LUX February 2017

LUX

February 2017

A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF THE GLAMOROUS

Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South

Tradition Meets Contemporary

at Kata Rocks

We spoke to Lilian H. Weinreich, AIA RAIA LEED-AP(BD+C), NCARB about clean modern aesthetic and understanding how people live and use spaces on a daily basis.

Below, L to R: Phi Phi Island Hotel - The Nai Harn Twin Palms Resort - Tubbak Resort - Caverrli club, Dubai - Sani Resort Greece - NH Collection, Rome Rome Caverlli - la Pergola Restaurant - Imago Resturant Le Sirensue - Madrian Oriental Paris - Bagolini Macdonald Monchique - Triangle d’Or, Paris

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Targeted firmly at those who appreciate the finer things in life and have the money to pay for them - LUX features everything from luxury travel and hotels, motoring and technology to jewellery, beauty products, food and fashion.

The global LUX readership, spanning over 170 countries, comprises 20% high net worth individuals and 80% professionals earning over ÂŁ100k per year, giving combined yearly earnings of ÂŁ42m.

LUX provides high end and exclusive firms the perfect media platform to get their products and services seen by a discerning, highly targeted, and, most importantly, big spending audience that other publications simply cannot reach.

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Contents Welcome to the February edition of LUX, where we take a look into the world of all things luxurious.

Heading up this edition is a fascinating insight into the work of Lilian H Weinreich Architects, which combines a clean modern aesthetic with an understanding of how people live and use spaces on a daily basis.

Elsewhere, we learn about the Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa, the only resort in the Algarve, in an undiscovered area of rural Portugal, that combines 5-star hospitality and modern design with unspoilt surroundings and breath-taking views of the rolling mountains and the coast.

This and many more luxurious experiences are covered in this lavishly illustrated edition.

I hope you feel relaxed as you read it.

Jonathan Miles, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 725 6842 Email: jonathan.miles@ai-globalmedia.com Website: www.lux-intl.com

4. Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South 10. Finding Peace in Portugal’s Paradise 12. Find Your Perfect Paradise in Paris 14. Grape Experiences 16. Find Your Idyllic Hideaway 18. Sampling Italy’s Historical Delights 20. Combermere Abbey’s Restored Splendour 22. Mexican Paradise 24. An Island Paradise 26. Stunning Scenery at The Nai Harn 30. Tradition Meets Contemporary at Kata Rocks 32. Perfection in Phuket 34. Homely Hospitality at Tubkaak Resort 36. Dubai Decadence at the Cavalli Club 38. Beachside Brilliance 40. When in Rome 42. Three Star Food, Five Star Service 44. Intense Italian Flavours At Imago 46. Costal Comfort at Le Sirenuse 48. Fashion Meets Function at Mandarin Oriental Paris 50. A Taste of Italy in the Heart of London

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lux Andy Marcus / Fred Marcus Photography Hair and Makeup by Yana Gorcheva On location: Noho Duplex, New York

Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South

Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South The work of Lilian H Weinreich Architects combines a clean modern aesthetic with an understanding of how people live and use spaces on a daily basis.

The firm’s recently completed renovations on Central Park South in New York City employ bamboo and other sustainable finishes to create clean, functional, and resplendent modern design.

Founded in 2009, Lilian H Weinreich Architects is a boutique multi-disciplinary architectural and interior design firm based in New York City with roots in Australia. Led by Lilian Weinreich, AIA, RAIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB, the practice aims to transform ordinary spaces into spectacular and unique environments in the most straightforward, practical, precise, and functional way.

Weinreich’s pure sensibility evolves not from a predetermined architectural style, but rather from the intent to design clean, intelligent, and functional

space that operates as a background to what is contained within them. Working with space and light as sculptural materials, the firm constructs architecture dramatic in its purity of means.

Formal simplicity requires intellectual rigor and aesthetic restraint, which is immediately apparent in each of the firm’s projects—ranging from highend apartment building, duplex, and townhouse renovations, to institutional work. Each project is opulent in the clarity of its spatial and functional resolution.

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lux © Francis Dzikowski/Otto

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lux A highlight of the firm’s work is a state-of-the-art Central Park South kitchen—a 308 square feet (94 square metre) space with an adjacent 65 square foot (20 square metre) butler’s pantry—that serves the 6,000 square foot (1,829 square metre) apartment directly overlooking Central Park in Manhattan. The apartment occupies the entire twenty-seventh floor of a premier pre-war building. As a show of appreciation for seventeen years of dedicated culinary service, the owner, a gracious Southern gentleman with traditional tastes, undertook the alteration of the kitchen to accommodate his in-house chef’s wishes for a modernized kitchen.

Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South

countertops and backsplashes. Resistant to harmful bacterial growth, the new material is NSF/ANSI Standard 51 certified to the highest level for food contact. It is also capable of withstanding sustained temperatures up to 225°F, and because it is solid all the way through, scratches can be buffed out— most suitable for a heavy use kitchen application.

The marmoleum flooring throughout is another healthy, sustainable choice; it is a highly durable, non-toxic, anti-microbial material that is elegant and easy to clean.

The renovation integrated a commercial-quality kitchen into a residential setting, enabling catering for over a thousand guests per year. The kitchen facilitates both intimate family gatherings as well as formal sit-down banquets for heads of state, dignitaries, and royalty, complete with silver service and tuxedoed waiters.

The spirited chef and the architect, both Australian expatriates living in New York, formed a close kinship and understanding during the entire planning and construction process. The result is a kitchen alteration built on a clean formal language that incorporates the principles of ergonomics, functionality, and sustainability to create a functional and hygienic environment for food preparation.

“Technically a grass, bamboo has become an increasingly popular material in high-end apartments in New York as a result of the sustainable movement.”

Weinreich’s work is known for its innovative use of materials. In the kitchen, the finishes are elegant and luxurious, yet well-suited for an intensive, commercial-level food preparation environment— including white solid surface material on all counters and wall panelling, cold-welded marmoleum flooring, treated bamboo doors, high pressure striated laminate cabinets, and stainless steel.

Cantilevered under-lit cabinets, full height upper cabinets, and floor-to-ceiling pantry closets are made of rapidly renewable, formaldehyde-free treated bamboo.

© Francis Dzikowski/Otto Set within the same kitchen footprint, the gut renovation also removed all unnecessary deeply profiled crown mouldings. New full height upper cabinets, floor-to-ceiling pantry closets, and the utilisation of all under the counter island spaces, increased the storage capacity of the kitchen by 20%. The customised kitchen is fitted with heavyduty commercial grade kitchen equipment.

The lighting uses a combination of dimmable energyefficient, low voltage halogen and 2700K warm white LED sources to provide bright, warm light while using significantly less energy than traditional incandescent sources, and yet provide a well-lit kitchen space when required.

Technically a grass, bamboo has become an increasingly popular material in high-end apartments in New York as a result of the sustainable movement.

It is a natural anti-bacterial material that is also extremely durable. The lower cabinets housing plumbing and equipment are fabricated using high-pressure laminate, a very durable material with Greenguard certification. If damaged, a cabinet facing can be replaced without concern for colour variation from adjacent panels.

White LG Hi-Macs solid surface material was selected for all counters and wall-cladding panels to create a safe hygienic food preparation environment, replacing the kitchen’s previous difficult-to-clean ceramic tiled, thick grouted

© Francis Dzikowski/Otto

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Sustainable Finishes and Enduring Luxury: Bamboo on New York City’s Central Park South

The Central Park South bath and dressing room – a 170 square foot (53 square metre) space, presents an alternate application of sustainable finishes, including bamboo. Blond striated strand bamboo, the prominently featured finish material, brings warmth to these private rooms. Strand bamboo was installed in the flooring throughout, as well as the cladding of the open walk-in closet, the vanity, and the laundry doors. The manufacturing process fuses bamboo fibres with an environmentally safe adhesive under extreme pressure to form homogenous, high-density sheets that are then sliced and milled into solid flooring planks and veneer panels. The resulting strand flooring product is three times the hardness of traditional red oak flooring.

The client for this remodel is a spirited and accomplished naïve artist in her late 80s with an impressive studio in her country home in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Both her New York City apartment and country studio are a showcase of her prolific and vibrant paintings. In planning for future accessibility, the client’s son requested an open plan bathroom and dressing room. Two weeks into the design of the project, the client fell and broke her hip, which required extensive physiotherapy and convalescence throughout the construction of this project and underscored the need for a barrier and obstruction-free bath and dressing room space.

“Selective carving of the ceiling planes to relate to function only creates a sculptured three-dimensional effect. Floating lit edges soften dropped ceilings that hide beams, piping, and ductwork. The hidden strip lights in the ceiling coves and under the vanity and medicine cabinet add an ethereal quality.”

The bath and dressing room renovation transforms the outdated, segmented suite into a visually elegant, functional retreat with an adjacent laundry closet.

The new layout enlarges the bathroom by relocating all the plumbing fixtures including the vanity, shower and water closet. A wall-hung water closet and cantilevered vanity create an obstruction-free floor space for ease of mobility, as well as ease of cleaning.

The full-height, easy-glide sliding glazed bathroom door and sliding high-tech shower enclosure door eliminate obtrusive door swings.

Open closets allow for easy visibility of closet contents. The client required a well-lit space, and the conical, ceiling-mounted, caged-marine light fixtures cast light to the floor to ensure safe manoeuvring while adding a jewel-like quality. The dressing area contains a hidden laundry closet with an energy efficient stacked washing machine and vent-less dryer. The laundry door bi-folds and tucks tightly under the dropped ceiling soffit to lie flat against the adjacent wall in an open position when the machines are in use.

© Steve Freihon/ Tungsten LLC Selective carving of the ceiling planes to relate to function only creates a sculptured three-dimensional effect. Floating lit edges soften dropped ceilings that hide beams, piping, and ductwork. The hidden strip lights in the ceiling coves and under the vanity and medicine cabinet add an ethereal quality.

The owner-artist worked with a master decorative plasterer to mix paint that subtly incorporated all of the colours of the surrounding finishes into portions of the remaining unfinished walls. These serve as a backdrop to showcase her newly painted flower collection.

In both Central Park South projects, Lilian H Weinreich Architects demonstrates how sustainable finishes can result in luxurious compositions that are visually powerful, intellectually elegant, and timeless.

The firm is currently working on several new projects, including two large apartment remodels, one on Park Avenue and the other on Central Park South, a building in Gramercy Park with duplex units, and a house in Avon, Connecticut. The firm is also exploring new markets, including the design of private jet interiors and commercial projects, where Weinreich’s considered design aesthetic and innovative use of sustainable materials can be applied in new ways.

Name: Lilian H. Weinreich, AIA RAIA LEED-AP(BD+C), NCARB Firm: Lilian H. Weinreich Architects Email: lhweinreich@rcn.com Web Address: http://weinreich-architects.com Address: 150 Central Park South #502 New York, New York 10019-1566 United States of America Telephone: 1(917)770-1000

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Finding Peace in Portugal’s Paradise Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa is the only resort in the Algarve, an undiscovered area of rural Portugal, that combines 5-star hospitality and modern design with unspoilt surroundings and breath-taking views of the rolling mountains and coast. It is this combination of modern comforts and natural beauty that makes this the ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and fulfilling break in this stunning region.

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lux Set against a backdrop of exquisite natural beauty, Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa offers the perfect opportunity for everyone from thrill seekers to those looking for a relaxing, atmospheric break to indulge their passion and rejuvenate before their return to the real world.

Featuring beautifully appointed suites, an indulgent spa, high-end dining options and a wealth of activities available both in the resort and nearby, this idyllic retreat enjoys an enviable location in the ever sunny mountainous woodlands in the western Algarve.

