July 2014
ON TRACK IN
SRI LANKA A rail journey in Ceylon
MALDIVES TRIO Three Indian Ocean hideaways
A PLAN FOR
MAURITIUS
CYPRUS
Life beyond the beach
President Nicos Anastasiades
24 HOURS IN ALMATY
WOLFGANG PUCK
Introducing the king of grills
Kazakhstan luxe
TASTE OF THE
SEYCHELLES
Creole flavours in the heart of the Indian Ocean
SUMMER ESCAPE
Ultimate luxury itineraries
SUITE DREAMS
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
ON THE ROAD
BMW M760Li Alpina
WHY LUX* YOU MAY ASK? BECAUSE OUR 2,018 TEAM MEMBERS UNDERSTAND YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS. IT’S WHY EACH ONE OF US HAS COMMITTED TO MAKE EACH MOMENT MATTER... IT’S WHY WE WISH TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE LIFE... AND IT’S WHY WE CREATED A BRAND OF HOLIDAY THAT’S SIMPLY MORE LIGHT-HEARTED. THERE ARE 2,018 ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION BUT TO HELP YOU DECIDE, CHIERI WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE OF HER FAVOURITE REASONS TO GO LUX*
Visit luxresorts.com MAURITIUS ILE DE LA REUNION MALDIVES
PHONE HOME We believe that holidays should be stress and hassle-free, which is why if you explore our resorts you’ll find a telephone box and inside a vintage phone. Here you can make local and international calls free of charge. We just ask one thing. Please do not call the office! Chieri Yokoshima, Guest Relation
LUX* MALDIVES
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THE STORIES BEGIN HERE
NEW YORK CHICAGO GRAND WAILEA THE BOULDERS DUBAI ARIZONA BILTMORE BERLIN JERUSALEM PUERTO RICO SHANGHAI AMSTERDAM BEIJING ORLANDO ROME CAVALIERI JEDDAH KEY WEST NAPLES PARK CITY PANAMA BOCA RATON EDINBURGH RAS AL KHAIMAH LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB TRIANON PALACE VERSAILLES THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS
WA L D O R FASTO R I A .CO M / T H E STO R I E S
Contents title
Sectiony
July 2014
On the cover 70 Beyond the beach 110 Almaty in 24 hours
Volcanic peaks, tumbling waterfalls and mystic rivers in Mauritius’ lush hinterland
The golden domes of Kazakhstan’s former capital make for a dazzling day out
82 Tales from the Maldives 112 Insider... Copenhagen
Three writers explore the different attributes of three stellar Maldives resorts
ARKEN Museum of Modern Art director Christian Gether shows us around his city
98 Sri Lanka by rail
Time slows down during a train journey across in the island of serendipity
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Maldives symphony Overwater villas at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa look out onto a mesmerising turquoise lagoon
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December 20XX
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RESIDENCES
an extraordinary resort that will captivate your senses
designed by internationally renowned experts including Woods Bagot and Atkins
Enjoying views as vast as they are captivating Minthis Hills is a resort that celebrates its surroundings, with inspired Mediterranean architecture, dedicated service and a liberating sense of space. At Minthis Hills distinctive contemporary architecture inspired by local culture blends seamlessly with nature. The private customisable residences offer a fluid series of indoor and outdoor spaces to be enjoyed year-round in Cyprus’ ideal climate. Residents also enjoy exceptional recreation facilities, incredible views and first-class service.
