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A L L E R RESORT GUIDE 2015
INAUGURAL ISSUE
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Aller is your customized approach to the art of luxury travel and lifestyle. What does it mean to be an Aller reader? It means you’re in the know, but never a know-it-all. It means you know all the right insiders in all the right destinations, but are never afraid to jump outside of your comfort zone and explore someplace new. It means you love the five star, five course dinner in Phuket- and the stand-up-and-eat taco stand in Barcelona. It means you go someplace beause you want to-not because you think you should.
It means you love a classic- but you know that a classic can be found anywhere, and made anytime. It means you’ll fly 12 hours, to visit a store- or just to endulge in the perfect meal. It means you know that there is no such thing as the “right” reason to take a trip-but there’s no such thing as a “wrong” one either. At Aller, we inspire action, adventure- and endulgance big and small. We’re here to provide you with the know how to inspire you and make you feel at home in the world, wherever you may be.
IN THIS ISSUE:
3 8 GT HR EA CPEO OS AL NATTO R I N I
6
EDITOR’S LETTER
8
THE EXTRAORDINARIES
12
BALI, INDONESIA
18
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
26
K R U G E R N AT I O N A L PA R K , SOUTH AFRICA
34
SANTORINI, GREECE
42
V A C AT I O N D R E S S I N G
46
T H E P R E - V A C AT I O N D E T O X
50
B O N V O YA G E
20
P U R A L E M P U YA N G D O O R BALI, INDONESIA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Le Specs
READY SET
jet
Cutler & Gross
EDITOR’S ESSENTIALS
Welcome to the world of Aller. This issue is the ultimate breath of fresh air, featuring four of the most incredible vacation spots in the world. Dreaming of windswept hair over the slicing sea, all the while wearing an Eres bikini and a pair of Miu Miu lace up sandals- ready to take on the next adventure? This season, the tired and true nautical look takes on a new- and fresh incarnation. Are your sights set on an African safari and spa trip? A spiritual journey through the deep depths of Indonesia on your mind? Whichever the setting, our team has selected key pieces that nail any look in the most contemporary way. Each item, you’ll find yourself wearing again and again. Plus, catch our feature on the pieces to pack in your weekend escape luggage, and discover the health and beauty benefits of doing a doing a cleanse; whether it’s mind, soul, or a good cold-pressed juice. Finally, we’ll let you in on summer’s next big (or small!) bag, in our Bon Voyage feature. Don’t forget...Breathe.
Lily
LILY MARSHALL, S ENI OR ED I TOR
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Illesteva
The Extraordinaries An edited collection of this season’s most desireable destinations.
When exploring the possibility of a life-changing adventure, it’s important to remember that a person cannot have a trip of a lifetime unless they open up their mind. The most thrilling locations in the world can just as easily turn into the blandest place you’ve ever been without the willingness to be spontaneous. It’s exceptional momentsseeing a cheetah chase past your caravan in South Africa, hiking a volcano, snorkelling with sea lionsthat make travel great. Forming a true lifetime connection, established across languages and cultures, are what make these places iconic. In this story, we take you on a transformative journey to expand your global perspective and prompt you to reevaluate what really matters.
12
THE BEACH IN BALI, INDONESIA
Check out our onsite pop up shop, featuring a curated selection of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories perfect for your next getaway. Free next day shipping is available to each of the destinations you’ll find in this issue. Bon Voyage.
8.6500째S,115.2167째 E
BALI, INDONESIA Bali is a land of both vibrancy and spirituality, offering the sophistication of five star resorts with the comfort levels of being surrounded by pure uninterrupted nature. It’s beaches, palm trees, and warm , blue waters deliver on all tourist expectations of paradise, but is further deepened by it’s sublimely spiritual culture. Even the most humble of views: offerings of rice and flower petals by roadside shrines for example, look divine. One of it’s most powerful draws is the island’s varied landscape of both beach and volcanic land, and an extraordinary level of luxury accomodation. The dry season, from April to September is prime time to visit Bali, when humidity is at it’s lowest.
