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NEW OPENING
Country pursuits Fancy being Lord or Lady of your own estate? You can try the role on for size at Keythorpe Hall, a new private retreat on the border of Rutland and Leicestershire, near Uppingham. Picture the scene: it’s the start of the weekend. You’re standing in the portico of a Grade II Listed Georgian country house, set in 20 acres of gardens. Behind you, in the kitchen, your team are busy preparing a Michelin star worthy supper. The chef, with the house and garden team will have already discussed with you what produce is at its very best from the estate’s walled garden and local farms. They’ll have given you hints on the surprises that lie in wait for you and your guests, from breakfasts to informal lunches and showstopper dinners… The field-to-fork kitchen philosophy at Keythorpe has been overseen by Nurdin Topham, who spent a decade at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, before going on to earn a Michelin star for NUR in Hong Kong. Bringing Topham’s vision to life in the kitchen is Peter Johansen, who has perfected his skills working for a string of highly acclaimed restaurants including The Harwood Arms in London. Completing the experience, wine expert Bert Blaize will be available to create a personalised wine and drinks experience to match the menu and the occasion. Owners Giles and Barbara say: “Guests just need to arrive for memories to begin – from leisurely breakfasts, long walks, a game of tennis, cocktails from the sideboard, superb food, nightcaps… to waking up to birdsong.” It sounds like bliss.
CULTURAL BREAKS
The art of travel A city of enormous cultural richness, Paris has a formidable artistic heritage, and nowhere is that more alive than at Le Meurice, the original palace hotel in the city’s historic centre. Many of the greatest artists and thinkers of our age have found inspiration within the hotel’s walls, and now it’s our turn. The Dorchester Collection has unveiled a series of bespoke, private art trails, allowing guests to follow in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Picasso, Rodin and Monet. Franka Holtmann, general manager of Le Meurice, tells us: “These trails will take our love of art out onto the historic cobbled streets of Paris, to see the city through the eyes of some of the world’s greatest artists. Inspired by Picasso celebrating his wedding feast
WINTER SUN
Maltese magic
Some of the newly renovated suites at The Xara Palace feature private terraces with hot tubs, set on Mdina’s historic ramparts
at Le Meurice in 1918, we’re starting our series by celebrating his fascinating life.” The tour will see a local guide take guests in small private groups to uncover why Picasso’s masterpiece Les Demoiselles d’Avignon remained rolled up and neglected in his studio for years, discover how he paid for his drinks at the Lapin Agile, and find out why he was implicated in a theft at the Louvre... Alongside the Picasso trail, a Rodin inspired tour will be launched this month, with one focusing on Monet planned for next March. Rates from €1,330 for two sharing a Superior Room or Suite, including American breakfast and a two-hour expert guided tour (dorchestercollection. com/en/paris/le-meurice)
Winter sun needn’t necessitate hours on a plane – just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from London, Malta boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, making it perfect for a weekend dose of vitamin D. For the ultimate treat, book yourself into The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, located in a 17th-century palace on the ramparts of
Keythorpe Hall sleeps up to 20 with pricing starting from £14,000 per night (minimum 2-night stay) including all meals, drinks and service and the full use of the house and grounds (keythorpehall.co.uk)
the Unesco-protected ‘Silent City’ of Mdina. Renowned for luxury, the exclusive hotel – the only hotel in Mdina – is home to Michelin Star restaurant, de Mondion, and recently reopened following a two-year refurbishment that saw the rooms and suites reconfigured, with work carried out to reduce the hotel’s environmental
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impact. The project also saw the creation of an exquisite new Presidential Suite, which elegantly blends modern comforts like Swedish Hästens beds with historical features such as the original wooden beams. The new accommodation is spread over two floors and decorated with a fascinating selection of handpicked antique furnishings and
pieces of art. Full of charm and character, whether you’re after a romantic escape, a cultural stay or simply an exclusive getaway, you’ll find it all here. Accommodation that is truly fit for royalty. Rates for the Presidential Suite start from €600 per night. Room rates from €236 per night. For more information, visit xarapalace.com.mt
fabricmagazine.co.uk
15/10/2021 15:52
