Zest Spring 2015

issue 1 • volume 2

T R A V E L

&

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

your adventure begins with us.

Get off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of Europe

Scotland: Golf where the game was born

Exploring Paris with Food Network chef Roger Mooking

Portofino, Italy

Featured 2015 Mediterranean Voyages DATE

DAYS VOYAGE FrOm / TO

ShIP

FArES FrOm

May 15

7

2512

Istanbul to Istanbul

Silver Wind

$3,750

Jul 20

7

5520

Istanbul to Istanbul

Silver Spirit

$4,150

Aug 19

9

5524

Istanbul to Istanbul

Silver Spirit

$5,150

Oct 12

9

2530

Istanbul to Istanbul

Silver Wind

$4,850

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COVER IMAGE: © OLEG ZHUKOV - FOTOLIA.COM

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Living in Style

Insights

08 Patagonia 12 Craft Beers 16 Roger Mooking in Paris

hotels 26 Le Bristol Paris 28 Hotel Café Royal 30 The May Fair 31 Cameron House 33 The Knickerbocker 34 La Réserve Paris 36 Shangri-La Toronto 38 Fairmont San Francisco

Spas & Wellness 19 Grand Isle Exuma 22 Miraval: Achieving Balance

insurance 39 Travel Insurance

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WI-FI Complimentary

BREAKFAST Complimentary

IN-ROOM WELCOME SURPRISE Complimentary

EARLY CHECK-IN & LATE CHECK-OUT Upon availability at check-in

UPGRADE Upon availability at check-in

MIRA MOON Hong Kong

REDEFINING LUXURY Enter a world of unique hotels

Finding a singular definition of luxury is a difficult task in the pluralized society we live in today. We at Design Hotels™ understand that one shoe does not fit all and that true luxury is about experiencing meaningful moments as well as inspired design.

Book a stay at selected members of Design Hotels™ and receive preferred Inspire benefits. From Hong Kong to New York, from London to Venice, define what luxury means to you and discover your meaningful moments at some of the most inspiring hotels in our worldwide collection.

To access your Black Tie benefits please contact

your personal travel manager at 1-855-878-7007

FURTHER BENEFITS Ranging from a bottle of wine or champagne to free afternoon tea or transfers – varying from hotel to hotel

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39 Events

Getaways

40 Monaco Grand Prix 41 Tour de France EUFA Championships 42 Tennis Grand Slam Cannes Film Festival 43 Kentucky Derby Comic-Con 44 America’s Cup 45 NBA, NHL, MLB Finals

46 Monaco 48 Golf Scotland 54 Santa Monica

Rediscovering Europe 59 Bath 60 Wales 62 France 64 Italy 65 Russia 66 Iceland

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VOL. 2 NO. 1 SPRING 2015 Black Tie Travel and Entertainment 369 Terminal Avenue, Suite 605, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C4 1.855.878.7007 604.245.0051 info@blacktietravel.com www.blacktietravel.com Publisher and Art Director Matthew Ross Editor-in-Chief Brendan Christie Editorial Contributors Roger Mooking, Mark Stanton, John Kelly Marketing Director Kristina Smith Chief Executive Officer of Black Tie Travel & Entertainment Andrew Newman a.newman@blacktietravel.com Corporate Relationship Manager Advertising Sales Manager Kristin Evensen k.evensen@blacktietravel.com Published by Springfed Creative Inc. Printed by Comgraph Print Group Inc. Black Tie Website Design Springfed Creative Inc.

Subscriptions to Zest are complimentary and are provided to you as a courtesy by Black Tie Travel.

Contents copyright 2015 by Springfed Creative Inc. Reproduction in whole or part by any means without express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS WITH US Black Tie Travel and Entertainment is delighted to bring you Zest, a travel and lifestyle magazine designed with the discerning traveller in mind.

This issue is brimming with unique offerings and fantastic insights, including adventures in Patagonia, craft beers, and golfing in Scotland. Get inspired with weekend getaways and must-attend events, plus a spectacular look at the hidden gems of Europe.

We're also thrilled to introduce you to a selection of wellness travel retreats and experiences designed to relax and recharge.

Here at Black Tie, we're dedicated to delivering the best the world has to offer our clients. It's what we call the Black Tie experience. Our goal is to enhance your quality of life and enrich your adventures, no matter how large or how small.

As Corporate Relationship Manager, I invite you to contact me for more information on membership. Should you require any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely, Kristin Evensen Corporate Relationship Manager

The Whitehall Penthouse Terrace

London’s 21st Century Grand Hotel Corinthia London combines contemporary flair with traditional grandeur.

Situated in the cultural heart of the capital, the hotel features beautiful rooms, elegant restaurants and the most breathtaking spa in London, ESPA Life at Corinthia.

Your Black Tie exclusive amenities include daily English Breakfast for two and a £50 Food & Beverage Credit throughout your stay.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BLACK TIE TRAVEL MANAGER TO ACCESS YOUR EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES 1-855-878-7007 CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON, WHITEHALL PLACE, LONDON SW1A 2BD, UK

l i f e s t y l e : ta l e s f r o m t h e r o a d

IMAGE: © LIJUAN GUO - FOTOLIA.COM

By Mark Stanton

IMAGES (CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT): © TIERRA ATACAMA HOTEL BOUTIQUE & SPA; © MARK STANTON; © TIERRA ATACAMA HOTEL BOUTIQUE & SPA

At first it was just an idea.

I wanted to run a marathon in a crazy destination.

What began as an idea for a marathon in an idyllic location turned into a dream vacation.

I picked what I knew would be a beautiful, remote destination— the Patagonia International Marathon in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. But what began as a challenge to myself ended up being one of the best holiday experiences ever for my wife and I, and our two good friends.

We stayed in two of the top boutique hotels in Chile: Tierra Patagonia and Tierra Atacama. Although Chile is quite a distance from Canada, the flights were relatively easy. And it’s only one hour ahead of EST, so there wasn’t much jet lag.

The Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa blends seamlessly into the landscape. Overlooking a beautiful aquamarine lake, it offers sweeping views of the Torres del Paine Mountains from every window. We were enamoured from the start. All the meals and drinks were included with accommodations and the food was superb, especially when considering how isolated we actually were.

After finishing a gruelling marathon with more hills than I care to remember, we set off on some wonderful hikes throughout the parks.

The hotel provided free mountain guides who were knowledgeable about everything from the local fauna to the rock formations and wildlife. We saw soaring condors, Guanacos (wild llamas), foxes, and Nandus (Chilean ostriches), as well as beautiful spring flowers that bloomed throughout the mountains.

After four days of exploring, we took a flight to the upper side of Chile and stayed at a sister lodge called Tierra Atacama in the Atacama Desert. It was a shock to go from the cold Patagonia spring to the driest place in South America, but the Tierra Atacama was an oasis complete with sweeping, amber-coloured views of the volcanic mountains.

We went on fantastic excursions: Hiking up canyons to find soothing hot springs; travelling to salt flats filled with flamingos; and climbing a volcanic mountain that rises 4,800 metres above sea level. Although the wildlife was not as prolific as it was in Patagonia, Atacama’s colours and surprising experiences more than made up for that.

The Tierra Atacama hotel offers the same package deal for meals (and we loved its legendary “Pico sour” cocktails). The spas in all the Tierra resorts are superb, offering every treatment imaginable. My deep tissue massage after the marathon was a lifesaver.

There are four Tierra properties in total. The first, Ski Portillo, was opened by Robert Henry Purcell, an American who bought the property in 1954. And the latest of the four is Tierra Chiloe, built on an island in the lake district just beyond the wine country south of Santiago.

What began just as an idea turned into a trip full of unforgettable surroundings and memories. And we’ll remember it for a long time.

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l i f e s t y l e : ta l e s f r o m t h e r o a d gHow do I get there?

Generally, you start from Santiago, Chile. (Most international flights arrive to in the morning, following an overnight.) From there you fly to either Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. The Puerto Natales airport is only open during the austral summer, but it’s just an hour away from the hotel by car. Driving from Punta Arenas, on the other hand, takes four hours—but both routes offer incredible views of Patagonia. There are daily flights by airlines including LAN and Sky Airlines, and the flight time is approximately 3.5 hours.

You might also check flights coming in from Buenos Aires, or a private jet from Santiago can be arranged.

Patagonia?

The experts at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa offer advice on how to travel, and how best to prepare in order to get the most out of your stay.

gWhat is the best time of the year to visit Tierra Patagonia?

It’s best to come during spring (September to December), summer (January to March) and early fall (April).

gWhat’s the weather like?

The weather in Chilean Patagonia can be unpredictable— but that is part of the fun. Bring your polar fleece and your windbreaker, as well as hat and gloves—it can be a windy place. You’ll see dramatic cloud movements, you may see some rain, you’ll probably experience the power of the wind. It’s all amazing, and unlike anything else in the world. And if you’re not up for an outdoor adventure, you can sit by the fire inside and wonder at your awe-inspiring surroundings in comfort.

Temperatures vary during the seasons but typically range as follows:

Summer Fall Spring

Daytime Temp 7° - 19°C 1° - 7°C 7° - 15°C

Rainfall 15mm 27mm 21mm

gWhat do you recommend for clothing and accessories?

Temperatures in Patagonia vary wildly, and often within the same day. You should dress in layers for maximum comfort.

It’s very important to bring a warm, windproof jacket (preferably made of Gore-Tex or some other “mountain” material), trekking pants, several warm sweaters, polar fleece, long sleeved t-shirts and thermal underwear. Good strong walking or hiking boots and several pairs of comfortable walking socks are recommended, as well as gloves, a hat or earmuffs to protect your ears from the wind, sunblock, sunglasses and lip balm.

We also suggest you bring a swimsuit for the heated pool and spa. Some items will be available in the hotel shop, however it is best to be prepared as it’s a pretty remote location.

Bring binoculars to watch the birds and animals and camera equipment to capture the local culture and landscapes. A small day-pack is a good idea for carrying some personal items during excursions. And if you’re planning to participate in any of the more extreme mountain adventures, you will need appropriate clothing and equipment.

IMAGES: © TIERRA PATAGONIA HOTEL & SPA

Heading to

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IMAGES: (TOP) © YKUMSRI - FOTOLIA.COM; (BOTTOM) © TIERRA ATACAMA HOTEL BOUTIQUE & SPA

When it comes to craft beer, more and more communities are looking to history.

By John Kelly

The majors have reason to worry. Beer sales overall have been in

decline in favour of wine, but craft brew numbers have surged by as much as 36% as more people are deciding it’s worth the extra cost to drink a beverage hand-made from natural ingredients and brewed in small, carefully overseen batches without the use of mass production techniques.

Whether making traditional lagers, exotic ales barrel-aged in cognac casks or the emerging Lambic beers, craft brewers see their task as much art as science, and an undertaking where passion is as important as a handy hydrometer. But beyond offering flavourful, interesting beer, the microbrewery and brewpub are reintroducing the tradition when going for a pint was a local affair that brought neighbours together and when brewers were rewarded for their efforts in the smiles of the patrons and the lacing on the drained glasses.

Whether rural or in the city, craft brewers have a tendency to become a keystone of their communities, stimulating local economies by using neighbourhood suppliers for ingredients, artists to design their labels and printers to print them. Likewise, sustainability is a term that’s fast-becoming synonymous with microbrewing, from the selection of ingredients to recycling byproducts to minimize ecological impact. Maybe craft brewing is actually as much a philosophy as it is an art or science.

At present, you’ll mostly find craft beers sequestered on a section of shelf at the liquor store, in savvier restaurants and of course, at the source itself: the craft breweries and brewpubs in your neighbourhood. If there aren’t any within walking distance yet, hang on; craft beer is getting closer all the time.

IMAGE: ©2014 ALEXANDR VLASSYUK - FOTOLIA.COM

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IMAGES (LEFT TO RIGHT): COURTESY BEAU’S ALL NATURAL; COURTESY BELLWOODS BREWERY

(Van Kleek Hill, ON)

Annual Output: 35,000 hectolitres Nestled in the historic charm and pastoral beauty of Van Kleek Hill, about an hour’s drive east of Ottawa, Beau’s All Natural is a friendly, independent family-run brewery fiercely committed to using certified organic hops and malts for their beer. But the Beau’s philosophy doesn’t end at brewing award-winning beers (it has collected more than 75 since it was founded in 2006, most recently the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence). Beyond using only extract-free, sustainably grown organic and locally sourced spring water, even the brewery’s packaging, posters, coasters and labels are made from ecofriendly materials, earning Beau’s a Certified B-Corporation status for meeting higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

But, in the end, it’s the beer that’s put Beau’s All Natural on the map. Its flagship Lug Tread Lagered Ale is available all year, while a series of brews like Wild Oats and Pro Am are offered seasonally. One of Beau’s latest creations, The Bottle Imp, is a roasty and rich rendition of a dark, Russian Imperial stout infused with a blend of Mexican and Ethiopian fair-trade organic coffee. Fortunately for those unable to visit Van Kleek, Beau’s All Natural can be found (if you’re lucky) at liquor outlets in Ontario, New York State and, since February, Quebec.