The Rooms: 30 suites, 5 shared residences, 5 Retreat Villas, 4 twobedroom Private Villas, and 4 three-bedroom Private Villas. Our Pick: While all of the rooms are particularly large and lavish, and offering spectacular views, The Principal Suite in the TirtaEning residence boasts a private entrance, terrace, waterfall pool, balé, and jacuzzi- not to mention the six-ton carved stone bath. Poolside: Each of the residences has it’s own pool and stand-alone villas have private pools, in most cases- infinity edged with surrounded decking and beautiful jungle views.
LOWKEY LUXE: COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE
Foliage-clad deep within a river valley setting, the Como Shambhala Estate located in Ubud is the ultimate jungle wonderland. Dreaming of getting away from it all? Look no further than Como’s low key Bali-luxe decor with exceptional spa and wellbeing services including poolside yoga and floating treatment rooms. This flagship is renowned for it’s back to nature approach, and promises to soothe, relax, and revive- while surrounding you in total tropical luxury.
The Spa: East meets West in the holistic Ojas spa, complete with therapies ranging from Ayurveda to anti-aging to Thai massage and stress management The Food: The Hotel restaurants’ tasty, locally sourced produce perfectly complements the wellness ethos. Kudus House serves Indonesian cuisine in a 19th century Javanese villa. Glow is an all-day restaurant, with an open air kitchen, offering local organic dishes. And at Ojas spa, and poolside, choose from a menu of snacks, sorbets and granitas.
The Beach to Bar Look
INSIDER TIP: Get your body going! With guided walks, and yoga sessions offered daily at Como Shambhala, it’s a no brainer. Ashtanga and pilates fans will be in seventh heaven. And hiking and biking along mountain trails on Mount Batu is always a favorite. Clamber up and over boulders, ace a few sets of tennis, go white-water rafting on the Ayung river, or push your calf, thigh, stomach, and shoulder muscles on an outdoor training circuit. Feel for some retail therapy? Check out our curated onsite Vacation Shop that features all products listed below. We offer Free Expedited Shipping for all Extraordinary properties featured in this issue.
From left: Oribe AprĂŠs Beach Wave and Shine Spray 300ml, The Row Annistyn cady maxi skirt, Lisa Marei Fernandez Mira ruffled bandeau bikini, Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Ibiza, M2 Malletier Fabricca python clutch, Saint Laurent Jane Sandal
The Everyday Uniform
The Extras
From left: Zimmermann Essence embroidered silkgauze playsuit, 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli textured-leather backpack, Fendi Cat eye acetate sunglasses, Miu Miu Lace-up metallic leather sandals.
From Left: Soleil Toujours SPF30 Mineral Based Sunscreen Lotion For Body 120ml, Lucas Hugh Paragon Performance color-block stretch leggings, Lucas Hugh Paragon Performance color-block sports bra, Nike Flyknit Zoom Agility mesh sneakers
32.0000째N, 6.0000째W
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Marrakech is a mixture of sensuous luxury and historic aesthetic that draws a fashionable crowd of sun-seekers. The dusty pink-walled Medina, the “old city,” boasts possibily the greatest density of boutique hotels anywhere else in the world, and the multitude of shopping destinations will keep you busy for days. Those not so interested in the shopping will find themselves amazed by the vibrancy, diversit,y and sheer color surrounding the souks. A buzzing nightlife, new-wave riad-type hotels, and a radical take on traditional Moroccan food make this place one of the coolest to be. A newcomer’s tip to traveling in Marrakech? Carry small change and tip “little and often,” save a few centimes for beggars, remembering the words of the Prophet: “If you can spare it, give - and if you cannot, speak kindly.