Located in the beautiful town of Monchique in northwestern Algarve, the hotel has unparalleled views of rustic Portugal whilst also enjoy modern culture and facilities, making it perfect for those who wish to be secluded but not cut off.

All the hotel’s rooms are suites with well-appointed views allowing guests the opportunity to recline in the comfort of an exquisitely furnished room whilst viewing the natural splendour which they are surrounded by. There is an accessible suite as well as a selection of terraced suites which offer contemporary styling coupled with a range of highend amenities and can comfortably accommodate two adults. These suites feature an elegant bedroom with a king-size bed and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a separate living room with access to a private, panoramic terrace, from which guests can enjoy unbeatable sweeping views of the mountains.

The hotel’s family suites, which can be terraced or not, offer an elegant bedroom with a king-size bed and a furnished balcony, as well as a separate living room with a sofa bed and floor-to-ceiling windows.

They also come with a fully equipped kitchenette to ensures guests can enjoy the freedom to spend their holiday as they see fit, making life easier and more comfortable for families.

For those with adventurous tastes who wish to indulge in some of the finest cuisine in the region there are a host of options to choose from, with Macdonald Monchique boasting a number of sumptuous restaurants, as well as an elegant cocktail bar and two pool bars. Options range from an informal petiscos (Portuguese tapas) bar and a pizzeria through to a gourmet food market and a finedining restaurant specialising in local fish and wines, meaning that there really is something for everyone and even the most discerning of palettes will be impressed by the variety of delicacies on offer. With a causal dress code at all of the hotel’s dining facilities guests can indulge in the very finest of dishes in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

The hotel’s authentic Portuguese restaurant, A Petiscaria, specialises in local, seasonal produce.

A Petiscaria is a wine and petiscos bar serving a tempting range of hot and cold dishes that are made for sharing. The restaurant provides an extensive selection of Portuguese wines and beers, which pair perfectly with the mix of modern and traditional dishes on offer. Each dish is made with fresh regional ingredients ensuring guests experience authentic Portuguese dining at its finest.

For a more global dining experience, O Mercado Culinário offers a wide variety of national and international dishes, with something to suit every taste. Open throughout the day diners can enjoy themed lunches and dinners featuring local and international specialities, as well as innovative ‘show cooking’ from the talented kitchen team, turning meals into a true experience.

Finding Peace in Portugal’s Paradise

An upscale dining experience is also provided in the form of luxury restaurant Mon-Chic. Boasting breath-taking views of the Monchique mountains, this elegant à la carte restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. With a seasonally changing menu that features local specialities, fresh fish and meats, along with a carefully chosen selection of Portuguese fine wines, this refined restaurant is renowned for its upscale service and quality dishes. Sumptuous seafood and rich, decedent meat dishes predominate the menu, including cured loin of wild boar and an indulgent beef and oxtail stew terrine.

Finally, for those looking to take home an exciting local treat or snack in their room on regionally sourced delicacies, Macdonald Monchique offers a gourmet market bursting with a wide choice of Portuguese specialities and souvenirs, as well as local food, wine and snacks.

Guests looking to relax and unwind during their stay may look no further than the hotel’s in-house spa. Inspired by the Algarve’s most valuable natural resources and the glorious beauty of the surrounding mountains, the Sensorial spa is the epitome of pure rejuvenation and relaxation. As an adult-only environment the spa is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of family life, or guests simply seeking peace, quiet and the very best luxury pampering treatments, performed by attentive and talented staff.

The spa offers a range of individually tailored treatments from international luxury spa brand ESPA – a pioneer in the science of natural beauty – as well as treatments from local brand Monchique Cosmetics, which uses local thermal water in its products to give you radiant skin.

This, combined with upscale facilities, results in a stylish spa that successfully harnesses the power of nature, incorporating the essences of the region to give you a sensory experience like no other. As well as seven treatment rooms, other facilities include a rock sauna, sensorial showers and an aroma grotto, designed to celebrate the area’s rich raw materials.

Guests seeking adventure following their relaxation are spoilt for choice. The Algarve offers something for everyone, from mountain walks and horse riding to surfing and dolphin watching, alongside the region’s award-winning golf courses and beautiful beaches. Many activities are available all year round thanks to the region’s temperate climate. The hotel offers an extensive experience programme to assist guests, showcasing the best of this diverse region, with action-packed itineraries that cover numerous sports and leisure activities, as well as showcasing local customs and culture. Staff are attentive and courteous and always happy to help, and their local knowledge is invaluable to anyone seeking to explore the real Algarve. In addition to the region’s spectacular amenities, the hotel’s on-site facilities include two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a comprehensive wellness programme, featuring yoga, Pilates and meditation.

Overall, with unforgettable scenery, sumptuous food and the very best amenities and service, Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa offers guests a truly unforgettable experience.

To find out more or book your stay please visit http://www.macdonaldmonchique.com/ or call +351 282240130. Booking enquiries can be sent to reservations@macdonaldmonchique.com

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Find Your Perfect Paradise in Paris

Find Your Perfect Paradise in Paris As part of its range of luxurious apartments in some of the world’s most vibrant cities the innovative Hideaways Club offers a stunning apartment in the heart of the French capital. For those seeking a relaxing break in a stunning location this is the ideal option, allowing visitors the freedom to plan their own unique trip whilst ensuring they have the perfect stay thanks to its dedicated Apartment Host, who offer the very highest standards in hospitality.

Drawing on the vast experience of Founders Stephen Wise, a former Bain and Company Senior Management Consultant, Helmut Schön, a former Corporate Financier with Merrill Lynch and UBS and Mike Balfour OBE, founder of Fitness First, the Hideaways Club provides both Members and guests with a unique opportunity to explore the very best locations around the world.

The club’s exclusive membership includes likeminded discerning travellers from the worlds of business, finance, sport, media and fashion, all of whom expect- and receive- high standards and discretion when it comes to their leisure time.

This commitment to excellence is what makes this firm the ideal travel partner for anyone seeking a truly luxurious experience. In Paris the club offers a centrally located apartment on the Rue de Cérisoles.

This beautiful apartment is located just minutes away from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the city’s exclusive shopping areas.

Guests can enjoy the benefits of this glorious central location perfectly and take advantage of all the attractions and excitements that this fantastic and beautiful city has to offer. Famed throughout the world for the its iconic monuments, unique style, fascinating history and true passion for exceptional cuisine, even the most seasoned of travellers will find something new and invigorating with which to occupy their stay.

The apartment, which sleeps up to six people, features two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities, and a spacious living room, offering a flexible space perfect for any stay, whether it is an intimate break for two or trip away with all the family.

There is a hairdryer in each bedroom together with bathrobes for adults. Luxury toiletries such as Molton Brown or similar are provided, including Shampoo, Hair Conditioner, Body Lotion, Bath/ Shower Gel and Hand Soap. Additionally, Egyptian cotton linen and luxury towels are supplied to all bedrooms and bathrooms and will be re-stocked as needed throughout the guests’ stay by a discreet housekeeping service, which visit every other day unless guests make alternative arrangements.

All modern conveniences are provided in the apartment, including family accoutrements such as a cot, toys and waterproof sheeting, practical amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen with fridge freezer, washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board.

Alongside this the property boasts an array of cutting edge technologies including an iPad 2, printer, iPod docking station with a high quality sound system as well as an iPod pre-programmed with a wide range of music and three flat screen TVs, each of which is equipped with cable and Apple TV. In order to meet their every need the Apartment Host will be able to arrange any extra services that may be required such as baby sitting, catering/private chef, ironing and dry cleaning, an in-house massage.

These dedicated professionals, who are selected with great care for their professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail, are discretely on hand to ensure that every aspect of the trip is as seamless and memorable as possible. With their in-depth property and destination knowledge the Host is able to ensure that guests have the ultimate experience, showing them the real Paris. The club itself provides a local guide to the very best bars, bistros and restaurants in the region and a selection of additional travel guides and materials are made available to guests in order to ensure that they make the most of their stay, despite the fact that the apartment is so perfect visitors would be excused if they chose not to leave during their stay.

Paris is the ultimate city break destination and for the ultimate experience travellers need look no further than the Hideaways Club’s stunning apartment. The club also boasts a range of apartments, chalets and villas in some of the most select hotspots around the world; what links them all is the unbeatable hospitality and accommodation that guests can expect when they stay with the Hideaways Club.

The Paris apartment is part of The Hideaways Club’s City Collection which offers 11 beautiful city centre apartments in some of the most iconic cities of the world, with a further choice of 39 homes available through reciprocal agreements. Entry level price for an Associate membership starts at £69,500 For more information please visit http://www.thehideawaysclub.com/

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Company: Grape Experiences Contact: Cindy Rynning Email: cindy@grape-experiences.com Website: www.grape-experiences.com Address: PO Box 5172, Wheaton, IL USA 60189

“ They delight in the stories behind the wine, the stories that educate and inspire.”

Grape Experiences

Grape Experiences For those who consider wine a luxury, something to be savoured and appreciated deeply, then Grape Experiences, a wine blog written by Cindy Rynning of Wheaton, Illinois, is there to offer such an indulgence. From the reviews of premier wines from around the world to recaps of exclusive wine events, from recommendations for exquisite food and wine pairings to fascinating accounts of wine travel and intriguing interviews with winery owners, winemakers, and other “movers and shakers” in the wine industry, Grape Experiences is considered a go-to source.

Grape Experiences was founded in the autumn of 2011, after Cindy decided to blend her two great loves, wine and writing, with her years of teaching experience. “I feel that my passion for the subject of wine rings true,” she comments. “I completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 before starting Grape Experiences, and subsequently attained Level 3 within seven months of its inception; the professional wine education from WSET continues to be invaluable. My intention in writing about wine is to inform, entertain, and influence others, whether it is a newcomer to wine or the seasoned swirler.

“At this time, I am the sole writer at Grape Experiences and am responsible for all writing, editing, technology, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media presence. I have also welcomed several outstanding guest bloggers in the past, who have been given the chance to write about their own unique wine experiences.”

The blog has since reached an international readership that is savvy and sophisticated when it comes to wine. “They delight in the stories behind the wine, the stories that educate and inspire,” Cindy says.

An immediate plan that Cindy has for the future of Grape Experience is to add one or two regularly

contributing writers. She stresses that they ought to reflect a different perspective to her own, an element that is especially important for the future of the blog.

Yet, as Grape Experiences attains greater and greater exposure across the industry, Cindy understands the challenge of staying ahead of the technological curve to assist her in the delivery of informative content.

“I regularly attend webinars and seminars about SEO, food photography, wine photography, producing quality videos, and on building my mailing list,” she says. “Wine knowledge is ongoing – I can never learn enough. Traveling, attending master classes, trade tastings, seminars, online chats, and wine dinners as well as meeting winemakers and others in a one to one setting are exhilarating.

“I would also love to have the opportunity to travel to unique wine regions: Sicily, Greece, lesser known regions in Europe, Eastern Europe, South Africa, China, New Zealand, and Australia are just a few on my wish list! Currently, I’m outlining an e-course that will meet the needs of every wine lover; it will be launched in 2017.

In five years, Cindy sees herself as having a solid team devoted to writing even more engaging stories that appeal to every wine lover.

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Find Your Idyllic Hideaway

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Find Your Idyllic Hideaway

The Hideaways Club is a property investment firm offering a wide range of holiday homes, ranging from stunning villas and chalets in some of the most glorious locations to beautiful city apartments in some of the world’s most popular, vibrant city destinations. Boasting exquisite hospitality, glorious locations and sumptuous furnishings, these properties are the very pinnacle of luxury and offer the perfect alternative for those seeking quality accommodation which allows for the added benefit of independence, allowing guests to explore their surroundings and create their own itinerary.

