July 2020
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Make your travel to the Alps at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Take your family for a quick break and enjoy a second room at 50% o, 2 complimentary tickets to Ski Dubai Snow Park or a dining credit to redeem at our restaurants. AED 899 inclusive of breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children inclusive of 20% savings at our restaurants For reservations please call +971 4 341 0000 or email reservations.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com The above rate is inclusive of taxes and exclusive of tourism fee. Terms and conditions apply.
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spend it out of this world
Welcome to the
EXC EP TI O N A L A luxur y lodge resor t just outside Riyadh
Book online exclusively on radissonhotels.com
A R ADISSON COLLEC TION HOTEL Nofa Resort Riyadh New Makkah Jeddah Highway Exit 857 Tebrak, Riyadh 1576, Saudi ArabiaÂ? T: + 966 11 829 6800 info.nofa@radissoncollection.com radissonhotels.com/collection
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contents
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July 2020 dotwnews.com
Contents
contents
July 2020
In the news 16 Europe
Taking detox to new heights in Switzerland; Grape expectations in Portugal’s Douro Valley; NoMad finds its way to London
18 Middle East & Africa
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Four Seasons’ suites inspired by Jordan; Royal sensations on Palm Jumeirah; Rethinking our relationship with wildlife in Africa
20 Asia & Oceania Escape to your own Indian Ocean hideaway; Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy continues in Sri Lanka; Perpetual wellness with COMO Shambhala
22 Americas Private villas and five-star service in St. Barths; Life below the waves in St. Lucia; The Caribbean’s best-kept secret
24 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts
destinations 28 Force Of Nature
Life-changing safaris and wildlife adventures for a true ‘out of Africa’ moment, from Namibia to Botswana
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40 Where The Wild Things Are
Explore Indonesia’s rustic, barefoot luxury as Sarah Freeman unplugs and unwinds at two private island resorts in the Riau Archipelago
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hotels 50 Suite Dreams
Some like it haute: Steven Bond swaps lockdown life for a bliss-inducing weekend at Bvlgari Resort Dubai
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52 Arabian Journeys Short-haul itineraries for your next Middle Eastern adventure
60 Suite Dreams Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront puts a new perspective on the city dishing up the best backdrop in town
64 No Adults Allowed What all the cool kids are talking about this summer, from Disney theme parks to summer camps and awesome familyfriendly offers
spend it 68 Jewels
Chromatic colour-coding keeps jewellery boxes bursting bright with vivid pieces worth shouting about
70 Watches Let summer’s plethora of rainbow hues dictated your watch choice, for happygo-lucky timekeeping
72 Into The Wilderness Scene-stealing moments in the heart of Africa’s wilderness, with Ker & Downey’s exclusive Tanzania Private Jet Safari
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News Europe
Taking detox to new heights in Switzerland Switzerland’s A-list medical clinic, Clinique La Prairie, is the quintessential escape for those in need of a wellness boost. From weight loss and anti-ageing programmes to advanced aesthetic beauty procedures and full medical check-ups, the pioneering facility on the shores of Lake Geneva has been helping its well-heeled guests turn back the clock since it opened in 1931. New for this season, Clinique La Prairie has revamped its legendary Master Detox: a highly personalised week-long programme that uses
genetics to detect deficiencies and weakness in the body and leaves visitors feeling thoroughly cleansed and revitalised. The programme begins with a full health check-up including genetic, dental and mental testing, which allows clinicians to tailor the most effective treatments for each individual. Throughout the week, guests will follow a detox-focused diet and receive private nutrition coaching based on the results of the check-up and DNA testing. Each day, guests will receive a bespoke
programme of treatment combining modern medical technology with elements of traditional therapy including massages and scrubs. A personal trainer will tailor an energetic programme including aerial yoga and outdoor exercise to support the body as it detoxifies. By the end of the week, visitors will be physically and mentally refreshed, just the thing for a postlockdown reset. The seven-day programme, which includes full-board accommodation, and limo transfers, is priced from CHF 17,200 (US $18,150). www.cliniquelaprairie.com