(Toronto, ON)

Annual Output: 2,200 hectolitres “I think that Bellwoods is, in a lot of ways, a reflection of this specific place and time,” says Communications Manager Carmen Vicente. “The neighbourhood and patrons influence us, and then we play a role in what they decide to buy and drink. So in the end, it feels like a reciprocal relationship, which I’m pretty sure is what a community is all about.”

The community Vicente refers to is in the heart of Toronto, where Bellwoods Brewery and brewpub reflects the excitement of its urban setting with a line brews to tempt adventurous as well as the traditional palates. Favouring bright hoppy brews inspired by American craft brewers and Belgian farmhouse and trappist styles, Bellwoods has a passion for barrel-aging beers in casks that once contained cognac, cider or other spirits, infusing the taste with tart, sour, oaky and boozy flavours sure to make imbibers see beer in a whole new light. Brewing only 2,200 hectolitres and over 50 styles annually means the selection in their brew pub and bottle shop is highly sought after and constantly changing, though staples like Wizard Wolf, Witchshark, Grognard, Farmhouse Classic and Lost River are on hand throughout the year.

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(Victoria, BC)

Annual Output: 15,000 hectolitres “We don’t compromise anything in our brewing process, and we are constantly striving to improve everything,” says Gary Lindsay, Driftwood Brewery Partner and Purveyor of Precious Liquids. “We won’t release anything that we wouldn’t drink ourselves.”

What this translates to, for those fortunate enough to enjoy this independent Victoria brewery’s beers, are five core brands and a seasonal range of enticing brews sure to surprise and delight the palate. From the bittersweet chocolatey Black Stone Porter to the fusion of banana, guava, passion fruit and citrus with Hefeweizen yeast and North American hops in Entangled Hopfenweisse or the triple malt, quintuple hops Old Cellar Dweller Barley Wine, it’s clear Driftwood’s not afraid to be adventurous when crafting their precious liquids, which is probably what makes them so precious.

The beer economy supports 1 out of every 100 jobs in Canada and generates $5.8 billion in government revenues in the form of product, income, and corporate taxes.

(Squamish, BC)

Annual Output: 15,000 hectolitres Founded in 1996, Howe Sound Brewery, Inn and Brewpub is one of Canada’s oldest microbreweries and also one of the most beautifully located, set as it is in the coastal rainforest between the ocean and mountains. An unfiltered brewery, HSB has made a name for itself by crafting award-winning beers from highgravity styles (generally strongly flavoured and more potent), to traditional favourites like Howe Sound Lager and Garibaldi Honey Pale. Equally well-known for its wide range of seasonal beers, including Hightide Hemp Ale in spring, Four Way Fruit Ale during summer, Pothole Filler Imperial Stout for fall and Wee Beastie Scotch Ale over the winter, HSB strives to ensure that brewing its hand-crafted beers has no negative effect on the environment. It even transforms spent grain, yeast, water, bottles, caps and other materials into usable eco-friendly products and runs an “ales for change” program, where sales of specifically created sponsor beers benefit worthy causes around Howe Sound.

In 2013, Canada sold over 19 million hectolitres of domestic beer (22.6 million if you factor in imports)

Consumption of beer in 2013 stood at 64.31 litres per person, based on total population Source: Beer Canada

IMAGES (LEFT TO RIGHT): COURTESY DRIFTWOOD BREWERY; COURTESY HOWE SOUND BREWERTY; COURTESY NEUDSTADT SPRINGS BREWERY; COURTESY SALT SPRING ALES

(Neustadt, ON)

Annual Output: 1,700 Hectolitres “The most important thing craft brewers bring to the market is not just different styles, flavours and freshness, but passion and accessibility to the people who make the brews,” observes Neustadt co-owner Val Stimpson.

The tiny village of Neustadt has been in the beer business since 1859, when Henry Huether and 40 German stonemasons constructed a brewery over a network of caverns containing one of the purist sources of spring water in the land. Abandoned since its closure in 1916, the building was renovated using mostly original materials by British ex-pats Andrew and Val Stimpson as the site for Neustadt Springs Brewery. And on the strength of their decades of experience in the British brewing industry and devotion to their art, it has gone on to garner awards in Canada and beyond. Brewing 10 different mostly English-styled beers, Neustadt also offers The Sour Kraut 4%, blending a light raspberry flavour against a malt background during the warm months when it’s needed most. Weekend visitors to the brewery can enjoy hour-long guided tours in season for a small cost, including access to the caverns that give the brewery half its name.

(Salt Spring Island, BC)

Annual Output: 1,200 hectolitres Micro in a nearly literal sense (although its staff of four prefer to think of it as a cottage brewery), Salt Spring Ales originated from a timber barn in a wooded valley on the largest of BC’s gulf islands. Aiming to create beers that embody the flavours and vibe of island life, SSA’s stable includes the award-winning Golden, locally inspired Whaletail and specialty brews like Heatherdale, which is infused with the fragrance of heather from Victoria’s Butchart Gardens and traces its origins back four millennia to the Picts.

“We definitely march to the beat of our own drum in terms of the way we do things,” says Co-Owner Becky Julseth. “This is partially necessity, being a rural business and on an island, but also part of the spirit of the place.”

The Salt Spring attitude not only encompasses using pure spring water from the mountain overlooking the brewery, honey made by the island’s bees and certified organic Nugget and Cascade hops they grow themselves, but by ‘closing the loop’ and donating spent grain to Salt Spring cattle farmers, mushroom growers and bakeries. As the only place to buy beer on the south side of the island, this tiny brewery has become a favourite meeting place for regulars, but visitors always receive a warm welcome and invitation to sample Salt Spring Ales in the tasting room.

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G l o b a l I nsp i r at i o ns : Pa r i s

IMAGES: © ROGER MOOKING

Food Network Celebrity Chef and Chopped Canada Judge Roger Mooking rediscovers the pleasure of simplicity in a Parisian getaway.

by Roger Mooking

y wife Leslie has dreamt of Paris the way our children dream of seeing a unicorn in the woods. And after much covert planning, I finagled the perfect time to spring the surprise of her life on her–only to find out we were going to have another baby. So once again, the trip of her dreams was postponed.

But finally, we were ready to make this unicorn appear, albeit a year later.

The red-eye flight was a stroke of scheduling genius because we landed in Paris on a perfect morning, refreshed and ready to begin our adventure. Luckily for me, Leslie had been learning French for over a year by the time we arrived in Paris. Were it not for her newfound linguistic acumen, we would have ended up in Versailles instead of our hotel in the heart of the city. Between Leslie’s French and the ever-helpful Black Tie concierge service, which we used liberally to avoid lineups and the logistics of time-consuming travel planning, the imposing City of Lights felt like our newly discovered backyard.

Our tendency is towards a cultural vacation mixed with extremely comfortable accommodations. So we stayed steps from the Champs Elysees, a few minutes walk from the Arc du Triomphe, and spent our days meandering the enchanting streets of Paris and losing ourselves Arrondissement after Arrondissement.

Every other day, our adventuring was studded with well-curated and pre-arranged outings (thank you Black Tie) to Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower at night and a daytime tour of the Louvre. This kind of sightseeing is equally exhilarating and exhausting, so we needed food. And, given my passion for it, we were on the hunt for the good kind.

After spending years as a line cook working with French chefs, I was most intrigued to come to this culinary wonderland. After several days sampling Brasserie patios (the best place to people-watch and waste hours, by the way) and several Tartar and Rillettes, we soon discovered that the heart of the Paris food scene beats in the neighborhood boulangeries and street markets.

There is a time-honoured craft rolled into every baguette de tradition; and as we refined our Parisian disguises our daily purchases soon included a baguette that we tore into and ate while we walked the streets like locals, my wife chattering to me in French and me replying “oui” to everything, sans cigarette.

One day while strolling past the Arc du Triomphe (which never gets old), we veered off looking for something to quench our thirst, and stumbled into a local street market where the purveyors are clearly not accustomed to having to deal with tourists. The boutique storefronts

there, filled with all things Parisian and culinary, blew my mind—cheese, cured meats, pates, roasted meats, fresh produce, confections and wine. We had finally hit the Arrondissement jackpot, and the next couple hours were dedicated to trying one of nearly everything imaginable within a two-block radius.

As definitively Paris as the grandiose architecture are the butter and yogurt on offer at the numerous neighborhood boulangeries. I’ve enjoyed both great local butter and wildly memorable yogurt many times elsewhere, but somehow this was special. St. Germaine will do that to you. The butter is the colour of a gold bar, and is as valuable, in my opinion. The yogurt, smooth and creamy as the richest ice cream, is served in small glass jars, studded with fresh market fruits, and sealed with foil to preserve its majesty. I have been taken with the magic of simplicity many times in my life, and this was a reminder that true greatness lies in the most humble things.

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IMAGE: Š HAPPY ALEX - FOTOLIA.COM

Grand Isle in the Bahamas is all about life in and on the water

By any measure, Grand Isle has to be one of the finest resorts in the Bahamas. Sitting on the ivory crescent beach of Emerald Bay, it’s comprised of 78 spacious one- to four-bedroom villas, each offering luxury, quality and extraordinary value in a special corner of paradise.

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he resort’s oceanfront and resort-view villas feature luxury amenities that include custom furnishings, private balconies or patios with sweeping views of the water, golf course designed by the legendary Greg Norman, and tropical vegetation. Individually decorated, the villas are well-appointed with gourmet kitchens, and offer easy access to an infinity-edge pool and expansive sundeck patio, the Bay’s beautiful white sand beach, the SeaStar Spa and the Fitness Center.

But Great Exuma is really all about life on and in the water.

From snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, to world-class fishing and animal adventures (don’t miss your chance to swim with sharks or feed stingrays), visitors should make time to explore Great Exuma’s unrivalled natural surroundings and local culture.

For those who love to fish, the daily catch often includes big tuna, marlin and mahi mahi, and there are half- and fullday fishing charters with experienced guides and all the gear you’ll need. You can also try reef fishing. Ideal for novice or experienced anglers, this catch-and-release adventure puts you up close and personal with everything from yellow tail snapper and barracuda, to reef sharks.

If you prefer diving into the local history, the secluded islands have been popular hideouts for pirates, including the infamous Captain Kidd. More recently, though they have been used as film locations for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

If cruising is in your blood, visit the islands owned by celebrities such as Johnny Depp, David Copperfield and Faith Hill. In fact, exploring Great Exuma by boat is one of the best ways to see many of the deserted islands and sand bars within the Cays, and it lets you take advantage of amazing snorkelling on some of the more remote reefs. Discover the famous Thunderball Grotto made famous by Sean Connery (as James Bond) and the movie Splash, or take a break to stroll along a beach and gather a few sand dollars to remember your visit.

Great Exuma is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, and there are numerous snorkel spots around the island and surrounding Cays—from Stocking Island’s Moriah Harbour to vibrant reefs and freighter wrecks that showcase underwater ecosystems at their finest. Divers may also enjoy the network of shallow underwater trails accessible from the white-sand beach at the resort.

Back at home base, the SeaStar Spa gives you a chance to indulge, relax and rejuvenate. Following a philosophy of Thalasso-therapy, or “seawater therapy,” the Spa recreates the art of marine healing in order to restore balance through innovative skin and body care treatments. Elemis spa therapies work in natural synergy with the skin, mind and body to create longterm results for those seeking solutions to overall well being.

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IMAGES: COURTESY GRAND ISLE RESORT

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IMAGES (LEFT TO RIGHT): © BRETT WINTER LEMON PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.; © ROBINSTANCLIFFPHOTOGRAPHY; © BRETT WINTER LEMON PHOTOGRAPHY, INC

The Miraval is the jewel of the Santa Catalina Mountains

n the High Sonoran Desert, six villages of casita-style villas are silhouetted against the Santa Catalina Mountains. They’re connected to nature—each built from responsibly sourced and sustainable materials, and a part of the surrounding landscape.

And that’s the idea. Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona is a luxury wellness resort built on the philosophy of sustainable and balanced living. Its mission is to help guests regain their equilibrium through unique treatments that focus on mind and body rejuvenation.

Miraval’s pioneering approach to highly-personalized activities, experiences and treatments have helped to define it as one of the most celebrated destination spas in the industry. It has been top-rated by some of the most respected voices in luxury travel, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Zagat Survey and Spafinder Wellness 365, to name a few.

Miraval guests enjoy healthy cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, a custom-fit wellness programming and a variety of fitness, yoga, meditation and challenge activities. They can choose to stay in their own casita-style villa (all of which feature extensive amenities and seamless integration into the Sonoran landscape), or in a fullyappointed personal suite or cozy room.

