photographer and director. He grew up in a small New Hampshire farm town before venturing west seeking buried treasure, as most explorers do. He’s a problem solver, storyteller, experience maker, and moment creator. Sometimes he rhymes. Mostly he smiles.

Yashrib Ahmed Photographer

Yashrib Ahmed is a luxury hotel photographer and filmmaker based in the Maldives with a background in graphic design, web design, and advertising. Yash brings a sincere love of his craft, a keen eye, and innate warmth to timeless images for clients across the world.

De Waal Rautenbach Photographer

Based in the Seychelles, De Waal Rautenbach is an award-winning content creator at Rockit and specializes in capturing the essence of luxury resorts, high-end real estate, and bespoke weddings. His photography has been prominently featured in major global publications.