CYPRUS (EU) CITIZENSHIP CAN NOW BE EFFICIENTLY OBTAINED WITH PROPERTY PURCHASES OF â‚Ź2,500,000
MINTHIS HILLS, CYPRUS
T +357 26 848 888, E info@minthishills.com, W www.minthishills.com
a
development
Contents title
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July 2014
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In the news 38 Europe 52 Debut
New summer suites; charters in Montenegro; beach life at Lake Como
Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts
40 Middle East & Africa 54 Diary Palm Jumeirah grows; safari in style; all change at Le Touessrock
The best exhibitions, festivals and sporting events around the world
44 Asia & Oceania 56 VIP: Polo Gold Cup
Asia by design; gloves off in Koh Samui; own a slice of paradise
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Behind the scenes at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Cup at Cowdray Park
48 Americas 60 Special report
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Four Seasons rentals; Hilton’s Curio; Hard Rock spas; Trump goes digital
An exclusive interview with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades
Spend it 148 Escape 160 Set sail
The finest tailored travel itineraries – from the Caribbean to India
The future of yachting – a sleek, all-aluminium vision from Italy
152 On the road 162 Suite dreams
Bentley goes wild with the GT3-R; Porsche’s fastest ever Cayman GTS
Incan chic at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, Peru
157 Ignition
The BMW M760Li Alpina is a rare breed made for discerning buyers
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Letter from the Editor EvEryonE rEmEmbErs thEir first Indian Ocean travel experience. I distinctly recall flying low over the maldives heading and spotting the vibrant blue atolls of the archipelago for the first time – green flecks of land ringed with white, floating in the still water. The next snapshot is bouncing across the waves on a speedboat, crashing through the surf and feeling the sting of the salty water on my face, before arriving at a wooden jetty sticking out from an island, and feeling my cares blow away in the wind. The indian ocean is a part of the world that seems so far removed from our daily lives that it is hard to believe that it is just a short flight away from many destinations. Anyone in the neighbourhood of the Arabian Peninsula can leave the office at lunchtime and be sipping fruity cocktails on the beach by sundown. At least you can if you have your own jet – commercial schedules are not quite so flexible, but still allow easy access to the Indian Ocean’s favourite escapes with little fuss. With the summer upon us, we decided to focus this issue on four Indian Ocean destinations that have a huge pull on us – mauritius, the maldives, sri Lanka and the seychelles – the kinds of places that whisper to us from websites and travel newsletters as we clock on to another long day in the office. With quality travel experiences in mind, we endeavoured to go beyond the beach to explore what each destination has to offer when you step inland, away from the turquoise sea that these islands call home. First off, Jo Foley takes us on a whirlwind tour of mauritius, travelling inland to discover the volcanic peaks and opulent former sugar barons’ homes that speckle the island’s hillsides, and sampling the natural wonders that fill Mauritius’ gardens and parks, before returning to some of the country’s top luxury escapes (page 70). From there, we travel to the maldives, where three writers share their experiences at three very different resorts, focusing on the characteristics that make each resort unique (page 82). In sri Lanka, our writer christens then boards the ‘Kandy Express’ and embarks on a journey across the island of serendipity, taking in the rich countryside, cultural centres and commercial capitals of the burgeoning island, where tourism is flourishing in newfound peace (page 98). Completing the Indian Ocean quartet, we sent one of our team to the seychelles to talk to some of the island’s top chefs and find out what it is about Creole cuisine that has everyone so excited (page 134). We did manage a short detour from the Indian Ocean for a meeting with President nicos Anastasiades, the man responsible for guiding Cyprus out of economic woe and into a new era of prosperity. The country’s new Limassol Marina was officially opened last month, opening up the country to superyachts and their affluent owners for the first time, and in turn paving the way for many more high-end hospitality developments that could help redefine Cyprus’ tourism offering (page 60). Also in this issue, we chat with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (page 126), spend 24 hours in Almaty (page 110), sample Nikkei cuisine at maido in Lima (page 132), take an insider’s tour of Copenhagen (page 112), eat our way around tokyo (page 124) and take a spin in the rare and elusive bmW m769Li Alpina (page 157). Whatever you’re in the mood for this summer, there’s something inside for you, so turn the page and be inspired.
