Mstyle #2

T HE MELIÁ HOTELS INTE RNATIONA L LIFESTYLE M AGAZ I N E

S T Y L E

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

ME BY MELIÁ LONDON ALL YOU NEED IS HERE. CARIBBEAN SUITE IN PUNTA CANA AND JAMAICA. TRENDY MADRID DISCOVER THE NEW GOLDEN AGE OF SPAIN’S CAPITAL. BLUE MAGIC MELIÁ CALA GALDANA IN MENORCA. VIENNA ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION. NEW DESTINATIONS NEW YORK AND NASSAU. GUEST EXPERIENCE OR THE ART OF OFFERING SOMETHING BEFORE YOUR GUESTS ACTUALLY WANT IT.

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EDITORIAL

T

his autumn-winter issue of MStyle will accompany you round the world again, in a reading

flight that will land, like a tireless migratory bird, onto the most beautiful hotels of each destination.

We will see how things are made ready for the peak season at some of the Caribbean perennial

destinations which are under renewal, like Jamaica – where Meliá will soon open its new Meliá Braco Village – Nassau in Bahamas, with the fascinating Meliá Nassau Beach, and Punta Cana, whose Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana resorts host the most romantic weddings and honeymoons all the year round.

Without leaving America, but going farther north, and in an urban setting, we will find out about the Innside New York NoMad hotel, whose forthcoming opening will be a milestone representing the first Meliá Hotels International hotel to open in the competitive Big Apple, as well as the debut of the Innside by Meliá brand hotel in the United States.

Our flight then comes to Europe via Madrid, a capital that is fully re-emerging after some years.

International travellers surrender to the charms of its art, hospitality, cultural life and nightlife; this cultural heritage can be perceived in an exceptional hotel that, among others, we will present in a true scoop to MStyle readers: the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, right in the heart of the Madrid de los Austrias [Habsburg Madrid], which drew inspiration from the great artist Diego Velázquez.

From Madrid we will fly to another city that is also perfect for both leisure and business: London, where the Meliá White House and ME London hotels (the latter recognised by the International Hospitality Awards as the Best hotel in the United Kingdom) and their excellent restaurants and designer bars featured in our gastronomy and fashion pages, with the international top model Nieves Álvarez as our guest star. London is also a mecca for contemporary art, and our art expert presents us a preview of the spectacular Frieze Fair, with an exceptional collaborator, art guru Guy Jennings, who also loves the ME London.

We are proud of all this, and of other surprises that you will discover inside this MStyle issue.

Thank you for “flying” with us.

STYLE

Gabriel Escarrer Jaume Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Meliá Hotels International

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THE MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

S T Y L E MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS VICE PRESIDENT,

María Umbert GLOBAL BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT,

Anthony Cortizas CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER,

Ana Rubio CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & CSR EXECUTIVE,

Gracia Vasco PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER,

Pepa Olmedo CORPORATE BRAND & MARKETING SERVICES DIRECTOR,

Enric D’Abadal GLOBAL BRAND MARKETING MANAGER

Alba Bustamante CORPORATE BRAND & MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER,

Mario Tirado GLOBAL PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT PUBLISHED BY EDICIONES CONDÉ-NAST S.A. EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sandra del Río ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Vital R. García Tardón EDITORIAL OFFICE

Rosa Marqués (DEPUTY EDITOR) Andrea Morán (PHOTO EDITOR AND FEATURE PRODUCTION) Andrés Acosta (FASHION EDITOR) CONTRIBUTORS

Marcela Cabal, Daniel Balda, Alex del Río, Cristóbal Prado, Jaime Vert.

ILLUSTRATORS: Jaime Martínez, Jorge Arranz.

FEATURE WRITERS: Alvaro Anglada, María Bayón, José Forteza, Sara Morillo, Arantxa Neyra, Carmen Reviriego, Mario Suárez.

TRANSLATOR: Paloma Gil COPY EDITORS: Monique Fuller, Tom Skipp.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

RESEARCH

Reyes Domínguez (DIRECTOR) Eva Vergarechea.

PRODUCTION

Francisco Morote (DIRECTOR) Rosa Vicente, Juan Ignacio Bocos, Fernando Bohúa.

PHOTO LAB: Espacio y Punto. PRINTING: Rotocobrhi y AGS. BINDING:

Felipe Méndez M-17889-2015

CATALOGUE No.

