Fall's Hottest Luxury Hotel Openings

The lobby oozes Hollywood glamour, with Philippe Starck-designed décor, a restaurant by award-winning chef Jose Andre and clientele of L.A.'s Kitson posse and MTV royalty lured on an overnight basis. Rooms mix fur-throw rugs with rich leather settees with a van der Rohe flair.

A cabana-lined pool includes a tanning shelf with loungers built for maximum showing-off.

Four Seasons Mauritius -- Mauritius

Wow Factor: New Ernie Els golf course considered one of the world's best
Opening: October 2008

It takes forever to get to this island paradise east of Madagascar, but once there you'll bask in the removed decadence of this tropical paradise often overlooked by American tourists.

This monumental getaway is located on the Mauritius's east coast at the edge of the Anahita Wilderness Sanctuary. Lush tropical mountains intersected by pristine waterfalls frame the hotel with its endless beaches along a tranquil lagoon with coral-reef barriers.

Rooms are of the new Four Seasons demographic resulting in thoroughly bungalow-style rooms with thatch ceilings, spa-style bathrooms and open terraces with private plunge pools.

Golf lovers relish the Ernie Els-deigned Four Seasons Golf Club with its 18-hole, par-72 championship course with large fairways and oceanfront holes that end in phenomenal 280-degree views for the final stroke.

Encantado Resort, Santa Fe, N.M.

Wow Factor: Napa's Auberge Resorts brings eco-lux resort to Santa Fe
Opening: August 2008

Formerly known as Rancho del Monte, this 1930s ranch has been realized as a spa-themed oasis by Auberge Resorts, one of California's premier luxury operators. The result in an eco-conscious oasis that employs water conservation, sustainable building products and drought tolerant landscaping for a five-star property located within the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near downtown Santa Fe.

	Auberge Resorts

The resort is home to a full-service spa, yoga center and high-profile eatery with regional New Mexican menu.

The property's 65 freestanding casitas are arranged with high-ceilings, open-style living rooms equipped with traditional kiva-style fireplaces, heated floors and private terraces ideal for absorbing the spiritual Santa Fe sunset.

>To order reprints of this article, click here: Reprints