Jonny Mitchell from Love Island reveals his favourite luxury hotels
Jonny and Tyla may have been the least popular couple in the villa, but their roller coaster romance definitely created waves on the shores of Love Island. Viewers were left outraged after he dumped 'national sweetheart' Camilla, allegedly a former squeeze of Prince Harry, for model Tyla, a self-confessed 'misbehavour'. But it seems that Jonny also deceived his new love interest. Away from the island, Jonny leads a millionaire lifestyle. His envy-inducing Instagram feed was loaded with shots of his not-so-secret escapes (private jets, fancy restaurants and some of the world's most luxurious hotels). After an emotional eviction from Love Island, he told a teary Tyla he'd be waiting for her on the outside. Jonny is yet to reveal his luxury lifestyle to her, perhaps he'll surprise her by whisking her away to one of his favourite hotels...
• Love Island's filming locations revealed
Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia
On the island of Gods, also known as Bali, this 'seven-star' boutique hotel is, as Jonny calls it in another post, 'a little slice of jungle heaven'. Located in the heart of the rainforest, the hotel sits on cliffs overlooking the Ayung River Gorge. But it's the pools that put the hotel on the map; not only is there a two-level infinity pool surrounded by wild, lush forest, each of the 38 villas has its own private infinity pool.
Read the full review: Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia
• The best honeymoon hotels in Bali
InterContinental Hong Kong, China
The InterContinental overlooks the Kowloon waterfront and rooms have views of Victoria Harbour or the pool. The presidential suite is the biggest in Hong Kong and the CEO Suite and Terrace Suite both enjoy large outdoor terraces with whirlpool tubs that overlook Victoria Harbour – indeed, a great place to appreciate the elegant Hong Kong Skyline. There are five superb restaurants, including NOBU, Alain Ducasse’s RECH and the two-Michelin-starred Yan Toh Heen.
Read the full review: Intercontinental Hong Kong, China
• The best five-star hotels in Hong Kong
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
This extraodinary hotel recently featured in Amazing Hotels: Life beyond the Lobby on BBC Two. The 57th-floor rooftop infinity pool is one of the longest in the world and, with an incredible view, an absolute favourite among Instagram keyboard warriors. There are more than 80 restaurants in the complex including 10 celebrity chef restaurants ranging from CUT by Wolfgang Puck to Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. The most basic rooms start at around £200, and the presidential suite averages £10,000 a night.
Read the full review: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
• The best luxury hotels in Singapore
The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand
The Sarojin is set in its own tranquil, tropical paradise, on the sugary fringes of Khao Lak beach surrounded by an ancient rainforest filled with sleepy lagoons, waterfalls and wildlife. Rooms are nestled among the peaceful lotus ponds and lovely tropical gardens that echo with the sound of birdsong in the morning and cheeping cicadas in the afternoon. Oversized four-poster beds billowing with white fabric are positioned around the large swimming pool. Romantic dinners a deux can be arranged by shimmering waterfalls. Swoon.
Read the full review: The Sarojin, Thailand
• The best honeymoon hotels in south-east Asia
The Surin Phuket, Thailand
It’s all about the beach here. The Surin is perfectly positioned on Pansea Beach, a near-private stretch of sand that sits right next door to cool beach clubs, trendy boutiques and tin-hut Thai restaurants. The hotel is built around a giant central pavilion which delivers some seriously impressive Andaman Sea views. From here, white cottages fan out across the hillside. There is also a huge hexagonal swimming pool and a spa.
Read the full review: The Surin Phuket, Thailand
• The 50 greatest hotels in the world
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
The Four Seasons sets the benchmark for luxury hotels in Budapest. Both inside and out, the hotel is embellished with luxurious features, from the chandelier, with spiky glass shards like frost-covered leaves, to the peacock – a popular Art-Nouveau muse – adorning the building’s original black-iron gate. There’s a pool, wellness centre, steam room, fitness room and relaxation room. A small shop offers Herend porcelain and the like, and there’s a limo service should you require one.
Read the full review: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest
• The best boutique hotels in Budapest
The Naka Island, Phuket, Thailand
A tropical haven with airy villas, a pampering spa, a lagoon-like pool and sweeping views over Phang Nga Bay. Guests arrive with sea-spray in their hair after a thrilling 15-minute speedboat ride to the island. The neighbourhood can be explored by kayak or on a Schwinn bike, which is handily parked outside your room with its own personalised wooden plate. Villas are wrapped in clay walls and draped with jungle greenery so no one can see you skinny dipping in your private pool. This is the ultimate retreat: there’s nothing else around except a fishing village and the odd tree frog.
