Best In Travel Magazine Issue 42 // 2016 // Europe Special

BESTINTRAVELMAGAZINE.COM

EUROPE'S

BIGGEST WINNERS

THE EXQUISITE FORTE VILLAGE RESORT EUROPCAR: 13 YEARS OF STRAIGHT VICTORIES MEET NINETIME WINNERS, DRAYCOTT HOTEL & LE BRISTOL PARIS

ISSUE

42 2016

CONTENTS CONTENTS

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THE RITZ PARIS

66

2016 EUROPE GALA CEREMONY

6

LUFTHANSA

70

FORTE VILLAGE RESORT

12

SIXT LUXURY CARS

72

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

14

ELOUNDA BEACH HOTEL & VILLAS

74

HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS

20

GRACE SANTORINI

76

KUONI

22

PORTO ZANTE VILLAS & SPA

80

A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL

26

CONRAD DUBLIN

82

RIXOS LIBERTAS DUBROVNIK

30

POWERSCOURT HOTEL RESORT SPA

86

COLUMBIA BEACH RESORT PISSOURI

32

CASTEL MONASTERO

88

DRAYCOTT HOTEL

36

90

DUKES HOTEL

38

ROME CAVALIERI, WALDORF ASTORIA HOTELS & RESORTS HOTEL DE PARIS, MONTE CARLO

92

SOFITEL LEGEND THE GRAND AMSTERDAM

94

TITANIC BELFAST

98

INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON THE O2

42

LONDON HILTON ON PARK LANE

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BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL PARIS EUROPCAR

48 50

BELMOND REID'S PALACE

100

CONRAD ALGARVE

102

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V, PARIS

54

DUNAS DOURADAS BEACH CLUB

106

LE BRISTOL PARIS

56

PORTUGAL

108

LYON

60

110

THE PENINSULA PARIS

64

SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY MOSCOW

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CONTENTS

LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

114

DEVON DELIGHT

118

ICEHOTEL

122

CARLTON HOTEL ST. MORITZ

124

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE KEMPINSKI ISTANBUL

126

CORNELIA DIAMOND GOLF RESORT & SPA

128

RIXOS HOTELS

138

DREAMTRIPS

140

Contents and on the cover: Santorini, Greece

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We make your client fall in love with Russ

Best tours by Russia’s Leading D OLTA Travel

St. Petersburg +7 (812) 336-60-80 Moscow +7 (495) 648-68-67 Paris +33-97-755-09-21 sales@oltatravel.ru www.oltatravel.com

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World Travel Awards

2016 EUROPE GALA CEREMONY

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2016 Europe Gala Ceremony

This years annual World Travel Awards returned to the exquisite Forte Village Sardinia for the Europe Gala Ceremony.

The glamorous black tie event took place over the weekend of 3-4 September, and brought together ambassadors, ministers, and distinguished guests from the hospitality industry.

The two-day itinerary included

networking events, excellent local cuisine, the wonderful Gala Dinner and Ceremony, and of course an all-out celebratory party.

As a destination, Sardinia is incredible. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean the idyllic island, which is the second largest in

the region, has an exquisite coastline of white, sandy beaches that gradually give way to wonderfully forested mountain peaks. Although it is part of Europe, it is in many ways worlds apart. Its history, traditions, cuisine, and culture are unique, as are the wonderful people who call it home. Speaking of which,

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guests of the Europe Gala Ceremony had the distinct pleasure of calling the excellent Forte Village Resort “home” for the duration of the weekend’s itinerary.

Located on the wonderful south-west coast of the island, Forte Village Resort comprises a collection of high-profile hotels which are set in the midst of stunning natural beauty. Its extensive offering includes a wide selection of activities and numerous world-class facilities, including 21 restaurants run by some of the world’s most recognised chefs and the highly renowned Thalasso del Forte. It is the ideal destination for any type of traveller!

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Gala Ceremony, it was also an opportunity for many of the winners to give praise to the people who make winning the awards possible: their dedicated staff. In a service-centric industry, the importance of professional, dedicated staff is immeasurable, and award winners made sure to show their appreciation and respect.

After all the awards had been collected, the last dance was danced, and the final bubble left the champagne, guests returned to their ports of origin to continue their excellent work and begin the process again for next year’s event!

PHOTO GALLERY

WINNERS

CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO

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2016 Europe Gala Ceremony

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WEB SOLUTIONS

BOOKING

Europe´s Leading Hotel direct Booking Digital inspiration to power booS Europe´s Leading Hotel Booking Solutions Provider www.roiback.com

G ENGINE

DIGITAL MARKETING

Solutions Provider okings for your hotel 2016 Europe's Leading Hotel Booking Solutions Provider

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2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

Europe's Leading Europe's Leading Europe's Leading Europe's Leading Europe's Leading Resort 2016 Sports Resort 2016 Luxury Hotel Villa Luxury Beach Luxury Family 2016: Villa Aurora Resort 2016 Resort 2016 @ Forte Village Resort

FORTE VILLAGE RESORT 2016

Italy's Leading Resort 2016

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The host of this year’s Europe Gala Ceremony was also one of its biggest winners, taking home no less than six World Travel Awards. It counted among them Europe’s and Italy’s Leading Resort, Europe’s Leading Sports, Beach, and Family Resort (three individual awards), and Europe's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa.

Of course, all of this is hardly surprising when considering that Forte Village has been named World’s Leading Resort for 17 consecutive years – every year since the award’s inception.

Located on the island of Sardinia in the inviting waters of the Mediterranean, Forte Village is conveniently close to many major European cities including Rome, Milan, London, and Manchester. The island is a world unto itself, with almost 2000km of coast-

Forte Village Resort

line and beautifully rugged interior boasting abundant, lush vegetation and ample scenic hiking trails. At the heart of it all lies Forte Village, its undisputed crowning jewel.

The luxury resort caters to groups of all sizes and interests, with superb facilities to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout. Accommodation comprises expansive seafront suites, bungalows, exquisite villas, and four- and five-star hotels. Outside the comfort of the opulent rooms, there are ample sport facilities and an excellent spa.

Villa Aurora, awarded Europe’s Leading Luxury Villa, is hidden in a secluded location offering the utmost privacy but still boasting panoramic views across the tropical gardens out to the ocean. A 210 square-metre villa, it is a haven of luxury, elegance and relaxation with a 1000 square-metre private garden and a private pool. Split over two storeys, it features a sun deck which doubles as an outdoor living room, four very well-appointed bedrooms each with a private bathroom, a wonderful living room, and a well-equipped kitchen. www.fortevillageresort.com

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Saint Petersburg, RUSSIA 2016

Europe's Leading Destination 2016

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Saint Petersburg, Russia

Over the years, Saint Petersburg has been known by many names: at one point it was called Petrograd, and then at another Leningrad, it’s been called the Venice of the North (because of its many rivers and canals), the Palmyra of the North, and the Northern Capital of Russia (both due its longstanding rivalry with Moscow), and this year it can once again add to those as Europe’s Leading Destination 2016. A city of over five million inhabitants, it is only eclipsed in size by Moscow, and although the latter is the nation’s capital (a title St. Petersburg held until 1918) it is Russia’s most westernised city and is still considered the cultural capital.

Set on the edge of the Baltic Sea and the Neva River, it was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great – partly to satisfy his seafaring and maritime ambitions. It was the imperial capital for two centuries, and over that time developed an incredible cultural identity.

Much of its grandeur is due to its founder. Inspired by the West, and with an insatiable appetite for progress, Peter the Great built the city up

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from nothing. With each subsequent successor, the city grew in size and stature, to the point where it became Russia’s first great, modern city and the Romanovs’ showcase destination. At its peak, it was Russia’s most powerful city, and over the years it has nurtured and inspired some the world’s greatest music, visual art, and literature. Even though it is no longer the capital, it still retains all the beauty and brilliance of years gone by.

In many ways, Saint Petersburg is like a city frozen in time, and a treasure trove waiting to be discovered and explored by newcomers. The impressive architecture, the result of 300 years of design and progress, comprises a plethora of European influences yet with an unmistakable Russian twist. The countless canals and rivers, which gave rise to its 342 bridges, are lined with classic Italianate mansions and breath-taking plazas. A wander through the city feels like a journey back in time.

Adding to the cultural appeal are the many art and history buildings and institutions that are dotted around the city. The expansive Historic Centre and Related Group of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and each building within it is an attraction 16

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Saint Petersburg, Russia

in itself. In addition, it is also home to one of the largest art museums in the world, The Hermitage, and several other renowned attractions including the ultramodern Mariinsky Theatre, the State Russian Museum, the Shostakovich Philharmonia and the fantastic Erarta Museum. What’s more, the next generation of artists, musicians, and writers, have formed a burgeoning underground scene which has a distinctly hedonistic atmosphere and an undeniable allure.

Due to the city’s very northern location, it has a huge seasonal variation. During the autumn and winter months, daylight fades and there is little more than six hours of sunlight, but this skew is balanced by the city’s legendary White Nights.

During the summer months it never gets darker than twilight, and every year this abundance of light gives birth to numerous festivals and gatherings, and the whole city seems to come alive.

There are countless other things that can be written about the exquisite city, but they are far better enjoyed and more appreciated in person. www.visit-petersburg.ru

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Discover London, its history, architecture, shopping, museums, nightlife, luxurious hotels and spas, wonderful restaurants and of course its people. Let Discover London take you on daily tour to understand and learn more about the sights, sounds and the culture of one of the greatest cities in the world.

London is one of the most visited cities and is a diverse cultural hub — responding to this, Discover London brings you the news in eight languages. Whether it serves tourists or Londoners themselves, there will be a language for almost everyone. Check our ‘About’ section to discover more about this beautiful city.

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Discover London

www.discover-london.co

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HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS 2016

Europe's Leading Hotel Brand 2016

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Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Since its inception in 1919, when Conrad Hilton bought his first hotel, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality industry. Renowned for its innovative approach and introducing many firsts, it has become a globally recognised name and a leader of hospitality. Over the years it has accrued a variety of awards and accolades, and in 2016 it was awarded Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand for the third consecutive year.

Over its almost 100-year history the brand laid much of the groundwork for the modern industry, and some notable firsts include becoming the first hotel in the world to install televisions in guest rooms in 1947 at the Roosevelt Hilton, New York City; pioneering the modern-day reservation system when it introduced its multi-hotel reservations system in 1948; essentially launching the airport hotel concept when it opened the San Francisco Airport Hilton in 1959; and making history again in 2008 with the Hilton Vancouver Washington which was the first hotel to be both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Seal certified.

What sets Hilton Hotels & Resorts apart from its competitors is its dedication to style, its inventive approach, and its incredible consistency across the globe. At any hotel or resort, in any country or city, it’s the same superior experience. What’s more, at each location the brand is deeply involved in local initiatives, supporting and implementing charities and sustainability projects.

Recently, the group launched three more hotels in Europe: Hilton Edinburgh Carlton (Scotland), Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora (Montenegro), and Hilton Tallinn Park (Estonia), and a further two: Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum (Russia), and Hilton Tashkent (Uzbekistan) are set to open in the near future. www.hilton.com

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KUONI Launched by Alfred Kuoni in Switzerland in 1906, Kuoni quickly grew into the country’s most well-established travel agency and in 1965 expanded to the UK. From there it continued increasing both its footprint and its offering, to the point where today it is UK’s leading long-haul tour operator and was recently awarded Switzerland's Leading Travel Agency 2016 at the World Travel Awards.