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.

A view of the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, on the island of Tenerife – a hotel designed like a great palace of pavilions, towers and gardens.

Photo: Álex del Río.

Drink in moderation. 11,5ยบ

THE MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

N o .2 A U T U M N / WIN T E R 2 0 1 5

CONTENTS

S T Y L E COVER PHOTO: In the ME London hotel’s lobby, next to the Marconi Lounge, the model Nieves Álvarez wears a black dress with asymmetric cutouts, by Sportmax.

Shoes by Jimmy Choo.

Photography: Alex del Río Styling: Andrés Acosta

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SPA

THE GOOD LIFE

Our latest news to showcase the essence

efficiency, together at a well-known spa.

of Meliá Hotels International.

84

142

FASHION

The avant-garde ME London is a perfect place for fashionistas.

Top model Nieves Álvarez tells us why.

96

THE HOTTEST WINTER

Ski hotels and resorts.

146

AWARDS

The most prestigious company in the WHAT TO DO IN

London’s SoHo: Don’t leave the city without visiting it.

100 16

141

Tenerife’s island spirit and Clarins’s

Spanish tourist sector.

148

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Culinary tradition at the Caray ART

We visit Frieze, London's great

restaurant, in Madrid’s Golden Mile.

contemporary art fair and interview Guy

150

Essential items for your trips.

Jennings, a guru of contemporary art.

A unique course by the Mediterranean.

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104

152

SO COOL

NEW DESTINATIONS

ARCHITECTURE

A PASSION FOR GOLF

SUSTAINABLE COMMITMENT

In the Bahamas, right on the beachfront,

Art and architecture are in Vienna’s

Did you know that 90% of travellers

or in the heart of New York’s NoMad.

DNA and at the new Meliá Vienna.

would choose a sustainable hotel?

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112

154

SWEET & SUITE

THE OBSERVATORY

BUSINESS TOURISM

Would you like to celebrate your wedding

We analyse Meliá Hotels International’s

Meetings and events that will always

in the Caribbean? In the Dominican

seven brands in depth.

be successful.

124

158

Republic that’s what they specialise in.

44

THE JEWEL

OUR PARTNERS

The Hotel Meliá Cala Galdana in

The new openings, collaborations and

Two philosophies, two unique

Menorca is the leading star

agreements that are helping us grow.

restaurants and two unique bars

of this section on unique hotels.

in London.

Its location is a dream.

58

GOURMET

132

IN THE CITY

160

IN THE FIRST PERSON

Joan Punyet Miró, the artist’s grandson, TRENDY

Art, shopping and culture at

Jamaican lifestyle? This colonial resort

the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques

makes the ideal base.

is our guest contributor for this issue.

162

NEXT DESTINATION

in Madrid, or how to follow

Meliá Hotels International lands in

Velázquez’s steps.

Shanghai, Asia’s financial capital.

“We don’t believe in weaknesses but in opportunities, and in the courage and commitment to achieve that” André Gerondeau (Page 117)

SO COOL BEAUTY RITUAL PRODUCTION: ANDRÉS ACOSTA PHOTOGRAPHY: OLGA MORENO

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365 SKIN REPAIR, by Lancaster: preventive anti-aging skincare.

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RESVERATROL CRÈME TISANE DE NUIT, by Caudalie: anti-wrinkle night cream to regenerate skin.

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SO COOL SHORT TRIP, LIGHT LUGGAGE

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1 2 3

New destiNAtiON

Nassau

Bahamian life

text: JOsé FORteZA / phOtOs: GettY

Certain things are not easily explained. One of them is “the Zurich of the tropic” alias for an emerald bud sprouting in the Caribbean sea visited every year by three million people who come here to enjoy the sun, its crystal-clear waters and enchanting views of corals – a place where you can walk about in sandals and shorts in december.the attraction of other destinations simply pales in comparison.

From left to right, a ride in a horse carriage in Road Bay; a beach bar in one of the hotel suites, and below, a general view of beachfront Meliá Nassau Beach.

