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Colours of OBLU
Colours of Oblu Launches
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This year sees Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts opening two brand-new OBLU resorts in the Maldives, OBLU SELECT Lobigili (opening February 2022) and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi (opening March 2022). Located in North Malé Atoll, both resorts are just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and both are part of the new brand collection titled: COLOURS OF OBLU.
The COLOURS OF OBLU brand offers something truly special for everyone, be it families, couples, honeymooners, or global nomads. Guests can expect a heady mix of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoon views, stand-out culinary concepts, and pure escapism.
This impressive lifestyle offering reflects Atmosphere’s Joy of Giving philosophy, meeting the dreams and expectations of guests in a spirit of true generosity. adults-only haven. Lobigili translates from Dhivehi as ‘Island of Love.’ With 68 vibrant chic beach and overwater villas, Lobigili island is ideal for a chilled-out getaway. Idyllic tropical vistas complemented by stylishly designed spaces create a secluded, castaway feel.
Adding to the indulgence is the Only Blu Underwater Restaurant, opening in February 2022. The unique, multi-sensory culinary journey features gourmet cuisine set against a colourful backdrop of marine life. Residents at OBLU SELECT Lobigili can also choose to stroll over to neighbouring Ailafushi island and experience a different world of enchanting sights, sounds, and culture.
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, opening in March 2022, is all about immersion in a free-spirited Maldivian vibe. In the local language of Dhivehi, ‘Aila’ means family and ‘Fushi’ means island. True to its name, this 268-villa
resort brings a fresh, experiential environment where guests can enjoy an island escape.
A fun and chilled-out balance is at the heart of this tropical getaway. Guests can join a group Zumba class or book a 3D movie at The Dome, a futuristic 15metre entertainment centre available from July 2022. Alternatively, they can choose to socialise with likeminded souls at La Promenade, offering exhilarating retail and café options, or experience alfresco dining at The Copper Pot Truck, offering fresh seafood.
Along with the two new resorts, the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio also features two rebranded resorts OBLU SELECT Sangeli (earlier OBLU SELECT at Sangeli - opened 2018) and OBLU NATURE Helengeli (earlier OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli - opened 2015).
For more information or to book, visit
www.coloursofoblu.com.
Elegance and Luxury at Thornbury Castle
Castle, built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII, was one of the grandest buildings of its time in England. It has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries before becoming a luxury hotel in 1966 and recently re-opened its doors once again to guests following its multi-million pound refurbishment.
Channeling 1530s grandeur with 2020s splendour, the Castle's 27 bedchambers have been carefully restored and interiors are sensitively reimagined with historical fineries and contemporary luxuries. Fifteen of the bedchambers and suites feature sumptuous four-poster beds, rich period detailing, with décor throughout the rooms and suites artfully recreating the Tudor style in which royalty and aristocracy would have languished, feasted and relaxed in.
Located near Bristol and overlooking the Gloucestershire countryside, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in the UK which operates as a hotel and restaurant.
December saw a new chapter in the Castle's rich history as Thornbury Castle became a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection. of more than 580 landmark hotels and restaurants spanning England, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada and France. Established around the globe, it offers its members an introduction to a lifestyle inspired by local culture and a unique dip into human history.
Commenting on becoming a Relais & Chateaux member, Simone Arcucci, the General Manager of Thornbury Castle, said: "We are thrilled that Thornbury Castle has been invited to become a member of Relais & Chateaux and we very much look forward to introducing the castle to their discerning guests. Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in the UK which operates as a hotel and restaurant and is a truly unique place to stay. Built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII, it was one of the grandest buildings of its time in England and has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries. Following a multimillion pound refurbishment, the décor artfully reflects the Tudor style in which royalty and aristocracy would have socialised, feasted and relaxed in, allowing our guests to experience Tudor opulence in total luxury."
Rooms start from £279.00 on a B&B basis.
