August 2021
DESERT DREAMS
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
Why the revamped Jack’s Camp redefines safari luxe
Sailing through five thousand years of Egyptian history
FRENCH FANCY
Shhh... The Côte d’Azur’s secret new island hideaway
UNDER AFRICAN
SKIES ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURES IN THE WILD
EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECES
♦
EXQUISITE JEWELS
♦
UNIQUE ESCAPES
♦
LUXURY CARS
nD d Ii T t O oU uT t O o Ff T tH h Ii Ss W wO oR r Ll D d Ss Pp Ee N
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
88
April 2020 dotwnews.com
nD d Ii T t O oU uT t O o Ff T tH h Ii Ss W wO oR r Ll D d Ss Pp Ee N
dotwnews.com March 2020
89
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
88
April 2020 dotwnews.com
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
Le Petit Chef Experience the best of theatre and dining in an immersive culinary one-and-a-half-hour journey following Le Petit Chef, the world's smallest chef! It will capture your imagination.
cK Confit Du
Leg
lepetitchefabudhabi abudhabiculinary
+971 (0)2 811 5666 | etihadtowers.FBreservations@conradhotels.com
dotwnews.com March 2020
89
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
88
April 2020 dotwnews.com
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
dotwnews.com March 2020
89
CONTENTS
SUITE TREATS IN LAUSANNE, BEST SMALL CITY IN THE WORLD
AT THE ROYAL SAVOY HOTEL & SPA, SPOIL THE FAMILY IN A CORNER SUITE AND AN EXTRA CONNECTING ROOM.
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne Avenue d’Ouchy 40 1006 Lausanne T. +41 (0)21 614 88 88, info@royalsavoy.ch www.royalsavoy.ch
12
June 2021 dotwnews.com
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
August 2021
IN THE NEWS 18 Europe
Bvlgari suite debuts among the rooftops of Milan; The curtain rises on Intercontinental Paris Le Grand; A private island hideaway on the Côte d’Azur
20 Middle East & Africa Cruise Arabia with a Louvre Curator; Richard Mille to support timeless talent in Abu Dhabi; Art and soul at Four Seasons DIFC
22 Asia & Oceania
24
New beginnings at Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa; The Carlyle – a legend reborn at Rosewood Hong Kong; Baglioni Maldives unveils lush new villas
24 Americas To the ends of the earth with Black Tomato; Auberge Resorts Collection pays homage to the arts; Poolside posing at The Beverly Hills Hotel
26 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts
28 Gourmet News
32
HOTELS
66
64 Arabian Journeys
Urban-meets-beach staycations that will let you escape it all or work, rest and play in style
68 No Adults Allowed The luxury travel intel all the cool kids are talking about, from a breakfast with giraffes, and exploring the desert in Dubai to summer’s coolest kids camps
It’s time to eat; A taste of Italy; The Med breezes into Abu Dhabi; No.57 hits the No.1 spot; Boston Tea Party
DESTINATIONS 32 A River Runs Through It
Sailing through five thousands years of Egpytian history in just five nights with Sanctuary Retreats
40
40 Desert Dreams The reimagined Jack’s Camp redefines what it means to safar in Botswana
48 Under African Skies Witness nature at its most beautiful with a stay at one of these exceptional safari lodges
56 Escapes From tropical holistic hideaways to chic Italian retreats, let summer’s sun-kissed adventures begin
SPEND IT 72 Jewels
Light of love: An enchanted summer awaits with sun-kissed jewellery and dazzling diamonds
74 Watches Only time will tell: Blue is the warmest colour contrasting with summer’s shimmering silver
76 Wellness in the Wild Natural born thriller: A once-in-alifetime adventure with ROAR Africa that will introduce you to both penguins and mountain gorillas
76
NEWS
H OT E V E N T S , N E W H OT E L S A N D G LO B A L J E T- S E T T E R S
24
THAT WOULD BE LYING As The Beverly Hills Hotel announces a new collection of pastel-pink, picture-perfect poolside hideaways (above), we also look to Baglioni Maldives’ exquisite new villas and Ultima Collection’s debut Côte d’Azur enclave for some of the best Ω and newest Ω bolt-holes in which to lie back, relax and rest your weary head