Kuoni’s incredible service is evident throughout all of its touchpoints, always offering the same superb, personalised experience.

This is thanks to the travel experts booking the trips, who are travellers themselves and first-hand knowledge of the destinations offered. Their dedication to client satisfaction is second to none, ensuring that even planning the perfect holiday becomes an exciting exercise.

Like any of the destinations it promotes around the world, Kuoni’s Europe offering is comprehensive, well-developed, and unique. The continent has a holiday for every occasion, and Kuoni’s hand-picked collection encompasses the lot.

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2016

Switzerland's Leading Travel Agency 2016

Kuoni

It offers a variety of beach holidays all along the Mediterranean coast, with options to suit every type of traveller. Families can look forward to activity-filled days on the Canary Islands, while couples can indulge at a spa retreat in Madeira. Play 18-holes at one of the many courses of the Algarve, or soak up the Greek sun in Mykonos. Enjoy Island hopping in Croatia or embrace an all-inclusive luxury trip in Turkey.

Small group tours, with world-class tour operators, are a great way to explore new destinations and socialise with fellow travellers, while stay and cruise holidays offer a chance to experience Europe in style and at a more relaxed pace.

Kuoni also offers a range of Wellness Holidays across the continent, allowing clients to focus on what really matters: personal health and wellbeing. After a relaxing getaway, clients return feeling rejuvenated, energised, de-stressed and rebalanced. www.kuoni.ch

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photographe Iris Velghe

T H E U LT I M AT E C U V É E RO SÉ

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A-ROSA Kitzbühel

2016

Austria's Leading Spa Resort 2016

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A-ROSA Kitzbühel

Looking out over the magnificent Alpine mountains and built in the style of classic Tyrolean castle, A-ROSA Kitzbühel could just as easily have been taken from the pages of a fairytale. An exclusive golf and wellness resort, it is renowned for its diverse range of activities, in particular its superb snow-skiing. No surprise when considering the legendary Hahnenkamm and the Streif are within site from its grounds. In addition to its wonderful outdoor offerings, it’s also home to an incredible spa which helped it secure this year’s award for Austria’s Leading Spa Resort.

Only opened just over ten years ago, A-ROSA Kitzbühel quickly became a darling of

the luxury travel industry and a favourite among guests. The impressive four-building structure comprises 115 bedrooms and 36 suites, all luxuriously furnished and boasting the finest finishes. Guest satisfaction is of the utmost importance, and all are attended to by personal hosts to ensure no desire goes unmet.

It’s impossible to think of the resort without also thinking of SPA-ROSA, the wonderful spa which is laid out over 3000 square-metres. The expansive retreat features breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain scenery and offers an extensive range of treatments that pamper the body, clear the mind, and soothe the soul.

A mountain sanctuary like no other, facilities at SPA-ROSA include the country’s only SENSAI Lounge for facial and body treatments, as well as 22 treatment rooms and an oriental hammam, a Tranquility Room, and a Kérastase hair salon. For a more exclusive experience, guests can reserve the St. Barth private spa suite, and a private treatment room that offers a world of Caribbean relaxation employing a range of elixirs and unique treatments. www.resort.a-rosa.de

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COME AND ENJOY THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

at the World’s Leading Resort

2015 World's Leading Resort

Live the dream. Relax in luxurious accommodation, soak up the sun on a stunning soft white sand beach, laze by the pool or rejuvenate in the beautiful spa. Enjoy Italian cuisine and Michelin starred chefs. There’s Wonderland for smaller children and sports academies for teens. Play with stars of Chelsea Football Club, tennis, rugby, cycling, boxing and basketball. Life is for living. fortevillage.com + 39 070 9218820 holiday@fortevillage.com

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Rixos Libertas DUBROVNIK 2016

Croatia's Leading Seafront Hotel 2016

Croatia’s Mediterranean coast is one of the most popular in the world, and is dotted with countless luxury hotels.

So, to stand out from the crowd takes something quite special, something like what Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik – winner of Croatia's Leading Seafront Hotel 2016 – has in abundance. For two years in a row the luxury hotel has claimed the title thanks to its incredible offering that encompasses all aspects of hospitality.

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Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik

Set in a culturally and historically rich area, the Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik is surrounded by the breath-taking landscape of the Lapad Peninsula the Adriatic Sea. Within walking distance of Dubrovnik and the Old Town yet removed from the hustle and bustle, its location is a welcome combination of convenience and seclusion.

All of the 254 luxurious rooms and suites are exquisitely designed and beautifully furnished, offering superior comfort and cutting edge amenities. Halfboard service, including bed and breakfast, are provided and fantastic VIP services are available.

The culinary offering at the Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik is among the best in the region. Across its four restaurants – Azzur Restaurant, Mozaik Restaurant, Lalezar Grill House, Azzur Fish Restaurant – numerous culinary styles are presented including authentic Turkish, Italian, and Dalmatian cuisine, all served in the hotel’s signature style. In addition, the excellent Azzur Moet Ice Imperial Champagne Bar serves up a selection of worldclass champagnes.

One of the hotel’s most alluring features is the Golden Sun Casino, the only casino in the city. In addition to superb gaming floor, it also regularly hosts themed parties and world famous DJs in its X-Treme Night Club.

On the other end of the spectrum is the exquisite Rixos Royal Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Designed as a sanctuary where guests can attain perfect balance of body, mind and soul, its facilities include a massage parlour and hydro-massage room, a steam room, a beauty centre, a fully-equipped fitness centre and much more. www.libertasdubrovnik.rixos.com

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COLUMBIA

Beach Resort Pissouri 2016

2016

2016

Cyprus's Leading Resort 2016

Europe's Leading Luxury All Suite Resort 2016

Mediterranean's Leading Resort 2016

Launched in 2003, the Columbia Beach Resort is the flagship property of the well-respected Columbia Shipping Company Cyprus. Set in the beautiful Pissouri Bay, the fivestar resort comprises twelve low-rise buildings elegantly arranged around an impressive 80 metre lagoon pool.

Offering superb suite accommodation only, it was awarded Europe's Leading Luxury All Suite Resort 2016, in addition to winning Cyprus's Leading Resort 2016 and Mediterranean's Leading Resort 2016.

credible artefacts of Egyptian and Roman decent remain to be discovered and enjoyed by visitors. For guests that want to explore such attractions, Paphos is the ideal location.

The Kouklia excavations, well-preserved mosaics, and excellent museums are all conveniently close.

Over the course of history, countless civilisations have passed through Cyprus, each leaving little bits of their culture behind. To this day, in-

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But, it is not just the physical remnants that are evident, those ancient cultures also greatly influenced the design and atmosphere of the region.

And, of course, the Columbia Beach Resort Pissouri proudly counts itself among the buildings and structures that have embraced and incorporated the region’s rich history.

The Columbia Beach Resort’s accommodation is made up of 95 exclusive suites, each featuring exquisite views and excellent furnishings, and offering outstanding comfort.

Guests have a choice of one of three five-star suite types, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, or Family Suite, each with its own unique charms. All suites are luxuriously outfitted and have been decorated to complement the beautiful surroundings. Guests also benefit from the Resort’s renowned service, which is always personalised and ensures each stay is an unforgettable one.

www.columbiaresort.com

Columbia Beach Resort Pissouri

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WORLD´S LEADING ADVENTURE

TOURISM DESTINATION

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Draycott HOTEL

2016

England's Leading Boutique Hotel 2016

Set in the heart of Chelsea, the Draycott Hotel is an exclusive 35-bedroom boutique hotel and the epitome of classic elegance. The red-brick Edwardian hotel was originally built in 1890 and has been immaculately restored over the years, always retaining its distinguished old world charm.

Five-star in every sense of the term, it won England's Leading Boutique Hotel for the fifth consecutive year – the ninth time in total that it has won the award.

Although it is, of course, a hotel in every sense of the word, what endears the Draycott to so many people, is the homey atmosphere that it creates. Every day, all guests enjoy complimentary tea and biscuits at 4pm, champagne at 6pm, hot chocolate and biscuits at 9:30pm, and access to an honesty bar in the lounge. Guests also have access to a pristinely maintained Cadogan garden – in the middle of London no less – and the 24-hour personalised service ensures that needs and wants are met before they’ve even manifested.

Each of the hotel’s 35 bedrooms is individually decorated and furnished with exquisite Victorian antiques. The majority of the rooms feature a cosy fireplace, and many boast of view of the lovely Cadogan garden.

With the exception of fish and chips, there are few things more quintessentially British than afternoon tea. And, the Draycott Hotel offers what is arguably the finest interpretation that can be experienced anywhere on the continent. Guests have a choice of either a glass of cool Champagne or any one of a selection of excellent blended teas, which is served with variety of tempting finger foods, sweets, and pastries. www.draycotthotel.com

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Draycott Hotel

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Dukes Hotel

2016

England's Leading Hotel 2016

For the last four years in a row, Dukes Hotel has been voted England’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards. Nestled just around the corner from Buckingham Palace in historic St. James, the hotel is the embodiment of sophisticated luxury.

An effortless combination of authentic British charm and modern luxury, Dukes Hotel has managed to create the ultimate luxury home away from home. But, what truly sets Dukes Hotel apart from the competition is its incredible attention to detail. No task is too small or too simple to be overlooked, and the utmost care is taken with the execution of every single order.

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Dukes Hotel

All rooms and suites come standard with a Queen Size bed, and feature interactive flatscreen TVs, elegant writing desks, marvellous en-suite bathrooms, and array of cutting edge amenities. Part of Dukes Hotel’s superb accommodation offering are the Duchess Rooms.

Created specifically for female business and leisure guests, it features several unique, feminine touches including a specifically laid out dressing table with a makeup mirror, hair dryer, and accessories all within easy reach; smaller slippers; and a selection of lifestyle magazines.

In addition, a female member of staff is allocated to guests of the rooms to attend to all room service and housekeeping needs, and a quiet corner table can be kept available in the Dining room for private dining.

Similar to the rest of its offering, Duke Hotel’s food and beverage portfolio is superb. THIRTY SIX, the hotel’s restaurant, serves up Nigel Mendham’s excellent, British cuisine, where the focus is on time-honoured cooking techniques and the finest local ingredients. A drink at the legendary Dukes Bar, renowned for its martinis and personalised cocktails, is an experience to be savoured. At one time the haunt of James Bond author, Ian Flemming, it is rumoured to have been the inspiration for the timeless line “shaken, not stirred”. www.dukeshotel.com

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© 2016 Hilton Worldwide

A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE IT WAS MADE FOR YOU. BECAUSE IT WAS.

algarve

Conrad Algarve Estrada da Quinta do Lago 8135-106 Almancil Telephone +351 289 350 700 www.conradhotels.com

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InterContinental London

THE O2

2016

Europe's Leading New Hotel 2016

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InterContinental London The O2

Perched right on the Greenwich Prime Meridian, the 453-room InterContinental London - The O2 hotel is a luxury icon. Boasting magnificent views in all directions, guests can look out over the River Thames, Royal Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena depending on their location in the hotel. With excellent accommodation and facilities, it was voted Europe’s Leading New Hotel 2016.