W

hether you arrive by air or

by sea, this land will not receive you

sea and to the hotels where we are

with polite smiles. Instead, there

to take off the clothes we came in.

is a raucous laughter in its people

This simple and automatic gesture of

that contrasts with the almost

newcomers will mark the beginning

inimitably sensual pace of the way

of a true healing ritual which will rid

everything moves – from hips to

us of the heavy burden of our daily

clock hands. The “Bahamian time”

lives, and perhaps will even allow

is a measure of total surrender to

us to let our smartphones rest for a

hedonism that becomes a condition

while – along with the voyeuristic

to be accepted in the largest of the

drive they inspire in us, and its

Bahamas Islands and its capital city.

reverse too, our obsession with being

As if wanting to prove that they

seen on social networks.

did not come already embedded

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But your eyes will wander to the

The recent opening of the Meliá

in the landscape, the city possesses

Nassau Beach has been a wise

a diverse mixture of modern

decision in every respect. First of

buildings, old British colonial

all, for its location overlooking

constructions and reminiscences

Cable Beach – a spectacular beach

from a past infected with the Deep

of very fine white sand and crystal-

South style of the USA.

clear waters. From dawn to sunset, the spectacle of Nature convinces you that paradise really does exist despite its trite and much-disputed concept. The creators of this temple of hospitality did their best to

achieve comfort, ease, practicality

– and all three are by the sea. In

and access to enjoyment for its

order to leave your stress behind,

guests. Not only are its rooms

this area has also a water massage

are fitted with everything that a

area amidst gardens.

demanding traveller can expect: in

Besides aquatic sports, there is

addition, when you look out at the

another kind of sport that many

world from them, you are rewarded

are keen to practice in Nassau:

with the most fabulous views.

shopping. This is on the agenda of

Evidently, with destinations such

most of travellers, who should not

as this, the proximity of the ocean

miss the Straw Market, Port Lucaya

will always prevail over all other

marketplace, the International

choices. The sea in The Bahamas

Bazaar or the Perfume Factory,

is warm almost all year round,

where all quality international

and very safe. In Nassau there are

brands can be found, from Fendi

equipment and expert advice for

and Gucci, to Dior and Cartier. You

practising any aquatic sport – from

will always be surprised with the

surf to snorkelling. There is room

silver, gold and Colombian emerald

for all of them. The area of the Meliá

jewellery. Craftwork, with a mixture

Nassau Beach is wonderful, but

of British influence and the roaring

for those who prefer a swimming

intensity of the African Yoruba, fills

pool, there are three of them with

the streets. However, knowledgeable

lifeguards, waterfalls, wet bar service

tourists will avoid shopping in the vicinity of the port, where cruise ships dock. It is worthwhile to walk a bit further towards the town’s centre. Moreover, it is a good idea to consult with the concierge at the Meliá Nassau Beach to avoid tourists’ traps.

There are some unmissable outings that cannot be found anywhere else. The memorable Museum of Pirates of Nassau (www.pirates-of-nassau.com) is one of them, reflecting that Bahamas was an epicentre of the respectable occupation of privateering and, thanks to this it conserves exceptional visual anthology of those days. But today, The Bahamas prefers to pursue the goal of becoming an important financial centre with more than 400 banks in which millions of dollars and euros

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21

From left to right and from top to bottom, a general view of the hotel; fresh fish at the Cilantro restaurant; The Level Junior Suite (51 m²); and the Black Angus steakhouse.

MELIÁ NASSAU BEACH HOTEL Located on Cable Beach, north of the island, its 694 rooms and 32 suites, all of them with a private balcony or courtyard and bathroom are the perfect refuge from which to explore

dance, and with historic buildings

offers an excellent choice of food

the island.The hotel has also six restaurants with different

such as the Government House,

without leaving the hotel. Aqua is

specialities: Italian and Mexican cuisines, tapas, more casual

the Parliament, the Court and the

a restaurant specializing in rustic

food by the sea... but its excellent Nikkei restaurant is

Cathedral, not to mention its 18th-

and exquisite Italian food. For meat

more than appealing. Its Peruvian chef dazzles everybody with

century colonial forts.

lovers, O’Grille is a typical American

his interesting tasting menu – so much so, that you will have

grill with excellent cuts. Of course,

to book in advance.The hotel’s exclusive The Level service,

going out on excursions, it’s time to

you have the quick, comfortable and

for travellers who seek privacy above all, offers VIP accesses,

treat oneself to the local fare. Nassau

all-day-long alternative – the buffet –

upgrade, premium drinks, spaces reserved in the beach area, and

has a remarkable gastronomy, in

always abundant and well assorted.

a customised concierge service so that all the guests’ dreams

which fish and seafood are the best

For a drink, the Lobby Bar Esta Vida

can come true.Among the activities offered by this (all inclusive)

choices. One of the most popular

presents a well-designed cocktail,

hotel, you will find from kayaks to snorkelling along the beach

dishes here is fish’n’grits, baked

tropical drinks and wine list to go

and sea water bikes (Nassau, Bahamas; www.melia.com).

fresh fish with corn dough. Another

with delicious signature tapas.

