Hideaways - These Are The Ones You Need To Know About !

Every now and than, I feel like I need a real break. A break from everything. Time, place, attachments, routine - the whole thing. Taking a vacation is what one would traditionally do in that situation. Well, when I feel like that, some crowded beach in Mexico, Disney Land, cruise ships or typical stuff like Hawaii or Las Vegas ain't going to cut it for me. When I need a break I like to hide and seclude. I like to be in places that are far away from the beaten path, not known to everybody, small and boutique style. But whatever the case, the place needs to be up to culinary par. Today I will let you in on some of my best Hideaways. Trust me, they are all spectacular. If you like one, just click on the picture and you will get right to the information you need.


Necker Island (British Virgin Island) An imposingly lavish, ten-bedroom villa of splendid proportions is nestled atop 74-acre Necker Island, a private island paradise rented to only one party (up to 24 guests) at a time. It is owned by Virgin Atlantic mogul Richard Branson and if he is not using it and he likes you and you muster the necessary check, you will be able to feel like Sir Richard for a few days. The resort features a spectacular main residence and two romantic, one-bedroom Balinese houses. Among the lavish accents are indoor gardens, raised gallery, sliding roof panels, private hot tubs, and gorgeous, terraced bedrooms with spectacular views. Refresh with water sports, explore neighboring islands, or soak in a freshwater pool and don't lift a finger. An unobtrusive staff of 31 looks after guests' every desire, from serving fresh local fish to freshening cocktails on a private beach. I love to hide here.

The Blancaneaux Lodge (Belize) Gourmet Brother Francis Ford Coppola created this secluded one-of-a-kind retreat in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in the Maya Mountains of Belize as. Rustic but far from primitive, each of the thatched-roof cabanas and villas is decorated with antiques, handcrafted furniture, and vivid local fabrics, and overlooks the pools and waterfalls of Privassion Creek. Each one also features a luxurious Japanese bath with a view of the sky, not to mention a nonstop natural soundtrack of bird calls from the jungle outside. The lodge is both self-sustaining and eco-friendly: All its power comes from a hydroelectric plant harnessing the river’s power, and the restaurant serves specials created from its own organic garden, including authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven. imagine all these comforts tucked right in the middle of some of the most magical tropical forests north of the Amazon. You can explore by mountain bike or horse keeping an eye out for fauna such as rare howler monkeys, iguanas, and the region’s brilliant butterflies. For a change of scene, not far away are some of Belize’s most extensive Mayan ruins, including the towering pyramid of El Castillo at Xunantunich.

Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur/India) In 1746, Maharana Jagat Singh II built himself a sumptuous palace for his personal pleasure—having been banished from his father’s royal retreat for hosting questionable parties. The result was a shimmering spectacle of white marble, floating like a mirage on the glassy waters of Lake Pichola. You will arrive from nearby Udaipur by private launch. You are greeted in royal fashion by housemen dressed all in white and young women offering flower garlands.
Sheer elegance and magic marks the every one of the rooms and suites. All of them feature lake views. You will feel to be in a different time right of a story book. You will dine al fresco by the lily pond, bask poolside on the marble terrace, or succumb to pure pleasure at the hotel’s Royal Spa. And, after a full day spent visiting the royal city of Udaipur for magnificent sightseeing and shopping, you’ll relish returning to your enchanted floating palace, glowing like the moon on placid lake Pichola. The traditional Indian food at this Palace is nothing short of spectacular!

Pangkor Laut (Malaysia) Not that far off the beaten paths lies an exclusive island at one with nature. Pangkor Laut’s 300 acres encompasses lush rain forest and a coastal fringe of palm trees, rocky headlands and sweeping bays. Pangkor Laut is dotted with little coves over white sand beaches and has one spectacular bay of astounding beauty with a beach listed among the world’s best. With 180 villas resembling a traditional Malay village, great care was taken to preserve, blend with, and complement the surrounding natural beauty and yet provide each guest the welcome addition of modern luxuries. Adjacent to the sand on Coral Bay Beach sits the Coral Bay Family Beach Villas. Whether you explore jungle treks in the ancient virgin rain forest, or simply gaze in wonder at the abundance of exotic animal life, or bask on beautiful beaches, you are a whole world away from were your journey began. This is beach experience sublime.

