THE JOURNAL
Photograph courtesy of Raas Devigarh
Head to warmer climes this Christmas, with expert holiday ideas from the world’s most stylish men.
Oh, isn’t it a special time of year? “Special” in the sense of “freezing”, that is, if you’re among the unlucky 90 per cent of the world that finds itself north of the equator in December. Some of us welcome such atmospheric conditions with open arms, piling on the layers of wool and cashmere, fixing up hot toddies and generally trying to smile the whole thing out. But then there are others who prefer to absent themselves from the proceedings entirely. If you find yourself falling into to the latter camp this year, scroll down for a few key recommendations on where to go from MR PORTER’s Style Council members. These are places where the word “chill” will take on a whole new meaning. And hopefully be accompanied by a nice pool, good weather and lots of lovely cocktails.
Round Hill
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Photograph courtesy of Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort
Round Hill has been in business since 1953, when it was established by Jamaican-born entrepreneur Mr John Pringle. In the intervening years, its illustrious guests have included Messrs Alfred Hitchcock, John F Kennedy (who spent his honeymoon there) and Ian Fleming (who was so inspired by the place that he later set up his own resort, Goldeneye, nearby – which we also thoroughly recommend). If this list of endorsements doesn’t quite convince you to check out one of the resort’s 27 villas (with interiors by Ralph Lauren), its idyllic view of Round Bay and its exceptionally attentive staff, perhaps the weather forecast will – it’s likely to be a pleasantly warm 26ºC on average in December. Los-Angeles based furniture and fabric designer Mr Michael Smith is particularly keen on the place: “Because you don’t have to wear shoes; plus it has wonderful people and beautiful water.”
Raas Devigarh
Udaipur, India
Photograph courtesy of Raas Devigarh
A former palace, built in the 18th century, Raas Devigarh looks like it’s come straight out of the pages of some high-fantasy novel, with its incredible architecture and scenic setting atop a hill in the middle of the purple-hued Aravalli range. Here, close to the equally picturesque city of Udaipur, guests can check into a range of ultra-luxurious suites, book yoga lessons and even get have a chakra MOT (via one of the hotel spa’s “Devi Blessing” treatments), all the while enjoying the high (but bearable) temperatures of the winter season. “Lying by the pool, looking out over Rajasthan can’t be beaten,” says Style Council member and screenwriter Mr Will Frears.
Adrère Amellal
Cairo, Egypt
Photograph by Mr Omar Hikal. Courtesy of Adrère Amellal
The word “escape” is bandied around somewhat by the travel industry – usually it means a nice pool somewhere hot with waiters bringing you snacks and cocktails. But if you’re really looking for a refuge from the pace and strains of modern life, this desert eco-retreat in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis (an eight-hour drive from Cairo) is just the ticket. With a look that might best be described as “Mr George Lucas chic”, the hotel comprises 40 hand-built rooms that come with soft beds and beeswax candles, but no electricity. Food is freshly made and locally sourced, and guests can book excursions across the desert (for a Berber-style picnic or even on horseback if the Game of Thrones touch is required). The whole experience comes thoroughly recommended by Style Council member Mr Kai Margrander, the fashion director of Harper’s Bazaar Germany magazine. “Taking baths in the fresh water springs of the oasis was Cleopatra’s beauty secret,” says Mr Margrander. “I follow suit.”