THE M E L I Á H OT E LS I N T E R NAT I ONA L L I FE S TYL E M AG AZ I N E
INFINITE MOMENTS CUBA: RELAX IN VARADERO, COME ALIVE IN HAVANA MILAN’S TORRE GALFA SKYSCRAPER IS REBORN THE AUTUMN APPOINTMENT: LEONARDO DA VINCI AT THE LOUVRE CARTAGENA DE INDIAS: A CITY BUILT FOR ROMANTICS THE MELIÁ GROUP’S BEST ROOMS WITH A VIEW NEW SENSATIONS: EXPLORE VIETNAM WITH MELIÁ LONDON CALLING: A STROLL THROUGH KENGSINGTON
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
PHOTO: SONI MARTÍNEZ
I
’m pleased to present a new edition of MStyle, a magazine that goes beyond reporting on our hotels and aims to be a window on the trends and lifestyles today’s travellers look for. This time, our cover takes us to the beautiful beaches of Varadero, Cuba, where we also report on fashion, with the spectacular Spanish actress Macarena García. Inside, MStyle’s pages also bring us the nostalgic and monumental beauty of Havana, in the year it celebrates the 500th anniversary of its founding. For over 60 years, we at Meliá Hotels International have reinvented ourselves to exceed the expectations of our customers. Therefore, our portfolio gathers the global trends that today embody the evolution of hospitality, all perfected in our extraordinary hotels. We’ll introduce, for example, the new Meliá Saïdia Beach resort in the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco, so-called for its light and proximity to the Mediterranean, as well as the Meliá Sol Dunas family resort on Sal Island in Cape Verde. Further to the east in Tanzania, our Meliá Serengeti Lodge celebrates its first anniversary with recognition as the ‘best international resort’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveller. From Africa we jump to Colombia, to visit the new Meliá Cartagena Karmairí, an exotic haven of well-being and relaxation 15 minutes from Cartagena de Indias, and to the Bahamas, where we visit our fantastic Meliá Nassau Beach. And in Europe, we’ll plan a weekend in the home of the Thames, with the Meliá London Kensington as a base, or a visit to Vienna, staying at the iconic Meliá Vienna, a skyscraper designed by Dominique Perrault which dominates the magnificent City of Music’s skyline. Art and the avant-garde take centre stage in this edition of MStyle, which will take readers on a tour from the Renaissance – with this year’s Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at the Louvre – to the leading edge, exhibited at the Sónar Festival in Barcelona in collaboration with ME hotels by Meliá, all tied together with an interview with the President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (‘The Met’) in New York. Nor do we forget Asia, where we dive into the holistic world of Meliá Ba Vi Mountain in Vietnam, and we look forward to one of the most eagerly awaited openings at the legendary Ha Long Bay, also in the Southeast Asian country. If we’re talking about trends, our customers today demand as a priority a responsible commitment to the planet. So, this time the ‘Hospitality for a Better World’ section summarises our environmental strategy. And above all, hospitality is now also defined by experiences. With this in mind, our magazine will take you to a world of beauty and wellness, hand-in-hand with our partners – for example, the high-end, environmentally friendly cosmetics by Rituals, and La Terrace restaurant at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora on the island of Tenerife, where chef Jorge Peñate’s menu and Atlantic ocean views compete in exclusivity and exquisiteness. Finally, if you’re a lover of luxury and ‘the good life’, don’t miss the ‘Trendy’ section, with the latest campaign ‘Spanish Lessons’, centred on the values of authentic Spanish luxury, excellently represented by our brand Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts. Thank you for trusting in Meliá Hotels International.
Gabriel Escarrer Jaume Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Meliá Hotels International
THE M ELI Á HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS VICE PRESIDENT
María Umbert GLOBAL BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT
Anthony Cortizas CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Ana Rubio CORPORATE COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
Nerea Valencia HEAD OF DESIGN SERVICES
Enric D’Abadal GLOBAL PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT
PUBLISHED BY EDICIONES CONDÉ-NAST S.A. MANAGING EDITOR
David Moralejo ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR
Javier Trapero EDITORIAL OFFICE
Rosa Marqués (DEPUTY EDITOR) CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Ricardo Ramos, Eileen Travell. FEATURE WRITERS: Clara Laguna, Gema Monroy, Arantxa Neyra, Carmen Reviriego, Juan Luis Guillén, Marisa Santamaría, Asun Cedena. ILLUSTRATORS: Félix Díaz de Escauriaza. TRANSLATION: VeraContent RESEARCH
Reyes Domínguez (DIRECTOR) Cristina Verd, Eva Vergarachea.
PHOTO: RICARDO RAMOS.
PRODUCTION
Rosana Vicente, Fernando Bohúa, Juan Ignacio Bocos. PRINTING: Rotocobrhi y Nueva Imprenta. BINDING: Felipe Méndez. CATALOGUE No. M-17889-2015 Ediciones Condé Nast S.A. is in no way responsible for any opinion expressed in the features as these are the sole responsibility of their respective authors.
Macarena García, on the beach in Varadero, wears a long, buttoned satin dress from Léane and a bra made of velvet and lace from Love Stories.
B U LGA R I A
CA P E V E R D E
C ROAT I A
C U BA
A new generation of hotels & resorts designed for the new modern families, which includes great kids facilities and adult-oriented areas and programs.
solbymelia.com
M O RO CCO
S PA I N
VIETNAM
INDONESIA
THE MELI Á H OT ELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
N O . 1 0 A U T U MN / W I N T E R 2 0 1 9
THE
GOOD LIFE COVER PHOTO: Actress Macarena García on the beach in Varadero – right next to the Meliá Internacional Varadero – wears a triangular top with a front buckle and a bikini brief with Vichy square design from Pale Swimwear. Photo: Ricardo Ramos
54
NEW DESTINATION
140
A PASSION FOR GOLF
62
ARCHITECTURE
142
FAMILY
144
FOOD & BEVERAGE
146
TRAVEL CORNER
148
BUSINESS
150
A NEW WELLNESS
152
AWARDS
hotel with actress Macarena García.
The Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Best International Resort by Condé Nast Traveler 2019.
110
154
WINTER LEISURE
156
TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
158
ART AND THE AVANT-GARDE
160
LIFESTYLE
Saïdia, the Moroccan coast’s best-kept secret.
The INNSIDE Milano Torre Galfa, the place to be in the capital of fashion.
68
TRENDY
A spotlight on the Spanish Lessons campaign at the Gran Meliá hotels.
76
SUNNY DAYS
Cartagena de Indias and the Meliá Cartagena
12
Karmairí Hotel – the perfect combination. SO COOL
Hotel rituals and essentials.
16
IN THE FIRST PERSON
Antonio González, president of the Palma Aquarium.
20
HOSPITALITY FOR A BETTER WORLD
The importance of sustainability in company policies.
28
ART – INTERVIEW
Speaking with Daniel Weiss, CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
34
Paris, where this autumn’s greatest exhibition will take place at the Louvre. SWEET & EXOTIC
We visited the Meliá Nassau Beach resort in the Bahamas, located next to a breathtaking beach.
46
WHAT TO DO IN
Ready to explore London's famous Kengsington neighbourhood?
90
THE OBSERVATORY
We explore the role played by Meliá Hotels International in the leisure industry.
98
FASHION
We visit the Meliá Internacional Varadero
FRESH AIR
We shine a spotlight on the magic of Havana and its 500th birthday celebrations.
ART
We follow in the footsteps of Leonardo Da Vinci in
38
86
IN THE CITY
The DC Tower – the ceiling of Austria.
116
FUN DESTINATION
The Meliá Group’s best rooms with a view.
130
THE JEWEL
The Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat & Spa in Vietnam is just what you need to recharge.
162
NEXT DESTINATION
The Meliá Group is preparing its arrival to the mythical Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
Let's play a round at the Cocotal Golf & Country Club in Punta Cana.
Travelling to the Caribbean with the kids.
We celebrate the opening of La Terrace at the adult-only Red Level at the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora hotel in Tenerife.
Want to win 50,000 points in MeliáRewards?
The Meliá Castilla, a model MICE-sector hotel.
Amenities from the Rituals brand at our hotels.
The Meliá Royal Tanau – a skier’s paradise in heart of the Pyrenees.
Meliá participates in the ICEX Spanish Gastronomy Training Program.
ME by Meliá at the Sónar Festival in Barcelona.
INNSiDE Calviá Beach, a resort destination.
We got our start in Majorca in the 1950's. This has given us an extraordinary wealth of experience in the leisure market, unique to our company. Our international competitors would only go into this leisure business 30 years later, with us already leading in the Mediterranean Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International (p. 90)
WOMAN
SO COOL
3
2
5
6
4
7 9 8
Do not disturb! The ritual of getting dressed up for a drink is one of the simple pleasures of the hotel experience. And make sure to pack your beauty essentials – you’re going to need them. 1. Instant Flash Ampoules by Isdin. 2. Support for healthy hair growth with Hairlift by Gold Collagen. 3. Les Exclusifs 1957 perfume by Chanel. 4. Immortelle Divine Cream by L'Occitane. 5. Spanish sandals by Pura López. 6. Touch The Luminous Gold eau de toilette by Tous. 7. Bra by Etam. 8. Handbag by Daniel Espinosa. 9. Étoile d’Une Nuit eau de parfum by Annick Goutal.
Production: CLARA LAGUNA. Photography: SILVIA TORTAJADA. Photography assistant: MARIUS OHNUT
1
SO COOL
MAN
3 2
4
5
6
Room Service
7
Getting ready to go for a rooftop cocktail is almost as exciting as the drink itself. There’s something sexy about a hotel’s social scene.
1. Floral socks by Happy Socks. 2. Sauvage All Purpose moisturiser by Dior. 3. Uomo Urban Feel eau de toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo. 4. Renewing Body Bio-Scrub by Natura Siberica Tuva. 5. Bumbag by Tod's. After Game by El Ganso. 6. Wallet by Montblanc. 7. Oris Divers Sixty-Five watch.
Production: CLARA LAGUNA. Photography: SILVIA TORTAJADA. Photography assistant: MARIUS OHNUT
1
WELCOME TO YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Visit us at STROHM-TEKA.COM
IN THE FIRST PERSON
The future is now
Antonio González Clemente, General Manager of the Palma Aquarium and President of the Palma Aquarium Foundation
As President of the Palma Aquarium Foundation, I am pleased to announce that we are joining forces with Meliá Hotels International in our effort to protect the environment. The Palma Aquarium Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides services and materials, along with a team of experts, in order to carry out environmental projects, campaigns and outreach, all with the goal of bettering the future of our planet. We are a young and small organisation with big ambitions. Founded in 2016, we have made great strides in our short career, including a collaboration with Meliá Hotels International – a large and well-established hotel chain with extensive professional experience. Last month, these two leading institutions signed a collaborative agreement. This agreement will permit the Foundation to undertake actions and activities that will protect species and habitats whilst expanding society’s involvement in our efforts to respect nature. Alongside this, it allows us to embrace the fundamental values our two cutting-
'WE ARE JOINING FORCES WITH MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL IN OUR EFFORT TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT'.
edge entities hold. United by these complementary values, the organisations can work together to address current environmental issues as a means to ensure the long-term balance and health of our environment’s natural resources. The collaboration consists of working together on several projects, with one of the most important being the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The Meliá Hotels International has a strong and tangible connection with sea turtles, seeing that some of its hotels’ locations are next door to nesting beaches. For example, Meliá Hotels International does a magnificent job protecting sea turtles on several beaches in Mexico, where it has multiple hotels. This collaboration agreement aims to expand upon Meliá’s methods and further contribute to the conservation of sea turtles in other countries, especially in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Precisely for this reason, Meliá Hotels International has financed several projects in this region.
Among them, the hotel chain funded the visit of a leading biologist from one of the most abundant nesting beaches in Cape Verde. During their visit to the Balearic Islands, they were able to share their knowledge to help the beaches on these islands. Another objective of the agreement is to conduct training for employees, guests, and suppliers at all Meliá Hotels in different countries around the world. For example, thanks to this initiative, the staff of the Palma Aquarium Foundation will train all Meliá Hotels International entertainment managers so that they can offer ‘Kids Clubs’ environmental education activities – teaching children in a fun, entertaining and interactive way. At the same time, the employee training regarding the environment where they live and work is also a very significant aspect of the agreement, and different actions will be carried out through days of environmental-dissemination activities. With this training, staff members are made aware of the impact they have on the sea and the threats they pose. In particular, these sessions will go into greater depth on environmental issues in the Mediterranean. Together we will work on promoting excellence in fostering sustainability and the practice of recycling, as well as waste selectivity and reduction.
Royal Bliss and its logotype are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
GET COMPLEX. GET SEDUCED.
Coca-Cola watches the environment with ‘Circular Seas’ Coca-Cola keeps working to contribute for a better environment with its new project Circular Seas. This initiative is Coca-Cola’s biggest plan for coastal cleaning and marine bottom preserving in Spain and Portugal. Its goal is to collect every single package so that none of them ends up as litter, especially in the oceans. More than 80 beaches will be cleaned off by the end of 2018 and CocaCola will contribute to preserve 11 marine bottoms in Iberia. The company plans to collect waste with the help of 1,000 people and 50 shipping boats. Thus, Coca-Cola, together with the Spanish Ministry of Fisheries and three eco-friendly associations, is cleaning different beaches in every region of Spain and Portugal. This project also has got the support of over one hundred entities, including NGOs, universities and local governments. Apart from coastal cleaning, Circular Seas is a plan to recover natural areas, to prevent littering by means of public awareness campaigns and to contribute to scientifi studies and circular economy. Carmen
Gómez-Acebo,
Director
of
Our plans are to keep this as a long-term project, not just a one-time coastal cleaning.
Corporate
Responsibility at Coca-Cola European Partners Iberia,
national partners to collect 100% of its packaging by 2025
affi ms: “Our plans are to keep this as a long-term project,
in all Western Europe. That is where Circular Seas fits in
not just a one-time coastal cleaning. Circular Seas aims to make consumers aware that it is necessary to recycle and to carry out proper waste management”.
In order to achieve that commitment, the company is focusing on eco-innovation (leading the way in pioneering sustainable packaging, including renewable materials and
Circular Seas is part of Coca-Cola’s sustainability strategy
smart new ways to reduce packaging waste) and is working
This is Forward, whose first anniversary will take place in
to make sure that 100% of its packaging is recyclable or
November. It plans to act responsibly on six areas: drinks,
reusable and that at least 50% of the material it uses for PET
packaging, society, water, climate and supply chain. In
bottles comes from recycled plastic. Besides, Coca-Cola uses
the packaging area, Coca-Cola is working with local and
the reach of its brands to inspire everyone to recycle.
PROMO
HOSPITALITY FOR A BETTER WORLD
BEING SUSTAINABLE Text: EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
In the past few years it seems like humanity has been coming to an agreement on certain issues – namely that climate change is the most serious threat humanity is facing today. Meliá Hotels International has developed several lines of action over the years to tackle this issue and bring about change.
T
ourism companies are significant players
in the socioeconomic and environmental development of the destinations where they are based. Because of this, the responsibility these companies owe, the role they play and the influence they have over multiple interest groups are all key in driving sustainability. The Meliá group has
PHOTO: FUNDACIÓN PALMA AQUARIUM / TOMEU CANYELLAS MORAGUES
long recognised this. Today, with 390 hotels and resorts scattered across the globe, the group’s commitment to sustainability has only grown more fervent in light of recent circumstances. This growing commitment arises from a human-centred strategic and operational plan that has become a global reference point. The company has been recognised as the third most sustainable hotel company in its sector on a global level, and the second in Europe, according to the ranking of the prestigious investment agency RobecoSAM. Ingrid de la Fuente—Global Technical Services Senior Manager for Meliá Hotels International—explains that to reach this strong level of commitment, ‘the company has an
HOSPITALITY FOR A BETTER WORLD
THE SIMPLE ACT OF MEASURING THE ELECTRICITY, WATER AND CO2 CONSUMPTION IN 95% OF THE GROUP’S HOTELS REVEALS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE ACTION THE COMPANY IS UNDERTAKING.
The company has an environmental strategy that is made up of several courses of action. On the opposite page, the Meliá Serengeti, recognised for its sustainability and design, and named best resort of the year by Condé Nast Traveler Spain magazine.
environmental plan based around several lines of action.’
emissions. These are directly emitted from the hotel and
These lines respond to the decisions of the Climate Change
are usually due to the consumption of fuel for the boilers,
Committee, which analyses and detects possible risks facing
the kitchens, etc. Source 2: Indirect emissions. This refers
the group as a result of climate change. As a sustainable and
to the energy you consume in the hotel but is emitted
responsible enterprise – both economically and socially – the
somewhere else. For instance, electricity is generated
company is developing several lines of action. As de la Fuente
in a power station and its emissions arise there, but the
explains: ‘There are actions that not only involve energy
energy is consumed in the hotel. Source 3: This is made
saving and greater energy efficienc , but also the purchase
up of other kinds of indirect emissions, such as those that
of electricity from renewable sources, raising awareness
are emitted due to the products and services used in the
among all of our stakeholders, forming alliances with strategic
hotel, like the transport of employees, clients, waste, etc.’
partners, better waste management, biodiversity conservation in the various areas where we are present, the standardisation
In general, de la Fuente explains, a company ‘can reduce
of sustainable materials and products, sustainable transport,
the carbon footprint generated by Source 1 and Source 2
and even bearing in mind certain sustainability criteria, etc.,
with energy savings and greater efficienc , as well as the
when evaluating suppliers.’
generation or purchase of renewable energy. However, Source 3 is more complicated, as it depends in large part
CONTROLLING AND MEASURING
on your suppliers, clients, employees, etc. Although this
OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
is even more complicated in a large company,’ she notes,
To make it easier to understand, the engineer explains
‘it’s all about talking with clients and employees, and
in broad terms that the carbon footprint of a company,
spending time on awareness raising and training, as well
and a hotel, ‘arises from three sources: Source 1: Direct
as demanding suppliers change their behaviour to reduce
PHOTO: ANA NANCE
PHOTO: ANA NANCE
PHOTO: ANA NANCE
the carbon footprint of their products and services. This
ALIGNED WITH THE UN’S COMMITMENTS
can be done by minimising their transport or making
The simple act of measuring the electricity, water and CO2
it more sustainable, reducing the amount of energy
consumption in 95% of the group’s hotels reveals essential
and water they use in making their products, or using
information for the action the company is undertaking. An
sustainable materials and eliminating the use of plastic
in-depth knowledge of the hotels’ emissions or of any action
in their product and its packaging.’ We ask her what
that is rolled out enables an understanding of the next steps
the goal is for the future. ‘In the not-too-distant future,
to take to reduce and offset the impact on our environment.
we’d like to completely eliminate our carbon footprint.