Founded in 2006, The Hideaways Club has grown steadily since inception, largely through the recommendation of its existing members.

This innovative private investment Club brings together financial investment and a luxury travel lifestyle, offering multiple second homes without the management hassles of direct proprietorship.

Two Property Funds, Classic and City, offer a diverse selection of exquisite villas, chalets and apartments in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Membership of The Hideaways Club unlocks more than the properties themselves; Members enjoy the services of a Personal Concierge, in-depth local knowledge and invitation-only Member events.

Although investors reap many benefits, these stunning residences also make the ideal accommodation for a city break, and make the ideal escape for anyone seeking the perfect combination of hospitality and privacy, allowing them to plan their own adventure whilst enjoying the luxury of a local host who is able to provide local knowledge and any support a visitor may need.

In London, the UK’s capital and home of some of the country’s top attractions, museums and artistic collections, visitors can stay in the heart of Kensington, home to many of the capital’s leading attractions; the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall. All of these marvels and more are within walking distance of the Hideaways Club apartment.

Alongside these attractions, the property also has Kensington High St right on its doorstep, allowing guests easy access to the best shopping and dining in the capital, meaning that there is something for everyone.

The pièce de résistance is Kensington Gardens, one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, offering 242 acres of lawns, mature trees and ornamental flowerbeds.

It is home to the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine Galleries, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, and Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The property itself boasts a decedent array of amenities including WIFI, iPad, printer, washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge freezer as well as additional facilities for families with children, including a cot for babies, a selection of toys and even a Nintendo Wii with various games for children. To ensure guests enjoy complete relaxation the apartment’s host can arrange a variety of services including housekeeping and the provision of groceries. Basic items such as, fresh milk, sugar, tea, coffee, pasta, rice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs and condiments are provided as standard and guests can request additional foodstuffs to ensure that they make the most of the apartment’s top quality kitchen.

For those looking to dine out the property’s central location offers a plethora of dining options, with Hyde Park, Portobello Road Market and Harrods all within easy reach.

Luxury toiletries such as Molton Brown or similar are provided and include shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion, bath/ shower gel and hand soap.

Additionally, guests can recline in luxury linen and towels, which are supplied to all bedrooms and bathrooms and are re-stocked throughout the guests’ stay according to preference.

Alongside this vast array of amenities and facilities, guests at the apartment enjoy the very best hospitality, with a dedicated guide who provides a property tour, outlines key features and welcomes guests to their chosen destination. The Hideaways Club recruits its staff as carefully as its Members; as such every member of its international team is selected for their care, knowledge and attention to detail, meaning guests can rest assured of the very best hospitality when they stay at a Hideaways Club property.

Therefore, those seeking a city centre break with a difference can be assured of the very highest standards of comfort, hosting and facilities when they stay with the Hideaways Club.

The Kensington apartment is part of The Hideaways Club’s City Collection which offers 11 beautiful city centre apartments in some of the most iconic cities of the world, with a further choice of 39 homes available through reciprocal agreements. Entry level price for an Associate membership starts at £69,500 For more information please visit http://www.thehideawaysclub.com/

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Sampling Italy’s Historical Delights

Sampling Italy’s Historical Delights The NH Hotel Group represents a conglomeration of hotels centred in Rome, the cultural hub of Europe.

With a night in one of NH’s hotels allowing a range of experiences that fall anywhere between comfortably plush and exuberantly luxurious, the NH Hotel Group’s presence can felt not only in every corner of Europe, but across the world. As if 53,000 rooms in 380 hotels across 29 countries was not enough, brand new hotels in Haikou and Sanya make China the recent 30th hosting country.

Thus, this chain of exquisite European hotels is starting to extend its tendrils into contact with the East, just as in days of Antiquity the Romans had once done. It is fitting, then, that the NH Group should maintain a robust network in what is arguably the cradle of Western civilisation. The modern City of Rome – with its sights, smells and tastes – yields itself to the NH Hotel Group.

The historic – even mythical – City of the Seven Hills still bears many untouched secrets for hungry-eyed visitors. The Coliseum, the Arsenale, and the Pantheon, a project started by Augustus and completed by Hadrian, dominate the city’s architecture, imposing forebears of the centuries of development that have built up around these structures, hemming them in against an ever-evolving cityscape that is a favourite for tourists the world over.

It is within this timeless place that the NH Hotel Group make such a determined presence as to consider Rome something a second home. Taking advantage of the limitless opportunities for tourism, cuisine and quality relaxation time, there are five NH Hotel properties dotted around the city, each of which bears its own unique signature, laying their own patrician claims to an area of the city. Such exposure to the city offers guests unparalleled access to Rome’s eclipsing history, and its enduring modern charm.

The hotels themselves take inspiration from this motif, taking root in unassuming locations and bearing fruit

through dreamy interiors and luxurious amenities.

While the five NH hotels in Rome bear their own streaks of individuality, there is no mistaking the NH Group’s penchant for sleek, polished demeanours, with spacious lounges, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the view, and wooden fittings that gleam in the sun of the central Mediterranean.

Perhaps the most well-connected of these is the brand-new NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento. Mere metres away from the Porta Pinciana, the gate leading through the old Aurelian Walls, this newest addition to the NH Roman quintet is perched on the edge of what was considered, in Antiquity, to be the enclosing space around the seven hills of the city. Passing through the Porta Pinciana leads guests into the enclosed 3,500-acre space that is the historic city centre of Rome. Immediately beyond this section of the wall, however, is the Villa Borghese, a public landscape garden comprising a wide expanse of naturalistic, English-styled populated by museums and other attractions, such as the Piazza di Siena, a popular hippodrome that hosted equestrian events for the 1960 Olympics. All of these sights and more are visible from one of the 177 rooms in the Palazzo Cinquecento hotel. From within the hotel’s walls, history takes a convenient sidestep in place of warm, contemporary fashions, with classic Italian flourishes on top of hardwood floors, and ground-floorterraces overlooking the garden beyond.

Each hotel features a combination of modern amenities and elements of traditional design to offer an authentic experience with all of the contemporary comforts.

Ultimately, in this modern age of global travel, all roads still seem to lead, almost inexorably, effortlessly, back to Rome.

To find out more or book your stay please visit http://www.nh-hotels.com/hotels/rome

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Combermere Abbey’s Restored Splendour

Combermere Abbey’s Restored Splendour Redefining the concept of B&B, exclusive and unique, twelfth-century Combermere Abbey on the Cheshire-Shropshire border has just opened the doors of its luxury ‘six-star’ B&B accommodation in its newly-restored, award-winning North Wing.

With just two luxurious bedrooms and a series of spectacular reception rooms over two floors, the interiors of the B&B are personally styled by world-class interior designer, Nina Campbell, in association with Sarah Callander Beckett, Restoration Project Director and owner of the Abbey. Such is the quality and importance of the project that it won the Sotheby’s/HHA (Historic House Association) Restoration Award within weeks of its opening.

The Abbey is a truly historic institution, dating back to the reign of Henry I in 1133. Nina’s interiors are complemented with the use of historic paints

by Edward Bulmer. The resulting B&B is a unique space, enjoying the sumptuous style of a six-star hotel, an historic ambience, a peaceful location and some of the most delightful views in Cheshire. The whole North Wing can also be booked exclusively for you and your friends, up to four guests.

The views include the Italian-inspired ‘Knot Garden’, the ancient parklands of the estate and a 143-acre glacial mere with swans and other water fowl.

The North Wing has its own dedicated entrance, with an elevated terrace overlooking the private garden.

Enter via a grand Hallway with its black and white stone floor and featuring a carved stone fireplace.

This leads to a formal dining room, which blends Gothic style with an Indian influence and beautiful jewel-bright accent colours.

Furthermore, a delightful light-filled living room has picture windows, enjoys dual aspect over the mere and the garden, its warm floral-inspired palette featuring geranium pink and sage green hues.

First floor accommodation includes two bedrooms.

‘The Salamanca’, boasts a super king sized bed with half canopied tester with silk brocade drapes and decor in a soothing palette, enhanced with original artwork by Peter Beckett, Sarah’s husband; also a stunning en-suite bathroom with shower featuring an oversized free standing bath placed before a Gothic picture window, enjoying a breath-taking view over the mere, and ‘his n’ her’ vanity units.

‘The Bhurtpore’ can be presented as one king size bed or twin beds. Its charming décor is accented with soft furnishings in a warm shade of coral, complementing the carved oak panelling, wooden floors and stone fireplace. The bedroom has its own en-suite facilities including a walk-in shower and marble-topped vanity basin, once again sharing views to the front elevation of the Abbey.

All bathroom amenities are the exquisite home-made bath and body products by Mitchell and Peach, produced on the family’s Foxbury farm in Kent, using home-harvested organic ingredients, such as lavender and honey.

Also on this floor is the Tudor Study with original 400-year-old oak beams, once on the exterior walls of the Abbey and now cleverly reversed to the interior and plasterwork decorated with heraldic symbols, provides an interesting and historically relevant feature to this beautiful, cosy living room.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, commented, “it is a huge pleasure to be able to invite guests to stay in The Abbey’s North Wing.

We are overjoyed with the renovation and what the fabric of the Abbey’s past has revealed to us, it’s a real privilege for my family and I to share this and the beauty and tranquillity of this estate”.

As well as the stunning interiors, the Italian-style Knot Garden which features a quatrefoil symbol, a recurring emblem in the design of the Abbey, is a lovely outdoor space from which to enjoy these natural surroundings. From here, saunter down to the edge of the huge mere. Guests also have access to the estate’s woodland walks and the formal Victorian walled gardens, which feature the world’s only fruit tree maze.

A traditional English cooked breakfast, with farmfresh local produce is prepared the following morning by the Abbey’s own in-house staff, either Stephan or Sue, and served in the Dining Room. Both rooms also have their own tea and coffee-making facilities, luggage storage and flat screen TVs. The B&B rate starts at just £140 per room (SundayThursdays) and for weekends from just £155. (Price based upon Bhurtpore.) Until 31 March 2017, stay for two nights midweek from just £240 per room (Saving £40). Exclusive use of the North Wing is also an option for up to 4 guests, please ask for further details and pricing.

Now an award-winning business, Combermere Abbey is also a wedding & events venue, with a collection of prestigious self-catering accommodation, 10 cottages (once the Abbey’s Victorian coach house and stables) including Stone Lodge, the Gothic Gatehouse, and their new 6-star B&B suite. The accommodation’s superb quality and its conversion has won the business many awards. Importantly the Abbey is also home to owner Sarah Callander Beckett, her husband Peter and son, Peregrine. www.combermereabbey.co.uk 01948 660 345 LUX - February 2017 21

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Mexican Paradise

Mexican Paradise Hotel Hacienda los Laureles-SPA is the only officially approved five-star AAA diamond hotel in Oaxaca offering visitors the chance to experience the generous hospitality and stunning surroundings of one of Mexico’s historic towns.

Drawing on Owner and Managing Director Peter Kaiser’s 55 years of experience as an International Hotelier, Hotel Hacienda los Laureles-SPA is a glorious establishment in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico.

A stay at the Hotel Hacienda los Laureles-SPA is a good reason to visit this stunning town, the Pyramid MONTE ALBAN and MITLA, build by the Zapotecs before Christiana time, and the colonial City a jewel in the south of Mexico, a city with 450 or more years of post-Colombian and Spanish history and more than 3,000 years of pre-Columbian history, well preserved palaces and magnificent baroque churches. The lifestyle of the region is reflected in the accommodations, some refined, some rustic, but unique in their own style.

