DOTWNews October 2022 Issue

Cora Cora Maldives is a truly innovative concept resort and unlike anything the Maldives has ever seen, giving guests the unmissable opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before.

Cora Cora Maldives offers its guests a one-of-a-kind immersive Maldivian cultural, experiential, and culinary experience. Comprising of 100 villas, four restaurants, two bars, Moksha® Spa and Wellbeing Center, water sports & diving center, gym, overwater yoga pavilion, outdoor cinema, CoraKids®’ club, and Dutch Onion® Art Gallery. Cora Cora Maldives is 45-minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and located in Raa Atoll.

It’s freedom time and at Cora Cora Maldives the Premium All Inclusive - Gourmet Meal Plan® is present in every detail of the resort, giving guests the unmissable opportunity to experience an array of dining possibilities.

Cora Cora Maldives is the ultimate idyllic, island escape!

The City With Soul

Different Point Of View

Secret

Explore The Magic of the Maldives with Grand Park Kodhipparu

Nestled in the beautiful cerulean waters of the North Male Atoll, and just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu awaits. An exclusive address on a one-resort island, privacy is paramount, with peace and tranquillity set to a back drop of pristine beaches and palm trees.

Traditional influences are paired with sophisticated interior design to create villas that are relaxed and homely, with the five-star service of your dedicated villa host to tend to your every wish and whim, whatever hour of the day.

With a collection of beach and over-water villas, you’ll find accommodation perfect for you. Choose a Lagoon Water Villa with private sun terrace and hammock for direct access to the shallow waters of the lagoon; a Beach Pool Villa with a private plunge pool, garden and the beach just steps from your terrace; or the two-bedroom Grand Residence, with its glass floor, private pool and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

Soak up the sun and pass the days away marvelling at the vibrant house reef, where a whole other world can be found. Join a snorkelling trip with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the magic found beneath the waves.

Relax into island life with the flexibility of a dine-around meal plan that lets guests go with the flow. With half-board, full-board or a more personalised plan to suit you, immerse yourself in the best cuisine from around the world. Or, create memories to last a lifetime with a ‘Private Island Dining’ experience tailor-made just for you, from a floating breakfast in your private pool to a sandbank dinner under the stars.

Perfect for celebrations, reunions and reconnections, cherish your time in paradise at Grand Park Kodhipparu where dreams really do come true. All you have to do is book, and let us do the rest…

*Terms and conditions apply

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives P.O.Box 2168, North Male Atoll - Republic of Madives e.rsvn.gpkd@parkhotelgroup.com | p. (960) 665 1111 parkhotelgroup.com/en/maldives

IT’S PLAY TIME

WALDORF ASTORIA MAKES A MOVE ON MOROCCO

SIGNALLING THE DEBUT OF THE ICONIC WALDORF ASTORIA brand in Morocco, Hilton has signed an agreement with Star Hill Tanger SA to open Waldorf Astoria Tanger in 2025. Situated on the country’s northwest coast, the resort will be near the Cape Spartel Reserve, making it the ideal base for exploring the historic Caves of Hercules and the renowned lighthouse with its breathtaking views of the blue Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. Surrounded by lush greenery, the property will feature 115 contemporarystyle guest rooms and suites, including 21 villas with private pools and a 1,250sqm Royal Villa. The highlight of the resort is set to be the 3,000 sqm luxury spa tipped to be the largest holistic wellness destination in the country. Synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand, the world-famous Peacock Alley will take its place among the resort’s five distinctive restaurants. An array of multi-functional meeting spaces and boardrooms will offer ample opportunities for hosting business gatherings, celebrations, and world-class events. As the Hilton group continues its expansion across Morocco, Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton states, “Across Morocco we are growing our portfolio of hotels, building on the significant momentum the country is experiencing for travel and tourism, with plans to nearly triple our presence in the coming years with openings from across our brand segments.” www.waldorfastoria.com