Grape expectations in Portugal’s Douro Valley The steep, terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley are home to some of the world’s oldest vines, which have been cultivated here since the days of the Roman Empire. For the last 2,000 years, viticulture has been the main industry in the region, which spreads out from the banks of the Douro river and extends across picturesque hills and valleys covered in vines. In tribute to this cultural landscape, six Senses Douro Valley has opened a new Vineyard Wing, with seven suites and three guestrooms, all with spacious outdoor areas overlooking rows of vines and tall cypress trees that pepper the surrounding landscape. New York design agency Clodagh has incorporated the region’s rich winemaking history into the rooms, with antique vineyard tools and vineyard-themed artwork adorning the walls, and wine fridges that can be customised with produce from across the region. The hotel’s wine team can arrange visits and tastings at nearby vineyards or closer to home within the hotel’s 19-acre estate, as well as educational experiences that immerse visitors in the world of the Douro’s finest exports. The valley itself is a playground for the culturally curious. Six Senses guests can visit prehistoric rock art sites of have a go at grape stomping; explore the region on foot or mountain bike; discover the Douro on a scenic river cruise; or take it all in on private helicopter tour of the region. www.sixsenses.com
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News Europe
NoMad finds its way to London Since the opening of NoMad New York in 2012, the cult hotel brand has migrated across the US, establishing outposts in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and finding success wherever it lands. True its name, the brand is now continuing its journey and crossing the Atlantic to the UK capital, where NoMad London will open later this year. Located in the old Bow Street Magistrate’s Court in London’s historic Covent Garden, the hotel is the latest offering from Sydell Group, whose first London property, The Ned, quickly became the de rigeur haunt of well-heeled locals and visitors alike when it opened in 2017. Like the original NoMad hotel– named for the creative NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) neighbourhood where it is located – the project has been realised with the help of several longterm partners and collaborators. New York design firm Roman and Williams, which has worked
on all NoMad projects, has led the design of the 92 rooms and suites, which exude a stylish, Bohemian aesthetic, with eclectic furnishings and claw-foot bathtubs creating a homely, lived-in feel. A collection of post-war American and European avant-garde art is on display throughout the hotel and guestrooms, curated by long-term NoMad partner, Studio Be-Poles. Executive chef Ian Coogan, who cut his teeth at Eleven Madison Park and Jean Georges’ ABC Kitchen, will oversee the culinary theatrics at NoMad restaurant and The Side Hustle, while mixologist Leo Robitschek, who launched the award-winning NoMad Bar in New York, will head up the team at Common Decency, a slinky subterranean cocktail lounge. If past form is anything to go by, NoMad London will be a big hit. With its signature playful style and location adjacent to the Royal Opera House, expect a generous dose of theatre when it opens in December. www.thenomadhotel.com
Arrive in style with Rocco Forte hotels
Privacy is paramount for the discerning jetsetter, and there’s no better way to ensure discretion than travelling by private jet. Rocco Forte Hotels has teamed up with on-demand private aviation company VistaJet to offer preferred rates on flights to Rocco Forte destinations, with complimentary on-board canapés, a dedicated cabin hostess to meet your every in-flight need and access to the VistaJet Wine Program and Adventures in the Sky: experiences usually only available to members. Following extensive research with experts from some of the world’s leading wine estates, including Antorini, Rothschild and Latour, VistaJet has introduced a selection of wines carefully selected to stand up to the
negative effects of altitude and cabin pressure. As part of the VistaJet Wine Program, cabin hostesses, all of whom are trained up to Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) level two, can prepare a blind tasting and provide tasting cards so passengers can conduct their own in-flight research. Adventures in the Sky is an innovative in-flight programme for junior jetsetters, combining entertainment and educational elements tailored to each child’s age and interests. Created in partnership with children’s entertainment company Sharky & George, the program sees aircraft cabins turned into playrooms, with interactive games and treats, including personalised backpacks. www.roccofortehotels.com / www.vistajet.com
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News debut
Debut July
Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts here’s our pick of the world’s most luxurious new launches
PARK HYATT SUZHOU
Suzhou, China
