Destinations & Destinies
PORTFOLIO Magazine|April 2020
Guests at ultra-luxury resorts are stakeholders that hold up broad sustainability strategies together with the owners, operators and designers
Marc Almagro
Destinations & Destinies

The old picture of an ultra-luxury resort is invariably that of a deserted, immaculate sanctuary: a private island, a game reserve or a subterranean cave where one can commune with nature without discernible human intervention. Service is brisk yet unobtrusive, and nature is discreetly mediated so that the sand is always even on the beach and the hedges always drooping under the weight of perfect flowers no matter the season. One never ever sets eyes on the personal butler who unpacks the luggage and hangs the clothes in the villa, and leaves the tub filled with warm fizzy water.

Put that picture next to some of the ultra-luxury resorts today and you will find a stark contrast: Children climbing the hills on llamas, mud-caked female guests exchanging beauty tips with the women of the tribe, and men in loincloths bonding with the community elders in a cave that is heated with lava stones to a constant 80 degrees Celsius. The guest at such resorts does not need the dinner entrée to be read and explained to him — he can actually milk the yak on the adjoining farm, if he is inclined, and help churn it into butter for lunch.

The transformation of most ultra-luxury resorts is revolutionary. It is in most parts anchored on delivering unique, authentic experiences that are in turn supported by sustainability and community. Says Mr. Bill Bensley of the design practice Bensley: “Nature [has become] synonymous with sustainability, and the opportunity to reconnect with it is something that many who can access luxury actively seek.”

Better for Longer

Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av PORTFOLIO Magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av PORTFOLIO Magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA PORTFOLIO MAGAZINESe alt
To Have And To Hold
PORTFOLIO Magazine

To Have And To Hold

Marquis QSquare has opened its major showroom at a new location in Marina Square.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2021
Meet Brenda Kang Of Revival Vintage Jewels
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Meet Brenda Kang Of Revival Vintage Jewels

Popular luxury labels reign supreme in Singapore, but when it comes to jewellery, attitudes are slowly changing, shares Brenda Kang of Revival Vintage Jewels. She reveals that jewellery lovers are unable to resist the charm of vintage and the allure of next generation jewellers.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2021
A New Pony In Town
PORTFOLIO Magazine

A New Pony In Town

The Pagani Huayra R may well be a high-tech car disguised as a hypercar.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021
Modern And Luxurious Good Class Bungalow
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Modern And Luxurious Good Class Bungalow

Marquis HQO, together with veteran design consultant Patty Mak, come together to breathe life into this modern and luxurious good class bungalow

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2021
Bell & Ross's BR 05 -  It's Hip To Be Square
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Bell & Ross's BR 05 - It's Hip To Be Square

The playful shapes of the BR 05 has allowed Bell & Ross to create designs they can proudly call their own

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2021
The Lexus ES In Focus
PORTFOLIO Magazine

The Lexus ES In Focus

The numbers don’t lie: With a cumulative sales total of over 2.65 million units worldwide, the Lexus ES is a gamechanger in the Lexus range. What’s more, it enjoys the distinction of being the best-selling Lexus sedan in Singapore.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2021
As Good As It Gets
PORTFOLIO Magazine

As Good As It Gets

As I’m writing this, Thanksgiving is just round the corner – in 10 days to be exact – and my Thanksgiving dinner plans are still up in the air. Do I take the risk and put in my dinner reservations and have a contingency takeaway dinner plan if Covid dining restrictions are still limited to two?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Festive Feasting For The Holidays
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Festive Feasting For The Holidays

Presenting some of the season’s most sumptuous delights, which can be enjoyed at home or at these top tables and hotels

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
BENDING TIME
PORTFOLIO Magazine

BENDING TIME

Nathan Yong’s collection of stone art titled ‘Farewell to Reason’ reflects the artist and designer’s search for irreverence, simplicity, and beauty

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Restaurants And Chefs That Are Bringing All New Dining Experiences
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Restaurants And Chefs That Are Bringing All New Dining Experiences

A selection of familiar restaurants and chefs that are bringing all new dining experiences

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021