18 NEWS Luxe travel updates from around the world 26 DEBUT Our pick of the best new hotels 28 GOURMET Culinary updates, from near and far
NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
CRUISE ARABIA WITH A LOUVRE CURATOR ONCE UPON A TIME, EXPLORING THE ARAB WORLD was only possible by boat, a privilege enjoyed by few other than the traders who plied the waters of the Arabian Gulf exporting precious goods and treasures. Today, many of those treasures have found their way into the region’s magnificent museums, notably Louvre Abu Dhabi, where masterpieces from the Middle East and beyond chronicle the history of the region. Louvre Abu Dhabi has teamed up with French cruise company Ponant to create ‘Treasures of the Arabian Gulf’, a cultural journey following in the footsteps of those traders that uncovers some the region’s finest cultural and artistic treasures. Starting from Muscat, guests will board boutique cruise ship Le Jacques-Cartier and set sail on a voyage of discovery. The ship will first call in at Fujairah on the east coast of the UAE, where passengers will explore the 400-year-old Fujairah Fort, Al Bidya Mosque Ω the oldest mosque in the UAE Ω and the collection of ancient weapons and costumes at Fujairah Museum, before heading north to the Musandam Peninsula. After navigating the majestic fjords of the peninsula, Le Jacques-Cartier will stop off in Khasab, where passengers can discover its ancient fort and explore the sublime mountain landscape, before heading into the Arabian Gulf and plotting a course for Doha and its unmissable Museum of Islamic Art and traditional souqs. From the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Al Ain Oasis and the natural reserve at Sir Bani Yas Island, to the architectural wonder that is the Louvre, the Abu Dhabi portion of the trip will showcase some of the most enduring
wonders and varied landscapes of the Arabian world. When Le Jacques-Cartier eventually docks in Dubai, passengers will have the chance to embark on a desert safari and sail the waters of the Gulf aboard a traditional dhow boat, experiencing the region from the perspective of the earliest explorers. Throughout the eight-night cruise, guests will glean insights into the region from Yannick Lintz, curator and director of the Louvre’s Arts
of Islam department. Onboard, Le JacquesCartier boasts just 92 staterooms and suites, all with balconies or private terraces, and is home to the Blue Eye lounge; a multi-sensory lower deck lounge below the waterline where guests can peer out into the world below the waves. The Treasures of the Arabian Gulf cruise sails from January 5-13 and starts from EUR 4,730 (approx. US $5,580). www.ponant.com
EMERALD COLLECTION EYES A NEW AFRICAN JEWEL NESTLED OFF THE COAST OF TANZANIA in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has lured travellers and traders since time immemorial. Over time, the largest of the Spice Islands has transformed from a trading hub to an off the beaten path holiday spot; a tropical hideaway with some of the best beaches in Africa. It’s here that The Emerald Collection Ω the Italian hotel group behind the award-winning Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa Ω is opening its second property: a hillside resort on the northeast coast of the island overlooking five kilometres of white sand beach and one of the most pristine coral reefs in East Africa. Set in its own landscaped gardens planted with tall native trees and tropical flowers, Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa will pay homage to the natural world and Zanzibar’s rich culture in its guestrooms and restaurants, weaving contemporary elements into the traditional designs and patterns of the island. Guests at the all-suite resort will find themselves mesmerised by panoramic views of fishing boats anchored in the shallow waters and the palm-covered outline of Mnembe natural park immediately in front of the beach, while the elevated, east-facing location means it will be the perfect spot for sunrises.