HOTEL GROUP: THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

AT THIS YEAR’S FUTURE HOSPITALITY SUMMIT IN THE UAE, the Radisson Group announced tenacious expansion plans to add over 5,000 keys in the next five years to its growing portfolio across the Middle East. The group currently operates 52 properties in the region and has commenced work on 25 additional projects. Following the successful opening of UAE’s first Radisson Resort on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, the group is set to open its second resort-style property at West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. Continuing its Middle Eastern expansion the Radisson Group has properties under construction, with planned openings in 2023

across both Jordan and Kuwait and has recently announced a property in the Sultanate of Oman. A bulk of the regional properties lie in KSA, where the group has already opened two resorts this year in Riyadh, including a Radisson-branded property and a luxury lifestyle one. The group now has a total of 25 hotels and serviced apartments in operation and under development in the Kingdom. The diversity of the hotels under the Radisson brand portfolio enable the group to cater to the multi-faceted needs of a modern-day traveller, focusing on leisure, pleasure and business. www.radissonhotels.com

VIKING NILE CRUISERS’ MODERN UPDATE

SHROUDED IN MYTHS AND MYSTERIES, the timeless appeal of Egypt’s river Nile has been attracting visitors for millennia. In recent years, cruises along the river have gained in popularity, but luxury options remain scarce. Enter Viking Osiris. Named after Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of flooding, the vessel has been specifically designed to navigate the capricious Nile and aims to be the most upscale ship in Egypt. The 82-passenger vessel is elegant and understated, reflecting modern Scandinavian design with floor-toceiling windows offering panoramic views. The vessel captures the heritage of Viking’s brand while also paying tribute to the wonders of Egypt by featuring photographs taken in the early 1900s by George

Herbert. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was benefactor, and co-explorer of famous Egyptologist Howard Carter with whom he discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Viking Osiris is smaller than the typical Viking ships and home to only 41 cabins, all with hotelstyle beds and some with French balconies, making for a luxuriously intimate experience. The ship also features a library, sun deck, pool, and Viking’s signature Aquavit Terrace. The 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary begins and ends in Cairo with guided visits to the pyramids, tombs, museums, and temples along the Nile. Expert Egyptologists will accompany small groups as guides to bring the rich history of the region to life. www.vikingrivercruises.com

THE CONSCIOUS CORE OF NEW NAMBITI RESERVE LODGE

ULTRA-LUXURY ECO-LODGE, THE HOMESTEAD, on the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, is set for a 2023 launch. Dean Jay architects has designed the resort to meld with the natural landscape and with a commitment to conservation. Sustainable materials such as ironstone and dolerite will organically bond the property with its surroundings, and grass sourced from the nearby grasslands will be planted on the rooftops. The property’s central feature, an elevated 180-metre-long structure, will connect to a natural escarpment and lake. Half of The Homestead’s 12 luxury lodges will cater to couples and solo travellers while the remaining six will be available for private bookings. The lodges will offer the ultimate in comfort and design with bespoke furniture, hand-woven rugs, and sliding doors leading to an outdoor shower, private pool, swing, and hibachi grill. The property will also feature a spa, fitness centre, infinity pool, and event spaces. Culinary experiences will focus on organic, locally-sourced, African-inspired dishes. Nambiti’s majestic wildlife will be experienced in The Homestead’s new breed of electric safari vehicles that eliminate both sound and CO2 emissions. Tailored excursions include visits to historical battlefields, animal photography classes, hiking through diverse habitats, stargazing, and anti-poaching sessions, all designed to connect people through discovery, storytelling, and education.