This stunning Five Star Hotel, with its 23 rooms and suites all leading onto the connecting terrace which overlook a flowering garden and the surrounding mountains, provides guests with a wonderful combination warm hospitality and exquisite architecture.

There are a variety of activities accessible from the hotel, tennis, horseback riding and trips to the nearby mountains. Oaxaca’s nine-hole golf course overlooking the Sierra Madre Mountains is only 20 minutes away. (Reservations for tee-off time and transportation can be made at the hotel).

The hotel is located in the old Mexican town of Oaxaca nestling in the foothills of the Sierra Juarez mountains. The hotel is just a few minutes away

from the heart of the historical center of the, Spanish colonial city of Oaxaca which has been declared

by UNESCO to be an important part of the world’s cultural heritage. The city is full of magnificent buildings and churches, all built with the magnificent local green quarry stone, cantera, that attest to the masterful skills of the local trades people of Oaxaca.

The establishment itself has a wonderful tranquil, peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the glorious natural garden which is abundant with birds and butterflies, and even tropical birds once in a while, so guests can be assured of a relaxing break at Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles-SPA. Quiet and secluded but not too remote, the hotel is located near to the Oaxaca Mountains in an upscale residential area, but just two miles away from the center of Oaxaca, offering guests the best of both worlds.

Each of the hotel’s 23 rooms and suites have all the facilities guests would expect from a Five Star Hotel.

The hotel offers Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, Junior Suites, Junior Suites Deluxe and Master Suites.

What truly sets the hotel apart is its dedication to the sustainability, with many of the facilities being eco-friendly, including recycling shower, sink, rain water and composting products to maintain the hotel’s sumptuous garden. Over the years the hotel has weathered its fair share of storms, enduring hurricanes, tremors and other natural disasters; however, the staff’s positive attitude remains and the establishment is committed to operating sustainably so as to ensure that it enhances the landscape around it rather than polluting it.

The cuisine is a combination of traditional Oaxaca city, Mexican and International, well prepared and attentively served. Flavorful and intense even the most discerning palates will be tantalized and impressed by the decedent array of delicacies available from the hotel’s kitchen.

Looking ahead, as Peter himself looks towards retirement the hotel shows no signs of slowing down as it seeks to continue to offer the very highest standards of service to all visitors, which will remain its ongoing focus for the foreseeable future.

Company: Hotel hacienda Los Laureles/SPA Contact: Peter Kaiser Address: Hidalgo 21 San Felipe del Agua Oaxaca, Oax 68020 Mexico Email: peter@hotelhaciendaloslaureles.com Telephone: 52.951.501300 Fax 52.952.501.5301 Website: hotelhaciendaloslaureles.com

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An Island Paradise

An Island Paradise Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort expertly combines seclusion and stunning views with the refinement and amenities of a 4.5-star resort- making it the ultimate in luxury getaway destinations.

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort offers the ideal private island escape with the added convenience of experienced staff and all the comforts of a leading holiday resort. Privacy is certain on 70 tranquil acres of swaying coconut palms, fragrant gardens, and a half-mile of sparkling shore overlooking the crystal clear Andaman Sea, allowing guests to indulge in the beautiful view and natural scenery.

Spacious and secluded bungalows conform comfortably to the natural surroundings, welcoming stunning coastal vistas and cool sea breezes. Stylish furnishings, gracious hospitality and a private 800 metre stretch of pristine white sand beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea create an idyllic setting for your holiday.

With a total of 201 rooms, comprising 189 tradition Thai style bungalows and 12 private Hillside Pool Villas, there really is something for everyone at this heavenly retreat. Both the bungalows and villas allow for privacy and seclusion, allowing guests to recline and relax in peace.

Each room is equipped with a range of plush amenities including air conditioning, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room safes. Each room offers the compromise between privacy and involvement, with guests able to join in with the activates and amenities in mere minutes.

In addition to these in room amenities, guests have the chance to utilise a range of recreational facilities at the resort. The resort’s on-site Recreation Centre offers a chance to experience all the exciting adventures the surrounding area has to offer, whether that means exploring the colourful coral gardens in the Hat Noppharat Thara – Koh Phi Phi National Park marine sanctuary, or climbing the soaring limestone cliffs that the region is known for.

Guests also have the option to explore the region by the resort speedboat or experience Thailand’s iconic long-tail boats with friendly, experienced guides.

Private tours can be tailored to their individual preferences and interests.

With helpful and dedicated staff, the resort is able to offer guests the very best experience possible. There is literally nothing the committed and experienced front of house team are unable to offer, and as such guests can rest assured that they will have the ultimate service and support throughout their stay at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.

The reset offers four unique dining experiences, as well as a poolside bar for those who cannot bear to tear themselves away from the sumptuous surroundings of the glorious pool, inlaid into the natural surroundings to make for a truly unforgettable swimming experience.

Dishes on offer include a selection of fine local meals, all prepared to the very highest standard utilising fresh, local ingredients. Asian and international foods are on the menu across the board, ensuring even those with the most discerning palettes will find something to tempt their taste buds.

The resort’s four restaurants and three bars provide an array of cuisines enhanced with perfect views for the discerning sundowner.

Offering the ultimate in peaceful, private holidaying experience, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is the ideal escape for those looking to leave the hustle and bustle of their daily lives behind and recline in the very best service, surroundings and succour on offer.

For more information or to book your idyllic beachfront experience, please visit the resort’s website www.phiphiislandvillage.com

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Stunning Scenery at The Nai Harn

Stunning Scenery at The Nai Harn Set on the scenic Nai Harn Beach overlooking the Andaman Sea, this upscale, modern resort offers guests the very best that Thailand has to offer.

The Nai Harn is an icon of Phuket, overlooking a pristine beach and bay and with great proximity to all the best local culture, including stunning temples.

Previously known as Royal Phuket Yacht Club, the original five-star resort on the island when it opened in 1986, this sumptuous resort offers guests the very best of local culture, scenery and cuisine, drawing on its long heritage to ensure that guests have a truly unforgettable experience.

With its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, the hotel offers the best of both worlds, with a traditional, natural furnishings combining with modern amenities including cutting-edge technology, designer amenities and a generous floor plan opening onto a private terrace overlooking the sea. Most of The Nai Harn’s 130 luxurious guestrooms and suites features panoramic views over the beach and bay, dotted with sailing boats and islands. Designed and laid out to showcase this glorious view, rooms feature a fresh colour palette with minimalist design which incorporates clean lines, warm wood tones and richly textured carpets.

The hotel’s chic rooms with balconies offer flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. Some have free standing tubs and rainfall showers, while upgraded rooms have sea views, allowing visitors to indulge in some of the most stunning vistas in the region. Suites add living areas, and terraces with 4-poster day beds; upgraded suites come with butler service for the perfect pampering experience.

Each guestroom is an opulent refuge by the sea, boasting contemporary design, plush fabrics and luxurious, high-tech amenities such as interactive TVs, built-in USB chargers and Wi-Fi. The expansive rooms also showcase views of Promthep Cape, a stunning locale which makes for the ideal backdrop to the perfect holiday.

Room service is available for anyone seeking the ultimate in lazy-day luxury, but for the more adventurous the resort offers an array of dinning and bar experiences. Fresh and contemporary dining concepts combine with a stunning seaside location to inspiring effect at The Nai Harn. Indulge in a bright and breezy ambiance, spectacularly framed views and some of Phuket’s most celebrated cuisine.

A wide array of additional facilities are also provided, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a swimming pool with

stunning views over the bay, valet parking as well as scuba diving and snorkelling, ensuring that guests of all tastes and abilities are fully catered for and will have an experience to remember.

Alongside these, guests also have the chance to indulge in style in the hotel’s Spa. The Spa at The Nai Harn features a carefully curated mix of traditional treatments, cutting-edge therapies and sought-after indulgences. It offers guests the chance to slow down, breathe easy and, above all, relax.

It features four contemporary beach spa suites and the poolside Spa Cabana, where guests can indulge in a selection of oil-free massages. The interiors evoke the charms of the Andaman coast, leavened with a touch of the Hamptons glamour and style.

Playful hues of aquamarine and fresh peppermintgreen are framed against natural, white-washed timber. Subtle Thai accents and touches of nostalgia complete the tranquil atmosphere.

Spa treatments are delivered by skilled and experienced therapists using the purest ingredients.

Guests can embark on customized, two to three-hour Spa Voyages at the Beach Spa Suites or stop by the Lifestyle Cabana to shop for eco-friendly momentous including beachwear, home décor pieces and resort inspired jewellery.

Guests can choose from a lavish selection of Thai and international dishes, including bountiful fresh seafood and bold gourmet creations, all of which are beautifully presented in contemporary style. An underpinning of deft-but-subtle service perfects the experience.

From the resort’s main restaurant, Cosmo, to stylish Rock Salt at the water’s edge, each dining venue has been carefully designed to capitalise on the stunning views at The Nai Harn. Striking interior design, invigorating al fresco ambiance and innovative menus work in concert to create one of Phuket’s trendiest dining destinations.

Main dining establishment Cosmo takes guests on a refined journey through diverse culinary traditions from around the world, and as it is open all day guests have the freedom to come and go as they please. The menu reflects the chef’s passion

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Stunning Scenery at The Nai Harn

for travel and new cultural experiences, while an underpinning of Southern Thai flavours pays homage to The Nai Harn’s rich Phuket heritage. Everyone can enjoy freshly prepared breakfast specialities; delicately marinated seafood and healthy salads for lunch; a globe-spanning dinner buffet; and exquisite Thai cuisine throughout the day.

At Rock Salt, Chef Fawkes oversees dishes showcasing the best of Asia Pacific in one of the island’s most memorable locations, where glorious sunsets are savoured with the freshest seaside classics, innovative tapas and much more. The dinner menus have been founded on the highest Eastern Mediterranean and North African culinary traditions with a dash of Thai influence, and are enjoyed in a relaxed al fresco setting. The lunch menus feature Thai modern classics and international favourites like wood-fired pizzas, tandoori baked seafood and a market seafood display.

In addition, the hotel offers the Cosmo Bar, which was a celebrated institution from the moment it was conceived, offering a professionally curated drinks list paired with picturesque views of Nai Harn Beach.

The decedent drinks selection includes everything you’d expect from a world-class island resort: tropical cocktails, rare single-malt Scotches, boutique rum distilled from locally grown sugarcane and wines from the world’s most-esteemed vineyards.

For those looking for a more secluded drinking venue, Reflections offers the chance to recline into plush, sunken seating on The Nai Harn’s sprawling infinity-edged rooftop bar.

Reflections also offers the perfect ambiance for a breezy event or function with a view. Wedding receptions, cocktail parties and mixers can all be staged here to spectacular effect. Those seeking a wedding venue will not be disappointed, with the hotel offering the chance to enjoy the very best day of your life in a stunning location. With customized packages and tailored event-planning services, The Nai Harn’s location perched above Thailand’s finest beach offers the chance to turn dreams of the perfect wedding into an unbelievable reality. Stage the event of a lifetime on our opulent 50-meter rooftop deck overlooking the azure Andaman waters behind and majestic Prom Thep Cape looming in the distance for a stunning and unique backdrop.

The Nai Harn’s event-planning team will meticulously arrange every detail of your special day. Before the couple exchange vows, there is a perfect opportunity to stroll along the water’s edge for a pre-wedding photoshoot and capture the beauty of the moment and the destination.

Overall, for those seeking the ultimate luxury Thai holiday need look no further than this beach front paradise.

