Kiwi Curated
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
by Darren DunneAuthor P.G. Wodehouse once said that “Flowers are happy things,” and few places rival the sense of serenity and joy that can be found in a picturesque garden. Herein, we’ve listed some of our favorite hotel gardens, where one can escape to their own private world.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Villa d’Este, Italy
One could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu upon arriving at Villa d’Este. After all, the scenic gardens feel like they’ve formed the backdrop to countless renaissance paintings and artworks. This sprawling estate on the banks of Lake Como boasts such wonders as a 500-year-old plane tree and a stunning 16th century mosaic with a Nympheum.
The Villa itself owes its origins to the desire of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio for a summer residence back in 1568. The transformation into a luxury hotel occurred in 1873, and since then, Villa d’Este has been a playground for aristocrats and discerning travelers seeking to experience one of Europe’s legendary resorts.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
The Villas at Stonehaven, Trinidad & Tobago
There are just 14 villas, each decked out in tasteful French-colonial style. Panoramic ocean views come standard along with private infinity pools—the perfect perch from which to luxuriate in the Caribbean vista.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Trianon Palace Versailles, France
Relaxation comes easily among the centuries-old trees and colorful, sprawling gardens of Trianon Palace Versailles. The perfectly coiffed gardens here date back to revolutionary times, when Versailles was the seat of French power. Visitors can expect to experience a kaleidoscope of color as they stroll the extensive estate.
Strolling such verdant surrounds is hungry work, and Trianon Palace continues to impress thanks to the presence of the two Michelin-starred, Gordon Ramsey au Trianon. This intimate establishment is modeled on Ramsey’s eponymous London restaurant and serves just 10 tables, ensuring an understated and memorable dining experience.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Ponta Dos Ganchos Resort, Brazil
The lush, tropical gardens of Ponta Dos Ganchos help foster a deep sense of privacy and quiet on Brazil’s emerald coast. Guests can fully unwind among leafy palms at this adults-only resort, with 25 villas nestled throughout 24 acres of landscaped gardens.
Blessed with sunshine year-round, Ponta Dos Ganchos provides an outdoor playground for visitors. Amenities include an oceanfront tennis court, heated swimming pool, outdoor spa treatments and nature trails woven through the grounds. Indoors, there’s a modern fitness center, bar and lounge.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Fairmont Waterfront, Canada
Among the glass towers of Downtown Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront has crafted a unique relaxation space in form of their rooftop herb garden. This urban oasis is home to over 20 varieties of fruit and veggies as well as a colony of over half-a-million honeybees. Guests are invited to tour the herb garden daily from May through September, with Terrace Rooms offering a view over the garden at any time of year.
Fairmont Waterfront is located in the bustling harborfront of Vancouver, a center of commerce and tourism for the city. Retail therapy is available a short ten-minute stroll away on Robson Street, while the many restaurants and bars of Gastown are located on your doorstep. As one would expect from a Fairmont, memorable dining and plentiful event space are also present.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Hotel Le Fontanelle, Italy
Rolling Tuscan hills welcome guests to Italy’s celebrated Chianti region and Hotel Le Fontanelle. Strolls through the hilltop garden here offer a broad vista across vineyards and sleepy fields where little has changed since the main building was erected in the 13th century. A private botanic garden on the estate is a feast of vivid colors and fragrant scents.
Despite a recent extensive renovation, Hotel Le Fontanelle remains true to its storied past as a center of the local community. Earthy tones dominate the décor, with the guest rooms and suites given a rustic, terracotta hue. Wine is central to the experience here (after all, this is the Chianti region) so make a beeline for one of the local vineyards and take in a tour.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Peninsula Bangkok, Thailand
Deep in the heart of Bangkok’s urban jungle lies a green-fingered oasis in the form of Peninsula Bangkok’s charming herb garden. This colorful slice of greenery plays host to a wide variety of local herbs that are used in Thai cuisine, as well as traditional medicines. Make sure to stop by and savor the aroma of the thyme, rosemary and tarragon that grows here.
Located by the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Peninsula Bangkok, with its 370 rooms and suites, typifies timeless elegance and sophistication. Among the many upscale amenities to sample here, make sure to experience the three adjacent swimming pools and the international dining options available across several restaurants and bars.
8 Enchanting Hotel Gardens
Barnsley House, United Kingdom
Since Victorian times, English stately homes have been known for their elaborate gardens, and Barnsley House continues the tradition with an offering that’s been drawing crowds for generations. The garden was designed in the 1950s by world-famous writer Rosemary Verey, and draws on ornate lawns, ponds and waterfalls to create an enchanting atmosphere in the heart of the Cotswolds.