But while the scenery and services are magnificent, guests really come for the spa. From the ancient healing arts of Ayurvedic treatments that rejuvenate your body and spirit, to world-class body renewal rituals and energy cleansers such as acupuncture and Thai massage, Miraval offers an extensive list of relaxing and rejuvenating options. And if you’re looking for privacy, check out their Spa Suite, where you and your guests can get exclusive treatments in complete seclusion.

Miraval also offers guests unique learning opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From hiking to dance and personal enlightenment, the goal really is about leaving the spa with better personal balance.

In June and throughout the fall, check out The Miraval Equine Experience Immersion with Wyatt Webb. Over four days, Webb (bestselling author of It’s Not About the Horse, It’s About Overcoming Fear and Self Doubt and What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do: Common Horse Sense) offers guests the opportunity to work with horses in one-on-one and group practice opportunities. You’ll challenge learned behaviours, correct false beliefs, and rediscover your authentic self.

In August, it’s about Awakening The Divine Self, with master healers Pamela Lancaster and Dr. Tim Frank. They offer a life-altering experience for anyone on the path of selfexploration. The goal of this unique immersion program is to help individuals overcome the blockages that keep them from manifesting their highest expression. Participants will learn to become conscious creators of their lives, and can heal past traumas and eliminate obstacles to intimacy.

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EXPERIENCE THE CAMERON HOUSE.

For golf enthusiasts, The Carrick on Loch Lomond is a 71-par course designed by the acclaimed golf course designer Doug Carrick. This stunning course uses every inch ofthe dramatic landscape, straddling Scottish lowlands and highlands with nine holes set in each.

This extraordinary prize package includes three nights bed and breakfast in a Loch View Room, one round of golf for two on Championship Golf Course and one bottle of Cameron House’s signature blend of Whisky.

Plus, the winner will receive a Black Tie Travel and Entertainment membership for onefull year, which includes numerous travel and partner amenities. Approximate prize value $2,400.

blacktietravel.com/win-a-scottish-golf-getaway

IMAGE: (TOP) © FILIP ŠIMALÍK - FOTOLIA.COM; ALL OTHERS © CAMERON HOUSE SCOTLAND

Relax and unwind on the world-renowned bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Cameron House is legendary Scottish hospitality at its very finest and very warmest. There will always be someone on hand to impart age-old tales of clansmen or point you in the right direction in choosing the best red to go with your steak.

disconnect

connect HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD? At Miraval, somewhere between the innovative treatments at our award-winning spa and the life-affirming, world-renowned activities designed to help you discover mindfulness, you’ll find what you’ve been looking for: A life in balance.

life in balance W E L L N E S S L U X U R Y R E T R E AT S , E X C L U S I V E LY D E S I G N E D F O R Y O U .

To access your Black Tie benefits, contact your Black Tie personal travel manager at 855.878.7007.

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Le Bristol Paris continues to draw worldwide acclaim for its service and attention to details.

The Guide, which specializes in high-end tourism and publishes the results of its reader poll annually, praised the hotel for its “extraordinary personalized service and excellent bar,” and for the work of triple Michelin-starred chef Eric Frechon.

It also recognized manager Didier Le Calvez, who was himself named Best General Manager Worldwide. Le Calvez has been steering the luxury hotel since 2010, overseeing major changes over the past five years as part of extensive renovation projects. (Previously, Le Calvez opened the Four Seasons George V in Paris, which came in second place in Gallivanter’s Guide this year.)

In December, Le Bristol was also named best hotel in France

by Institutional Investor, the American business review, and it took top honours in the TripAdvisor 2014 Travellers’ Choice Awards Hotels.

All of these accolades are well earned. Le Bristol has been providing world-class service since it opened in 1925. (This year marks the 90th anniversary, and plenty of celebrations will soon be announced.)

For many, it begins with the food. Le Bristol’s luxury brasserie, with a one-star Michelin rating, 114 Faubourg recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The hotel’s head chef Eric Frechon recently appointed Jean-Charles Cauquil as the new chef. Frechon is likely to be found prowling Epicure, the Bristol’s main restaurant—with three Michelin stars.

The restaurant has recently been redecorated and offers bay windows that open out onto the magnificent French-style garden.

IMAGES COURTESY OF LE BRISTOL PARIS

e Bristol has been causing quite the stir lately, and it’s really not all that surprising. In January, the prestigious hotel on Paris’s famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré was named as the Best City Hotel Worldwide by UK mag Gallivanter’s Guide.

The hotel won a remarkable 21% of the vote from readers throughout 42 countries.

The hotel is located on the prestigious rue du Faubourg SaintHonoré in the heart of Paris’s fashion and arts district. Its 188 rooms and suites have undergone extensive refurbishment recently and are spacious and bright—but decorated in classic 18th century style.

The hotel is a vital part of the history of the street, which begins in 1715, when the French royal court left Versailles and re-established itself in Paris after the death of Louis XIV. Mansions and famous landmarks began to sprout up on what had previously been marshland. One of them—the Hôtel d’Évreux, completed by 1722—would become the Élysée Palace in 1848, and has since been the official residence of the President of the French Republic.

With its rich lineage, Faubourg Saint-Honoré has attracted some of the world’s most famous brands. Thierry Hermès, founder of the luxury brand Hermès, moved his saddler shop there late in the 19th century. The first Pierre Cardin boutique in the world could be found at number 118. Many others have followed suit over the years, including Christian Lacroix and Louboutin.

Le Bistro planted its roots on the rue in 1923, when Hippolyte Jammet purchased a property with the ambition to transform it into the city’s most luxurious hotel. He named it Le Bristol as a tribute to Bishop Frederick Hervey, fourth Earl of Bristol, an 18th century traveller famed for his love of comfort and the high standards he demanded.

Since then, it has continually grown and evolved. (It even served as the American embassy during the war.) Pierre Jammet took over from his father in the ’60s, making the hotel even more luxurious, before selling in 1978 to Rudolf Oetker, founder of the German industrial group Oetker. Oetker added 60 rooms and the iconic gardens—some on the site of the former Sisters of Good Hope convent.

The hotel was extensively redesigned again in 2004 and added the famous Fashion High Teas. Three years later it acquired the adjoining building so that it could sit proudly on the corner of avenue Matignon and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

In 2010, Didier Le Calvez was appointed Managing Director, overseeing the addition of two signature suites: the Honeymoon Suite on the eighth and top floor overlooking the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, with a panoramic view of the capital’s most beautiful monuments; and the Imperial Suite, the largest suite in the hotel at 320 square metres.

The hotel also recently unveiled its new Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, which now stretches over three floors and is equipped with eight treatment rooms, a gym, a hair salon and children’s play area Les Amis d’Hippolyte.

Le Bristol is truly a hotel with deep roots in Parisian past, but it boasts a modern and comprehensive approach to service and amenities.

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IMAGE: © AMIT GERON

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London’s famous

Hotel Café Royal is getting ready to celebrate its 150th anniversary

n 1863, French wine merchant Daniel Nicholas Thévenon and his wife Celestine fled to England to escape the clutches of their Paris creditors. Thévenon soon anglicized his name to Daniel Nicols, and opened his own place on London’s Regent Street, dubbed the Café Royal. It wasn’t long before the establishment was renowned for its excellent hospitality, dining and entertainment. It was, after all, the first time French gourmet cuisine had been introduced to the British capital.

And thanks to Thévenon’s expertise, it quickly gained a reputation for having the greatest wine cellar in the world.

Since its opening, the Café Royal has remained at the epicentre of fashionable London. It has welcomed famous patrons from royalty and celebrities, to artists and tycoons, and has remained an iconic mainstay on the capital’s social scene.

Early on, the hotel was frequented by writers and artists such as Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley. Arthur Conan Doyle, H. G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, Rudyard Kipling, W. B. Yeats and James McNeill Whistler were all patrons. Distinguished figures such as Winston Churchill, D. H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, Noël Coward and Graham Greene were also regulars in their time.

IMAGES (TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE): © MICHAEL FRANKE; COURTESY HOTEL ROYAL CAFE; © AMIT GERON

Royalty took to the place with equal vigour—the Prince of Wales (who later abdicated as Edward VIII in order to marry Mrs. Simpson) and The Duke of York (George VI) often took lunch at the Café, as did Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

In its time it welcomed Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as well as celebrities such as Louis Armstrong and Muhammad Ali. In 1973 David Bowie famously retired his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, there with a star-studded party dubbed ‘The Last Supper.’ Guests included Mick Jagger and Lou Reed.

The Hotel Café Royal was closed in 2008 for restoration, and for four years it stood cocooned in tarps as a radical restoration took place (under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects). The restored London landmark now features 160 contemporary guestrooms, including 49 suites and six signature suites.

At the heart of the hotel, the Ten Room offers informal British dining all day, while the Green Bar is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a cocktail. Restored to revive its ornate Louis XVI décor and detailing, the jewel of the hotel, the Oscar Wilde Bar (formerly the iconic Grill Room, originally established in 1865) is now the place to enjoy champagne, cocktails and a light

COURTESY HOTEL ROYAL CAFE

In 1973 David Bowie famously retired his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, there with a star-studded party dubbed ‘The Last Supper.’ Guests included Mick Jagger and Lou Reed.

menu of British dishes. The Café on Regent Street, meanwhile, brings back the European tradition of café culture.

The hotel also offers the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre—an urban retreat spanning over 13,000 square feet. Akasha features a state-of-the-art-gym, large lap pool, Watsu pool, sauna, Hammam/steam room and a range of signature treatments that marry innovative Western practices with ancient Eastern traditions.

With elegant Mayfair to the west and creative Soho to the east, Hotel Café Royal is perfectly positioned within walking distance of London’s finest shopping streets, tourist attractions and theatreland.

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Visit the

May Fair in London and you may be tempted to never leave the hotel.

here are luxury hotels, and then there is The May Fair.

First opened by King George V in 1927, it offers more than 400 luxury hotel bedrooms, a discreet spa, a one-of-akind cigar room and a fine-dining restaurant—not to mention a casino that is quintessentially London. The Palm Beach Casino, in The May Fair’s former Grand Art Deco Ballroom, is one of the largest gaming rooms in the city.

With all that going for it, it’s little wonder that The May Fair provides the backdrop for the BFI London Film Festival every year—an event celebrating the best that British film has to offer.

The May Fair is the Festival’s official hotel and provides a venue for many of the private screenings. Lavish without being showy, dramatic without compromising on comfort, The May Fair is the place to be seen during the Festival.

Located in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is close to Buckingham Palace and offers a fantastic view of the London skyline from the ninth floor. It’s also near the exclusive shops of Old Bond Street, Green Park and the famous Sotheby’s Auction House.

The May Fair Spa is also a prime reason for a visit, with luxurious treatments created to emphasize wellbeing and health.

It’s a place where the frantic pace of life in Central London gets put on hold, and highly personalized beauty and health spa treatments pamper each guest individually. Unwind in the Relaxation Room before sampling the deep cleansing of the Herbal Sauna and Aromatic Steam Room. Finish off under the Three Experience Shower, especially the gentle Forest Mist setting, to prepare body and soul for your treatment.

IMAGES: © THE MAY FAIR HOTEL

Drop into The May Fair Bar to sample its signature Mojito, or soak up the atmosphere in the newly refurbished May Fair Kitchen, which uses locally sourced, sustainable ingredients of the highest quality. In fact, its fish vendor also supplies Buckingham Palace. Little wonder it’s a prime spot for both locals and visiting celebs.

Black Tie Benefits: • Breakfast for two daily • Seasonal gift • Membership to Palm Beach Casino • Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel • Access to May Fair Spa • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available

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ameron House on Loch Lomond is a stunning five-star Scottish baronial mansion. A 132-bedroom resort, it offers a range of luxury accommodations, from traditional four-poster Whisky Suites to contemporary suites with private balconies and stunning views overlooking the loch.

IMAGE: © CAMERON HOUSE SCOTLAND

The resort also has four restaurants, each serving up a fantastic dining experience. For formal occasions, visit the Michelinstarred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond. Or check out the Cameron Grill, with its stylish and informal open feature kitchen, salmon bar and butchery.

The Boat House pays homage to New England style with an open kitchen and wood-burning oven. It’s located at the marina on the water’s edge, so you can enjoy amazing views over the loch from the restaurant or dine outside on a a deck. The Claret Jug, meanwhile, is much more than a clubhouse with its impressive restaurant and breathtaking views over the golf course.

When it comes to lounges and bars, if you’re a dram lover you’ll appreciate the Whisky Bar, which pours more than 260 different whiskies. Or there’s the Great Scots bar, with its beautiful pewter-topped bar and gigantic windows overlooking the loch.