To find out more or book your unforgettable stay at this Thai oasis, visit http://www.thenaiharn.com or call +66 76 380 200.

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Tradition Meets Contemporary at Kata Rocks

Tradition Meets Contemporary at Kata Rocks Set on the shore of the Andaman Sea, Kata Rocks is a stunning luxury resort set a mere 10 km from Wat Chalong Buddhist temple and 13 km from the iconic Big Buddha statue, allowing for the perfect cultural Thai experience.

With its proximity to some of the region’s greatest cultural landmarks and beachside setting, Kata Rocks offers the perfect break for anyone looking to see the very best that Thailand has to offer.

Despite its traditional setting, the modern one to four bedroom villas at Kata Rocks feature chic designer furnishings and terraces with private infinity pools.

All come with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines and kitchens. Some offer spa rooms, 2 levels and/or hot tubs, ensuring that guests want for nothing and are able to indulge in the comfort of their own room.

Utilizing the natural topography of the site, including its impressive rock features, the overwhelming objective of the architects has been to create a resort that is sympathetic and in harmony with the site, yet an outstanding example of modern tropical design. Each room is characterised by a combination of comfort and clean lines, with crisp white furnishings bringing out the vivid colours of the resort’s natural surroundings.

Beyond the comfortable, modern and clean styles of the rooms, the hotel has easy access to beaches and exotic walks through rich terrain bursting with glorious flora and fauna.

Room service is available 24/7, however for those seeking an authentic Thai dining experience, the resort offers a wide range of superb restaurants and bars. The oceanfront restaurant and bar at Kata Rocks is open to the public. Located right on the water’s edge, the restaurant and bar has stunning sunset views over the Andaman Sea making is one of Phuket’s best wining and dining locations. Kata Rocks’ restaurant is known as the best sunset and romantic restaurant in Phuket. It is open to the public and recognised by Thailand Tatler Best Restaurant Guide for its culinary excellence.

Located right on the oceanfront, it features stunning sunset views over the Andaman Sea making it one of Phuket’s best venues for wining and dining with family and friends. The restaurant proudly serves seasonally inspired Mediterranean cuisine featuring regional gourmet twists with a Spanish accent. Only the freshest produce and finest ingredients are used to ensure an inspired gastronomical experience.

Executive Chef Laia Pons Spanish roots serve as the primary menu muse for many dishes. In Barcelona she honed her creative culinary talents at two of the

city’s finest restaurants, ensuring guests enjoy only the best cuisine during their stay.

Her cultural background and training is also the inspiration for Phuket’s best brunch, available on selected weekends depending on the season. Chef Pons uses it to showcase dishes from one of the oldest and most renowned fishing village in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona.

Combined with Kata Rocks’ stunning oceanfront location, its legendary weekend brunch treats guests to an authentic Mediterranean feast of delicious fresh seafood and the most elegant cuisine on the island.

This combination of outstanding food, fabulous Andaman sea views and exceptional service make the Restaurant and Bar at Kata Rocks a must visit dining destination. The hotel also boasts the best Thai restaurant in Phuket, with its unique take on Thai cuisine ensuring guests are able to indulge in all the flavours and vivid fresh ingredients that make this cuisine world class.

This diversity creates endless all day dining and drinking options from breakfast with the famous Tom Yum Eggs Benedict through light and healthy lunch dishes, to sunset cocktails and tapas shared with close friends, or exquisite dinners for two or more in the evening.

For those looking to take enjoy the sumptuous and decedent dishes they have enjoyed at Kata Rocks at home, the resort offers a popular cookery school for those of varying abilities. Kata Rocks Thai Cooking School takes guests on an exciting journey, helping them to produce, technique and simple cooking practices of Thai Cuisine, introducing some stunning dishes in the privacy of the guest’s own villa.

Class participants are encouraged to undertake the task of grinding pastes, chopping up meat and vegetables, stir-frying, deep-frying and stewing food, and finally proudly tasting the most delicious dishes they have ever cooked.

From fine dining to fabulous natural surroundings, a stay at Kata Rocks is perfect for those seeking a relaxing and indulgent break in one of the most beautiful settings that Thailand has to offer.

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Perfection in Phuket

Perfection in Phuket Twinpalms Phuket is a stunning luxury establishment surrounded by four sumptuous beaches. For those seeking a relaxed and comfortable environment nestled among some of the most gorgeous natural scenery that Phuket has to offer this is the ideal destination for an invigorating break.

Renowned as Phuket’s most exciting and stylish contemporary resort, Twinpalms Phuket is located in a tranquil and exclusive environment in an area with one of the most beautiful stretches of golden tropical sand in Phuket, often referred to as “millionaires’ row”. As such guests can experience true luxury and recline in one of the most exclusive resorts in the region.

Twinpalms offers the comfort of luxury resort, combined with the relaxing tranquillity of a secluded getaway. There are only 97 luxurious and spacious residences, suites and rooms, each surrounded by palms, and featuring a private terrace facing the pool with garden view. Among which, 21 unique apartments are designed to lift to your spirits with a generous space and private pool. With a brief to produce a property that has an integrated landscape, the “Contemporary Tropical” design and landscaping incorporate a stunning, world-class water garden.

Each accommodation is situated either around the pool or the palms, offering stunning views and the infusion of nature into their stay.

Luxurious dining options abound at Twin Palms, with everything from the trendy and fashionable Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar to the atmospheric Palm Seaside Lounge & Bar, there is something for everyone.

For those reluctant to leave the glories of the white sand beaches, Catch Beach Club offers a-la-carte dining with succulent fresh Mediterranean dishes, delectable pizza, magnificent pasta and Asian favourites, all set on the beach under brilliant white umbrellas on the shore.

Any guest in need of a relaxed beachfront dining experience, HQ Beach Lounge allows guests to recline and enjoy splendid seaside experiences in chic simplicity and celebrate wonderful company with light beach side fares, true cocktails, sensuous wines and eclectic soul music.

Alongside these beachfront dining experiences, the hotel also offers an innovative beach butler service for those in need of extra pampering. The beach butler service features personal luxury beach mats and a beach cooler, both carried along with guests from Twin Palms Phuket to Surin beach by a dedicated beach butler.

Water babies intent on remaining poolside are also catered for. Situated in the tranquil setting of the water garden, The Pool Bar offers an array of fine food and beverages. The varied menu presents a large variety of salads, hot dishes and desserts daily.

Diners can also just relax beside the pool and enjoy one of our renowned health drinks, made from the bar’s own recipes, as well as a list of classic cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Those seeking education and a chance to indulge their wine habit are also supported. With a mezzanine balcony and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water garden, Twipalm’s Wine Room has the perfect ambiance to experience some of the world’s finest wines. With over 100 labels and 3000 bottles in our cellar to choose from, it is no surprise that this stunning facility was awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The Wine Room seats 20 and it is a sublime venue for those who wish to relax and spend an evening sampling some of our superb wines, or the perfect retreat for small gatherings or presentations.

With something for everyone there is no reason not to visit this truly luxurious beachside resort and enjoy the very pinnacle of hospitality and decadence.

To learn more or book your stay in this Thai paradise, visit www.twinpalms-phuket.com, call +66 (0) 7631 6500 or email book@twinpalms-phuket.com

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Homely Hospitality at Tubkaak Resort

Homely Hospitality at Tubkaak Resort Tubkaak literally means ‘home for visitors’, and it is this inspiration that has created the stunning Tubbak Resort. Nestled in the stunning Krabi Town the resort offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands from the pristine beaches where guests can recline in the ultimate luxury.

Inspired by the local byword for hospitality from which it takes its name, Tubbak Resort overlooks the stunning archipelago of 13 islands that rise dramatically from the calm Andaman Sea. Backed by the mighty Hang Nak Mountain, the unseen stretch of gorgeous beach and fertile landscape has all the right ingredients for a relaxing hideaway Krabi resort.

A secret to the beauty of Tubkaak is the large twin islands Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi in the distance that provide great shelter from the southwest monsoon winds thus creating a safe beach with calm waters all year round. The heavenly location of our Krabi hotel offers the most beautiful sunsets against limestone cliffs and the fresh sea breeze which refreshes and relaxes guests.

The hotel is designed with cosy, inviting interiors and distinct Thai ambiance, perfectly suited to the environment. The latest collection of private pool villas offers added luxuries including spacious layouts, large private pools and exquisite furnishings.

Guests will also be delighted with the exceptional design of L’escape Spa and Di Mare Italian restaurant, situated on the beachfront.

Each room and villa at The Tubkaak is inspired by southern vernacular architecture creating a wonderful space to feel at home and breathe easy.

Each unique villa has a distinctive curved roof and features coconut and teak wood detailing, finished with delicate local design touches for a warm relaxing ambiance. All accommodation is unique with different decorative details and colour schemes, making each visit a brand new experience. The impeccable details, quality furnishings and delightful outdoor bathtubs are just a few of the special features in each of the well-appointed rooms. The new villas also boast spacious outdoor pools for extra indulgence, perfect for honeymooners.

Additional facilities offered include an artisan gift shop, gym, meeting room, and a decedent library brimming with exquisite volumes. Although complimentary Wi-Fi and computers are available to use, guests are encouraged to relax and unwind, and the library, with its earthy smell and calming atmosphere, is the perfect environment for this.

Another great space for guests to relax is the resort’s spa. Nestled amongst the trees lies the extraordinary L’escape Spa. The unique cocooned treatment rooms exude a calming ambiance that will open your mind

to a journey of wellness and rejuvenation. The spa menu blends Oriental and traditional Thai therapeutic healing with modern day pampering, including treatments that deliver health benefits from improved circulation and joint movement to stress relief and soothing sunburn.

The professional therapists use only the highest quality natural herbs, oils, fruits and spa products for maximum wellbeing and wonderful aromas. This boutique spa has three treatment rooms designed with couples in mind to make a truly romantic experience.

Romance is also a key part of the dining experience at Tubbak Resort, and its two restaurants both offer a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. The first is the Arundina; Located on the beachfront, facing the stunning Krabi seascape and surrounded by trees and a charming pond, this charming restaurant immerses guests in nature. It is the perfect setting to enjoy classic Thai dishes created by experienced chefs, using only the freshest of ingredients. With soft lighting and the glittering stars above, The Arundina is a wonderfully romantic dining experience. The stylish upper deck with soft furnishings and chic canvas cover is the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour cocktails with amazing sunset views.

Alongside the Arundina, Tubkaak also offers Di Mare, a glorious beachside dining experience which draws its inspiration from the shores of the Andaman Sea, combining with it the flavour and simplicity of Italian cuisine. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding islands while dining on fresh local seafood and authentic Italian pizzas and pasta typical of an Italian ‘trattoria’, accompanied by wines from around the world. Di Mare has a relaxed ambiance in a beautiful tropical setting featuring an open deck adjacent to a delightful lotus pond and located only metres from beach for a truly memorable dining experience.

In homage to its name, Tubbak Resort offers a true home from home, with all the comforts of a stay with friends combined with superb service and world class food. Guests will want for nothing and will be planning their next trip before they have even finished their first.

For more information or to book your dream getaway visit www.tubkaakresort.com or call +66 (0) 7562 8456.

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Dubai Decadence at the Cavalli Club

Dubai Decadence at the Cavalli Club With stylish bars, an Italian restaurant and a nightclub all set beneath three floors which glitter beneath a wealth of Swarovski crystal, the Cavalli Club offers the ultimate Dubai experience.

Incorporated into the world famous Fairmont Hotel in Dubai, the Cavalli Club offers a fantastic venue for an unforgettable celebration. With regular special guest DJs and celebrity appearances, this select hotspot is the place to be when visiting one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

With regular theme nights and various floors there is something for everyone and guests in on the same night can still have a completely different experience.

