DOTWNEWS August/September 2019 Edition

August/September 2019

BILL BENSLEY

ArchItEct ExtrAordINAIrE

aBU DhaBI regal views at The Ritz-Carlton

crown of the palm rESIdENcES fIt for A kINg At SofItEL duBAI thE PALm

ISLAND LIFE

BEAch EScAPES & IdYLLIc AdvENturES chalet StYle

alpine chic at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECES

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DAZZLING JEWELS

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UNIQUE ESCAPES

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LUXURY CARS

Elegance is an attitude Simon Baker

HydroConquest

Redefining Luxury for Over 50 Years A haven for the world’s most discerning travellers, find yourself nestled between the tranquil, turquoise waters and lush, emerald jungle of Paradise Island. Experience the legacy and glamour of the Resort’s expansive Versailles Gardens and 12th Century Cloisters. Dine on lavish fare at DUNE by Jean-Georges, or live like Bond at the Martini Bar & Lounge. This private oasis offers rooms, suites, and villas in modern beach chic or classic Caribbean appeal.

From romantic rendezvous to family escape, the serenity of The Ocean Club beckons you home.

one ocean drive paradise island, bahamas To continue dreaming, please visit fourseasons.com/oceanclub Follow us on Instagram @fsoceanclub +1-561-931-0620 reservations.oceanclub@fourseasons.com

Abu Dhabi’s Finest Urban Resort The St. Regis Abu Dhabi soars to new heights of splendour and service beyond expectation and merges authentic Arabian hospitality with more than a hundred years of bespoke St. Regis tradition. Located at the heart of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, with a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers Corniche Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. @stregishotels

Š2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All names, marks and logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

Memories are the one gift you give to yourself.

Refined elegance awaits at our 3-bedroom villas including exclusive club lounge access and luxury transportation. For reservations, call (973) 1758 0000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/bahrain.

Starting from $ 1,910++ per night, offer is valid for villa bookings only through 31st December 2019, subject to availability. Rate is per room/per night, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer and is not applicable for Rewards redemption. Advanced reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited. Š2019 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

8:32 AM The moment the soul of the Maldives found you.

Generous villas with understated echoes of the many cultures of the Maldives. An untouched diving destination, on the largest lagoon in the Maldives, shimmering with cerulean light. Fairmont Maldives artfully connects nature to the soul and the result is unforgettable.

Gateway to your perfect Maldives moment. fairmont.com/maldives

Contents

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August/September 2019

On the cover 62 Polynesian playground Savour a French-Polynesian escape on the fringes of the city at Sofitel Dubai The Palm 70 Shop, ski and chalet Swap your jet ski for a snowboard at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates 78 Grand urban escapes Travel through the Middle East and Africa with four of Radisson’s finest city hotels

88 It’s the island life for me Our favourite tropical island hideaways in the Indian Ocean and beyond 98 Peace on the Palm Tranquil Thai treats and divine dining at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort 106 Room with a view Dreamy sunsets and late, lazy mornings at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

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From Mozambique to Bali, these island escapes – including COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives’ gorgeous Thaa Atoll – invite you to check in and tune out

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Contents

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August/September 2019

In the news 28 Europe Cheval Blanc basks in the Riviera; unique Italian experiences at Rome Cavalieri; living the suite life on the Orient-Express

32 Middle East & Africa Aman opening three resorts in Saudi Arabia; Airbnb levels up the luxury in new tier; Fairmont marks milestones in Kenya

42 Asia & Oceania Sleep above the waves in Bintan; new villas unveiled at Anantara Dhigu Maldives; legendary resort reborn in Hua Hin

48 Americas Four Seasons’ flights of fancy; San Miguel de Allende’s new-look retreat; Fyre Festival island for sale

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50 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

54 Diary This month’s pick of sporting, cultural and artistic events

56 Gourmet Culinary news and reviews dished up from around the world

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Spend it 116 Escapes

The best one-of-a-kind travel experiences money can buy

120 Arabian journeys Short-haul itineraries for your next Arabian adventure

124 Suite dreams in NYC

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Checking in at The Langham, New York

