LUXE TRAVEL MAGAZINEVOL.09 Elite Europe
CONTENTS THE AMSTERDAMDYLAN, 03. JW CANNESMARRIOTT, 07. 11. SKY ICELANDLAGOON, ADARE LIMERICKMANOR, 15. INTERVIEWFEATURED 19. AMSTERDAMVINKELES, 23. ALGARVESERENITY, 33. SEASONVOTING 41. INTERVIEWFEATURED 29. MILANACANTO, 37. 01
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Situated within the bustling Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is the premier haven for smart luxury amid panoramic views of Manila Bay and its famed sunsets while being just minutes away from the domestic and international airports, business and leisure districts.
DISTINCTLY “UNIQUE
The site of The Dylan dates back to the year 1613, when construction workers began excavating the Keizersgracht canal. Five years later a theatre was founded in the building, named the Duyt sche Academie. On the 100th anniversary of the theatre, in the year 1737, it was Antonio Vivaldi himself who conducted the theatre’s orchestra. The theatre also gave birth to the longest running theatre tradition in the world to date, the Gijsbreght van Aemstel. This Dutch version of the Trojan Horse story marks the end of medieval Amsterdam and preludes the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. It is traditionally played in the first week of each New Year, until the early 70s due to a lack of sub sidy. In 2018 it was brought back to life in its première location by The Dylan, almost 4 centuries after the first performance.
The building caught fire in 1772 and burned down. Only the present Van Campen’s doorway (current main entrance gate) was spared and reminds us today of the location’s rich history. In 1773 the site was sold to one of the Regents of the Roman Catholic Church charities, known as the Old & Poor People’s office and was turned into a hotel in 1999.
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JW MARRIOT CANNES, FRANCE 07 SCAN ME TO SEE MORE
Treat yourself to a luxury stay on the Croisette with a hotel that boasts contemporary design and stunning sea views. The JW Marriott Cannes offers a 5-star experience in a magnificent setting where you can enjoy waterfront walks, luxury shopping and renown restau Thisrants.luxury Cannes hotel with its rooftop swim ming pool is a 5 minute walk from the Palais des Festivals and with its newly renovated rooms and event spaces is sure to offer you an exceptional stay.
STUNNING VIEWS OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA
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11 REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
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Sky Lagoon opened in the spring of 2021. It is located only a few minutes from the city centre and is a truly unique bathing experience. Where the sea meets sky you find your inner calm and forget that you are still in the city while you bask in breathtaking ocean views. The first step of their signature 7-step Ritual therapy is stepping into the warm geothermal waters and then one after the other their cooling, warming, exfoliating, and rejuvenating steps refuel your body and spirit. Their philosophy is at its core bringing guests on a journey through Icelandic bathing culture, whilst honoring history and heritage with stunning architecture and creating an unforgettable experience.
Provided By Sky Lagoon, Iceland SCAN
ADARE MANOR LIMERICK, IRELAND CASTLE HOTEL
Steeped in history and surrounded by medieval ruins and manicured parkland, the property reopened in November 2017 following a groundbreaking 21 month transformation.
Europe’s leading castle hotel, Adare Manor is situated on an 842 acre estate in the heart of Adare Village in County Limerick, Ireland.
The property is now recognised as one of the top hotels in the world and has become the first ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick, propelling the hotel onto a world-class stage for its gastrono my excellence. Adare Manor will also play host to the 2027 Ryder Cup, with its award-winning Tom Fazio redesigned golf course as the center piece. The largest restoration project of its kind in Ireland, the renova tion and expansion honours the building's architectural heritage as a Neo-Gothic masterpiece while incorporating the latest in contempo rary luxury. The expansion additionally includes a new 42 - bedroom wing, which increased accommodations to 104 guest rooms, along with a 300 -guest ballroom, and a 111 Spa Clinic, the only one in Ireland. An extensive range of pursuits is offered to guests including falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, cinema, and a brand new activi ty center called the Padel Club which launched in 2021 to further elevate the guest experience. “HISTORY
STEEPED IN
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19 recently gone through one of the most revolutionary transformations. The 21 month renova tion is the first of its kind in Ireland. We sit down with Gillian Griffin to hear about the inventive improvements and gain more insight into what the future holds for Adare Manor. 19
It is truly incredible, you have to see it to believe it! We reopened in November 2017 after an extensive 2 year refurbishment, renovation and expansion program where literally no stone was left unturned. We had up to 900 construction workers on the property at any given time to ensure the project was completed on time! Over the 2 years we added a new wing of bedrooms and now have 104 in the castle, a complete refurbishment of the existing house dating back to 1832, addition of an exquisite Grand Ballroom that can cater up to 300 guests for events and a complete rebuild of our Golf Clubhouse.