When Marco Polo stumbled upon the city now known as Suzhou in the late 13th century, he was taken by its beauty. Dubbing it the Venice of the East, the traveller was struck by its picturesque setting, with stone bridges criss-crossing a network of canals and cobbled streets lined with temples, pagodas and landscaped gardens. This charming vision of the old city is reimagined at Park Hyatt Suzhou, where New York architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox has created a modern interpretation of a traditional Suzhou mansion, surrounded by greenery on the shore of Jinji Lake. Award-winning interior design company Hirsch Bedner Associates created the striking interiors, combining elements of traditional craftsmanship – think glass panels emblazoned with brush-ink style blossoms and crab apple-shaped mirrors – with a distinctly contemporary style. The 178 rooms and suites feature covered outdoor verandas or larger private balconies looking out towards the glassy surface of Jinji Lake, inspired by the bedroom set-up in traditional Suzhou Mansions. www.hyatt.com
CAPRI PALACE JUMEIRAH
Capri, Italy
High above Capri on the slopes of Mount Solaro, the peaceful Anacapri neighbourhood is worlds apart from the bustling streets below. Here, visitors can soak in spectacular Mediterranean views and stroll among the lemon groves at a leisurely pace, enjoying clifftop walks by day and local cuisine in unhurried restaurants at night. At the peak of this exclusive enclave is Capri Palace, a 1960s retreat laid out in the style of an 18th-century Palazzo. Home to some of the most elegant rooms and suites in Italy, finished in a striking white and blue palette that captures the colours of the Med, the hotel has reopened this season as part of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, marking a new era in the hotel’s history. Executive chef Andrea Migliaccio has earned two Michelin stars for his modern Italian cuisine at L’Olivio and Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club holds one Michelin star for its extraordinary seafood dishes. The hotel’s world-class medical spa, Capri Beauty Farm, offers goal-based treatments designed to achieve everything from weight-loss and detox to anti-ageing and stress management, as well as specialist treatments at the Leg School and traditional wellness and beauty treatments at the spa. www.jumeirah.com
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MUSÉE ATELIER AUDEMARS PIGUET
Le Brassus, Switzerland
High up in the Jura Mountains, close to the French border, the Vallée de Joux is the home of Swiss watchmaking. When Audemars Piguet opened its first workshop there in the town of Le Brassus in 1875, its owners would have been hard pressed to imagine what the space would look like a century and a half later. Today, the spiral-shaped outline of the new Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet sits on top of the original workshop; an architectural masterpiece that blends in with the landscape and opens the doors to the brand’s craftsmanship and innovation like never before. Designed by New York and Copenhagen-based architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to resemble the spring in a watch movement, the glass structure is home to a collection of 300 timepieces created throughout the brand’s 145-year history. Visitors will be able to delve deep into Swiss watchmaking heritage via kinetic installations and exhibits demonstrating mechanical movements, and peer into the ongoing work of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen at two production original workshops, where the brand’s timeless creations are still produced today. www.museeatelier-audemarspiguet.com
THE KEYS OF TROPLONG MONDOT
Bordeaux, France
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Saint-Émilion, arguably the most wellknown wine region on Bordeaux’s right bank, Chateau Troplong Mondot is a 36-hectare Premier Grand Cru estate that has been planting vines since the 17th century. At the top of the estate is The Keys of Troplong Mondot, a boutique hideaway with a handful of guestrooms and the standalone Vineyard House – a two-bedroom cottage nestled among the vines – that has reopened for the season following a makeover by interior designer Mathilde Cardineau. With spectacular views over the UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion region, this rustic, rural retreat is an ideal base from which to discover Troplong Mondot and the surrounding area. Guests can take a guided tour of the estate in an old Land Rover followed by a three-course picnic in a picturesque spot or explore the backroads of Bordeaux and some of the 800 or so neighbouring vineyards at their own speed on an electric bicycle. While the estate’s restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, is undergoing a renovation set for completion next year, Chef David Charrier has created a summer tapas menu featuring plenty of fresh produce from local suppliers; perfect to enjoy with a glass of Troplong Mondot as the sun goes down over the Saint-Émilion countryside. www.troplong-mondot.com
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d e s t i n at i o n s a f r i c a
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D e s t i n at i o n s a f r i c a
outof
As a continent, Africa has to be one of the most diverse and beautiful. From Mozambique to Namibia, from the Indian Ocean to the great plains, explore it in all its natural glory
africa words: Emily Baxter-Priest