What’s more, the end goal is to align these measures with the
To achieve this, we know we have to make a huge effort
UN’s recent targets for reducing CO2 emissions.
to not only reduce our emissions as much as possible, but also compensate for those emissions that we cannot
Among those targets is the Paris Agreement from the
eliminate by financing carbon projects that should offset
2015 COP21 summit. Alongside other matters, 195 countries
future emissions, such as reforestation projects.
agreed that the increase in global temperature should not rise
PHOTO: FUNDACIÓN PALMA AQUARIUM
HOSPITALITY FOR A BETTER WORLD
The Meliá group collaborates with the Palma Aquarium Foundation on a project which protects loggerhead sea turtle nesting across various countries.
2ºC above pre-industrial times (i.e. before the 19th century).
more ambitious target in declaring that we will work to
To achieve this, the countries agreed to donate a total of 100
meet the COP24 goal,’ states de la Fuente.
billion USD to developing countries from 2020 onwards and to reconvene to revise the strategy every five years
TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED ENERGY EFFICIENCY To measure these variables, Meliá Hotels International
Another regulatory framework that the Meliá group
has just presented a project that will last five years –
is aligned with is that established by the COP24 summit,
CO2PERATE – in which the group has invested 4.5
which took place in Poland in December 2018. It was
million euros. This project involves the monitoring
agreed at the conference that the 2ºC limit should be
of 80% of the group’s electricity consumption and the
further reduced to 1.5ºC, since an increase in global
continuous measurement of energy and water use in
temperatures of 2ºC would continue to lead to tragic
116 hotels. The goal of the project is to detect areas for
consequences for the planet.
improvement and implement eco-efficient measures. What’s more, the project also aims to infuse hotels’
In addition, there are other bodies that the Meliá group
air conditioning systems with AI, making these more
is working with that are even more rigorous in limiting
efficient thanks to the input of variables like the hotel’s
the reduction of their emissions to the internationally
occupancy and temperature.
recognised levels. ‘Right now we’ve managed to declare our goal to reduce our group’s emissions in line with the
‘Systems that consume the most energy are monitored
COP21 directive. Next, we’d like to set ourselves a slightly
and analysed in order to propose concrete energy-saving
of our electricity comes from renewable energy sources thanks to the purchase of green energy. As for waste, the fight against plastic has already begun in the group’s hotels. ‘Our goal is to eliminate single-use plastics in all of our hotels so that by 2020 this will have totally disappeared from our group,’ she explains. In fact, ‘we’re aligned with a European directive in ensuring 50% measures. The project also includes an important step,
of our waste is recycled. In other words, only a maximum of
which is raising awareness among employees,’ explains de la
50% will consist of rejected waste that cannot be recycled,’
Fuente. What’s more, the project ‘will lead to a 32% reduction
she states. What’s more, the group is carrying out various
in CO2 emissions – equivalent to planting 3.3 million trees.’
circular economy projects for waste. In these initiatives, organic waste is carried off to a plant to generate compost.
On the other hand, she explains that, ‘we’re also ensuring
This is then distributed to local farmers to use in growing
that our hotels continue improving their facilities through
their fruit and vegetables, which are purchased by the
maintenance. For example, when it comes to lighting,
hotel – thus completing the circle.
hotels will only purchase LED or eco lights, and standardise equipment like minibars while always bearing in mind the
SAVING THE SEA TURTLE
energy consumption of these items.’
In keeping with the goal to eliminate plastic in their resorts and due to the impact of plastic waste on biodiversity conservation
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
efforts, Meliá Hotels International has just signed on to
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND WASTE
another project with the Palma Aquarium Foundation. The
2020 will be a landmark year for the Meliá group. In line
mission is to save the loggerhead turtle, a sea turtle that is in
with the company’s environmental strategy, 70% of the
danger of extinction due to global temperature rises.
electricity consumed by the group will come from renewable sources. ‘Right now we’re developing this strategy in Spain,
The loggerhead sea turtle – declared an endangered
Italy, France, the UK and Germany. Currently, around 59%
species by the International Union for Conservation of
HOSPITALITY FOR A BETTER WORLD
THE COMPANY IS ROLLING OUT HABITAT-CLEANING INITIATIVES AS WELL AS TRAINING AND RAISING AWARENESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Nature (IUCN) – can be found at some of the destinations
in Cape Verde, so that they can gain greater experience.
where the Meliá group operates, such as Mexico.
The aim is to try to maximise the success of sea turtle
Specificall , the company has undertaken steps to protect
nesting in the Balearic Islands.
turtles’ nests in different beaches around the country. It’s a matter of huge importance as global warming The Balearic archipelago is also a significant zone for
has forced sea turtles to move to cooler waters to make
loggerhead turtles to feed and grow, where there is also
their nests. For this reason, nesting on Spanish shores has
a large concentration of juvenile and sub-adult turtles.
doubled, and it’s likely this number will continue to grow.
That’s why Meliá Hotels International wished to join the protection, research and awareness-raising initiatives.
Single-use plastics will be removed from all of the company’s hotels by 2020.
In those areas where the group’s hotels are based, the company is rolling out habitat-cleaning initiatives as
The group will also support the Marine Fauna
well as training and raising awareness on environmental
Recovery Centre at the Palma Aquarium, which belongs
issues – above all among the youngest guests of their
to the Balearic Islands Government’s Department
hotels. The Foundation will also provide training for
of Environment, Agriculture and Fishing. At the
employees and group suppliers so they may participate
international level, Meliá Hotels International will
as well. ‘A huge number of children pass through our
finance the lodging and training of a biologist from the
Kids Clubs. We truly believe that children will lead this
Palma Aquarium Foundation in sea turtle nesting sites
change,’ de la Fuente concludes.
PHOTO: ISTOCK PHOTO
Palma Aquarium Foundation in order to collaborate on
Ilargi by Iratzoki Lizaso
A brand of LEDS C4
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INTERVIEW
How to understand the man through the art he has produced throughout his career
PHOTO: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART / EILEEN TRAVELL
ART
DANIEL WEISS Text: CARMEN REVIRIEGO. President of Callia. www.calliaart.com
T
he weight of an adult human brain can vary
between one and two kilograms, but the average brain is between 1.2 and 1.3 kilograms. When sitting in front of
Getting to know Daniel Weiss, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum in New York, in order to assess the future of the world's largest museum, an institution with more than 2,250 employees.
Daniel Weiss, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, you ask yourself how ‘the largest museum in the world’ can fit inside his head. Well, it does. In order to better understand the future of the largest museum in the United States (that’s also an encyclopedic giant of epic proportions), it may be useful to get to know the man at its helm – an art historian whose career seems to have been destined to bring him to his current position. His passion: to understand humankind through the art it has produced.
Hudson, the Crusades can be likened to a river that
Daniel Weiss was born on the other side of the
united three of the largest monotheistic religions, whose
Hudson, in Newark, New Jersey – in fact, outside of
values curiously led them to this violent confrontation.
New York City. This ‘outside’ is a very special place – it
To start with, I’ve put this extraordinary brain in front
makes it impossible not to wonder if a river, even if it’s
of me to the test, asking him for a summary of what the
the Hudson, is something that divides or unites. Perhaps
museum means to him.
Weiss, who was born into a Jewish family without much religious tradition but with a strong interest in thought,
Carmen Reviriego: We are in the ‘Air Force One’ of
history and justice, asked himself this very question
museums. How would you describe it in figures?
whenever he crossed the river ’s surface or travelled
Daniel Weiss: We are very proud that the museum is one of
under its bed to visit – both as a child and an adult – his
the largest in the world. It has a surface area of almost 195,000
favourite museum: The Metropolitan. The Met.
square metres, which makes it larger than the Louvre. It
Weiss is a historian who has set his sights on art from
holds about two million pieces of art – 1.5 million of which
the Crusades. His first book, Art and Crusade in the
are on paper – and it is managed with a working budget of
Age of Saint Louis, looks at the connection between the
$320 million. We welcome more than seven million visitors
monarchies of the Old Testament and their descendants
from around the globe each year. We have about 2,250
who made up the French Capetian Dynasty. Like the
employees who work here every day – the largest volunteer
Daniel Weiss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET). .
program in the world with 13,000 people, and we are New
are a global community, and I think the museum indeed
York’s main tourist attraction. The museum is a large and
offers this as an opportunity, as visitors can see thousands
complex institution with 17 curatorial departments, covering
of civilizations together under one roof. We have the
more than 5,000 years of art. We have works dating from
chance to transcend our present-day challenges. And it is
20,000 BC, yet most of them date from 3000 BC up until the
not easy. However, in recent years the number of visitors
present day. There is also a department exclusively dedicated
has increased from four to seven million, all of which come
to research and our own publishing house through which
from different places around the globe. This increase is
we publish around 30 books each year, all of which are
a result of people looking to find a community in which
distributed around the world. These figures describe some
they can interact with others with similar interests; they’ve
aspects of the institution.
found this with the MET.
CR: Is there any role that a museum can play in improving
CR: I must confess that I’m in love with the Metropolitan
situations of conflict in the world of the 21st centu y?
Museum. Here you can walk through a space which
DW: It's a question we have to ask. How can we help unite
seamlessly brings together all time periods of the history
society and not divide it? It is important to show that we
of art, which is something I can’t find elsewhere. One
PHOTO: NICHOLAS ALAN COPE / COURTESY OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Below (left), Merrymakers at Shrovetide (1616– 17) by Dutch painter, Frans Hals, and bequeathed to the Met by Benjamin Altman. Below (right), an outfit y Yves Saint Laurent for Dior (1958). To the right, a work featured in the Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll exhibition.
INTERVIEW
PHOTO: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART / BEQUEST OF BENJAMIN ALTMAN, 1913
ART
PHOTO: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART IN NEW YORK
day the phone rang, I imagine, and they confi med your
was on par with the great art museums of Europe. They
appointment as president and CEO. Do you remember
had both the vision and the ambition, but had neither
how you felt?
the building nor the collection. And yet, in the period
DW: To an extent, my dreams came true. I first got
of time from 1870 until today, barely 140 years, they
to know this museum when I was at school and I fell
were able to create the gift to humanity that is the MET.
madly in love with it just like you did. Later on, I
Each and every one of the works of art at the museum
became an art historian and a professor. I would bring
has been received as a gift or donation. No other major
my students from Baltimore to New York to visit the
museum in the world has been created in this way, not
museum. I knew that one day I would work here, and
even the Prado, the Hermitage or the Louvre. And this is
I knew it would be a great privilege. I guess that the
a remarkable gift which stemmed from the generosity of
feeling I had was that of knowing that to a certain
the American people and the rest of the world, who all
extent, I would be lucky.
believed in this idea.
CR: What does the MET do that makes it so unique in
CR: And where did the initial funding for the museum
comparison to other museums around the world?
come from?
DW: I can think of two things that this museum does
DW: One of the strengths of the MET is the fact that
which makes it so special. One is the collection and the
the sources of its resources are very diverse. Donations
other is the diversity of the objects featured in it. On
make up half of the museum’s budget, while the City of
one hand, its offer of temporary expositions is much
New York takes care of 9% of it. The rest of the budget
greater than that of any other museum in the world,
comes from anyone willing to donate money. Of course,
since it ranges from ancient art to artists who are still
it should be added that we receive money from the
working today, such as Hockney. On the other hand,
restaurants at the museum and from the Met’s Friends
this diversity is also geographical. The entire planet is
Groups. The advantage of having so many sources of
represented in one unique museum.
income is that it gives the institution a lot of freedom in terms of its ability to work. We are not a government
CR: And the second aspect?
institution nor are we the property of various patrons.
DW: The way in which it was founded. The museum
We are a community which has the freedom to be
was founded in 1870 by an initiative of leaders within
flexible economically, enabling us to directly manage
the City of New York – a group of entrepreneurs who
all acquisitions, our exhibition schedule and everything
had the idea of creating a museum in New York that
else the museum is involved with.
ART
INTERVIEW
the best and healthiest financial model is one based on what I like to call a ‘co-investment model’. CR: This focus on patronage makes me think of Louis IX of France and his patronage of the arts, which led him to construct one of history’s most beautiful pieces of art, Sainte-Chapelle, a building which you’ve studied in depth. In my opinion, patronage isn’t about the money, but rather, it represents a form of culture. The culture of giving which in turn, is a way to connect with society.
PHOTO: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART / EILEEN TRAVELL
DW: It is, and at all levels. People feel very committed if they are able to participate. CR: What is the greatest challenge for a museum of the 21st century? DW: For us, the greatest challenge is related to the opportunity of becoming the largest encyclopedic museum in the world. We have enormous collections and people who visit from around the globe. We live in a time in which society is changing and evolving very quickly, with technological advances that allow everyone to be connected with one another. CR: That is the key to my curiosity. How does a medievalist envision the future? What do you believe an institution like the MET can offer a world filled with
"FOR US, THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IS RELATED TO THE OPPORTUNITY OF BECOMING THE LARGEST ENCYCLOPEDIC MUSEUM IN THE WORLD".
new technological capabilities? DW: Interesting. There are advances being made in the world of virtual reality which present today’s sector with a dilemma that is currently being analyzed in depth. Will we still need to travel to Paris to see the ‘Mona Lisa’, or can we simply put on our virtual glasses and observe it in ways that are even better than seeing it in person? I think the precise challenge is to discover how we can adapt to best serve an audience that is increasingly becoming more and more immersed in new technologies. No museum and, of course, no human being can be fully understood in just an interview. From his office, Weiss navigates the remodelling of the Rockefeller Wing with a budget of 70 million dollars. In this wing, the relationship between Egypt and Rome with Africa
CR: What do you believe is the ideal balance between
and the ties between Europe, Northern Africa and Sub-
public and private entities in terms of funding?
Saharan Africa will be explored. It will be difficult to avoid
DW: The greatest advantage of not having to depend on
the great African protagonist that is the Nile. The Nile is a
the government is obviously the freedom it provides.
river that unites everything. And it is what brought Louis
It is great that public funds support culture, but if this
IX, the holy king, his fortunes in the last Crusade. Include
happens in excess, there’s a risk that they will want to
it? Exclude it? This is something that must be asked to the
control the institution they are funding. I believe that
rivers themselves. Or to Weiss.
ART
An autumn in the footsteps of
Leonardo da Vinci Text: ROSA MARQUÉS
This year, the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci (1519-2019) has played a central role in Europe’s cultural initiatives. This season, two unique exhibitions will give visitors the opportunity to take in the brilliance of this Renaissance genius. One will start in October at the Louvre Museum, the home of the Mona Lisa, whilst the other will take place at the Sforza Castle in Milan.
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is owned by the French government and is on display at the Louvre.
T
he uniqueness of this Renaissance genius is so
which an enormous sum was paid to gain the rights to
widely appreciated that anyone who takes an interest in any
Isaacson’s book. DiCaprio says that destiny is to thank for
of da Vinci's fields of expertise will be able to capture audiences
the opportunity to take on such an important role. After
and create a timeless and engaging story about him.
all, his mother was inspired to name him after the Italian intellectual when she felt him kicking while looking at
Any investment, no matter how large, into depicting da
one of da Vinci’s works in the Uffizi Galle y in Florence.
Vinci’s life is sure to meet with success. This is exemplified everywhere from Dan Brown’s internationally successful
What’s more, even 500 years after his death, the Italian
esoteric thriller, The Da Vinci Code, and Walter Isaacson’s
genius continues to inspire many interesting exhibitions.
recent biography on the Italian genius, to the new film,
However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as da Vinci was
starring Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, for
a painter, anatomist, architect, paleontologist, artist, botanist,
PHOTO: D.R.
PHOTO: D.R.
ART
Above, the outside of the Louvre. On the right, a room at the Meliá Colbert overlooking the Notre Dame; views of the Notre Dame from the same hotel; and a traditional French breakfast served at the Meliá.
scientist, writer, sculptor, philosopher, engineer, inventor,
are Vincent Delieuvin from the Department of Paintings,
musician, poet and city planner. Also, as indicated by his
and Louis Frank, from the Department of Prints and
latest biographies, he was ‘an illegitimate child, homosexual,
Drawings. Although the exact number of works that will be
vegetarian, left-handed, easily distracted, and occasionally
showcased in this four-month exhibition is still unknown,
heretical’. He left behind numerous notebooks filled with his
the Louvre is expecting to receive loans from Italy and
observations, sketches, jokes, maps, formulas and more.
other countries to round out the five-painting da Vinci collection that the museum already has. In other words,
The British Library in London is home to one of the
this Leonardo da Vinci exhibition will host one third of all
most recent exhibitions on Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors
of the existing works that are attributed to him, and will
will be captivated as they take in the display of the artist’s
include the Mona Lisa, Saint John the Baptist, and La Belle
notes and drawings, which show motion as ‘the cause
Ferronnière.
of all life’. For the first time in the UK, the exhibition will display the British Library’s Codex Arundel, alongside the
The exhibit was moved to autumn so it would not fall
Codex Forster from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and
on the exact 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s death in May.
a selection of sheets from the Codex Leicester. The Codex
This has allowed other museums to host events honouring
Leicester will be shown in the UK for the first time since it
the world-renowned quintessential Renaissance man.
was purchased by Bill Gates for a large sum in an auction. As it would be expected, the genius’s native Italy holds
WHAT YOU WILL SEE IN THE LOUVRE
some of his most treasured works. These include The Last
Perhaps the most impactful exhibition this autumn will be
Supper in Milan and other paintings in the Uffizi Gallery
in the Louvre, which is not far from Amboise, the French
in Florence. Meanwhile, the Saint Jerome is held at the
town where da Vinci died. The Louvre holds the largest
Vatican. Furthermore, the Sforza Castle in Milan will host
selection of the Florentine genius’s work and is the home
an exhibition on da Vinci until 12 January 2020. Under the
to the iconic Mona Lisa.
patronage of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan (known as The Moor), da Vinci created his first great works. Among
The exhibition will take place in Hall Napoléon, which is situated just beneath the famous pyramid. Its organisers
them were luxurious frescos that adorned various rooms of the Duke’s castle (https://milanocastello.it/).
IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO GO TO PARIS Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world. A world cultural capital city, a first-class hub of international fashion and a world benchmark of haute cuisine, over 99 million travellers choose to visit Paris every year (and this figure is on the rise). Few cities offer the staggering number of 134 museums, without forgetting the many sporting events that take place here, or the more than 160,000 professionals who attend its international fairs each year. In order to cater to such a wide range of visitors, the Meliá Group has six hotels in Paris: the Meliá Paris Tour Eiffel is perfect for exclusive meetings, and has luxurious rooms overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The Meliá Champs Elysées hotel, with a charming garden in the heart of Paris, stands out for it contemporary, elegant and spacious accommodation. In turn, the Meliá Colbert is one of the city’s most romantic and exclusive hotels. From its rooms, you can see the cathedral of Notre Dame. The Meliá Vendôme hotel, on the iconic Rue Coco Chanel, close to the Louvre, the Opéra and the Tuileries, is a wonderful haven for a cultural visit. More modern, urban and located in a splendid 18th-century building, the Tryp Paris Opéra offers a fantastic location very close to the Folies Bergère and Galeries Lafayette. Lastly, although not part of the historical city but in the district of La Defènse, the Meliá La Defènse is less than 5 kilometres from the Grande Arche, the Arc de Triomphe and the Palais des Congrès, and is perfect for meetings and business visits (melia.com).
SWEET & EXOTIC
A view of the resort facing the gorgeous Cable Beach in Nassau.
An
AQUATIC HOLIDAY
at the Meliรก Nassau Beach At the spectacular Cable Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this all-inclusive resort is the perfect base for those seeking turquoise waters and heavenly beaches to get some rest before heading home. Text: JUAN LUIS GUILLร N
SWEET & EXOTIC
Y
ou don’t need many excuses to go and
Arrival at the Meliá Nassau Beach is an immersion in an
escape to the Bahamas. Just the sound of the name relaxes
aquatic holiday within itself, with a decor that emulates the
you. You can almost make out its 700 islands and cays
hues of the ocean and a soundtrack of waves, seagulls and
from the coast of Florida, while Nassau, its capital, can be
footsteps on the sand – a genuine paradise.
reached in three hours from its namesake county on the outskirts of New York City.
From the start, the whole family enjoyed the idea of spending a week in the water – the little ones in the sea,
However, after spending some time roaming the Big Apple, the best argument to get my family on board for a
enjoying various activities, and the grown-ups at one of the three pools, or getting a drink at the pool bar.
few days at this resort is that the Meliá Nassau Beach is the only all-inclusive and kid-friendly resort in the Bahamas –
THE LEVEL, A BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITHIN A HOTEL
this oasis of peace sits along a white-sand beach over 300
To begin with, we get a truly personalised concierge service
metres long and offers activities specifically geared towards
at The Level, a distinctive element of Meliá in the Bahamas;
children. So, everyone’s happy.
it’s a hotel within the hotel, with huge, high-ceiling rooms with sea views, a private beach area and every service
Time flies on the plane, as we plan our last days of holiday
imaginable both on and off the premises.
in one of Nassau’s most emblematic spots. And the tenminute transfer to the resort passes dreamily whilst we admire the turquoise-blue Atlantic.
Before long, we’ve already enjoyed our first cocktail with a light snack, and the children have thrown themselves
Above, Caribbean cocktails take centre stage at the O'Grille Restaurant; on the left, the Kids’ Club; on the opposite page, one of "The Level" rooms.
SWEET & EXOTIC
manager, Pablo Cogolludo, a man as unique and interesting
IN THE KIDS & CO. PLAYGROUND, THE CHILDREN ENJOY VARIOUS SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES – EDUCATIONAL FUN, FILMS, VIDEO GAMES AND MORE –.
as the resort he runs. Pablo has forged his career between the Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. and New Orleans, and has worldwide responsibility for food and beverages within the Meliá group. Few understand American tastes, or the great gastronomic offering of the hotel group, like he does. Over the next few days we follow the hotel’s roadmap, alternating between breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as opting for ‘island chic’, ‘resort casual’ or ‘beach wear’ in restaurants and bars with various cuisines and styles.
The hotel has several pools for children by the sea – some are heated while some have waterfalls.
headlong into their holiday on the sea: from the pool to the sea, from kayak to Zayak, and from the water hammock to
DIVING INTO GASTRONOMY
the water mat, which fits almost eve yone.
Our gastronomic tour of the Meliá Nassau Beach passes through an a la carte breakfast at O’Grille, seas of pasta
Meliá Nassau Beach also offers a programme of activities
at Aqua, coriander tacos and the fusion of Peruvian and
designed for all ages. In the Kids & Co. playground, the
Japanese cuisine at Nikkei, the conch fritters of EstaVida and
children enjoy various supervised activities – educational
the exceptional steaks of Black Angus.
fun, films, video games and more – all the way into the evening, while we parents finally get to enjoy our firs romantic dinner alone.
As if that weren’t enough, to this fine culinary offering we must add the Caribbean and the Bahamian Nights, where a buffet of local dishes surrounds the pool. The hotel is fille
To find our way around the huge variety of food on offer at the resort, we let ourselves be guided by the hotel’s
with live music and you’ll also see the costumes, drums and traditional dances of the Caribbean Junkanoo.
Pictured above is the Cilantro Mexican restaurant – one of the many international dining options available; on the left, images of options at the Spanishstyle tapas restaurant, Estavida; PeruvianJapanese fusion dishes from Nikkei.
SWEET & EXOTIC
I DREAM OF THE SEA WITH MY HEAD RESTING ON A CAREFULLY SELECTED PILLOW FROM THE AROMATHERAPY MENU. After the party and the delicacies, we get a well-deserved
There’s one more getaway for the grown-ups during
rest under a feather duvet. I dream of the sea with my
our stay in the Bahamas: a visit to the largest casino in the
head resting on a carefully selected pillow from the
Caribbean, the Baha Mar resort, which is within walking
aromatherapy menu.
distance of the hotel.
While the sun brightens up the ocean, as well as our
In just a few days at the Melia Nassau Beach, our dream
room, the family gets ready to hop on a speedboat and
comes true: the children have almost turned into amphibians
explore Balmoral Island. On this small island in front of the
after so many hours in the water and they barely remember
resort – for the little ones, reminiscent of somewhere pirates
who their parents are. The grown-ups have forgotten the
and buccaneers would be found – we spend the morning
work that awaits them a few nautical miles away, spellbound
wandering the beaches and swimming with dolphins.
by the view of turquoise sea from their room’s terrace.
Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the sea. When it’s time to eat, pass by The Market Place (pictured above) and enjoy an international buffet on the terrace.
IN THE CITY
Meliรก Vienna at the Danube
TOWER
Renowned architect Dominique Perrault had a unique location in mind when he designed the tallest skyscraper in Austria: a state-of-the-art vantage point on the banks of a mythical river. From its open doors lies the city of Vienna, a city that offers a Grand Tour beginning with its roots as imperial capital until its current state of full modernity. This is as true for its history as it is for its gastronomy, design and art. Welcome to the Austrian capital. Text: ASUN CEDENA
Shows views from the 57 Restaurant.
IN THE CITY
T
he DC Tower is the roof of Austria. The
country’s tallest skyscraper can be found in the financial district of Donau City (Danube City), just over five minutes on the underground from the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Its rippling facade is made of faceted glass that evokes the tides of the Danube. The location is unrivalled, sitting next to one of the four European headquarters of the UN and on the banks of the Danube. At its doorstep you’ll find the so-called Danube Island (Donauinsel in German), which is one of Europe’s best urban parks that is almost unknown to travellers. This artificial island is 21 kilometres long and manages to cut the riverbed into two as it flows through the Austrian capital. It’s a green space that is full of river beaches and trails that are ideal for runners and cyclists, and it even has areas that are suitable for barbecues. The Meliá Vienna is in a prime location between the 4th
To the right is the 214 square-metre Presidential Suite; a Family Suite room with views, as well as influences from the Museumsquartier neighbourhood (on the other page).
and 15th floors of the DC Tower. “This incredible, modern building provides our guests with astonishing views of the heart of Europe. You can enjoy hypnotic sunrises and sunsets from our 57 Restaurant & Lounge, which is situated on the 57th and 58th floors and stands tall at 220 metres. When you add 360º views into the equation, it turns into a quintessential landmark in the beautiful city of Vienna. Let’s not forget that our 253 exquisitely designed modern rooms also offer unbeatable views of the Danube”, says Bastian Becker, director of The Meliá Vienna. The hotel also boasts a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with brand new machines, a meeting room,
society as Tango in Argentina or Fado in Portugal. The
access to private secretarial and translation services,
Philharmonic New Year's Concert in the Golden Hall of
external parking, airport shuttle and babysitting.
Musikverein takes place in the morning of 1 January. The event attracts an average of 50 million viewers worldwide
Just across the riverbank is the breathtaking St. Francis
and the beautiful Blue Danube Waltz is always played
of Assisi Church. A few steps further is The Prater, another
without fail just before the Director’s New Year’s greeting.
park on the banks of the Danube with a giant Ferris wheel
Interestingly, in a city so devoted to its river, you can find
immortalised by Orson Welles just 70 years ago in the film
several indoor swimming pools like Amalienbad that are
The Third Man. There is a whole museum dedicated to
authentic works of art.
the film, which has a private collection belonging to two enthusiasts who managed to amass up to 2,300 original
“In Autumn, Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities
objects. The end of the film was shot in the great Vienna
in Europe. It reminds me of an Indian Summer with
Central Cemetery in which classical music legends such
trees – so alive with their red and yellow colouring – that
as Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Johan Strauss are
constantly invite you to walk through the numerous
laid to rest. In Vienna, classical music is as engrained into
parks such as Stadtpark in the city centre, the more
PHOTO: UDO TITZ
Art lovers will find some of the best museums in the world
ART LOVERS WILL FIND SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST MUSEUMS IN VIENNA.
in Vienna, like the Belvedere – a baroque palace-complex which houses the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, as well as the Albertina Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna, which hosts the inexhaustible Habsburg treasures. There are even entire neighbourhoods that are dedicated to art. The Museumsquartier is a small neighbourhood that can be found in the heart of the city. It’s home to sophisticated art centres such as the Leopold Museum — a temple for fans of the Expressionist artist Egon
hidden Türkenschanzpark and the stunning Schönbrunn
Schiele — along with the Kunsthalle Wien and the Mumok.
Palace gardens”, says Bastian Becker. He adds: “Autumn
For its part, the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), which is
is also an ideal time to enjoy the glorious Viennese wines
on the famous Ringstrasse, has been devoted to design and
in the countless classic wineries and rustic taverns that
to the relationship between art and the everyday since 1871.
are just a few steps from the historic centre”.
Recently, it’s also become home to one of the most avant-
IN THE CITY
To the right, the 57 Restaurant, where the food is impeccable and the views are spectacular. Above is the Flower Bar – the perfect place for cocktails.
PHOTO: A.G.E.
150 YEARS OF THE OPERA HOUSE ON THE RING Vienna
The great operatic temple of Old Europe is celebrating its birthday. Originally known as the Vienna Court Opera, the Vienna State Opera officially opened in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The inauguration was attended by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. To celebrate its birthday, an official ceremony has been organised with nine premieres and 311 functions including opera, ballet, recitals and concerts on the stage, which is graced by the best performers every year. The programme of 50 operas includes six new productions, one of which is the world premiere of Die Weiden (The Willows), a work commissioned by the opera that is loosely based on the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The Vienna State Opera is a true institution in Austria. Just last season, it received more than 600,000 visitors with an average daily occupancy of 98%. You can also explore it during guided tours: 40-minute-long walks into the depths of the temple that are even available in Spanish (find out more on the official website, wiener-staatsoper.at/en). Also taking place during the month of December is a live-broadcasted performance of opera and ballet on a 50-square-metre screen in the Herbert von Karajan Square, just in front of the opera building.
IN THE CITY
PHOTO: D.R. / SKOPIK & LOHN
SKOPIK & LOHN – CONTEMPORARY VIENNESE GASTRONOMY AT ITS FINEST.
There’s no better place to try Austrian cuisine than at Skopik & Lohn.
garde restaurants in the Austrian capital, the Salonplafond,
Austria. During the Second World War, the authorities built
an innovative interpretation of a traditional Viennese tavern
two gigantic concrete cylinders in the middle of the park in
designed by architect Michael Embacher.
order to defend against the allied bombings. These bunkers still stand today.
Another more contemporary representative of Viennese gastronomy is the Skopik & Lohn, which has a ceiling that has
The tallest building in Austria is not far from the flora
been splattered with black paint by artist Otto Zitko. Enjoy
landscapes of the Augarten. The 57 Restaurant is situated on
French-inspired cuisine that fits perfectly with its location
the top floor of the DC Tower, giving you the opportunity
next to the Augarten in the second district, Leopoldstadt:
to dine with Vienna and the Danube at your feet. At 220
Vienna’s new modern and cool neighbourhood. The
metres tall, the venue promises a carefully crafted menu of
Augarten is another fabulous public park that measures 52
signature Meliá cocktails that are to be enjoyed in a relaxed
hectares. It boasts the oldest baroque gardens in Vienna and
atmosphere. It’s an ideal way to end the day, sitting in the
is also home to the Porcelain Museum and the Filmarchiv
midst of the Vienna sky.
WHAT’S THE POWER OF YOUR FUTURE? ENDESA, COMMITED WITH THE PROGRESS AND THE SUSTAINABILITY. Each one of us has an energy that drives us to move forward and build the future we want. And every one of us today, can rely on sustainable energy to do it. Whatever your power is, believe in it. What’s your power?
endesa.com
NEW DESTINATION
SAÏDIA,
the Moroccan coast’s best-kept secret Text: LIDIA GONZALEZ
Its beaches of fine sand and clear water could ell be at home in a Caribbean island. In this spectacular corner of Morocco, where the sunsets merge the sea and the sky, time seems to stand still in the streets of the medina, and the pace of life is marked by the rolling waves. Whether with family, friends or your partner, Saïdia is always a good choice.
Enjoy a cool refreshment from Le Maris Bar while relaxing poolside at the MeliĂĄ SaĂŻdia Beach.
NEW DESTINATION
T
he most romantic visitors have christened
it the ‘Blue Pearl’; those who have succumbed to the spell of its warm, crystal-clear, turquoise waters – an idyllic setting worthy of one of those attractive summer ads. These travellers call this beautiful place the ‘Moroccan Caribbean’. And there is no shortage of reasons why. Blessed by the beauty of the Mediterranean and around 14 kilometres of golden beaches, Saïdia, which borders Algeria, has earned its crown as one of the most complete Morocco holiday destinations. The town, located in the province of Oujda, was built by the Arabs in the 16th century. It hasn’t stopped growing since fact lies in its position as one of the most popular destinations in the country after Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca. The reason for its success, apart from its incredible surroundings, is that it has one of North Africa’s most important resorts: Med-Saïdia. Beyond its idyllic beaches, this fishing village has many attractions. One of the most unmissable is the old town, which is brimming with history and made up of the narrow streets that are typical of Moroccan medinas. It’s worth getting lost in the town’s corners, enjoying some tea in one of the squares or, if it is Sunday, visiting the iconic outdoor Souk market nearby where you'll end up haggling for some of their artisan ware. Of course, you can’t forget the real architectural jewel: the Alcazaba, a 19th-century fortress built under the rule of Sultan Hassan I at the mouth of the river Uadi Kiss.
PERFUMED WITH THE SALTY BREEZE From left to right and top to bottom: a door in the Saïdia medina; the beach; one of the rooms at Meliá Saïdia Beach; and Zellij Moroccan Restaurant.
If there is a real star in Saïdia, it is undoubtedly the sea. No one is able to resist the sandy beaches and hypnotic blue waters of this hidden Moroccan treasure. But if the overriding calm that characterises this small seaside paradise doesn’t seduce you, Saïdia is also a mecca for water sports. Riding a surfboard, going water skiing, giving diving a try or exploring the area by boat are just some of the activities offered by this coastal city. Need some directions?
The port for sporting
activity – where you can even rent your own boat – is called Saïdia Marina, located within the Med-Saïdia
PHOTO: CORDON PRESS
then, reaching a frenetic pace in recent years. Proof of this
PHOTO: D.R. / ONMT
NEW DESTINATION
THE TASTE OF SAÏDIA Saïdia is also known for its gastronomy that gives off the most enticing aromas and cuddles the palate with its spicy flavours. Lamb tagine with apricots – one of this recipe’s many variants – and rfissa, a dish that is present in all Moroccan celebrations. It is made with chicken and lentils, placed on a thinly layered pastry base that is seasoned with a spice mix called ras el hanout. These are some of the delights that will have you licking your fingers – literally in this case, as rfissa is traditionally eaten by hand. Other equally succulent and typical Moroccan dishes are couscous, chicken pastilla and almonds. The breakfasts with a mint-tea aroma, the delicious seafood delicacies, the anaesthetising fruity scent that pervades the medina’s markets and the cinnamon-flavoured sweets will be sure to cement this corner of Morocco in your memory.
tourist complex, just two kilometres from the town. ‘A
with friends or for a family holiday. And if you intend
wonderful climate, a wide range of activities and an
to experience Saïdia with your partner, there is nothing
active role in a development plan for the region. These
more romantic than seeing the sunset from La Cornisa,
were the reasons Meliá Hotels International chose this
its lively promenade. We can vouch for that.