Download the latest digital edition of Destinations of the World News for iOS devices by scanning the QR code or visiting www.dotwnews.com/app
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July 2014
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Joe Mortimer Senior Editor joe@dotwnews.com
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Month 20XX
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dotwnews.com
Americas
LVMH brings Cheval Blanc to St. Barths The latest entry to LVMH’s Cheval Blanc collection will open its doors October 15, 2014. The Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France has already seen a year’s worth of renovations and the 40 suites, bungalows and villas will be treated to some finishing touches before the grand post-summer reopening. In addition to fine dining destination Case de l’Isle, the resort boasts a full spa with four treatment rooms, all stocked with exclusive Guerlain products. A double treatment room is expected to open in time for the next summer season. The hotel promises memorable moments for guests, with tailormade experiences and activities dreamt up by the Maison’s ‘Alchemists’. This will include day excursions on board a 21-metre yacht, complete with personal butler, and some on-board pampering to boot. Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France will be the third hotel in the collection, joining Cheval Blanc Courchevel in the French Alps and Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives.
hilton introduces new brand Curio Sin City’s upcoming SLS Las Vegas will be the first member of Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a new brand pitched at travellers craving distinctive hotel experiences. The idea stems from Hilton customers’ desire for hotels that have a unique identity, but also offer the benefits of large hotel chain; in this case, the Hilton HHonors loyalty program. In addition to the partnership with SLS Las Vegas, the Curio collection will include The Sam Houston Hotel in Houston, Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota, The Franklin Hotel in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as well as a soon to be named development in downtown Portland, Oregon. Curio is one of two new concepts that Hilton will introduce this year, according to Hilton CEO Christopher J. Nassetta.
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VIP VeuVe CliCquot Gold Cup 2014 Final Former Gold Cup patron, The Hon. Lila Pearson, takes us behind the scenes of this year’s event Bubbles flow at the Veuve Clicquot bar Lord and Lady Cowdray at last year’s event
EVENT The Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup final is the culmination of four weeks of competition for the British Open Polo Championship, ranked alongside the Argentine and USA Opens in world polo significance. The fabulous golden trophy was launched at Cowdray Park Polo Club in 1956 by the late John Churchill Pearson, the 3rd Viscount Cowdray. It is a gala day for polo and attracts an audience of up to 15,000 polo enthusiasts. This year’s event, held at Cowdray Park in West Sussex, will take place on July 20.
AMIBENCE Spectators arrive early to set up their picnics and enjoy a little shopping in the retail village before the start of the match. The local town band marches around the ground and entertains the crowd in true country fashion. Cowdray Park has a luxury hospitality package with champagne and canapés served in a private garden pitch-side, a three course lunch with specially chosen wines and champagne served at your reserved seat on the grandstand during the match, and traditional English afternoon tea. In 2014, for the first time, Veuve Clicquot has launched a VIP picnic area for guests travelling from London, including transportation and chilled champagne waiting for you at a pre-reserved picnic spot. The estate’s Farm Shop & Café also produces wonderful picnic hampers. Winning team Zacara claim the Gold Cup in 2013 Retire to The Spread Eagle Hotel when the tournament is over
RUB SHOULDERS WITH The title sponsor, Champagne House Veuve Clicquot, invites around 200 celebrity guests into the private marquee. High-profile former guests include Bianca Jagger, chef Raymond Blanc and Jodie Kidd, as well as Lord and Lady Cowdray.
AFTER DARK There is no after-party so spectators continue festivities at the bars around the ground or at friends’ picnic spots until the sun goes down. There are many excellent traditional pubs nearby; a particularly good one is The Earl of March in Lavant.
STAY The Spread Eagle Hotel in Midhurst is a charming 14th century Inn. Its history and ambience make it a good local choice if you want to enjoy polo at Cowdray Park.
DINE The Leconfield Restaurant and Bar at nearby Petworth is the best local restaurant, with a superb menu of classic but delicious British dishes including roasted salmon and Sussex lamb rump.
