When it comes to hotels, The PR Net members in the travel space know the best of the best. From hidden gems to iconic stays, this series highlights the properties they can’t stop recommending – and what makes these hotels worth a visit. This week, we spoke with Sarah Curra, managing director at Quinn London; Adél Grobler, senior vice president at TURNER; Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR; and Carling Farley, head of brand & communications at The Ned & Ned's Club, to discover their top hotel picks.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Recommended by Sarah Curra, Managing Director, Quinn London
Image courtesy of Quinn
Where are you dreaming of heading to right now?
Right now, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is at the top of my list. After the biblical amounts of rain we've endured this year, I'm yearning for vibrant colours, heat, and non-stop sunshine. Ask me again in the summer months, and I'll be dreaming of a sub-zero escape to the Scandinavian Arctic.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
It's perfect for those who enjoy active relaxation – there's so much to do on the island, from watersports and yoga to padel, tennis and an incredible gym. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi truly caters to guests of all ages. I first visited before having a family and have since returned with two children in tow for an equally fabulous experience.
What makes the property special?
The team. The service is exceptional – each villa has its own personal concierge who is wonderfully friendly, and nothing is too much trouble. Before children, my highlight was the spa and the incredibly spacious villa with its own enormous pool, perfect for lounging around all day. With family now, my highlights are the Kids Club and... still the spa! The resort really stands out for its dining though – I still haven't managed to eat in all 11 restaurants.
What are the musts – any specific food to try, activity to do?
Breakfast in your villa is utterly divine. And the Peking Duck at Li Long restaurant is exceptional.
Recommended by Adél Grobler, Senior Vice President, TURNER
Image courtesy of TURNER
What’s the name and location of the property?
W Punta Cana, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
18+ adult-only vacationers, culinary enthusiasts, and wellness seekers.
What makes the property special?
W Punta Cana stands out as W Hotels’ first adults-only all-inclusive resort, blending bold, contemporary design with Caribbean influences along Uvero Alto’s beach. Its spacious, stylish suites, many with swim-up or private pools, elevate the typical all-inclusive experience. The property offers a diverse culinary and nightlife scene across 12 restaurants, bars, and a unique speakeasy. Wellness and relaxation are emphasized through the AWAY Spa and fitness programming. Bold social spaces like the expansive WET Deck infinity pool create a lively, design-forward atmosphere.
What are the musts – any specific food to try, activity to do?
At W Punta Cana, culinary and experiential highlights are a must. Guests should savor the resort’s signature global and Caribbean-fusion dishes, enjoy fresh seafood on the beach, and sip craft cocktails at the W Lounge or hidden speakeasy. For activities, lounging at the WET Deck infinity pool with DJ sets and ocean views is essential, while wellness seekers shouldn’t miss sunrise yoga or a couples massage at the AWAY Spa. Adventure lovers can try paddleboarding, snorkeling, or kiteboarding, and everyone can enjoy themed parties or live music nights that bring the resort’s vibrant social scene to life. These experiences capture the stylish, fun, and relaxing spirit of W Punta Cana.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Recommended by Natalie Denyse, Founder, In Good Company PR
Image courtesy of In Good Company PR
What’s the name and location of the property?
Mandarin Oriental, Boston, located in the city's Back Bay neighborhood.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
Global travelers who appreciate the storied history of the Mandarin Oriental brand, couples and private individuals planning luxury events and weddings.
What makes the property special?
The Celedon Green Spa Suite is a magnificent new addition to this soulful, highly sought after property in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. It's a newly reimagined Celadon Treatment Suite at The Spa, created in collaboration with renowned local design practice, Color Theory Boston. Drawing inspiration from the hotel's recent collaboration with Pantone to create Mandarin Oriental Celadon Green, the refreshed Celadon Spa Suite is the most premium of the spa treatment rooms – an elevated sanctuary of calm, connection and rejuvenation.
What are the musts – any specific food to try, activity to do?
A little known fact about the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston is that - on a limited basis - groups can reserve the Spa privately for wellness focused group gatherings and treatments (perfect for corporate retreats, bridal celebrations and personal milestones with your closest connections). Dine on fresh, healthy bites customized for the occasion and customize a menu of wellness treatments to satisfy even the most discerning of guest.
Recommended by Carling Farley, Head of Brand & Communications, The Ned & Ned's Club
Image courtesy of The Ned
What’s the name and location of the property?
The Ned NoMad, in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood. Under one roof, it houses 167 bedrooms and suites, Cecconi’s, Little Ned, and a private members’ club, Ned’s Club.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
The Ned NoMad attracts culturally curious travelers who value design, food, and access as much as comfort. Guests range from creative and business travelers to couples and solo visitors looking for a hotel that feels plugged into New York rather than separate from it. Many are also Ned’s Club members, leveraging their global membership to experience the city through a trusted, local lens.
What makes the property special?
The building itself does a lot of the work. Its Beaux Artes history gives the hotel an immediate sense of presence. The hotel, members’ club, and restaurants unfold naturally throughout the day, from morning coffees and meetings, to long lunches, intimate dinners, and late-night drinks. There’s a rhythm to it. The spaces are richly detailed yet comfortable, and closely tied to the neighborhood, which makes it as compelling for hosting as it is for staying overnight.
What are the musts – any specific food to try, activity to do?
Cecconi’s is known as much for who’s doing business there as what’s on the menu. Breakfast is ideal for a power meeting before the day really begins, and throughout the day it’s common to see familiar faces quietly holding court over espresso or pasta, without any sense of spectacle.
Little Ned is the chameleon of the building. The cocktail program is a standout, and the mezzanine creates an intimacy that works just as well for after-work drinks as it does for a date. It can feel romantic one night and social the next, without ever feeling over-programmed.
And for hosting, the Broadway Dome is the one people remember. A private dining room tucked into the rooftop cupola; it’s quietly one of the most unexpected places to dine in New York City.