Moroccan maritime enclave as the site for three new hotels,’ says Sebastien Boué, General Manager of the
SAÏDIA FROM HOLE TO HOLE
Meliá Saïdia Beach All Inclusive Resort, the Meliá Saïdia
Never mind simply getting the ball out of the bunker,
Garden Golf Resort and the Meliá Saïdia Residences.
dodging all the obstacles here (including streams) is a
Leaving yourself at the mercy of the waves seems like
challenge even for the experts. Either way, Saïdia is the
an irresistible plan, and its perfect both for a getaway
ideal place to improve your swing, according to Sebastien Boué. This destination has one of the best golf courses in Morocco, featuring 18 holes and located just minutes from the three magnificent types of accommodation Meliá Hotels International owns in the area. Should we take a look at all of them?
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA BEACH ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT: A FAMILY BREAK Just 50 kilometres from the Oujda airport, this five star hotel has been welcoming guests since last March. This hotel shows that it’s possible for all-inclusive luxury to exist under one roof. As its name suggests, the Meliá Saïdia Beach All Inclusive Resort is perched on the beachfront, near the golf course and marina shopping area. While its modern design is inspired by Mediterranean villas, you can see Moroccan aesthetics in its details. Guests can choose between different spacious rooms and suites, complete with a terrace and inspiring views. The pools, which are surrounded by gardens, will quickly become the favourite space of the family’s smallest members. There is also a gym, a spa and a broad gastronomic offering, including Mediterranean, Moroccan, and Asian cuisine, among others. It has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable family holiday.
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA GARDEN GOLF RESORT: THE TEMPLE OF BLEISURE Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, or looking for an elegant bedroom or a suite with a terrace, this is the hotel you are searching for. Also boasting fiv stars, the Meliá Saïdia Garden Golf Resort borders one of the 18-hole golf courses that are part of the Saïdia tourist complex. The comfortable and cosy rooms will help guests fall into a deep sleep after a day of sport, work or lounging on the beach. And the weapon that will lull you to sleep is simple decoration in soft colours, large windows that allow light in and some relaxing views of the sea or gardens that surround this Mediterraneanstyle hotel. There is no better way to spend the day than
On the left, the Atlas Buffet-Restaurant & Terrace at the Meliá Saïdia Garden Beach, with rooms looking out onto the golf course or the gardens. The room featured on the next page overlooks the pool (below).
NEW DESTINATION
The terrace overlooking the golf course at Saïdia Golf. At the Meliá Saïdia Residences (below), guests enjoy an allinclusive gastronomic offering, with meals ranging from Mediterranean cuisine to the finest meats
by following swings in the green with refreshing dips in the pool or on the beach, which is located just 200 metres away. After this, it’s time to recharge your batteries by trying some of the superb local dishes (or whatever you like) at any of the hotel’s restaurants. And as for the bars? You can enjoy signature cocktails accompanied by music to put the finishing touch on a wonderful stay in this Moroccan seaside town.
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA RESIDENCES: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME The new resort in Saïdia is fully equipped with apartments that seek to provide an intimate guest experience that is completely impossible not to fall in love with. These elegant residencies come with an all-inclusive option or, on the contrary, complete independence. The sleek design and exceptional setting, with the sea only 10 meters away, will make you not want to go home.
ARCHITECTURE
The rebirth of
TORRE GALFA Text: MARISA SANTAMARÍA
With its spectacular views of the city’s skyline, INNSIDE Milano Torre Galfa hotel is an emblematic staple of Milan’s signature architecture..
One of Milan’s legendary skyscrapers, the Torre Galfa, is being renovated. It is set to become a new city landmark and house the new INNSiDE Milano Torre Galfa hotel.
ARCHITECTURE
T 1. One of the hotel’s twin rooms with city views. In total, the hotel has 145 rooms. 2. A glimpse of one of the hotel’s bathrooms. 3. The hotel’s spacious and bright lobby. 4. In this restaurant, Italian gastronomy takes centre stage. 5. The Galfa Tower, designed by Melchiorre Bega in 1956. 6. Start your day with a warm cup of coffee. 7. ‘The Upside Down Mushroom Room’ by artist Carsten Höller in The Fondazione Prada Torre – a part of the Atlas permanent collection. 8. ‘Bosco Verticale’ (Vertical Forest) designed by Stefano Boeri – a cutting-edge example of a sustainable residential building. 9. ‘The Solar Tree’ by Artemide in Piazza Gae Aulenti.
he Torre Galfa was designed by top architect
The Galfa Tower was his dream come true: ‘I always
Melchiorre Bega in 1956 to mirror the modernity and high-
dreamt of building in steel. Beyond creating more solid
level technology of the era, and is located opposite Gio
structures, it has a fascinating, natural elegance.’ Steel and
Ponti’s Torre Pirelli. Ponti said of the Torre Galfa: ‘Its beauty
glass instead of cement: that was the basis of his project.
is immediately understood and loved as it integrates technical forms, aesthetics, and significant truth.’ And he’s
During the successive crises towards the end of the 20th
right, as always: truth pervades every millimetre of the
century, the building was gradually abandoned. It has now
building’s structure and beauty.
been renovated as private living quarters and hotel (the INNSiDE Milano Torre Galfa). Alejandro Thovar, Project
Melchiorre Bega was an architect and designer who
Manager at Meliá Hotels International, is responsible for
trained as a traditional, artisanal craftsman. One of his firs
ensuring that the INNSiDE by Meliá's brand standards
jobs was in furniture restoration, where the pursuit of the
are met. Thovar highlights ‘the beauty and slenderness of
exquisite through the imperfection of manual labor forged
the tower’, which he says is due to its ‘striking curtain-wall
his character and unique outlook.
façade alongside a brilliant steel and glass emergency staircase – which can be seen at the rear of the building – giving the
In addition to his work as an architect, he designed
tower an elegant, modern feel that’s truly authentic’.
interiors and furniture, combining all his artistic values in what was a clearly defined, innovative style, very much
Thovar adds that this top-of-the-line project in urban
ahead of his time. He lives on in our memory through the
architecture ‘shows off all of INNSiDE’s latest features,
images preserved in archives and publications of the era.
offering INNSiDERS access to multi-functional open spaces
He’s also present in all the commercial spaces designed
where they can to enjoy an informal stay whilst soaking in
by him: from the Motta Café (which is still in the Piazza
the city like a local’.
del Duomo) to the Perugina confectionary store to the Galtrucco fabric shop. There, he controlled ‘the whole
Like the tower itself, the Meliá Group was created
experience of being in a space’ – control which was also
in 1956, and continues to guarantee functionality and
reflected in his management of Domus magazine, where
sophistication across its various hotel brands. The hotel
he was involved with everything down to the last detail.
was created specifically to improve people’s experience when visiting the city for business, without forgetting the importance of pleasure – which is especially crucial considering Milan’s rich cultural and culinary scene. The panoramic views offered by the glass structure are among the main attractions of the hotel’s rooms and common
THE HOTEL WAS CREATED SPECIFICALLY TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITING THE CITY.
spaces. There are 145 rooms in total, split into the categories INNSiDE, Studio and Loft, 30 of which have a spectacular, unobstructed 180-degree view.
AN IMPECCABLE RESTORATION Architectural studio BG&K Associati was responsible for the restoration, led by Maurice Kanah. His work has revolved around maintaining utmost respect for the original building, treating it like a work of art, and reconstructing the damaged structure through technology and with contemporary materials. ‘The Galfa is a landmark that forms one of the most distinctive skylines in the city,
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THE REVIVAL OF MILAN The new ‘Made in Italy’ golden age
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PHOTO: A.G.E.
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PHOTO: A.G.E.
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PHOTO: A.G.E.
INNSiDE Milano Torre Galfa hotel is yet another major focal point in Milan’s unstoppable wave of developments, ongoing projects and forward momentum. Institutions, businesses, corporations, figures from the world of design and architecture: everything is revolving around Milan once again, returning to the ‘Made in Italy’ golden age. We have seen the emergence of Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) in Porta Nuova; Petra Blaisse’s Biblioteca degli Alberi (Library of Trees); the new Prada and Feltrinelli foundations; and the reactivation of the Triennale, among other things. Now — the latest in this long line of developments — Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA will be renovating the Scalo Farini railways over the coming years, pushing the revival of this city’s masterplan even further.
ARCHITECTURE
THE PROJECT WAS DEVELOPED BY THE ARCHITECT MAURICE KANAH AND ASAH, ADAPTING THE INNSIDE BY MELIÁ BRAND TO CUTTING-EDGE MILANESE STYLE. IT IS A MAJOR PROJECT THAT WILL BE HUGELY VALUABLE TO INNSIDE. The entrance to Meliá’s Torre Galfa, located at the corner of Via Luigi Galvani and Via Gustavo Fara.
a blend of new architectural work and this classic design,
agency), adapting the INNSiDE brand to cutting-edge
combining traditional Milanese architecture and the
Milanese style. It is a major project that will be hugely
transparency and consistency Bega dreamt of,’ Kanah
valuable to INNSiDE.’
recently explained. The hotel has an explosive cultural programme in store, As a specialist in hotel architecture and development,
featuring regular art exhibitions that will highlight the
Alvaro Sans has collaborated on this hotel project. He has
creativity of Italian artists who convey the soul of Milan
also previously worked on the ME Meliá II Duca, originally
through their work.
designed by another great Milanese master, Aldo Rossi. Like Kanah, Sans mentions taking Melchiorre Bega’s existing building and classic vision into account:
This same soul is also present in the hotel’s culinary offerings. Set to be the highest in the city, ‘Restaurante Roof Top Terrace’ will be located on the 29th and 30th floors. And
‘Remodelling this building while maintaining and
what’s more, F&B Concept will serve simple dishes based
restoring the facade to how it once was has been quite
on traditional Italian cooking – with an innovative twist.
the challenge. Especially since we are adapting it to
In line with the Milanese way, the restaurant offers light
new requirements. The project was developed by the
lunches with salads, homemade pasta and the best Italian
architect Maurice Kanah and ASAH (Sans’ architectural
cold meats and cheeses.
Explore the collection at mebymelia.com
YOUR CULTURAL CONNECTION
C A BO I BI Z A MADRID MIL AN LO N D O N S I TG ES C O M I N G S O O N : D U B A I D O H A B A R C ELO N A M A LTA
TRENDY
The art of
SPANISH LIVING Text: EDITORIAL STAFF
The exclusive Gran Meliรก hotels are bringing a series of experiences to fi e continents, led by renowned experts in breathtaking spaces.The objective is to share the most deeply rooted and delectable Spanish customs and traditions.The Art of Spanish Living is a practical course that has already started in Seville, Majorca and Madrid. Ready to learn its fi st three lessons?
TRENDY
LESSON 1: NIGHT (NOCHE)
WHY? Night-time is the perfect chance to let go, be free and feel everything more intensely. Inspiration awakens at night – you feel a special magic when you let yourself go. Living for the nightlife and the fiesta usually leads you out onto the streets. It requires the know-how of being in many different environments with plenty of elegance and the ability to ooze self-confidence. In the world of flamenco the night was that special moment when the magical spirit awoke, when the soul and passion of flamenco really came to life. That's when the best flamenco was enjoyed and studied, when teachers let their hair down and the music simply flowed from their hearts
THE HOTEL-SETTING: Hotel Colón, Seville. A MAGICAL MOMENT: Tomatito (guitarist and lifetime friend of the legendary flamenco singer, Camarón de la Isla) held a concert out on the marvellous terrace of the Presidential Suite which offers unbeatable views of Seville. This was the first in a series of flamenco concerts held at the hotel.
THE EXPERTS: Also taking part in several of these ‘lessons’ dedicated to the Night at the ‘Sala Majestic’ were singersongwriter Javier Ruibal, winner of the Medal of Andalusia in 2007 and the National Award for Current Music in 2017, along with the flamenco singer María Luisa Ramírez, also known as ‘Maui’, and María Peláe, the winner of the Andalusian Youth Institute’s Songwriting Competition.
On the left, Tomatito, a famous flamenco guitarist, and the Grand Penthouse Terrace. Hotel Colรณn in Seville offers views of the Giralda and the Seville Cathedral. A photo taken during a concert.
TRENDY
LESSON 2: CRAFTSMANSHIP (ARTESANÍA)
WHY? Craftsmanship is the art of creating intricate objects by hand. It’s that perfection and detail that comes from the things made from the heart. It’s the ability to keep the fir of ancient traditions burning through an object or a recipe.
THE HOTEL-SETTING: Hotel de Mar, Majorca. A MAGICAL MOMENT: Every night of the summer, in a stylish setting right on the shore of the Mediterranean, chef Marga Coll displays her love for Majorcan cuisine in the romantic Arrels Restaurant. Her knowledge and admiration for the island’s cuisine has materialised into a seasonal, seven-course menu. It consists of products that come from the land, from Coll’s livestock pantry and from the sea – these ingredients shine on every plate, just as much, or more so than the stars.
THE EXPERTS: Chef Marga Coll’s food is served on handmade dishes created by artist, designer and naturelover, Madrid’s own Andrea Zarraluqui, who designed them for the occasion. The colour, love and delicacy that she puts into each piece of porcelain makes them entirely unique. This devotion has led her to become the most famous porcelain-ware designer in Spain.
On the opposite page, a bright spot to unwind at Hotel de Mar in Majorca. Above, Marga Coll, a renowned chef and the artist and designer Andrea Zarraluqui painting her handmade dishes.
TRENDY
LESSON 3: SOBREMESA
WHY? The Sobremesa, or post-meal conversation is the best time for small talk. It’s a Spanish ritual that consists of dedicating time to speaking calmly – without haste and without pressure – after a delicious meal with friends and family.
THE HOTEL-SETTING: Hotel Palacio de los Duques. A MAGICAL MOMENT: The iconic Dos Cielos restaurant, in the former stables of a 19th-century palace, has collaborated with the award-winning Torres brothers. The high-profile chefs and twins have developed a menu that links Spanish tradition with modernity. The menu, just like good chats, is best enjoyed slowly, savouring every second and every flavou .
THE EXPERTS: Javier and Sergio Torres offer a perfect lesson on historical and contemporary Spain during a meal served in the heart of the old Austrias neighbourhood in Madrid – accompanied by a friendly conversation, a rich coffee and a drink with friends in this cosy place where you feel right at home. A perfect sobremesa for enjoying the art of good living in Spain.
The Torres brothers, world-renowned chefs, having fun; the Dos Cielos restaurant at Hotel Palacio de los Duques in Madrid; and one of the dishes that can be enjoyed during a sobremesa.
SUNNY DAYS
DON’T Cartagena de Indias MISS OUT
With a magical, historic centre, the city’s tempting choice of bars for dancing and restaurants for fine dining along with the opportunities it provides to explore nearby destinations, make it a unique destination to visit. Text: ROSA MARQUÉS
PHOTO: A.G.E.
Views of the Colombian colonial city from one of the many terraces found in its historic centre.
SUNNY DAYS
C In Cartagena, there are many street festivals and parades such as the one seen in this photo, which is put on by the university and moves through the streets of the Getsemaní neighbourhood. Below, the hotel’s Bridal Suite with a king size bed and a Deluxe Room.
artagena’s journey through the centuries
The city quickly flourished thanks to this gold but also,
is alive in the streets of its historic centre, so much so that
and above all, thanks to trade – the slave trade specificall .
the first time I visited, I was excited. I had read so much
When you stroll through the historic centre, many places
of this city in the novels of Colombian Nobel Laureate
tell the tragic story of the sale of people kidnapped in
Gabriel García Márquez, that to be there among the real
Africa and brought to the Americas by the Portuguese.
settings of Love in the Time of Cholera and One Hundred
It’s an overwhelming number: 125,000 people from Africa
Years of Solitude seemed like a dream come true. As the
passed through this port. Today, thanks to The Slave
novelist said himself, ‘It was enough to take a step inside
Route, a project developed by UNESCO, tour guides take
the wall to see it in all its grandeur in the mauve light at
you through the many sites of the city where slavery left
six in the afternoon, and I could not suppress the feeling
its deep imprint in the seventeenth century: the Plaza de
of being born again’.
los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana, the neighbourhood of Getsemaní, the San Pedro Claver architectural complex
Cartagena de Indias is one of those magical places where you have to go before you die. Colombia as a
and the Cerro de la Popa, along with numerous streets throughout the historic centre.
whole is a genuine wonder. But this, el Corralito de Piedra as they call it, is the most important colonial city
Another way to tour the city, which is just as interesting,
in Latin America, with the largest and best-preserved
is to do it through music. Here in Colombia, the people’s
historic centre. It has all the ingredients to make your trip
passion for music and dance comes from the heart,
an unforgettable experience: history, heritage, natural
whether its salsa, vallenato, cumbia, merengue or
THE PEOPLE’S PASSION FOR MUSIC AND DANCE COMES FROM THE HEART. beauty, beaches, gastronomy, music, fun, lovely people... and a perfect hotel as a base. At the adults-only Meliá Cartagena Karmairi, in the Playa Manzanillo area, you can recharge your batteries by the sea in a rural setting lush with greenery, and enjoy the most beautiful, spectacular Caribbean sunsets. Founded by the Spanish in 1533 on an abandoned American Indian settlement called Calamarí, the city soon became an important port thanks to the Spanish ships that brought gold from the area – mainly from Peru and Ecuador – later bound for Spain.
PHOTO: A.G.E.
SUNNY DAYS
THE BEST OF CARIBBEAN STREET FOOD Cartagena de Indias
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO: A.G.E.
PHOTO: A.G.E.