Variety is the spice of life and Cavalli Club is the perfect place to bring excitement and fun into your evening.

As guests enter the main room they are greeted

by Cavalli’s modern lounge which embodies the glamorous soul of the designer, hosting exclusive and fashionable parties where guests can sip on Roberto Cavalli Vodka-based cocktails. Furthermore, a refined musical selection will be ensured by the best DJ’s in the business. The pleasure of listening to enjoyable music, accompanied by great food and good company in an elegant and sophisticated setting is the philosophy of the Cavalli Club Lounge and it permeates throughout this resplendent building, forming the backdrop for a phenomenal experience.

Set across three levels and forming the centrepiece of the Cavalli Club, the club’s Italian and International cuisine restaurant is the epitome of high class luxury.

The décor is generous and exuberant, with funky, leopard print chairs under the gleam of our suspended crystal chandeliers and waterfalls bearing the inimitable Roberto Cavalli signature.

Seating 150 guests, the club’s expert chef, under the guidance of Roberto, provides guests with the very finest in gourmet Italian and International cuisine.

Using only the most seasonal and freshest ingredients, and presented, of course, on Roberto Cavalli crockery with Roberto Cavalli cutlery, guests can absorb the atmosphere and indulge in some of the finest dishes in Dubai, with sumptuous meals on offer including gnochetti sardi with a rich duck breast bolognaise and decedent handmade Culurgiones with goat ricotta, Sassarese eggplant cream and a Canonau wine reduction.

Dessert is equally as rich and indulgent, including a delicious tonka beans crème brule, served with carellize banana and a glorious liquorice and truffle parfait.

The Cavalli Club offers an equally resplendent bar, with cocktails taking centre stage, as the club’s expert, award winning bar team staff create flavourful blends, drawing on their experience and creativity to create unique and wonderful drinks, with custom mixtures that amaze even the most demanding palates.

The main lounge offers both rejuvenating music and various theme nights which include some of the best DJs, celebrities and musicians from around the world.

Ultimately there is no better place than the Cavalli Club for an exciting and vibrant night out. Dubai excess at its finest, this stunningly furnished venue is the perfect place to celebrate, party or just plain let go and indulge in the atmosphere.

Interested in a unique Dubai experience? Find out more at dubai.cavalliclub.com or call 050 9910400

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Beachside Brilliance Set amidst the stunning scenery of Halkidiki, Sani Resort is a pure, natural idle with rolling beaches of crisp white sand, crystal seas and undulating hills bedecked in greenery. Visitors will be clamouring to return to this rural Greek paradise where they can relax and rejuvenate in the very finest of luxury surroundings.

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lux A sprawling family-owned ecological reserve stretching across 1,000 acres, with endless golden beaches enchantingly framed by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean and the magnificent pine forests of the Kassandra peninsula, Sani Resort is both stunning and decedent, offering the perfect combination between natural seclusion and premium hospitality. Located on the magnificent Kassandra peninsula, the resort stretches over more than 1000 acres of fragrant pine forest, olive groves, golden beaches and crystal clear waters. It was the dream of two men almost 30 years ago, and today ownership remains with their families, who have a stronger than ever commitment to protect the beautiful environment for future generations.

This innovative holiday concept allows guests to enjoy unique holiday experience; a hideaway within a family-owned and privately developed ecological reserve, with a yacht marina and five hotels, each with its own distinctive character, offering a wide range of leisure facilities and accommodation - from deluxe garden or sea view rooms to junior or VIP suites with Jacuzzi or private pool and garden with direct access to the beach.

Sani’s natural beauty is reflected in everything our luxury holiday resort has to offer. Guests can enjoy the wonders of nature whilst lavishing in some of the best hospitality in the Mediterranean.

The resort has access to a number of gorgeous beaches, allowing guests the ultimate beachside experience which includes the popular Babewatch Service, where dedicated personnel look after little ones on the beach for up to 30 minutes complimentary to allow mum and dad a welldeserved break.

Among the selection of fantastic beaches is Bousoulas beach by Sani Beach, with its four miles of immaculate pine-fringed sands with crystal clear water that’s ideal for snorkelling. The beach has been awarded an EU Blue Flag and the calm shallow water is ideal for children. Alongside this, there is all guests could possibly need to totally relax including lifeguards, sunbeds, towel service, showers and mouth-watering refreshments at Bousoulas bar. For adrenaline fans the Sani Beach water sports centre is just around the corner.

The stunning Sani Club beach allows guests access to turquoise waters and soft white sands of this beach are an irresistible sight. The shallow water is fantastic for children and its amazing clarity means snorkelling is lots of fun too.

Some of the beaches are exclusive to certain hotels, including Sea You beach. Exclusive to Porto Sani guests Sea You beach is situated at one end of the Sani Marina, an easy stroll from the hotel. Children love the clear shallow waters and the courtesy beach toys, sure to keep them amused for hours. Lifeguards, luxurious sunbeds, towel service and Sea You Bar serving delicious finger food for the whole family.

This inclusive, family atmosphere is perfect for those bringing little ones or for those without: at Sani, the dedicated staff are always more than happy to accommodate any need. There are a wide variety of activities include tours, walking trails and scuba

Beachside Brilliance

diving, as well as a vast array of facilities such as yacht cruises, children’s clubs and five spas, ensuring everyone enjoys a relaxing and refreshing break at Sani.

The range of dining facilities is equally vast and the resort’s expert chefs always select the freshest local produce to create menus that satisfy all tastes, offering organic dishes as well as healthy and vegetarian choices. With three fantastic restaurants to choose from guests will be spoiled for choice.

For a Mediterranean menu with an innovative twist, the superb Tomata is a dining experience that cannot be missed. There is also a superb wine list featuring some of the best wines that Greece has to offer. Tomata is an inspiring culinary journey promising a fiesta of colours, aromas and tastes. The restaurant perfectly combines the influences of classic Mediterranean flavours with a thoroughly modern approach. Using only seasonal produce, guests can look forward to a taste of sun ripened local fruit and vegetables and locally sourced fish and free range meat. The result is a sumptuous gastronomic journey through the local markets that also reflects Sani’s focus on local sustainability.

Another gastronomic highlight is Katsu, where guests can turn dinner into an occasion with the exotic tastes on offer at Katsu where the delights of Japanese cuisine meet those of the Mediterranean.

The menu is created by chef Katsuhiko Hanamure (Katsu) who has been involved in numerous Matsuhisa and Nobu restaurants around the globe and treats diners to sushi, sashimi, tempura and a whole array of other fine dishes.

Finally, at Fresco, guests can indulge in contemporary fine dining restaurant at Sani Dunes. Seated inside or al fresco, magnificent views of the breath taking lagoon pool are the perfect backdrop for the menus of Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Classic dishes, innovative creations, homemade bread and fine wines; all combine to delight your taste buds for breakfast and dinner. All are complemented by the refined ambience and impeccable service. Using only the choicest meats, finest seafood and freshest market produce, this promises to be an experience to savour, and guests can relish the chance to be pampered by the very best service and dishes which will tantalise their taste buds.

Once dinner is done there is always a great nightlife, and the entertainment team at Sani makes sure there is never a dull moment throughout the day with fun things such as aerobics, archery, quizzes and more.

There are also world-class shows and musicals at the open-air Garden Theatre, available to all guests at no extra charge to make the experience extra special and create a fantastic atmosphere. At Sani Beach there is live music at various venues several times a week while at Sani Club guests can relax to live music at the Dunes bar almost every day.

The choice depicted is merely the tip of the iceberg; there is something for everyone at Sani Resort, and with dedicated staff, superb scenery and cutting edge facilities this luxurious resort makes for the perfect destination for a luxury break.

To find out more or book your Greek adventure visit www.sani-resort.com or call 0800 949 6809.

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When in Rome

When in Rome Situated in the heart of Italy’s historic capital city, Rome Cavalieri is the ideal destination for a cultural city break.

Offering panoramic views of Rome, Rome Cavalieri is a truly luxury hotel situated just few minutes from the Eternal City’s main attractions such as Peter’s Basilica, the Piazza Navona and the Roman Forum.

With all this on your doorstep you would be hard pressed to find a more perfect setting for an incredible trip to one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

Part of the luxry hotel brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, you can rest assured that you will receive only the best amenities, hospitality and service when you visit the Rome Cavalieri. The staff are attentive but discreet, and they are only a phone call away should you be in need of anything.

A complimentary shuttle into the city centre is provided for all guests, enabling everyone to drink in the stunning culture all day. There is much to see, but if you wish to relax and recline in the comfort and luxury of your suite or room then you are well catered for at the Rome Cavalieri. The accommodation is stunning, and with terraces for parties at the top of Rome, high class private dining, a study fit for world statesmen there is something for everyone. Home to an invaluable art collection from three centuries, the rooms and suites offer you the chance to catch a glimpse of Roman history without leaving the comfort of your bed. Themed around a different region or period of history, the suites are the pinnacle of luxury; with sumptuous antique furniture, brocade drapes and facades made from natural materials such as marble and wood, these suites are more than just somewhere to rest your head- they are a work of art.

Deluxe rooms are each themed around their view; you can choose to overlook the hotel’s private park, the entrance with the Cavalieri dolphin fountain in bronze, illuminated at night for the most glamorous of arrivals, or the glories of Rome itself. Each room is spacious and perfectly furnished to provide both glamour and comfort. Each room comes with a private balcony so you can enjoy the view in style.

Although Rome itself is renowned for its culinary delights, the Rome Cavalieri offers a superb selection of dining establishments for you to enjoy. Among them is the breathtaking La Pergola, which offers glorious views and delectable dishes. When entering this beautiful gourmet destination, an unforgettable view of the Eternal City is revealed to you through the vast windows, allowing you to dine in a genuinely unique Roman setting. Under the guidance of Heinz Beck, the restaurant has become a temple of international gastronomy, and was historically the first and, still today remains, the only three-star Michelin kitchen in Rome.

Drawing on the passions and emotions of Head Chef Heinz Beck, every dish is designed to be sensually stunning; from its aesthetic appeal through to the smells and tastes which create lifelong memories.

Menus are brief and to the point, with a selection of the finest seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes in Rome.

Combining sumptuous, fresh ingredients and rich, evocative flavours these dishes are truly spectacular.

In addition, the restaurant is home to Chef Sommelier, Marco Reitano, who has curated two extraordinary wine lists, one from around the world and another exclusively Italian. There is something for everyone and wine lovers can happily relinquish themselves to the knowledgeable Marco. He tastes a vast selection of wines every year, exploring the world’s finest vintages, to create this impeccable list.

An enviable selection is defined by such rarities as 1922 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and 1945 Pétrus, and guests receive tableside advice on pairing their food with their delicious meal from the La Pergola’s knowledgeable and friendly staff.

For those seeking a less formal dining experience, the hotel offers L’Uliveto restaurant which features regional Italian cuisine and a spectacular terrace overlooking the outdoor pool and park. The renowned Sunday Brunch is an experience not-to-be-missed for the entire family, with a dedicated play area for the kids.

The Pool Bar & Chalet, which is open during the summer, complete the rich culinary offer at the Rome Cavalieri: offering refreshing cocktails and lightbites to satisfy your appetite following a dip in the crystal clear pool.

Anyone with a taste for culture and a yen for a truly one of a kind experience need look no further than the Tiepolo Lounge a gallery of Venetian art, the ‘Centro Historico’ of the Rome Cavalieri. Tear your eyes away from the cascade of savoury and sweet tea temptations to spot Achilles disguised as a maiden.

