The Leading Hotels of the World Adds Six New Members

Located in Italy, Finland, Malta, Turkey, China and the United States, they join the more than 375 diverse properties in more than 75 countries that comprise the Leading Hotels portfolio.

San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice, Italy

A former 17^th-century monastery, San Clemente Palace Kempinski, is set on its own separate island in Venice, accessible only by privately arranged boat transportation, yet it is only ten minutes from Piazza San Marco. Surrounded by expansive gardens, the hotel offers 190 room and suites fashioned in classic Venetian style, with high ceilings and large windows overlooking the park, the surrounding lagoon and the city. Acquerello restaurant serves Italian creations and boasts an immense terrace with excellent views. Insieme is the setting for breakfast, while La Dolce offers all-day dining in the garden. In addition, the hotel has a 12^th-century church available for weddings and special events, as well as tennis courts, an outdoor pool, fitness room and a pitch-and-putt course. Rates start from EUR 540 per night, single, EUR 590 per night, double.

Hotel Kämp, Helsinki, Finland

With a cultural and social heritage dating back to 1887, Hotel Kämp is set in the heart of Helsinki, overlooking the Esplanade Park, with designer boutiques on its doorstep. An integral component of city life, in its early days it served as the informal morning meeting hub for the top daily newspaper. Still reflecting its local setting, Hotel Kämp offers 179 rooms and suites, all of which feature stellar examples of Finnish contemporary graphic art in all its diversity. For dining, guests can opt for Restaurant Yume, serving Asian fusion fare with a California twist; or Kamp Brasserie, open throughout the day and evening, offering classic artisanal French cuisine in an historic atmosphere. Rates start at EUR 475 per night, single or double.

Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, Zhujiajiao, China

Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao is located in an ancient water town in Qingpu District, a destination with a 1,700-year heritage. Less than an hour’s drive from Shanghai, the resort transports guests to another era with a 600-year-old courthouse from the Ming Dynasty that has been incorporated into the lobby, and an Old Qing Dynasty theater that forms the building's core. Among the 35 villas, each with art and antiques from the owner’s private collection as well as its own courtyard and private garden, are four that additionally offer a heated outdoor pool. Enhancing the guest experience are facilities including outdoor and indoor pools, Chinese and Asian cuisine restaurants, a Chinese-style tapas bar, a library, cigar bar, Tai Chi room, a traditional Chinese medicine service desk, and a spa specializing in the ancient healing traditions of the East. Rates start from CNY 3,200 per night, single or double, and include daily breakfast, fresh fruits, and Wi-Fi.

Soon to open…

The Phoenicia - Malta, Floriana, Malta

Built in the 1930s, The Phoenicia is one of the oldest luxury hotels on Malta. Situated amid 7½ acres of mature gardens at the entrance to the capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta, it offers impressive views of the surrounding area. Its typical Maltese architecture stands in contrast to the baroque public buildings of the city and the massive bastion walls that encompass it. Enhancing the hotel’s ties to the local culture is its extensive collection of works by Eduardo Caruana Dingli, one of Malta’s most prominent portrait painters. The hotel features 136 rooms that retain a strong Mediterranean feel, and most have sweeping views of the harbor, the city and its fortifications. Among the restaurants are The Phoenix, serving an eclectic menu; Café Phoenicia, for all-day dining; Palm Court Lounge, for light meals; The Club Bar, for cocktails; and the seasonal Pool Bar. Currently undergoing a major renovation, the hotel is set to reopen in early summer. Unrestricted rates start at EUR 270 per night, single or double.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, USA

Embracing its waterside setting, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers a unique perspective on its relationship to the city of Charleston – its lobby corridor lines up with two steeples that are key features of the city skyline, and that same corridor crosses through from the hotel entrance to open out onto the harbor view behind. Designed to complement the historic Mount Pleasant Village, the hotel boasts classic grand Low Country-style wraparound porches. Regional elements are also reflected in 92 guest rooms with custom-crafted furnishings and oversized balconies overlooking the harbor. On-site amenities include four restaurant, three bars, a spa and an outdoor pool. In addition, the hotel’s proximity to Fort Sumter and the U.S.S. Yorktown immerses guests in the region’s rich past which played a major role in shaping Unites States history. Projected opening is set for July. Start at USD 299 per night, single or double.

Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort Kaplankaya, Mugla, Turkey

Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort Kaplankaya, near Mugla, Turkey, is situated on 480 hectares on a peninsula in the Aegean, with beaches and bays with stunning scenery and pristine surroundings. Slated to open this summer, the resort has 141 rooms and suites, all with views of the sea. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the main restaurant is casual yet stylish; while the more relaxed poolside restaurant provides everything from a walk-up takeout window, to a private dining area which can function as a demonstration kitchen. The focal point of the hotel is the 10,000-square-meter spa. Based on a philosophy of healthy living, the alcohol-free hotel offers an integrated approach to wellness and healing. Included in the rates are all meals and mealtime beverages, as well as daily resort fees that cover range of fitness, sports and health activities. Guests 14 years of age and up are welcome. Rates start at EUR 740 per night, single; EUR 1205 per night, double.