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From a personal perspective, what are your favourite aspects of the so-called new Adare Castle Manor?
First thing we need to ask, could you tell us more about the recent Adare Manor refurbish
Whatment?does your day-to-day look like?
There are so many but I will just highlight a few as I could go on! Both the castle, set on 840 acres of pristine parkland and the surrounding grounds are honestly pure perfection. The new Padel Club which launched last year is amazing. I also adore the wine cellar. It is such a magical space for a Michelin dining experience or just simply canapes and a wine pairing prepared by our Resort Sommeliers. Accessed by a discreet passage door hidden in the scullery kitchen, you enter the original cellars at Adare Manor through the back of house which makes it very experiential!
The preparations for the Ryder Cup started even before it was announced! When undertaking the comprehensive redesign of the course, Tom Fazio considered the design strategy and infra structure commitments necessary to host premiere amateur and professional golf events. Con struction included greens and bunkers, as well as significant underground installations for drain age, and wiring for tournament power, media and telecommunications. With the success of JP McManus Pro-Am, the countdown to The Ryder Cup 2027 is definitely on. We are honoured to be hosting the Centenary Ryder Cup and are so excited to showcase not only Adare Manor but also the Island of Ireland to the world again. Have you and the team started preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup?
Honestly no 2 days are ever the same which is the part I love. Some days you are traveling the world selling one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, the next day you are on property spending time with clients showing them first hand everything the resort has to offer and then other days catching up in the office on the admin side of things, strategizing on the different markets for the year ahead. I have been with the hotel now for 20 years and honestly it only feels like it has been a year! Time flies when you are having fun!
We have a team of 600 team members and every day we all constantly strive to go ‘Beyond Everything’ and exceed our guests expectations. There are daily and in some departments twice daily meetings to keep lines of communication open, share feedback, constantly review ing the different standards in each area and to encourage and reward our teams on a job well done. As an astute estate in Ireland, what does it take to motivate the team to keep such impec cable standards?
We are very fortunate to have an incredible product that was completely refurbishment and renovated in November 2017 and is constantly being updated so that helps significantly. There is something about the Irish people, if you have been to Ireland and experienced Irish hospitality you will know. We have a very sincere, inquisitive nature always looking to please and go above and beyond. Passion for your job definitely helps and it’s not hard when you drive into the 840 acre estate every day and see such perfection.
What do you believe goes into the creation of a successful experience for a guest at Adare Manor?
A LAVISH “EXPERIENCE
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VINKELESRESTAURANTATTHEDYLAN AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS SCAN ME TO SEE MORE 24
EXCITING, MODEST AND REFINED “
Sincepairings.the restaurant’s 2006 beginning, Executive Chef Dennis Kuipers and Chef de Cuisine Jurgen van der Zalm have each shaped Restaurant Vinkeles in their own way. On a never-ending quest to bring out the flavors, pureness and character of premium ingredients, both have elevated their kitchen to the highest level of cuisine imaginable. As a unique dining destination located in the true heart of Amsterdam, the historic and intimately designed setting forms the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy the passion and creativity of the Vinkeles team. Award ed a Michelin star since November 2009, the delicate French cuisine of Restaurant Vinkeles offers an excellent mixture between classic and con temporary styles.
IN THE HEART OF AMSTERDAM “
Echoing the refined décor of the hotel, the menu of Restaurant Vinkeles couples tradition with modern French cuisine. Maître-Sommelier Natasja Noorlander and her team offer personalised service and effortless wine
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EXECUTIVE CHEF OF RESTAURANT VINKELES
There is something to be said for a story of success that exudes modesty and humility. The kind of success that is purely a reward for innovation, determination and incredible work ethic. Located in the true heart of Amsterdam Restaurant Vinkeles is that story. We speak with Dennis Kuipers, Executive Chef of Vinkeles to hear more about this pioneering restaurant.
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Through collaboration, mostly. Our Chef de Cuisine, Jurgen van der Zalm, leads the daily oper ation in our culinary team and is the creative factor in our style of cooking. The collaboration between us as chefs, two generations in one kitchen, brings the best of two worlds together: Jurgen’s playful and international inspiration, together with my classical background, creates something unique which guests appreciate so much at Restaurant Vinkeles. Modern French cuisine in the heart of The Netherlands, how did the concept for Vinkeles come to the fore? I always wanted to be a chef, ever since I can remember. The love of food really comes from my childhood. My parents raised me with great, fresh meals. And we have always taken our time to appreciate dining together, I think that’s where it all started.
From a personal perspective, what do you feel are the reasons for success at Vinkeles?