If you’re looking for things to do, Cameron House will keep you as busy as you want to be. There’s the championship golf course, luxury resort spa with rooftop infinity pool and a range of outdoor pursuits—such as rib boat rides, guided hikes, kayaking or the Cameron House Shooting School. There are also a ton of things to see and do a short drive from the resort. Dumbarton Castle, where Braveheart’s William Wallace was imprisoned

before his journey to London for execution, is only a few miles away—as are a dozen other castles and historic monuments.

Of course, many come for the golf. The Carrick on Loch Lomond is an 18-hole, 71-par championship green. The stunning course uses every inch of the dramatic landscape, straddling fault lines between the Scottish lowlands and highlands with nine holes set in each. Some of the elevated holes offer spectacular views of Loch Lomond to the west and Ben Lomond to the north, and all provide stimulating and challenging golf.

But if you’d rather be pampered, the Cameron House Spa is surrounded by dramatic landscape. It has an infinity pool overlooking the loch and the moody Ben Lomond. The Spa also has a 20-metre lagoon-style leisure pool, a well-equipped fitness centre and 17 treatment and relaxation rooms.

Win a Scottish Golf Getaway!

We’d like to send you the world-renowned bonnie banks of Loch Lomond!

For golf enthusiasts, The Carrick on Loch Lomond is a 71-par course designed by the acclaimed golf course designer Doug Carrick.

See page 24 for your chance to play this legendary course!

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IMAGES: COURTESY THE KNICKERBOCKER HOTEL; (FAR LEFT) © ANITA KAN

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“The Knickerbocker’s history is something that most luxury hotels cannot offer—no matter how strong the brand or address.

By drawing inspiration from our past to create a lifestyle experience that is beyond typical luxury hotel amenities, The Knickerbocker will undoubtedly appeal to both local New Yorkers and international travellers.”

Perched on the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway, at the very heart of Times Square, The Knickerbocker Hotel is a New York landmark.

First opened in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV, The Knickerbocker has been a part of Big Apple culture and history ever since. (It’s even rumoured to be the birthplace of the martini.) Known as the “42nd Street Country Club,” the Knickerbocker was a long-term residence for some of the most prolific performers and businessmen of its era—like opera singer Enrico Caruso and composer George M. Cohan. Unfortunately, its heyday only lasted about 15 years before it closed, reopening as offices and eventually becoming home to Newsweek magazine in the early ’40s.

For the rebirth, hotel owners Highgate Holdings and Felcor Lodging & Trust commissioned leading architectural and interior design firm Gabellini Sheppard to take on the 15-story, 175,000-square-foot landmark. The limestone and masonry hotel is now filled with dynamic public spaces—from the grand lobby and espresso bar on the ground floor, to the fourth-floor signature restaurant and bar by Charlie Palmer. The spacious rooftop level hosts a bar and lounge, private event space and outdoor terrace. And 330 guestrooms are located on the remaining floors, with four grand suites positioned on the corners of the top three floors, and 27 junior suites as well.

Dine at Charlie Palmer at The Knick, or take in JAKES @ The Knick—a coffeehouse and artisanal café. Also, look for the opening of St. Cloud, one of the most magnificent rooftop bars in New York City, complete with a signature cigar lounge from celebrated tobacconist Nat Sherman.

Thankfully, the Knickerbocker reopened February 12 this year, reimagined as a premiere luxury hotel that blends modern amenities with classic New York style.

“We’re embracing the hotel’s original DNA, while simultaneously offering guests intuitive service and relevant luxury,” says Jeff David, Managing Director of The Knickerbocker.

Black Tie Benefits: • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available S PR I N G 2 0 1 5 3 3

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IMAGES: COURTESY LA RÉSERVE HOTELS®

La Réserve Paris offers stunning views and remarkable exclusivity in the heart of the City of Light

new five-star hotel has

opened in the heart of Paris.

Just steps from the Palais de l’Elysée, the Place de la Concorde and the ChampsElysées, and mid way between Avenue Montaigne and the Faubourg SaintHonoré, it offers a view of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Luxor Obelisk.

That’s lofty company to keep, but Hôtel La Réserve Paris looks as though it’s holding its own with some glowing reviews from its first month of service.

The vision of hotelier and entrepreneur Michel Reybier, La Réserve Paris is a distinctive urban mansion with all the elegance and style of a private 19th-century French apartment. Its immense spaces are bathed in soft light, the furniture and fabrics are rich and luxurious, and the amenities are all thoughtful and welcoming. Facilities include a smoking lounge, a 16-metre indoor pool, a library, wine cellars in the suites, and an inner courtyard full of lush greenery that echoes the landscaped entrance.

The Haussmann-style building reflects all the codes of 19th-century Parisian classicism, but the apartments are modern, spacious and understated (thanks to the touch of talented designer Rémi Tessier). Intended to be a private pied-à-terre in Paris, each apartment can serve as a second home just as well-suited to an intimate stay for two as it is for a family holiday. Ranging from 150 to 300 square metres, the 10 apartments offer ample, peaceful, uncluttered space.

There is no traditional reception desk per se; instead every guest who arrives at 42 Avenue Gabriel is welcomed personally and taken to their suite to make sure that they feel at home immediately.

A fan of authentic good produce, when it comes to food and drink, Reybier opted for contemporary French cuisine inspired by the seasons and influenced by international inspirations. Guests can dine in the library, their rooms or wherever they feel most comfortable, including Le Gabriel, the new restaurant run by chef Jérôme Banctel.

When it comes to the quiet and exclusive spa, guests can unwind in the pool, one of three treatment rooms, the fitness area (with the help of a sports coach) or the steam room. Personalized body and face treatments are tailored to individual need and desire, and all the spa, hair styling and manicure services are open to both guests and to outside bookings.

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SEEING STARS AT THE

TORONTO AND VANCOUVER LOCATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL LAND TOP HONOURS FOR SERVICE Vongerichten chose this Vancouver destination for his first restaurant in Canada, MARKET by Jean-Georges. Given such amenities, it’s little wonder the hotel was also named the best city hotel in Canada by the readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine in its 2014 World’s Best Awards.

The Shangri-La Hotel Toronto location opened in September 2012, just in time for the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, and it has been a Festival sponsor and hot spot for the last three years. It’s the only hotel in Canada to make the listing of world’s most beautiful pools by Condé Nast Traveler in 2013.

AS THE EXPRESSION GOES, DIAMONDS ARE A HOTEL’S BEST FRIEND. OK, that might not be exactly how it goes, but the Shangri-La Hotels in Toronto and Vancouver are celebrating AAA Five Diamond Award designations for 2015—the travel authority’s highest rating for hotels and restaurants.

This is the first year the Toronto hotel has been given the ranking, and the third for the Vancouver location. It’s definitely an accomplishment, given that fewer than half a percent of more than 29,000 properties approved by AAA achieve the distinction.

The company’s flagship property in North America, ShangriLa Hotel Vancouver is the tallest building in Western Canada—a 62-storey landmark punctuating the city’s skyline.

Internationally acclaimed three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges 3 6 sp r i n g 2 0 1 5

Last year, the Toronto hotel introduced two exclusive experiences. The first was Toronto’s only custom Champagne Wall, stocked with an extensive selection of the most prominent and rare champagnes in the world. The second was a unique offering for guests—it became the first hotel in North America to use E-Hybrid Porsche Panamera as its house car.

Once you arrive (whether by Porsche or other means), one major highlight is definitely the food and drinks. Make sure you visit Bosk, the hotel’s signature restaurant (overseen by Executive Chef Damon Campbell), The Bar and the Lobby Lounge, with its all-day offerings and tea menu featuring 68 hand-picked teas from around the world.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is one of Asia’s leading luxury hotel groups. The Shangri-La got its start in 1971 with a deluxe hotel in Singapore, but today there are more than 70 hotels and resorts in the chain throughout Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe, offering guests more than 30,000 rooms.

Black Tie Benefits: • Welcome gift • Deluxe breakfast for two daily • CAD 100 food & beverage credit per room, per stay • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available

IMAGES:(LEFT TO RIGHT) © SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TORONTO; © BRANDON BARRE

Shangri-La

A SIAN INSPIRED. DIS TINCTLY C ANADIAN. Experience hospitality from the heart To book your next stay, please contact your Black Tie Personal Travel Manager at 1-855-878-7007 or email info@blacktietravel.com

T: (6 47) 788 8294, 188 Universit y Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

w w w.shangri-la.com/toronto Š2014 Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Brands mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

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More than just a beautiful landmark in one of America’s most storied cities, the Fairmont San Francisco hotel is a looking glass that peers into American history.

glory

COURTESY: FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

R e t u r n

t o

I

n 1906, the Fairmont had just been built but had yet to open its doors, when the city was devastated by a great earthquake and the rolling fires that followed. The hotel was damaged but not devastated and the task of rebuilding it eventually fell to Julia Morgan, the first woman graduate of the prestigious École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Just starting in her career, Morgan would eventually become known as the nation’s preeminent female architect.

Though it would fall into disrepair and the decades would steal some of its lustre, the new millennium brought with it an $85-million restoration that returned its original marble floors, ornate domes and intricate design work. Highlighting the restoration is the re-emergence of the main lobby as a grand public space. Layers have been stripped away to reveal pristine marble floors and Corinthian columns trimmed in gold. The Laurel Court has been restored to its original design and once again it functions as the hotel’s main dining room and bar.

Crowned by three domes, it serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on the hotel’s lobby level.

The hotel’s 591 guest rooms and suites, including the famed Penthouse Suite, have been refurbished, each with marble baths and picture windows complemented by business amenities such as two-line telephone systems and high-speed Internet access.

Black Tie Benefits: • Daily Breakfast for up to two in room guests • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • USD 25/100 hotel credit, depending on room type

Still sitting in its privileged place atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont enjoys a panoramic view of the city and the bay. It’s just a short cable car trip from San Francisco’s bustling downtown, Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. At the center of it all, the Fairmont is the only spot in San Francisco where each of the city’s cable car lines meet.

IMAGES:(LEFT TO RIGHT CLOCKWISE) © MATTHEW MILLMAN; COURTESY FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

Exactly a year later, the Fairmont was reborn, and with a banquet celebration that featured 600 pounds of turtle, 13,000 oysters, $5,000 worth of California and French wines.

Then at precisely 9:00pm the fireworks began, illuminating the rejuvenated hotel, the thousand ships at anchor in the Bay, City Hall and all the buildings that had returned to the city. San Francisco was alive and well, and the Fairmont was at center stage.

I N S I G H T S : T R AV EL T I P S

Need Travel Insurance?

Most people think travel insurance just covers unexpected sicknesses or accidents far from home.

But there are other things you might want to consider insurance for. ometimes the unexpected happens on the road when you’re far from home. Most often, travellers tend to worry about sudden illnesses or injuries—the two things they traditionally buy insurance for. If you’re on a trip and you or a loved one falls ill, you want to know you can get home with minimal fuss and worry—and without bringing home a huge medical bill in your suitcase.

IMAGES:(LEFT TO RIGHT CLOCKWISE) © CHERNOV SERGEY - FOTOLIA.COM; © BLUEORANGE STUDIO - FOTOLIA.COM

But what other things can insurance cover you for, and what questions should you be asking? Zest sat down with Mike Sanderson, Client Manager at Manulife Travel Insurance, to find out.

1. Unexpected events on the home front If you’re at destination and a family member back home becomes unexpectedly ill or injured, will you be able to fly home and be reimbursed?

That’s something you want to check before you travel.

2. Costs that pile up Beyond the consequences of an unexpected illness on the road, there are also the extra costs associated with an extended stay—the hotel, meals, phone and land transportation costs among them. Does your plan cover those as well?

3. Unexpected unemployment Would you be able to cancel your trip and be reimbursed for your pre-paid non-refundable trip should you be laid off from work?

4. A Canadian Travel Advisory before you leave If the Government of Canada issues a new warning advising Canadians that they must not travel to the destination

you’ve chosen, will you be able to cancel your trip and receive a full refund?

5. A Canadian Travel Advisory after you leave If you are advised by the Government of Canada that you must leave your vacation destination, will you be able to purchase and claim for a new one-way flight home?

6. Lost luggage If you travel enough, this one is inevitable. Can you afford to purchase clothing and necessities should your luggage go astray or get delayed?

7. Extreme weather or car breakdown If your trip is interrupted due to weather conditions or mechanical failure of your car or connecting common carrier, can you afford hotel and food expenses associated with the interruption? Can you afford the cost of another direct flight to catch up with your trip or to return home? That’s something a comprehensive plan can cover, so ask ahead of time.

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The Grand Experience

Since 1950, the Circuit de Monaco has been the crown jewel of Formula One. Twisting through the streets and tunnels of Monaco, it epitomizes everything great about F1—the speed, the glamour, the noise and the slight hint of danger when cars

growl close to the street-side barriers. And with an average 300 days of sun every year, it’s little wonder that the Monaco pit stop is a favourite of international celebrities.