The Hotel’s rooms are divided into three classes: Classic Rooms, Executive Rooms, and Suites. Classic Rooms are the most basic, but are by no means inadequate. Ranging in size from 29 to 32 square-metres, they have been designed with comfort and convenience in mind and feature free wifi, air-conditioning, a 42” Smart TV, and an array of modern technology. A notch up from Classic, Superior Rooms have larger bathrooms and boast floor length panoramic windows. Executive Rooms boast all the same features as the Classic Rooms, and then add some additional luxury touches. The finest of the offering, are the Suites. 50 in total, the exclusive suites are expansive and offer premium comfort. Each Suite is fitted with a divine King Size bed, has comfortable seating space, and features a superbly designed en-suite bathroom.

The Spa at the InterContinental London - The O2 is a beautifully designed haven of peace and tranquillity. Much of its design is led by the history of the region, and touches like bespoke printed mosaic tiles, sumptuous rugs and delicate die-cut pendant lighting were inspired by the East India Trading Company’s influence and the area's age-old trading of porcelain and silks.

With capacity for up to 3000 guests in its gorgeous pillar-free ballroom, meetings, events, and conferences at the hotel are an absolute pleasure.

The hotel’s central location makes it a convenient stop, and the exquisite views provide the perfect backdrop no matter what the occasion. www.ihg.com

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LONDON HILTON ON PARK LANE As the very first Hilton Hotel to open in the UK, the London Hilton on Park Lane is an icon of the city. First opening its doors in 1963, it has been the undisputed home of luxury and excellence ever since. Located in London’s exclusive Mayfair district, the hotel is easily reached by all modes of transport, and is close to many prime attractions including West End theatres, historic landmarks and famous shopping districts. The hotel boasts 453 elegant guest rooms, with 56 exquisite suites, all of which enjoy wonderful views of the city.

Guests of the hotel have the pleasure of experiencing three superb restaurants and five excellent bars. Escape the city at Trader Vic’s Restaurant & Bar, a colourful tropical bar decorated with traditional Tiki carvings and serving modern French Polynesian-style cuisine. The Podium Restaurant & Bar is famed for its afternoon tea, as well its seasonal European cuisine. In addition

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London Hilton on Park Lane

2016

England's Leading Business Hotel 2016 to being a Michelin-starred restaurant, the 28th floor Galvin at Windows also boasts breath-taking 360° city views and serves seasonally inspired, contemporary French cuisine. Its bar is also renowned for its innovative cocktails.

The hotel’s upscale London Champagne Bar, the CC Bar, is located on Lobby Level and offers a wide selection of Pommery Champagne, signature champagne cocktails and premium spirits.

With 11 multi-purpose function rooms, an on-site Business Centre (open every day, all day) and high speed wireless and wired internet throughout the hotel, hosting an event of any type at the London Hilton is pure pleasure. The hotel’s highly-trained event staff offer impeccable service, ensuring every detail is attended to at all times. www.hilton.com

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Maharajas’ Express

An experience unsurpassed I

ndia… a country with a history as old as time. A country where diverse dynasties have ruled through centuries, leaving their indelible imprint on the landscape, language and culture of the nation. Majestic palaces, forts, rich natural bounty, abundant wildlife….there’s so much to soak in and store memories for a lifetime. Come aboard Maharajas’ Express.

Journey Options Indian Splendour (7 Nights/8 Days) Delhi-Agra-Ranthambore-Jaipur-Bikaner-Jodhpur-UdaipurBalasinore-Mumbai Heritage of India (7 Nights/8 Days) Mumbai-Ajanta-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Bikaner-JaipurRanthambore-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra-Delhi Indian Panorama (7 Nights/8 Days) Delhi-Jaipur-Ranthambore-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra-GwaliorKhajuraho-Varanasi-Lucknow-Delhi Gems of India/Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days) Delhi-Agra-Ranthambore- Jaipur-Delhi Jewels of India* (6 Nights/7 Days) Delhi-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Ranthambore-Jaipur-Jodhpur-OsiyanUdaipur-Delhi Highlights All inclusive tariff including sightseeing and meals • 24-hour valet service • Complimentary house wines, spirits and beers • Sightseeing with entrance fee included • Services of an experienced tour director • Choice of optional excursions and spas at hotels • Paramedic onboard *Special departure: 19th March 2017

A luxury offering from

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (a Govt of India Enterprise) B-148, 11th Floor, Statesman House, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001 +91 9717635915 • maharajas@irctc.com • www.the-maharajas.com

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BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL Paris 2016

France's Leading Boutique Hotel 2016

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Located in a charming 18th century building in the ultra-chic Faubourg St HonorĂŠ, the five-star Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris is a glorious fusion of tradition, art, culture, and luxury that redefines the concept of a classic Parisian hotel. Only steps away from the renowned Buddha-Bar restaurant, the iconic hotel offers a boutique experience unlike any other, and is the ultimate getaway in the City of Lights.

Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris

Before there were ever any Buddha-Bar hotels, there was the original Buddha-Bar restaurant.

Dreamt up by the visionary Raymon Visan, the world-famous venue was launched in 1996 and quickly gained international recognition. The concept for the restaurant, which was later carried through to the hotels, is as simple as it is exquisite: “a voyage within a voyage”. The result of his globe-trotting and exposure to many wonderful cultures around the world, it proved to be the perfect inspiration for a one-of-a-kind restaurant and later boutique hotels.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris is the embodiment of the good life, and offers unrivalled high-end personalized service in an unforgettable setting. Its unique approach to hospitality, which combines French excellence with an Asian approach to wellbeing, takes it far beyond the

realm of simple accommodation – every stay is an experience.

Every detail at the Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris has been carefully considered and intentionally incorporated. From the oiled oak parquet floors and Egyptian cotton sheets to red and gold pâte de verre glass ornamentation and the imperial yellow pleated silk that runs through the hallways, everything adds to the unique ambiance of the hotel. Rooms at the Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris are arranged around a courtyard, each elegantly decorated and showcasing a multitude of influences. Their design and décor invites serenity, and provides guests with a luxurious escape. www.buddhabarhotelparis.com

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BEST IN TRAVEL

EUROPCAR

2016

Europe's Leading Car Rental Company 2016

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Europcar

Since first winning Europe's Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards 2003, no other car rental company has even come close to taking the title from Europcar. Recognised as the number one European car rental service, this year marked its 13th consecutive win as Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company.

Global experts, with over 60 years of experience, Europcar has long been an international leader in the industry always managing to stay ahead of its competitors.

Operating since 1949, Europcar has built up an incredibly diverse portfolio of clients that span the full spectrum from leisure and private customers to businesses and large companies. Part of what keeps it the clients’ number one choice is the exceptional value offered at an extraordinary price. The scale of the company has allowed it to optimise offerings for specific market segments and to offer customers an impressive range of mobility solutions.

Much of the company’s success can be traced back to the three core principles that underpin its values, namely: Customer Knowledge, Revenue Growth, and Digital Strategy & Innovation. Through these it develops and executes new CRM tools and optimises its customer rewards programs, keeps the brand’s appeal relevant and front of mind, enhances distribution channels and expands its global footprint, and improves its IT systems and implements intermodal solutions.

In keeping with its commitment to innovation, Europcar consistently strives to partner with experts in their fields to expand its offering. Most recently, it acquired Brunel, a London-based ride-hailing business and a leading provider of chauffeur and executive driver services, and introduced Drive & Share, a revolutionary partnership with GoMore to serve the medium-term rental market. www.europcar.com

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A MAGNIFICENT MEDIEVAL HAMLET JUST OUTSIDE SIENA In the stunning setting of one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, amid Chianti vines, rolling fields of wheat and long lines of cypress trees, stands Castel Monastero, a tiny 11th-century medieval hamlet just 23 km from Siena.

Inside these thousand-year-old walls, Castel Monastero’s rooms, suites and villa pay homage to the harmonious rustic style of Tuscany’s ancient abodes.

The Spa at Castel Monastero is the ideal place to rediscover harmony and balance. The weight-loss and detox programmes, beauty treatments and moments of true relaxation help restore health and wellbeing.

At our two restaurants, guests can savour the elegant cuisine created by our Chef in partnership with a star of the calibre of Gordon Ramsay, accompanied by local specialities and the finest Tuscan wines.

www.castelmonastero.com • +39 0577 570570 • reservations@castelmonastero.com

HILTON VILAMOURA AS CASCATAS GOLF RESORT & SPA

Relax at Hilton Vilamoura in the sunny Algarve. Enjoy a round of golf at one of Vilamoura golf courses nearby or take a dip in one of the six pools with cascading waterfalls. Be delighted with six different restaurant and bar concepts.

Always get the lowest price only when you book direct* Book direct at www.hiltonvilamouraresort.com or call 351 289 304 000

HILTON VILAMOURA AS CASCATAS GOLF RESORT & SPA

Rua da Torre d'Água, Lote 4.11.1B 8125615 Vilamoura | Algarve | Portugal +351 289 304 000 | reservations.vilamoura@hilton.com

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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V, PARIS 2016

France's Leading Business Hotel 2016

The Four Seasons Hotel George V Hotel is located in the heart of Paris, just steps away from the ChampsElysÊes and many more of the city’s most prominent attractions. Set in an eight-storey landmark building which was constructed in 1928, the hotel is the epitome of elegance and charm and was awarded France's Leading Business Hotel 2016.

The Four Seasons offers around the clock Business Services which include a secretarial service, translation and interpretation service, and a dedicated, multilingual Concierge which can see to all business, entertainment or travel arrangements.

The state-of-the-art Business Centre features private working stations, audio-visual equipment, guest computers, and complimentary high-speed internet. Everything a guest could possibly need to conduct any and all types of business.

Accommodation comprises 244 luxury hotel guest rooms and suites. Guest Rooms, some of which feature private terraces, boast luxurious design elements, spacious sitting areas, and classic Louis XVI styling. The expansive and opulent suites are a perfect balance between classical elegance and modern

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Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

functionality, with exquisite architecture and unique styling. The wonderful Terraced Rooms overlook the city’s iconic Golden Triangle, and guests can get lost simply observing the movements of the city and its people.

Three superb restaurants and two excellent lounges make up the Hotel’s dining and drinking offering. The Michelin-starred Le Cinq, led

by Chef Christian Le Squer, serves inspired classic French cuisine with a modern touch, always incorporating the freshest regional ingredients. Le George offers Mediterranean-style cuisine, ideal for sharing or enjoying as multiple, smaller portions. The hotel’s third signature

gastronomical restaurant is L’Orangerie, which specialises in traditional French contemporary cuisine. La Galerie, as the name suggests, showcases exquisite artworks including Flemish tapestries, 19th-century paintings and furniture, and numerous other pieces, and is regularly frequented by the city’s most fashionable residents. Lastly, Le Bar is a stunning bar decorated in timeless mahogany and cognac colour woods, and has an unbeatable atmosphere, the ideal spot from which to take in some lovely views while enjoying a fine beverage. www.fourseasons.com/paris

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BEST IN TRAVEL

LE BRISTOL Paris Winner of France’s Leading Hotel a total of nine times, with the last six victories coming in consecutive years, Le Bristol Paris is the jewel of the Oetker Collection and an icon of the French hospitality industry. Opened in 1925, it has been a pioneer since its inception and through its definition of luxury, “service of the highest order through mastery and sincerity”, it has become an internationally celebrated destination. The preferred choice of the most discerning travellers, the Hotel offers an unrivalled first-class Parisian experience.

2016

France's Leading Hotel 2016

A benchmark for luxury hotels all around the world, the Hotel has achieved the perfect balance between honouring its impressive history and keeping abreast of the latest trends within the industry.