Doing what we’re good at, working with the best produce, no concessions. Our guests are only expecting the best of the best, and it is exactly that we offer. The style of ‘simplicity’ matches with our personality, staying true to yourself without unnecessary finery.
Where did your love for food originate from?
In the more traditional, classical gastronomy, Marco Pierre White and Alain Ducasse are legend ary examples. Moreover, I am very impressed by the individuality, quality and conceptional differences of London gastronomy. Also Frantzén in Stockholm really inspires me. From a personal perspective, who do you look up to in the industry?
Vinkeles offers a one-of-a-kind experience, informal and personal, with the very best produce of the season. Our preparation respects and reflects the quality of each individual product. Could you tell us a bit more about the decor of this beautiful restaurant?
We like to be a destination for enthusiasts. For those who are open to experience our way of offering service, our way of thinking. We strive for excellence and take great pride in what we do best: enchanting our guests with our creative menus and offering them a truly memorable experience. We will continue evolving, on our never-ending quest to bring out the pureness and character of each individual ingredient.
What do you believe makes Vinkeles a must-visit destination for diners?
The Dylan is located on the premises of what once was the very first theatre of Amsterdam. Up until 1772, the location of what now is Restaurant Vinkeles was the main stage of the theatre. After a large fire which destroyed the theatre, the land was sold to the church, whom governed an august charitable foundation from here. A bakery was constructed in 1787 to feed those in need, which was used until 1811. Restaurant Vinkeles is located in this former bakery, a very unique and historic décor.
What does the future hold for Vinkeles?
Buying the right product. For me, procurement is essentially the biggest role of a Chef. He or she always needs to be on a quest to find the best produce. Through in-depth knowledge, but also through developing relationships with trusted suppliers and industry professionals. To surprise and delight guests with unique produce which they cannot find themselves, is exactly the reason why guests choose to dine at a restaurant like ours. What goes into creating a successful menu?
ALGARVE, PORTUGAL THE ART OF WELL BEING 33
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Select an individual treatment to experience tranquility. Discover massages that will revitalize your body. Book a couples package and surprise your partner with an unforgettable experience. Consult our experts for the perfect recommenda tion to heal your body and mind. EXEMPLARY
AN
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A dedicated, state-of-the-art facility featuring 13 treatment rooms, a compre hensive Serenity Thermal Oasis, and the sensational signature Serenity Aurum Suite, Serenity – The Art of Well Being puts a peerless, pampering wellness experience at the heart of the resort.
As a retreat based wellbeing model, Serenity offers a list of ideal retreats to navigate guests towards shaping a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Serenity’s belief is that lifestyle and nutrition shape our health and wellbeing.
As your well-being is the mission, Serenity - The Art of Well Bring invites guests to let themselves indulge and allow their team to take care of them during the whole stay. Choose a wellbeing program that fits your tastes and interests, and get ready to surrender to a holistic experience available throughout the year.
One of the most pioneering journey’s that Serenity has crafted is their revitalizing thermal oasis. Join this journey of improved wellbeing and find the time to relax in their Thermal Oasis. Simply close your eyes and enjoy.
ACANTO MILAN, ITALY Provided By Acanto SCAN ME TO SEE MORE 37
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CLASSIC ITALIAN, “ENCHANTED
Spoil yourself with the impeccable, classic Italian cuisine created for the five-star Acanto, by the talented head chef, Alessandro Buffolino, who combines a lightness of touch with innovative cooking techniques to pres ent dishes of exceptional quality. Designed by Celeste dell’Anna, it is a joyous celebration of Italian design and expert craftsmanship. The restaurant veranda overlooks a tranquil Italian garden with a delightful 18th century fountain - a visual delight to complement the culinary pleasures experienced at Acanto. Bathed in natural light throughout the day, the atmosphere of the restaurant is magi cally transformed in the evening as the garden is illuminated.
SCAN TO VOTE
It is the time that travelers and destinations around the world have been waiting for. The 2022 Official LUXE Global 2022 Voting season is in full swing and we’re excited to see how our community drives our awards season to its final destination.
n the far Northeast border of Lhaviyani Atoll, sits the new exquisite little island of Fushifaru Maldives, only a 35-minute breathtaking seaplane flight away from Velana International NestledAirport. between a national Marine Protected Area and three of the Maldives’ most iconic dive sites, Fushifaru Mal dives is a boutique and intimate resort with an endless promise of adventure, excite ment, discovery, and serenity all in one diverse landscape. O
IN THE NEXT EDITION...EDITION... IN THE NEXT EDITION...
Situated at the most privileged location of Fira, on the cliffs of the caldera with unlimited views of the famous volcano, the sunset and the whole island, only a few steps away from the centre of Fira, but still with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Athina Luxury Suites is the place to stay in Santorini.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU OUR COLLABORATORS 44