After swimming, shopping and

speciality is stew fish, fresh fish

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All attempts to explain a

cooked with parsley, tomato, onion

destination such as this can only

and different spices. But the big

lead to comparisons with itself. The

star is the conch, which is served

colours of Nature and the smell of

fried, baked, in a salad or roasted,

the air, and history, are emphatically

with cereals or rice and frijoles

different here: this is the coral key

[beans]. The Meliá Nassau Beach

in which Marión Bethel’s poetry lives, and where forgoing egotism for enjoyment is really worthwhile – and if you can do all this by setting up camp in the Meliá Nassau Beach, so much the better.

˜

NEW DESTINATION

NEW YORK

BEYOND THE CLOCK In the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown, in the new NoMad district, cosmopolitan life goes on 24 hours a day, so it’s no wonder that this city is the centre of the world.This is where the new Innside NewYork NoMad hotel will open.

Above, the clock at 200 Fifth Avenue, installed in 1909 when the Fifth Avenue Hotel was demolished.

Right, the Flatiron Building, and a view of the North of Madison Square neighbourhood; and below, the Shake Shack terrace.

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24

O

to it there is usually a hot-dog stand

of the world: New York City. This

and 23rd Street is a giant sidewalk

and a handful of tourists wanting

skyscraper marks the boundary

clock that serves as a guide for New

to take one of the most iconic

of a neighbourhood that has been

York – a city where time makes you

photos in the city. It is clear why,

gathering momentum in the city:

go faster yet also isolates you. It is

as behind this classic clock stands

NoMad – an acronym for North of

a gilt baroque clock perched on an

the Flatiron, a triangular-shaped

Madison Square Park – well-known

Ionic column with the words “Fifth

skyscraper erected in 1902 and the

for the hectic lives of the executives

Avenue Building” on its face. Next

second most photographed in New

in the area, its lovers of shopping

York after the Empire State Building.

and the couples who wander

Stopping in front of this clock,

through this popular and lively

with the impressive and ship-like

green part of Manhattan, enjoying

form of the Flatiron behind it, you

their first kiss. Strolling through

will feel that you are at the centre

here will make you feel like a true

n the corner of Fifth Avenue

TEXT: MARIO SUĂ REZ / PHOTOS: WONDER ON WORLD / AGE / GETTY

New Yorker. Madison Square Park

who decide to take a quick break

is a bustling recreational area in the

from work and grab a great bite

heart of the city where cosmopolitan

at one of the outdoor tables that

life only stops for a few seconds,

surround this eatery. Top chefs and

perhaps to eat a sandwich as many

Michelin-star winners have said on

of the office workers in the area do,

more than one occasion that this is

or to enjoy what they say are the

the place where they come to eat

most delicious hamburgers in the

hamburgers. New Yorkers, of course,

city – those prepared by the Shake Shack restaurant, located in the park itself. Looking like a refurbished hot-dog cart, its hot dogs and fries daily feed businesspeople in a hurry

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25

knew that way before. NoMad is

so that any visit to the Big Apple will

also an area that is a few metres from

be all-encompassing and perfect,

Times Square where sophisticated

whether it is a business or a holiday

leisure activities have found a niche

trip. “There will be a spectacular bar

over recent years. Many fashionable

in the lobby, and a restaurant will

venues and restaurants – crowded

serve contemporary cuisine. Our

with celebrities – have opened in

goal is to position it in the city, and

the space of a few months, turning

in the surrounding neighbourhoods,

this area into one of the liveliest

as a new destination – a spot to

and where you can enjoy a classic

become a meeting place – and a very

cocktail at some of its rooftop bars.