Cartagena is full of wonderful places to go out for dinner and a drink. Cool, fresh places – beautiful in both design and clientele – are appreciated in a city where 35°C and 90% humidity are the norm. But if there’s a gastronomic gem that shouldn’t be ignored, one that catches your eye while you walk through the colonial centre, it’s the street food. Cartagena is very colourful. Palenqueras can be found selling delicious sweets in every corner – Palenque was a village to which slaves who revolted in colonial times escaped. They are joined by sellers of tropical fruits, coconuts, lemonade and other classics that you should try, like the egg arepa, a popular breakfast in Cartagena that can also be filled with chorizo, chicken or crackling. Carimañolas – cassava fritters with or without fillings – can be dipped in a homemade cream called suero. There’s much more, but the ceviches, a speciality, stand out above all. Cartagena has excellent seafood: shrimp cocktails are a classic which you can also get at the street stalls. They’re served with a mix of onion, garlic, lemon juice, tomato sauce and mayonnaise. You can also pick from other seafood like whelks and chipi-chipi, a small mollusc. Or you can get it as a ceviche with just the lime, garlic and onion without the sauce.
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SUNNY DAYS
Above, the pool and the hotel’s main building. Poolside, you can enjoy a cocktail surrounded by nature.
papayera. The city is full of places to dance and have
unmatched quality of the cigars. Try them at La Cava del
fun at nightfall. In the old town, one of the most exciting
Puro, where you’ll find Havanas, humidors, Davidoffs
places is Café Havanna, where there’s a great atmosphere
and coffee.
and no shortage of live music. You’ll find the streets are constantly coming and going In the Plaza Santo Domingo, one of the city’s most
with vendors offering avocados, sapotes, mangoes, fried
charming squares, bands play coastal rhythms for tips
fish, chilled coconuts, cigars and cigarettes. Children walk
at the edge of its many tables. In this square in front of
to school whilst shoeshine boys and drivers wait for their
the Convento de Santo Domingo – surrounded by bars,
next customer. Merchants and sellers use their mobile
cafés and wonderful restaurants in beautiful colonial
phones to make their fortune. Craft stalls sprout in every
houses – Gertrudis, a sculpture of a nude, reclining
corner. All of this is also part of the charm of the historic
woman by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, demands
centre of Cartagena.
your attention.
THE TWO CARTAGENAS: PAST AND PRESENT Going shopping is another way to get to know the city.
For those visiting it for the first time, the Bocagrande
Whether crafts or jewellery, you’ll be surprised by the
neighbourhood, filled with skyscrapers, contrasts sharply
quality and design of the pieces in boutiques like those
with the colonial city. You can get there by taxi, which
of Malvi Castañeda or Silvia Tcherassi. And, of course, the
are very cheap and quite safe in the city. But the reality
PHOTO: A.G.E.
SUNNY DAYS
Bocagrande is one of the most luxurious areas of Cartagena, with its many skyscrapers and beach.
is that Cartagena has become one of the most popular
development has been to the north of the city, towards
destinations in the Caribbean, as well as a port of call
the road that connects Cartagena with Barranquilla.
for numerous international cruise ships and a centre of
This area is just 20 minutes from the walled city, which
great potential for business tourism. It’s growing rapidly.
is reached through a newly opened, modern viaduct,
The general manager of the Meliá Cartagena Karmairi,
allowing an enjoyable, comfortable journey’.
Carlos Eduardo Arias, explained how ‘the new focus of And so... I come and go to the historic centre with absolute ease, whenever I want. Convenient transport for hotel guests, with tours in the morning and evening, allows me to enjoy the walled city at will. And when I wish, I return to the hotel, my private
CARTAGENA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN.
oasis of peace and tranquility. I walk along the beach, I do yoga, I have a massage at the spa and a cocktail at the beach club or swimming-pool bar. Could anyone ask for more? It’s been a long time since I remember such a sensation of fulfilment. There are corners of this hotel that make me feel alive: the Elyxr terrace bar has become one of my favourite places to watch the sunset while I have a drink, chatting with friends. And at the Fish House, with its moody lighting, I fall more and more in love with this city’s gastronomy.
E M B R AC E YO U R NAT U R E
Luxurious all-inclusive beachfront resorts DOMINICAN REPUBLIC · MEXICO
paradisus.com
WHAT TO DO IN
Kensington, where culture lives in London There you can find the best museums, places that have inspired immortal novels (quite literally), as well as the homes of huge music icons. No matter how much London changes, grows and infinitely reinvents itself with new, trendsetting districts, the city will always have its fundamentals that never disappoint, making it always worth visiting. Kensington is one of those places – it’s one of London’s most traditional neighbourhoods, linked to the British monarchy and to several of the country’s great cultural icons. Text: ARANTXA NEYRA
Meliá London Kensington [1]
133 Gloucester Road (the house where J.
It’s the company’s third property in the British
M. Barrie lived) [2]
capital – they already own the Meliá White Hou-
According to Google Maps, it only takes five
se and the ME London which are in Marylebone
minutes walking in a straight line on the other
and the West End, respectively.
side of Cromwell Road to reach 133 Gloucester
The new Hotel London Kensington is situated
Road, the former home of J.M. Barrie, author
in the heart of this central district, in a Victorian
of Peter Pan. He lived there between 1895
building that was once an old hotel. It has
and 1902, the period of time in which he wrote
been completely renovated to meet the Meliá
the story of the boy without a shadow who
group’s standards. It is a charming boutique
didn’t want to grow up. When looking out of the
hotel with only 81 rooms, a restaurant bar and
windows of this beautiful, three-storey red-brick
a gym, and it’s just a short walk from other
building, it’s not hard to imagine Wendy and the
attractions in the city such as Knightsbridge,
twins flying away during the magical start of
home to the Harrods and Harvey Nichols
one of the most beautiful stories ever told.
department stores. Despite being very English, in keeping with the neighbourhood that it’s lo-
Kensington Gardens [3]
cated in, the hotel does have traces of Spanish
Fans of Peter Pan will also find it very inter-
influence, particularly in its foyer – its social
esting to visit Kensington Gardens. Not only
core where you can sample different variations
because Barrie’s statue, which he inaugurated
of Iberian cuisine.
himself, is there, but also because the gardens are where he met the Llewelyn Davies family who inspired the story, with their five children who used to go to the park on a regular basis. Also, Kensington Gardens, one of the most exten-
FANS OF PETER PAN WILL ALSO FIND IT VERY INTERESTING TO VISIT KENSINGTON GARDENS.
and enjoy several other exhibitions about the
sive of the royal parks, is full of attractions – you
life of Queen Victoria, who was born at the pa-
could spend the whole day there. Start your visit at
lace in 1819. After that, you absolutely have to
Kensington Palace, home to the British Royal fa-
wander through the Sunken Garden, planted in
mily (including their ghosts) since the 17th century
1908 and inspired by the Victorian carpets that
(it’s where Diana lived and where the Duke and
decorate its interior. Just in front, in an old pavi-
Duchess of Cambridge currently reside).
lion at the palace, is The Orangery Restaurant,
There you can visit the royal apartments, see an
the perfect place to take part in the tradition of
exhibition about Diana of Wales’ personal style,
five o’clock afternoon tea with all of its frills. If
ILLUSTRATION: FÉLIX DÍAZ DE ESCAURIAZA
you prefer something more contemporary, you
V&A is home to everything, from embroidery and
its 130 years of existence, you can visit ‘Cars:
can go for kale, pizza or mochi at Kensington
glasses to furniture and drawings by Raphael.
Accelerating the Modern World’ which starts on
Whole Foods Market, where they have almost
The museum will host an exhibition to celebrate
23 November 2019.
every food item imaginable.
the bicentenary of Queen Victoria’s birth until
Free architectural tours are offered throughout
December 2019. ‘Wonderful Things’, an exhibit
2019, so that people can get to know the building
Victoria & Albert Museum [4]
featuring photographer Tim Walker’s work, will
better. They take place on a daily basis at 11am.
In front of the Albert Memorial, also in Kensington
start on 21 September and continue into 2020.
Also, throughout the year on Friday nights, ‘Friday
Gardens, you can find this institution, one of the
Or if you want to enjoy visual evidence of how
Late’ takes place – a series of events which the
world’s leading museums of art and design. The
the car has evolved and changed our lives in
public can get to know, first hand, contemporary
WHAT TO DO IN
year, its summer pavilion acts as a platform for
artists and designers through films, performances, lectures, speeches and installations. Royal Albert Hall [5] There are very few concert halls in the world that have the same prestige and history of this distinctive circular building, inaugurated in 1871 by Queen Victoria herself. Since then, its stage has been graced by artists ranging from The Beatles,
FREDDIE MERCURY’S FORMER HOME CAN BE FOUND AT NUMBER 1 LOGAN PLACE.
The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Deep Purple
experimentation for a leading architect (in 2019, it was Japanese architect Junya Ishigami’s turn). If you’re looking for work by independent art, design, photography and architecture publishers that are difficult to find in other places, you absolutely must head to the Koenig Books bookshop. Japan House [8] Situated on Kensington High Street, inside a
to Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Raphael. Fur-
beautiful Art Deco building, is Japan House
thermore, the Eurovision Song Contest has been
the moon that has a diameter of seven metres.
London, where the city’s multiculturalism shines.
held here and even the Dalai Lama has spoken at
If you want to delve deeper into the subject, you
It’s a creative space where, through various
this famous venue. No matter the season, there is
can visit the Science Museum which is also in
exhibitions, activities and experiences, the cul-
always something interesting on its agenda. And
the South Kensington area. This museum or-
tures of both countries are twinned. Experience
that’s not including visits to the actual building
ganises various exhibitions related to this ‘small
Manga exhibitions, cinema, Sake tastings and
itself, which is a true, architectural masterpiece.
step for man, giant leap for mankind’.
catwalk shows – in Kensington, you’ll be closer than ever to the land of the rising sun.
Natural History Museum [6]
Serpentine Gallery [7] Design Museum [9]
It’s worth visiting this museum just to gawp at its
This former tea pavilion at Kensington Palace, built
beautiful architecture. But inside, it holds many
between 1933 and 1934, became a prestigious
Holland Park, with its Victorian houses, charming
secrets that are related to our universe since its
contemporary art gallery in 1970 in which the
hotels and nice shops, is one of the most special
creation. The most exciting parts include dino-
works of artists such as Man Ray, Henry Moore,
places in London. We all enjoy walking there,
saurs, fossils and gigantic cetacean skeletons;
Christian Boltanski and Damien Hirst are exhi-
but only a few can afford to call it home (David
but this year the exhibits coincide with the anni-
bited. Just a five-minute walk across the bridge
Beckham included). Since 2016, there has been
versary of Apollo 11 – the first trip to the moon.
that crosses the Serpentine Lake, you’ll find the
an added attraction – the Design Museum. It
This trip will be celebrated in the ‘Museum of
gallery’s other section, the Serpentine Sackler
was moved here from its original location on the
the Moon’, an installation by Luke Jerram who
Gallery. This gallery opened in 2013 with an ex-
banks of the Thames. Voted European Museum
constructed a model of the surface and light of
tension designed by Zara Hadid Architects. Every
of the Year in 2018, its permanent collection includes all branches of design: product, industrial, civil, graphic, fashion and architecture. In 2019, it celebrated its 30th anniversary, and for that reason its schedule is filled with exhibitions and
THE MAGAZINE CAFE/RESTAURANT, SERPENTINE SACKLER GALLERY / PHOTO: A.G.E.
commemorative activities until 2020. 1 Logan Place (Freddie Mercury’s former home) [10] This completely open-air museum used to be the home of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen and immortal icon of 20th century pop culture. It can be found at number 1 Logan Place, a small, residential street in Kensington near Earl’s Court Road. Now it belongs to his ex-wife, Mary Austin, who many now know from Bohemian Rhapsody, the film about his life. This is where fans gather to write messages and leave graffiti on the residence’s wall – they can’t visit his grave because Austin is the only person who knows where his ashes were scattered.
Storytelling Hotels
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DOMINICAN REP. Av. Winston Churchill 93 T. Empresarial Blue Mall piso 25, local 3 SD
THE OBSERVATORY
PIONEERS IN LEISURE How to continue leading the hospitality industry
Text: EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
We have a look at the facts and figures behind one of the most prominent companies in the hospitality industry, Meliá Hotels International, and the strategies that will allow it to maintain its leading position. There’s much more to it than just sea, sun and sand...
A Sunset yoga on the beach at the ME Ibiza – where we place a special emphasis on wellness.
lways being one step ahead and attracting
“LEISURE AT HEART, BUSINESS IN MIND”
new markets is no easy feat, especially in a sector that has
This is no random slogan. Out of the 20 largest hotel
grown and changed so much in recent years. Tourism has
groups in the world, Meliá Hotels International is the only
become the world’s third-largest export sector, and according
one that has origins in the resort segment. The company
to data released by the World Tourism Organization
has leisure tourism in its DNA, with a history that runs
(UNWTO), the number of international tourists had soared
parallel to that of the industry. Founded by Gabriel
to 1.4 billion by the end of 2018. And over the next 15 years,
Escarrer in Majorca in the 1950s, the group already existed
it’s estimated that this figure will have risen by another 800
when beach tourism was becoming popular a decade later
million new tourists.
in Mediterranean destinations.
But why are they travelling? According to the UNWTO,
According to Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, current CEO and son of
over half (55%) travel purely for the sake of it with the classic
the company’s founder, “this has given us an extraordinary
leisure segment continuing to drive the bulk of the tourism
wealth of experience, unique to our company. Our
business worldwide. And it’s in this market that Meliá Hotels
international competitors would only go into this business
International has spent over six decades as a global leader.
30 years later, with us already leading in the Mediterranean.”
THE OBSERVATORY
WHILE MOST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HOTEL COMPANIES COMPRISE NO MORE THAN 30% OF HOLIDAY-FOCUSED HOTELS AND RESORTS, MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL MAKES UP ALMOST 60% OF THIS SEGMENT. Armed with this advantage, they have also been able to join
The Group’s urban Hotels are also increasingly focused
the ranks of the pioneers in promoting new destinations
on “bleisure”, the recent trend of blending business trips
which opened up to tourism from the beginning of the 1990s:
and holidays: an ever-increasing way to travel, which
Cancun, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic – countries that
the group is already responding to. The result? An
would go on to be leaders in sea, sun and sand tourism.
urban experience with a very high leisure and lifestyle component, where everything is taken care of down to
PLEASURE (AND BUSINESS): STIRRED, NOT SHAKEN
the very last detail.
Today, Meliá Hotels International continues to grow and evolve, allowing it to maintain its position as a market
“The business traveller wants to complement their
leader. Their motto, “Leisure at heart, business in mind”,
work with gastronomic experiences, wellness-focused
is a declaration of their principles. While most major
activities or sport, some sort of social interaction
international hotel companies comprise no more than
with the city ’s residents, and, of course, the ability
30% of holiday-focused hotels and resorts, Meliá Hotels
to explore and discover the area itself,” explains the
International makes up almost 60% of this segment.
company ’s CEO.
Above, on the left, the pool at the ME Sitges Terramar, a hotel with a unique, minimalist style and the latest technology. On the right, a cocktail at the adults-only Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort. Below, on the left, the Meliá Caribe Beach Resort in Punta Cana, which offers exclusive access to The Level, complete with private zones like the Riviera Restaurant.
THE OBSERVATORY
WELCOME TO THE RESORT OF THE FUTURE The typical sun-seeking tourist who spends the whole day lounging around on the beach is in danger of extinction. Travellers increasingly look for resorts that can offer activities to talk about back home and new experiences that are tailored to their own lifestyles. Trends such as wellness, nature, healthy living, sport, contemporary art and music are becoming increasingly popular. Nowadays, the new leisure tourist wants to immerse themselves in the culture found at their destination. Hotel lobbies have become co-working spaces for coffee dates, good food and work meetings. Rooftops are meeting spaces where people enjoy evening cocktails and mingling with the locals as well as other guests. Even gyms, many overlooking the pool or garden, are open to innovative disciplines and non-guests with yoga courses and running clubs. And of course, the hotel bars – centres for socialising par excellence – which are experiencing their greatest moment with furniture and designs that are aligned to that of a signature cocktail bar, always filled with surprises
AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT ACROSS ALL SEVEN BRANDS Meliá Hotels International works hard to ensure all of their brands are on the cutting edge of this new kind of leisure tourism. Today, not only are their holiday-focused brands offering these concepts, such as Sol by Meliá or Paradisus by Meliá, but the rest of their brands as well: Meliá, ME by Meliá, Gran Meliá and Innside by Meliá. Above, the Hotel de Mar on the island of Majorca (top), located in an exquisite environment where pleasure-seekers can rest and relax.The Innside Calviá Beach hotel on the same island offers a suspended pool with a glass bottom (left) and a breathtaking rooftop (right).
For example, the Innside Calviá Beach in Majorca has been transformed into a place to be in the Mediterranean, where locals and guests coexist around a newly built central square, bursting with street food options, fashion boutiques and spaces for families. One of the hotels in the complex even features a rooftop perfect for Instagram, complete with a large hanging glass swimming pool, which is already a major architectural landmark in the area. Other notable examples of this masterful restructuring are the Meliá Caribe Beach Resort and the Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort. The modern EcoResort philosophy has been brought to these resorts, largely focused on wellbeing. On the treatment menu, guests can find everything from Hindu massages for the scalp to shiatsu and refl xology... all while the little ones enjoy activities designed just for them. The ME brand includes notable examples such as ME Cabo – a hotspot for exclusivity and state-of-the-art facilities
THE OBSERVATORY
The sophisticated spirit of the ME Cabo, below, can be found even at the hotel’s pool.
– where suites are equipped with DJ booths whilst the
With these advances, the Gran Meliá hotels continue to
beach club gives off an elegant and cosmopolitan flare.
embrace the luxury desired by the new leisure tourist.
At the recently inaugurated ME Sitges Terramar, guests
Facing the Mediterranean, the Gran Meliá de Mar is a
are welcomed to their rooms by their favourite song
perfect example of this, featuring swimming pools with
and enjoy a wide range of other highly personalised
spectacular views, Balinese beds, haute cuisine, chic
comforts. Similarly, the ME Ibiza is where fun, modernity
bars and the chance to have unique experiences – such
and tradition come together in perfect harmony. Guests
as discovering the Sierra de Tramontana from the sea
can enjoy a rooftop spa, one of the island’s top beach
aboard a traditional Balearic boat, or spoiling yourself at
clubs, traditional gastronomy, signature cuisine, pop-up
the Spa by Clarins® above an exclusive cove in Majorca
restaurants and a pool with a relaxing chill-out zone –
looking out onto the summer palace owned by the
offering an authentic taste of Ibiza.