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where the
wild things are
Sarah Freeman unplugs from the demands of modern life at two Indonesian private island resorts, which have deployed a less-is-more attitude to barefoot luxury
h o t e l s s tay c at i o n s
Beach bliss An easy staycation with some of the best restaurants to boot, Fairmont The Palm is a favourite with those who take laid-back luxury in their stride. With views of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s twinkling shoreline, the setting is pretty stellar. Make the most of its prime positioning with its ‘Stay On Us’ GCC resident’s offer this summer, which allows you to book a Fairmont Room for Dhs500 with the rate fully redeemable as F&B credit to use across the resort. Meaning that after a day spent around its beautiful palm-fringed pool, you can dine at Little Miss India, Ba - Boldly Asian, Frevo and more virtually for free. Indulge at leisure. www.fairmont.com
arabian Journeys Hotels are open and staycations are back on the cards. For those looking to safely enjoy a holiday, these special offers from 12 local heroes should sate you well the extra mile Those looking for a little more from their staycation than bed, breakfast and beach-time should check out Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, where its summer ‘shortcation’ UAE residents deal gives those booking a three-night stay complimentary access to either Suwaidi Pearl Farm or any of the bucket-list activities at Jebel Jais Adventure Peak. So while you relax into your well-earned summer break, you know you’re also getting something exciting out of your stay. Rooms start from Dhs890 a night, with breakfast, multiple pools and a two-kilometre beach all part of the package. www.hilton.com
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h o t e l s s tay c at i o n s
90 island in the arabian sun An eternal favourite for anyone wanting to stay close to home yet feel a million miles away, Anantara The Palm is an urban island escape like no other. This summer, its exclusive UAE residents staycation offer lets guests tailor-make a package to suit every need. With rates starting from Dhs700, you can choose from a room or villa (the over-water villas are pretty special), enjoy breakfast for two each morning, and enjoy 25 per cent savings on selected resort activities, as well as at the hotel’s award-wining restaurants, such as beautiful Mekong, the laid-back Lotus Lounge, or Bushman’s with some of the best steak in town. If you stay up a little too late, no problem... Your 4pm check-out should help blow away any cobwebs, as will a dip in the hotel’s 50 metre infinity pool or aboard a chartered cruise around Jumeirah’s famous archipelago. www.anantara.com
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L u x u ry k i d s
no adults allowed Our pick of the best child-friendly things to do, try and buy this month, as Disney’s theme parks reopen, summer camps kick off and awesome new family-friendly offers (think movies, pizza and The Green Planet) hot up
the magic is back The news is out... Disney’s theme parks around the world have slowly started their phased reopenings: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is now open, Disneyland Resort in California has reopened the Downtown Disney District with the park opening at a later day, Disneyland Paris will be fully open as of July 15, and Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Hong Kong Disneyland are virtually back to business. While most parks around the world are staggering their reopenings, with some park hotels keeping their doors closed
for a few months longer, general admission is open, meaning Disney’s world of fantastical make-believe is here to help you entertain your kids this summer Ω surely a just reward for months spent in lockdown! Across its portfolio of parks, Disney has implemented social distancing in queues, restaurants, attraction vehicles and across all facilities, as well as enhanced cleaning and reduced contact, to ensure visitors feel as safe as possible. Let the adventures begin... www.disney.com
be a lounge lizard Uber-stylish bean bag company, Lujo, has announced it is adding toddler and teen bean bags to its luxury range this summer. Its two new sizes, appropriately named Kyoto ‘Mini’ and Kyoto ‘Medio’, are perfect for little ones, aged from one to 12 years old. Hand-crafted in New Zealand, using Textilia commercial grade fabrics, they’ve been designed to withstand the daily rough-and-tumble of a child-filled house. With 11 different colourways, kids can switch up their style, with subtle neutral shades in calm grey to big, bold brights for those wanting to add a pop of colour to a playroom. www.lujo.com
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L u x u ry k i d s