For more information, or to book, visit
www.thornburycastle.co.uk
‘SAROJIN CARES WINTER SUN’ PACKAGE PERFECT TO ESCAPE THE CHILL
Thailand’s 56-roomed boutique residence, The Sarojin, has launched a new package for travellers wanting to swap the cold grey skies of the UK for warm tropical sunshine this winter. Perfect for those looking to travel more consciously, the ‘Sarojin Cares Winter Sun’ package combines a luxurious stay and excellent fine dining with volunteering opportunities to help the local community and environment. And following Thailand’s recent removal of quarantine on arrival for fully vaccinated visitors travelling from the UK, there’s never been a better time to book a sunny winter getaway.
Two guests can enjoy 7-nights in a Garden Residence from now until 19 April 2022, a ‘Thai favourites’ meal, a romantic private sunset champagne and canape "just for two" experience at the resort’s secluded beach, all day a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine served until 6pm and private transfers to/from Phuket International Airport. As part of the package, guests can also join the team on their regular ‘Sarojin Cares’ volunteer days and take part in ongoing beach, coastal and mangrove environmental care activities. Included in the package and a firm favourite among, guests is the ‘Thai favourites’ menu offering an a la carte “all you can eat” wide selection of small plates of Thai specialty dishes at the resort’s beautiful restaurant Edge. Available at lunch and dinner, guests can choose whether to feast under the restaurant’s open air pavilion or on the sand under the shade of the surrounding trees or, if at dusk, enjoy the idyllic sunset. Featured in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand, The Sarojin offers some of the finest contemporary cuisine. With the ‘Thai favourites’ menu, guests are treated to the very best of Thai cuisine with dishes created using fresh, seasonal and local produce, including herbs from The Sarojin’s very own herb garden and specialities only available in Khao Lak. Served tapas style, guests can enjoy as many dishes as they like including spicy chicken salad, prawn and vegetable tempuras, traditional soups, curry, wok and rice dishes, as well as sumptuous desserts - all while taking in the gorgeous beach and sea views.
The Sarojin’s glorious surroundings make it so easy for guests to make the most of being outdoors, which is even
more special during a long-awaited warm getaway. Also included in the package is an unforgettable and intimate “just for two” sunset setup on the resort’s stunning 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach for guests to indulge canapes and champagne under the stars. Arriving at the beach, guests will discover that two cosy deckchairs alongside a table filled with delicious small bites and a bottle of chilled champagne of choice from the resort’s cellar have been set against a candlelit backdrop that’s sure to impress. The selection of tempting canapes is designed by Executive Chef Gogh and includes flavoursome choices such as crab meat and plum ginger smoked salmon, lobster mayonnaise, lemon and caviar prawn satay and peanut and cucumber sambal roasted duck roll.
After a week of relaxing under the sun, as part of their stay guests have the option to join The Sarojin team during one of the resort’s regular volunteering excursions. The “Sarojin Cares Days”, which give back to the local community surrounding the residence, are free for guests to join but donations are welcomed to The Sarojin Community Care Fund. A regular excursion in the initiative is to the Mangrove Forest Planting Project in Baan Nam Kem, which was set up by local fishermen following the 2004 tsunami. Here, guests can help plant new trees and restore the vital mangrove ecosystem which was damaged by the disaster – a truly rewarding way to complete a relaxing winter sun retreat.
The ‘Sarojin Cares Winter Sun’ package has been designed to help guests make the most of a glorious week long getaway of warm climate, tasty local flavours and stunning natural beauty.
BOOK IT
From just THB 108,814 (approx. £2,435), the package is based on a from rate for two adults sharing a Garden Residence for seven nights until 19 April 2022, inclusive of activities listed. Upgrades to a Pool Residence or Jacuzzi Pool Suite or a Two-Bedroom Pool Residence are available at an additional cost.