Debut October

HOT HOTELS, CHIC BOUTIQUES AND EXCLUSIVE NEW RESORTS HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS NEW LAUNCHES

ELSE KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A relic of Kuala Lumpur’s colonial past, the Lee Rubber Building was built in the 1930s in the Art Deco style. After a major transformation, the Chinatown icon has been reborn as Else Kuala Lumpur, an urban escape in the heart of the Malaysian capital and the first property from new brand Else Retreats. Imagined as a new cultural hub for the area, Else founders Justin Chen and Javier Perez commissioned all-female Malaysian design company Studio Bikin to breathe new life into the building, which was restored by local firm Faizah Architect over the last four years. Inside, the 49 guestrooms are calm and pared back, with neutral colours, earthy tones and natural textures, plus custom-made textiles, rugs and carpets crafted by Singapore-born, KL-raised Omar Khan. Else Suite is the top accommodation offering, an 84 sqm retreat with a private balcony overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The works of Malaysian artists adorn the walls of rooms and public spaces, which include Latin-Asian fusion restaurant Raw Kitchen Hall, a homely lobby lit by a soaring atrium skylight and a boutique gym with sensory deprivation floatation pods and saltwater infinity pool. www.elseretreats.com

THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST Gold Coast, Australia

An hour’s drive south of Brisbane, Queensland’s Gold Coast lives up to its name: a ribbon of pristine beaches sandwiched between the crashing waves of the Pacific and the gleaming condos and offices of downtown. Here, nestled on the beach in Surfers’ Paradise, The Langham, Gold Coast, is an architectural marvel that takes centre stage on the modern cityscape; one of the three towers of the mixed-use Jewel development. As the first new luxury hotel to offer direct access to the golden sands of Surfers’ Paradise in more than three decades, The Langham has lots to live up to. Each of its 339 rooms and suites have spacious balconies affording spectacular views of Pacific sunrises and epic ocean swells, as well as two infinityedge lagoon pools down below at ground level. The Langham’s Chuan Spa brings the brand’s holistic wellness concept to Queensland for the first time, one of several signature Langham touches that also include Palm Court lobby lounge and fine dining Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court, which holds a constellation of Michelin stars at outposts in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Other dining options include casual Australian buffet fare at Akoya, surf café vibes at 26 & Sunny and al fresco libations at Coral Moon. The Langham, Gold Coast, joins the company’s existing Australian properties in Sydney and Melbourne. www.langhamhotels.com

WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

Kuwait City, Kuwait

The tiny State of Kuwait sits at the north-western corner of the Arabian Gulf, a vital port for petroleum exports and a hub for intra-regional business. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait brings a new level of luxury to the city, close to the international airport and attractions such as Kuwait Opera House and Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, adjacent to The Avenues retail emporium.

It’s 200 rooms and suites reflect Kuwaiti culture and heritage through striking artwork and textiles that reflect the colours of sky, sea and desert. Certain room categories grant guests access to The Ikaros Club, a private space with library, business centre and private concierge services.

As well as afternoon tea at Waldorf Astoria signature lobby lounge Peacock Alley, guests are treated to an outpost of award-winning Japanese robatayaki restaurant ROKA and delectable dining from the French Riviera, southern Italy and the Greek Islands at AVA. At night, OXIO Pool and Lounge transforms into Kubbar Poolside Restaurant, where guests can savour the flavours of Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisine in stylish poolside cabanas. Waldorf Astoria Spa is set to open later in the year, complete with a private suite with its own arrival lounge, steam-room hammam and double treatment room. www.hilton.com

THOMPSON MADRID

Madrid, Spain

Hyatt lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels has made its European debut with Thompson Madrid, the brand’s first property this side of the Atlantic. Situated on Calle De La Montera abutting leafy Plaza del Carmen in the heart of the Spanish capital, the 175-room hotel entwines a modern, homely aesthetic with local touches that reflect the character of the city. Madrid-based design and architecture studio LYTA created the sleek interiors, which incorporate leather, marble and wood accents to great effect. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies provide views across the rooftops, while the gorgeous two-floor penthouse suite boasts a private bar and expansive terrace. Creative collaborations with talent from the world of art, gastronomy and couture can be seen throughout the hotel and guests receive a limitededition city map created by Madrid-based artist Nicolás Villamizar at check-in. Three signature dining venues are helmed by Chef Nino Redruello: bakery and bistro The Omar, soon-to-open speakeasy style bar Hijos de Tomás and Thompson Madrid Rooftop, which doubles as an urban wellbeing oasis complete with infinity pool and hydromassage system. Centrally located, the hotel is within walking distance of the Prado Museum, Retiro Park and the Royal Palace, as well as the trendy neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca. www.hyatt.com