Read the full review: The Naka Island, Phuket
• The best hotels for spa breaks in south-east Asia
Rome Cavalieri, Italy
Opulent interiors, three pools, a renowned spa and La Pergola (one of Italy’s leading restaurants) makes the Rome Cavalieri as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Perched high on verdant Monte Mario, the hotel offers some of the most incredible views. La Pergola, the fiefdom of Heinz Beck, a German chef with a Mediterranean soul, is as bracingly expensive as you might expect (allow at least €200 a head with wine). There’s a museum-quality art collection, including three magnificent Tiepolos, in the lobby.
Read the full review: Rome Cavalieri, Italy
• The best hotels in Rome city centre
St Regis Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This sparkling high-rise hotel is serene and sophisticated, and is where Jonny celebrated the arrival of 2016. The sixth-floor swimming pool, with its breezy cabanas, complimentary ice water and sunglass cleaning service comes as a blessed relief from the city's oppressive heat. Elsewhere, there’s a yoga studio, gym and a soothing spa. Extra pampering comes via the butlers, who will unpack and repack suitcases, press three items of clothing per day and deliver complimentary hot beverages on demand. The Astor Bar and adjacent Cigar Lounge emits a Boardwalk Empire vibe, while plush poolside bar Crystal offers up contemporary city glam.
Read the full review: St Regis Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 50 of the greatets hotels in the world
Lotte Plaza Hotel, Moscow, Russia
Just before arriving on Love Island, Jonny spent time in Russia. "For a bird," he said on the show. Moscow’s Lotte Plaza Hotel has earned a solid reputation as one of the city's most reliable luxury hotels. The opulent interiors are adorned in marble, natural woods and gold surfaces. There are also some striking Russian artworks dotted throughout the public areas and suites, including the large canvasses that hang behind the reception in the swish lobby.
Read the full review: Lotte Plaza Hotel, Moscow
• The world's best hotel pools
Amanjiwo, Java, Indonesia
In Sanskrit, aman means peace and in Indonesian, jiwo means soul. Together, the name couldn’t be more befitting of this hotel which oozes serenity. In the countryside of central Java, it’s a short drive from Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and one of many religious sites in the area. Amanjiwo’s Suites feature four-pillar king-size beds on raised terrazzo platforms, spacious garden terraces, some with private swimming pools, and lounging pavilions. Views include terraced farmland and the Menoreh Hills, or the valley and Borobodur itself
• The best hotels for spa breaks in south-east Asia
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This five-star high-rise in the heart of Golden Triangle boasts an enviable location right in the hub of the city. Rooms are modern and contemporary with floor-to-ceiling windows which accentuate those panoramic urban vistas. Guests can indulge in treatments at the spa or take a dip in the pool surrounded by tropical greenery.
• The world's best hotels for spa breaks
AYANA Resort, Bali, Indonesia
Perched above Jimbaran Bay, AYANA’s Resort sits on a cliff-top edge and overlooks the white-sand beach and Indian Ocean. There are 18 restaurants and bars including the well-known Rock Bar, exclusive private beach, a world-class spa with Aquatonic Seawater, golf-putting and gym - and a grand total of 12 swimming pools. Escape for a romantic beach picnic, take part in the Batik painting class, make perfume together or just chill in your pajamas while your butler delivers a gourmet breakfast.
• The best honeymoon hotels in Bali
Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand
On the beach, surrounded by cliffs in its own little cove, the Rayavadee Krabi is popular with people seeking ultimate escapism – and activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and rock-climbing. It is located on the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park, and can only be accessed by speedboat. Villas are dotted among the coconut groves. There's a full service spa, two outdoor tennis courts and an epic, split-level pool.
• The best hotels for spa breaks in south-east Asia
Panviman Spa Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The city of Chiang Mai is described as the 'pearl of the north'. In the Panviman Spa Resort, amid the misty mountains and valleys of Mae Rim, the luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and sumptuous villas (some with private whirlpool tubs and even pools) offer discerning wanderlusters an idyllic retreat. Jonny aptly describes it as a 'house in the clouds'. Dreamy.
• The best hotels in the world