The Food: La Grande Table Française, helded as the best French restaurant in Africa, the slightly less formal Grande Table Marocaine, and the allday dining La Table, are all overseen by chef Yannick Alléno, form the threeMichelin-star restaurant at Le Meurice in Paris.
PRIVATE INDULGANCE: ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH This magnificent hotel was built with a no-expense sparred budget my Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. Tucked within the city walls, across the road from La Mamounia, the 3.5 acre site is designed as a “medina within a medina,” an estate comprising of 53 two story riads, each individually decorated and serviced through a network of subterranean tunnels. Each riad consists of at least 1 bedroom, a sitting room, patio, and dining room, for those who don’t wish to dine in the three restaurants on site.
The Standout: Aside from the fragrant Moorish garden, stunning outdoor pool, superb spa and hammams, or gorgeous bars; the craftsmanship alone is what sets this Hotel apart from the rest. More than 1,500 artisans were employed to craft the exquisite zelij (the geometric mosaic tile that distinguishes Marrakech’s important historic sites,) and to produce the screen of white metal latticework lace, which elevate the luxe spa area. Our Pick: There isn’t a dull option, but the riad with the greatest swank factor is the four-bedroom, 1,800 square foot Riad d’Honneur. Other incredible details? The 2.5 ton etched bronxe doors that open upon your arrival, and the gracious staff-in particular a genielike butler who appears silently through the riad’s kitchen service entry.
Night Prowler
INSIDER TIP: While you will have many amenties at your well-manicured finger tips, including indoor and outdoor pools, an incredibly impressive spa, and three superb restaurants at the Royal Mansour, don’t miss out on checking out Djemaa el Fna square, which is just a short walk from Royal Mansour. Djemaa el Fna square is a square and marketplace within Marrakech’s medina quarter, that is edged along one side by the Marrakech souk, and cafes and narrow streets on the other side. Snake-charmers, magicians, story-tellers, and other characters fill the square in the late afternoon, and by nightfall food stalls move in, in order to cater to the nightlife crowd.
From left: T by Alexander Wang Leather bra top, Proenza Schouler Stretch-wool culottes, Mary Katranzou R leather and acrylic clutch, Diana Vreeland Parfums Perfectly Marvelous Eau de Parfum - Jasmine & Cashmere Woods, 100ml, Nars Audacious Lipstick in Jeanne
The Everyday Uniform From left: Isabel Marant Rafael mesh-paneled silkgeorgette mini dress, Nicolas Kirkwood texturedleather point-toe flats, Linda Farrow Avaiator gold-plated mirrored sunglasses, The Marcie mini textured-leather shoulder bag
The Extras From left: Eres Alliages Titane swimsuit, Melissa Odabash Caribe metallic swimsuit, Melissa Odabash Jude lizard-print silk crepe de chine pants, Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body, 60ml, Gianvito Rossi Twotone patent-leather sandals.
24.0114째 S,31.4853째 E
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA Nothing short of spectacular, Kruger National Park in South Africa is the host of an onset of new safari lodges that benefit both local communities, as well as those who want to enjoy South Africa’s last great wilderness in pure peace. Kruger National Park is know for it’s superb standard of viewing exotic birds, buffalos, lions, leopards, wild dogs, warthogs, baboons, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can slow down and experience the rhythm, sounds, and cycles of nature. What’s more, you can see for miles on end, and never catch sight of another person. Game viewing is best in the dry season, from May to September, when animals can be seen coming todrink at waterholes. As far as climate goes, expect cool mornings and warm, peaceful days.
Singita is effectively changing the way in which we safari. Suddenly. expectations were raised beyond basic camps and tinned food, to swimming pools and fresh salads. The space is sophisticated, with a soaring thatched roof held up by clusters of wooden posts above the entrance and lobby area, the furniture (most of it recycled,) think copper mobiles, chunky dark dinnerwear, smooth glass sculptures positioned on rough wooden tables, are well thought out. The deeply calming palette is limited to bone and bleached white, to shades of brown, and metallics, such as copper and smoky charcoal.