126 Riverside in Zambia On safari at Chiawa Camp

128 Hollywood in 24 hours How to spend a day in La La Land

132 No adults allowed Inspiring products and adventures for junior travellers and intrepid tots

136 Essentials The most elegant jewels and accessories with which to adorn your next voyage

138 About time Extraordinary timepieces from the world’s best horology houses

144 Road tested We push the pedal on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV

152 Out of this world Private island life in Belize

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NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

NEXT STOP FOR AMAN JUNKIES: SAUDI ARABIA AMAN RESORTS’ PREDILECTION FOR off-grid destinations has led it to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where vast tracts of little-visited landscape provide a blank canvas for the company’s unique take on eco conscious, design driven luxury. Aman has taken on the challenge of developing three resorts in Al Ula in north-western Saudi Arabia, home to the remains of Madain Saleh (Hegra), an ancient Nabatean city and the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the kingdom.

The trio of resorts will include a tented camp, a property close to the region’s heritage sites and a ranch style desert resort set amid the spectacular landscape, marking Aman’s first venture in the Middle East. The choice of different resorts will afford guests the opportunity to embark on multi-stop tours of the region, which covers more than 22,500 square kilometres and is home to a lush oasis valley, sandstone mountains and dozens of heritage sites.

THE TABLES WILL TURN AT W DUBAI – THE PALM FANS OF W HOTELS MAY HAVE CAUGHT ONE OF THE BRAND’S CELEBRITY MAGNET Wake Up Call music festivals in Hollywood, Barcelona or Bali last year, bringing some of the biggest names in music to W’s most iconic properties. From October 10-12, the festival will take place at W Dubai – The Palm, with a line-up of big name acts taking over the resort and a selection of insider access VIP experiences up for grabs for Marriott Bonvoy members. Over the course of three days, Australian dance trio Rüfüs Du Sol, British singer-songwriter Rita Ora and DJ duo Disclosure will be performing at various locations across the resort, with free access for hotel guests and limited tickets for locals. Marriott Bonvoy members can bid points for exclusive experiences including a one-on-one yoga session with Rita Ora, a ping-pong match with Rüfüs Du Sol or a private DJ performance and backstage hangout with Disclosure.

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Though Hegra, one of the main cities of the ancient Nabatean Kingdom, attracts a handful of intrepid visitors each year, its 131 rock-hewn tombs remain off the beaten track and largely unknown to many international visitors. Aman chairman and CEO Vladislav Doronin says the resorts will blend in with the dramatic surroundings and provide an architecturally striking base from which to explore the region when they open in 2023. www.aman.com

WALDORF ASTORIA DUBAI DID PALM JUMEIRAH HAS YOU INTRODUCED THE PEARL HEAR? CLUB, AN EXCLUSIVE LOUNGE PACKED WITH PERKS FOR GUESTS STAYING IN CLUB ROOMS AND SUITES. GUESTS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO A TRAVEL CONCIERGE TO HELP WITH PRE-ARRIVAL ARRANGEMENTS, A CLUB CONCIERGE TO TAKE CARE OF BOOKINGS AND COMPLIMENTARY USE OF THE RESORT’S GORGEOUS BENTLEY FOR SIGNATURE SUITE GUESTS. CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT TAKE PLACE IN THE COMFORT OF THE PEARL CLUB, WHERE MEALS AND FREE-FLOWING BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE ALL DAY, AND GUESTS ENJOY 20 PER CENT OFF THE BILL AT THE OUTSTANDING SOCIAL BY HEINZ BECK RESTAURANT.

NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

LUXURY TRAVEL LANDS AT AIRBNB WITH NEW LUXE TIER

ANALYSTS BELIEVE THAT THE LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET is worth more than US $200 billion and poised to grow in the years ahead, so it’s no surprise to hear that Airbnb has tapped into this market with the launch of Airbnb Luxe. The company’s research shows increasing demand among Airbnb guests for luxury properties and experiences: in 2018, the number of Airbnb bookings for listings worth at least $1,000 per night increased more than 60 per cent.