20
August 2021 dotwnews.com
Like its sister property in the Maldives, Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa will offer Emerald’s Deluxe All-Inclusive stay package, which includes dining around at a selection of restaurants, non-motorised water sports, a snorkelling excursion and a boat tour once a week. As well as a collection of land and water-based experiences around Zanzibar, the resort will be home to a wellness hub and dive centre Ω the base from which to embark on snorkelling and diving adventures around the reef Ω and a calendar of gala events and tropical evenings under the stars will be unveiled when the resort opens in June 2022. www.emerald-collection.com
NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
ART AND SOUL AT FOUR SEASONS DIFC TWO OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESSES in Dubai International Financial Centre Ω Four Seasons Hotel DIFC and Opera Gallery Dubai Ω have teamed up to exhibit two new sculptural works by BritishAmerican artist Anthony James. The Los Angeles-based artist is renowned for his Icosahedron series: a collection of works made from stainless steel, glass and LED lights which embody perfect symmetry in three dimensions. Icosahedron 80” Solar White is an otherworldly creation: a 20-sided glass shape enclosing a mesmerising core of glowing lights that now takes pride of place at the hotel entrance. The artist describes his work as “evoking pictorial depictions of
the cosmos, alluding to notions of mysticism, ethereality, spirituality and science, all the while anchored through the use of weighty, industrial materials.” The second piece is grounded more in the realm of human achievement and craftsmanship: a perfectly cast shell of a Ferrari P4, the iconic 1967 model created by the Italian supercar maker (only four of which were ever made) now rendered in archival quality aluminium. Side by side and on display for hotel guests and passers-by alike to enjoy, the two sculptures embody the artist’s style and reflect the industrial architectural details of Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, an artistic marvel in its own right. www.fourseasons.com
RICHARD MILLE TO SUPPORT TIMELESS TALENT IN ABU DHABI SWISS WATCHMAKER RICHARD MILLE has teamed up with Louvre Abu Dhabi to launch a new exhibition and art prize to support emerging regional talent. Entitled Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here, the exhibition will showcase the work of a handful of contemporary artists Ω shortlisted by a panel of international experts following a round of submissions and consultation Ω in the Forum, a section of Louvre Abu Dhabi dedicated to contemporary art. Each year, the winning artist will be awarded the Richard Mille Art Prize in a ceremony at the Louvre on Saadiyat Island and receive a cash prize of US $50,000. The inaugural exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021, will take place in November and focus on the work of Emirati and UAE-based artists as part of the nation’s 50-year Jubilee celebrations. Artists are invited to submit works around the theme of ‘Memory, Time and Territory’ until August 31. Works by the short-listed artists will be on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi from November to March next year, and the winner will be announced during the UAE’s cultural season comprising Dubai Expo 2020, Abu Dhabi Art, Dubai Design Week and Art Dubai. www.louvreabudhabi.ae
dotwnews.com August 2021
21
NEWS DEBUT
Debut August
HOT HOTELS, CHIC BOUTIQUES AND EXCLUSIVE NEW RESORTS HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS NEW LAUNCHES
MATILD PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
Budapest, Hungary
As the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Budapest was once the cross-roads of Europe; a fabulously wealthy city on the banks of the Danube where lavish parties and galas were thrown nightly for important visitors. After its inauguration in 1902, most of the festivities took place at Matild Palace, a magnificent baroque masterpiece that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a painstaking renovation by Londonbased MKV Design and local architects Péter Dajka and Puhl Antal, the Imperial palace has reopened as part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, heralding the dawn of a new era for this grande dame. Austrian-American super chef Wolfgang Puck leads the dining offerings, which include an outpost of his Beverly Hills restaurant Spago, The Duchess rooftop bar (named for the Arch Duchess of Austria who commissioned the hotel’s construction) and Matild Café and Cabaret opening in September. Most of the 130 guestrooms afford views of the Danube or the city skyline, whose rooftops inspired the teal, green, gold and copper palette that runs throughout the interiors. Prized among the 19 suites is the Crown Towers Suite, which spans three levels at the top of the palace’s 48-metre tower. www.marriott.com
FAIRMONT WINDSOR PARK
Windsor, UK