dynamic one at that,” comments

Proof of the district’s resurgence as

Tejeda. Very close to this hotel is

an area of leisure is the forthcoming

the legendary Jazz Standard (116

opening of establishments such

East 27th Street), one of New York’s

and happy. But those who are well-

as Innside New York NoMad: a

historic places for good jazz. You

acquainted with New York know

20-storey hotel that will open its

don’t need to be a purist to enjoy a

that, despite the overwhelming

doors in 2016 and is just a short

concert featuring new jazz talents

views from this iconic skyscraper, the

walk from the Empire State Building

over dinner or a beer at the Blue

most magical photo you can take on

and Times Square. On 27th Street –

Smoke (bluesmoke.com) – a very

your visit is from the 70th floor of the

between Sixth Avenue and Seventh

well-known barbecue restaurant in

Rockefeller Center – the so-called

Avenue – it is also very close to

this area. Jazz is part of New York’s

Top of the Rock. The surprise offered

Madison Square Garden and Penn

philosophy of life, and a visit to one

by this 1939 building is not just its

Station. “The hotel is located in the

of these venues devoted to this kind

height – 256 metres – but the fact

new and flourishing neighbourhood

of music will give you more insight

that, with its 360º views, it really is

of NoMad – an area that is becoming

into the soul of this big city.

the balcony over the whole of New York City, including the Empire State

increasingly popular in Manhattan

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– targeted to the new generation

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

and the Chrysler Buildings. From

of millennials. The hotel is modern

If you have chosen to stay in New

any of its large terraces you will take

and elegant, with minimalist interior

York’s NoMad neighbourhood,

the snapshot that you had in your

design and a palette of soft colours

there are two routes you can take.

mind’s eye when you left home and

that captures the essence of a newly

Its perfect location in the heart of

you will understand that this truly is

youthful New York City,” explains

Midtown can take you towards the

the centre of the Western world.

Álvaro Tejeda Schroeder, Meliá

south of Manhattan, neighbouring

Hotels International’s Regional

SoHo and the West Village, where

FLAVOUR CROSSOVER

VP for the Americas. Innside New

shopping is like a sport and you

New York is a surprising cultural

York NoMad will have 313 rooms, a

might just find a film star having

crossover, an incredible melting

restaurant, a bar and meeting rooms

coffee next to you. Or, if you head in

pot of possibilities for leisure and

the opposite direction, you can go towards Central Park and go up the Empire State Building to appreciate the scale of a mesmerising city that will leave you speechless, astonished

Above these lines, The Rink, at the Rockefeller Center.

Top, a performance at the iconic Jazz Standard (close to the new hotel), and a classic burger at Blue Smoke (also in the NoMad neighbourhood).

www.leds-c4.com

Medusa series by GROK

Left, the fascinating MET. Below, Eataly’s gastronomic megaspace devoted to Italian food; and the entrance and façade of the Innside New York NoMad hotel.

culture. The NoMad neighbourhood has one of the most interesting and popular gastronomic temples for New Yorkers, Eataly (200 5th Avenue). This mega-space devoted to Italian cuisine has a restaurant and a shop selling a thousand gadgets that pay tribute to spaghetti.

But if you want to have a hot meal, visit Cozy (739 Broadway with Astor Place), a space devoted to soups. This is one of the most famous diners in the area, offering

and onion soups should be part

36 types of hamburgers and has

of the city’s protected heritage. In

the traditional look of this kind of

New York you can eat very well,

all-American establishment. It is

even though when you visit for the

open 24 hours a day and its tomato

first time you might not think so. Its

flavours will remain in your memory forever – just like the clock in front of the Flatiron.

A STYLISH,TASTY AUTUMN

Autumn and winter in New York are enlivened with sport and cultural events ranging from its legendary

STYLE

THE INNSIDE NEW YORK

Marathon (NY2015.com) on 1st

NOMAD HOTEL

November, to the exhibition that the

The opening of the first hotel of the Meliá

Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET;

Hotels International group in New York is

1000 5th Ave; metmuseum.com)

scheduled for 2016 and its excellent location

will devote to the international

makes it one of the most eagerly anticipated.

style-icon Jacqueline de Ribes,

The new hotel will occupy a 20-storey

on until January. And if you are

building on West 27th Street, between Sixth

in the city for the last Thursday

and Seventh Avenues, just a few minutes

in November, remember that

from the Empire State Building, and not far

restaurants serve a Thanksgiving

from Times Square. It will have 313 rooms,

Day menu: an American tradition

plus a restaurant, bar and meeting rooms.

that should not be missed.