The Airbnb Luxe concept is also set to land in the Middle East, although no listings have been revealed yet. The Middle East would certainly be a potential revenuegenerator for this luxury tier of properties, especially given that, according to Airbnb’s data, Dubai is the only GCC city trending as a wedding destination.

With homes that are destinations in themselves, travellers can stay at incredible places, including award-winning homes in New Zealand and South Africa, castles in France (such as the one pictured above) and historic villas in Tuscany. Literary fans can seek inspiration at The Fleming Villa in Jamaica, where Ian Fleming wrote his famous spy novels. Others may prefer complete privacy by booking their own French Polynesian island, owned by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil.

Airbnb Luxe is built on the expertise in luxury travel Airbnb gained from its acquisition of Luxury Retreats in 2017. This new tier launches with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across more than 300 criteria to meet standards in both design and function. www.airbnb.com

ACCOR READIES ULTRA-LUXE RAFFLES BAHRAIN OPENING BAHRAIN WILL SEE ITS FIRST ULTRA-LUXURIOUS ACCOR OPENING AS THE French chain takes over Al Areen Palace & Spa, which will be rebranded as Raffles Bahrain. The ultra-luxury retreat includes a private resort with 78 pool villas, as well as the region’s largest spa and hydrotherapy facility and landscaping inspired by the Arabian palace gardens.

Following its takeover, Accor will conduct an extensive refurbishment with a view to repositioning the property as the ultimate luxury retreat. Property enhancements will include the refurbishment of the 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas, which feature open-air swimming and jet pools, and the addition of two new dining outlets. With guest fitness and well-being central to the Raffles experience, the resort’s 10,000 sqm spa and hydrotherapy area — one of the Middle East’s largest, featuring 16 spa pavilions, the world’s first garden hammam and a hydrothermal garden — will be renovated and upgraded. www.accor.com

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News debut

Debut Aug/Sept

Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts here’s our pick of the world’s most luxurious new launches

Raffles Singapore One of the most storied hotels on the planet, Raffles Singapore has reopened after a top-to-toe makeover. The new-look hotel, which first opened in 1887, now boasts 115 gorgeous suites, starting from 46 sqm in nine distinct styles, following the addition of Residence, Promenade and Studio categories. The reimagined suites have retained their elegant colonial flavour, with four-metre ceilings, polished teak floors and private verandas, plus vintage details such as mechanical light switches. Raffles Butlers will welcome guests to the new-look hotel with a Singapore Sling, but guests can still enjoy the iconic cocktail, invented here in 1915, in the legendary Long Bar. Reimagined dining spaces are home to some of the hottest names in the culinary world: Anne-Sophie Pic of the threeMichelin star Maison Pic is behind La Dame de Pic; yì by Jeremy Leung presents fine modern Chinese fare and Alain Ducasse takes over the 122-year-old Bar & Billiard Room to introduce Mediterranean sharing and grill concept BBR. New York-based designer Alexandra Champalimaud led the US $182 million restoration, supported by architecture and design firm Aedas, the company that created the iconic Dubai Metro stations. www.raffles.com

Baglioni Resort Maldives The long-awaited Baglioni Resort Maldives has finally opened its doors, brining a splash of Italian style to the Indian Ocean idyll. The 96 villas and suites are spread out along a stretch of powder-white beachfront and perched above the turquoise waters of the Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé. The epic Presidential Villa has 360 sqm of indoor living space and another 310 sqm of glorious outdoor space, complete with private swimming pool. The resort has brought some of its Italian friends along for the ride, with bubbly from Ferrari Trento, linen and towels from Frette and chic swimwear from MC2 Saint Barth in the boutique. The Baglioni Spa, created by Raison d’Etre, uses Italian brand Insìum’s anti-ageing, cruelty-free cosmetics, and offers outdoor treatments in six open-air pavilions, plus a dedicated pavilion for yoga, meditation and breathing exercises. Food takes centre stage: the Italian tradition of aperitivi is observed daily, and diners can choose from fine dining Italian at Gusto, Japanese flavours at Umami and international fare at Taste. www.baglionihotels.com

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News debut

Nobu Barcelona Opening September 12, Nobu Barcelona brings its signature pared-back design to the Catalan capital, with 259 rooms and suites overlooking the charming Eixample neighbourhood.