Surrounded by bucolic English countryside a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, Fairmont Windsor Park will provide a rural counterpoint to the brand’s legendary London address – The Savoy – when it opens this month. With 40 acres of landscaped gardens, guests can immerse themselves in countryside pursuits from the moment they arrive. Health and wellness will take centre stage, with a spa and wellness centre that’s home to a full-body cryotherapy chamber, 20-metre lap pool with floating loungers made from Italian ceramics, a Japanese foot spa and a meditation and dry flotation room. Additionally, a Hammam, vitamin lounge, Himalayan salt room, a collection of vitality pools and a team of therapists, personal trainers and nutritionists will help guests achieve wellbeing bliss. Among the 200 guestrooms, the Royal Suite will reign supreme, with private entrance and direct access to the ultra-discreet VIP Private Spa Suite. Dining options include 1215 at Fairmont Windsor Park, where fresh produce from The Royal Farms will be transformed by head chef Luke Fouracre into modern British dishes, as well as a European and Middle Eastern fusion at MOREISH. www.accor.com
26
August 2021 dotwnews.com
NEWS DEBUT
SAN DOMENICO PALACE, TAORMINA, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Sicily, Italy
Framed by the blue Ionian Sea, the smouldering peak of Mount Etna and the olive groves, fig trees and vineyards of the Sicilian countryside, San Domenico Palace is like something out of a Homeric epic. The latest addition to the Four Seasons family is a perfectly poised hillside palace built on the site of a 14th-century convent. Two distinct buildings – the Grand Hotel Wing and the Ancient Convent Wing – are home to 111 elegantly appointed rooms and suites including the magnificent Royal Suite, which opens onto a private courtyard and plunge pool. Guests have a wealth of experiences at their fingertips, from summer-long musical performances at the nearby Greek Theatre and the outdoor trattorias in Taormina town, to helicopter and yacht trips to the Aeolian Islands, fish market tours, archaeological sites and a chance to lend a hand during the annual grape harvest on the slopes of Mount Etna. Executive chef Massimo Mantarro was born on the island and brings an experimental flourish to traditional Italian dishes at signature restaurant Principe Cerami, as well as terrace restaurant Rosso, poolside Anciovi and the Bar & Chiostro in the palace gardens. www.fourseasons.com
MANGO HOUSE SEYCHELLES, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS
Mahé, Seychelles
Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri had an eye for beautiful compositions, a skill that helped him acquire some of the world’s leading fashion houses as clients. His talent for recognising beauty reached its apogee when he stumbled upon a picturesque bay in southern Mahé and decided to turn it into a family home. Decades later, Mango House has become the latest member of LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s collection of independent luxury properties. Weaving in elements of southern Mahé folklore, Seychellois culture and Barbieri’s own influence, Mango House is a homely hideaway on the edge of Anse Aux Poules Bleues, tucked away amid gardens filled with fruit trees. The 41 interconnecting rooms, suites and villas allow family groups to tailor their own intimate escapes, including an enclave of 13 rooms that can be joined to form the mighty Cliff House, complete with an elevated swimming pool and dreamy Indian Ocean views. Local ingredients furnish the menus at both anpe wellness sanctuary and the resort’s five restaurants and bars. Fiery Creole cuisine is grilled over coconut shell charcoal at beachside Moutya, while local hand-caught fish and seafood is turned into contemporary Japanese dishes and sushi at Azido. www.lxrhotels3.hilton.com
dotwnews.com Auugst 2021
27
DISCOVER JOURNEYS OF ASIAN SPLENDOUR ON THE SHORES OF PALM JUMEIRAH.
Encounter a blend of island luxury with vibrant city life for your seamless vacation. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers all the elements for a great escape – whether for days of seaside romantic bliss or fun-filled family adventure. Stay in spacious rooms or villas that reflect the Thai origins of Anantara, whilst embracing the lavish opulence of this ground-breaking destination. Laze by your private infinity pool or step into the shimmering lagoons straight from your room. Exquisite gastronomy awaits at our fine dining venues. Experience a traditional Turkish Hammam or one of our signature therapies in the soothing surrounds of Anantara Spa. Delight in a coastal paradise overlooking the glittering city lights of Dubai.
LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com
ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT P.O. BOX 71607, EAST CRESCENT, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T +971 4 567 8888 E resdubaipalm@anantara.com
DESTINATIONS
PHOTO: Zbigniew Guzowski/Shutterstock
T H E W O R L D ’ S M O S T D E S I R A B L E L O C AT I O N S
32
IT’S ALL ANCIENT HISTORY From treasure-filled tombs to crowd-free temples, take a step back in time with a trip to Egypt, where history unfolds wherever you look. Elsewhere, some of the world’s most beautiful safari lodges beckon for an adventure in the wild
32 40 48 56
A River Runs Through It: Sailing through 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history Desert Dreams: The iconic Jack’s Camp reveals its new look Under African Skies: Witness nature at its most beautiful with a stay at one of these exceptional safari lodges Escapes: Tropical holistic hideaways and chic Italian retreats
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Sailing through five thousand years of ancient history in just five nights, Sarah Freeman discovers treasure-filled tombs, crowd-free temples and pharaonic foods, on a timeless trip to Egypt
DESERT