Part of its unique offering is its “French style” garden, a 1200 square-metre escape

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in the heart of the bustling city. The garden boasts an impressive collection of plants and flowers including tulips, narcissuses, daffodils, laburnums, anthemia, azaleas and rhododendrons, and is also home to numerous birds. This is where guests will find Le Jardin Francais, an excellent restaurant run by three-star chef Eric Frechon.

As members of Les Clefs d'Or, the Hotel’s concierges are among the finest to be found anywhere, and when it comes to guest satisfaction, no task is too small and no demand is too large. Experts of their city, the concierges have insider knowledge of all the trendiest spots and delight and excel at arranging itineraries for the city. Available all day, every day, they are the difference between a great stay and an unforgettable one. www.lebristolparis.com

Le Bristol Paris

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LYON

Located in east-central France, at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon is an exquisite city with over 2000 years of history embedded in its foundations. As France’s third largest city, it is a commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse, and has been for the better part of the last 500 years. Of course, that is not what endears it to visitors or what earned it the title of Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2016. Those are due to its undeniable charm, its wonderful gastronomy, rich culture, and intriguing history.

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With a total area of less than 50 square kilometres, Lyon is endlessly walkable and best explored by foot. Its small size also gives it a distinct atmosphere that is different to that of its larger counterparts, Paris and Marseille. For all their grandeur and metropolitan qualities, Lyon is quaint, historic, and picturesque.

Perhaps the best way to think of Lyon is as a concentration of all of the best that France has to offer. Despite its size, it is known as a leading gastronomic and historical city, and boasts a thriving cultural scene. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C., it is also a World Heritage City, and its streets are alive with history. Part of this is the role it played in the history of silk production, and visitors can

Lyon

learn all about that at the excellent La Maison des Canuts. The city is also home to many other wonderful museums and attractions, including the Musée Gadagne and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Gastronomically, visitors are spoilt for choice, and although options abound and choices can be tough, no Lyonnais experience is complete without a visit to a bouchon – a traditional restaurant. They first popped up around the turn of the 20th century, and grew ever more popular since then. They serve a multitude of local specialities, and offer visitors a truly authentic, unforgettable experience.

2016

Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2016

www.lyon-france.com

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World TV Group specialises in bring you the most vivid, informational and engaging video content on the web.

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london londontraveltv.com

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THE PENINSULA PARIS

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2016

2016

Europe's Leading Luxury Hotel 2016

France's Leading Luxury Hotel 2016

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The Peninsula Paris

An award-winning Landmark Hotel, the Peninsula Paris is set in a century-old classic building which has been painstakingly restored to an immaculate degree. It carefully balances age-old regal charm with contemporary luxury and amenities, offering guests a truly one-of-kind experience in one of t Europe’s most incredible cities. It is Peninsula Hotel’s latest and only property on the continent, and is a superb example of the group’s highly-respected legacy.

To that end, it was awarded both Europe's and France’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2016.

Set in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, its front door is just steps from the Arc de Triomphe and a short jaunt from some of the city's most exclusive shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Rooms and suites at the hotel are exquisitely decorated and furnished with state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring that anything and everything a guest could possibly want can be had at just a moment’s notice. Guests also have access to the hotel’s exclusive “Keys to Paris” accommodation package, offering access to some of the city’s most

celebrated exhibitions. It comprises a stay for two with breakfast, VIP admission to an exhibition of the guests’ choice and a chauffeur-driven vehicle for the experience.

Located in the basement floor of the hotel, the highly acclaimed Peninsula Spa is an indulgent escape hidden in the heart of the city. Décor and design incorporate Eastern influences and modern touches, creating a unique, calming atmosphere. Each of the Spa’s exclusive treatments are personalised experiences, carefully tailored to ensure each guest’s wellness journey is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Sattva by Simply Peninsula is the Spa’s collaboration with Australian Aromatherapy pioneer, Subtle Energies, and comprises a range of exclusive facial and body treatments. Similarly, Peninsula Paris offers a range of Biologique Recherche facial treatments. www. paris.peninsula.com

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THE RITZ PARIS 2016

Europe's Leading City Hotel 2016

A favourite destination of some of the world’s most famous and powerful people, the Ritz Paris is one of the city’s most legendary hotels. A showcase of all things quintessentially Parisian, it is renowned for its exceptional savoir-faire, and recently underwent restoration work to offer guests a refreshed experience.

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The Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris offers three superb accommodation options, each as wonderful as the next. Rooms offer one-of-a-kind ambiance and are generously proportioned, featuring fine woodwork and gentle pastel hues, reflecting the luxury of the rest of the hotel. The classic suites were also revamped during the restoration process, and now offer even more space and feature the latest technologies. Even with the changes, they have not lost their endearing charm, and some offer expansive shaded terraces with stunning views. Over the years the hotel’s most distinguished accommodations, the Prestige Suites, have welcomed some unforgettable guests including Marcel Proust, Frédéric Chopin, Coco Chanel and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and they each placed their own touch in the rooms. These suites, also recently restored, celebrate the historic guests they have welcomed, and invite future guests to share the experience.

Running through the heart of the hotel, connecting the iconic place Vendôme to the chic rue Cambon, is the unique and exclusive Gallery of the Ritz Paris. An architectural treasure and fundamental part of the hotel, it is bathed in light throughout the day, showcases exquisite pieces and features five boutiques: Tasaki, Reza, Maison Ullens, Colombo Via della Spiga, and Heroes. Part of this wonderful feature is the Concept Store, also known as “Oeil du Ritz”, which offers travel essentials and beautiful Parisian keepsakes. Until the end of the year, it will also host The Webster. www.ritzparis.com

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YOUR HOLIDAY STARTS ONBOARD DFDS is one of northern Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest ferry operators with 8 routes across the continent.

The modern vessels operating on the routes boast extensive facilities including restaurants, bars, play areas and shops. There are also premium lounges and cabin areas for those who want to cruise in style.

UK-EUROPE WWW.DFDS.CO.UK

LEADING FERRY OPERATOR DFDS are proud to hold the award of World’s Leading Ferry Operator 2015 and to be nominated for Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2016.

2015

2016

World's Leading Ferry Operator

Europe's Leading Ferry Operator

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LUFTHANSA

As the largest airline in Germany, and largest in Europe when counted with its subsidiaries, Lufthansa is a veritable aviation giant.

Launched almost 100 years ago in 1926, the airline has gone through many iterations and developments, including a complete hiatus during the Second World War. Today it operates across the world, offering service to almost 200 international destinations spread across 78 countries. For the last six years in a row, and three times before that, it has been

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voted Europe’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards.

In order to stay relevant and ahead of the curve in the extremely competitive aviation industry, Lufthansa has had to consistently innovate and improve its offering. To this end, the company has launched its strategic “7to1 – Our way forward” program. The campaign sets out to put the airline at the top of the food chain once more, and make

Lufthansa

it the first choice in aviation for customers, employees, shareholders and partners.

2016

Europe's Leading Airline 2016

2016

Europe's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2016

This year, Lufthansa was also awarded Europe's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2016. Its offering is excellent and manages to accomplish the seemingly impossible: Economy Class tickets with First Class perks.

On short and medium-haul routes, innovative seating, with slim but strong seatbacks allow for more leg room, and on long-haul routes passengers can recline into spacious 40+cm seats. In-flight entertainment on long-haul flights includes the latest movies, the best radio stations, and a variety of TV programmes and in-seat games. Meals are served at times that suit passenger departure times and destinations, and drinks are complimentary for the duration of the flight.

Lufthansaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economy Class offering is further enhanced with its unique special fares. Economy Flex fares give passengers the same benefits as Business Class, but at a fraction of the cost.

On the other end of the spectrum, Economy Basic fares makes it possible even for travellers on very tight budgets to fly. www.lufthansa.com

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SIXT LUXURY CARS 2016

Europe's Leading Luxury Car Rental Company 2016

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Sixt Luxury Cars

As the market leader in its native Germany, with a fast-growing international offering, Sixt Car Hire has long been a pioneer of the industry. It was the first company to bring radio-taxis to Europe, and decades later it was the first worldwide car rental company to offer booking via iPhone. Its consistent innovation has seen it find success in over 2200 locations in over 100 countries, and this year it was awarded Europe's Leading Luxury Car Rental Company for the first time.

Since its inception in 1912, when founder Martin Sixt started his company "Sixt Autofahrten und Selbstfahrer" (Six Car Cruises and Self Drivers), Sixt has always put the customer first. Its Luxury Car Hire service was created with that very vision in mind, allowing customers to make a powerful first impression regardless of where they are. Its offering includes prestigious cars like Jaguar and Maserati, as well as the finest luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and more.

Sixtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Luxury Car Hire makes a compelling case against owning a personal luxury vehicle. It takes out the hassle of maintenance and the high upfront costs of purchasing a luxury vehicle. Furthermore, Sixt offers a range of loyalty benefits including mile-points, bonus points and discounts. With the use of its mobility card, which can be used around the world, customers simply need to swipe and a record of all transactions and rewards is created.

And lastly, hiring a luxury car offers incredible versatility. Customers can always make a unique, impressive entry at every event they attend by choosing any one of the numerous cars available.

Similarly, they can adjust their choice to suit the occasion or accommodate additional passengers. www.sixtluxurycars.com

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BEST IN TRAVEL

ELOUNDA BEACH

Hotel & Villas

Set on the idyllic North-East Coast of Crete in a unique waterfront location, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is surrounded by 40 acres of immaculately kept gardens and enjoys magnificent views over Mirabello Bay. An exclusive luxury hideaway, boasting an impressive selection of accommodation options, it’s renowned for its impeccable, personalised service as well as its award-winning cuisine.

Elounda’s Luxury Accommodation offering is divided into seven clubs; Splendid Club, Premium Club, Premium Water Club, Health and Sports Club, Gold Club, Platinum Yachting Club, and Platinum Club, each with corresponding features, services and privileges. Of those, the latter four offer superb villa options, which saw it awarded Europe's Leading Resort Villas 2016.

Each of the Health & Sports Club’s 70 square-metre Wellness Island Villa Sea Views are an exclusive retreat with a private heated pool and personal gym. Each features a spacious living room and comfortable bedroom, a marble-lined bathroom with a Jacuzzi bathtub, separate shower cabin with steam bath, and a plethora of modern amenities.

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Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas

2016

Europe's Leading Resort Villas 2016

The Gold Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s villa offering is the most extensive, with five options to choose from.

Ranging in size from 65 square-metres up to 130 square-metres, they offer a variety of configurations to accommodate specific guest needs. Each villa is luxuriously outfitted with the latest technology and amenities, including an outdoor Whirlpool with "Counter Current" feature. The Presidential Villas Waterfront with Private Heated Pool and the Grand Villas Sea View is the most lavish of the selection, and can be arranged according to an open plan or separate chambers.

Two villa types comprise the Platinum Yachting Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering, the Yachting Villa Waterfront with Private Heated Pool and the Wellness Yachting Villa Waterfront with Private Heated Pool & Gym. Both feature expansive living areas with two deck levels which come equipped with all manner of marine equipment.

Lastly, the Platinum Club has three options, the Grand Villa Waterfront with Private Heated Pool, the Family Presidential Villa Sea View with Private Heated Pool, and the Royal Villa with Private Heated Pools. Each more exquisite than the next, they are all opulently furnished and exceedingly well-appointed. www.eloundabeach.gr

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BEST IN TRAVEL

GRACE SANTORINI 2016

Greece's Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2016

Set on the island from which it takes its name, the Grace Santorini is an exquisite boutique hotel located above the iconic Caldera. Its high vantage point affords it magnificent views of the surroundings, and also makes it an excellent base from which to explore the region. The ultimate expression of exclusive luxury, the hotel is the jewel of the islands, and was awarded Greece's Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2016.