Calming, minimal interiors will be a welcome break from Barcelona’s hectic streets, with splashes of Catalan inspiration in the form of works by Gaudi giving the hotel a true sense of place.

Walls will be embellished with collages made through ‘kintsugi’; the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver or platinum. On the top floor, Nobu Restaurant will pay homage to local ingredients and Catalan cuisine, and lobby level Kozara will serve Japanese style tapas and a selection of cocktails made from an extensive collection of sake and Japanese whisky. www.nobuhotels.com

Singita Kwitonda Lodge Named after a legendary silverback gorilla whose name means ‘humble’ in English, Singita Kwitonda Lodge fuses conservation and luxury in one attractive package. Eight suites and the standalone Kataza House (which sleeps eight) are set within 178 acres of lush landscape on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to around 320 mountain gorillas.

Sustainability has been front and centre of the low-impact design: buildings are made from volcanic rock and river stone while other elements like ceramic tiles and red clay bricks were sourced from local suppliers. Beautiful interiors feature artisanal elements like woven panels, handmade tiles and ceramic pottery, and open fireplaces, outdoor heated plunge pools and individual wine cellars provide all the creature comforts environmentally minded visitors could desire. More than 60,000 plants and trees will be planted in the surrounding area, in a bid to reforest the hillside and provide additional habitat for endangered species. The lodge itself is surrounded by mountain bamboo, ferns, giant lobelias and forest trees that will eventually engulf the buildings, and fresh produce is grown in the adjacent farm-to-table garden. There’s a detailed kids programme for younger visitors, an on-site spa and a Conservation Lounge where guests can learn more about Singita’s efforts and pick up maps and hiking guidelines for the local area. www.singita.com

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N e w s d i a ry

august 17-24 Hamilton Island Race Week

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting for a week of high-adrenaline, water-based activity than the reef-fringed coast of Hamilton Island, where yachting enthusiasts from around the globe gather each August for Hamilton Island Race Week. Even if yachting’s not your thing, land-side activities like food markets, cocktail parties and yoga sessions provide plenty of family entertainment throughout the week, and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands provide endless opportunity to explore the teeming waters of the Great Barrier Reef. www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

sept 22

Diary AUG/SEPT

We’re hoping for clear skies and cool breezes across the globe for this collection of mustvisit summer events, including Australia’s most scenic boat race, fashion forward festivities in New York and red carpet awards in LA The Emmy Awards

Los Angeles, USA

The 71st edition of the world’s greatest prime time television awards is rolling out the red carpet this month in preparation for the heroes and villains of the little screen. Unless you have stared in, written, directed or otherwise created one of the many compelling series that have moved and delighted audiences for the past 12 months, it’s unlikely that you will receive an invitation to the ceremony itself.

But audiences around the world can tune in at 8pm Eastern Time to see the geniuses behind shows like Fleabag, Killing Eve and Chernobyl receive their just rewards. www.emmys.com

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N e w s d i a ry

sept 10-15

Rugby World Cup

Japan

Visitors from 170 nations are expected to descend on Japan in late September, when the Rugby World Cup makes its Asian debut.