STARS
Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) This is an excellent time for starting new projects and taking action on plans. You feel that you can do whatever you want and focus on your own wants and needs. You don’t need to search hard for drive and stamina. You enjoy people that are original and ideas that are unusual and embrace yourself as an individual. You appreciate unconventional methods and are willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Favourable Dates: January 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Green
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
This month brings a shift of focus to more creative, sociable, and pleasure-seeking activities occurs. Surprises are in store, and they’re pointing you in new directions.. You feel creative, inspired, and want to have some fun. The inner risk-taker is awakened now, and it will be important to have some sense of where you might be headed before you take off. Small risks, however, could very well pay off.
Favourable Dates: January 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Green & Yellow
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
This is a good time for going back to a career you used to be in or taking up a goal you used to have. This can be a good time to focus on your spirituality and strengthen your spiritual self. You are beginning a period best used for emotional renewal, tying up loose ends, and laying low. You may come across as more sensitive, vulnerable, and imaginative.
Favourable Dates: January 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 30 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
You can create opportunities for yourself, take advantage of ones presented to you, and take charge of your life, starting a whole new journey. You may be presented with opportunities that you never thought you’d have Good relationships can be brought to the next level, and you become more committed. You can fulfil some commitments you’ve made or give up on them. Having balance in your life becomes more important in keeping yourself sane.
Favourable Dates: January 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27 Favourable Colours: Blue & Grey
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
You may put focus on your sense of self-esteem, selfworth, and your value system. You’re likely to be focused more on your own desires, and want to do what you want to do, not what anyone else wants, and certainly not your duties. This can be a good time for going out a lot, meeting someone new or rekindling romance, being creative and inspired, and being enthusiastic about what it is you find fun.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colours: White & Purple
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
You feel most like yourself and enjoy yourself when you’re focusing on the serious aspects of your life, getting closer to others, and obsessing over something. You may come across as dark, brooding, and seductive. If you are in a relationship, you may show a potential for a struggle to keep the authenticity and morale of the relationship, you need to be careful or you may lose what is special.
Favourable Dates: January 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Black
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
This is a time for feeling personally hopeful, emotionally satisfied, and socially popular. This period is best for any revising, editing old work, or doing something again you wanted another chance at. You could also go back to work for someone you worked for before, or in a job you worked in before. Friendships might be renewed or revitalized. However, there can be a strong temptation to impulsively act on a secret desire.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: White & Grey
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
You have more energy and can stick with something more easily if it’s a mental task. Anything that requires physical energy will be hard for you. If you’ve been putting in hard, smart work, acting responsibly and making good decisions, you can make progress with your career, are offered the opportunity of a lifetime, experience great success, or achieve a big goal you’ve set for yourself.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 3, 19, 21, 28, 30 Favourable Colours: White & Purple
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
You feel most like yourself and enjoy yourself when you’re in the spotlight, getting attention from loved ones, and putting yourself out there. You’re not happy being left in the shadows and want to come out into the light. You can be recognized for something you’ve done and presented with a new opportunity. If single, you have little trouble meeting potential suitors, and seem more attractive. If in a relationship, you’re more romantic with your partner.
Favourable Dates: January 10, 12, 19, 21, 28, 30 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
You have an easier time facing the past, your issues, your subconscious, and your karma, and work on letting go. You find that as you let things go, more opportunities come into your life. Your initiative is stronger than usual from mid-month, and your taste for the new and untried is powerful. A partner is in your corner, and an important meeting of minds can occur in the last week of the month.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
You’re more serious and focused on the things you hold deep inside of yourself. You can achieve everything you’ve set out to do, rewarded for all of the hard, smart work you’ve put in over the months. You have more energy, confidence, stamina, and drive when you have someone by your side. You can focus on your relationships and try to see what you can do to make them better.
Favourable Dates: January 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Green & Yellow
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)
You put more emphasis on your relationships, and like having a partner. You’ll likely begin an important new partnership, personal or professional, and it’s something that opens you up in new ways. You recognize the importance of healthy relationships and strive to have that in your life. You can benefit from joining a group or joining forces with a friend. This is a good time to focus on your spirituality and enhance it.