The handsome warrior appears in the imposing Venetian masterpiece by Tiepolo in female garb hiding on the island of Scyros.

The Lounge has its own pianist, Jaffa, who creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with his tuneful playing. When the weather is clement you can take your cocktails outside onto the Tiepolo Terrace, where stunning pine trees frame the perfectly manicured garden.

Once suitably fed and refreshed, you can do no better than to work indulge at the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club.

Boasting a selection of amenities including tennis, swimming pools, parks, fitness facilities and a spa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Open daily, the spa offers a range of rejuvenating body massages and facial treatments by La Prairie, as well as a café and boutique for those seeking a little retail therapy.

Ultimately, with the delights of Rome at your fingertips and some of the best hospitality in the world right at your doorstep there is nowhere better to enjoy a cultural yet refreshing Roman experience.

For more info or to book your perfect Italian escape, visit romecavalieri.com or phone +39 06 3509 1

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Three Star Food, Five Star Service

Three Star Food, Five Star Service Fine dining at its finest, this stunning three Michelin star establishment offers guests a chance to sample some of the finest cuisine in Rome. Part of the glorious Rome Cavalieri hotel, guests know they will only receive the very finest service and most distinguished dishes from this fine restaurant.

La Pergola offers fine Italian cuisine and sweeping views of Rome, allowing guests to bask in the glory of this historic city.

When entering this beautiful establishment, an unforgettable view of the Eternal City is revealed through the vast windows, allowing guest to dine in a genuinely unique Roman setting. Under the guidance of Heinz Beck, the restaurant has become a temple of international gastronomy, and was historically the first and, still today remains, the only three-star Michelin kitchen in Rome.

Drawing on the passions and emotions of Head Chef Heinz Beck, every dish is designed to be sensually stunning; from its aesthetic appeal through to the smells and tastes which create lifelong memories.

Menus are brief and to the point, with a selection of the finest seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes in Rome. Combining sumptuous, fresh ingredients and rich, evocative flavours these dishes are truly spectacular.

Every dish is created as a vision; as every recipe is the result of a meticulous analysis of every detail and of every aspect. Singular elements that multiply their value within the sum of the whole they represent.

Intended to evoke emotions through the scents and colours of nature, without excess; a constant search for balance as the foundation of food made of lightness.

With particular attention to the modern and a challenge to originality, with coherence towards principles, without compromise, each dish is an exercise in balance, with every element perfectly proportioned to ensure that the dish is never over or underwhelmed.

Highlights from the menu include the superb amberjack marinated in white balsamic vinegar with pomegranate snow, the beautifully seasoned seafood on almond tofu and the sublime fillet of venison on chestnut cream with vegetables, tubers and seasonal fruit. Each dish is perfectly presented and expertly prepared so that no diner is ever disappointed. Even the most educated and well-travelled of palate will find something new and invigorating to sample at La Pergola.

In addition, the restaurant is home to Chef Sommelier, Marco Reitano, who has curated two extraordinary wine lists, one from around the world and another exclusively Italian. There is something for everyone and wine lovers can happily relinquish themselves to the knowledgeable Marco Reitano. He tastes a vast selection of wines every year, exploring the world’s finest vintages, to create this impeccable list.

An enviable selection is defined by such rarities as 1922 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and 1945 Pétrus, and guests receive tableside advice on pairing their food with their delicious meal from the La Pergola’s knowledgeable and friendly staff. Similar to the Rome Cavalieri’s art collection, Marco Reitano’s Italian list showcases some of the finest creativity in the country. It is so comprehensive there are no less than 34 wines from eminent Gaja Barbaresco as well as a virtual chapter on Brunello. Even the most seasoned wine connoisseurs will be stunned by this exuberant collection.

Incorporating the work of Heinz Beck and Marco Reitano ensures perfection, with this stunning restaurant offering an ideal combination of luscious meals and perfectly selected wines. As such La Pergola is a must visit for anyone visiting the cultural hub that is Italy’s capital city.

To find out more or book a table visit https://romecavalieri.com/la-pergola/

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Intense Italian Flavours At Imago

Intense Italian Flavours At Imago Sample fine Italian cuisine in this chic and fashionable establishment, located in the Hotel Hassler Roma, one of Rome’s premier 5-star luxury hotels.

Imàgo, the Hassler Roma’s panoramic Michelin restaurant was originally created by Roberto E. Wirth, the Hassler’s President and Managing Director, in order to cater to the needs of an increasingly discerning and exclusive clientele by presenting creatively-thought traditional and refined flavours against the backdrop of the Eternal City that is Rome, viewed as never before from its incredible position. It is a place where sight and taste are welded to seal a unique dining experience.

Walking into Imàgo, guests are overtaken by the view which projects the same impact of a beautiful painting. The stunning view of the city fills every one of the wraparound windows. Soft music, floor with elegant carpet, dimmed lights, mirrors… all conspire to create an impossibly romantic mood, as well as the sense of being in another time and space, overlooking the Roman skyline. Sitting down one is instantly attended to by the Maitre, who is happy to point out the names of the various monuments and cupolas on the horizon as he pours your glass of sparkling white wine.

Fifty years since the very first panoramic restaurant in Rome - the Roof Restaurant, as it was known then - opened its doors, Roberto E. Wirth, owner and general manager of the Hotel Hassler Roma inaugurated it for the second time on December 5th, 2006, after a complete restyling, personally directed

by Roberto Wirth and with the collaboration of Interior Designer Astrid Schiller and Chef Franceso Apreda, who participated in the selection of professional equipment .It’s new name, Imàgo, derives from the Latin image, vision and thought. The restaurants not only hosts the prestigious hotels regular clients, but is the new restaurant in Rome for all those who wish for a unique gastronomic experience along with the breathtaking view of the Eternal City.

as unique as it was beautiful, calling the greatest personalities from the 20th century to admire its view, including politicians, royalty, musicians, authors, actors and directors. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Federico Fellini, Igor Stravinskji and Giulio Andreotti are only a few of the great names that were regular guests to delight in the gastronomic delicacies of the restaurant with the incomparable view of Rome This charming history lends an air of romance to this beautiful building, which is elegantly furnished so that guests can fully appreciate the glorious views and sumptuous menu, the highlights of which include classics such as scampi tartare with buffalo mozzarella and Shabu scallops carpaccio served with yuzu and black truffle. Sumptuous fish dishes such as roasted John Dory with olives and ginger, pumpkin and chanterelles, and elegant pasta dishes including the steamed braised veal ravioli, topinambur and saffron pay homage to the city which gives the establishment its breath taking view.

There is something for everyone, with vegetarian and meat main courses, as well as various international dishes which will impress even seasoned travellers including a twist on the flavours of Mumbai in the form of penne pasta Arrabbiata-Style, served with spicy bomb-ay seasoning blend, or a taste of London in the form of Foie Gras and Scones seasoned with a sweet rain blend.

Anyone with a sweet tooth can be satisfied by Imago’s a scrumptious dessert menu which involves innovative dishes such as a winter sphere, Darjeeling-flavoured ricotta cheese and clementine as well as the more traditional warm chocolate sponge cake, caramelized endive and coffee ice cream. This combination of sweet and savoury makes for a unique experience which cannot be replicated or forgotten.

Fifty years ago, in the Autumn of 1956, Oscar Wirth, then-owner and general manager of the Hassler Roma, father of current President General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, had the Hasslers 6th floor panoramic terrace covered to transform it into what would become known throughout the world as Romes celebrated first panoramic restaurant, the Roof. It was the first restaurant built on the last floor of a hotel, a decision criticized by Romans at the time, used to restaurants located only on ground floors.

Nonetheless, it soon gained enormous prestige around the world and was frequented by a dizzying amount of important international and national celebrities.

Overall, Imàgo is a full experience. The background music and the stunning view is complemented by the texture, aroma and, most of all, taste of Chef Francesco Apreda’s creative Italian cuisine.

Francesco’s dishes are each carefully prepared and presented, and his menus vary according to the season to always offer his clients different yet refined tastes. The variety of what he presents is thought for each type of palate an explosion of flavours that include the most refined combinations as well as traditional Italian cuisine, characterized by the ingredients and fragrances embedded within Italy’s rich history and culture.

Until 1956 the Roof was used an open-terrace Tea Room, until it was transformed into a restaurant

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Costal Comfort at Le Sirenuse Le Sirenuse is a glorious Italian hideaway set against the backdrop of the spectacular Amalfi Coast. With famed patrons including John Steinbeck, this is a sumptuous retreat offers a beautiful combination of luscious scenery and decedent, artistic furnishings.

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lux Le Sirenuse opened its doors in 1951, when four Neapolitan brothers, the Marchesi Aldo, Paolo, Anna and Franco Sersale turned their summer house in Positano into a charming hotel, overlooking the bay of Positano. Today the 58-room resort is considered one of Italy’s leading seaside luxury hotels, though it still retains the intimate, cultured atmosphere of a private home.

Located at the centre of the picturesque village of Positano, on the Amalfi Drive, Le Sirenuse is just 50 km from Naples, offering the perfect combination of seclusion and proximity which ensures you can indulge in the ideal Italian cultural getaway whilst also returning to rejoice in the discretion and tranquillity of this excellent establishment.

Set in a Cliffside building overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this high-end, adults-only hotel is an 8-minute walk from Marina Grande beach, offering easy access to natural splendour whilst simultaneously enveloping guests in modern hospitality through its modern facilities and high end service.

“ Inside the décor is ornate, colourful and tasteful, featuring antique touches set against a whitewashed background to create a decedent atmosphere.”

The cliffs are utterly magnificent, particularly at night, and make for the perfect backdrop to a romantic promenade in the early evening. The weather is balmy and tranquil, and the sounds of the sea lapping against the shore is both relaxing and inspiring.

Inside the décor is ornate, colourful and tasteful, featuring antique touches set against a whitewashed background to create a decedent atmosphere.

Almost all rooms, suites and junior suites look out over the bay of Positano, and many have a private terrace or balcony and all have white-washed walls, vaulted ceilings and hand-made tiles on the floors.

Each of the hotel’s 58 rooms, are decorated individually with antique and contemporary furniture coming from Europe and the East, following the eclectic style which is so characteristic of their charm. The bathrooms are made of marble and handmade tiles and all but three have a whirlpool bath tub, which, where ever possible, is double size, adding a dash of romance to these already evocative rooms.

Every comfort has been thought of, and as such all rooms have a telephone, a flat screen plasma TV with all satellite channels and a DVD player, a safe, air conditioning, minibar and an I-Pod docking station. A selection of movies, I-pods loaded with a vast array of music are available for guests to use in their rooms, with two computers with internet access available in the Spa lounge to ensure that those who cannot stay fully disconnected can re-immerse themselves in the real world before returning to the glorious coastal dreamland that is Le Sirenuse.

Costal Comfort at Le Sirenuse

In the bathrooms 100% cotton towels and robes by Frette and luxurious “Eau d’Italie” bath and body products are provided for guests’ comfort. The “Eau d’Italie” line of products and well known fragrances were created and are still produced by the Sersale family for Le Sirenuse. While the perfumes are sold in selected boutiques worldwide, this hotel is the only one in the world using the “Eau d’Italie” products as amenities, making this a great chance to sample these naturally elegant and luxurious products.

True pampering is on offer at the hotel’s spa. Designed

by Gae Aulenti the Sirenuse Spa is modern and essential, offering massages and face and body treatments using AVEDA’s aromatic essential oils, natural products and techniques. The spa’s signature treatments can be offers both for individuals and for couple in the SPA Suite, making this a great chance to bask in a romantic and intimate pampering experience.

Treatments on offer include indulgent massages, body wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures.