Little Palm Island (Florida/USA) Just imagine some sultry, deserted atoll in the South Pacific, ringed by a sliver of powder-white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters, and you’ll have a pretty good feel for the sensuous beauty of Little Palm Island. This hidden treasure is just 28 miles east of Key West, making even your arrival the stuff of dreams - either by seaplane or by private launch—with dolphins leading the way. This exquisite lodge combines every wonderful little luxury with a low-tech approach to relaxation - you’ll find no telephones or television to interrupt the mood. 30 thatched-roof bungalows, set on stilts and tucked here and there, mingling with the branches of surrounding tropical foliage. These exceptionally private villas offer palm-framed ocean views, tropics-inspired furnishings, verandas, outdoor showers, king-size beds with gauzy netting, and tempting hammocks slung between shady palms. The warm, tranquil waters are ideal for endless sporting possibilities, from wreck diving and snorkeling to sailing and fishing charters. You can indulge in exotic spa experiences like the Bali Spice Ritual, followed by a refreshing dip in the pool or a walk in the Zen Garden. Finally, end the day by dining on the beach under star-filled skies, on superb cuisine combining fresh Floridian and Pan-Asian flavors.

Bora Bora Lagoon(Tahiti) Like the mysterious and riveting isle of Bali Ha’i in the movie South Pacific, the island of Bora Bora casts its enchantment over everyone who travels there. Don’t even try to resist its many charms: pale turquoise seas deepening to aquamarine, powder-soft white sand in perfect arcs of palm-fringed beach, colorful birds and tropical fish and flowers . . . and the exhilarating island refuge of Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, nestled a mile offshore on the private isle of Motu Toopua. This Polynesian hideaway offers a unique look back over lagoon waters to Bora Bora and its lush and almost-mystical Mount Otemanu, viewed from clusters of thatched-roof beach villas and over-the-water bungalows. Everything around you is extraordinary and exotic, from the illuminated glass-top coffee table in your over water bungalow for viewing and feeding tropical fish, to the "canoe breakfast" delivered by one of the Polynesian staff in a flower-bedecked outrigger canoe—a Tahitian take on traditional room service. Even the open-air treatment rooms of the Maru Spa are unique, reaching into the upper branches of a sprawling banyan tree like some giant tree house. When you summon the energy to explore, hop the free water shuttle for the five-minute trip to Bora Bora for hiking, horseback riding, or chartering a boat for deep-sea fishing. Snorkel the coral reef at the edge of the lagoon, or take a guided outrigger canoe trip to feed reef sharks and swim with stingrays. Enchanting? Absolutely!

Hostellerie La Cheneaudière (Alsace/France) Nestling between Alsace and the Vosges mountains, this picturesque residence features calm, comfortable rooms with breathtaking views of the mountains and forests. After relaxing in the sauna, whirlpool or indoor-pool, guests can choose between two restaurants, one offering 3 star gourmet cuisine, the other regional specialities. Prestigious wines. This is seclusion at its best. Cigars, cognac's, top food in a beautiful environment. One of my all time favorite!


Chateau De La Chevre d'Or (French Riviera) Perched between the mountains and the Mediterranean in the medieval village of Eze, the Château de la Chèvre d’Or has the best view of all the Cote d'Azure. The elegant rooms are set in the village. Its restaurants «La Chèvre d’Or», a 3 star gourmet restaurant offers the best French cuisine. Subperp fine vintage wines and a collection of cognacs and Armagnac's that is simply spectacular. When you want the best the South of France has to offer, minus the annoying guys with the cameras hanging around their necks - this is the place!

Grand Hotel Quisisana (Capri/Italy) I'm a huge fan of the island of Capri. Wherever you go after you left this place, you will carry this piece of Italian life in your heart because the Quisisana is not just any ordinary hotel, it is a way of life. It is the pleasure of being in a special place in the sun and of always feeling at your ease on an island in the centre of the world and history. Just a brief walk from the celebrated little piazza, enjoy the social life of Capri, the sun and the sea, but also the extraordinary beauty of this place. You have a little jewel of an island to explore. More great places to eat and drink, than you can get too. Absolute peace of mind and a hotel that is as unique as it is beautiful. One of the best Spa's in the world. You bring your lady here and she will be very, very happy!