With events taking place across 12 host cities, from Sapporo in the north to Kumamoto in the south, the tournament offers a great excuse to combine a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan with some spectacular sporting entertainment. Japan’s famous ‘ometenashi’ (hospitality) can be experienced at a variety of VIP match day packages, including the November 2nd final at Nissan Stadium in Yokahama. Enjoy drinks and a traditional Japanese drum festival on arrival, pre- and post-match dining and entertainment, Category A seats and tickets to the star-studded World Rugby Awards 2019 the following evening for US $4,606. www.rugbyworldcup.com

Cannes Yachting Festival

Cannes, France

sept-nov 20-2

Of the 638 vessels expected to turn out at the Cannes Yachting Festival, 122 will be world premiers and 219 will be new launches, providing a veritable catwalk of inspiration for yacht owners and potential buyers. Throughout the week, The Luxury Gallery in Cannes’ Palais des Festivals will be home to premium brands showcasing the finest watches, jewellery, art, technology and a line-up of other luxury goods for discerning buyers. www.cannesyachtingfestival.com

sept 5-11 New York Fashion Week

New York, USA

It’s that time of year again when the doyennes of design prepare to unveil their latest collections at New York Fashion Week. For an allaccess experience, consider one of these VIP packages from NYFW: The Experience. Book ‘The Elevated Pass’ and enjoy dedicated check-in and a white glove concierge escort to a show of your choice (guaranteed reserved seats in rows 3-5), plus entrance to the Skybox Lounge an hour before the show, with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and access to all NYFW: The Show’s partner activations (from $899). Upgrade to ‘The All Access Pass’ and enjoy all the above plus one additional show, dry hair touch-up by a professional stylist, lip touch-up with the season’s colours and a NYFW: The Experience gift bag loaded with treats from NYFW sponsors (from $1,999). www.nyfwexperience.com

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paradise

on the palm A slice of Arabian hospitality within a Polynesian playground, Sofitel Dubai The Palm is a lush haven on the fringe of a desert metropolis. Steven Bond packed his tanning oil and said bonjour to a summer escape in one of the Middle East’s greenest enclaves

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t’s not often that you stumble upon a pocket of greenery in the middle of Dubai, a concrete jungle that bloomed from the barren landscape within a generation.

Tarmacked superhighways link skyscraper neighbourhoods with a few patches of open green space dotted around for dog walkers and picnic parties. But the real urban oasis is tucked away, somewhat ironically, on the city’s iconic man-made island, Palm Jumeirah.

Your first instinct on arriving at Sofitel Dubai The Palm is to reach out and touch the verdant walls of the lobby and hallways, a medley of deep greens with pops of flourishing reds and purples, where the vast variety of plants have flowered. The sound of flowing water permeates the large, bustling lobby, with a series of water features welcoming the mix of holidaymakers, daycationers and fine diners.

Styled on a Polynesian island, the resort takes the ‘green’ approach very seriously. It’s immediately evident at Olivier’s – the lobby-based café where you can kick back and watch the hotel’s microcosmic world go by – where plastic straws have long been banished. In fact, Accor’s Planet 21 initiative is ramping up. For the next phase, the hotel is planning on doing away with plastic bottles in favour of reusable glass receptacles, ensuring an even more sustainable stay.

Sprawling estate To emphasise, Sofitel Dubai The Palm is not a typical five-star hotel with a nicely manicured lawn. The expansive site is one of the emirate’s largest luxury getaways, with an eye-popping 500-metre stretch of powdery, pale beach. Unfurl an Olympic running track and add a 100-metre sprint of pure sand, then line it with well-nourished palms, spacious cabanas and the beachfront Laguna Lounge cocktail joint and that might begin to create the right image.

Where much of Dubai has been focused on building toward the sky, Sofitel’s oceanic haven has room to breathe. The muscular main building may only rise five storeys, but it dominates the acres of space afforded to the resort. The next largest building is a large block of 182 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for longer staying guests, with several other smaller buildings dotted around, including signature dining venues, Moana and Maui, as well as four palatial villas for well-heeled visitors and their entire families – and/or entourages.