Make Monaco even more of an event Windstar Cruises offers a unique eight-day cruise starting in Rome that is specially timed to ensure guests don’t miss any of the Formula One action.

Featuring exclusive access to private Windstar Grand Prix events and two days of time trials and racing, the voyage also makes stops in destinations such as Cannes, Portofino, Portoferraio and Portovenere, giving its guests a chance to take in some of the finest boutiques, restaurants, cafés and white-sand beaches on the Mediterranean. The Windstar experience is second to none, with all the finest amenities available on-board the line’s beautiful yachts.

This cruise is also staffed by a Formula One racing expert, who will be on-hand to share his behind-the-scenes insights, as well as hosting an onboard cocktail reception and dinner and a fabulous dryland dining experience in the famed Empire Room at the Hotel de Paris.

Pole Position on the 2015 Circuit

There’s plenty of great Formula One action coming up in the 2015 calendar GRAND PRIX DU CANADA

GROSSER PREIS VON ÖSTERREICH

BRITISH GRAND PRIX

Montreal, Canada June 5 - 7 Circuit Name: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve First Grand Prix: 1978 Number of Laps: 70 Circuit Length: 4.361 km Race Distance: 305.27 km Lap Record: 1:13.622, Rubens Barrichello (2002)

Spielberg, Austria June 19 - 21 Circuit Name: Red Bull Ring First Grand Prix: 1970 Number of Laps: 71 Circuit Length: 4.326 km Race Distance: 307.02 km Lap Record: 1:12.142, Sergio Perez (2014)

Silverstone, England July 3 - 5 Circuit Name: Silverstone Circuit First Grand Prix: 1950 Number of Laps: 52 Circuit Length: 5.891 km Race Distance: 306.198 km Lap Record: 1:33.401, Mark Webber (2013)

Get in the Game No matter the sport, we’ve got the tickets, the VIP passes and the access you want. No matter the game, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out more.

IMAGES:© MONACO PRESS CENTRE

F1 Monaco Grand Prix May 22 to 24, 2015

Tour de France July 4 to 26, 2015 France & the Netherlands

There’s nothing quite like the sight and sound of a rushing peloton, with each rider and team strategically jockeying for position, and each athlete straining to get the most out of themselves and their machine. And there’s also no event in cycling like the Tour de France.

The 102nd edition kicks off in the Netherlands this year, with the ‘Grand Départ’ leaving the beautiful Dutch city of Utrecht on Saturday, July 4. From there, it races through some of the most remarkable scenery in Europe—3,344 kilometres in all—through nine flat stages, three hill stages, seven mountain stages (with five altitude finishes), one individual time-trial and one team-trail stage.

It’s a gruelling and demanding pace, set against some of the most spectacular backdrops in the world.

This year will see the addition of six new stage cities: Zélande, Livarot, La Pierre-Saint-Martin, Muret, Sèvres-Grand Paris Seine Ouest and Utrecht at the very beginning.

Don’t miss your chance to see the pinnacle event of the sport—and take in all the best that France has to offer along the way.

2015 UEFA Champions League Final June 6, 2015 Berlin, Germany

Berlin is known internationally for its countless museums, galleries, cabarets and nightclubs. But this June the city takes center stage for an entirely different reason.

In 2015, the Olympiastadion welcomes the final match of the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League. It’s the 60th season for Europe’s premier club football tournament organized by UEFA, and the 23rd since it was reborn from the now-defunct European Champion Clubs’ Cup.

© UEFA

The victors in Berlin will earn the right to play against the winners of the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup, and they will also qualify to enter the semi-finals of the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup as the UEFA representative.

Last year, Real Madrid edged out Atlético Madrid in a battle of Spain’s best. This year’s action on the pitch is guaranteed to be just as furious.

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IMAGES: (TOP LEFT TO RIGHT) © CARINE06 - WIKICOMMONS; © AELTC / MATTHIAS HANGST: © CHRISTIAN MESIANO

EVENTS

Grand Slam Events woldwide

French Open

Wimbledon

The US Open

May 24 to June 7, 2015 Paris, France For two weeks, France becomes the center of the sporting universe as tennis fans everywhere turn their attention to the Stade Roland Garros in Paris to take in the spectacle of the only Grand Slam event held on clay. With a grand prize that will top ¢25 million (over US$36 million), the French Open (actually, Les Internationaux de France de Tennis, Roland Garros) is widely considered to be the most physically demanding tournament in the world of sports.

June 29 to July 12, 2015 London, UK Wimbledon shifts in the schedule by a week this year so players will have a little more time to recover from the French Open. And they’ll need it. Wimbledon is hallowed ground for any tennis enthusiast, attracting the leading lights of the international jet set every year, from Hollywood celebrities to royalty.

August 31 to September 13, 2015 New York, US One of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the US Open traces its roots all the way back to 1881. It’s the premiere hard court event in the calendar and the final Grand Slam event every year (taking place after the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon).

In fact, more than half a million spectators will take in the second Grand Slam event, as the year’s top-seeded tennis stars move from clay in France to grass in southwest London.

And little wonder. Wimbledon is the world’s longest-running and most prestigious tennis tournament, and its unique lineage adds an unmistakable gravitas to the event. A strict whites-only dress code for players is in effect, and strawberries and cream are a menu staple for spectators.

Since 1978, the tournament has been played on acrylic hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

And although it’s a non-profit organization, the US Open has set an ambitious goal of offering US$50 million in prize money by 2017.

Last year, Spain’s Rafael Nadal fought his way up the ranks to become Men’s Singles Champion, while Russia’s Maria Sharapova took the Women’s crown. Who will make the long journey to the apex of the sport this year?

You should be there in person to find out.

As if you really needed another excuse to visit the Big Apple this summer…

Cannes Film Festival

Imagine the Côte d’Azur in spring: The wide blue Mediterranean, edged with white, sandy beaches. A table to yourself in a beach restaurant and a plate topped with fresh catch of the day. Or maybe a charming café just off the Coissette. It’s May 13 to 24, 2015 your choice. After all, the French Riviera is all about style, comfort and Cannes, France pampering yourself.

And there’s no better time to visit than during Festival. The 68th Cannes Film Festival kicks off May 13, attracting the world’s biggest stars and celebrities to the scenic south of France for two weeks. There were 1,047 films screened in 2014, and more than 200,000 people–from internationally renowned filmmakers, to avid film buffs—gathered to celebrate the apex of cinematic creativity. It’s all about the red carpets, parties and fantastic French food. And really, what more do you need?

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Kentucky Derby

IMAGE: © BILL BRINE

May 2, 2015

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The South has always had an indomitable spirit, with its own celebrations and deep traditions.

Foremost amongst these has to be The Kentucky Derby.

A Grade I stakes race for thoroughbreds, it is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. The Derby is a one-and-aquarter-mile race that’s become known as “The

Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” because it takes so little time for the horses to finish.

The event is the legendary first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

But it’s so much more than just a horse race.

There are festivals, marathons, parades, steamboat races, poker tournaments, golf and

tons of music and food. The Kentucky Derby is really a holistic celebration of culture, tradition and life.

It should also be mentioned that no Derby is complete without generous servings of Mint Julep. The traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century, they’re worth the trip to Kentucky alone.

Comic-Con International

Comic-Con has grown exponentially since then into a critical intersection for the comic, anime, fantasy and science fiction worlds. Held at the San Diego Convention Center and other satellite locations, the event attracts more than 100,000 fans and fanatics to its half a million square feet of display and showcase space every year. In fact, Comic-Con now pretty much takes over the whole city of San Diego, showcasing cosplay, workshops, screenings, an awards show, autograph stands, art shows and the “Oscars” of the comics industry. It’s everything you’ve heard about, and so much more you haven’t.

You just can’t call yourself a fan if you’ve never seen a Comic-Con first-hand.

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IMAGES: © REGIS LEFEBURE

July 9 to 12, 2015 It began in 1970, when a group of comics, movie and San Diego, US science fiction fans got together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. The one-day event only drew about 100 attendees, but there was something to it and momentum built quickly. By the following year, the event was three days long and attracted three times as many guests—not to mention legendary speakers like Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby and A. E. van Vogt.

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EVENTS

The America’s Cup June 2015 to 2017 An International Event

The America’s Cup World Series season begins this year in early June (location to be announced), before moving to Portsmouth, Great Britain (July 23 to 26), Gothenburg, Sweden (August 28 to 30) and then Hamilton, Bermuda (October 16 to 18). Four to six more events are expected in 2016, including a summer regatta in Chicago and a return to Portsmouth in July 2016. So far, six teams are confirmed. The defending champion is Oracle Team USA, which won the last event with a spectacular comeback over Emirates Team New Zealand (which also returns as a challenger). Add Artemis Racing (Sweden), Ben Ainslie Racing (UK), Luna Rossa Challenge (Italy) and Team France, and the contest is sure to be unforgettable.

Harvey Schiller, the Commercial Commissioner for the America’s Cup asserts that the organizers have found the perfect place for the 2017 final: “In Bermuda, we have a perfect international venue to demonstrate the excitement America’s Cup boats and teams can generate,” he says. “The sailing conditions are near perfect.

The race course on The Great Sound is a natural amphitheatre, with room for racing and spectators, and set against a spectacular backdrop of islands and beaches. And the proposed America’s Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard will be the heart of the event for the teams and fans alike.”

Michael Dunkley, the Premier of Bermuda, says hosting the America’s Cup will showcase the best the island has to offer. “From the very start, Bermuda’s bid was designed around our many strengths,” he noted “including our near-perfect sailing conditions, our temperate year-round climate for team training, our optimal location and time zone for visitors and television viewers alike, the intimate and unmatched setting offered by Bermuda’s Great Sound, our maritime legacy and innovation, and the spirit and hospitality of our people.

“Our vision for the Americas Cup in Bermuda is to deliver an unforgettable experience that will be nothing short of spectacular for the teams, sponsors and spectators alike—whether they be with us on-island or watching from around the world.”

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The most celebrated yachting trophy in the world, America’s Cup is the oldest organized event in sport, pre-dating the modern-day Olympics by 45 years. The race for the 35th Cup will take place in the rich blue waters off Bermuda in 2017—but you don’t have to wait that long to get your yachting fix.

Finals

Fantasy Finals Fantasy

Summer 2015

Want to be in the stands when it really matters? This year, take in the action from the edge of the best seats in the house, and watch the hardware get handed out first-hand.

NBA Finals The 2015 NBA playoffs kick off on Saturday, April 18 and wrap with the 2015 NBA Finals beginning on June 4. Who will be left standing when it comes time to hand out the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy? There’s only one way to be sure you don’t miss any of the great playoff action, and that’s by being there. Let Black Tie show you how easy it can be.

NHL Finals The 2014/15 season marks the 97th year of competition in the NHL. This year’s playoffs are a whole new ballgame, thanks to divisional realignment. Find out what happens next when the puck drops on the Stanley Cup Playoffs April 15 and runs through the middle of June when the final best of seven is decided.

MLB All Star Game Take in the best that the boys of summer have to offer this year when the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game arrives in Cincinnati on July 14. It’s the 86th edition of the All-Star Game, featuring highlights like the All-Star Futures Game winners and the Home Run Derby. See the current and future stars of the game this July at the Great American Ball Park.

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G E TAWAY: M O N A C O & M O N T E C A R L O

Monaco offers something for every traveller, regardless of budget or passion

Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile Monaco.

Second only in size to Vatican City when it comes to the small nations of the world, it punches far above its weight in so many categories. It has 22.2 kilometres of amazing coastline, with some of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean, but the entire country is only a little over two square kilometres. It boasts only about 40,000 citizens, and yet it is the most densely populated country on the planet. It’s a country steeped in history, bounded on three sides by France and only about 15 km from Italy. By all accounts, Monaco is a place unlike any other.

But some travellers might hesitate planning a trip to Monaco, thanks to its reputation as the playground for the rich—well, über-rich—and famous. While the reputation is well-earned, the hesitation is misplaced. This tiny little principality offers something for every kind of visitor.

A Few Can’t-Miss Destinations

Sure, Monaco has its famous casinos, an expansive blue harbour full of spectacular yachts, some of the best restaurants in the known universe and its own Formula One race, but there’s plenty to see and do beyond that.

The Old Town

Visit the Prince’s Palace—a Genoese fortress that dates back to 1215—and the throne room of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. Tread the Carrera marble staircase in the main courtyard, with its three million stones, and take in the changing of the guard. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Monaco. And for history buffs, don’t miss the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Collections of the Historic Archives of the Palace.

Get Back to Nature

Visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden adjacent to Fontvieille Park—it boasts 3,500 rose bushes in 150 varieties. Or, take in the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, with its 100,000-gallon Shark Lagoon, which was founded in 1910 by renowned oceanographer Prince Albert I.