Hotel Bellevue (Val d'Aosta/Italy) One of our Gourmet Brothers has recently explored this little gem on the Italian/French boarder. He and his wife were taken by it. Overlooking a shimmering glacier in Italy's gran paradiso national park, the Hotel Bellevues extends warm hospitality in the awe-inspiring beauty. Here, near the French and Swiss borders, this place truly enchants with guest rooms adorned in antiques and charming farmhouse touches. Savor the distinctive cuisine of the local Val d'Aosta region and an outstanding selection of wines in the renowned dining room. A brilliant winter destination for cross-country skiing with over 80 kilometers of trails and approximately nine kilometers of downhill skiing. Beautiful in the summer. Enjoy the new Spa and Health center, featuring a sauna, Turkish bath and more.

Gora Kadan (Hakone/Japan) Discover the wonders of this ancient Japanese hideaway. This is the former retreat of the «Kanin-no-miya» imperial family. This noble residence set in beautiful surroundings in the national park of Hakone, offers authentic Tatami-style rooms with cypress bath, open-air bath or whirlpool bath. A beautiful place in the Japanese mountains. If you appreciate the Zen style, you must go to their website and check it out. One of the most beautiful and secluded places in all of Japan. Breathtaking. Maybe my most favourite. Also you will be able to savour traditional «Kaiseki cuisine» at is absolute best. and The Japanese Spa treatment here, you wont find anywhere else. If in Japan, this place is a must.

Aman-i-Khas (Rajasthan/India) This is the true call of the wild. Set in rugged countryside, Aman-i-Khás is a wilderness retreat located on the fringe of Ranthambhore National Park, in Rajasthan, India. The park offers opportunities for sighting leopards, tigers, sloth bears and chittal deer. Aman-i-Khás is only open for seven months a year from October until the end of April which coincides with the season for Ranthambhore National Park. You will life in a tent with more luxury than in many real hotel rooms. The service is astounding, the surroundings unreal and the food is just mind blowing. This is a magical experience!

The Home Ranch (Colorado/USA) This place combines the activities of a world class equestrian center with the qualities of western ranch life and all the luxury expected of a Relais & Châteaux into one great location in the Rocky Mountains. There is something for everyone, hiking, fishing, swimming, and fine dining. In winter, skiing in Steamboat Springs, a world class ski resort is combined with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and to notch fine dining. A real, beautiful American ranch as they used to be turned into a small world class boutique resort. I can never resist that.


The Inn At Little Washington (Virginia/USA) This magnificent Inn, is America’s most renowned country retreats. You will find it in a romantic village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For two decades, Gourmet Brother and Chef Patrick O’Connell and Reinhardt Lynch have welcomed guests with exquisite hospitality. Savour fine wines and absolute gourmet delicacies in idyllic natural surroundings. The place is romance pure. If you are there, try to get to the Chef's table. You will be blown away. Chef O'Connell sports one of Americas most beautiful restaurant kitchen. Everything about this place is simply great!

Kettuvalloms (Kerala/India) Kettuvalloms are Houseboats (used to be rice boats) that are a major attraction. These boats are between 67 to 95 feet feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet to in the middle. They are made of local bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili". The house boats are fully furnished and have a sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and a toilet with WC. And you guessed it right - you can rent these boats for any amount of time and cruise out there in the beautiful back waters of the South Indian coast of Kerala. Each houseboat has a three member crew - a Chef, a driver and a cabin assistants. The cuisine is traditional and spectacular Kerala flavor done with only the freshest of ingredients. The local fish is simply delicious local fish. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.and 3 bedroom houseboat for 6 , and 5 bedroom houseboat for 10 People. The spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction. A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting hideaway experience today. There is nothing that will rejuvenate and relaxe you more, then boating here for a while.