BEAUTIFUL

BATUMI

Known as the jewel of Georgia, the cosmopolitan coastal city of Batumi splices boulevards and beaches with UNESCO heritage sites and contemporary architecture, making it rich pickings for curious travellers with an appetite for adventure

Known as the jewel of Georgia, the cosmopolitan coastal

Acity on the shores of the Black Sea, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Batumi is fast becoming one of Georgia’s – and Europe’s – most vibrant and exhilarating traveller destinations, recently announced as Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2022. The capital of the Adjara region is filled with belle époque architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century when Batumi was an important port along the route from Europe to the Caspian Sea. The skyline of the now thriving cosmopolitan hub is being transformed with new hotels and glistening towers, creating a scintillating concoction where old world meets new. It’s the perfect gateway to explore some of Georgia’s new UNESCO World Heritage sites, whilst also immersing oneself in everything ‘new’ Batumi has to offer, from the beaches and bicycle paths along Batumi Boulevard, to the verdant and vibrant sights at the Botanical Gardens and Batumi Lighthouse, to the neon world of fun that awaits after dark aboard the Ferris Wheel at Miracle Park. Let beautiful Batumi pique your senses as you discover why it’s nicknamed the Pearl of the Black Sea...

Suite Escapes

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each stay promises

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spaces designed to reinvigorate

senses, cuisines

savour

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REVVING UP

Gear up for the capital’s most electrifying event of the year, as race weekend roars into town. Where else to stay than the hotel that the racetrack weaves its way through...

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stepan Filenko

GET UP TO SPEED

Guaranteed to set your nerves on edge for all the right reasons, race weekend is one of the UAE’s most exhilarating annual events, resulting in a truly epic 96 hours. From November 17-20, the capital comes alive with adrenalin, as petrolheads, car aficionados and everyone in between makes a beeline for Abu Dhabi to soak up the thrills on and off the track. In fact, so popular is the event, that last year more people tuned in to watch the race than Football’s Favourite Sunday, so you know you’re in for a pretty wild ride. The all-important question is... How to spend race weekend?

Mia wears: Jumpsuit, Elisabetta Franchi. Earrings, Swarovski

THE BEAUTY OF BAHRAIN

If you you want your weekend away to turn into something a little longer, book the Stay Longer, Experience More offer at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, which will give you 15 per cent savings when staying two nights or more, as well as resort and Royal Beach Club access. The beautiful property hugs the coast so the beach is on your doorstep, whilst its verdant landscaped gardens have created a little oasis in the city. Relax into your stay at the sea-inspired spa, be taken on a journey of ‘rough luxury’ dining at La Table Krug by Y, then sink into your club suite for a chic and cosy sleep. www.ritzcarlton.com

Arabian Journeys

Boating magic off the coast of Muscat, beach escapes in Bahrain and rest and rejuvenation at an exclusive destination in Dubai. Enjoy!

A SEA HOTEL ADVENTURE

If there’s one truly spectacular way to soak up the magic of Oman, it’s by boat, as you cruise along the coastline to a backdrop of coves, beaches and undulating peaks. Six Senses Zighy Bay is taking to the seas for its latest out-of-the-ordinary escapade, with a one- or two-night trip aboard its recently refurbished 90-foot, three-bedroom Dhahab dhow. All meals will be crafted by a private chef, while adventures include touring the fjords, visiting quaint fishing villages and famous dive sites, to evenings watching the sun flicker over the Hajar Mountains. Book the new Stay and Cruise offer to enjoy four nights in the resort’s Pool Villa, as well as one night on the Dhahab, for the ultimate at sea experience. www.sixsenses.com