THE GAME CHANGER: SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE
Safari camps are meant to be low-key and green-tented; crouched out of sight like the African bush itself. And then along came Singita Lebombo in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a spectacular construction of steel-and-glass cubes suspended high above the Sweni and N’wanetsi rivers. Grand, white, “look at me” is more of the attitude South African designer Boyd Ferguson created with the structure. He laughs, stating, “Lebombo was a radical departure and it is still ahead of its time.”
The Breakdown: There are 15 suites at Lebombo, each in a steel-and-glass cube with curved reef roofs overhanging the rivers. The attention to detail is impressive, with even the smallest detail accounted for. The cuisine is excellent, wines are exceptional, and the rangers and trackers are the best you will find anywhere. After all, “This is just a backdrop, and everything in it will always come second to the natural spendour around us.” says Ferguson.
Safari Style
INSIDER TIP: Daily game drives, with professional guides and trackers are the best way to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals. Be sure to take advantage of spotlit nightime drives, revealing the elusive magic of Africa at night. Each are conducted in state of the art Land Rovers. During your stay it’s not unlikely you’ll spot famously large prides of lion, white and black rhino, cheetah, elephant, leopard, and hippopotamus. Don’t miss the guided safari walks, mountain biking, and the stargazing safari- which is the most trancendent experience of them all. Looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars is unmatched anywhere in the world, with no city lights or pollution detracting your view.
From left: Frame Denim Le Garcon stretch-denim overalls, The Row Wesler cotton-jersey T-shirt, Saint Laurent Court Classic leather sneakers, Sheseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF50, Rag & Bone Leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora
The Everyday Uniform
The Extras
From left: Pierre Balmain Linen tapered pants, Joseph Cashair cashmere top, Proenza Schouler Python espadrilles, Elizabeth & James Cynnie leather backpack, Isabel Marant set of two shell bracelets
From left: Tibi Maritime Border printed silk dress, Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Color in Jorjia, Isabel Marant Horn cuff, Tomas Maier Leather sandals
37.4500째N, 25.3500째E
SANTORINI, GREECE Santorini is the quintessential Greek isle: from it’s bleached white exteriors, blue sea, and white carved marble streets. Santorini is located in the dreamy southern Cyclades, with towns perched on the edge of an extinct volcano, and sunsets like you’ve never seen before. Locals believe the island is the site of the lost city of Atlantis, and while that remains to be seen, the overwhelming feeling of paradise is what most travelers take away from the island. Head to Oia on the north coast for sophisticated hotels and fashionable nightlife. Be sure to visit the capital of Fira while you’re visiting, but be warned the designer stores and bar can get busy later in the day. The villages of Akrotiri, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Megalochori and Pyrgos are all calm, beautiful, and worth making a visit.
The Rooms: 21; including 12 luxury suites and a single villa. Pick a Grace Suite with a plunge pool if you want double the plungepool fun. You get one indoors, with a partition so it can be ocean-facing or totally private, and an extra one out on it’s terrace. VIP are set up similarly, only their plunge pools are larger, with underwater lighting installations and steam rooms as well. All of the rooms have classic whitewashed walls, with bright colored cushions and rugs to break up the otherwise serene vibe.
WHITEWASHED WATERSIDE :
GRACE SANTORINI Grace Santorini is the epitome of luxury, set up high on a cliff face and spread over multi-level, with the chalky white restaurant taking up it’s own floor. The hotel is a gleaming white minimalist marvel, with the standout piece it’s lengthy infinity pool terrace that truly comes to life at night. The hotel itself looks out not only on a serne blue horizon, but also, in the near distance, the ruins of an ancient castle looms. The exterior of the structure is an Aegean classic; clinging-to-thecliffside,a nd the rooms are minimalistmodern, with a touch of art to break up the otherwise all white decor.