Grace Santorini offers a truly complete luxury experience. Its sumptuous rooms have been innovatively refurbished and combine the latest design trends with traditional handcrafted pieces, showcasing wonderful modern style. Between the Santoro restaurant and the recently opened Champagne Lounge guests can enjoy a variety of indulgent dishes and beverages, including a range of the finest champagnes.

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Grace Santorini

Bespoke by Grace Experiences is the Hotel’s unique destination product and comprises a “series of experiences unique to each hotel and its location, centred on themes including culture, gastronomy, adventure, family, romance and wellbeing.” It allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the local culture and form an unforgettable connection with their destination. Guests at Grace Santorini have the choice of one of four (or all four if time permits) exceptional experiences. The Archaeological Wonders of Santorini takes guests on a historical journey to explore some the region’s ancient treasures. On the Santorini Wine Tour guests follow a private, educational wine tour of the island’s wineries. Capturing Santorini is a fascinating photographic tour of the area’s most iconic sites with a superb resident photographer. Lastly, Graceful Cruising explores the beautiful areas surrounding the island, and can be completed on either a sailing or motor yacht.

The Bespoke service is not limited to excursions, and also forms part of Grace Santorini’s excellent on-site offering. It ensures that guests’ stays are truly personalised, and allows guests to customise a variety of options even before arrival. These include in-room options like bathroom products, choice of pillows, room fragrances, and many other special touches. www.gracehotels.com/santorini

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Nestled amid lush tropical vegetation and shaded by graceful palms. Encircled by stretches of powdery sandy beach and a vast crystal clear lagoon, a truly breathtaking island with plenty of secluded sandbanks where paradise seekers escaping from the pressures of daily modern life can forget the outside world and let go of all inhibitions.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort www.olhuvelimaldives.com South Maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Atoll Republic of Maldives T +960 664 2788 E info@olhuvelimaldives.com A SUN SIYAM RESORT

BEST IN TRAVEL

PORTO ZANTE VILLAS & SPA 2016

A boutique luxury hotel on the picturesque Ionian island of Zakynthos, Porto Zante Villas & Spa looks out over a private beach and across a secluded bay. Its luxury villas are set right on the beach and offer the utmost privacy and seclusion, allowing guests to enjoy a true escape from everyday life. Renowned for its discretion, Porto Zante regularly attracts some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most high-profile VIPs, world leaders, and celebrities.

2016

Europe's Leading Greece's Leading Villa Resort 2016 Villa Resort 2016

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Porto Zante Villas & Spa

Porto Zante specialises in luxury retreats, and every villa on the property exemplifies this approach. Each boasts exquisite decoration and furnishings which includes selected pieces of Armani Casa and Gervasoni, paintings of prominent Greek artists, and a selection of the finest exclusive amenities such as Bang & Olufsen Entertainment systems, Christofle Paris cutlery and glasses, Bernardaud design porcelain and BVLGARI guest amenities. Furthermore, guests have access to private beach areas via rustic, flower-lined steps and each villa features a private pool, a waterfront spa, 24-hour five-star hotel services, excellent Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and a variety of unique activities and experiences.

The exquisite retreat is also home to an excellent Thalassotherapy outdoor spa, offering a range of treatments administered by dedicated, professional staff. Cuisine at Porto Zante is among the best in the region if not all of Europe, and between Club House Restaurant and Club House Bar patrons can enjoy everything from delicious seafood and souvlaki to crafty cocktails and ice cold champagne. Guests also have the option of dining in the comfort of their villas.

All things considered, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hard to see why it was voted both Greece's Leading Villa Resort 2016 and Europe's Leading Villa Resort 2016. www.portozante.com

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BEST IN TRAVEL

CONRAD Dublin

Authentic and effortlessly stylish, the Conrad Dublin is set amidst the picturesque cobbled streets, hidden alcoves, and winding alleys, of Ireland’s capital. Its central location, just opposite St. Stephen's Green and the National Concert Hall, puts it in close proximity to many of the city’s most famous attractions and makes it an excellent, convenient escape.

Earlier this year, the Conrad Dublin embarked on an ambitious €8 million renovation plan, much of which has already been realised.

One of the most significant developments have been the addition of the Coburg, a true Irish brasserie. Simple yet stylish, it has a distinct local charm and its menu includes favourites like seafood bouillabaisse, roaring water bay rope mussels, Coburg club sandwich, and lobster and prawn ravioli. At the centre of the restaurant is an impressive champagne table, offering diners an elevated view and a superb selection of finest champagnes from Henriot – exclusively available at the Conrad Dublin.

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Conrad Dublin

The newly opened Lemuel’s, also a part of the renovation, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Named after protagonist from Irish author Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, it pays homage to the spirit of curiosity and magic explored in the book. The impressive Lounge Bar serves a variety of new world wines, innovative cocktails, fine food and elegant afternoon teas.

Other highlights include excellently refurbished rooms as well as the beautiful designed lobby inspired by the Iveagh

Gardens, popularly known as Dublin's Secret Garden.

Conrad Dublin also offers the group’s new 1/3/5 hours Stay Inspired experiences, a concept developed by Peter J Lindberg, the brand’s new Director of Inspiration. Essentially, they comprise a selection of quintessential experiences in each region, including local takes on culture, art, food, and adventure.

2016

Ireland's Leading Luxury Hotel 2016

conradhotels3.hilton.com

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POWERSCOURT Hotel Resort Spa 2016

Ireland's Leading Hotel 2016 Just 30 minutes from Dublin lies the incredible Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa. The Palladian-style house is located on the legendary Powerscourt Estate, one of Ireland’s foremost estates. The property also features impeccably kept gardens and Ireland’s highest waterfall, and is surrounded by breath-taking scenery on all sides. The outstanding five-star hotel was awarded Ireland's Leading Hotel 2016.

Luxury brought to life, the Hotel features 194 elegant rooms spread out over seven floors, many of which enjoy views of the magnificent Sugar Loaf Mountain. Rooms average at 68 square-metres and feature marble bathrooms with rainforest showers and recessed TVs, complimentary highspeed Wifi, air conditioning and a variety of other fittings and furnishings. Great care is 86

taken to ensure that even the smallest details aren’t overlooked, and that every guest’s stay is a memorable one. Such is their refinement, that they have become the benchmark for luxury accommodation in the country.

The Hotel’s almost 3000 square-meter ESPA offers guests a world of tranquillity just steps from their room doors. It is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, with treatments and packages specifically designed to help guests unwind and rebalance.

The expansive facility features 20 treatment rooms including a private Spa Suite, a 20-metre Swarovski Crystal-lit heated pool and a state-of-the-art thermal suite.

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A wonderful 36-hole championship-standard golf complex, Powerscourt Golf Club is just a

short stroll away from the Hotel.

The excellent, award-winning golf centre boasts two stunning courses, the East Course and the West Course.

The East Course was designed

by Walker Cup Captain, Peter McEvoy and opened 20 years ago. The 6412 metre parkland and moorland course has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the Smurfit Irish PGA championship and the AIB European Senior Tour, and is considered one of the finest in Ireland.

The 6345 metre West Course was designed by David McLay Kidd and opened just over 10 years ago. It’s a challenging but rewarding course, offering a variety of holes and featuring numerous magnificent views. www.powerscourthotel.com

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

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BEST IN TRAVEL

CASTEL MONASTERO 2016

Italy's Leading Spa Resort 2016 Located in the heart of Tuscany, one of Europe’s most artistically rich regions, Castel Monastero is a luxury resort with a rich legacy that stretches back almost 100 years. Yet, it is at the same time ultra-modern in its offering and service. Truly offering the best of both worlds, it was awarded Italy's Leading Spa Resort for the fourth consecutive year.

The Castel Monastero has a deep, mysterious history tracing back to Medieval Tuscany. Although its exact origins have been lost over time, its first recorded mention came in 1044 when it was known as Sarna. Over the years it has been home a branch of the famous Berardenghi family, served as an outpost during times of siege, and was at one time a country house to the noble Sienese Chigi Saracini family. All of these tales and stories were considered and incorporated during the castle’s restoration, and the result is a property alive with almost ten centuries of history.

The luxurious rooms and suites at the resort echo its wonderful history and offer guests a glimpse of time long since forgotten.

In addition, the resort’s selection of Exclusive Proposals give guests the opportunity to experience some of the region’s most beautiful and exciting attractions with the excellent guidance of regional experts.

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Castel Monastero

One of the resort’s key attractions is its superb spa.

Housed in two of Castel Monastero’s beautiful villas, it offers an excellent range of treatments specifically tailored to help guests reach their goals.

Part of the Spa’s wonderful offering is its amazing "Aquae Monasterii" course which incorporates a high-saline sea oil pool, and was exclusively by the medical team of Thalasso del Forte.

Recently the Spa added several new options to its offering including, medical beauty treatments, osteopathy and somato-emotional release techniques, acupuncture sessions, positive thinking sessions and weekends, and Women’s Planet – a range of programmes designed specifically for women. www.castelmonastero.com/en/

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2016

2016

Europe's Leading Luxury City Resort 2016

Italy's Leading Luxury City Resort 2016

ROME CAVALIERI, WALDORF ASTORIA HOTELS & RESORTS 90

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Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Sensational views, unmatched luxury, worldclass dining, and superb facilities, the Rome Cavalieri is a one-of-a-kind European escape. A two-time winner (2015, 2016) of both Europe's Leading Luxury City Resort and Italy's Leading Luxury City Resort at the World Travel Awards, it has no equal in the country or possibly even the continent.

Accommodation at the Rome Cavalieri is made up of three categories, Suites - of which there are seven options, Deluxe Rooms, and Imperial Rooms. Each suite at the hotel is an extravagant space boasting an exquisite, centuries-old art collection. Booking a suite instantly gives guests complimentary access to the Imperial Club as well as the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club.

The Imperial Club features a members-only lounge where meals and drinks can be taken.

All Rooms offer either a Rome View or a Residential View, as well as private balconies, and guests choosing Imperial Rooms also gain automatic access to the Imperial Club and the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club.

The Cavalieri Grand Spa Club is the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive health and beauty centre, boasting a selection of La Prairie treatments and signature Swiss perfection rituals. Its exquisite, modern architecture, featuring classic touches including mosaics and statues, sets the tone from the moment guests walk in and is carried on through the 10 treatment rooms. Boasting true Roman style, the Spa offers a truly holistic experience that takes guests on a one-of-a-kind wellness journey. Part of the wellness offering is the extensive fitness area which recently underwent extensive renovations. It now boasts an all-new air conditioning and lighting system, as well as a full suite of Artis by Technogym equipment. The new machines are equipped with multi-function HD screens with USB support, which allow users to enjoy their own content while training. www.romecavalieri.com

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Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo

2016

2016

2016

Monaco's Leading Monaco's Leading Monaco's Leading Hotel 2016 Hotel Suite 2016: Resort 2016 Diamond Suite Charles Garnier @ Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo

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The HĂ´tel de Paris Monte-Carlo enjoys a privileged location in the very heart of Monte-Carlo on the famous Place du Casino, just steps from the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. Much more than just a hotel, it's impressive offering makes it a one-of-a-kind destination offering exquisite culinary experiences, excellent spa options, and incredible accommodation. At the 2016 World Travel Awards it was voted Monaco's Leading Hotel and Monaco's Leading Resort.