Bask in the Aleppo pines, agaves and olive trees of the Saint-Martin Gardens, wrapped around the ancient fortifications of the original citadel, and then retreat to the serene Japanese Garden adjacent to the Grimaldi Forum.

Relax at the Spa

As you might imagine, Monaco has some of the greatest spas in Europe.

Visit the ESPA at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, the Spa Cinq Mondes at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel or the world-famous Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo, renowned for its seawater treatments and state-of-the-art amenities.

Also, make sure you make time for the 2,700-square-foot Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, or the Fleur de Peau Institute Port Palace hotel.

An Insider’s Perspective Cindy Hoddeson, Director of Meeting and Incentive Sales at the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York, offers the inside track on her favourite part of a Monaco stay.

It’s hard to believe that after 26 years of working for the Monaco Government Tourist Office I continue to discover new places and experiences in the Principality. When not attending meetings at our head office with industry partners, I stroll around Port Hercule, where you can see extraordinary yachts. I love to stop, relax and sit outdoors at the Brasserie de Monaco and sample some of their beers.

From there, I might continue to the indoor/outdoor Condamine market and buy some treats to bring home for friends, like their tapenade, an olive spread. I also can’t resist local specialties like pissaladiere (similar to a thick pizza, topped with caramelised onions, olives, garlic and anchovies) and socca (a thin crepe).

Another experience that costs next to nothing but is very special is sitting in the historic Café de Paris located on the Casino Square. I can sit for a couple of hours with a coffee or glass of champagne and people-watch, or admire the many beautiful cars parked around the Square, including Bugattis and Aston Martins.

Walking is the way to discover Monaco and its varied architectural styles. The new Monaco is represented by our Yacht Club, with was designed

by Lord Norman Foster, and the luxurious apartment building, the Tour Odeon. The Belle Epoque style is particularly evident—one example is the Villa Sauber, part of our New National Museum.

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G E TAWAY: M US T PL AY G O L F

in Scotland

you play the game, or if you vacation with someone who does, Scotland is a must. You can book trips as close to seven days in advance, but if you’re looking to play a specific or especially historic course, you should probably be planning six months to a year out.

The beauty of a Scottish getaway is that it doesn’t have to be all about the game. You can enjoy a visit to whisky distillery, fantastic fine or country dining, or even some fly-fishing. The land is dotted with historic castles and country houses, and there is tons of history to discover. Scotland offers something for everyone.

IMAGE: COURTESY OF CAMERSON HOUSE SCOTLAND

The best place to play the game is where it was invented. And with its beautiful and rugged courses and world-class amenities, Scotland more than earns its status as the destination of choice.

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VIP St Andrews Golf Tour 3-night package, summer 2015 Spend three nights in either the five-star Old Course Hotel, five-star Fairmont Resort or four-star Rusacks Hotel. Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast each morning and take advantage of a luxury chauffeur for the duration of your tour. A 24-hour concierge service is also provided.

Gleneagles Resort VIP Golf and Sightseeing Tour May to October 2015 Spend seven nights at the five-star Gleneagles Resort, with full Scottish breakfast, luxury chauffeur service and VIP helicopter return transfer from Gleneagles to Loch Lomond Golf, Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarns.

Enjoy a private VIP motorboat cruise on Loch Lomond with wine and canapés.

Includes five games of golf and 24-hour concierge service.

5-Night VIP Package Exclusive use of Myres Castle Enjoy five nights in the Exclusive Use Property at Myres Castle. Take advantage of luxury ground transportation in the form of customized Mercedes Sprinters, as well as return private helicopter transfers from your golf course to Gleneagles. It also includes 24-hour concierge service and access to the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony.

VIP Machrihanish & St Andrews Golf Tour 7-night package, summer 2015 Enjoy three nights at the four-star Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish, and four at the five-star Old Course Hotel in St Andrews. Includes a full Scottish breakfast each morning, luxury chauffeur-driven ground transport, a helicopter servicefrom Machrihanish to St. Andrews, seven games, as well as a private tour and tasting at Springbank Distillery, and 24-hour concierge service.

VIP Skibo & East Lothian Golf Tour May to September 2015 Spend three nights at Skibo Castle and four at The Archerfiled Estate. The package includes a full Scottish breakfast each morning, as well as lunch, dinner and afternoon tea at The Carnegie Club.

Guests will enjoy unlimited use of the 18-hole Carnegie Links (no tee times are required), as well as VIP private helicopter transfer from Castle Stuart to Archerfield. Play six games and enjoy 24hour concierge service.

VIP Heli-Golf Package 5-star Gleneagles Resort, summer 2015 Spend five nights at the five-star Gleneagles Resort, with a full Scottish breakfast each morning. Enjoy access to the Final Night Gala Dinner and Champagne Reception. The package includes luxury chauffeur and return helicopter transfers for each of your golf games. The package includes five rounds, a private tour and tasting at Tullibardine Distillery, and 24-hour concierge service.

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G E TAWAY: M US T PL AY G O L F

Old Course Hotel,Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews KKKKK There is no more spectacular location in all of St Andrews. This renowned resort hotel overlooks the manicured acres of its namesake Old Course, and across to the sea beyond. It’s an elegantly informal haven of luxury, warm hospitality and exquisite dining, offering some of the poshest accommodations in Scotland.

The suites are spacious, finely appointed and have gorgeous panoramic views.

The Road Hole Grill is located on the hotel’s top floor, overlooking the most famous hole in golf. From the deep cold of the North Atlantic to the radiant warmth of the Mediterranean, the Sands Restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience to tempt all tastes.

Experience Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel, one of Europe’s most advanced total well-being spas. It boasts a 20-metre swimming pool with cascading waterfall, a thermal suite with hydro pool, communal Heat Experience Cabins offering a Sunarium and a Japanese Salt Inhalation Steam Experience, a cold plunge pool, and a fitness suite featuring new resistance and cardiovascular equipment.

Fairmont St Andrews KKKKK The 520-acre Fairmont St Andrews resort encapsulates luxury, elegance and truly breath-taking surroundings in the ‘Home of Golf.’ Make your visit memorable at this unique and special venue, with its lavish and stunning surroundings, peaceful setting and stunning cliff top views of St Andrews and the North Sea. The resort prides itself on an array of fabulous facilities, including two championship Golf Courses—The Kittocks and The Torrance—and excellent dining for every palette, ranging from an opulent fine dining experience in the two-AA Rosette Esperante restaurant, to golfers fare and magnificent views at The Clubhouse.

All 209 luxury guestrooms are spacious with thoughtful Scottish touches. The sumptuous Signature Spa offers a range of treatments including locally themed massages, and facial and relaxation therapies using exclusive Kerstin Florian and Pure Lochside products in 12 chic treatment rooms. The 16-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and relaxation room complete the experience, helping you to unwind in style and comfort.

Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews The Rusacks is only a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous golf course, and offers a magnificent view of the legendary 18th green of St. Andrews’ Old Course.

Traditional comfort can be found in this wonderful hotel, with breathtaking views over the legendary course and the sea beyond. There are 68 bedrooms, including seven suites themed around some of the world’s top golfers, famous tournaments and infamous hazards like Hell’s Bunker and the Valley of Sin. There is also a sauna and solarium to help you to relax after a long day on the links.

The Old Course bar and restaurant pair spectacular views with magnificent seafood and game dishes. Overlooking the 18th green, you can enjoy the panoramic views from sunrise to sunset while enjoying the finest local produce cooked by as award-winning chef, and the restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes for fine dining.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire KKKKK Located in Perthshire on 830 acres of rolling countryside, Gleneagles Hotel is one of the leading golf and spa luxury hotels in Scotland. Here you can choose

from 232 opulant guest rooms, including 13 exclusive suites. The hotel has a choice of four restaurants, each with its own style, but the hallmark of every one is freshness and flavour.

This five-star resort hotel has three championship courses—The King’s, The Queen’s and The PGA Centenary Course—as well as the nine-hole PGA National Academy Course and a full driving range to practise on.

Non-golfers are also most welcome to enjoy such leisure facilities as the shooting school, equestrian school and the British School of Falconry. After all that, you can relax in the hotel’s awardwinning Health Spa by ESPA, and The Club, which boasts two indoor swimming pools, an outdoor spa pool, jacuzzi, high-pressure water jets, saunas and a gymnasium.

Myres Castle, Fife Set in beautiful gardens on 44 acres of parkland enclosed by a high stone wall, the castle is near the village of Auchtermuchty in Fife, about 40

minutes north of Edinburgh. This is a place where you will feel instantly at home; the staff are friendly, the food exceptional, and the atmosphere a happy combination of grand and intimate. The castle interior has the warm, light and welcoming atmosphere of a genuinely loved family home. Each bedroom has special character, and the owners have devoted care and attention to the interior decoration with luxurious fabrics, works of art and fascinating objects from the castle’s historic past. Amenities include a drawing room, library, billiards and board room, informal Victorian kitchen and tennis court.

Ugadale Hotel KKKK Once regarded as the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in the west of Scotland, the Ugadale Hotel has been restored to its former glory and now serves as the centerpiece of The Village at Machrihanish Dunes. In its heyday, the Ugadale regularly welcomed captains of industry and their families, who descended upon Machrihanish for summer holidays with their steamer trunks and visions of relaxing times on the beach and golf

links. Today, 22 stunning guest rooms and suites are finished to the highest standard to pamper guests in an atmosphere of casual elegance combined with modern amenities, historic charm and unmatched natural beauty.

The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Dornoch Skibo Castle is home to The Carnegie Club, one of the world’s most exclusive private clubs, named after celebrated philanthropist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The 7,500-acre estate is hidden away in a romantic Highland landscape of breathtaking beauty. Skibo provides luxurious hospitality, magnificent links golf and traditional country sports for the discerning visitor. The dramatic Highland backdrop provides magnificent all-round views and the Dornoch Firth.

The course is reserved exclusively for residents at Skibo—there are no tee times or reservations—and it is rated 69th in the 2005 Golf World listings.

Additional activities include fishing, falconry, tennis, shooting, horse riding, Land Rover off-roading and a luxury spa with Sodashi treatments.

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gKingbarns Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from The New Course is a classic links course that uses the natural St Andrews, Kingsbarns is, without a doubt, one of the most features of the land to create a first-class golfing challenge. It breathtaking courses ever developed. This new and exciting has the traditional out-and-back layout, with an 18th green just links course opened after the 2000 Open Championship and is to the right of the first tee. It also has, in the great St Andrews described to be the nearest thing to Pebble Beach outside of the US. tradition, shared fairways and even a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes. The New Course is considered one of St gTrump International Golf Course Andrews’ best kept secrets.

Designed in 2012 by Dr. Martin Hawtree, the acknowledged g Jubilee Course, St. Andrews master of links golf course architecture, The Trump International Golf Links provides a tough test for every level The Jubilee Course dates back to 1897 and runs parallel to the Old Course. It is perhaps the most challenging of all the courses of golfer. This beautifully scenic course provides a variety of at St. Andrews, with its small greens well-guarded by deep pot panoramic views, including views of the coastline, plunging into secluded valleys. This golf course promises to be a stiff but bunkers. The course was officially opened when Curtis Strange, the US Open champion, drove a ball from the first tee in fair test, offering golfers a chance to plot their way through a September 1989, and it has a length of just over 6,200 yards. multitude of punishing bunkers. g Old Course, St. Andrews

gAilsa Course, Turnberry The Ailsa Course has played host to a variety of championships This world-famous course with double greens, hidden bunkers, and features one of the most picturesque locations in Scotland.

17th road hole and 18th hole with the Valley of Sin, has hosted This course has hosted the Open Championship on several 27 Open Championships and many other major competitions occasions and was the scene of the famous Duel in the Sun over the years. The Old Course at St. Andrews is a must for all between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. This is perhaps one of avid golfers, who should make the pilgrimage at least once in Scotland’s most challenging links courses. their lifetime. While it is one thing getting the opportunity to play here, it is quite another to make the occasion a memorable gPGA Centenary, Gleneagles one in scoring terms.

The PGA Centenary Course, set amongst the beautiful rolling Perthshire countryside, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1993. It is a regular venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship, with past winners including Paul Casey and Adam Scott.

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g New Course, St. Andrews

g Dunaverty This golf club is situated by the village of Southend on the south The game of golf has been played at Carnoustie since before coast of the Kintyre peninsula. It’s a fine par-66, 18-hole natural Columbus discovered America, making it one of the oldest links extending to 4,799 yards. High and low handicappers alike courses in the world. The links have been played over the years by all the golfing greats, and have acquired a deserved reputation will enjoy its testing layout, the springy turf on the undulating fairways, and arguably one of the finest set of greens in Scotland. as a demanding test of golfing ability. Carnoustie has hosted the British Open Championship, British Amateur Championship and is reckoned to be amongst the toughest links courses in the g Machrihanish Dunes Set hard against the Atlantic Ocean on Scotland’s west coast, world. the award-winning Machrihanish Dunes shares breathtaking g Kings Course, Gleneagles views and a majestic dunescape with the neighbouring The Kings Course opened in 1919 and is a masterpiece of design Machrihanish Golf Club, a world-top-100 course laid out in 1879 by Tom Morris himself. More than 100 years later, by five-time Open Champion James Braid that has tested the renowned present-day golf course architect David McLay Kidd aristocracy of golf, both professional and amateur. Probably realized a longstanding dream to build this second course at the most spectacular of the three championship courses at Machrihanish.