Spanish monarchy.
THE OBSERVATORY INTERVIEW
We talk to CEO Gabriel Escarrer about how the group maintains their position as an international leader in the resort hotel industry, as well as their growing presence in today’s main holiday destinations: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacifi
GABRIEL ESCARRER
CEO OF MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
The Meliá group holds a dominant position in typical
of upscale, ultra-all-inclusive resorts that enhance guests’
resort areas. How do you envision your future in these
experiences by highlighting wellness and, of course, the
zones?
importance of being environmentally friendly.
Exactly, our story is strongly linked to these regions, thanks to the previous holiday expertise we acquired
How do you see the resort of the future?
through our background in the Mediterranean. We
As the chief executive of a company with more than 60 years
have since continued to strengthen this experience with
of experience in managing resort hotels and President of
powerful, renowned brands as well as an excellent hotel
Exceltur, the first ourism lobby in a country that is a world
management system.
leader in tourism – as Spain is – I have a clear understanding
Today, we have 45 resorts across North and South
of how the sector is evolving. I can tell you that although
America, 100 in Europe, 15 in Africa and over 30 in the
it continues to maintain its strength and potential for the
Asia-Pacific region. And I can tell you that in the n xt
future, it is undergoing a profound transformation.
“WE ARE AMONG THE TOP THREE OPERATORS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA”
decade, 80% of our expansion
This transformation is visible in the profiles of our guests
will occur in the following
as well as guest segmentation – and not only in regard
three regions around the
to demographics, but psychographics as well. The
globe: the Mediterranean Arch,
transformation can also be seen in their consumption
the Caribbean (both Spanish-
behaviours and in the product itself.
and English-speaking) and
Today, Generation Z is joining the baby boomers and
Southeast Asia.
millennials as they begin to travel. This means families,
In Southeast Asia, we’ve
solo travellers, empty-nesters, groups of friends, and
positioned ourselves among
other groups of people are all setting off with very
the top three hotel companies
different expectations for their holidays.
in countries as important as Indonesia and Vietnam,
Regarding consumption behaviours, trips are becoming
with 16 and 12 hotels respectively. We foresee extensive
shorter and shorter, and more frequent – a phenomenon
development in our journey to becoming the key holiday
called bite-sized travel. Increasingly, these trips are
destination across Asia and Oceania.
tailor-made thanks to the influence of the Inte net and social media.
Do you rely on any holiday-specific brands
There are also global movements towards sustainability,
While all of our brands can operate as a resort or
wellness, luxury goods, cultural learning, the arts and
traditional hotel, two of our brands have been designed
gastronomy – our resorts must adapt to these trends as well.
exclusively to give guests an unforgettable beach hotel
Lastly, as technology becomes increasingly present, resort
experience – Sol by Meliá, our most veteran brand
hotels are also undergoing the digital transformation.
which dates back to the founding of our company, and
These effects are seen not only with big data and artificial
Paradisus by Meliá.
intelligence in the searching and buying phases, but
The Sol by Meliá hotels are characterised by their
also in the guests’ stays themselves in terms of increased
premium seaside locations, as well as their family-
personalisation, the fusion of free time and fl xible work,
oriented atmosphere which includes classic
and in business process automation and optimisation – all
entertainment options and uniquely fun activities based
allowing us to focus on the quality of our services.
on the Katmandu Adventures® for the youngest of
Ultimately, resorts today have more to offer than just sun
guests. The Sol hotels, under the sub-brand Sol Beach
and beaches, which are necessary but not enough. Now
House, offer adults relaxing, elegant and rejuvenating
and in the future, resorts will continue to offer a wider
options to enjoy their stay.
range of experiences adapted to globalisation and the
Meanwhile, the Paradisus by Meliá brand is comprised
growing diversity of their clientele.
FASHION
Macarena García on the beach wearing a triangle bikini top with front buckle and bottom with Vichy square design by Pale Swimwear.
Fashion photography: RICARDO RAMOS. Styling: ANAÏS IBÁÑEZ. Makeup & Hair: PEDRO CEDEÑO (NURIA SÁENZ MANAGEMENT) for Chanel y L'Oréal Proffesionne. Photographic assistant:ARÍSTIDES CARBALLO. Production and styling assistant: HOMERO SAKER. Acknowledgments: ALEX BANDRICH, MAITE ARTIEDA & NORMA CORDOVA.
DREAMING ON BLUE BEACH V
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Just a few kilometres east of Havana, you’ll find one of the orld's most beautiful beaches. In Varadero, the Meliá Internacional Varadero hotel, in a romantic azure paradise, we fell in love with this article's feature actress, Macarena García.
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FASHION
Macarena García in The Level area – a boutique hotel within a hotel at the Meliá Internacional Varadero – wears a long, yellow knitted Lurex dress and a natural fibre bag y Léane. One-strap sandal with metallic accents by Christian Dior. On the other page, a swimsuit with waist detail by Olyswimwear.
FASHION
Macarena GarcĂa, on the terrace of one of the hotel’s penthouses, wears a pointelle jersey with multicoloured stripes made of sustainable cotton by Emes. Elastane bikini brief by Stella McCartney.
FASHION
The actress in one of the hotel’s pools wearing a polyamide and elastane swimsuit with back straps from Pale Swimwear. On the other page, she wears a cotton net dress by Pedro del Hierro on Varadero Beach. Two-piece swimsuit with detailed waistband by Olyswimwear.
INTERVIEW
FASHION
B M
A a
R c
E
a
F
r
O e
O n
T a
series called “Luna, el misterio de Calenda” (“Moon, the Mystery of Calen-
We travelled to Cuba with the Madrid-born actress in order to verify that a life without shoes is a life with zest.
da” in English) and I remember going back to filming and feeling like an absolute poser. I had to keep producing my best work as I was only an actress in the making. It was a very beautiful time of my life, but I suffered from a lot of stress. But I can say that I’m proud of one thing: I put all of my heart and soul into the projects I work on.’ Macarena has taken part in numerous other series ( La otra mirada
Macarena García, on the terrace of one of the hotel's penthouses, wears a pointelle jersey with multicoloured stripes made of sustainable cotton by Emes. Elastane bikini brief by Stella McCartney.
A
and Los elegidos) and the general pupleasant conversation, a sunset,
was what led her to audition for 'High
blic fell in love with her role as Mary
a glass of wine, being surroun-
School Musical’ in which she was cho-
in La Llamada (‘Holy Camp!’), a musi-
ded by her favourite people... This is
sen as the production’s lead. ‘It’s not
cal created by her brother, Javier Am-
what Macarena García values most –
that I have an infinite talent for it, but
brossi, and his partner Javier Calvo,
the simple things in life. Maybe that’s
I enjoy it a lot. After two years, I reali-
known together as 'the Javis'. The duo
why the Spanish actress truly came
sed that what impacted me most was
have also directed a couple episodes
to life at the end of this photoshoot,
the acting itself and doing it each and
of the tv phenomenon Paquita Salas.
splashing around in the crystal-clear
every day a little bit better than befo-
Recently, we have seen her in Ventajas
waters of Varadero with the entire
re.’ García left her Psychology studies
de viajar en tren, (‘The Advantages of
team. Laughter, sunset, good vibes...
early and joined the cast of Amar en
Travelling by Train'), an ensemble fil
less is more! And indeed, the back-
tiempos revueltos (‘To Love in Tur-
whose director, Aritz Moreno, remin-
drop is unique. ‘I've fallen madly in
bulent Times’ in English), where she
ded her of Berger with ‘his unique
love with Cuba’, confesses the actress,
met Joaquín Climent, Maica Barroso,
and courageous vision’.
who has girlish features, a radiant smi-
Nadia de Santiago and Itziar Miran-
le and bright green eyes. For many, her
da. ‘I believe those were the people
We managed to take Macarena on
face will be forever immortalised in
from whom I have learnt most from
this trip between filming and after
our imagination in black and white as
on an artistic level’, she recalls. ‘At that
her first appearance at the Venice
Snow White in a bullfighte ’s costume.
time, I was very naïve, and they gave
film festival, where she met Kristen
We owe this image to the cinematic
me good advice.’ Until she starred in
Stewart. ‘I like how she presents her-
magic of Pablo Berger, who gave us the
Berger’s film, it was difficult for García
self, and her overall presence on the
eponymous film in 2012, which earned
to call herself an actress. ‘I sometimes
red carpet.’ At first, Macarena did
García a Goya for Best New Actress.
still have trouble saying it’, she jokes,
not have a lot of fun when it came
confi ming that one of her charming
to getting dressed up for events and
She never dreamt of being a star.
characteristics is her openness. ‘When
photo calls. ‘Fashion is a way to ex-
Her passion for singing and dancing
I won the Goya, I was working on a
press who you are, but I was not used
B G
L a
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r
S c
S í
a
Text: CLARA LAGUNA
to being up-to-date with the latest trends, fashion shows and the most important brands. I value the creative aspect and the work that goes into it, but it is not an environment with which I feel very connected. I like to feel comfortable.’ And for Macarena, being comfortable means being barefoot in a bikini, singing between photos and telling us all about why Cuba has won her over. ‘Havana is beautiful, full of life and colour. And this country has such a special story that its strength reaches your soul. The way people live here has made an impact on me; it’s so different to our way of living, it makes you think.’ García was able to visit La Guarida where she enjoyed ‘the exquisite food and its charming employees.’ She also ate at Iván Chef Justo, a spot run by one of Fidel Castro’s former chefs. She also paid a visit to Viñales, with its ‘wild and beautiful nature’. Trinidad was another stop on her itinerary, where she enjoyed La Casa de La Música, a classic music venue. We ask her what the ideal souvenir from Cuba would be. ‘I try to be less of a consumer... we think material FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY: RICARDO RAMOS
items bring us joy but that’s not the case. In Trinidad, I bought a print by a Cuban artist. It was very special, but more than anything, the experience and the emotions that come with it is what I’ll take back home. Here, the people are generous and warm. It has been easy to talk with them and to learn more about their culture’.
FRESH AIR
Meliá Internacional Varadero
CARIBBEAN PARADISE Text: CLARA LAGUNA
T
he new Meliá Internacional Varadero has only been open
for a few months and it’s a one-ofa-kind destination. Located in the city at the Hicacos Peninsula, it’s just 130 kilometres east of Havana, making it the perfect place to visit before or after stopping in the Cuban capital. There’s no excuse to miss out on its seemingly infinit beach with warm, turquoise waters and smooth sand – simply one of the most places in the world. The sea views welcome you with open arms as you step into the impressive lobby at the hotel, which
From top to bottom, the relaxation area at the Yhi Spa and its views of the beach; a room at the hotel, also with sea views; and the swimming pool with areas for children.
is close to other attractions such as Cienfuegos and Cayo Santa Maria. Its cuisine is made up of flavours from around the world – Cuban, buffet-style, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and much more. And its exclusive services, such as The Level and The Level Adults, and the special attention paid to every little detail, make it the perfect choice for any type of traveller.
T H IS IS
NOT A SWIMMING POOL
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FRESH AIR
Havana
REGAL AND AUTHENTIC Text: CLARA LAGUNA. Photography: RICARDO RAMOS.
In November, the Cuban capital turns 500 years old. The city will celebrate its birthday by showing the world its inexhaustible capacity for seduction.
In a taxi in Old Havana, a great way to get a fi st impression of the city.
FRESH AIR
H From left to right, and top to bottom, graffiti in the Sa Isidro neighbourhood, an emerging cultural area of the city; the emblematic Gran Teatro de la Habana; mojitos in La Bodeguita del Medio with Hemingway’s famous, framed inscription; one of the many beautiful antique cars that can be found in Havana.
avana is a state of mind’, says Eusebio Leal
referring to the city's marvellous, authentic and elegant feel.
Spengler, one of the city’s greatest historians. And that state
Many of these facades show classic signs of chipping, their
of mind, which captivates us, is a mixture of joy, melancholy
walls opening to the streets with crumbling balconies that
and celebration. As is common when it comes to historical
hold up the pensive elderly and the vibrant youth dressed
dates, there are conflicting opinions about the exact birth
in flowe y shirts. We had travelled in time, and we couldn’t
date of this capital city, which has been declared a UNESCO
wait to climb into one of those ‘old’ cars. There seem to
World Heritage Site. But, as Spengler points out, if it’s not
be a lot of roses now ever since Rihanna chose one of the
the founding of Havana that is celebrated every November,
same colour for a selfie which she published on Instagram.
it’s the city’s definitive location of 500 years on the northern
The car that led us to the enormous Revolution Square, in
coast next to the port that gives it its worldwide fame.
the charming Vedado district, was bright red with creamcoloured seats. Our driver smiled when we showed
These five centuries of history have led to an excuse to regenerate the city. An attempt, they explain, ‘to heal wounds,
enthusiasm upon seeing the sculpture of that famous picture of Che, taken by photographer Alberto Korda.
brighten monuments, bring water back to the fountains and flowers back to gardens.’ The Havana Central Rail Station,
We continued our walk, half lulled to sleep by the humid, Caribbean heat and half rocked by the music of the street musicians. In each corner of the five squares of Old Havana – Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco,
WE WALKED THROUGH THE STREETS WHICH, DESPITE NOT HAVING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, NEVER HAVE ANY TRAFFIC JAMS.
Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catédral and Plaza del Cristo – we could hear nostalgic chords and upbeat rhythms playing amid the bustle of tourists and locals who watch the afternoon pass by from the doorways of their houses and shops. Under the watchful eye of the Ceiba trees (with eyes that seem to be in embedded its trunk), the lush gardens show their fine y and reminded us that little rain falls here – just enough to relieve the high temperatures. A beautiful woman’s voice emotionally moved us while we were enjoying lunch in the emblematic restaurant at the Meliá Cohiba, which has hosted many Hollywood
the restoration of the Castillo de Santo Domingo of Atarés
stars and other celebrities.
fort and the Cuatro Caminos Market are some of the reopenings that are anticipated. However, it is the impressive
An afternoon dip never hurts – and we were recommended
National Capitol building, whose restoration began in 2010,
to do so in the pool at the Meliá Habana, the best in the city.
that will be the first postcard-worthy project to be completed.
Instead, we were satisfied by the greeting of fresh air that
Opened in 1929, its construction is often compared with that
entered El Floridita, the emblematic bar from 1817 where
of the US Capitol Building. Despite having been completed
Ernest Hemingway quenched his thirst with daiquiris. And
afterwards, works actually started on the Cuban version firs
we did the same, because it was impossible not to be carried
– in Cuba, time passes in a different way.
away by the ‘spirit of tourism’ in such a beautiful place, one of the most famous bars in the world. The live performances
This was made obvious to us as we walked through the
of Cuban artists changed our state of mind once again.
streets which, despite not having traffic lights, never have
Following this moment, our pilgrimage inevitably led us
any traffic jams. Colourful facades – many adorned with
to the Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway’s famous
signs that are written in such classic typography that they
inscription, written in his own handwriting, is hung: ‘My
become modern – brightened our vision. In many parts
mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita.’ We
of Havana, there are signs with slogans that celebrate the
savoured our rum, mint and lime drink, and were glad that
500th anniversary, such as ‘La Habana, real y maravillosa’,
Havana preserved these magical spots for us.
FRESH AIR
There are other iconic tastes for the palate, the unmixed rum (it’s best when it’s from Santiago de Cuba) and the Ropa Vieja dish, which we tasted at La Guarida after having entertained ourselves on the famous staircase of this ‘jewel’ of the city centre. Built in a 20th-century mansion, this restaurant, with its perfect temperature and walls adorned with extravagant artwork, embodies the delectable decadence of Havana. Other restaurants, like the charming Río Mar and its terrace, offer an edgier side. There, we tried huge, delicious clams, surrounded by the history of Miramar, the neighbourhood where the Cuban upper class lived in the fifties, whose traces can be found in the abandoned Riomar building. After, we enjoyed a ‘Madre Rata’ coffee (with rum and hazelnut liqueur) at Café Fortuna Joe, a modern space decorated with antiques. We later wanted to see more signs of the new Havana that is emerging from underneath its immortal beauty. At the moment, you can hear Cimafunk playing across the city, an alternative artist whose biggest fan is Susan Sarandon. You can also hear a lot of Nube Roja, a group founded by Lázaro Peña and Anthuan Perugorría, son of Jorge Perugorría. Another son of the Fresa y Chocolate actor, Adán Perugorría, has proposed to revitalize the neighbourhood of San Isidro in Old Havana through the use of art. He welcomed us in his From top to bottom, and left to right, the port of Havana; the legendary Teatro América, which opened in the 1940s; fried plantains at La Guarida restaurant.
Gorría Workshop Gallery, one of the most interesting cultural projects found in cosmopolitan Havana. Soon, in the same building, a modern restaurant called Yarini will open. Clandestina, Cuba’s leading fashion brand, can also be found in this area. And in that same wavelength but in another neighbourhood, we found the El Cocinero rooftop, a very cool gastronomic space at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, which, incidentally, is the cultural space where everything seems to be going on. The sun was setting, and we let ourselves spend some time on the Malecón esplanade to enjoy the crashing of the waves breaking on the shore whilst chatting and listening to the sound of footsteps that were coming from a dance school. It was approaching the time to leave, and we felt like we were taking a slice of Havana away with us. We also left a piece of ourselves behind, and we will never be the same again. In the Plaza de Armas, an inscription on the legendary Ceiba tree reads: ‘Do not perish in the future Havanan faith.’ Instead, we’ve decided to take it on and make it our own.