MUST DO Cowdray Park is located within the South Downs National Park in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. There are local historic houses to visit, galleries in nearby Petworth – which is an amazing centre for antiques – the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester, and horse racing and many other activities at the nearby Goodwood Estate.
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MAN WITH A
PLAN Cyprus was a country on the brink of disaster before President Nicos Anastasiades was sworn in as leader. Less than 18 months later, the country is on the road to recovery, and tourism is a vital part of the remedy
Views from Minthis Hills, a luxury residential development in Paphos in the south-east corner of Cyprus
Interview
President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia
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hen President Nicos Anastasiades assumed office as leader of Cyprus on February 28, 2013, he took the reins of a country in the throes of involuntary self-destruction. The Mediterranean republic was in a spiral of economic woe triggered by the global financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent drop in tourism, resulting in huge levels of unemployment, a major fall in property values, and eventually, the downgrading of Cyprus’s credit rating to junk status in September 2012. Now, following an EUR 10 billion bailout from the EU-IMF Troika in March 2013, a complete restructure of the banking system and 16 months of economic reform under Anastasiades’ cabinet, Cyprus’ fortunes seem to be reversing, as a raft of new high-end property developments and a new citizenship for investment programme pave the way for a new wave of foreign investors, whose financial impetus could put Cyprus back on the luxury travel map. “We have proved from the very first month that we mean business,” said President Anastasiades in an exclusive interview with Destinations of the World News at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. “We are trying to turn the crisis into an opportunity. What we are trying to do is [carry out] reforms in the civil service and reforms in the banking sector, whilst at the same time [paying] attention to how we are going to develop the wealth that we have discovered,” he added, referring to the vast deposits of oil and natural gas discovered off the coast of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, which will play a fundamental role in returning Cyprus to economic prosperity. “We have proved that we are implementing with discipline the terms and conditions of the [bailout] programme and we are doing much better
than anyone was expecting in one year’s time. The most important thing is that we are taking the proper steps, with the approval of the people and without any strikes or demonstrations.” Tourism has historically been one of the largest sources of foreign income for Cyprus, accounting for more than 10 percent of GDP in 2006, before the world economic crisis hit. It is one of the three industry sectors Cyprus is now focusing on – along with professional services and shipping – to help drive the country forward and out of debt, while simultaneously opening up a major new revenue stream in the form of the untapped natural resources. Cyprus’ agreeable Mediterranean climate, expansive beaches and picturesque landscapes have always made the island a favourite among holidaymakers from Europe in particular, but few internationally branded five-star hotels have raised their flags in the republic, a factor that some would argue has held Cyprus back from reaching its potential as a luxury travel destination. The President is not flustered by the absence of internationally branded hotels though: “We might not have the big companies with the chain hotels and so on, not yet, but we have luxurious hotels absolutely of the same standard as all the other five-star hotels all over the world,” he explained. But looking ahead, he conceded that developing luxury travel product and attracting the big brands is an essential step in Cyprus’ quest to rebuild a sustainable and profitable tourism economy. “It’s one of the main factors if you want to increase the number of travellers – the VIP travellers,” he said. “Unless you have a connection with all these huge organisations with the chain hotels all over the world in order to promote the country, you are not, I might say, on the map.”
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Value Redefined...
The Fir s t Premium All-Inclusive Resor t in the Maldives...