Rooms with views The main hotel building comprises 237 classic and luxury category rooms with 123 sumptuous suites, ranging from the 60 sqm Junior Suite all the way up to the utterly commodious Palm Suite. At 450 sqm, it far outsizes most family living spaces across the city,

ice and

fire

In the depths of Dubai’s blazing summer, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates can help you cool down and chill out in style. Matthew McQueen takes a closer look at one of the hotel’s famous Aspen Chalets and discovers a unique snowflake in the desert city

D e s t i n at i o n s D UB A I

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a tale of four ciTie s

If the world is your oyster then Radisson is your pearl in these four cities, where culture, cuisine and connectivity offer a warm welcome to every type of traveller

T

he world has grown significantly smaller since Radisson went into the hotel business 75 years ago. Back then, room keys were made of metal, breakfast was eaten amid a sea of newspapers and mail was stored in pigeon holes behind reception. It’s a world apart from today’s well-oiled, tech-driven hospitality machine, where brands have properties in all corners of the planet, yet a guest profile can be shared with other hotels in split seconds. Today, well-heeled leisure travellers judge dining outlets by their bandwidth as much as their food offerings, while the modern conveniences of high-speed internet, club and business lounges and 24-hour check-in mean road warriors can be on the move for longer than ever before.

But the fundamental aspects of five-star hospitality remain the same, particularly at Radisson’s portfolio of luxury and upper upscale hotels, where service is unfailingly anticipatory, rooms stylishly appointed and dining consistently first rate. Add in a great range of spas, gyms, kids’ clubs and business lounges for consideration, and you have a brand that appeals to all kinds of guests, from multi-generational families and solo explorers to business travellers and staycationers. Over the next few pages, we take a look at some of the standout hotels in Radisson’s Middle East and Africa portfolio and explore the bustling cities that they call home.

D e s t i n at i o n s INS P I R IN G C IT Y B R EA K S

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i s la n d

escapes Dreaming of island life? From the beaches of the Maldives to the teeming waters of Mozambique, here are some five-star island idylls where we wouldn’t mind getting marooned — just for a while

D e s t i n at i o n s i s la n d e s c a p e s

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Peace on

the palm

From the smell of sweet lemongrass to the tropical gardens and exotic interiors, stepping inside Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is a taste of Thailand, writes Melanie Swan

D e s t i n at i o n s d u b a i

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ALL THAT GLITTERS: A SERENE STAYCATION IN ABU DHABI Sprawling across 57 acres, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers tranquillity amid opulence – and some of the best views in town words: Danae Mercer

D e s t i n at i o n s a b u dha b i

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s p e n d i t e s s e n t i al s

Essentials august/september

Dramatic scenes and cinematic moments this month, with a collection of high jewellery that celebrates moments caught in time

ROMEO AND JULIET Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Van Cleef & Arpels’ new collection of fanciful jewellery recreates the world of Verona in a shimmer of precious stones. Balcone earrings (left) in emerald and white gold with tsavorite garnets and diamonds depict the scene in which love was first declared, while the Bud of Love earrings (right) featuring two briolette-cut emeralds with black spinels and diamonds on white gold, represent the blossoming love between the tragic duo. www.vancleefarpels.com

COURTING WITH COUTURE Our doomed lovers look radiant in this pair of clips, which bring to life a romantic scene. Romeo is dashing in a blue tunic of sapphires and lapis lazuli and stockings in white gold and black laquer; while a polished gold cape attached with a yellow diamond conceals his diamond-studded sword. Juliet’s polished gold dress shimmers with orange sapphires, garnets, rubies and diamonds, embellished with gadroons; a vision of loveliness ahead of their secret marriage. www.vancleefarpels.com

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s p e n d i t e s s e n t i al s

SEDUCTIVE SERPENTS Bvlgari’s spirit animal comes to life in the Serpenti Misteriosi Secret Watch, a seductive timepiece that coils around the wrist in an 18-karat rose gold bracelet set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette-cut amethysts, with a mother of pearl dial and hypnotic pear-shaped amethyst eyes. www.bulgari.com

STARRY NIGHT Created by hand using Japanese decorative techniques, the Harry Winston Midnight Yozora Automatic was created with fountain pen company Nakaya.

