While a few weeks on the Australian coast make for a fabulous family holiday, there are more extravagant options — if you have the money. From the opulent Villa La Cupola Suite in Rome to the racy Hugh Hefner Sky Villa in Las Vegas we profile some of the planet’s most luxurious holiday accommodation. By Rosalind Scutt
Holiday like the rich and famous
While a few weeks on the Australian coast make for a fabulous family holiday, there are more extravagant options — if you have the money. From the opulent Villa La Cupola Suite in Rome to the racy Hugh Hefner Sky Villa in Las Vegas we profile some of the planet’s most luxurious holiday accommodation. By Rosalind Scutt Image: President Wilson Hotel, Geneva
Celebrities and fashionistas love to holiday at the Bahamas in this shamelessly indulgent 10-room suite. The Bridge Suite spans the space between the resort’s two Royal Towers (hence the name) and features a living room with a grand piano, a dining room with a 22-carat gold chandelier, a terrace overlooking the island, and a three-metre tall four-poster bed in the master bedroom.
Price: US$25,000 (AUD$24,200) per night
Image: Atlantis
The Ritz-Carlton hotel is located on top of the city’s tallest structure, Tokyo Midtown Galleria, close to the thriving nightlife district, Roppongi. The suite is located on the 53rd floor making it the highest hotel room in all of Tokyo and with views out to Mount Fuji, that alone may be worth the spend. Otherwise, the one bedroom suite features an oversized marble bathroom and a dedicated personal concierge.
Price: ¥2 million (AUD$25,000) per night
Image: Ritz-Carlton
Villa la Cupola is the largest suite in Italy and is said to be inspired by ancient Rome. It features extensive stained glass, marble and frescoes combing in a dramatic cultural opulence. A wraparound terrace, private spa and sauna and a private cinema are all included.
Price: €20,000 (AUD$25,200) per night
Image: Westin Excelsior
The multi-level Presidential suite sprawls across more than 240 square metres and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private gym, a steam room and a wine cellar. There is also a rooftop terrace with an outdoor saltwater swimming pool.
Price: €27,000 (AUD$34,000) per night
Images: Hotel Cala di Volpe
This three-bedroom suite boasts all the style and convenience of a luxurious seaside private home and includes a private marina and beach. Other highlights include indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, massage room and a business centre.
Price: €27,000 (AUD$35,000) per night
Image: Grand Resort Lagonissi
Hotel Martinez is a favourite destination for celebrities, especially during the Cannes Film Festival. The penthouse suite spans over 185 square metres, has four bedrooms, marble baths, multiple living and dining rooms, state of the art TVs and electrical amenities, and a spa set on an outside terrace with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. If the price is too stiff, patrons can a request the suite to be divided into four individual suites. Rooms are sound-proofed.
Price: €23,000 (AUD$29,000) per night
Image: Hotel Martinez
Buxom babes and pleasure seekers — this is your ultimate playground. The 836-square-metre, two-bedroom suite has been lovingly decorated by Hefner himself to give holiday makers all the comforts you might expect from a silk robe-wearing lothario. From the enormous rotating circular bed to the indoor bunny-branded infinity pool which looks out over the Strip this suite is the perfect party palace.
Price: US$40,000 (AUD$38,800) per night
Image: Palms Casino & Resort
If you love Manhattan then this is your ultimate holiday pad and with nine bedrooms there’s no need to holiday alone. The penthouse spans the entire top floor and is known as “the castle in the clouds”. A 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline keeps you tapping the pulse of one of the planet’s most exciting cities. A personal butler, personal trainer and a Rolls-Royce driving chauffeur are all included in your room charge. There’s also unlimited international calls (go on, call the kids). Price: US$45,000 (AUD$43,700) per night
One of the most luxurious hotels in all of India, the Raj Palace was once the residence of a Maharaja. The Presidential suite here spans four entire floors and is decorated in opulent furnishings including lavish fabrics, mirrors and ivory. There’s plenty of rooms to get lost in and more than enough to do with a private museum, a swimming pool located on a roof terrace, panoramic views and a gym.
Price: US$45,000 (AUD$43,700) per night
The Royal Penthouse suite takes up the entire top floor of the hotel and boasts a twelve-bedroom apartment featuring a grand piano, billiards room, library and private fitness centre. Aside from these features, the main draw card is a much celebrated panoramic view over Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc — not to forget the bulletproof doors and windows (who doesn’t need those on holiday!).
Price: US$65,000 (AUD$63,000) per night