Lily B each Resor t & Spa a t Hu vahendhoo Sou th Ar i Atoll, The Maldives Tel: +960 668 0 0 13 | Fax: +960 668 06 46 | sales@lily beachmaldives.com | w w w.lily beachmaldives.com
Destinations
The world’s most desirable locations
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Maldives for golfers There’s no excuse for neglecting your swing at Shangri-La Villingili - home to the only golf course in the Maldives
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Delve into Mauritius’
Three Maldives gems
A journey through
Kazakhstan: 24
A culturist’s guide
lush hinterland
with distinct style
Sri Lanka by rail
hours in Almaty
to Copenhagen
“When all is said and done, there is always time to return to the beach, the white sand and the warm translucent blue sea. Its protective reef and myriad of jewel-bright fish are a magnet for snorkelers and scuba divers�
Amalfi Coast
And if that is not exotic enough, head for Casela Safari Park, where two white lions are in residence. Just off the southern tip of the island is Ile aux Aigrettes, a 26 acre conservation reserve which is home to re-planted ebony trees and the fast-declining pink pigeon. A lesson that no Mauritian ever forgets is that it was once the home of the Dodo, the extinct flightless bird, which was given new life with its appearance in Alice in Wonderland. (You can see a reconstruction, as well as a skeleton at the island’s Natural History Museum.) Conservation is of prime importance to the island and its people, especially since only two percent of the indigenous forest remains, so a trip to this reserve is fascinating. A tour into the hinterland to the slopes of Le Morne or a short hike in the forest presents a completely different view of the place.
Then there are a number of small towns and villages that are also worth a visit. The village of Goodlands has one of the most colourful markets, while Grand Baie, a small town on the north west coast has all the allure of St. Tropez, with its boutiques and cafes, chichi restaurants and art galleries. Port Louis, the capital, is a mixture of 18th century colonial elegance and charm, with wonderful architecture, and the downright raffish air of a port that has been a hub for the trade of everything from opium to sugar. A visit to its main market, which has taken up the same space and retained its joie de vivre since its inception in the early 19th century, is a must. Its main gates still have Queen Victoria’s insignia woven into them, while inside, it is brash and loud, and full of highly desirable products, from mounds of pineapple to walls of brightly coloured
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Sailing across the water is as rewarding as admiring it from your own over-water villa
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Maldives
E S C A P E
T O
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Sitting atop one of the Maldives’ most abundant coral reefs, Dusit Thani Maldives has luxury in its essence and nature at its heart Words: Simon Harrington
The reef around Dusit Thani is a biosphere reserve
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s the mid-morning sun penetrates the ocean, the light refracts in a spectrum of glittering beams, each jostling for position beneath the glassy surface of the Indian Ocean. Below me, a coral reef bursts with life, as exotic clown fish, vibrant blue tangs and striped Moorish idols meander through the delicate, underwater world, swaying rhythmically in the current. Spurred by curiosity, our Maldivian guide removes his snorkel and, with a flick of his flippers, disappears into the deep murky abyss beyond the edge of the reef. Small bubbles rise as he returns from the darkness, signalling his discovery with a pointed finger. From the cloudy depths, a spotted eagle ray elegantly glides into focus. Enthusiastically, we follow as it traces the fringe of the reef, where the shallow coral habitat meets the infinite mysteries of the deep sea. In the wake of the ray, schools of small fish disperse and reform in a single unit, and we enjoy a unique
tour of the beautiful waters, courtesy of our new aquatic friend. Experiencing the peninsula’s rich marine ecosystem in such a way, it comes as no surprise that the waters off the pristine, winding coasts of the Baa Atoll are UNESCO-protected biosphere reserves. This area of the Maldivian archipelago hosts some of the country’s most significant wildlife events and has subsequently developed a reputation for proactive reef preservation. One such event is the seasonal feeding frenzy of manta rays and whale sharks, during which gentle giants congregate and hunt close to a tiny tropical bay named Hanifaru, a short boat ride from Mudhdhoo Island, home of Dusit Thani Maldives. This resort, accessible only by seaplane or boat transfer, sits on the eastern side of the Baa Atoll and boasts one of the most impressive 360-degree reefs in the entire archipelago. As such, it places great value on the conservation of its natural setting. “The reef not only attracts