The expansive 170 square-metre Diamond Suite Charles Garnier is located on the second floor and looks out over the Place du Casino. It features two very well-fitted bedrooms, a spacious dining

Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo

area, and two large, marble bathrooms. Upon arrival to the suite, guests are served a bottle of vintage champagne as well either a dish of strawberries or a selection of fruit juices and dried fruits.

First-time visitors to the suite will also receive a copy of the “Alain Ducasse” recipe book, and have the opportunity to have it signed. Repeat-visitors can look forward to another interesting gift. Guests of the suite also have constant access to the highly professional concierge, and enjoy a number of additional benefits least of which is a fully-personalised in-room experience. The suite was awarded Monaco's Leading Hotel Suite 2016.

Recently, the hotel began extensive renovation works which will see it gain a more distinctive air and come closer to François Blanc’s vision of “a hotel that surpasses everything that has been created until now”. Set to last four years, the work began in 2014 and will see several big changes including the creation of a garden courtyard, roof renovations, a new spa, fitness and pool area, exceptional suites and a “rooftop villa” with a private garden and pool. www.en.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com 93

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SOFITEL LEGEND THE GRAND AMSTERDAM

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2016

2016

Netherlands' Leading Hotel 2016

Netherlands' Leading Business Hotel 2016

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Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is one of the most historic venues in the city. Over its lifetime is has served as a convent, as royal lodgings, as headquarters for the Dutch Admiralty, and even as the city hall of Amsterdam.

Today, it is a place of exceptional art and culture, boasting wonderful French flair, grace and elegance, much of that thanks to the renovation work of French designer Sybille de Margerie. Its impressive offering, excellent accommodation, and world-class services all helped it win Netherlands' Leading Hotel 2016 and Netherlands' Leading Business Hotel 2016.

as well as a small library, and enjoys butler service. The Imperial Suites pay homage to the many celebrated authors, actors, ambassadors and heads of state who have chosen the The Grand as their preferred accommodation, and boast Dutch contemporary architecture, wall paintings and 20th century dĂŠcor. Opera Suites are the epitome of luxury, and are designed to create the most memorable stay.

Lastly, the Canal House Suites are the former homes of famous Dutch Admirals and offer timeless design with a subtle mix of classic and contemporary furnishings.

The Hotel features 177 luxury rooms including 52 exceptional suites, each designed and decorated in a manner that pays tribute to the legendary people who had a history with the building. Its suites comprise four varieties; the Royal Suite, Imperial Suites, Opera Suites, and Canal House Suites. The prestigious Royal Suite is located on the third floor of a former canal house and features elegant contemporary design. It boasts an expansive bedroom with a spacious bathroom, a living room and lounge,

The Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive list of exclusive services includes a dedicated Butler Service; an on-site florist; daily hotel tours; and bike, boat, and horse and carriage tours of the historic city to name a few. Its Afternoon Tea service is known to be the best in Amsterdam, and can be enjoyed on the garden terrace when weather permits. www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com

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Maturing means a magnificent on-going process of personal growth.

Where wisdom comes with age and while becoming a better life manager, the skin matures and exhibits our position of the maturing progress.

Knowing there is nothing that can be done on naturally failing oestrogen levels, nor on pre-coded genetic factors, NANNIC dedicated itself to the multiple external influences of how skin ages and how we herewith can help blunt their damage.

This NANNIC scientific approach goes back to the origin(s) that might have caused certain malfunctions leading to a visible skin problem. No quick fixes, but rather regenerating and rebalancing complexes to offer the metabolism its own forces to restore.

The used complexes combine multiple natural ingredients and are a result of a scientific cooperation between the NANNIC laboratories and several worldwide research teams or universities. These blends of synergetic working micro forces stimulate the metabolites while inhibiting the aggressor.

A N A N N I C C A r e d s K I N I s A h e A lT h y g ro o m e d s K I N !

A s P e e d dATe WI T h N ANNI C

www.nannic.com

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Titanic Belfast

Although much is known of the Titanic’s unfortunate fate, few know the fascinating story of its origins. As the world’s largest Titanic experience, Titanic Belfast is set to change that and is already well on its way.

Set in the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter where the Titanic was built, the Titanic Belfast is an immensely popular attraction and welcomed over three million visitors in just its first four years. The building itself is a work of art and was designed to reflect the city’s history of ship-making, as well as pay tribute to the ship: its angular form echoes that of a ship’s prow, and at 38 metres high is the same height as the Titanic’s hull.

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Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction 2016

The Exhibition comprises nine interactive galleries, each covering a specific theme and set up in chronological order. Boomtown Belfast and The Shipyard explore the early days leading up to the ship’s construction and its subsequent, and also showcases the now defunct shipyard. The Launch and the Maiden Voyage portray scenes from the day the Titanic set off and the early parts of its journey.

In between the former two, The Fit-Out houses an incredible large-scale model of the ship as well as an impressive 360-degree virtual tour around the ship. The Sinking and the The Aftermath look at its final days and moments before the ship sank, and the subsequent fallout, the latter features a full-size replica of one of the lifeboats. Myths & Legends clears up some of the stories that surround the ship, and also considers the pop culture inspired by the Titanic. Lastly, Titanic Beneath looks at the ship as it is today – at the bottom of the ocean.

Titanic Belfast also offers a Discovery Tour, which offers a glimpse into the lives of the men who built the ship, and excellent food is served at Bistro 401. www.titanicbelfast.com

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2016

Portugal's Leading Hotel 2016

Belmond Reid's Palace For more than a century, Belmond Reid’s Palace has been the premier destination in Portugal to indulge in the finer things in life, take in some sun, and relax. Its many, many years in the industry has allowed it to finely hone its offering, and it has become a specialist in pampering each and every guest. Catering to guests of all ages, it has something for everyone, and was awarded Portugal’s Leading Hotel 2016.

Featuring 158 luxurious rooms and suites, four exquisite dining options including an afternoon tea terrace and a cocktail bar, excellent events facilities, and a wonderful spa, it is one of the Funchal’s most popular hotels.

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Belmond Reid's Palace

First-class amenities abound ensure that all guests will be entertained at all times. Three luxurious swimming pools, two containing seawater and one freshwater, offer hours of fun and relaxation. There is also an exclusive pool terrace, and further down guests will find a sea-level platform from which they jump right into the ocean. A very well-equipped fitness room caters to guests of all fitness levels, and is available for use free of charge.

Similarly, well-maintained tennis courts are open to guests and a resident professional is available for tuition.

Belmond Reid's Palace has excellent facilities and perks for children. All children receive a welcome teddy bear upon arrival, and their beds and wardrobe space feature special decoration.

The offering for children and teens is superb. Younger kids can enjoy a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool, indoor play space, a thatched playhouse and tennis courts, all under the supervision of Reidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s angels childminders.

Similarly, teens will have a ball in the soundproofed technology room which features Wii consoles, PlayStations, Macs and internet access. www.reidspalace.com

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CONRAD ALGARVE

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2016

2016

Europe's Leading Luxury Resort & Spa 2016

Portugal's Leading Hotel Suite 2016: Roof Garden Suite @ Conrad Algarve

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Conrad Algarve

Located in Quinta do Lago, the most exclusive Algarve holiday destination, the Conrad Algarve is counted among the most sought-after properties in the country. The modern five-star hotel offers guest the best of contemporary luxury with authentic, unique style, and regularly welcomes many of the world’s most famous celebrities.

Its 154 guestrooms are all fitted with latest amenities and are tastefully furnished, presenting a wonderful combination of space, modern design, comfort and technology. In addition, the five restaurants and bars offer a selection of excellently prepared cuisine inspired by both Portuguese and international influences.

The hotel’s 300 square-metre Roof Garden Suite was awarded Portugal’s Leading Hotel Suite 2016.

Offering the best of the contemporary style and luxury, it has its own private entrance and an exclusive bridge to the hotel’s spa. Every aspect of the suite was designed with the highest level of

luxury and comfort in mind, and exclusive features include a 180 square-metre roof garden and balcony, sauna and steam bath, a full kitchen, and an infinity pool in the living room. Each suite also has a separate bathtub with a TV, as well as a rain shower set in marble.

The Conrad Algarve Spa & Health Club is one of the foremost Luxury Spas in the entire country. A sanctuary of rest and relaxation, it offers a variety of holistic therapies, combining meditation and relaxation, as well as special body treatments. An evolution of spa culture, the Conrad Algarve Spa combines the best of traditional techniques with the latest contemporary practices, delivering a truly one-of-akind experience. Each treatment program is carefully tailored to suit the individual, and administered by one of a team of highly-trained, professional therapists. www.conradalgarve.com

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BEYOND COMPARE

Perched on 15 acres of private Mediterranean

outdoor pools, including a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool; supreme

parkland overlooking the Eternal City, the Rome

3-star Michelin Restaurant LaPefgola; the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts offers

most prestigious Art Collection housed within a hotel,

unparalleled experiences: 345 spacious guestrooms

including an astonishing Tiepolo triptych; genuine

and 25 luxuriously appointed Suites; exclusive Imperial

personal service creating authentic moments and

Club; elegant GrandSpa with one indoor and three

memories that are never to be forgotten.

Cavalieri Grand Spa Club

“La Pergola”

The Penthouse Suite

Private Art Collection

BEST IN TRAVEL

DUNAS DOURADAS BEACH CLUB

Enjoying a privileged position in the Algarveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned golden triangle, Dunas Douradas Beach Club is a luxury five-star resort set right on the beach overlooking the tranquil Atlantic Ocean. Just 20 minutes from Faro International airport, it is conveniently located and makes a great weekend escape from most European cities. At the 106

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same time though, it is also equipped to accommodate for much longer periods if they choose to stay on. Offering the best of both worlds, and the facilities and amenities to cater to everything in between, is was awarded Portugalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Villa Resort 2016.

Dunas Douradas Beach Club boasts eight luxury holiday vil-

Dunas Douradas Beach Club

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Portugal's Leading Villa Resort 2016

las, each as opulent as the next.

Spacious and exceedingly well fitted, they can accommodate between 10 and 12 guests and they are ideal escape for families or large groups. Each villa is privately owned, and therefore each boasts unique interior design and furnishings.

Each villa has a large garden fitted with an outdoor kitchen,

food preparation areas, and gas-fuelled barbecues. They also have inviting swimming pools surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for lazing around and taking in the wonderful Portuguese sun. Indoors, the villas are expansive and exceptionally comfortable. They boast grand living rooms, large dining rooms, and well-equipped kitchens, all great for entertaining.

Outside of the villas, guests can dine at the critically acclaimed The Albatroz restaurant. Its impressive menu includes a variety of local and international cuisine including excellent steak and seafood. www.ddbc.pt

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PORTUGAL 108

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Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2016

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2016: The Algarve, Portugal

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Portugal

The westernmost country of mainland Europe, Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic to its south and west, and by Spain to its north and east.

Despite its comparatively small size, it boasts a world of features and attractions and is consistently one of the most-visited tourist destinations. For the last three years its impressive tourist board, Turismo de Portugal, has taken home top honours at the World Travel Awards.

On paper, Portugal sounds almost too good to be true; it enjoys a mild climate and has over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, it boasts 850km of stunning beaches, and is home to countless luxury resorts and hotels, it’s culturally rich and historically intriguing, and the list just keeps on going. In reality, it surpasses all expectations. In addition to the above, it also offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes, endless leisure pursuits, and some of the continent’s finest cuisine.

