This story originally appeared in the November/December 2017 issue of Elite Traveler.
In the spirit of compiling not-your-average gift guide, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has created the 12 Days of Rosewood—no leaping lords or a partridge in a pear tree, but a collection of trips and experiences from all over the globe. Each offering uses the location’s heritage, culture and environment to design an immersive trip for those searching for a priceless insider perspective. Give one as a gift, or go on an adventure and do all 12.
London, UK: Aston Martin Discovery
If you’ve had your eye on Aston Martin’s new flagship vehicle, head to the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, by private helicopter from Rosewood London. Following a consultation with Aston Martin’s chief executive officer, your custom-made DB11 V12 coupe will be created followed by a private training session.
$256,200, for three nights including DB11V12, available at Rosewood London. Contact Michael Bonsor, managing director, michael.bonsor@rosewoodhotels.com, +44 207 781 8888, rosewoodhotels.com/london
Paris, France: Art de Vivre
Overlooking Place de la Concorde, Les Grands Appartements have been designed by Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. Soak up the Parisian lifestyle with a private gastronomic journey in the salon where Marie Antoinette once studied music and, in the exclusive, subterranean La Cave wine cellar, taste a rare cognac. Très chic.
$67,270, for three nights, available at Hôtel de Crillon. Contact Marc Raffay, generalmanager, marc.raffay@crillon.com, +33 144 711 500, rosewoodhotels.com/hotel-de-crillon
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Los Cabos, Mexico: Oaxacan Art
Traveling by private jet, head to Oaxacan to curate your very own collection of Mexican artwork from the studios of the city’s most acclaimed artists, including a specially commissioned alberije sculpture. Retreat to the 28,000 sq ft Ty Warner Mansion and watch the night sky illuminate with a customized firework display from the 328ft infinity pool.
$160,000, for four nights, available at Las Ventanas al Paraiso
London, UK: Fairy Tale
For children who dream of becoming characters in a fairy tale, this magical slumber party enlists the help of actors from Hamleys toy store and costumers Ivoy Paris at Harrods to make it happen. Your suite will be turned into an enchanted kingdom, with professional entertainers, magician butlers, movie screening and a midnight feast.
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$25,615, for one night, available at Rosewood London.
British Virgin Islands: Sailing Odyssey
Set sail on a vessel of your choice—pick from a twin-hull yacht or catamaran—and embark on a custom itinerary around the Islands. Have a picnic on a deserted beach, dive beneath the surface to discover the underwater realm or stroll around the charming boutique ports. Back on land, spend three nights in Rosewood Little Dix Bay—soon to re-open after a two-year renovation.
$29,999, for 10 nights, available at Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Beijing, China: Artistic Soul
Whip through Beijing on a motorcycle sidecar and visit the iconic landmarks and historic hutongs, taking a champagne pit stop at the vibrant gates of the Forbidden City when the crowds have gone and you have it all to yourself. Included in the cultural adventure is a private shanshui painting master class with famed Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Shaohui, plus a curator-led exploration of China’s artistic hub, the 798 Art District.
$5,090, for five nights, available at Rosewood Bejiing
New York, US: One Night Only
Theater fans rejoice—choose from one of two talents,Megan Hilty or Isaac Mizrahi, for a private show for you and 24 friends in the legendary supper club Café Carlyle. After the performance, enjoy dinner and a champagne reception with the star performer.
$95,000, for one night, available at The Carlyle. Contact Anthony McHale, managing director, anthony.mchale@rosewoodhotels.com, +1 212 744 1600, rosewoodhotels.com/the-carlyle-new-york
Phuket, Thailand: Hidden Treasures
Once roaming across most of Asia, Asian Elephants are now restricted to just 15 percent their original range. Visit a sanctuary to see the magnificent creatures with a guided tour and understand why they’ve played an important role in the continent’s culture and religion. During your four-night trip, you’ll also indulge in rich Peranakan Chinese heritage with a feast in a private beachfront pavilion, take a yacht cruise along Phuket’s southern coastline to a little island to blessed by Buddhist monks. You’ll also get an exclusive look inside a historic Sino-Portugese mansion in Phuket’s Old Town and meet gifted artists in a bohemian village.
$11,840, for four nights, available at the new Rosewood Phuket
Bermuda: Romance on Land and Sea
The ultimate starry-eyed getaway — amble through the quaint town of Unesco World Heritage site St George on a horse-drawn carriage, tour a perfumery and create your own fragrance, spend an evening sailing and snorkeling around a secluded island, and take to the lush jungle for an active escapade.
$14,570, available at Rosewood Tucker’s Point
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Royal Treasures
Explore Cambodia’s history with a visit to the former royal capital of Oudong to visit the country’s largest Buddhist center. You’ll have a ceremonial blessing and view an exotic collection of treasures in a monk’s private residence. In Phnom Penh you’ll be treated to a performance of Apsara (meaning a female spirit of the clouds and water in Hindu and Buddhist mythology), at the opulent, terracotta-colored National Museum. Mingle with the skilled dancers following the performance, and get a few tips ahead of your private Apsara dance lesson with a master instructor.
$6,000, available at the new Rosewood Phnom Penh
Sanya, China: Tropical Paradise
Referred to as ‘the Hawaii of China’, the tropical island of Sanya offers a myriad of activities. Start your trip with a champagne reception on Hainan Island, visit the colossal Nanshan temple and reflect on the Buddhist culture — the temple’s name originates from a Buddhist expression, “Good fortune is much as the East Sea; longevity is high as Nanshan.” Journey to Wuzhizhou Island for coral reef diving (it’s China’s best dive site), and go on a private fishing trip and catch your own fresh seafood feast.
$4,338, available at the Rosewood Sanya
Tuscany, Italy: Secret Winter
A popular destination in summer and fall, this trip reveals the lesser-known charms of winter in Tuscany. Stay in a rustic converted farmhouse where you’ll have a cooking lesson with a private chef and go on a private winery tour with vertical tasting of the estate’s own Brunello. If you want to get out and explore Tuscany’s beautiful scenery, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and navigate through the rolling hills. Come nightfall, embark on a winter wildlife-spotting safari— the first of its kind.
$17,400, available at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