bella italia Name a kid that doesn’t like pizza! Capitalising on childrens’ love for this Italian staple, Motorino Pizzeria Dubai has launched its ‘Bring your bambini for free pizza’ night, letting parents give their kids a treat alongside a fun dining experience. Renowned as ‘the best pizza in New York’, Motorino’s Neapolitan pizza hails from Brooklyn, but is now a staple in Dubai’s foodie circles too, with its location at JA Ocean View Hotel on The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence. So, what’s the deal? For every two main courses ordered, you’ll get up to two free pizzas or antipasti for your hungry offspring, whipped up by Chef Mathieu Palombino, ensuring a superaffordable dinner date for the whole family. www.jaresortshotels.com
summer lovin’
dive into summer time Nakheel’s newest community dining and leisure hub, Warsan Club, has opened with a hot new deal for Dubai residents. Located on the edge of Warsan Village community, it features a gym, pool, sports courts, karaoke room, children’s pool and playpark, with an opening deal offering a special family membership rate of Dhs4,620, based on two adults and two children, with access to all sports facilities and 20 per cent discount on F&B. Pool-only or gym-only memberships are also available. www.nakheel.com
off to camp we go Capella Sanya, on China’s tropical island of Hainan, has launched its summer camp for four-12 year olds, under its ‘Little Stars Kids Programme’, with socially distanced educational activities and creative arts for mini travellers. With just 10 children per day in the camp, you can let your child safely engage with a host
Want to hear about two more ways to ensure children are kept educated and engaged over the long, hot summer? First up, The Green Planet has launched a ‘free meal’ at xxxxxx with your park entry, letting kids fuel both inquisitive minds and hungry appetites. Let them spend a few hours at Dubai’s fully immersive indoor vertical rain-forest swotting up on their nature knowledge as they befriend sloths, snakes and sugar gliders, then refuel with lunch. For the more cinematic-inclined, visitors of The Green Planet will receive complimentary Roxy Cinema tickets, until July 20th. The limited offer will let movie buffs, big and small, watch a film in laid-back luxury in a Gold or Silver experience at Roxy Cinemas City Walk, for the ultimate big-screen experience. So grab the popcorn and let your kids go all out with this summer’s biggest blockbusters. www.theroxycinemas.com / www.thegreenplanetdubai.com
of cool kids stuff, from Little Stars Master Chef and Little Fashion Designer T-shirt Painting to cartoon art, kids’ yoga, snorkelling and tennis lessons. Bed down in a four-bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa, with its own swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor bar, massage pavilion, sunken lawn, BBQ pavilion, garage, kitchen and staff accommodation for ultra family fun. ww.capella.com
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wings of love Boucheron’s polychromatic parrot Nuri earring from its Paris, Vu Du 26 High Jewellery collection is pure perfection, with diamonds, sapphires, onyx and tsavorites
Colour-coding with kaleidoscopic gem stones breathes vivacity into summer accessorising
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in a prism
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1. Gem Dior Vert Prairie necklace, Dior, 2. Romeo & Juliet necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels 3. Rainbow bracelet, Dolce & Gabbana 4. Les Ciels Lueurs d’Orage arrings, Chaumet 5. Blé Marie ring, Chanel 6. Regal Cascade pendant, House of Garrard 7. Candy Rainbow ring, Harry Winston 8. Nuri Parrot ring, Boucheron 9. Colours of Love ring, Fabergé 10. Golden Oasis Desert Sunbow earrings, Piaget 11. Earrings, Gucci
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spend it out of this world
into the wilderness
Scene-stealing moments in the heart of Africa’s wilderness, with Ker & Downey’s exclusive Tanzania Private Jet Safari – a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure Few things on earth are as epic as surveying Africa’s vast open spaces from the luxury of a beautiful five-star wilderness retreat, as nature unfurls before. But if you’re going to ‘do’ Africa, our advice is to do it properly Ω no holds barred. Ker & Downey’s new and exclusive Tanzania Private Jet Safari, in collaboration with ExecuJet, takes the traditional safari and turns it on its head, casting a spotlight on some of the continent’s wildest and most unique experiences amidst the epitome of sky-high luxury. Put aside 11 days, and let yourself be whisked away to Tanzania and Zanzibar’s most secluded regions, in the comfort of your own private ExecuJet, with
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a trip that offers you a front row seat to the Great Wildebeest Migration, private game drives through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and guided walks to a Maasai village. Staying at some of Africa’s most prestigious lodges, privacy and seclusion is abound Ω soak up views of Ngorongoro Crater from Entamanu Private safari house, discover a working coffee plantation at Arusha, Legendary Lodge, or immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s stunning topography at One Nature Nyaruswiga. As Out of Africa moments go, this trip will create memories to last a lifetime. www.ker-downeyafrica.com
spend it out of this world
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