Gleneagles and former home of the Scottish Open. g Carnoustie Championship

g Machrihanish Golf Club

Machrihanish has become well-known recently, mainly because of its exceptional first hole that requires the round’s opening shot to carry the Atlantic. The course is built on wonderful dunes in the small village of Machrihanish, situated on the western side of the remote Kintyre Peninsula—where the sky is big, the sunsets are dramatic, and the air has been warmed by the Gulf Stream. Its relative inaccessibility has saved it from becoming more commercialized. It is a joy to play and, most of the time, very quiet, allowing visitors to relish the ups and downs of its fairways and tussle with its undulating greens.

g Loch Lomond Course

Nestled alongside the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is a parkland treasure that has come to be known as Loch Lomond Golf Club. A private club for the exclusive use of its members and their guests, Loch Lomond sits on the historic Clan Colquhoun estate, which is steeped in Scottish tradition dating back to the 12th century. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, this golf course is currently ranked 44 in the world’s top 100 courses.

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Santa Monica is a charming coastal town with all of the culture, events and amenities of a bustling metropolis. The blend of its natural beauty, award-winning dining, incomparable hotels and famed shopping options, all on one of California’s most iconic stretches of shoreline, makes for an unforgettable seaside destination.

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G E TAWAY: C A L I F O R N I A

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Santa Monica is home to some of the most celebrated hotels in all of Southern California.

There’s truly something for everyone, with the city’s 36 hotel properties ranging from highstyle boutique hideaways to world-famous oceanfront resorts, to comfortable and affordable family hotels. Four- and five-star options include: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

fairmont.com/santa-monica Nestled at the top of the Santa Monica bluffs, with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is a true Hollywood hideaway.

Residing on five acres of lush, landscaped gardens, the Fairmont effortlessly combines historic elegance with modern features. This luxury oceanfront Santa Monica hotel offers a beautiful swimming pool, extensive meeting facilities and a well-equipped health club and spa.

Hotel Casa del Mar

hotelcasadelmar.com Originally built in 1926 as the grandest of the opulent beach club hotels and the premier playground for Hollywood A-listers, Hotel Casa del Mar relaunched in October 1999 following a $50-million restoration. Today, it remains one of the most well-appointed addresses on the West Coast, with luxurious décor, sophisticated accommodations, lively public spaces and a relaxing overall ambiance. The hotel is adjacent to the historic Santa Monica Pier, the dynamic Third Street Promenade and the popular upscale shopping and dining areas of Main Street and Montana Avenue, as well as the gardens and expansive ocean panoramas of cliff-top Palisades Park.

Shore Hotel

shorehotel.com Shore Hotel is the newest addition to the Santa Monica coastline—a Silver-LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) boutique property that offers eco-friendly accommodations with stunning views of the Ocean. Just steps from the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade and the city’s popular beaches and shopping districts, Shore Hotel offers superb access to all of the city’s yearround leisure activities.

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G E TAWAY: C A L I F O R N I A

Stroll through one of Santa Monica’s world-famous farmers markets to pick up a sampling of the country’s freshest produce, flower, meats, cheeses, nuts and more. Enjoy Santa Monica Bike Center’s Sweet Spots Tour, a guided cruise through Santa Monica’s premiere shopping districts and landmark neighbourhoods. Learn about the exploding raw food movement in an intensive weekend course at Santa Monica’s Matthew Kenney Culinary. Take a culinary course

at The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories, located in Santa Monica Place. It teaches students classic cooking and baking techniques that use only seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Local favourites include ‘Intro to French Macarons’ and ‘Farmers Market Meals.’

Several Santa Monica hotels also offer great culinary packages.

The Oceana Santa Monica Hotel, for example, offers a tour called ‘From Stand to Stand,’ where guests can experience the harvest at the famous Santa Monica Farmer’s Market on a ‘behind-the-stands’ tour led by Josiah Citrin. The Michelin-star Chef leads guests through the seasonal ingredients that guide his menu at Tower 8, Oceana’s on-site restaurant. The package also includes overnight accommodation for two in an oceanfront suite, breakfast at Tower 8, and a signed copy of Citrin’s book, In Pursuit of Excellence.

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Santa Monica emerged as an international culinary destination in the 1980s and has remained in the top echelon of American dining, thanks to local food innovators, a firm commitment to farm-to-table dining, and year-round access to the world’s finest ingredients. The prominence of Santa Monica’s restaurant scene has become a central part of the destination’s culture, and interactive culinary experiences offer an exciting opportunity for visitors to take part in the action behind the scenes.

Santa Monica has been listed by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the World, and it’s no wonder. It’s the perfect place to stay if your goal is the quintessential Cali beach experience—while maintaining easy access to the amenities of Los Angeles.

Broad, glistening beaches stretch for 26 miles along the scenic Santa Monica Bay, and 3.5 of those miles are within Santa Monica proper. Primary beaches include Santa Monica State Beach and Will Rogers State Beach, both of which are popular for swimming, running and beach volleyball.

By early 2016, the incoming Expo Light Rail will connect downtown Santa Monica to greater Los Angeles for the first time in over 50 years. When it’s completed, visitors and locals will be able travel to downtown Los Angeles (home to the Staples Center, Nokia Theater and a world-famous dining and nightlife scene) in less than 50 minutes, all day long.

IMAGE: © JOAKIM LLOYD-RABOFF

Santa Monica’s beautiful scenery and near-perfect climate has attracted fitness gurus to its shores since the original Muscle Beach opened at the foot of Santa Monica Pier in the ’30s. The long time landmark in the world of bodybuilding has been fully restored and refurbished, and it now serves gymnasts, acrobats and youth with an extensive gymnastics training area.

Santa Monica sits on the Pacific Ocean at the crossroads of Pacific Coast Highway and California Interstate Highway 10, about eight miles from Los Angeles International Airport and in close proximity to all of LA’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Santa Monica’s prime location makes for easy day trips to take in the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, the nightlife of West Hollywood, the thrill of Universal Studios, or a hike behind the Hollywood sign, without having to sacrifice your beachside base.

Rent a bike and explore

Santa Monica is now home to one of the largest full-service bike rental services in the US—the Santa Monica Bike Center.

Located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, visitors are able to embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle of this bike-friendly community by choosing from a variety of bike rental options, as well as repair services, bike tours, valet parking and travel information.

Your starting point? The South Bay Bike Trail begins at the northernmost point of Santa Monica at Will Rogers State Beach, and then winds its way past Santa Monica State Beach, the famous Santa Monica Pier, through Venice boardwalk and past Venice Pier, all the way through Hermosa and Redondo Beaches, and ends at Torrance County Beach. The trail runs for 22 miles, and is the perfect way to take in this famous stretch of Pacific coastline.

The famous Farmers Market

Located on Arizona, between Ocean and Fifth Street, the Santa Monica Farmers Market has been named the best in the country by Travel + Leisure. With nearly 200 different growers and food purveyors at the beach city’s four weekly farmers markets, Santa Monica continues to attract famous chefs who value locally grown food and the celebrities and foodies who want to explore the diverse culinary offerings.

Third Street Promenade

The sprawling Third Street Promenade is the bustling hub of downtown Santa Monica. This pedestrian-only, open-air shopping destination is only two blocks from the city’s popular beaches and is noted for its weekly farmers market, terrific shopping, street performers, ample dining options and, of course, the people-watching.

Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica Place reopened in 2010 after an extensive remodel as a threestory, entirely outdoor shopping destination, located just two blocks from the beach and steps away from the famous Third Street Promenade. The Place was inspired by Santa Monica itself—with sunny open spaces, ocean breezes and an airy central plaza. Anchored by Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, Santa Monica Place also features a wide range of luxury and specialty shops such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, and more. A third-floor rooftop deck features gorgeous ocean views and an entire floor of dining, including The Market, where diners will find artisanal cheese, wines, chocolates, olive oils, fresh produce and flowers.

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IMAGE: © OLEG ZHUKOV - FOTOLIA.COM

E U R O PE I N S T Y L E

ow many times have you been in a conversation with someone about travelling Europe? They saw all the sites, checking them off like there was a master list—the Coliseum, the Louvre, Big Ben. All fantastic, must-see at least once in your lifetime kinds of places.

But what they really meant was they had been to Rome. Or Paris. Or London. Or Madrid. Storied, remarkable cities—and all worthy destinations—but each representing only a tiny slice of what Europe has to offer, just a fraction of the culture and civilization that thousands of years of history has slowly created. A lifetime of exploration wouldn’t be enough to take in what Europe has to offer. ‘ So it’s time to get off the beaten path and see what else is out there.

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL

IMAGES: © THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL

E U R O PE I N S T Y L E • WA L E S & U.K .

Immerse yourself in history

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa in Bath is only a short hop from London or Wales. etween Wales and the bustling city of London is a city steeped in history. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City for a reason. Founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans, who used the natural hot springs as a thermal spa, it became an important centre for the wool industry in the Middle Ages. But the Roman remains still stand—the Temple of Sulis Minerva and the baths complex (based around the hot springs at the heart of the Roman town of Aquae Sulis) are amongst the most famous and important Roman remains north of the Alps.

A world-class city needs a world-class destination, and Bath has it in The Royal

Crescent Hotel and Spa. The Royal Crescent offers visitors the opportunity to experience the grace and elegance of Georgian grandeur alongside a level of service that lives up to its regal name.

The award-winning Dower House Restaurant, the Spa & Bath House and the luxury city-centre accommodations make this Relais & Chateaux hotel the ideal location for a weekend break, midweek indulgence or business trip to Bath, Bristol and beyond.

Sit for Afternoon Tea or a relaxing glass of wine. Or better yet, take in the spa, with its beautiful architecture, enhanced by the use of natural woods with bamboo

and slate. This renowned spa provides those seeking to relax and unwind a truly memorable experience, thanks to its 12-metre relaxation heated pool, hot and tepid tubs, sauna and steam room, Hammam and the eight treatment rooms offering luxury treatments by Espa and CND Nails.

The Royal Crescent Hotel is 90 minutes direct from London Paddington train station, a 20-minute drive from the M4 Motorway, and less than two hours by car from London’s Heathrow Airport. Bristol International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away.

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Visit Wild Wales

nly 180 miles long and 60 miles wide, Wales is one of the smallest countries in the world. It has a population of about three million, but it boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 45 Blue Flag Beaches and 3 national parks. There is plenty to do in its towns and cities, but even more once you get out into the countryside.

Brecon Beacons National Park If you’re here on a clear, moonless night, make sure to look up. In 2013, the entire park was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve—the first in Wales—in recognition of its low light pollution and superb stargazing conditions.

Less than 60 years old, Brecon Beacons contains landscapes that were shaped in the Ice Age and molded by nearly eight millennia of human activity. Grassy mountains, wooded valleys, canals and caves make this a superb region to explore on foot or by bike, while market towns such as Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye add tons of character.

Snowdonia PARK Snowdonia is dominated by Mount Snowdon (1,085m/3,560ft), the highest peak in Wales. It also has one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls and its largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid.

The railway station perched on top of Mount Snowdon is the highest in Britain.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are the longest narrow-gauge steam railway lines in Europe, and the Coed y Brenin mountain bike trails are some of the best in the world. pembrokeshire coast national park Pembrokeshire is a collection of cliffs, beaches, coves and islands so special that National Geographic Traveler magazine recently rated it number two in the world’s best coastal destinations. The

many walkers, birdwatchers, coasteerers, surfers and kayakers who visit every year would doubtless agree. the wales coast path Dotted with castles, beaches and coves, the Welsh coast is great walking country. It’s an 870-mile (1,400km) long adventure. And in 2012, when Wales became the first country in the world to have a public footpath running along its entire coast, something magical happened—the world’s walkers fell in love with it all over again. Enthusiasts of all ages have flocked to the breezy cliff tops, deep woodlands and seaside promenades.

Of course you don’t have to tackle the whole path at once. Whether you just go for a short stroll one afternoon or make coastal walking the main focus of your trip, you’ll relish every step.

IMAGES: © CROWN COPYRIGHT (2006) VISIT WALES, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Welsh Castles There are over 640 castles in Wales—more per square kilometre than anywhere else in Europe. A few highlights include: The ghostly legends of Bodelwyddan Castle Watch out for weird apparitions, shadowy figures and unexplained voices at this castellated manor house.