people to our beautiful resort, but it also protects the island,” explains Lauren Arthur, impassioned marine biologist at the resort. “That’s why Dusit is part of the sustainable EarthCheck initiative. We are so reliant on nature here, even our beaches shift month by month.” After my snorkelling expedition, I get the opportunity to experience one of these shifting beaches first-hand. To the rear of my Beach Villa, beyond the shaded outdoor terrace, a narrow sandy path littered with delicate pink flowers leads through an area of dense tropical shrubbery onto an expanse of perfect white sand. Met only by the seemingly eternal blue of the Indian Ocean, the small private beach is accessorised with just two deckchairs and overlooks the resort’s sprawling Ocean Villa complex, which is delicately perched above the island’s wide coral reef. Taking a leisurely barefoot stroll along the beach, I come across the resort’s impressive 750-square-metre infinity pool and, beyond
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Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka
Ultimate Sri Lanka escapes Nine stand-out hotels that showcase the best of the island of serendipity
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Ceylon Tea Trails
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Amangalla
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Amanwella
Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Chateaux resort, Ceylon Tea Trails, is a collection of four colonial era bungalows. The former tea planters’ homes are connected via walking trails through lush tea plantations and all boast distinct designs. The late 19th century ‘high colonial’ Tientsin was one the first ever such residences erected in Ceylon, with 21 guestrooms and suites. Norwood offers a more modern aesthetic, but still harks back to the 1950s. All bungalows are serviced by a butler, with gourmet dining on offer. Walking trails meander between the unique bungalows, with guests encouraged to trek and picnic within the resort’s stunning surrounds.
Hidden within the walls of the historic UNESCO-protected Galle Fort, this wonderful Aman resort offers a taste of life in colonial times. The period building was an army barracks before it was turned into a hotel in the 19th century, and still retains the charm of a bygone era, with hardwood floors throughout and cool whitewashed walls encasing the exterior. Entering the Zaal, or Great Hall, is like walking back in time, with period furnishings, ceiling fans and antique decor. Take an aperitif in the Library while reading up on the history of the hotel, before gorging on traditional Sri Lankan curry on the terrace of The Dining Room.
Standing proud on a palm-covered bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Amanwella could not be more different than its sister property in Galle. The resort’s design is inspired by the work of Sri Lankan master architect Geoffrey Bawa, using natural materials that blend in with the environment. A 47-metre rock swimming pool looks out across the curved bay and the individual suites that cascade down the hillside to the water’s edge, where local fishing boats are moored. Embrace the power of the rugged natural setting with a spa treatment in the coconut grove, a surfing lesson, or a nature walk around nearby Wella Wathuara village.
Tel: +94 11 774 5700
Tel: +94 91 223 3388
Tel: +94 47 224 1333
www.teatrails.com
www.amanresorts.com
www.amanresorts.com
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Casa Colombo
The Wallawwa
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
A 12-suite boutique hotel, Casa Colombo melds retro-chic aesthetics within a two century-old Moorish mansion. Tucked away from the bustling Galle Road, the hotel is festooned with Italian and Indian mosaic flooring, with carved arches and moulded ceilings that reflect the property’s heritage. Each suite is unique, with its own distinct hues and layout. The three Traveller Suites and eight Corporate Suites are topped by the lone Royal Suite, with 90 square metres of floor space and décor designed by founder Lalin Jinasena. The in-suite sound system comes stocked with tunes to suit your mood, including jazz, salsa and chill out lounge music.
Set among five acres of tropical gardens, The Wallawwa is an award-winning boutique located minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport. Converted from a colonial manor house, the hotel offers 17 lovingly restored rooms and suites, with minimal décor, tasteful furnishings and a dedicated butler service. To properly enjoy this secluded paradise, book a treatment at the pristine ‘Z’ Spa and chase the stress away before sampling Asian fusion cuisine at The Verandah restaurant. If you’re looking to splash out, book into the Mountbatten Suite and make good use of your personal plunge pool, sizeable living room and private garden.
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo is situated at the heart of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood. Booking in advance is essential, as the ultra-luxe boutique has just 10 suites, all housed in a refurbished period building. Formerly the presidential residence of the Bandaranaike family, the hotel now caters to the city’s visiting elite and boasts state-of-the-art spa facilities, private alfresco dining area and a lap pool. If you’re looking for some truly understated luxury, a stay in the North West Suite, with its private plunge pool, personal terrace and cushionstrewn sofas, won’t disappoint.