One of the country’s most exquisite regions, the Algarve, was again awarded Europe’s Leading Beach Destination. The southerly region is known for its pristine beaches, excellent cuisine, numerous outdoor activities and award-winning golf courses, and with 300 days of guaranteed sunshine it’s a long-time tourist favourite.

With over 200km of immaculate, unbroken coastline, it boasts countless nature reserves and is home to many quaint, picture-perfect villages, old ruins, ancient fortresses and more.

In addition to these inherent attractions, the Algarve’s tourist offering gets better every year.

It already hosts numerous annual events including Nature Weeks and Wine and Food Pairings, and with every passing month new hotels, golf courses, restaurants, and other establishments, open their doors or expand their offering. www.visitportugal.com

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SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY MOSCOW 2016

2016

Russia's Leading Business Hotel 2016

Russia's Leading Luxury Business Hotel 2016

Conveniently located in the popular Garden Ring, the fivestar hotel Swissotel Krasnye Holmy is one of the tallest buildings in Moscow and offers excellent accommodation and facilities. Boasting magnificent views and exceptional comfort, paired with superb, traditional Swiss hospitality, it is one of the finest hotel’s in the city and was awarded both Russia's Leading Luxury Business Hotel and Russia's Leading Business Hotel at the 2016 World Travel Awards.

Set in the area adjacent to Moscow’s bustling business district, and conveniently close to the city’s cultural 110

heart, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy features 234 splendid rooms including 28 suites. The tastefully appointed rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, boasting the latest amenities and fine luxury finishes. Whether in Moscow for business or leisure, it is the ideal base, offering everything a traveller could possibly need and a lot more!

The Hotel’s exclusive Executive Lounge is the perfect place in which to get acquainted with the city’s history and culture. Open only to guests in suites and executive rooms, the Lounge features wonderful views and has separate meet-

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ing rooms that are equipped with all the expected modern amenities to conduct business.

When not engaged in business, guests can simply take in the lovely, uncluttered Swiss design entwined with contemporary Russian style, and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

The iconic City Space Bar is located on the very top floor and offers breath-taking panoramic views of the historic city. Consistently counted among the top 10 bars of the world, it is famous for its innovative cocktails and magnificent city sunsets. www.moscow.swissotel.com

SwissĂ´tel Krasnye Holmy Moscow

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LAS COLINAS

Golf & Country Club

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Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

Located in Campoamor, to the south of Alicante, Spain, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is set in a pristine 330-hectare valley just off the coast. The eco-friendly 200 000 square-metre development features a championship golf course and is interwoven with beautiful trails, abundant indigenous vegetation, and lemon and orange groves. The splendid low-density, luxury housing that comprises the resort was awarded Spain's Leading Villa Resort 2016.

The excellent Las Colinas Residences offer guests a world of advantages. Apartments and villas come in modern two, three, or four bedroom varieties and all are very well equipped. Each also features a large garden or terrace, and they share a communal swimming pool.

Not far off is the Enebro community, which features an exclusive detached villa with a private pool. The two-storey Milano villa is located at the heart of the resort and has four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. It enjoys incredible views out to the coast and is surrounded by charming Mediterranean woodland.

Due to its location and exceptional facilities, Las Colinas is a superb venue for any type of event or occasion. It is built around one of the best golf courses in Europe and offers a range of leisure activities paired with high-quality amenities.

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Spain's Leading Villa Resort 2016

From the onset, Las Colinas was developed in a sustainable manner, always taking care to respect and blend into the natural surroundings. To this end, its design included a sustainable development and environment protection measures plan drawn up by Valencia Universidad PolitĂŠcnica, which limits light and noise pollution and promotes the use of native vegetation for landscaping. www.aworldapart.es

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THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

BY THE SEA

The finest small luxury hotel on the English Riviera

Orestone Manor is a luxury family run hotel with beautiful gardens and stunning sun terraces offering panoramic sea views across the English Riviera.

With fabulous indoor and outdoor dining spaces, comfortable lounges,our unique Brunel Bar, and log fires when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chilly, Orestone Manor presents a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy some of the finest scenary and food that the area has to offer.

Rock House Lane, Maidencombe, Devon TQ1 4SX info@orestonemanor.com â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01803 897 511

www.orestonemanor.com

BEST IN TRAVEL

Best in Travel visits the country house hotel by the sea

DEVON DELIGHT Devon is at its most delightful in autumn. The commotion of summer eases into a golden tranquillity, giving the time and space to savour its striking coastline and the gentility of its towns and villages.

Maidencombe is a slice of quintessential Devon.

Lying on the South West Coastal Path, the hidden hamlet is collection of thatched cottages and winding lanes cloaked by hedgerows of wild flowers. At the end of town, a small sandy cove is peppered with rocky outcrops, and towering sandstone cliffs.

Maidencombe is also home of one of the county’s hospitality gems – Orestone Manor. The former home of John Callcott Horsley (the designer of the first commercial Christmas card), the Georgian stately home is enjoying a renaissance under the guidance of two chefs, Neil and Catherine D’Allen, The varied landscape of Devon produces delicious produce – including South Devon Beef, West Country free range pork and lamb, local estate wild game, and hand-dived scallops – which the D’Allens have crafted into their menu. Their tantalising autumn offerings include the finest local meats, freshly-caught Brixham fish, and vegetables, some of which are grown in the hotel gardens.

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Devon Delight

Orestone Manor is the setting where 18th Century engineering legend, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s National Portrait Gallery painting was produced by his brother-in-Law, John Callcott Horsley.

The swanky new ‘Brunel Bar & Lounge’ reflects the great man’s Orestone connection, with custom features based on his famous Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar – a stunning design landmark closely associated with him in Devon and Cornwall.

In Brunel and Horsley’s era, Orestone Manor served as the setting for family gatherings, candlelit dinners, music in the parlour, children’s games and a spot of croquet on the lawn. The family spirit still lives on, courtesy of a closeknit team of staff, who join in games of croquet on the lawn.

Orestone is a gem of a classic country house hotel with just 14 character bedrooms. This year it opened two sumptuous coach house cottages, each equipped with separate lounge, private outdoor hot tub, and fabulous sea views.

Upstairs the living room features a comfy sofa and widescreen TV, making it the perfect media room. Open the bi-fold doors to the balcony for far reaching views over Lyme Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Meanwhile the local area enjoys its own microclimate and Orestone Manor’s sun terrace, surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens, has to be one of the finest spots of the English Riviera. www.orestonemanor.com

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ICEHOTEL First carved out of snow and ice in 1989, the ICEHOTEL is arguably the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unique hotel, especially considering that it is created anew every year! Set in the quaint Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, its unique concept attracts hundreds of visitors each year, and this year it was again awarded Sweden's Leading Boutique Hotel.

ICEHOTEL offers two types of accommodation, warm or cold.

Warm Rooms are what most guests would consider traditional accommodation, and are spacious and comfortable. Their design and construction incorporates natural materials, and these are complemented by organic shades of white, grey, and brown.

Cold Rooms are individually themed and hand-carved from ice and snow by specially commissioned artists from around the world. Spending a night in one of the cold rooms is a surreal experience that will stay with every guest forever.

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2016

Sweden's Leading Boutique Hotel 2016

ICEHOTEL

The hotel’s iconic ICEBAR – literally a bar carved from solid ice – is one of its most famous attractions. So famous in fact, that its popularity necessitated its expansion and now ICEBARs can be found in several locations around the world. No matter which ICEBAR guests visit, the experience will be the same: an authentic bar made entirely with ice from the Torne River.

In its most recent iteration, the ICEHOTEL introduced a whole new experience to be enjoyed alongside and with the classic ICEHOTEL. ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent structure that incorporates all the features of a contemporary luxury hotel including suites, each with a sauna and bathroom, and exquisite art suites, all carefully created by hand-selected artists. It also features a large ice bar that serves appropriately chilled champagne, and an exclusive ice gallery. www.icehotel.com

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BEST IN TRAVEL

CARLTON HOTEL St. Moritz

2016

Switzerland's Leading Hotel 2016

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Located at an altitude of 1856 metres above-sea-level, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world.

Formerly a hotel with over 100 rooms, the unique property now runs only Junior Suites and Suites. Renowned for its exceptional, graceful, and exclusive atmosphere, it bears the one-of-a-kind signature style of interior designer Carlo Rampazzi

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and was voted Switzerland's Leading Hotel 2016.

More than 100 years ago, when the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz first opened its doors in 1913, it was just the fifth five-star hotel in the holiday resort. Over the years it has closed and reopened several times, seen both World Wars, been neglected and refurbished, and welcomed many new owners, and through it

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

all it is now back on top and thriving. The biggest change came when it was refurbished as a boutique, suite-only hotel.

All 60 of the Junior Suites and Suites look out onto the frozen lake of St. Moritz and the breath-taking, snow-covered scenery all around.

Exceptionally remodelled by Carlo Rampazzi, Suites offer an unrivalled level of luxury and comfort, and combine

various elements to create an idyllic setting.

The Carlton Hotel loves welcoming families, and offers excellent facilities for children and younger ones. The kids’ club is open daily, and offers a range of activities and games to keep children engaged and entertained all day. Under the supervision of the hotel’s professional childcare specialists, children with thrive

while their parents can enjoy a temporary break. Similarly, the teens’ club is kitted out to accommodate teenagers and features pinball machines, a pool table, table football and mini golf. In addition, the hotel arranges varied programmes to keep both kids and teens entertained. www.carlton-stmoritz.ch/en

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ÇIRAĞAN PALACE KEMPINSKI ISTANBUL Luciano Pavarotti, Liza Minnelli, Oprah Winfrey, Bono, Madonna, Bill Clinton, and the list goes on and on. Those are just a few of the countless celebrities who have chosen the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul as their preferred accommodation when in Turkey. Part of the highly-respected Kempinski Group, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, it carries on the proud tradition of impeccable service and attention to detail. A five-star luxury Imperial Palace and hotel, it won Europe's Leading Hotel 2016.

Set in an immaculately restored Ottoman Palace on the banks of the scenic Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul enjoys magnificent views of Istanbul’s impressive cityscape.

The Palace’s intricate exterior is exquisitely complemented by its

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pristinely designed luxury interior. It boasts over 300 rooms, a selection of bars and restaurants, and excellent business facilities.

The hotel’s award-winning Spa, the Sanitas-managed Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Spa, is a tranquil escape offering a variety of world-class treatments.

The extended facilities include a fully-equipped fitness centre, a whirlpool, and indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, massage rooms and a cosmetic room.

This year, the hotel’s Sultan Suite was awarded Turkey's Leading Hotel Suite for the second consecutive year. The 458 square-metre suite is set on the second floor of the Palace, and one is of the biggest in Europe, enjoying 24-hour discreet butler service.

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Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

The expansive suite features spacious hall which leads into a very well-appointed dining area, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, and is set in the centre of the stylish living room. Two large bedrooms, one on either side of the lounge, offer superb accommodation and each features an en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom’s bathroom also boasts a handmade marble Hammam comprising a Turkish bath with a private steam room and rain shower with gold plated and crystal bathtub faucets.