The mad extravagance of Cardiff Castle “Cardiff Castle is different because it spans 2,000 years of history,” says head curator Matthew Williams. “From Roman remains to 20th-century wartime tunnels.

The wonderfully opulent Victorian Gothic building designed by William Burges blows people away.”

The literary inspiration of Laugharne Castle To Dylan Thomas, this brooding castle, “brown as owls,” was the perfect antidote to writer’s block. He sometimes worked in its garden summerhouse.

The fairytale towers of Castell Coch The wealthy third Marquess of Bute and his architect William Burges, of Cardiff Castle fame, created this fanciful castle for fun. Don’t miss the fabulously ornate ceiling in Lady Bute’s bedroom.

The massive proportions of Caerphilly Castle “What draws people to Caerphilly is its sheer scale and its focal point, the leaning tower,” observes Tony Payne, Head Custodian. “The castle is huge, the moat is huge. It’s really got that wow factor.”

The romantic views of Carreg Cennen Castle The distinctive silhouette of Carreg Cennen inspired Britain’s favourite painter, JMW Turner, to sketch it.

Perched on a crag with sweeping views of the countryside, it’s one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales.

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Exclusive France

Avoid the crowds and get exclusive access to some of France’s best kept secrets, including adventures: Visit the workshop of a Louvre craftsman Enjoy a private visit with an artist at the Ancient Books & Documents Renovation Workshop. She can introduce you to a private collection of rare and priceless documents and books which she works to preserve for both the Louvre and Versailles.

Bike tour in the vineyard Take a tour of the côte de Beaune, along paved cycling roads in the heart of Pommard, Volnay and Meursault vineyards. A local guide will take care of your needs, and along the way you can find out why locals consider Burgundy wine the best.

Get a Sabring demonstration Opening a champagne bottle with a sabre is a longstanding ceremony in France. The sabre is slid along the body of the bottle to break the entire neck away from the bottle, leaving only the base of the bottle open and ready to pour.

A guided tour of Chateau Clos Vougeot Founded by monks in 1098, the wines of Clos de Vougeot are some of the most famous in Burgundy. Today the vineyard is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is divided between 80 owners.

Enjoy a private tour and wine-tasting lunch at a local domain, DrouhinLaroze (the family has been established in Gevrey Chambertin since 1850) or Domaine Remoriquet. Created in 1938, it has 12 hectares of vineyard, the majority planted with Pinot Black.

Visit a barrel-maker Tour a cooperage that makes traditional barrels in Champagne. The barrel-making process is fascinating, and you end the tour with champagne matured in one of the same.

Secret Versailles Meet your private guide and head for Versailles Castle and Gardens. A former hunting lodge turned into a sumptuous palace of Louis XIV, the Château de Versailles and the Court received the monarchy until the French Revolution in 1789. Visit spaces that are closed to the public, such as the apartments of Madame de Tourvel, the secret passage of the Queen and the gallery located above the Hall of Mirrors.

Stunning Saint-Emilion Drive about 45 minutes from Bordeaux, and cross the Garonne River, and you will arrive in the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, a luminous, ochrecoloured jewel built of limestone and Roman roof tiles, completely surrounded by a sea of vineyards. Visit the Chateau Figeac, an estate established in the 2nd century AD, when a certain Figeacus gave his name to a villa he built on this location. The site has been continually inhabited ever since, evidenced by the water-supply system dating from the Gallo-Roman period, foundations of

IMAGE: © VASYL HELEVACHUK - FOTOLIA.COM

France like you’ve never seen

buildings from the Middle Ages, and the remains of a Renaissance chateau.

It’s a fantastic place to taste local wines, sit for spectacular meals or just while away the day.

The Village of Baux de Provence The village of Baux de Provence is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m tall. With a brilliant view of Arles, this immense stone fortress is, without doubt, one of the must-sees on the Provencal tour trail—it’s been labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France for a reason. Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as ‘Historic Monuments.’ The village has been painstakingly restored and can only be visited on foot.

The Hôtel Le Cep The Hôtel le Cep is located in the heart of historic Beaune, which owes its charm to the many old homes built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. Its 64 guest suites are air-

conditioned, furnished with antiques and named for Burgundy wines. The hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, Loiseau des Vignes, is managed by the famous Groupe Bernard Loiseau and offers a chance to eat wonderful cuisine and taste a wide range of wines.

Gordes Gordes is a beautiful village perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. Its stone buildings are built tight against the cliffs, and those sitting on the rocks above— including the 12th-century castle—are made of a beige stone that glows orange in the morning sun. Behind the village, small roads lead into the rocks, valleys and forests of the Plateau de Vaucluse, with its picturesque Abbaye de Sénanque, a beautiful and still-working 12th-century abbey. The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a lovely medieval Cistercian abbey and one of the best places to see Provence’s famed lavender fields. Founded in 1148 and once again populated by Cistercian monks, the peaceful abbey provides overnight retreats.

Make time for…

Zest asked W Travel France founder and travel insider Edwige Chevallier what he thought travellers should do when in France: 1. Spend at least three or four nights discovering Paris—including the famous Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles—but also just walk around the Left Bank area, sit on a terrace with a coffee, and enjoy and a cruise on the Seine. It may sound touristy, but there is a reason so many people do it. It’s amazing—the best time is at sunset.

2. Spend at least two days discovering French wine.

3. Provence is a must also for at least three nights. Hire a private chef to purchase goods at Arles or St Remy Market, and then enjoy a private cooking class.

4. Spend a couple of nights in a luxury bed & breakfast in Provence and meet the locals.

5. Dine at a two- or three-star Michelin restaurant.

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IMAGE: © FABIOMAX - FOTOLIA.COM

italy

A country geared to both the historian and the gourmand, Italy is a can’t-miss stop on any European tour.

Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, Florence (KKKK) Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is located in the heart of historical Florence, walking distance to stunning monuments and museums. This grand house (and now hotel) dates back to the 14th century when the sculptor Donatello had his workshop here. It has been renovated from top to bottom, complete with high painted ceilings, frescoed walls and en suite bathrooms fitted in marble.

Owners Filippo and Ginevra Niccolini di Camugliano oversee the residence to ensure guests experience top-quality treatment.

A Private Culinary and Art Tour in Florence Today more than ever, food has become an art form in Italy. With the help of local guides you can visit San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale, the main food market in Florence, and then a local Enoteca for a wine and olive oil tasting. Afterwards, there’s a visit to the beautiful local cathedral with Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome, an ingenious engineering feat.

Pizza Making in Florence There are few nations that can say their national dish has become an international phenomenon, but Italy has two—pasta and pizza. Pizza in its most basic form as a seasoned flatbread made from flour and water has a long history in the Mediterranean. The Greeks called this early pizza plankuntos and it was basically an edible plate for stews or thick broths.

Learn how to make it properly—the Italian way.

Terre di Baccio: A Country Estate in Chianti The Terre di Baccio estate stands on a panoramic hillside in the heart of Chianti—an area that boasts a wealth of history, art and culture. In the centre of the 50-acre estate stands a cluster of buildings known as Casale di Baccio, which dates from the 16th century and was recently converted into a country residence for guests. Thirteen acres of specialized vineyards, with Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot vines, produce excellent wines that are aged in the farm’s own historic cellar. The casale is an ideal departure point for short walks to the nearby town of Greve, with its splendid

piazza, local handicraft shops, as well as wine bars, cafés and restaurants.

Tour Ancient and Baroque Rome The most spectacular edifice of ancient Rome, the Colosseo (Coliseum) has a history that is half-gory, half-glory. It was here, in front of 50,000 spectators, that gladiators would salute the emperor and cry ‘Ave, imperator, morituri te salutant.’ (‘Hail, Emperor. Men soon to die salute thee.’) Take a private tour of this imposing piece of history before descending into the extraordinary archaeological complex that is the Foro Romano. This was once the heart of Republican Rome, preceding the hedonistic society of the emperors and the pleasure-crazed citizens of imperial Rome. Then it’s on to the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, the spectacular Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Private Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica and Square with a special reservation to avoid the line. This tour offers access to the many works of art, sculptures and paintings displayed in the galleries, and the artistically significant rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, such as the “Stanze” painted by Raphael and, of course, the Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo.

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IMAGES: COURTESY STAR TRAVEL DMC

Russia

Hidden behind what was once an Iron Curtain, Russia is a land full of history and adventure right on the edge of Europe.

Moscow, especially, is full of exciting things to see and do.

Visit the Park of Fallen Idols The Park of Fallen Idols is home to statues from the Soviet era (be it Lenin or Stalin, or any other) that were long-time fixtures in squares and streets. Traditionally, they were smashed, melted, or simply thrown away, but then someone had the idea to salvage some of the statues and preserve them in a Moscow sculpture park.

Travel back in time to The Cold War Museum Constructed in the ’50s, and occupying more than 7,000 square meters at a depth of 65 meters below ground, Bunker-42 provided security in case of nuclear attack for 30 years. Today, it has lost its defence role, though it remains fully independent with own power supply and communication systems, and is still ready to withstand attacks. This is a chance to travel back in time to a Cold War outpost in the heart of the city.

Backstage at the Bolshoi For theatre lovers, there are few getaways as enchanting as an evening performance

on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, complete with a pre-show backstage tour.

Visit the Museum of Applied Art and enjoy a Russian Tea Ceremony Matryoshka dolls are always associated with Russia. Brightly painted, with a set of smaller dolls inside them, the Martyoshka is more than a simple toy; it’s also a symbol of motherhood and fertility. At the All-Russia Museum of Decorative, Applied and Folk Art, visitors have the opportunity to get better understanding of the worldfamous symbol. Then stay for one of Russia’s greatest traditions—the tea party, complete with traditional Russian sweets and homemade berry preserves.

Take the Kremlin Tour Visit the Grand Kremlin Palace, including treasures from the 15th and 17th centuries, including the Faceted Chamber, the Golden Tsarina’s Chamber, the Terem Palace and the palatial home churches. The interiors of the imperial

palace feature about 700 rooms, among them the main hall with a staircase, five ceremonial order halls, receiving ceremonial quarters of the Empress, living quarters of the imperial family, the so-called “Private hemi section” and ground-floor service chambers.

Get up to Star City Get outside Moscow and visit Zvyozdny Gorodok—named after the first Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin—Russia’s answer to the NASA. In the Soviet era, the location was a highly guarded secret.

Cosmonauts of the Russian Federal Space Agency, and the Soviet space program before it, have lived and trained in Star City from the 1960s on. But now you can explore it for yourself. Located 35km from Moscow, a full-day tour can include a visit to the museum and lunch in the café where the astronauts have their meals (including a sampling of space food).

After lunch, visitors can get inside the Scientific Research and Cosmonaut Training Center, where they can even participate in some of the training exercises.

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IMAGES: © MEGAN BELLAMY

Enchanting iceland

Iceland is a natural paradise, and you don’t have to drive very far from the city to experience it. Although it looks as though it could have been plucked from a book of fairy tales, experiencing the best of Iceland is easy, even for mere mortals.

Cool, quirky and cutting-edge, Reykjavik will definitely captivate you. But get out into the countryside and you will be amazed by the land—dramatic nature with all its true beauty.

Look around and you’ll find volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers, lava fields and fjords.

And all that nature means an opportunity for once-in-alifetime experiences. Take a dip in a geothermal pool, go snowmobiling or glacier walking, meet the locals, nurture your inner self, experience remote nature and its silence, walk in thick moss or on freshly hardened lava, descend into a volcano or step onto the glacier.

Iceland Adventures: Why not consider these unique adventures during your stay? g Descend into a volcano in a helicopter. g Go on a Reindeer Safari in the East of Iceland g Glacier Hike or snowmobile on Myrdalsjokull Glacier. g Walk through a 500m Ice Tunnel (the largest in Europe)

into the second largest glacier in Iceland.

g Visit a local brewery and learn about Icelandic

brewing traditions.

g Snorkel between two continents, starting at the Silfra Fissure

in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, before hopping over the Arctic Circle in the North at Grimsey Isla.

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Let us inspire you As a discerning traveller, you expect the exceptional—and at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, exceptional is what we do best. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with unparalleled service, making every stay with us an extraordinary one.

As a HollisWealth client, you’re entitled to added benefits, available exclusively from Fairmont. When you book k your stay with us through Black Tie for HollisWealth, you’ll enjoy: one $100 dining credit per stay complimentary daily breakfast

room upgrade (based on availability) guaranteed late checkout time of 4 p.m.

To book your next stay, please call your Black Tie personal travel manager at 1 855 878 7007 or e-mail info@blacktietravel.com.

ACCESS YOUR BLACK TIE BENEFITS BY CONTACTING YOUR BLACK TIE PERSONAL TRAVEL MANAGER AT 1 855 878 7007 OR INFO@BLACKTIETRAVEL.COM