IF YOU COME TO CUBA... Unforgettable destinations
In addition to essential Havana, the island offers lots of unforgettable destinations. Meliá has 36 hotels in Cuba, located in Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Largo, Cayo Santa María, Holguín, Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Varadero, Camagüey and Cienfuegos. Varadero. Endless sandy beaches, turquoise waters and elegant resorts. If you are looking for a slice of heaven on earth, you should also visit the islands of Cayo Largo and Cayo Santa María. Viñales. Do not miss the Prehistory Mural and the Mirador de los Jazmines in this town located in the western part of the island. Trinidad. Its old town and cobbled streets are unforgettable. Do not forget to take an excursion to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, one of Cuba’s sugar regions. Santiago de Cuba. The second-oldest city on the island was the birthplace of the Revolution. Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Moncada Barracks. Cienfuegos. La Perla del Sur, or ‘The Pearl of the South’, has a strong French influence that is most visible in the José Martí Park and the Arc de Triomphe. Santa Clara. You'll want to become immortal in the Plaza of the Revolution, the monument to Tren Blindado and the Leoncio Vidal Park. Matanzas. Known as the ‘city of bridges’ and ‘the Athens of Cuba’, it’s given the country important historical figures and artists. Camagüey. Colonial beauty and unique urban architecture over the vast plains of central-eastern Cuba. Holguín. You will fall in love with its historical squares, like the bustling Calixto García, and the romantic San José. Santa Clara. Here, you can visit the mausoleum of Che Guevara.
FUN DESTINATION
Rooms with
A VIEW
Text: EDITORIAL STAFF
ME London. London. United Kingdomx
FUN DESTINATION
Meliรก Zanzibar. Zanzibar. Tanzaniax
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Meliรก Vienna. Vienna. Austriax
Gran Meliรก Rome. Rome. Italyx
FUN DESTINATION
Gran Meliรก de Mar. Majorca - Illetas. Spainx
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Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort. Ho Tram, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. Vietnam X
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See more of the world Stay Curious INNSiDE is a collection of hotels that focuses on what we should all aspire towards: a balanced lifestyle. At the beach or in the city, our distinct range of locations gives you the flexibility to move effortlessly from work to leisure and back again. Because at INNSiDE, we specialise in ensuring you always have the freedom to be yourself.
Say hello to our newest hotspots: Mallorca | Berlin | Prague | Milan | Saigon
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THE JEWEL
NEW SENSATIONS
Text: GEMA MONROY
The Ba Vi mountain range and national park, where the hotel is located.
Do you need to surround yourself with nature and truly relax? Are you ready to give yourself a break and let yourself be pampered? It's time to treat yourself with a stay at the Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat & Spa – Meliá’s fi st accommodation dedicated to wellness and well-being.
THE JEWEL
T
ake a deep breath in. Feel the power of nature
enter your lungs and let it cleanse you. Breathe out. Let go of your worries and your weariness, as well as everything you don’t need with you in the present moment. Birdsong softly floats through the air. You slowly start to open your eyes. Take your time – there’s no need to rush. Before you, a blanket of dense rainforest covers valleys and mountains almost to the horizon where – when the fog allows – you can see the city of Hanoi, 55 kilometres away. You find yourself in the Ba Vi National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Throughout its 11,372 hectares of forest, you can find caves and canyons, waterfalls and lakes, abandoned temples and ruins from the French colonial era, trails leading to sharp peaks connected in legend and mausoleums dedicated to some of the country’s founders. This breathtaking green space is a popular escape for city dwellers looking to enjoy a picnic, go for a swim, or take a hike in the mountain. The Ba Vi National Park is also an area of immense ecological and cultural value, complete with a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna, and a rich tradition of craft-making in the surrounding villages.
LET GO OF YOUR WORRIES AND YOUR WEARINESS, AS WELL AS EVERYTHING YOU DON’T NEED WITH YOU IN THE PRESENT MOMENT.
Contemplate the spectacular vistas from your scenic viewpoint on the banks of Swan Lake, where you will start your day with your first yoga and meditation sessions. It’s been a long time since you felt such peace, such fulfilment It’s exactly what you needed. The Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat & Spa is founded on the desire to help you regain your balance and your centre, as you achieve physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Meliá’s first mountain retreat dedicated to both body and soul offers visitors a holistic, personalised experience for adventurers seeking something more. Ba Vi is the national park's highest (1,296 metres) and most emblematic mountain. At the base of the mountain, where the French built their holiday mansions in the 1940s, the resort has returned the exclusive Cote 600 summit station to its former glory. The construction of the hotel on the ruins of colonial villas – in a fascinating historical area lost in nature and time, and abandoned during the war – is also part of a wider government restoration project. "Thanks to the remarkable location, the accommodations and the unique well-being experiences we offer, the Meliá Ba Vi Mountain
On the left, the inviting lobby lounge where traditional Vietnamese decor blends with colonial French influences Above, the Deluxe room complete with a balcony – ideal for taking in the scenery.
THE JEWEL
ALL ACCOMMODATIONS HAVE ECO-FRIENDLY AMENITIES, BAMBOO DETAILS AND PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN SCENERY. This resort makes it easy to disconnect, relax and enjoy nature.
Retreat & Spa is the perfect example of a luxury mountain
friendly amenities, bamboo details and panoramic views of
resort designed for stylish travellers," explains general
the breathtaking mountain scenery.
director Noemi Perez. As a key material in Vietnamese culture, bamboo also Nature, history, legends – and plenty of luxury. Conscious,
features prominently at the elegant 1902 Lobby Lounge,
respectful luxury. In perfect harmony with the magical,
where visitors can enjoy stunning views over a drink, and
mystical environment that surrounds it, the Meliá Ba Vi
the two restaurants: Senses (open all day, to delight the
Mountain Retreat & Spa preserves the elegant French
most discerning palates), and Tonkin (an Indo-Chinese
colonial architecture, while enriching it with that of the
atmosphere
traditional Vietnamese. Of the 55 rooms available, some
restaurants use food grown in the resort’s organic garden,
have garden terraces whilst others have balconies. There are
and include several local specialties on the menu, such as
also rooms with chimneys and even two-storey villas with
fried goat, wok-tossed Ba Vi orchid or the Ba Vi-style pig ear
a pool and multiple rooms. All accommodations have eco-
with freshly harvested fig
with
Vietnamese
fusion
cuisine).
Both
There are plenty of lodging options at the resort. From top to bottom, left to right: The Grand Suite; its living room; the outside of a Premium room; and a glimpse into a Premium room.
THE JEWEL
At this wellness paradise, the infinity pool (right), and the Tonkin restaurant (below), with local and organic options, will rejuvenate your overall health and well-being.
But the real heart of the resort is the YHI Spa – a space for new sensations aimed at purification and meditation, serenity and the awakening of all the senses. Everything from light, to smells, to sounds, textures, and essential oils are considered to complement a choice of treatments and holistic therapies. Based on a foundation of ancient wisdom, treatments are personalised and carried out by highly qualified staff to help you rediscover the best parts of yourself and experience new sensations. Embracing the healing power of nature, the well-being offer at the resort includes hiking and bike tours for guests to explore the most beautiful places in the national park, as well as a luxury camping experience under the stars in the summer months. Now, take a deep breath once again and prepare to enjoy everything the Meliå Ba Vi Mountain Retreat & Spa has for you.
Cala Collection by Doshi Levien H Pavilion by Kettal Studio
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Lessons in a life well lived
Siesta
Enjoying the incredible sensation of dreamy semi-consciousness shading you from the scorching heat of obligation. A quality moment that truly defines our tradition: a tradition of simple pleasures, connection to the land, respect for artistry and for thoughtful elegance in every detail. Or what we like to call: a life well lived.
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THE
GOOD LIFE
A Passion for Golf | Family | Food & Beverage | Travel Corner | Business | A New Wellness | | Awards | Winter Leisure | Training and the Future | Art and the Avant-garde | Lifestyle | |
THE
GOOD LIFE
A PASSION FOR GOLF
Practise your swing in
A DREAMLIKE SETTING in the Dominican Republic An overhead view of the Cocotal Golf & Country Club in Punta Cana.
W
ith a climate that seems
– with its elegant colonial architec-
Cana and blends in perfectly with the
made for golf, and for enthu-
ture and beachfront location – is just
Dominican landscape of Playa Bávaro.
siasts of the sport, there are few pla-
12 minutes away from Cocotal Golf,
The 18-hole course was designed by
ces like Punta Cana in terms of year-
one of the Dominican Republic’s
the famous José Gancedo and opened
round golfing. On these Caribbean
premier golf courses. Guests staying
its doors in 2000. José ‘Pepe’ Gancedo,
shores, at the breathtaking Playa
at Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa
six-time Spanish champion, designed
Bávaro, we find a luxu y resort and
have green fees waived throughout
the golf course according to the lay of
golfer’s paradise, where guests can
the year during their stay.
the land, using the natural landscape to
soak in the Caribbean lifestyle. The exclusive Paradisus Palma Real resort
Cocotal is among the most exclusive and challenging golf courses in Punta
create a circuit which is easy to remember long after finishing up a round
one of the world’s most prestigious academies: the Silver Sands Golf Academy. Since its founding in Wisconsin in 1975, their programme has helped thousands of golfers. They use V1 digital coaching software for the best video swing analysis possible.
OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE GUARANTEES ONE OF THE BEST AND FASTEST WAYS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOLFING GOALS. Personal training includes shortand long-game coaching, a practical course visit, theoretical swing lessons, game strategy, rules, etiquette, golf history, physical training, proper practice habits and ultimately, exercises and full-practice sessions to turn our students into better players, making the most of their skills. Over 30 years of experience guarantees one of the best and fastest ways to This trademark features include strategically placed trees, bunkers,
game in a friendly and welcoming environment.
achieve your golfing goals Their aim is to offer you a unique golfing xperience, with an empha-
mounds, gentle-rolling terrain with well-defined and generous fai ways,
SILVER SANDS GOLF ACADEMY
sis on the principles of the game
and of course the wind, which can
AND GOLF NEXT LEVEL TRAINING
and, above all, fun. The academy’s focuses on conveying basic con-
significantly affect pla . The use of
For those who want to improve
four sets of tee markers offers low
their game or learn how to play
cepts of continuous improvement
handicappers a challenging round,
golf during their stay at the Paradi-
to motivate and assist each player
while beginners and intermediate
sus Palma Real Golf & Spa resort,
to complete the course with as few
players can gradually improve their
the Cocotal golf course is home to
shots as possible.
Guests staying at Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa have green fees waived throughout the year during their stay.
THE
GOOD LIFE
FAMILY
Dunas Beach Resort & Spa
CHILDREN MORE THAN WELCOME Pictured above, several pools at the Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa.
S
et in a tropical paradise on Sal
with the kids at the water park and
Island, alongside the spectacular
For example, the Baby Club, for
enjoying exquisite cuisine are just
children between the ages of 6
Cape Verdean Algodoeiro beach, the
some of the luxuries you can revel in
months and 4 years of age, offers fun
Dunas Beach Resort & Spa offers the
at this all-inclusive resort, which offers
activities such as the mini check-in,
kind of facilities and services that make
a range of accommodation styles,
Meet Splash & Friends, mini snorke-
travelling with children a breeze.
including large villas, luxurious suites
lling, games on the terrace, contests,
and stylish studio apartments.
a mini buffet, dancing, a mini aqua
‘The resort’s beautiful landscaped grounds and stunning location right
Five large, freshwater pools include
gym, water floats, a mini aquati
by the ocean has everything required
outdoor and indoor children’s facili-
to create lasting and luxurious holiday
ties whilst a palm tree-lined boulevard
memories,’ explains Kais Mbarek, the
with bars, restaurants and retail out-
to 12 years old) also offers a number
hotel’s general manager. ‘It is geared
lets all make up some of the attractions
of exciting activities, similar to those
towards the needs and requirements of
which allow this hotel to be a leading
of the Baby Club but adapted for this
all families, big and small, with various
paradise destination for family travel.
age group.
along with a pool and slide, a water
CUSTOMISED SERVICES JUST
to 17 years old – activities inclu-
park, mini disco, shows, clubs for kids
FOR CHILDREN With specialised monitors for each
de graffiti workshops, DJ classes,
and teens, games, and much more.’ In addition, while the kids take
age group, the Kids Club is able to
workshops, video editing, karaoke,
part in different water games, parents
accommodate children of all kinds
football competitions, volleyball
can watch the sunset over the beach.
with activities designed by professio-
competitions, beach cleaning (Soli-
Relaxing at the YHI Spa, having fun
nals with their best interests at heart.
darity Day) and movies.
disco and films The Kids & Co Mini Club (from 5
For the Teenagers’ Club – from 13
activities for children and families,
video games, snooker, photography
THE
GOOD LIFE
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Red Level restaurant in the Palacio de Isora is
INSPIRED BY THE SEA
Above, La Terrace restaurant. On the opposite page, some of chef Jorge Peñate’s creations.
A
boutique hotel within a hotel?
La Terrace (exclusive for guests of
director of Red Level at the Hotel
Yes, the exclusive services
Red Level) has freshened its con-
Palacio de Isora. Traditional dishes – stews, soups
offered by Red Level always exceed
cept – its philosophy is now based
customer expectations, and as for the
more on the sea. ‘A menu that is
and homemade broths form the basis
culinary offerings – every last detail is
90% inspired by the ocean, where
of their cuisine, finished with a delic -
taken care of.
we find the best raw ingredients
te presentation – different techniques
This is the case for the Hotel Palacio de Isora, whose restaurant
seafood, shellfish, fish, cephalo
-
ds, seaweed’, says Lucas Toran, the
surprise the customer with a variety of textures and strong flavours
IN CHARGE OF THE KITCHEN IS CHEF JORGE PEÑATE, WHO PREPARES TRADITIONAL CANARIAN CUISINE WITH FRENCH COOKING TECHNIQUES, HINTS OF ASIAN SPICES AND UNEXPECTED FLAVOURS. In charge of the kitchen is chef Jorge Peñate, who prepares traditional Canarian cuisine with French cooking techniques, hints of Asian spices and unexpected flavours. Also the ingredients are obtained from products with a mainly Canarian origin: ‘On our menu, customers will find several dishes that are entirel locally sourced,’ says Toran. The restaurant is open for dinner and offers food à la carte as well as a five-course tasting menu which includes dessert, paired with Canarian wines and French champagne. Another more extensive menu includes seven courses and a dessert, paired with its corresponding wine, served in a private palapa with a personal waiter. ‘Guaranteed success for a special occasion like an engagement or anniversary,’ suggests Red Level’s director. The views from La Terrace restaurant are a classic which never lose their grandeur. A terrace overlooks the Atlantic, with incredible views of the island of La Gomera and Tenerife’s most spectacular sunset. ‘The best time to come is at dusk. I recommend customers start with a glass of champagne and enjoy the sunset and the changes in the light at nightfall. The flames of the stoves the candles and the glitter of the sea make La Terrace a magical and romantic place,’ Toran concludes.
THE
GOOD LIFE
INSTAGRAM TRAVEL CORNER
#TheNewMagaluf Meliá Hotels International: @melia.hotels.international
Even if you had never imagined, this is what happens in Magaluf.
@megsharris7. Sol Barbados. Mallorca, Spain. Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@amywilson_. INNSiDE Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@norah_kim_mhi. Meliá Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@life_with_the_edwards. Meliá Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain. House The Studio. Mallorca, Spain.
@wiebkembg. INNSiDE Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@veronikatumovaa. Meliá Calviá Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@amaury_dsv. Meliá Calvia Beach. Mallorca, Spain.
@alecolantuono. ME Mallorca. Mallorca, Spain.
@andreagrompone. INNSiDE @dinara_13. Sol
@lila_lourenco. Sol Barbados. Mallorca, Spain.
@carokarmann. Sol Wave House All Suites. Mallorca, Spain.
#ALifeWellLived Gran Meliรก Hotels & Resorts: @gran_melia
Gran Meliรก Hotels & Resorts into the realm of luxury emerges a bold new vision of what it means to live well, away from home.
@lirona_yaakobi. Hotel de Mar. Mallorca, Spain. Villa Agrippina. Rome, Italy. de Isora, Spain.
@albertopanal. Palacio de Isora. Tenerife - Guia de Isora, Spain.
@jocyabe. Palacio de los Duques. Madrid, Spain.
@gran_melia. Palacio de los Duques. Madrid, Spain.
@dianashealthyliving.
@nataliadelgadobello. Palacio de Isora. Tenerife - Guia
@gran_melia. Palacio de Isora. Tenerife - Guia de Isora, Spain.
@gran_melia. Hotel de Mar. Mallorca, Spain.
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THE
GOOD LIFE
BUSINESS & TOURISM
MELIÁ CASTILLA, A LEADER in the European MICE-sector hotel industry
panoramic lift. Once they arrive, the individualised attention they receive ‘perfectly fits the needs of the xecutives – presidents, CEOs, general directors, etc. – who often attend these events,’ remarked Bartolomé Casasnovas, director of Meliá Castilla. ‘They are extraordinary potential guests,’ he added. Casasnovas also highlighted The Level’s exclusive work area, reserved spaces and other comforts such as a private check-in and check-out process. Among a host of other spaces available to reserve, the director mentions that the Lounge stands out ‘not only for its facilities but also for its views of our gardens and pool, complete with personalised attention from the very beginning. Our dedicated catering staff keep the buffet up and running all day, always stocked with fresh food and drinks.’ Meliá Castilla is also home to the top-of-the-line Caroli Health Club ¬– one of the many amenities that give MICE guests a well-deserved break from their marathon-like workdays. Here they can enjoy soothing facials,
M
Pictured above, The Level Lounge at the Meliá Castilla hotel in Madrid – complete with exclusive service.
body massages, exfoliation and sigeliá Castilla has been ranked
With recent improvements to its
second in Europe in Cvent’s
cutting-edge auditorium, which can
nature ritual experiences, such as the Diamond Ritual from Natura Bissé.
2019 Top Meeting Hotels list – a
hold more than 500 people, Meliá
For those guests who are keen on
ten-step improvement from last year,
Castilla continues to highlight its
keeping fit during their sta , the hotel’s
which has catapulted the hotel to
commitment to excellence. In total, the
gym is open 24 hours a day. Not only
Spain’s top position.
hotel has dedicated more than 7,000
does it have natural lighting, but its
Leaders in event management te-
square metres to events and meeting
latest training equipment makes for an
chnology, Cvent based its rankings on
spaces, and offers 32 multifunctional
enhanced exercise experience.
an analysis of MICE-related activity at
rooms, as well as completely persona-
the hotels within its network. In 2018,
lised experiences.