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Europe's Leading Hotel 2016

2016

Turkey's Leading Hotel Suite 2016: Sultan Suite @ Ciragan

www.kempinski.com

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CORNELIA DIAMOND GOLF RESORT & SPA

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2016

2016

2016

Europe's Leading Luxury Resort 2016

Europe's Leading Fully Integrated Resort 2016

Turkey's Leading Spa Resort 2016

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Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

Located at a natural intersection in Belek where Mediterranean’s inviting waters meet beautifully mysterious pine forests, Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is surrounded by nature on all sides. Its careful development ensured the delicate balance of nature was maintained, and in doing so also ensured that guests would always have the privilege of the enjoying the immaculate setting. Such efforts are only part of the Resort’s grander scheme to offer guests a magical world where they can create unforgettable experiences.

As both Europe's Leading Luxury Resort and Europe's Leading Fully Integrated Resort for the year, the Cornelia’s offering is quite something.

Its golf course, the Sir Nick Faldo Championship Course, is one of the most challenging in the world and comprises 27 exceedingly challenging holes. It was the first course in the region to come out of Faldo Design, and they didn’t hold anything back. Even so, it’s a very playable course that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The Resort also features an on-site Golf Academy run by David Leadbetter, where golfers can go to sharpen their skills, or first-timers can get the feel of the clubs in their hands.

At almost 2500 square-metres, the Crassula Spa has one of the region’s most impressive offerings and saw it awarded

Turkey's Leading Spa Resort 2016. The Zen-like retreat is a sanctuary for the body, mind and soul, and features 20 therapy suites including two Ayurveda suites, a hydrotherapy suite, two Shiatsu Thai massage suites, two Bali therapy suites, and plenty more. Its facilities also include indoor swimming pools, taiga reflexology way, tropical Jacuzzis, a selection of saunas, aromatherapy showers, and a traditional Turkish hammam.

The Spa’s Private Section offers two king suites which have a private Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, private swimming pool, garden and a separate area for treatments. www.corneliaresort.com

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FANTASTIC SAINT PETERSBURG WELCOMES YOU! Due to dynamic actions of the Government of Saint Petersburg focused on development of tourist industry, objects of cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourist infrastructure received a number of awards justifying its high international status and quality of services rendered.

Opinions of tourists happen to be the most important assessment of the work done. We will keep on doing our best to ensure that travelling to Saint Petersburg provides true pleasure to guests in future and contributes to forming a bright and appealing image of the city where one wants to come back to over and over again.

A.Mushkarev, Chairman, St. Petersburg Committee for tourism development

www.v it-pe rsb g.

To stroll around royal park-and-palace ensembles St. Petersburg like an Empress wears a rich necklace — a necklace of royal summer residences located in the suburbs of the city.

Peterhof impresses by its numerous fountains, cascades and park pavilions .

The Catherine palace in Tsarskoe Selo is best known for the Golden Enfilade of state rooms that includes the world-famous Amber Room.

Pavlovsk is a cozy royal palace with unique chinaware, and amazing landscape park.

To touch the Russian Imperial history Saint Petersburg is the city of the white nights, draw bridges, royal palaces, museums and theatres, the cultural capital of Russia. It is the second largest city in Russia and the third one in Europe (after Moscow and London).

At 313, Saint Petersburg is quite young, yet the city has an impressive history. For a long time St. Petersburg remained the capital of the Russian Empire, and it was St. Petersburg that laid the foundation of socialist regime in the country

To get warm in winter The best opera and ballet performances, theatre and music festivals are performed at the season when the rivers and canals stand still, covered with the white armour of ice. Incredible Pancake week is a tasty period — to eat Russian dishes and to feel the spirit of Russia.

To crown it all the museums in winter are not overcrowded and the prices in the hotels decrease. Winter is time for magnificent balls that allow their guests to feel themselves like an Emperor

To discover the city’s specialties Russia in miniature museum, the deepest Metro in the world, the most symmetrical street, the real Egyptian sphinx and much more…

The presentation of tourist potential of St. Petersburg will be held on 8th November in the Russian Embassy in London in the framework of the exhibition World Travel Market, which opens from 7 to 9 November 2016.

Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016 From 01 to 30 November in Saint Petersburg the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» will be held.

Since its foundation St. Petersburg has become not only the capital city but also a kind of trendsetter in architecture, culture, history, and the art of cooking.

Due to the fact that in the period of construction St. Petersburg the most famous and most talented European artists of the time were invited. With them our city began the tradition of cooking dishes from different European countries.

Chefs from France, Italy and Germany creatively reworked old recipes of Russian cuisine, so many Russian dishes and recipes have found an European tradition.

Later the influence of Petersburg’s cuisine began spreading across the territory of Russia, contributing to the diversity of traditional recipes from various regions of the country.

Nowadays we can confidently talk about the special Petersburg style of Russian cuisine imbued with the spirit of history, traditions, culinary experiments and innovations.

The program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» includes themed dinners in restaurants, parties, workshops and master classes, shows in cooking the meals of Petersburg cuisine’s, activities for children and a special children’s menu, as well as exhibitions, competitions and much more.

The full program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» you can see on St. Petersburg Official City Guide www.visit-petersburg.ru

Festival of Lights Festival of Lights is becoming one of the most exciting gala events of Saint Petersburg in autumn.

The festival brings together artists, painters and musicians and thousands of visitors who enjoy all patterns of light on different historical monuments. This autumn the festival takes place on November, 04-05th.

The festival will bring to life miraculous breathtaking art by newest 3D-mapping and audiovisual technologies.

To feel the city’s soul Modern St. Petersburg, crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals, stands on more than 100 islands, which are linked to one another by more than 400 bridges. This is why the city is often called “the Venice of the North”.

Nearly every building in the downtown is considered to be a historic monument, hence the city’s definition — “open-air museum”. Its historical centre, palace and park ensembles are inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Churches and cathedrals Saint Petersburg was planned as a Westoriented city and has always been renowned for its hospitality. Peter the Great encouraged foreigners, especially from Europe, to come to the new capital: they brought a new way of life, knowledge and traditions. To make foreigners feel comfortable in the city Peter the Great and his successors paid much attention to the construction of churches and cathedrals for people of various religions.

Though Saint Petersburg is known as a city of different creeds, it is the Orthodoxy that has long been the official religion of Russia.

That is why special emphasis was laid on orthodox churches. The world’s best architects built churches and cathedrals in Saint Petersburg. Sublimity of St.Isaac’s Cathedrals, proportion of the Nikolsky (St.Nicholas’) Cathedral, smartness of the Church of Resurrection of Christ (Spas-na-Krovi) always attract visitors of the city. The beauty and splendor of their inner decorations make indelible impressions upon guests’ minds.

To immerse yourself in St. Petersburg romantics During the “white nights” the Petersburgers flock to the banks of the Neva to see the sun set. The “white nights” period lasts from May to July. Countless festivals and concerts are held in the parks and on the city’s squares and embankments: Scarlet Sails school leavers festival, River Carnival, Festival of Ice Crackers, Festivals of garden art. During such days the city marks its anniversary – on May 27th. Every day from May to October sometime after two o’clock in the morning the multi-tonne wings of the bridges swing gently upwards to let vessels on the river pass.

Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» «War and Peace» is a British-American historical period drama television serial first broadcast on BBC One on 3 January 2016. It is a six-part adaptation of «War and Peace» by famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy, written by Andrew Davies and directed by Tom Harper. The serial stars are Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton in the leading roles. A lot of scenes were shot in Saint Petersburg.

On web-site http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/ route/71/ all guests of Saint Petersburg can find a free route «Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» and get acknowledged with the places in Saint Petersburg that have become the scenery for War&Peace TV show by BBC.

To travel without visa The travelers arriving to St. Petersburg by sea (ferry or cruise ship) can get 72 hours visa-free entry and stay in the city if they have the tour program (voucher). The passengers can acquire the voucher on the board of a ship.

There are just 4 steps to visa-free entry: 1. Purchase an airline ticket to Helsinki There are more than 10 airlines that provide direct flights from European cities to Helsinki

2. Book a ferry cabin St. Peter Line ferries sail from Helsinki every two days according to schedule (at approximately 6 p.m.). Travel time is about 13–15 hours. Estimated time of arrival in Saint Petersburg is 9 a.m. the following day. The ferry sails back from Saint Petersburg 3 days later.

3. Book a transfer from the seaport of Saint Petersburg The ferry company will provide a transfer service to the city centre and also to some hotels. It is a paid service, but it is mandatory if you would like to purchase a visa-free cruise travel. The transfer fee is 25 euro.

4. Select a hotel to stay in the city centre After selecting a cabin and booking the transfer service you can select a hotel in the city centre from the list of hotels.

Please note that to use the visa-free stay option, you may only choose a hotel to stay from the list of hotels included in your tour group program.

Your travel agent will provide you with the full list of the hotels available for booking and the room prices, or, if you book a St. Peter Line Company ferry online, you can select a hotel online.

BEST IN TRAVEL

RIXOS HOTELS 2016

Turkey's Leading Hospitality Development Company 2016

Rixos Hotels set out with an ambitious concept: to offer travellers a brand-new approach to the luxury hotel concept with unprecedented privileges. This core concept extends through every part of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings, and its effective execution has seen Rixos Hotels take home numerous awards and accolades, including Turkey's Leading Hospitality Development Company 2016 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Operating 30 hotels around the world, Rixos Hotels has created an incredible offering which showers guests in luxuries and conveniences, yet still allows them to feel right at home. Accommodation options are varied and include everything from standard rooms and suites, to exclusive villas with private butlers. Regardless of the choice, comfort and convenience are always top priorities, and luxury comes as standard. Its diverse offering also ensures that guests can enjoy an authentic Rixos experience in almost any climate or setting.

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Equally impressive is its dining offering, which incorporates cuisines and culinary specialities from around the world. Serving incredible dishes at each of its Hotels, Rixos places extraordinary emphasis on the quality of its food. It employs highly-renowned international chefs and uses only the finest ingredients to recreate authentic dishes for each and every guest. To complement the dining experience, a team of professional sommeliers are always at hand to suggest the perfect wine to accompany any meal.

Rixos Hotels Spa & Wellness offering is among the best in the world. The highly-acclaimed Rixos Hotels SPA, which can found at all Rixos Hotels, takes the concept of personal wellness and wellbeing to its highest level. Expert beauty therapists administer an impressive range of treatments to relieve a variety of symptoms and ailments, and to bring about balance of the mind, body, and spirit. www.rixos.com

Rixos Hotels

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BEST IN TRAVEL

DREAMTRIPS

2016

Europe's Leading Travel Club 2016

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DreamTrips

DreamTrips is the world’s largest travel club and offers trips to over 140 exclusive destinations around the world. On a mission to customise exclusive and inclusionary travel experiences for their clients – commonly referred to as DreamTrippers – they have been voted Europe's Leading Travel Club for three consecutive years.

DreamTrips offers three tiers of membership; Basic, Gold, and Platinum. Basic Membership provides access to hundreds of incredible trips with many travel extras. Gold Membership adds even more lifestyle benefits, with extra one-of-kind experiences, great everyday entertainment opportunities, and more. The highest membership level, Platinum, offers significant benefits including hotel upgrades and exclusive experiences available to members only.

The trips offered are more than just flight and hotel bookings, they are meticulously planned experiences, carefully set up by travel professionals. Furthermore, the DreamTrips experience begins from the moment members step onto a plane, and include pick-up services, luxurious accommodation, guided tours, parties, and much more.

DreamTrips membership offers more than just travel benefits though, it also has an extensive dining offering. DreamTrips Life members enjoy dining discounts around the world, allowing them to experience a world of flavours without ever having to leave their home towns or cities.

Similarly, DreamTrips Life’s Entertainment deals open up new worlds to members. www.dreamtrips.com

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