The group’s CEO Gabriel Escarrer spoke about the group’s expansion strategy,“We identified a series of big cities whose Latin influences and cosmopolitan nature offer an extraordinary developmental potential for our brands”.This is certainly the case for a destination like New York.

˜

www.teka.com

Barefoot wedding SWEET & SUITE

AT A CARIBBEAN BEACH

If you are thinking of getting married by the sea accompanied by a small group of guests, in Dominican Punta Cana they specialise in weddings and can make that day memorable. At the romantic Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana hotels all your dreams can come true.

Text: ROSA MARQUÉS Photos: DANIEL BALDA, GETTY.

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The beaches of Punta Cana invite you to discover the seabed beyond. Out of the water, the feel of the sand and the colours of the sea are perfection.

I

t was a cold morning in Europe. It was November,

soft sand, the palm trees swaying in the breeze and a pair

and it was raining intermittently. To make things worse, it

of lovers kissing by the sea: “We want to share our love

was a Monday and the metro was crowded with tired and

with you,” read the card. Below, was the hotel’s name –

expressionless faces. It sounds like the script for a day like

Paradisus Palma Real, in Punta Cana – and the date and

any other in a city like any other. However, on the not so

time of the ceremony.

distant horizon of my plans, the Caribbean shone.

My best friend was thus fulfilling one of her dreams:

Some months ago, a fantastic invitation to my best

marrying the man of her life in her favourite place in the

friend’s wedding in Punta Cana arrived in my letterbox.

whole world and in the hotel to which she would return

Now, in the middle of the Northern hemisphere’s winter,

time and time and again every year around the same time.

with a leaden grey sky over my head and bundled up in

“December in the Caribbean is perfect,” she had told me

a scarf and jacket, the idea of walking barefoot on white

so many times. I could not miss this wedding. Neither

sand in my swimsuit with the sun caressing my skin had

did I want to. The bride and groom had so often talked

become a talisman for positive energy – my saving mantra.

to me about the gentleness of the Dominican Republic’s

The wedding invitation had a card in it showing an

landscape and its people that I arranged my flight well

idyllic landscape. Yes, the place where the wedding

ahead of time and booked a room at the Paradisus Palma

would be celebrated. The sun shining over the turquoise

Real in Punta Cana. I was sure it would be worthwhile.

sea seemed to be rocked by the smooth waves. The clean,

At last, the day came. Punta Cana differs from other Caribbean destinations thanks to its people, its warmth, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff at the hotels – more than other Caribbean places. In fact, it is the Caribbean’s top destination (with the highest number of hotel beds) after Cancun. Regular visitors told me how wonderful I would find it, and related their unforgettable experiences. I had also read in travel guides and specialised magazines that the Paradisus Palma Real Resort Golf & Spa Resort and the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort hotel (very close to each other) had become two

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Left, a peaceful corner in the Paradisus Palma Real Resort Golf & Spa lobby. Below, the fountains, whose murmur enlivens the entrance hall of the resort, with the Caribbean Sea in the background.

high-end, all-inclusive icons in the

From top to bottom, a wedding gazebo over one of the swimming pools.The resort has three outdoor swimming pools surrounded by gardens.

Below, the new Lounge at the high-end Royal Service with exclusive areas and services, such as concierge, included.

region. In fact, the Meliá Hotels International group was one of the pioneers in developing the area of Punta Cana, and the company’s approach of always being innovative ensured the worth of their hotels in the area; something to value highly in a region with a very wide range of hotel choices.

The fact is, Punta Cana has been

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very popular internationally as a beach destination for

Caribbean. If you add to that the natural charm of the

years, and the building of its spectacular Marina and

Dominicans, their joie de vivre, the music that permeates

residential areas such as the exclusive Cap Cana have

everything, the country’s gastronomy and the quality

raised the bar even further. Since the 1970s, these 50

and exclusivity of its hotels, it should not come as a

kilometres of coastline in the east of the country on the

surprise that Punta Cana is still the top destination in the

Costa del Coco have gone from being a group of fishing

Caribbean.

