Preferred Hotel Group

As new hotspots in remote locales and city centers alike continue to pop up across the world map, we all are expanding our bucket lists with a global perspective. Representing more than 400 independent luxury hotels worldwide, the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts and Preferred Boutique^™ brands recommend the following 13 must-stay hotels in 13 must-visit destinations to help guide 2013 vacation planning. 

Before you go… Join I Prefer & experience the ease of I Prefer Membership. No points to count. No waiting for hotel rewards. We will automatically receive room upgrades (if available), complimentary WIFI, early check in and late check out and as an I Prefer member we receive an amenity, unique to each hotel.  Best of all, membership is free so please register online today!

• For the Adrenaline Junkie – Queenstown, New Zealand

o   Why go:  As the adventure capital of the world, this resort town offers stunning lake-meets-mountain scenery and exhilarating activities such as canyoning, bungee jumping, and fly-fishing.

o   Where to stay: Azur, a member of Preferred Boutique – Azur provides unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Cecil & Walter Peaks. Each of the luxury lodge’s nine villas features a gas fireplace and a private deck with lounge area designed for guests to absorb incredible views and relax between excursions.

• For the Culture Seeker – Udaipur, India

o   Why go: One of India’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities, Udaipur invites travelers to

visit centuries-old former royal palaces, stroll through famed gardens, and cruise across Lake Pichola.

o   Where to stay: The Leela Palace Udaipur, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, this majestic hotel was designed as an exquisite escape where old-world grandeur meets 21st-century luxuries. Cultural experiences include individual astrological chart readings with the on-site astrologer, cooking classes with Executive Chef Karim Hassene, or visits to  local attractions such as Fateh Prakash Palace and Bagore Ki Haveli.

• For the Ecotourist – Mata de Sao Joao, Brazil

o   Why go: Home to Brazil’s top ecotourism projects, this fishing village provides opportunities to learn about sea turtle conservation at Tamar Project, trek through the 600-acre Sapiranga Ecological Reserve, and drive down the famed Linha Verde. 

o   Where to stay: Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – In the nearby fishing town of Praia do Forte, luxury travel and environmental sustainability merge at the 292-room Tivoli Ecoresort, where guests can connect with the lush surroundings during several ecological tours or relax and enjoy treatments at the on-site Thalasso Spa.   

• For the History Buff – Querétaro, Mexico

o   Why go: Built from Mexico’s 17th-century silver fortune, this colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that speaks to the country’s rich history with sites including the famed Museo Regional de Querétaro, La Casa de la Marquesa, and the Cerro de las Campanas National Park.

o   Where to stay: Hacienda Jurica, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – Drawing on the region’s culture and history as a “place of well being”, this 16th-century hacienda is a true retreat, where guestrooms offer a historic look at colonial-style architecture with contemporary amenities, and restaurants present traditional Mexican fare and live music.

• For the Fashionista – Forte dei Marmi, Italy

o   Why go: As one of Italy’s original beach resort towns, Forte dei Marmi is immensely popular among the glitzy crowd, who flock to this area of northern Tuscany for its pristine beaches, world-class designer discount market at Piazza Marconi, and abundance of boutiques from Europe’s most influential fashion houses, such as Prada, Roberto Cavalli, and Armani.

o   Where to stay: Grand Hotel Imperiale, a member of Preferred Boutique – Situated on a private beach, surrounded by the Apuan Alps, Grand Hotel Imperiale caters to the discerning jetsetter, presenting five-star accommodations and services, ranging from Mediterranean gastronomic delights at Olivo D’Oro to Chinese- and Indian-influenced treatments at the Medical Spa Imperiale.

American Express StayMore: Use your AMEX card to book stays at Opposite House (Beijing, China) and The Leela Palace Udaipur to enjoy rates up to 50% off plus receive a unique amenity, daily breakfast, and a guaranteed room upgrade.

For more information on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Preferred Boutique collections, please visit www.PreferredHotelGroup.com. Preferred Hotel Group features the best available rates at all of their member hotels, so if we find a lower rate, Preferred Hotel Group will match it, guaranteed!