SLS Hotel South Beach
On July 4, Colombia has the unenviable task of facing home country Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. We can only imagine the clamor that will be coming from the undoubtedly one-sided Estádio Castelão that day. If you can’t make it to South America yourself for that match-up (or any of the other contests through the July 13 final), luxe hotels all over the map have established World Cup-themed packages that have only one goal in mind — giving soccer fans a memorable opportunity to root on their favorite nations from afar.
United States
While soccer’s popularity across the U.S. is just starting to pick up, cities such as Miami have pronounced their love of the pitch for some time now. In South Florida, high-end properties such as SLS Hotel South Beach are showing their adoration of the 32-team tournament with the SLS Loves Soccer deal, a package that takes 32 percent off advertised rates and gives $32 daily food and drink credit, welcome cocktails and access to Hyde Beach’s World Cup viewing parties. Only a solid through pass away sits Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a Forbes Travel Guide Recommended escape looking to score fans this summer with poolside get-togethers, three cabana specials of varying prices and amenities (alcoholic beverages, food and swag), and a lawn full of soccer equipment for pick-up games.
Conrad Macao, Cotai Central
China
While the Asian nation failed to qualify for the global event, fans in the region have plenty still to celebrate — especially if they stay at a swanky hotel. Had you visited Conrad Macao, Cotai Central in June, for example, you would have received the property’s signature bear and duck toys with soccer insignia on them. Though that offer has passed, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel kicks excitement back up by offering The Luxury of Being Yourself package that includes deluxe guest room accommodations, complimentary breakfast and Portuguese-style afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge.
The scene at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is nearly as festive as the Five-Star property unveils the Jean-Paul Hévin Chocolate Afternoon Tea Set, an elegant outing that’s sprinkled in South American flavor through July 31. Hotel executive pastry chef Richard Long’s duck foie gras pâté mini puff with Cuba cocoa nibs and smoked salmon marinated with vanilla cocoa oil on rye bread will partner with famed French chocolatier Hévin’s crusty chocolate tart and Brazilian chocolate bonbon for a midday meal that fútbol fanatics and foodies will be fond of.
St. Barts
This island nation’s history of international soccer play isn’t really decorated, but that doesn’t mean the country of about 10,000 residents doesn’t like to watch. To show just how much St. Barts is craving the Cup, one of its finest hotels, Hotel Guanahani & Spa, is rolling out the grass carpet through July 14 with the World Cup Special, a package that’s packed with a free fifth night’s stay, complimentary buffet breakfast and free round-trip airport transfers. On top of all of that, you also have the opportunity to cheer on your favorite country while watching the action from Bartolomeo and savoring a soccer-themed tapas menu.
Photos Courtesy of SLS Hotels and Hilton Worldwide