DREAMS On the shores of the ethereal Makgadikgadi Pans, the reimagined Jack’s Camp redefines the experience of what it means to safari in Botswana. Richard Holmes flew in…
H O T E L S S TAY C AT I O N S
PALM TREES & SEA BREEZE A huge draw for families, with its The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Waterpark, Wavehouse bowling arcade and world-class restaurants, a stay at Atlantis The Palm has enough to please all persuasions. Plus, designed like a huge Disney castle the hotel’s imposing position at the end of Palm Jumeirah affords it the best views in town. Its ‘Hello Extraordinary’ offer gives guests staying five nights or more, access to multiple activities, and credit to use within the resort. www.atlantis.com
Arabian Journeys The best urban-meets-beach staycations that will let you escape it all or help you work, rest and play your way through the sizzling summer
PUTTING THE FUN INTO FAMILY Another fantastic find for families is Fairmont The Palm, a hotel renowned for its all-encompassing approach to child-friendly holidays. Those not travelling this summer can pack up the kids and head here for a fun-filled staycation, where the UAE Residents Offer gives guests a night for just Dhs699, in which all Dhs699 is given back in daily F&B resort credit. On top of that, the kids can burn off their energy between the private beach and eight temperature-controlled swimming pools, shop ’til they drop at the neighbouring Nakheel Mall, or hang out at the award-winning Falcon Kids’ Club. www.fairmont.com
64
August 2021 dotwnews.com
H O T E L S S TAY C AT I O N S
WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE Offering travellers a unique way to savour both city and sea, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is all about location, location, location. Attached to one of Dubai’s largest luxury malls and within striking distance of the Arabian coastline, here urban beach chic reigns supreme. Escape the heat and cosy up in an Aspen Ski Chalet, with its warm-drawn bath, fireplace and views over Ski Dubai’s snowy slopes. Or, escape to New England in an Aspen Pool Chalet for Hamptons-esque coastal summer vibes. Its Travel Your Way offer gives guests staying three-to-five nights 15 per cent off the best available rate, or 20 per cent off for those staying six or more. Make sure to book in for a treatment at SensAsia Stories Spa, followed by an evening of tapas and sangria at Salero. www.kempinski.com
dotwnews.com August 2021
65
SPEND IT U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E S A N D S O P H I S T I C AT E D E S S E N T I A L S
71 THE ONLY AND ONLY In support of Only Watch, the nowlegendary biennial auction, GirardPerregaux has launched a pièce unique, the reimagined Casquette watch. Also in celebration of the maison’s 230th anniversary, and in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department, this revamped ’70s icon is equipped with a new quartz movement, a second time zone and a ‘secret date’. Sleek unique.
72 74 76
Light of love: Buttercup yellow infuses summer’s sun-kissed jewellery that dazzles with diamonds Only time will tell: Blue is the warmest colour for watches worn to make a statement A once-in-a-lifetime adventure with ROAR Africa will introduce you to both penguins and mountain gorillas
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
NATURAL BORN THRILLER A once-in-a-lifetime adventure with ROAR Africa will take you from Antarctica to Rwanda, in the company of both penguins and mountain gorillas WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN EMBARKING on a trip of a lifetime? Embarking on two neatly rolled into one! ROAR Africa’s ‘Marching With Penguins and Gazing At Gorillas’ trip combines two experiences sitting at polar-opposite ends of the adventure spectrum, taking guests from Antarctica to Rwanda, from penguins to gorillas, over 12 days. Kicking off on November 23, 2021, with a private flight from Dubai to Cape Town, you’ll stay at the stunning Cape Grace on the V&A Waterfront, soaking up the sights, culture and cuisine of the city. Next, your private jet will whisk you away to the intimate Whichaway Camp in Antarctica, via the extraordinary Drygalski Mountain Range, for five nights of luxury glamping in a bespoke sleeping pod. Here, you’ll witness one of nature’s
76
August 2021 dotwnews.com
rarest sights – an immense colony of 28,000 Emperor Penguins – as well as enjoy gentle treks, ice picnics and kite-skiing. On day eight, you’ll travel back to Cape Town for two nights and on to Rwanda, spending four days between Kigali’s first eco-friendly resort, The Retreat by Heaven, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, which is cushioned in the foothills of the breathtaking Virunga Volcano range. A trek into Volcanoes National Park will reward you with time spent in the company of rare and magnificent mountain gorillas, considered to be one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences on earth. Your front-row seat will also give you a window into the world of elephants, lions and exotic birds, before you retreat back to your modern haven. www.roarafrica.com
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
@dotw news FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM SNAPCHAT
TWITTER PINTEREST LINKEDIN
Essential Travel Intelligence WWW.DOTWNEWS.COM 88
April 2020 dotwnews.com
dotwnews.com August 2020
77
SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD
88
April 2020 dotwnews.com