ISLAND IN THE SUN

Opt for an island escape in the city to experience the best of both worlds. This autumn you can enjoy urban escapism at its finest at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm, Dubai, with its All You Need Staycation offer. Starting from Dhs1,500 per night for two adults and two kids, you can also indulge in a daily buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner with unlimited drinks, 20 per cent savings on F&B, and 20 per cent discount on selected 60-minute spa treatments at Jiva Spa. With the winter weather finally here, it’s time to make the most of the Middle East, and this stunning island enclave is the perfect place to start. www.exoticadubai.tajhotels.com

SPEND IT

BOOK CLUB

Keep your tote on trend with a seasonal update from Dior’s Jardin d’Hiver embroidery bag from its A/W22 collection. Its delicate pattern, handpicked by Maria Grazia Chiuri, is meticulously woven paying homage to the historical art of embroidery and depicts plants, flowers and birds in a palette of over 20 colours. The Dior Book Tote is crafted in Italy and hand-pieced together by virtuoso artisans, an ode to the art of detail

and intrigue play out against a shower of gold and diamonds for the ultimate jewellery power play

are going for green this month. Bold and brilliant

Magnolias: Mahallati’s latest collection is inspired by one of nature’s most magical blooms

of this World: Reach for the stars with an exclusive and

escape in the Maldives

INTRIGUE

INTRIGUE MYSTERY

In an incandescent shower of gold and diamonds, the

of the past meets the power of

present

Aurate

necklace, Pomellato

Tiffany Hardwear

Jannah necklace, Bvlgari

Vittore bracelet, Swarovski

Dior D Renaissance

Dior

Transient ring, Repossi

Coco Crush ring, Chanel

My Happy Hearts ring, Chopard

Fanfare earrings,

ring, Piaget

Anniversary collection necklace,

Sous les Etoils brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels

REACH FOR THE STARS

A one-of-a-kind astronomyinspired retreat sends a Maldives escape into the stratosphere

WITH SPACE TOURISM AN EVER GROWING TOPIC OF INTRIGUE, perhaps an inter-galactic getaway is more in reach than we think – well, for those with deep pockets perhaps. But for us mere mortals with just average pockets, there’s still a way to explore outer space with your feet on terra firma and from the rather more comfortable confines of a tropical island, we might add thanks to Milaidhoo Maldives. The luxury boutique private island resort has partnered with astronomy expert Valerie Stimac to give guests a true ‘out of this world’, one-ofa-kind experience as part of a brand new ‘Milky Way from the Maldives’ retreat, which will take place in May 2023.

The seven-day escape is designed to allow guests to discover the incredible dark skies of the Maldives and become immersed in the wonder of the universe. Valerie is a dark sky specialist

and author of the Lonely Planet book Dark Skies:

A Practical Guide to Astrotourism – a new trend which sees travellers choose to visit destinations with low light pollution to be able to better see the beauty of the galaxy.

The Milky Way from the Maldives retreat includes a stargazing session on a secluded sandbank, wayfinding beneath the stars on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, a dinner under the stars, astrophotography and night-sky mythology sessions focusing on the history of the night sky from the viewpoints of various cultures in the Maldives, as well as a Healing Space Massage.

Oh, and you’ll also have the opportunity to name a star and steal a piece of the night sky just for you.

If you want to take things even further, you can opt to spend the night as castaways under the stars, on your very own deserted sandbank, which will be transformed with

all the luxury comforts of a Milaidhoo Villa, a canopied four-poster bed and all, and a private yacht anchored nearby. After you’ve indulged in a sumptuous dinner, you’ll be left to bask in the serenity of your surrounds, encircled by gently lapping waters and the incandescent night sky.

When you wake up, you can revel in the beauty of your location – an emerald drop of paradise wrapped in soft white sands, effervescent aqua waters, and nothing but you for what feels like miles around. Snorkel, swim and make the most of the magic until you return to the resort to languish in Milaidhoo’s re-invented luxury.

The dates of the trip will be announced nearer the time, to ensure weather, moon phases and other astronomical events create the best possible viewing conditions. But for now, mark May in your diary for one of the most magical astrological experiences on Earth. www.milaidhoo.com

The

des-res

WELLBEING

UNTOUCHED SOUTH EAST COAST OF MAURITIUS