Chic getaways for the stylish traveller

Whether flaunting it on the fashion week circuit or escaping for some much needed pampering, every fashionista needs a little black book of designer haunts. This week, as the UAE's style tribes flock to Dubai Fashion Week, we take inspiration from the catwalk and help you plan your designer getaway.

"Fashion and travel go together like outrageously high heels and taxis," says Jessica Hudson, co-founder of The Chic Collection's new bespoke travel service. And with a range of designer hotels both in easy reach of the UAE and further afield, the 'in crowd' will be spoilt for choice this winter', she says.
 
Here’s Hudson’s top list of short-haul fashion travel picks:

Hotel Les Ottomans, Istanbul

Hotel Les Ottomans is a sparkling jewel of a hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus that is an oasis of comfort, elegance, lavishness, and exclusivity.  The hotel is the vision of Ahu Aysal, one of Istanbul's best-known socialites, who has lovingly restored the hotel back to its former glory as an Ottoman mansion. Additional chic credentials come in the form of interior designer Zeynep Fadillioglu (cousin of Rifat Ozbek) who has created just ten wonderful suites, which combine Turkish drama with modern touches such as WiFi, computers and private telephone lines. It is little wonder that the hotel is an A list haunt - guests include Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

Once fully relaxed courtesy of the Caudalie vinotherapie spa, guests can head into Istanbul for wonderful shopping, we'd recommend Arzu Kaprol's boutique, popular with Gisele Bundchen and Isabella Hervey.
 
Fashionista Hit List: Arrive in style by speedboat across the Bosphorous

Fit For: Those seeking a Zen like calm - the hotel is based on ancient Feng Shui principles 
 

Missoni Hotel, Kuwait  (Opening early 2010)

As a unique expression of Rosita Missoni's creative vision, the hotly anticipated Missoni Kuwait will be the first designer hotel in Kuwait, representing one of the most exciting fashion and travel crossovers in recent years. Following the Missoni concept of bold, passionate colour, the hotel will offer 106 stylish guest rooms, and 63 suites all featuring an uncomplicated approach to luxury based on an Italian way of life and the brands' love of colour and passion.
Take an authentic espresso in the hotel's coffee bar, before hitting the plush spa, and even the most exercise shy fashionistas will delight in the pool, which will be beautifully clad in the brand's signature stripe. The first Missoni opened in Edinburgh earlier this year, and a Missoni empire is planned, further outposts are scheduled in Oman and Cape Town.

Fashionistas Hit List: For an authentic Kuwaiti experience, head to the Old Souk and haggle over gold and jewellery
 
Fit For: Cutting Edge Cool. Fashion forward urbanites seeking the latest, fashion-led
travel experience will be flocking to Kuwait

Palazzo Versace Dubai (Opening 2010)

Dubai is a natural port of call for the glittering Versace brand and we can't wait for the latest opening in the Palazzo Versace chain, anticipated in 2010. Creating choice and trends in fashion and home style is Donatella Versace's passion, and this new landmark hotel in the landmark Burj Dubai tower will not disappoint. A team of skilled Italian stonemasons and sculptors has been flown in to create the highly intricate interior detail, incorporating mosaic, marquetry and exquisite paneling for a fabulous sensory journey. Guests will adore the elegance and comfort of each of the 217 hotel suites, which offers a taste of a lifestyle that is unmistakably Versace. The late Gianni would be proud.

Hit List: Pack your sunglasses and expect some serious gold adornments
 
Perfect For: Overnight Glamour. With the delights of the The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar on your doorstep and the beaches of Jumeirah minutes away, Versace Dubai is the ultimate choice for a 'staycation'.

Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic

Hang out in Oscar de la Renta-designed digs in the Dominican Republic. Within the Punta Canta Resort and Club, world-famous as a celebrity hang-out, Tortuga Bay is an exclusive haven with villas designed by the Dominican-born, internationally acclaimed designer.  A stay here in paradise means plenty of frolicking on the white sandy beaches, dining on palate-pleasing delights, and golfing on two championship courses.  But more than that, it promises top-notch service.  VIP airport service to whizz you through customs, a personal concierge to welcome you at your private villa where you'll find a personal golf cart to get you around the resort are some of the treats in store.
And the villas?  Expect balconies overlooking the Carribbean, the finest frette linens, kitchens, and spa-like bathrooms decked out in coralline stone... Oscar has bestowed as much unrestrained luxury as your heart desires.

Fashionista Hit List: For a truly magical culinary experience, book a table for two at the hotel's Bamboo retaurant for innovative cuisine in a graceful setting designed by Oscar himself

Perfect for: Grown-up glamour. With a timelessly elegant feel, and serious fashion credentials, Tortuga Bay is for luxury connoisseurs who know their Prada from their Primark

Pret-a-Portea, The Berkeley, London

Inspired by the colours and themes of the international catwalk, Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is the hang out of the fashion pack during London Fashion Week.  The hotel also offers a blissful retreat from the fashion whirl in the form of its luxurious rooms and suites, designed to cater to every conceivable indulgence.  Treats include perfectly pressed laundry, Asprey bath goodies and luxurious in house massages to sooth even the most partied out princess. A top-secret rooftop spa and pool can take you further into blessed out heaven.  You might be forgiven for never wanting to face the outside world again, but thankfully the thought of the first Harvey Nichols outpost a mere minute up the road will get you back on your feet again.

Fashionista Hit List: pack your flats and explore the cobble stone Motcomb Street, a secret gem in Belgravia, crammed with chic, individual boutiques

Perfect For: Escapism.  When you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the fashion circuit, head to the Berkeley for some fashionable down time
 
Soho House New York

Recently voted GQ Magazine's 'NYC hot spot' and credited with putting Manhattan's Meatpacking District on the map, the original Soho House member's club and hotel is still at the forefront of cutting edge cool six years in.  In a city that never sleeps, the hotel offers respite in the form of 24 bedrooms, ranging in size from 325 to 950 square feet, all with crisp cotton and a clean, restful design. Fans of the Cowshed Spa can now take their treatments by the rooftop pool - made famous in the Sex and the City series.

The bar has been the venue of choice for the great and the good of the fashion world, with Temperley, DVF, Ungaro and Matthew Williamson all queuing up to show their recent collections.  The hotel has just completed an extensive refurbishment and is looking good for 2010 bookings.

Hit List: Hop on a ferry to Hobooken, and hang out with laid back scensters Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe in the hottest neighbourhood in town

Fit For: Mixing business with pleasure. Soho House attracts the banking and media  worlds for the best party in town

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