With their pristine private locations and plethora of luxury amenities, these ultra-exclusive residences make for the most desirable places to call home
In today’s world, the luxury property market is reaching whole new levels of opulence. From London to New York, the Seychelles to the Caribbean, no longer is just a concierge and private parking enough to satisfy those looking for the ultimate in luxury living. Instead, only private pools, designer interiors and the most exclusive amenities the world has to offer will do, which can all be found at these international residential hotspots. There’s a reason why they command eye-watering asking prices, after all.
No 1. Grosvenor Square, London
Nestled within London’s prestigious Mayfair district, No 1 Grosvenor Square is perfectly positioned on the British capital’s most exclusive square, just around the corner from Bond Street, where shopping is second to none. One of London’s most recognisable addresses, formerly home to the American Embassy, the prominent historic building has now been reinvented as residential, with Eric Parry Architects overseeing the remodelling, plus Glenn Pushelberg and George Yabu, founders of Yabu Pushelberg, in charge of design. Replete with luxury amenities and new technologies, the property’s elegant west-facing façade benefits from casts of light from dawn till dusk, while the interiors boast exceptional ceiling heights and grand balconies, with sweeping views across London, offering the idyllic residential setting for the privileged few. Think colourful hand-painted wallpaper, antique French Art Deco side consoles, bespoke art displays and rooms geared towards entertaining. The result is a warm and enveloping space that comes packed with personality. In other words, the perfect home.
And it doesn’t stop there. No 1 Grosvenor Square has recently opened the Residents’ Club & Spa, housing a private gym, cinema, swimming pool and treatment rooms, defining the property’s strategic move towards health, wellbeing and holistic living accelerated by the pandemic. Exclusive to residents, not only will you enjoy thoughtful little touches (your favourite smoothie waiting for you on arrival at the spa, for starters) but world-class therapists will provide everything from massages and facials to wraps and body scrubs. We highly recommend the full-body Ayurvedic massage, but therapists are trained in everything from acupuncture and shiatsu to pre- and post-natal treatments – all are out of this world. No 1 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London
Odeon Monaco, Monaco
Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in luxury. Case in point? Odeon Monaco. A magnet for high-rollers since its inauguration in 2015, Monegasque architect Alexandre Giraldi is the talent behind this 49-storey skyscraper, which, sitting at 170m high, is one of the tallest in Europe.
Home to what is considered one of the world’s most expensive penthouses, complete with a kitchen on every floor, rooftop deck, cinema, library, infinity pool and water slide that begins at the dancefloor and leads directly into the pool, Odeon Monaco rises majestically above the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, taking luxurious living to dazzling new heights. Inside, you’ll find 60 world-class serviced apartments, duplexes and said penthouse complete with tastefully-designed bedrooms that are havens of pure comfort. Enhanced by floor-to- ceiling glass windows, with each room fitted out with the most advanced appliances from prestigious brands, residents also have access to a private chauffeur, 24/7 concierge, multiple swimming pools and an in-house caterer. If it all gets a little too much, the exclusive Odeon Spa is just steps away, offering invigorating massages and facial treatments using luxe Sisley products, as well as a steam room, Jacuzzi, hair and beauty salon, plus a relaxation area in the garden. Bliss. Odeon Monaco
Silversands Villas, Grenada
A luxurious collection of eight private beachfront and ocean-view homes on the pristine island of Grenada in the Caribbean. If you’ve ever dreamt of beachside bliss, Silversands Villas is the place. Perched on the island’s most famous beach, Grande Anse, expect the service and amenities offered by its five-star sister hotel Silversands, with much-lauded additional extras such as private pools, huge expanses of outdoor deck space, custom-built soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, plus floor-to-ceiling windows, with beds perfectly positioned for maximum views. All of the three- to four-bedroom villas seamlessly fuse authenticity and nature with luxury and modernity, and with bespoke furnishings by Molteni&C, Artespazio, Bruno Moinard and B&B Italia, plus exceptional kitchens complete with Poggenpohl cabinetry, Gaggenau and Miel, these spaces are great for entertaining. You’ll have direct access to the beach from your own private pool deck, and if you ever feel like venturing out, owners also have access to a locally inspired spa, bar, and sustainably-sourced restaurants too. Silversands Villas, Grenada
Four Seasons The Seychelles Residences, The Seychelles
Mother Nature was extremely generous when she created the Seychelles, and at just over a four-hour flight from Dubai, this fabled paradise is the perfect spot for a quick beach break. If you’re looking at something a little longer term, though, how about owning your own exquisite private residence at the Four Seasons? Here you can spend your days lounging by your own private pool, playing in the turquoise waters of Petite Anse bay, or indulging in a moreish massage at the pristine Four Seasons hilltop spa. Life doesn’t get much better than that. With a secluded beachfront location set among lush tropical vegetation, each villa offers ample private terraces, perfect for large groups of family and friends, with infinity pools, and native teak flooring and rattan blinds that are distinctively Seychellois in character. Elevated ceilings and sliding windows create a natural flow for the refreshing sea breeze. Elsewhere, expect sunken marble baths, private outdoor showers and, of course, out-of-this-world Four Seasons service. Four Seasons The Seychelles Residences, The Seychelles
The Towers At Waldorf Astoria New York, USA
Once described as “the greatest of them all” by esteemed hotelier Conrad Hilton, the palatial Waldorf Astoria, occupying an entire block on New York’s Park Avenue, is steeped in history. Not only was it the birthplace of rooftop happy hours, red velvet cake and the Waldorf salad, it was the venue of choice for Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco’s engagement party, and has welcomed HM The Queen, Sir Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor to its esteemed suites. While many have taken up residence, they were never truly residents, but that’s all about to change thanks to a $1 billion (Dhs3.6 billion) restoration that will transform the 1,400 guest rooms into 375 condominium residences and 375 hotel suites.
Offering up the opportunity to officially own a home at one of the most celebrated addresses in the world, the nearly-100-year-old property is currently being updated for a contemporary audience, with The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria designed by interiors mogul Jean-Louis Deniot, and a slick marble foyer setting the tone for what’s to come. Think bespoke antique hardware, vanities topped with polished marble, free-standing bathtubs and a whole host of private amenities, including men and women’s wellness lounges complete with private treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, a private fitness centre, 25m swimming pool, an outdoor terrace, two bars, a games room, theatre and more. Due to open early 2023, this is the most-talked-about news in town. The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York
Burj Khalifa Residences, Dubai, UAE
Quite literally the height of luxury living, it’s hard to think of a more exclusive address than the Burj Khalifa. A true marvel of architecture in Downtown Dubai, it is home to more than 900 residences, ranging from studios to suites, plus the prestigious Armani Hotel, which occupies 11 of its 163 floors. As would be expected, the residences – the brainchild of property firm Emaar – have all been meticulously designed for those with a penchant for the finer things in life. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a library, cigar club and meeting space to a gourmet market, Jacuzzis, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, residents don’t fall short when it comes to luxury amenities. Elsewhere, there’s a serene park to meander, which leads directly to the Dubai Mall, plus tennis courts for when you fancy a game. As for inside, expect chic marble countertops, plush wood flooring, walk-in closets, plus sea, skyline and fountain views that go on for miles. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
