Introduction 10 Unique Hotel Beds for Romance
Instead of sleeping in a standard double, why not curl up like a king made of sterling silver or take a nap in an antique port barrel? Ten unexpected hotel beds from around the globe have been discovered.
Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental
The Heritage Authors’ suites, established in the 1970s to pay tribute to literary guests such as Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward, are located in the original River Wing, built in 1876. With its gilded teak design, the canopy bed exudes Old World elegance, and the Thai silk sheets only add to the effect, making anyone feel like a VIP. (mandarinoriental.com; starting at $1,395)
Hotel Aire de Bardenas
Furnished with a twin mattress and pillows, the window nooks at the Aire de Bardenas provide an ideal setting for secretive embraces—the transparent glass offers a view of the expansive scenery of Bardenas Reales National Park while preventing other guests from peering inside. (No need to worry about being scrunched together the whole time, as each room also features a standard king bed.) (airedebardenas.com; $220–$387)
Amangiri
This resort, which was opened in 2009 and designed to blend into the landscape, is situated on 600 acres in the center of the Grand Circle, surrounded by the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Grand Staircase-Escalante, amidst all that beauty, sleep on one of the six “”Sky Terrace”” beds. Canyon country’s sky, sprinkled with stars, is ideal for constellation study. Request a stargazing kit and a Gluhwein, one of a Hot Toddy that uses Utah’s High West silverwhisky, lemon, and chamomile. Wish. You’ll inevitably spot a falling star or two. (amangiri.com; $1,650–$3,600)
Hotel Americano
This low Japanese platform bed, styled like a ryokan, is housed within a Zen-like cube designed by Parisian designer Arnaud Montigny. Connect your iPod to the integrated speaker and stream your mood music to create a romantic atmosphere. (hotel-americano.com; from $395)
The Yeatman Hotel
We can’t imagine a more fitting way to end the evening than with a glass of wine before drifting off in a wine barrel. Or even better, a vat. A vat created by the esteemed Port producer Taylor over a century ago was used to carve this solid oak bed in the 008 Taylor’s suite. And it truly is as large as it appears: at one time, it contained nearly 7,500 gallons of alcohol—the room was custom-designed for this purpose.
Also lehn dich zurück und ruf den Zimmerservice. Beatriz Machado, the wine director, recommends a glass of Scion that is 150 years old. Taw ny Port from the Hotel’s renowned cellar, which boasts the Hotel’s extensive collection of Portuguese wine with over 20,000 bottles. Relax on the feather-top mattress and sip. (the-yeatman-hotel.$540–$1,187)
Huis van Vrede
Experience a baby-like sleep on a king-size Floating Bed within the 500-square-foot Ojai Secret Garden suite at this rental property. The rocking movement is intended to enhance sleep quality relative to conventional beds…but given that today is Valentine’s Day, you likely won’t be sleeping the whole journey. (805-746-4658; $270, requiring a two-night stay)
Das Savoy
Emulate your inner diva by waking up in the $43,000 Savoir bed of the iconic Royal Suite—just like Naomi Campbell in Duran Duran’s’ music video for Girl Panic! These beds, initially designed for the Savoy in 1905, require over 120 person-hours to make. When you drop onto the mattress filled with cashmere, horse tail, and lamb’s wool, you’ll experience how Sir Elton John says goodnight (he owns one of these luxurious beds).
Fine Mascioni bed linens enhance the indulgence. The suite occupying the entire fifth floor of theHotell has magnificent views from each of eight windows, including vistas of the River Thames, Canary Wharf, and the Houses of Parliament. One of the 38 River View suites offers mortals a comparable experience. (fairmont.com; $2,780–$19,237)
Sandton Kura Hulanda Hotel & Spa
This elaborately designed four-poster bed, made of sterling silver and hand-hammered, was brought to her by Jacob Gelt Dekker, an adventurer and hotel founder. He embellished the establishment with decorative items he collected during his journeys through the Middle East and Far East. While this silver nugget is located in the Indian Bridal suite, you don’t need to get married to feel like royalty. (kurahulanda.com; $1,000)
Loisaba Wilderness Lodge
Sleep under the stars in the artisanal wooden “Koija” starbeds, cantilevered along the Ewaso N’giro River. To reach it, you’ll need to cross a footbridge; however, once you arrive at the platform, the expansive Kenyan scenery on this 61,000-acre property is more than worth it. Rather than using an alarm clock, allow the local birds—over 260 species—to rouse you in the morning. You can rest easy, assured that your stay’s profits support the local Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai tribes. (loisaba.com; $395–$480)
Seven Hotel,Hotelgned byHotelling
For a forward-looHotelstay, opt for one of the Seven suites featuring an LED-lit bed that seems to float above the floor (some even include levitating bathtubs). Set the blue or purple light to your preference to generate a personalized sci-fi experience. (preferredhotelgroup.com, starting at $225)
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