What’s more, the concierge service is available for booking restaurants, entertainment, sporting activities and
the MICE sector brought more than 14 billion euros and 42 million overnight
SPECIAL BENEFITS EXCLUSIVE TO
private meeting rooms. And in order
stays to the European tourism industry.
MICE GUESTS AT THE LEVEL Additionally, Meliá Castilla boasts
to stay sharp the entire day, guests
hosted 3,000 events attended by a total
The Level – Meliá’s brand of exclu-
options at hand from morning to late
of 300,000 people, filling 100,000 room
sive services that enhance its MICE
at night. A selection of Spanish and
to host 125,000 guests, solidifying its
and bleisure offerings. To gain access
international press is also available
standing as a leader in the MICE sec-
to the completely renovated rooms
for staying up to date on what is hap-
tor in Spain – specifically in Madrid
in The Level, guests take an elegant
pening all over the world.
In the same year, Meliá Castilla
have a wide range of food and drink
Tea time is Mmmm time‌
Make time for tea with the Lipton pyramid experience.
THE
GOOD LIFE
A NEW WELLNESS
Meliá Hotels & Resorts now includes
RITUALS AMENITIES
for guests in its hotels in Spain and the EMEA region
T Rituals has designed a range of exclusive products for the Meliá group.
he Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Rituals has designed a range of
Yi Yi Ren, which has been used for
brand has chosen the well-
exclusive products for Meliá hotels.
centuries in China for its nutritional
known cosmetics brand Rituals as
The products are based on the
and medicinal properties.
its provider of guest amenities for
‘Ritual of Dao’ collection, which
their hotels in Spain and the EMEA
contains soothing ingredients like
cient Chinese philosophy that seeks to
region. Inspired by the wisdom and
White Lotus, a symbol of purity and
achieve the perfect harmony between
ancient traditions of Asian culture,
spiritual growth in the Far East, and
Yin and Yang. It comprises shower
‘Ritual of Dao’ is based on an an-
gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and body and hand lotion. The line is completed with foaming gel and deodorant available in the suites. The collaboration with Rituals was established due to the brand’s innovative character and commitment to the environment, which is based on the three pillars of reducing, reusing and recycling. Rituals is working to ensure that all their containers are 100% recyclable by 2023, and are already offering eco-friendly packaging options for creams, soaps and air fresheners. Rituals also uses FSC-certified or recycled paper to package their products. In fact, all wood used in its product packaging has a PEFC certification and is sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Meanwhile, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has positioned itself as a brand that is committed to the welfare of their guests and to promoting a balanced lifestyle. This has brought about new concepts of healthy eating and fitness, as well as revital -
sing experiences such as Vitamin C Happy Showers, mindfulness and natural bath amenities. Neil Ebbutt, Director of Travel Retail at Rituals, explains that ‘this agreement with Meliá Hotels & Resorts, one of the best known and most respected hospitality brands, highlights our commitment to
PHOTO: ANA NANCE / KENYAN TOP MODEL AJUMA TAKING A BATH WEARING A HAND-BEADED BRACELET BY MILLE COLLINES (MELIÁ SERENGETI LODGE).
strengthening our amenity offering.
'OUR GOAL IS TO OFFER AN EXPERIENCE OF COMPLETE WELLBEING THROUGH SUSTAINABLE MEANS'. This is a key aspect of our strategy to accompany our clientele at every stage of their journey: at home, at the airport, on the plane and even at their destination. We are excited to introduce the Rituals products in keeping with the philosophy and lifestyle of the Meliá brand.’ Susanna Mander, Head of Global Marketing at Meliá Hotels & Resorts, adds that ‘this collaboration with Rituals strengthens our brand positioning, which is focused on the welfare of our customers. Our goal is to offer an experience of complete well-being through sustainable means, and having Rituals as a supplier of natural amenities helps us to make that happen’.
THE
GOOD LIFE
AWARDS
of Africa, witnessing the wonders of
BEST INTERNATIONAL by Condé RESORT Nast Traveler 2019 MELIÁ SERENGETI LODGE
the wild such as the Great Wildebeest Migration. In addition to providing a unique experience, Meliá Serengeti Lodge offers guests the chance to enjoy their stay in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. The hotel monitors energy efficienc , generating approximately half the energy it consumes. It also takes a green approach to waste management, with both compost facilities and a water-bottling plant which reduces the generation of plastic waste.
Pictured above, a room in the Meliá Serengeti Lodge.
M
The Meliá Serengeti Lodge also eliá Serengeti Lodge, located
sustainable approach to its opera-
places a special focus on social initia-
in the Serengeti National
tions. Located in one of the most
tives. Among other efforts, the hotel’s
Park (Tanzania), has been recognised
beautiful natural destinations, the
food and beverage service uses local
as the Best International Resort by
hotel has been designed to prioritise
produce to support neighboring
the Condé Nast Traveler Awards
the protection of its surrounding
communities, such as the regions of
2019. The award recognises one of
environment.
Arusha and Manvara. Furthermo-
Meliá Hotels & Resorts’ flagship
The hotel offers stunning views
re, the hotel has employed several
hotels, as well as its dedication to
of the savannah, featuring natu-
Massai staff, which makes up most of
providing the best experience based
ral terraces that face the slopes of
the security team, alongside other po-
on authentic Spanish hospitality.
Nyamuma. From here, you can see
sitions. With their unique understan-
the Mbalageti River Valley. This is
ding of the Serengeti, they are able to
where guests can discover the heart
provide invaluable advice.
Meliá Serengeti Lodge is a cuttingedge hotel that takes a totally
THE
GOOD LIFE
WINTER & LEISURE
Meliá Royal Tanau
A SKIER’S DREAM The spectacular views from the rooms at the Meliá Royal Tanau.
Y
But if we’re talking about relaxa-
ou don’t need to be a good
of the best ski hotels around. Lying
skier to realise that the Meliá
1,700 metres above sea level, the
tion, then there’s nothing better or
Royal Tanau, at the foot of the
bedrooms at the Meliá Royal Tanau
more appropriate than the hy-
Baqueira-Beret slopes in the Aran
offer views of the Aran Valley and
drothermal circuit and the extensive
Valley, one of Spain’s most exclusive
the nearby ski slopes. Its wide range
menu of treatments offered at the Yhi
ski resorts, is a true gem. This five
of rooms include cosy attic duplexes
Spa. With an almost non-stop sche-
star boutique ski hotel is ideal for
for 4 people – perfect for the whole
dule that runs from 1pm to 10pm, its
those who prefer a friendly, customi-
family. The deluxe rooms are spa-
treatments include sports and rela-
sed style of service.
cious and combine modern design
xing massages, rituals, face massages,
with a relaxing colour palette. All
refl xology and much more.
After a snow-filled day with your partner or family, there comes a time
rooms are fitted with hydromassage
to relax. Right next to the Esquirós
bathtubs, including the Grand Suite
A BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
ticket offices and lifts, you’ll find on
with mountain views.
The Meliá Royal Tanau buffet has become an attraction in itself. The buffet offers hot dishes, seasonal fruit, selections of cold cuts and cheeses, bread, various flavoured olive oils, cereals yoghurts, dried fruit and juices. Besides the buffet, the hotel is home to the famous international restaurant, Eth Cauder, whose menu offers diners a gastronomical tour of the Aran Valley with local dishes, including pâté, foie, cheese, stew, Tanau steak, and more. And in addition, there’s a Snack Bar with an appetising menu, which includes one of the resort’s most sought-after dishes, the Royal Tanau hamburger – 250 g of beef with onion, roasted tomato, cured cheese and tender sprouts. The hotel also organises experiences for guests, immersing them in the local culture, from snow racquet expeditions exploring the interesting surroundings of the hotel to a picturesque Romanesque tour through the Aran Valley. And who could forget the exciting dog sledding rides also available at the resort.
PROMO
TM
From used to useful In 30 years of partnership, Diversey
After a great start in Vietnam and
soon joined by the Paradisus Cancun.
and Melia have always kept striving for
Indonesia, successfully followed
Altogether, those two properties can
outstanding guest experiences, whilst
by Myanmar and China, Melia and
create up to 2000 soap bars per month.
protecting the environment and caring for
Diversey have recently expanded Soap
Enough to make a substantial impact,
local communities in need.
For HopeTM in the Caribbean and in
and to facilitate the lives of a large
Central America.
number of children and families. And
A meaningful example is our collaboration around Soap For Hope TM, an
Daniel Lozano, Managing Director
this number keeps growing: Melia
innovative upcycling program that creates
of the Paradisus by Melia in Punta
and Diversey now ambition to jointly
economic and social value out of solid soap
Cana, Dominican Republic, pioneered
operate the program in Iguazu, Playa
waste, left behind when guests check out
the launch in the region, and was
del Carmen and Los Cabos.
of their rooms. This waste is collected, and then reprocessed with the support of nonprofit organizations and local communities to be turned into new soap bars. With this initiative we aim at: · Saving lives by providing access to free soaps to people desperate for proper sanitation, · Enhancing livelihood of local communities by providing them another way to make money for their families, · Protecting the environment by avoiding waste to go to landfill
Soap For Hope TM, an innovative upcycling program that creates economic and social value out of solid soap waste.
THE
GOOD LIFE
TRAINING AND THE FUTURE
has welcomed 23 participants from around the world. Five of those candidates belong to our company and are a clear example of the talent that Meliá brings to the sector. In this edition of the programme, we’ve been represented by our colleagues Achille Travaglini from Meliá White House (United Kingdom); Jindrich Stipek, from Paradisus Playa del Carmen (Mexico); Joana Portella, from Meliá Desert Palm Dubai (United Arab Emirates); Erick García, from Meliá Hanoi (Vietnam) and Anung Prihastomo, from Gran Meliá Jakarta (Indonesia). Being the hotel company that has brought the most talent to this edition is a matter of great pride. It gives us confidence to know tha our internal commitment is also felt and recognised externally. This pride certainly helps us to improve our customers’ experiences. Thanks to this initiative from ICEX, the participants have been able to complete exclusive training at the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastián, a temple for the study
Meliá participates in the ICEX
SPANISH GASTRONOMY Training Program
of Spanish cuisine. It was here that they learned about our most valued products like olive oil, wine and seafood, as well as acquiring other knowledge that will help to turn our hotel into a gastronomic destination. This training was completed with a ‘journey of discovery’ of different cities for participants to witness, first-hand, various culina y traditions and local produce from different places. Burgos, Segovia,
Above, a delicious tapa at El Burladero – one of the many inviting spaces at the Meliá Colón hotel in Seville.
T
Madrid, Seville and Almería were he Meliá group continues its
the Spanish Gastronomy Training
some of the places that were visited.
mission to act as an ambassa-
Program has just taken place, orga-
It was certainly a unique experience
dor for Spanish gastronomy and
nised by ICEX, the public body that
for our participants and a great asset
to remain a global benchmark by
promotes the internationalisation of
that will reinforce the talent that
offering its customers the best ex-
Spanish companies.
exists in our company and help us
perience of Mediterranean cuisine. On that note, the second edition of
This programme, aimed at catering professionals in the hotel industry,
to continue to be the largest Spanish hotel chain in the world.
THE
GOOD LIFE
ART AND THE AVANT-GARDE
ME by Meliá presents
DEEP MEDITATIONS at Sónar+D 2019
L Some of the guests (journalists and influence s) at the Sónar+D installation for ME by Meliá 2019.
ast July in Barcelona, luxury
Akten created the piece, known as
sation, with projections moving to
hotel brand ME by Meliá
Deep Meditations, by transforming
music generated from a combination
joined forces with Sónar+D for the
the concept that he had previously
of natural and synthetic sounds
second year in a row at the Sónar+D
developed at the Atrium at ME
retrieved from YouTube videos.
congress on creativity, technology
London into a dazzling immersive
and business. The congress took
experience. The 96-square-metre
Akten made a masterful presentation
the form of an imposing installation
piece sought to connect Sónar+D
about his work, allowing everyone to
that became a meeting point for the
2019 participants to their inner selves,
gain a first-hand look into his innov -
creative community, an exhibition
through a range of conceptualised
tive ways of understanding art, in turn
space which was open all day long.
meditations created by Akten himself.
giving authentic meaning to the piece.
It featured a captivating audio-visual
The meditations were accompanied
During the remainder of the Sónar+D
piece by the renowned artist Memo
by the messages that were transmit-
event, a ‘coach’ who had received
Akten, inspired by the intricate pro-
ted by this audio-visual work of art.
special training from the artist brought
cesses of the mind as well as inner self discovery.
On each day, as an added bonus,
In the installation, images and
participants on exclusive 15-minute
sounds evoked an immersive sen-
inductions into Deep Meditations.
backdrop. Lesya Starr and Andoni
Here, they were able to delve into the universe of the creator and explore the abstract processes related to nature and technology, present in the images and sounds that give shape to this space. Additionally, the ME Sitges Terramar hotel became an epicentre for the activities carried out as a result of the collaboration between Sónar+D
IMAGES AND SOUNDS EVOKED AN IMMERSIVE SENSATION
sessions that incorporated elements of Akten’s art, such as sound as a tool to heal the mind, body and soul. Thanks to its close ties with Sónar+D, ME by Meliá has strengthened its connection to artistic imagery and to Barcelona – the home of its next big opening, ME Barcelona.
and ME by Meliá. The hotel – loca-
The hotel is set to open in the
ted 30 minutes from Barcelona – put on a ‘holistic brunch’ where healthy,
Leiva led Sound Healing meditation
The hotel also incorporated a
spring of 2020 and will be located
fermented cocktails created by
spirituality and music-based activity
on Carrer de Casp and Passeig de
mixologists Dave Elliot and Magel
into its wellness program – complete
Gràcia – one of the main arteries of
Monroi took centre stage.
with beautiful views of the sea as a
the Catalan capital.
THE
GOOD LIFE
LIFESTYLE
Meliá Hotels International, with its holistic approach to leisure, business and wellness through a service and atmosphere designed to encourage
INNSiDE Calviá Beach, the first venture for the
LIFESTYLE BRAND in a resort destination
local socialising and experiences. ‘We are very satisfied to conclud our project with the arrival of the INNSiDE by Meliá brand, a new way to appreciate the transformation of the destination,’ shares Gabriel Escarrer, vice chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. ‘With 24 establishments around the world, this brand will make the hotel even more brilliant, aspiring to be a meeting place where residents and visitors can come together to discover the new Magaluf.’ The hotel offers 272 rooms decorated
Above on the left, the facade of the INNSiDE Calviá Beach hotel – comprised of two buildings linked together by the iconic suspended pool. To the right, a room with sea views.
M
in a modern, refreshing style, including eliá Hotels International has
pools that the company opened last
a selection of suites with solariums and
announced the arrival of its
year has been converted into INNSi-
direct access to the pool. Also, all of the
new brand INNSiDE in Calviá, Ma-
DE Calviá Beach. The rebranding of
rooms have a free minibar filled wit
jorca. This initiative brings INNSIDE's
its latest hotel marks the completion
organic, healthy refreshments.
definitive xperience to the desti-
of the company’s Magaluf transfor-
nation, inspired by the lifestyle of
mation project, started in 2012.
today’s travellers. This summer, the
INNSiDE by Meliá has established
hotel with the suspended, hanging
itself as one of the lifestyle brands of
Guests can start the day with a fresh, healthy breakfast at The Food Factory buffet, and afterwards, relax next to Europe’s largest hanging pools
Mediterranean, has become a
at Rooftop Nine, with its sea views and Mediterranean cuisine, a wide variety of cocktails and great music all day, as well as a summer-long programme of local events. For dinner, guests can choose from six options at Momentum Plaza, next to the hotel. This space brings together a variety of gastronomic offerings like
FOR DINNER, GUESTS CAN CHOOSE FROM SIX OPTIONS AT MOMENTUM PLAZA.
hotbed of innovative holiday experiences thanks to the renovation of more than 3,500 of Meliá Hotels International’s rooms in the area. The ‘Calviá Beach’ project has meant the transformation of the whole chain of Meliá Hotels International in Magaluf, and the creation of
Urban Food, The Good Burger, Udon,
innovative holiday concepts in res-
La Mala Vermutería, Che Restaurant
ponse to current trends. With a total
or Italian Loft. Momentum Plaza also
Beach is a hotel that’s free of single-
of almost €250 million invested by the
offers premium clothing, shoes, acces-
use plastics. Guests will find sustain -
company and its partners, Meliá has
sories and gift brands such as Mango,
ble and ecological solutions instead of
committed to rebuilding one of the
Women’s Secret, Springfield, Heymo
bottles or plastic straws. The hotel also
pioneer tourist holiday destinations in
Koala Bay and Ale-Hop.
offers bicycles to rent as an alternative
the Mediterranean, ‘giving a second
way of getting around. Moreover,
chance to Magaluf’, as put by the Vice
It’s open 24/7 so you can keep up with
the brand promotes local culture and
Chairman and CEO of the group,
your exercise routine at any time of
art as a means to help guests connect
Gabriel Escarrer.
the day. For those who need to host
with their holiday destination. The-
a work meeting, the hotel offers two
refore, the decor locally inspired, just
investment of €45 million) was the
rooms with all the equipment and
like the cuisine.
creation of Momentum Plaza – a pe-
Infit is the cutting-edge hotel gym
His latest great initiative (with an
destrian plaza fitted with well-know
technology necessary.
CALVIÁ BEACH,
fashion and restaurant brands – and a
A 360º EXPERIENCE Magaluf, one of the first holiday
new hotel characterised by its hanging
the environmental strategy of Meliá Hotels International – INNSiDE Calviá
destinations in Majorca and the
to INNSiDE Calviá Beach.
Additionally, thanks to INNSiDE by Meliá’s sustainable policies – part of
pools, which has just been rebranded
A view from underneath the glassbottomed suspended pool at the INNSiDE Calviá Beach, located on the hotel’s rooftop.
VIETNAM - INNSIDE HALONG BAY
ILLUSTRATION: FÉLIX DÍAZ DE ESCAURIAZA
NEXT DESTINATION