villages to a leading world tourist destination. They say that

As soon as I arrived at Punta Cana international airport,

its developers (spearheading it was the Dominican Frank

I rang my friend (the bride) and her future husband,

Elias Rainieri, a visionary who was first inspired here at

who had already been there for three days arranging

the age of 24) never thought that the name of the resort

everything. She was so excited! She chatted non-stop

would be famous all over the world, but the gradual arrival

through nervous laughter and what seemed to be tears.

of internationally-renowned, high-profile inhabitants such

From her rushed monologue, I managed to understand

as the designer Oscar de la Renta (a sort of godfather to

that she was talking about “wedding coordinators”, make-

the area, as he always proudly spoke of his Dominican

up trial runs, her spectacular bridal suite, the massages

origins) and singer Julio Iglesias, gave the place the backing

she was having, her dress by Oscar de la Renta – and

it needed. Today, its airport receives 64% of the total flights

also that someone from the hotel was waiting to collect

coming to the country, and the destination itself welcomes

me at the airport. I relaxed... While I listened to her voice,

3.4 million tourists and brings in $4 billion per year,

so choked with emotion, I opened my nostrils wide and

generating 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect ones. All this

breathed in the pleasant wafting humidity that was in

makes this paradise a truly unique place in the world.

the air. With my eyes wide open I did not miss a detail of

Its 50 kilometres of spectacular beaches summarise all

this picturesque international airport with its delightfully

that you could ever dream of when thinking about the

open and tropical atmosphere. The cane ceilings, the rustic stone, the structures in eucalyptus wood... I must admit that I could not think of any other airport with so much personality of its own. An incredible happiness was flooding over me for the simple fact of being here, in Punta Cana.

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So wherever you go you will always have Solan de Cabras to hand, to enjoy water that is more than water.

From left to right and from top to bottom, a wedding gazebo in the resort’s garden; riding on Punta Cana’s beaches; evening at the Gabi Beach club; newly weds on the beach; and below, the Spa’s water circuit; a view of the fountains surrounded by the resort’s colonial colonnade, and interior of the Red Lounge bar.

At some point in the conversation I must have hung up, or maybe the bride did, because the next thing I remember is following a smiling girl carrying a sign with my name and the hotel’s name on it. Of the 20-minute drive to the Paradisus Palma Real, located right in the heart of Playa Bávaro, I can really

arrived at the hotel, the thought of

only recall my happy heart and the chauffeur’s infectious

the European December cold and

kindness and joy.

rain in my city made me burst out

The feeling on arriving at the hotel was also

laughing. I was really lucky.

unforgettable. From the majestic colonial-style lobby,

My belongings were taken to

I saw the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea greeting me in

my room, a luxurious Junior Suite

the distance. The emotion caused by so much beauty

with a separate bedroom and living

overwhelmed me. The murmur of the fountains, the

room. Mahogany furniture, marble

sweet fragrance that floated in the air, the freshness of

floors and a terrace overlooking the

the tropical fruit juice that I was offered… For me, the

seemingly endless exotic garden that

wedding had already started, and I wanted to live that

surrounds the hotel. From my terrace

unique moment of bliss with all of my senses.

I could also see one of the resort’s

At that precise and indescribable moment when I

three swimming pools – an emblem of the luxury all-inclusive hotel.

Quickly, before I could awaken

WHERE TO EAT

from my dream, I put on my

There is no doubt that the best

swimsuit to make a dream I had had

restaurant in Punta Cana is at the

for months come true: swimming

Paradisus hotels: Martin Berasategui,

in warm, crystal-clear waters in the

who has seven Michelin stars, serves

middle of December. The wedding was the next day at

at Passion restaurant signature cuisine.

dusk, and I wanted to enjoy my stay before meeting the

Try its eleven-course tasting menu and

other guests at the reception party that the bride and

let yourself be pampered by one of the

groom were throwing in that evening.

best chefs in the world. But if you feel like

buffet, where I tried some Creole dishes that were part of

casual types of eateries, there are other

the huge offering of international food, I went to my room

options that range from the delicious

to relax for a while and get ready for the party.

homemade pizzas baked in a wood oven,

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Above these lines, Martin Berasategui’s Passion restaurant, and top, the Naos restaurant.