The Food: The intimate restaurant, with it’s high domed ceiling, serves contemporary Greek cusine courtesy of award winning chef, Spiros Agious. Our favorite? Try the grilled calamari with saffron aioli foam, the Aegean Sea octopus and balsamic-glazed monkfish on beetroot risotto are also favorites. Be sure to ask for the best tables are undoubtably the two cosy alcoves overlooking the infinity pool and Caldera bay. Poolside: There are 2 spectacular pools for all of the guests, including an infinity pool which runs along the front of the hotel, perfect for swimming and catching an unbelievable sunset.
INSIDER TIP:
All Aboard
Time permitting, a short ride to Skaros Rock, the island’s former capital, to see the church and fortress remains is a photographer’s dream. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset, when you can truly admire the Aegean view. Be sure to visit some local restaurants, some just a short walk from Grace Santorini. Aktaion (+30 22860 22336) is a traditonal taverna, famous for it’s moussaka. Head over to Kapari Natural Resort for amazingly fresh Mediterranean fare, and sit at a table outside, overlooking the sparkling Aegean. Menu highlights include squid stuffed with fennel, grilled peppers and smoked local cheese. For fine fish, Captain Dimitri’s Taverna in Oia (+30 22860 82210) is our personal favorite. And Koukoumavlos (+30 22860 23807) in Fira is the place to head for adventurous dining rhat only comes secondary to the famous view.
The Everyday Uniform From left: Roberto Cavalli Broderie anglaise cotton shirt, Stella McCartney, Bottega Venetta Intrecciato leather sandals, Byerdo Eau De Cologne - Gypsy Water, 250ml, Larsson & Jennings CM rose goldplated watch, Saint Laurent Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag
From left: Michael Kors Rogers large raffia and leather tote, Philip Kingsley Swimcap Cream, 150ml, Sisley Paris SPF15 Body Sun Care, 200ml, Aquazzura Amazon leather sandals, Missoni Crochet-knit headband, Melissa Odabash Bali triangle bikini, Elizabeth and James Lafayette cat eye acetate sunglasses
The Extras From left: Tibi Brodee embroidered silk-faille top,Tibi Brodee embroidered silk-faille layered shorts, Arme De L’Amour Reverse Chevron gold-plated ring, Newbark Roma snake-effect leather slides, Arme De L’Amour Gold-plated ring, Givenchy Mini Pandora bag in bright-orange leather
VACATI ON DRESSING: LOW MAINTENANCE LUXURY
Say no to excess baggage: the secret to modern vacation dressing is in packing light.
It’s getting to be around that time, vacation season is weeks away, and while some people go nuts over snow and mountains, I’m all about sun, sea, and sand. I don’t think a vacation really counts unless you come home with a healthy glow. The thing that can cause some unnervingness when going on vacation, whether to somewhere new or old, is the wardrobe. Being a person who can happily spend half a day lounging by the sea sunbathing, the thought of going back to my hotel (or vila) and changing before going out for the evening can prove to difficult. It’s not because of my hair- I love that sea-salt spritzed look- (I even fake it with Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray!) I mean, in terms of underwear, a bag, and shoes. Especially, if you’re going somewhere fancier for dinner or need to dress to impress one late night at the beach bar. The bag sitiuation, for me at least, can prove to be the most difficult. As a bag lover myself, it can be hard to decide which bags I should take on vacation with me, let alone take out to the beach. Can you take a ‘proper’ handbag to the beach without looking pretentious? The answer, at least this summer, is a resulting, Yes! Fashion bags on the beach, especialy ones done in fringe are a very big trend for SS15. Stars such as Kate Moss have been seen carrying “day bags” to the beach and making it look like the most effortlessly stylish thing in the world. As far as the rest of your look this summer, the idea of low-maintenance luxury is what you want to achieve
here. And the way you do it, through both fashion and functional swimwear and coverup pieces is how you can make a look all your own. Let’s start with your canvas. Do not skimp on the quality of your swimsuit. A good one-piece or bikini will take you right through the summer season and beyond; case in point the French label, Eres, who’s price tags, while high, are justified through the careful construction and fabric. You can’t go wrong with a classic cut in a neutral color- they really will last for years. The point is, your beachwear is not coming off come evening time. It’s going to be your base. Think of a bandeau bikini top, for example, which can be worn with wide silk pants or a simple pencil skirt. Hi-tech fabrics are not only functional, they are also desirable this season, so a one piece neoprene swimsuit (Lisa Marie Fernandez’s designs are not only ultra flattering, but functional as well) could even carry you into early Fall. Now, for the coverup. I myself often find it hard to shop for a good coverup, but I’ve come to realize you can never go wrong with a White crochet or broderie (See Miguelina, Chloé, or Zimmermann.) These are perfect for vacation because they don’t crease in the suitcase and are breezy enough when the climate gets hot. Dress it up for night with a pair of espadrilles by Valentino or Stella McCartney, and a bit of gold tone jewelry to show off your tan. For summer, my style tends to border on ultra boho, but don’t be afraid to break it up with some key basic pieces.