A charming boutique estate in picturesque Gloucestershire, Barnsley House gives guests a slice of countryside living. Charting its origins back to 17th century rural life, the estate has been updated into an 18-suite luxury lodging, where guests can get attuned with nature without skimping on luxurious amenities.
Villa d’Este, Italy
One could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu upon arriving at Villa d’Este. After all, the scenic gardens feel like they’ve formed the backdrop to countless renaissance paintings and artworks. This sprawling estate on the banks of Lake Como boasts such wonders as a 500-year-old plane tree and a stunning 16th century mosaic with a Nympheum.
The Villa itself owes its origins to the desire of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio for a summer residence back in 1568. The transformation into a luxury hotel occurred in 1873, and since then, Villa d’Este has been a playground for aristocrats and discerning travelers seeking to experience one of Europe’s legendary resorts.
The Villas at Stonehaven, Trinidad & Tobago
There are just 14 villas, each decked out in tasteful French-colonial style. Panoramic ocean views come standard along with private infinity pools—the perfect perch from which to luxuriate in the Caribbean vista.
Trianon Palace Versailles, France
Relaxation comes easily among the centuries-old trees and colorful, sprawling gardens of Trianon Palace Versailles. The perfectly coiffed gardens here date back to revolutionary times, when Versailles was the seat of French power. Visitors can expect to experience a kaleidoscope of color as they stroll the extensive estate.
Strolling such verdant surrounds is hungry work, and Trianon Palace continues to impress thanks to the presence of the two Michelin-starred, Gordon Ramsey au Trianon. This intimate establishment is modeled on Ramsey’s eponymous London restaurant and serves just 10 tables, ensuring an understated and memorable dining experience.
Ponta Dos Ganchos Resort, Brazil
The lush, tropical gardens of Ponta Dos Ganchos help foster a deep sense of privacy and quiet on Brazil’s emerald coast. Guests can fully unwind among leafy palms at this adults-only resort, with 25 villas nestled throughout 24 acres of landscaped gardens.
Blessed with sunshine year-round, Ponta Dos Ganchos provides an outdoor playground for visitors. Amenities include an oceanfront tennis court, heated swimming pool, outdoor spa treatments and nature trails woven through the grounds. Indoors, there’s a modern fitness center, bar and lounge.
Fairmont Waterfront, Canada
Among the glass towers of Downtown Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront has crafted a unique relaxation space in form of their rooftop herb garden. This urban oasis is home to over 20 varieties of fruit and veggies as well as a colony of over half-a-million honeybees. Guests are invited to tour the herb garden daily from May through September, with Terrace Rooms offering a view over the garden at any time of year.
Fairmont Waterfront is located in the bustling harborfront of Vancouver, a center of commerce and tourism for the city. Retail therapy is available a short ten-minute stroll away on Robson Street, while the many restaurants and bars of Gastown are located on your doorstep. As one would expect from a Fairmont, memorable dining and plentiful event space are also present.
Hotel Le Fontanelle, Italy
Rolling Tuscan hills welcome guests to Italy’s celebrated Chianti region and Hotel Le Fontanelle. Strolls through the hilltop garden here offer a broad vista across vineyards and sleepy fields where little has changed since the main building was erected in the 13th century. A private botanic garden on the estate is a feast of vivid colors and fragrant scents.
Despite a recent extensive renovation, Hotel Le Fontanelle remains true to its storied past as a center of the local community. Earthy tones dominate the décor, with the guest rooms and suites given a rustic, terracotta hue. Wine is central to the experience here (after all, this is the Chianti region) so make a beeline for one of the local vineyards and take in a tour.
Peninsula Bangkok, Thailand
Deep in the heart of Bangkok’s urban jungle lies a green-fingered oasis in the form of Peninsula Bangkok’s charming herb garden. This colorful slice of greenery plays host to a wide variety of local herbs that are used in Thai cuisine, as well as traditional medicines. Make sure to stop by and savor the aroma of the thyme, rosemary and tarragon that grows here.
Located by the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Peninsula Bangkok, with its 370 rooms and suites, typifies timeless elegance and sophistication. Among the many upscale amenities to sample here, make sure to experience the three adjacent swimming pools and the international dining options available across several restaurants and bars.
Barnsley House, United Kingdom
Since Victorian times, English stately homes have been known for their elaborate gardens, and Barnsley House continues the tradition with an offering that’s been drawing crowds for generations. The garden was designed in the 1950s by world-famous writer Rosemary Verey, and draws on ornate lawns, ponds and waterfalls to create an enchanting atmosphere in the heart of the Cotswolds.
A charming boutique estate in picturesque Gloucestershire, Barnsley House gives guests a slice of countryside living. Charting its origins back to 17th century rural life, the estate has been updated into an 18-suite luxury lodging, where guests can get attuned with nature without skimping on luxurious amenities.