Leading Hotels of the World Adds Five New Members

The latest additions, in Costa Rica, France, England, Tunisia, and Singapore, are part of a diverse collection of more than 400 properties in 80 countries that embody their destinations through design, culture and cuisine. With features ranging from a massive arts and performance venue to a landing strip and helipad on property, the newest members of The Leading Hotels of the World exemplify the collection’s standards for quality and individuality.

AltaGracia Boutique Hacienda, Perez Zeledón, Costa Rica (pictured)

True to the concept of a hacienda as a large estate or plantation, AltaGracia Boutique Hacienda in southern Costa Rica spans 850 acres of land in the mountains of Perez Zeledon. Interiors of the 50 casitas create the atmosphere of private rural residences, with exposed wood ceilings, warm-toned fabric accents and fireplaces. Resort activities – horseback riding, bird-watching, and hiking – reinforce the countryside vibe. Yet AltaGracia is easily accessible – it has its own landing strip and helipad, facilitating arrivals from the main airport in San Jose. A variety of restaurants offering a range of cuisines, multiple bars and lounges, a massive spa and large pool with panoramic views, serve as complements to create a serene, sybaritic retreat. Rates start at USD 325 per night, single or double, including breakfast, Wi-Fi and valet parking.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath, England

Taking the waters has been a tradition in Bath since Roman times, so it’s only natural that the soon-to-open Gainsborough Bath Spa provides visitors the ideal way to continue the practice. Set beneath a glass atrium within the hotel is the 1,300-square-meter Spa Village Bath, with 11 treatment rooms including a couple’s room and VIP suite, and hotel guests have direct entry to the facilities. Should they wish to extend their experience beyond the spa, they can do so in one of the hotel's exclusive spa rooms, the only accommodations in the UK to offer in-bathroom access to the thermal waters. Originally built in the 1800s, and named for the artist Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel occupies two Grade II Listed buildings and has 99 guest rooms and suites, created by the award-winning firm of Champalimaud Design, New York. Uncomplicated contemporary cuisine is featured in the restaurant, headed up by renowned Austrian Chef Johann Lafer, while The Canvas Room and The Gainsborough Bar are relaxing venues for drinks and light fare. Hotel opens July 1 with special rates starting at approximately USD 354 per night, single or double occupancy, including Wi-Fi and minibar.

Hotel Royal - Evian Resort, Évian-les-Bains, France

As of July 1, 2015, guests can again experience Hotel Royal a 150-room classic that embodies the French concepts of bien être and art de vivre. For generations Spa Evian Source has been known for its relaxation and wellness programs, and is the perfect place to rejuvenate and recharge. Complementing the spa’s wellness aspects are the hotel’s gastronomic highlights: Les Fresques, a contemporary setting for fine dining overlooking the lake; La Véranda in the gardens, for Mediterranean and Asian dishes; L’Oliveraie, for summer meals poolside; and Le Bar, for cocktails and light fare. Among the many diversions visitors can enjoy is La Grange au Lac, a unique concert hall made entirely of wood. Inspired by cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, it has hosted major orchestras, musicians and singers from around the world. Nightly rates will start at approximately USD 450 single or double, including Wi-Fi, access to sports facilities, fitness center, spa area, and golf academy, as well as tax and service. Local tax is extra.

La Badira, Hammamet, Tunisia

Situated in the Tunisian seaside resort of Hammamet, La Badira is contemporary in concept, but evokes traditional Islamic architectural elements - arched terraces, domed ceilings, columned walkways and reflective pools, set amid gardens planted with olive trees and date palms. Its clean, simple lines were inspired by the era of the 1930s when Hammamet was becoming popular with sophisticated travelers drawn by the natural beauty and culture of the area. Playing on the principles of light and shadow that captivated artists of that time, interiors of the 130 guest accommodations are minimally designed, with touches such as hand-painted ceramic panels featuring Arabic script, and a variety of accent pieces in Islamic geometric patterns. In keeping with its cosmopolitan vibe, the hotel has several restaurants serving a variety of international fare. Relaxation options include indoor and outdoor pools, and a THÉMAÉ spa. Nightly rates start at approximately USD 180 single, USD 211 double, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, VAT and service charge.

The Patina, Capitol Singapore

In the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, surrounded by historic landmarks, Capitol Singapore is the city’s first integrated luxury lifestyle development, comprising residences, retail, dining and the Capitol Theatre. A focal point of the complex is The Patina, housed in the iconic Capitol Building and Stamford House, which have been masterfully restored by Pritzker Prize Laureate Richard Meier to become a stylish 157-room hotel, opening later this fall. In addition to well-appointed rooms and suites characterized by intricate interior details and generous ceiling heights, the hotel offers its signature restaurant ERU, a reading room, Singapore’s first saltwater relaxation pool, a fitness center, and a world-class art collection. Key to it all is the hotel’s highly personalized service - Patina 360° Concierge™ where every Ambassador takes pride in being true hosts to the guests. Rates start at approximately USD 419 per night, single or double. Tax is additional.

Hotels seeking to become a part of The Leading Hotels of the World must apply for membership. Only the world’s most distinguished properties are selected, thereby assuring a constant adherence to the organization’s exacting standards of high quality and distinctiveness for curious travelers. Although it is required that a clear set of guidelines is followed, Leading Hotels encourages each hotel, above all, to remain distinct in character and authentic to its culture, to tell its own special story.

Please note, rates are subject to change, and for hotels outside the US, may vary with currency exchange fluctuations.

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