Tel: +94 11 452 0130
Tel: +94 77 363 8381
Tel: +94 11 460 2121
www.casacolombo.com
www.thewallawwa.com
www.paradiseroadhotels.com
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Jetwing Vil Uyana
Taj Samudra
Ellerton Boutique Hotel
Beneath the historic rock fortress of Sigiriya lies one of Sri Lanka’s best luxury eco hotels. Jetwing Vil Uyana is nestled among the paddy fields adjacent to a man-made lake, which was created as a wetland habitat. The resort was built within the nature reserve, with guest villas positioned to take in views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel’s dining options range from formal to casual. Four options include The Apsara for fine dining and The Sulang for more informal fare, as well as Graffiti Bar, to keep guests in good spirits. Tree House Dining provides a quirky way to combine food and wildlife spotting, within a tree in the hotel’s grounds.
Overlooking Galle Face Beach and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Taj Samudra offers a taste of luxury at the heart of Colombo’s bustling business hub. Perfectly positioned for corporate and leisure guests alike, the hotel is in close proximity to many of the city’s biggest shopping arcades, buzziest cafes and happening nightclubs, while nearby cultural hotspots include the Old Parliament and Fort Bazaar. For the best stay, opt for the Deluxe Ocean View Room and enjoy incredible panoramas from your personal balcony before making use of the state-of-the-art gymnasium and sizeable swimming pool.
Built more than 100 years ago as the residence of a Sri Lankan tea baron, Ellerton is now a luxurious boutique hotel. With just six individually decorated colonial-style bedrooms, the quaint hotel boasts an air of exclusivity that befits its heritage. At 2,400 feet above sea level, Ellerton gets the best of the sunny Sri Lankan weather and offers incredible panoramic views of the resort’s untamed natural surroundings. When it comes to dining, the boutique’s duo of talented chefs promise to rustle up a variety of delicious local delicacies, while a stay in The Garden Room suite offers uninterrupted views across the deep, tropical valley below.
Tel: +94 11 234 5720
Tel: +94 11 244 6622
Tel: +94 81 241 5137
www.jetwinghotels.com
www.tajhotels.com
www.ellertonsrilanka.com
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Gourmet
Your ultimate guide to luxury dining
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Golden age
The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy is a perfect setting to sample a beverage that’s synonymous with the British capital
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Cooking has taken a
Heston at Heathrow and
Sky-high cocktails and
Celebrity chef Wolfgang
creative twist in Barcelona
Ducasse at Bulgari
subterranean sushi in Tokyo
Puck is a man on a mission
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Spirit of travel:
The essence of Nikkei
Eat your way around the
London’s enduring legacy
cuisine at Maido in Lima
Seychelles in style
TASTE OF...
BARCELONA Gastronomic innovation and culinary tradition collide in the Catalonian capital, where past meets present to spectacular effect
Moments at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
Barcelona has come a long way since tapas and sangria were the staple diet for visitors, although both are still abundantly available and perfectly respectable at any number of restaurants in the city. Today, the city enjoys a welldeserved reputation for fine cuisine and culinary innovation, with a formula that blends quality local ingredients, Mediterranean recipes and creative culinary talent from innovators and masters alike. The history-drenched streets of this city are home to some of the biggest names in haute cuisine in the world. In Barcelona, you can find the brothers Ferrán and Albert Adriá (creators of the mythical El Bulli), the Roca brothers (who own El Celler de Can Roca in the neighbouring province of Gerona – recently voted second best in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014) and Carme Ruscalleda, the most highly Michelindecorated female chef in the world, not to mention a herd of homegrown chefs who are striving to give Catalan cuisine the credit it deserves. The added impetus of five-star hotel brands keen to compete at a culinary level as well as with their luxurious rooms and spas, means there is a vested interest from external forces to nurture new talent and showcase the creative strength of the city’s luminaries. This, combined with the budgets to create high-design havens where the quality of interior design matches the quality of what appears on the plate, is good news indeed. Just ask Carme Ruscalleda, whose landlords at Mandarin Oriental called on Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola to do the elegant, golden amber interiors at Moments, one of four threeMichelin starred restaurants in the city.
