By Paul Knowles
H10 Punta Negro Majorca
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et in one of south Mallorca’s most beautiful areas, the H10 Punta Negra is an exclusive boutique hotel on the Costa d'en Blanes.
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Perfectly placed for a retreat in which relaxation is guaranteed, it has direct access to two idyllic coves with crystal-clear water, and is situated in lush gardens, surrounded by pine trees. Such beauty and luxury is continued inside the hotel which has recently undergone refurbishment and thus, when complemented by its carefully selected cuisine and superb facilities, this stylish establishment is one of the island’s most sought-after. With five meeting rooms, all boasting natural light and unique coastal views, it is equipped to hold any type of event - and ensure it is one to which people will flock! e H10 Punta Negra offers a wealth of facilities including free Wi-Fi, an essential for the business person and younger members of the family, the latter for whom there is an exclusive swimming pool.
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And it also benefits from two outdoor pools, La Pineda Terrace bar with the most stunning sea views, and a sun lounger and towel service, so you can truly enjoy those lazy days in the Mediterranean sun. For those wishing to be a little more energetic, there is the diving and snorkelling centre, along with golf packages and green fees agreed with nearby golf courses. Accommodation at the H10 Punta Negra includes elegant rooms, duplex suites and villas, each equipped with all the top class amenities you would expect of a boutique hotel and boasting some of the best views around with mountain and sea-facing vistas. Dining is no less special, with a selection of restaurants oering exquisite Mediterranean cuisine which is a feast for the senses. www.h10hotels.com Telephone: +34 971 68 07 62 94
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Four Seasons Hotel FIreNze
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rom crowded town squares, to tiny, tucked-away bakeries, art galleries to high-end fashion boutiques, the stunning city of Florence has it all.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL And anyone wanting to enjoy everything this Jewel of the Renaissance has to offer could do no better than to choose the historic Four Seasons Hotel Firenze as a luxurious base. Set amid one of the largest private gardens in the city, bordered by an ornate villa and Renaissance palazzo, the hotel has 69 opulent guest rooms in the Palazzo della Gherardesca and La Villa, along with 44 beautiful suites. e suites blend modernity with history to striking effect, featuring original frescoes, friezes and hand-painted sculptures.
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Signature Four Seasons service is on hand for all guests, who can enhance their stay with in-room spa options including hair styling, pedicure and manicure, while the hotel’s own luxury spa offers 10 treatment rooms – including one double and one double VIP suite – and signature treatments such as a Chianti wine massage! It also has an outdoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and relaxation lounge to add even further to the experience, as well as a fitness centre where guests can work alone or with a personal trainer, or try private yoga classes. Families can be accommodated in connecting rooms and/or suites, rooms for non-smokers are available, as are wheelchair-accessible rooms and, for a little extra extravagance, butler service is available in La Villa.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL Dining at the Four Seasons Firenze is memorable, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, Mediterranean salads and sandwiches served poolside, or the fabulously indulgent tasting menu created by the hotel’s executive chef at the Michelinstarred Il Palagio restaurant. www.fourseasons.com/florence Telephone : +39 05 526261
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jumeirah Beach Hotel D u B a I , uae
î “e family holiday experience is taken to a new level at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a five-star family beach resort which oers something to thrill and inspire guests of all ages.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL With a striking wave-like design, and blue plated glass which reflects the ocean, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most stunning and instantly recognisable landmarks. But the exterior wow factor is just the beginning for guests staying in one of the 618 luxuriously furnished rooms, suites and villas, all with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Entertainment and sports are high on the agenda, with diving and watersports experiences at the Pavilion Dive Centre, Sinbad’s Kids Club, complimentary and unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, six swimming pools, a climbing wall and private beach access. For anyone wanting to emulate GB’s Olympic divers, it also has the only five-star PADI Qualified Dive Centre in the UAE.
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To take it easy after all that exertion, the Jumeirah Beach has its own Talise Spa with saunas, massage rooms, hot tubs, Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. Spa professionals offer massage treatments and facials, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, Swedish and sports massage, or keep active in Talise Fitness, set up with the latest Technogym. Guests feeling hungry have no need to limit their options the resort has 21 restaurants and bars, spanning casual to fine dining. 360° perfectly captures Dubai’s energetic party spirit; Al Marsa Lounge offers tapas and light bites or guests can watch the sun go down in the idyllic surroundings of the Beach Lounge, sipping an after-dinner drink at the foot of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. www.jumeirah.com Telephone : +971 4 348 0000
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rose Palace Garden r o M e I taly
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ituated just off the Via Veneto, e Rose Garden Palace boasts a location which would be the envy of any hotel. e tranquil beauty of the Villa Borghese, the artistic masterpieces of the Borghese Gallery, the world famous Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Tritone Fountain and elegant shops of Via Condotti are all on its doorstep.
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But e Rose Garden Palace has much more to offer than simply the neighbouring sights of the Eternal City. A boutique hotel, created within a restored historic building, the interiors carefully combine the best of classical and contemporary design, offering guests both comfort and elegance. Fifty seven double rooms and eight suites each boast large marble baths and showers, and everyone is fitted to cater to convenience with in-room refrigerator/bar; lockbox; satellite TV (including CNN and Sky TV), high-speed internet (ADSL and wireless) and individual in-room climate control.
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e Rose Garden Palace is focused on exceptional service and hospitality in peaceful surroundings, not only in the hotel but in its Il Roseto restaurant, where white linen tablecloths and a pretty garden setting await diners. Signature dishes include sea bass fillet with potatoes and artichokes, or millefoil of beef with mushrooms, Bra cheese, potatoes and zucchini, while more adventurous diners can sample tasting menus of either five or seven courses (45 and 60 euros). And there’s no need to worry about calories … e Rose Garden Palace has its own L’Oasi Fitness Center, which features the latest in workout apparatus, as well as a 6m x 6m whirlpool, relaxation area and sauna – the perfect place to unwind after a busy day in Rome! www.rosegardenpalace.com Telephone : +39 06 421741
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