INNOVATION
AT SEA
CELEBRITY EDGE
The newest billion-dollar
vessel from Celebrity
Cruises comes with its very
own Magic Carpet. That’s the
name of the Celebrity Edge’s
standout feature—a floating
platform that can be parked on
several different levels of the
ship. Depending on where it is, it
can extend the ship’s pool area,
offer an open-air dining option
or streamline disembarkation.
The Edge takes design seriously
throughout: Eden, a multilevel
space in the ship’s rear,
combines creative cuisine and
performance art with three
stories of ocean views.
—Alejandro de la Garza
A FRESH OASIS
HYATT REGENCY
AQABA AYLA RESORT
Aqaba, Jordan
On the banks of the Gulf of
Aqaba sits one of Hyatt’s
newest properties; it’s the debut
hotel in the new mixed -use
development Ayla Oasis, which
includes a marina and Jordan’s
first 18 -hole championship
golf course. The stark white
buildings and azure accents
evoke Mediterranean serenity
with Middle Eastern details—
and the ancient city of Petra is
less than two hours away.
—Hannah Lott-Schwartz
GRECIAN
GLAMOUR
FOUR SEASONS ASTIR
PALACE HOTEL ATHENS
Athens
In times gone by, the
Astir Palace hotel hosted
famous guests from Aristotle
Onassis to Frank Sinatra. Now,
after a $280 million revamp by
new proprietor Four Seasons, it’s
heralding a new era—and still
in touch with its Aegean roots.
Its spa was inspired in part by
ancient Greek traditions, and
includes an aroma steam grotto.
Rooms start at around $550 a
night. —B.P.
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68 Time Sept. 2–9, 2019