Combine all this with a market culture where fresh, seasonal ingredients can be bought daily from La Boquería – the heaving central market where locals come to shop, socialise and snack – and a local population that is at once liberal and nationalistic, with a fondness for Catalan traditions, and you have a recipe for success. Meanwhile, the Adrià brothers continue to expand their innovative post-El Bulli empire; culinary champions like restaurateur-cum-hotelier Rosa María Esteva (see overleaf) strive to create dining experiences that appeal to locals tourists alike; and the city’s leading luxury hotels foster local talent that will shape the future of the city’s dynamic dining scene. According to Ferran Adrià, the man who changed the rules of the game, cooking is a language through which one can express creativity, happiness, magic, humour and culture. Today, more than ever, Barcelona extends an open invitation for anyone to become acquainted with this language, which is so rich in nuances.
novations at T icke riá's in ts t Ad r e b l A
at Hotel Omm a Moo Roc
“Cooking is a language through which one can express creativity, happiness, magic, humour and culture” dotwnews.com
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ON THE ROAD
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT3-R Bentley’s Continental family has never fallen short on the acceleration front, but this limited edition GT3-R, based on the brand’s race-winning Continental GT3 race car, blows away anything that has come before. Weighing in at 100 kgs less than the GT V8 S, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 capable of producing 572 bhp and up to 700 Nm of torque, the GTS-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever made, capable of 0-100 kph in just 3.8 seconds. The bulky exterior is pure racing performance, complete with spoiler and air vents on the front hood, and inside, ribbons of vivid green run around the racing seats and trim, creating a truly out of this world effect. To guarantee that this one-of-a-kind car remains rare, Bentley is limiting production to just 300 models.
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Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 572 bhp Torque: 700 Nm 0–100 kph: 3.8 secs Top speed: 273 kph Fuel consumption: 12.7 l/100 km CO2 emissions: 295 g/km Origin: Crewe, UK Cost: undisclosed
“To be a true Bentley, the GT3-R had to be the most luxurious track-inspired Grand Tourer ever, and this car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level” Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive, Bentley Motors
Sail away
Launched: 2014 Length: 49.20 m Beam: 9 m Draught: 2.60 m Cruise speed: 17 knots Price: EUR 24 million (US $32.7 million) www.mondomarinemc.it
M50 Hot LaB MoNDo MaRINE
Set to cut a futuristic aluminum figure in the world’s most exclusive ports this summer is this new superyacht from Mondo Marine. With sleek interior and exterior design from Milan design company Hot Lab, the yacht can sleep 12 guests across the master cabin and four double bedrooms. Privacy features such as a separate owner’s suite on the main deck and separate crew quarters makes this an ideal charter vessel for summer voyages. The dining area on the upper deck affords maximum ocean views and leaves more room for entertainment areas on the main deck. The fluid designs of the aft end of every deck form a multi-level beach club, beginning with the stylish infinity pool on the sun deck and flowing down a large, fold-down beach area. The beach area is unusually spacious for a vessel of this size, but then, it’s clear that this is not your run-of-the-mill yacht.
ON THE WATER THIS MONTH DAllAs-FORT WORTH BOAT ExpO July 11–13 and July 18–20 Dallas, USA dallasboatexpo.com
syDNEy INTERNATIONAl BOAT sHOW July 31 to August 4 Sydney, Australia www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
DuRBAN BOAT & lIFEsTylE sHOW 2014 July 18–20 Durban, South Africa www.durbanboatshow.co.za
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