The Canvas
Agent Provocateur
Lisa Marie Fernandez
Eres
Eres
The Coverup
it’s in the bag!
Missoni
Miguellina
Vix
The Final Touch
Pamela Love
Maria Black
Kenneth Jay Lane
Arme De L’Amour
Shop the trend on our onsite pop-up boutique
THE
pre-vacation
DETOX 3 easy steps to a healthy, toned physique
3 Days Before: THE CLEANSE
The lowdown: Substituting usual caffeine fix for a super juice is an easy way to fast-track your detox. The Cheat: Health-focused juice bars are a growing market, so you should find a local company without an issue. Look for services such as the Pro Cleanse by San Francisco’s The Juice Shops – an all-green juice package that includes immune-boosting blue-green algae shots and aloe to soothe stressed digestive tracts, with results seen by day four (juiceshopsf.com.) If you need a little guidance, London’s latest, The Juice Well (thejuicewell.co.uk), offers inhouse juicers, naturopaths and health experts who will help you choose the right super-food smoothies and juices for your body, from the base ingredients to extra supplements. The pro tip: En route? Do a one-day juice program before you head to the airport so you can avoid the tempting yet bloating food at the airport.
2 Days Before: THE SUPPLEMENTS
The lowdown: The UK’s fashion set has sworn by one particular pharmacy in south London, Dulwich Health (dulwichhealth.com), which sells OxyTech tablets. A blend of oxygen, vitamin C and magnesium oxide, which helps clear clogged intestines by fizzing away any debris. The cheat: Take the tablets on a Friday morning and plan a quiet weekend at home to cope with the unavoidable ‘elimination’ period. Expect results in 48hrs. The pro tip: Drink lots of water (as always!) to ensure the supplement is as effective as possible.
The Day Before: THE SALON FIX
The lowdown: The Strand Spa in Hong Kong (thestrandhk.com) is a haven for a body in need. Sweat out toxins with a Detoxifying Marine Body Wrap, then follow with the salon’s vigorous “Tone Me” thigh massage, a 100-minute scrub, wrap and massage treatment, which uses horse chestnut extract to help eliminate cellulite, strengthen capillaries and improve circulation for toned, radiant skin. The cheat: Guam Beauty Mud has long been a favorite of swimwear models, thanks to its ability to help shed excess water and tighten up the skin. Apply the mud yourself, or book a treatment (see guambeautymud.com for salon locations) that includes body brushing and a heated bed to speed up the effects. The pro tip: Book an exercise class before your wrap treatment. The increased blood flow will ensure even faster firming results.
Bon Voyage
Givenchy
This season’s wristlet bag is reimagined- Givenchy’s latest cult design, the Pyramid, is the answer to your after-dark accessorizing dilemma.
SHOP THIS ISSUE the vacation pop-up
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