For guests in need of replenishment following a long day of pampering and indulgence in the Mediterranean sun have a host of sumptuous dining options to choose from at Le Sirenuse. The light Mediterranean cuisine of the hotel’s Michelinstarred La Sponda restaurant is based on fresh local ingredients and inspired by the great cuilnary traditions of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Infused by the leisured elegance of Positano’s dolce vita, La Sponda is illuminated, in the evening, by four hundred candles that create an unforgettable atmosphere.

A more relaxed experience, Le Sirenuse’s Champagne & Oyster Bar enjoys breath-taking views over Positano. Sumptuously furnished and candlelit, it is open in the evenings from May to mid-October, weather permitting. It is the ideal place for a glass of champagne millésimé or a cocktail made to perfection, some oysters, shellfish, and fish carpaccios, all accompanied by the seducing music of the bar’s resident DJ. There is also a Pool Bar and Restaurant, allowing guests to dine in style, surrounded by lemon trees and comfortable deck chairs. This relaxing atmosphere is the perfect space in which to try new flavours and fresh ingredients, all of which are expertly prepared by world class chefs.

After dinner, those seeking a refreshing nightcap need look no further than Franco’s Bar. The latest addition to Le Sirenuse, Franco’s Bar is a stylish, panoramic al fresco terrace that tips its hat to a golden age of fine cocktails and quality champagne.

The bar’s fresh and striking decor and contemporary artworks, commissioned from a raft of local and international talent, pay homage to the late Franco Sersale, whose careful design curation is still evident in every corner of the hotel.

Overall, this stunning hotel, with its seaside location, excellent service and luxurious décor makes for an unforgettable break. From romantic escapes to a family holiday, this hotel can cater for anyone and everyone, ensuring that you enjoy the trip you truly desire.

To learn more or to book your stay in this beautiful Italian establishment, please visit sirenuse.it

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Fashion Meets Function at Mandarin Oriental Paris Settled into the one of the most fashionable quarters of Paris, one of the most fashionable cities in the world, Mandarin Oriental Paris offers the very best in elegant style and perfect service.

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lux Situated on rue Saint-Honoré and just steps from Place Vendôme, one of the most stylish districts in the world, Mandarin Oriental, Paris enjoys a wonderfully chic location. Surrounded by haute couture and only steps from the Louvre, this glorious five-star hotel is the epitome of elegant luxury.

The décor is sublime; boasting elegant, crisp style which expertly combines modern tastes with art deco finishes, each room is a masterpiece and an exercise in elegance. The sartorial beauty of each of the 98 rooms and 40 suites at the Mandarin Oriental does not compromise their practically, and each room is spacious and perfectly equipped with everything a guest needs to have a comfortable and invigorating stay. These include a state of the art Bang & Olufsen television and audio system, advanced, high definition digital content on demand, including the latest movies as well as an in-room interactive entertainment system which allows integration of iPod or MP3.

Enjoying views over our gardens or the chic boutiques of rue Saint Honoré, some of these rooms have private balconies, while all enjoy 500 thread count linens, an extensive pillow menu and sophisticated soundproofing to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Adjoining the bedroom, the lightfilled bathrooms offer an oasis of calm with walk-in showers, stand-alone baths and television screens cleverly hidden in the wall for a truly modern and comfortable experience.

Pairs is highly respected in fine dining circles and boasts many Michelin starred establishments, and guests at Mandarin Oriental will not be disappointed by the selection of superb restaurants available at the hotel. Head Chef Thierry Marx incorporates modern flavours into a variety of traditional French dishes to create an unrivalled gastronomic experience.

For a chic, sleek dining experience, Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx provides a haute couture way to lunch or dine. Offering a complete sensory experience for gourmands, the hotel’s signature restaurant is where Thierry Marx blends the technical and emotional aspects of cooking with sight, sound and taste. With each dish he aims for a profound personal response.

Every detail of the design by Jouin-Manku compliments this sensory experience. On entering, guests discover an intimate all-white cocoon, which acts as a blank canvas for the menu. Surrounded by neat white furnishings and drapery, guests are enveloped in a sleek, modern cocoon in which they can sample some truly delectable dishes which are simply but perfectly flavoured with rich signature tastes such as miso and truffle. Beautiful, natural ingredients such as pan-fried scallops and suckling pig make this the ideal location for a truly decedent meal.

The hotel’s modern masterpiece is Camélia’s, which combines classic French cooking with Japanese flavours. Located on the ground floor and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Camélia’s relaxed ambiance and beautiful design is the perfect setting for Thierry Marx’s original take on traditional French cuisine.

Using the freshest ingredients possible, Marx has invented a choice of delicious dishes in tune with the

Fashion Meets Function at Mandarin Oriental Paris

busy modern world. Menu highlights include a crab dish served with Rotolino, mango, Tomka broth, miso and parsley condiment, as well as an unforgettable Foie Gras with marbled with Crozes-Hermitage, quince and brioche.

Those with a sweet tooth need look no further than the hotel’s very own cake shop, which serves decadently delicious patisseries that are simply irresistible. Gorgeously presented and scrumptiously delicious, these delectable cakes and pastries make for the ultimate sweet treat. Located at the entrance to Camélia, guests can choose their dessert on the way in and retrieve it on the way out following their meal, with these decedent cakes making for the perfect end to a wonderful dining experience.

Following their meal those in need of a refreshing drink can visit Bar 8. Intimate, exclusive and very, very chic, Bar 8 is the perfect place to enjoy a drink.

Beautifully designed with a dramatic marble bar as its centrepiece, Bar 8 is located on the ground floor next to the discreet entrance to Sur Mesure.

With low glass topped tables dotted with tiny lights and wood walls inlaid with Lalique crystals like delicate raindrops, the décor is stunning. Low lighting, gentle music and impeccable service create a seductively sophisticated ambiance. Guests can enjoy a drink inside, or in the warmer months, choose a table outside for summer evening cocktails.

Anyone seeking to stay with their drink and enjoy a less formal dining experience are well catered for, as Bar 8 offers a “street food” menu between 12 and 6pm and a selection of gourmet tapas from 6pm onward. This serves for a relaxing way to spend the evening as well as the ideal solution to any midafternoon hunger pangs!

Once suitably fed and watered guests can rejuvenate and recuperate from their daily lives in the hotel’s luxurious spa. A haven of tranquillity spread over two floors, Mandarin Oriental’s spa offers a holistic environment in which to rejuvenate Designed as a sanctuary for the senses, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Paris celebrates every guest as an individual. The spa is among the largest in Paris, measuring 900 square metres of sheer beauty and tranquillity.

On arrival, guests are welcomed with an Oriental ritual, exchanging shoes for slippers to symbolically leave the temporal world behind. Guests will then be shown to their spa suite where you can relax in complete privacy and enjoy our facilities. Here, their personal therapist will offer them an in-depth consultation and from this recommend treatments especially designed for their individual needs.

It is this attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction, alongside the sartorial elegance, which defines the Mandarin Oriental Paris, and makes it the ideal destination for those seeking a stunning hotel with perfect hospitality and excellent facilities.

Whether you’re looking to book a trip to this must-visit hotel or find out more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com or call +33 (0)1 70 98 78 88

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A Taste of Italy in the Heart of London A taste of Italy set in Kensington, the one of the most coveted areas of London, Baglioni Hotel is the ultimate in chic destinations. Within easy distance of some of the most luxurious shopping in the city this glamorous establishment is the embodiment of European elegance.

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lux Contemporary chic and glamorous, Baglioni Hotel makes for the ideal city break; whether you are looking to take your partner for a romantic getaway or treat yourself to a shopping spree in Hyde Park, there is something for everyone at this opulent 5-star establishment. This luxurious hotel offers an exclusive location close to The Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and Knights-bridge, allowing guests the chance to see the very best that London has to offer.

The warmth and attention to detail offered at Baglioni is typical of the Italian lifestyle and aims to be a second home for guests, with the charm and tranquillity of a private residence facing out onto the park. The service is superb, with staff able to share their local knowledge and provide a vast array of amenities and facilities to meet your every need.

An imposing façade gives way to traditional Italian hospitality and plush, comfortable furnishings that make this the ideal home from home for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Facilities on offer include the new Baglioni SPA, a hidden gem in the heart of Kensington offering a sumptuous selection of pampering and wellness treatments to soothe the weary after a long day of shopping and exploring the delights of this bustling and beautiful city.

Designed by Rebosio+Spagnulo, the renovated Baglioni SPA is the ideal place to relax body and mind and restore well-being for a full caring and personalized experience. Open to both hotel guests and external clients, the Spa offers female and male Steam rooms, 3 treatment rooms for massages, facial and body treatments with Natura Bissé products and beauty services.

The signature ritual is a Rose Indulgence: you can bask in sensual pleasures and relax and rejuvenate your skin and senses with the anti-ageing properties of damask rose and delicate spicy essential oils with this exquisite face and body ritual. First your body is massaged with an exfoliating blend of rosehips seeds and diamond dust to refine the skin. Rhythmical massage with unique Rose scented dry oil ensures a body free of stress. Next the face is treated to skin

A Taste of Italy in the Heart of London

brightening, sculpting massage and a firming mask for a youthful, radiant and glowing complexion.

In addition, a selection of rejuvenating facials, relaxing massages and reinvigorating scrubs are available to ensure that you feel refreshed and ready to face the world again following your time at this luxurious spa.

If you are seeking the chance to settle down in their generous and sumptuously furnished room after a hectic day, there are a vast array of amenities available to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing time, including an Illy espresso coffee maker, high-speed Wi-Fi and exclusive Ortigia toiletries, as well as a variety of optional extras including use of an iPod docking station, luggage packing and even a butler service for those feeling particularly indulgent.

Each room and suite is superbly furnished, with the windows offering a stunning view of Hyde Park and the very heart of London. Combining modern comfort with classical Italian touches which lend the rooms an unforgettable classic finesse. Even the bathrooms offer understated luxury, with black marble floors, mirrored walls and two handmade copper sinks imported from Morocco.

Both pets and children can be accommodated at Baglioni, with staff always more than happy to assist and provide anything your little darlings may need, allowing you to enjoy a stress free holiday with all your loved ones.

Drawing on the hotel’s Italian heritage, Baglioni offers a stylish Italian restaurant, Brunello Bar and Restaurant, on the ground floor with glorious views of Kensington Gardens. Impeccably furnished with an immaculate finish, Brunello is as beautiful as it is brilliant, with a decedent menu featuring a number of Italian dishes, each fabulously finessed by Head Chef Alberto Rossetti. Menu highlights include the fresh home-made tagliolino with classic carbonara sauce and the gorgeous sea bass fillet served with au gratin with pistachio, Italian chicory and an indulgent truffle sauce. Chef Alberto Rossetti has a love for pasta and risotto, and because he believes that simple dishes can be sophisticated and refined using the right ingredients, attention to detail and passion, and this can be seen throughout the rich, flavourful menu.

Dessert is both decedent and delicious, with the more traditional tiramisu and crème brûlée topped with Sicilian pistachios battling for the most coveted dish against the more exotic crushed Mille-foglie with lemon Chantilly cream and fresh berries as well as the tantalising chocolate Bonet, which comes with a luscious Amaretto caramel as well as vanilla and cinnamon ice cream.

Ultimately it is the combination of excellent cuisine, quality service, stunning interior design and perfect location that make this the ideal setting for your London getaway. Business or pleasure, family, friends or just yourself, the Baglioni offers everyone a true taste of Italy in the heart of England’s fine capital city.

For more information or to book your stay at the Baglioni, visit www.baglionihotels.com or call 020 7368 5700

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