Travel

Suite Escape: Jade Mountain Resort

Paradise is not lost. It's just hidden away in St. Lucia. Poised above the breathtaking views of the cobalt Caribbean Sea and lush tropical forest of the Anse Chastanet beach resort is the equally stunning Jade Mountain Resort. Architectural wonders abound with myriad infinity pools that spill seamlessly into one another then into nature beyond and in-room terraces that offer views of the towering Pitons, which jut dramatically up from the ocean floor. Guests are encouraged to submit to the serenity by enjoying soothing spa treatments (like the Rainbow Body-Chakra Balancing Massage) as well as the Jade Mountain Club Restaurant's fine dining. jademountain.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Jade Mountain Resort.

Suite Escape: Castel Monastero

How about an Italian getaway to kick off fall? The Castel Monastero is a resort lost in time. Set in the restored ruins of a besieged 11th-century castle (nestled between rolling hills of Chianti grapes and chestnut forests just outside of Siena), the hotel has amenities fit for a Medici. There's a rustic cantina for those who want to escape modern complications, but the resort's real star is Gordon Ramsay's fine-dining spot (his first Italy-based kitchen). Here, Ramsay serves Italian country fare set in a wrought iron and wood-beamed space overlooking the tiny town's piazza. There are also classes for foodies and oenophiles, so take notes and impress your friends back home. Or ask the full-service concierge to set up a wine tour or a day trip to nearby Cortone and San Gimignano. castelmonastero.com.

–Christopher Luu,  JuliB  

Photo: Castel Monastero.

Suite Escape: Hotel ZaZa

The latest seductive incarnation of storied Dallas pleasure palace Hotel ZaZa is positively hard-wired for romance (as evidenced by the Dangerous Beauty suite's fainting couch and wall studded with photos of bare breasts). Champagne and chocolate, whirlpools and whipped cream—seductive frills turn a mere night in a hotel into an all-out experience. hotelzazadallas.com.

–Connie Dufner,  Modern Luxury Magazines  

Suite Escape: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

Think an escape to the islands is the only way to experience unspoiled territory and ocean views? Then it's definitely time for a visit to South Africa's recently opened Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, located on the Dolphin Coast under the lush forest canopy of a 50-hectare nature reserve, where cool breezes from the Indian Ocean make the beaches ripe for R&R. Accommodations feature natural influences and include private balconies with sweeping views of the ocean, garden or resort. Meanwhile, fresh ingredients and local flavors set the tone for food and beverage options, whether you choose the main lodge, clubhouse or beach club. After your meal, spoil your inner beachcomber at the outdoor bar, which is elevated on stilts with a fabulous view of the Indian Ocean. fairmont.com/zimbalilodge.

–Rebecca Taras,  JuliB  

Photo: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge.

Suite Escape: Ca' Sagredo Hotel

The canals. The art. The history. There's no place on earth that captures the feeling of fairy-tale romance quite like Venice. This beautiful locale is an ideal destination for the ultimate lovers' getaway. And if you're going to do it the right way, then you should consider staying in the lap of luxury at the five-star Ca' Sagredo Hotel. This 15th century time capsule exudes the elegance and refinement of Italy, its finely appointed rooms hung with original works by Italian masters. The opulent surroundings are sure to bring out your inner principesa. casagredohotel.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Ca' Sagredo.

Suite Escape: Aloft Houston

Got lofty expectations and a walk-up budget? Check in to Houston's brand-new Aloft hotel. You'll feel right at home (only better) amid the property's mod fixtures and urban-inspired rooms, which feature comfy signature beds, oversize shower heads, and custom Bliss spa products. Think of it as The W's fun younger brother. starwoodhotels.com.

–Larina Chen, JuliB  

Photo: Starwood.

Suite Escape: Farmhouse Inn

There's a new reason to escape to Sonoma County, California's Farmhouse Inn: Guests can now rest their heads in one of four deluxe rooms and four suites in the inn's recently added modern barn, surrounded by a peaceful redwood grove. Siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei acquired the inn (and its on-site, Michelin-starred restaurant) in 2001 and have been supervising the renovation since late last year. San Francisco-based architect Mark Jewell (of K2A Architecture + Interiors) introduced an updated vernacular look reminiscent of the region's horse barns and water towers. Then celebrated local designer Myra Hoefer decked out the ultra-comfortable interiors with modern wing-back sofas, undyed-wool plaid blankets and, for a bit of rural authenticity, sculptural antique farm implements and old pigeon hutches. Sliding barn-style doors separate bedrooms from living areas, and large French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows open onto private decks. The inn also serves a two-course gourmet breakfast each morning and has a full-service spa—both essential if you got swept up in sommelier Geoff Kruth's wine recommendations the night before. farmhouseinn.com.

–Diane Dorrans Saeks, Modern Luxury Magazines  

Photo courtesy of the Farmhouse Inn.

Suite Escape: Hotel Monaco Baltimore

Step aside, DC. We're hot to trot to nearby Baltimore, where guests can now spend a cozy night at the newly opened boutique Hotel Monaco Baltimore. Housed in the old B&O Train HQ (circa 1906), the Monaco oozes a cool, railroad-era vibe. It's luxury through and through, from curbside to bedside. Spend a nostalgic evening amid plush couches, fire-engine-red accents and the lobby's Tiffany stained-glass windows. All aboard! monaco-baltimore.com.

–JuliB  

Photo: Hotel Monaco Baltimore.

Suite Escape: The Cooper Square Hotel

Next time you're in a New York state of mind, rest your weary Choos at the newest hotel to hit the Bowery. The Cooper Square Hotel is a unique slice of slick glass in this brick-covered 'hood. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a shattered slate lobby, it wouldn't look out of place in mod Milan. But the vintage secondhand books scattered around the rooms, library and lobby are oh-so-East-Coast-league. It's got New York City heart. thecoopersquarehotel.com.

–JuliB  

Suite Escape: The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo

Sure, the Howler monkeys are cute. But your friends back home may be more titillated by the news of who you ran into at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica. Brangelina, Elle Macpherson and Blake Lively have all stopped by this Costa Rican oasis for the jet set. A stay at this resort feels a little like Fantasy Island, where your new best pals are the dulcet-voiced masseuse at the breathtaking spa overlooking the Pacific; the smiling, brawny fellas who shepherd you from pool to Arnold Palmer golf course via golf cart; and the lovely chef who makes a sparkling, fresh tableside ceviche with ingredients you select at foodie paradise Papagayo, one of four on-site restaurants. The height of decadence? "Spa tapas" (including massages and facials), which are available poolside, plus guest privileges at the 30,000-square-foot Prieta Beach Club and Spa. More adventurous types can check out the lush local scenery off-site with Four Seasons-arranged activities including rainforest and canopy tours. Though built in 2004, Ronald Zürcher's warm and inviting architecture (informed by indigenous clay pots, butterflies and the shells of leatherback turtles) presciently foreshadowed the current obsession with eco luxury. fourseasons.com.

–Felicia Feaster, Modern Luxury Magazines  

The mod, Ronald Zürcher-designed Four Seasons golf clubhouse. Photo: Four
Seasons and Matthew Wakem/Robb Gordon.