The timepieces depict the entrance to Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue Salon, using Japanese urushi lacquer and raden mother of pearl, and the ‘sprinkled picture’ art of maki-e, with an emerald-cut diamond at 12 o’clock. The dazzling watches come with matching Nakaya fountain pen. www.harrywinston.com

SWEET DROPS Bringing together the worlds of high jewellery and cinema, Bvlgari’s Cinemagia collection is truly Oscar-worthy; a daring portfolio of unique pieces that pay tribute to the silver screen. Unusual colour combinations and daring gemstone cuts are the defining features of this exceptional range, which includes pieces like these Sweet Bows earrings; surprising droplets of artistry that enchant and delight. www.bulgari.com

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About time

Watchmakers love two things: reminiscing about the past and looking to the future – not surprising for an industry that’s all about recording the passage of time. This month we’ve curated five magnificent models that do just that

DIVING DEEPER The OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra-Deep Professional is a serious piece of technology, designed and built to withstand the depths of the world’s deepest oceans. Made from grade five titanium, with an elevated viewport face and distinct ‘Manta’ lugs, this magnificent timepiece is certified to withstand pressure up to 15,000 metres, making this a true monster of the deep. www.omegawatches.com

REPORTING FOR DUTY The classic Panerai Radiomir has been rebooted in combat fatigues for the Edizione Verde Militare, a fresh take on the Italian brand’s timeless classic.

Striking in their simplicity, the new editions feature a matte-green face and California dials with both Arabic and Roman numerals, in a polished steel case with a choice of black, brown and tan straps. www.panerai.com

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s p e n d i t e s s e n t i al s

BLUE MOON A new addition to Audemars Piguet’s ever expanding Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar collection, this gorgeous model features a blue dial with ‘Grande Tapisserie’ pattern, silvertoned counters and white gold hour markers, with a white ceramic case and glareproof sapphire crystal and caseback. www.audemarspiguet.com

VINTAGE EDITION Breguet is reissuing a special version of its 1950s Type 20 pilot chronograph in association with Only Watch for a charity auction supporting muscular dystrophy research on November 9th.

The Type 20 Only Watch 2019 features a 38.30 mm steel case and bronzecoloured dial, in a stylish tribute to the original military inspired model.

NEW GENERATION The mesmerising Zenith Defy Inventor marks a new era in the Swiss company’s architecture; a striking contemporary design powered by the new singlepiece Zenith Oscillator. The open-worked construction features a five-pointed blue propeller-like dial in a brushed titanium case, with a unique Aeronith textured bezel. Shocking for all the right reasons. www.zenith-watches.com

www.breguet.com

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suv the

alfa

For the first time ever we find an Alfa Romeo parked in our garage, but how does it compare to all the other SUVs on the market? Kris Karacinski gets behind the wheel of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio and finds out photography: Eliot Sleep

spend it motoring

s p e n d i t o u t o f t h i s w o r ld

You’d better Belize it

Welcome to Gladden Private Island, fringed with coral and white sand in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve; a lush sanctuary lost within an endless backdrop of turquoise and aquamarine lagoons This island jewel is your private sanctuary, home to an elegant villa designed for just one couple, with the all-inclusive service of a five-star luxury resort. Fancy some company in paradise? There’s also a second master suite, if you can bear to share Gladden with friends.

Dedicated staff appear as if by magic, residing on a smaller island behind Gladden, but poised ready to respond to all requests at a moment’s notice. A rather novel “privacy meter” indicates whether a member of the team is on the island at any point, so guests know when they can be sure of complete privacy.

There are no neighbours – it’s just you and the views – but there’s plenty to keep you occupied. You can dine anywhere you want, paddle around the island, or call the captain to take you to some of the world’s most spectacular snorkelling and dive spots. At the end of each day, kick back with a cocktail and watch the dolphins swim by.

Adventurous guests can also head to the mainland, where staff will arrange a variety of activities to immerse visitors in Belizian culture. Also nearby is King Lewey’s Caye, a small pirate-themed island resort with great food and a fun family atmosphere, or visit the Lionfish Grill on Hatchet Caye, offering delicious fresh seafood. www.gladdenprivateisland.com

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