After having lunch facing the sea at the Naos restaurant

leaving the hotel and trying other more

Here in the Caribbean, 5 o’clock in the afternoon is a

and excellent – and also homemade

good time to have a drink before dinner as the sun sets at

– pastas, accompanied by good wines

around six thirty. So, at 5 o’clock I was ready. At the Gaby

and a great atmosphere in the gardens

Beach Club the atmosphere was changing just then –

of the Punto Italia ristorante (Plaza

thanks to a change in the lighting and decoration – from a

Fruisa, Bávaro). If you prefer a restaurant

beach club with comfortable Balinese daybeds it becomes

where quality meat is a hallmark, try the open-air terrace of the

one of the best night clubs in Punta Cana, with live shows

Outback Steakhouse (Palma Real Shopping Village, Bávaro, El

and music to dance to all night long. On its terrace, in the

Cortecito) inspired by Australia’s adventurous spirit, or check

light of the first candles to be lit and with the sea always in

out the delicious seafood and fresh fish at the Jellyfish Beach

the background, I had a margarita while the twelve other

restaurant (km 0, Bávaro; jellyfishrestaurant.com), a well-known beach club on Bávaro, built using materials such as wood, stone, and cane for the ceilings that endow it with a charming tropical feel.The restaurant’s two floors have panoramic views of the entire beach.

BEACHES FROM NORTH TO SOUTH Along its 50 kilometres of beaches, that include the remarkable Playa de Arena Gorda, Playa Bávaro, Playa Ubero Alto, Playa Macaco, Playa El Cortecito, Cabeza de Toro, Cabo del Engaño, Playa de Punta and Playa Juanillo, Bávaro Beach is always among the first places in the rankings for the best Caribbean beaches, and was designated one of the best beaches in the world by UNESCO for its very white, fine sand and its crystal-clear waters. In addition, you can also dive and snorkel in the area, hire a catamaran or a helicopter for a getaway to another part of the Dominican Republic, enjoy nature hikes and visit caves, learn to surf, etc.

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lucky wedding guests arrived as did the bride and groom.

The next morning we all spent a fun day at the beach,

My friend looked truly beautiful. She had chosen an

but we were already a little nervous. My friend told me

ethereal coral cocktail dress for the occasion and she

that at this hotel about 600 weddings are celebrated each

seemed to float among the guests. She wore spectacular

year, and that it was one of the most popular destinations

earrings of emeralds and larimar, a stunning blue

to get married in in Punta Cana (to ensure the privacy and

gemstone only found in the Dominican Republic.

excellence of the ceremonies, no more than two weddings

After one of her trips, she had told me the story of the

are held each day).

Dominican larimar discovered by a priest in Barahona,

The bride disappeared after a light lunch and the rest

in the south east of the island. These particular earrings,

of the women guests decided to indulge in the charming

a gift from her future husband, were an elegant design

hands of the young masseuses at the Yhi Spa. The

in white gold with emeralds and diamonds by Brazilian

reception area, in earthy colours, already looked like a

designer Andree Guittcis: absolutely fabulous, they made

sanctuary to us. Just the fragrances, the music and the

her beautiful face look even more delicate, and her green

lights made me feel I had shed years, even before the

eyes shone with a depth and an intensity that I had hardly

massage and the water spa circuit. I had opted for an

ever seen before – and I must say that I have known those

Ayurvedic natural cosmetic treatment with products by

eyes for almost my entire life.

Natura Bissé. The hour and a half that we spent in that oasis felt like two minutes. We had just time enough to get ready for the wedding.

The day and the moment that all the guests attending had dreamt about had arrived. The date that I had marked in my diary months ago and which had become a restorative mantra, was here at last. To get married by the sea at dusk, surrounded by a small group of guests (parents, siblings and close friends) and to then have dinner on the beach surrounded by palm trees and feeling the breeze of the sea was certainly the best plan in the world for a wedding. At least, it was to me.

The way things were set up on the beach was discreet and romantic. The sunset was perfect, and over the sea the effect in the sky was a spectacular dance of blues and greens. The bride and groom had made the right choice.

The setting on the sand and the beach were much more romantic for saying “Yes, I do” to each other than a gazebo in the garden or over the swimming pool... eventually the bride appeared.

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Left, another wedding gazebo over a swimming pool next to Punta Cana Beach.

Below, the Bridal Suite, with all the preparations in place.

Embrace the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive resort experience. Offering exquisite cuisine, award-winning spas, lavish accommodations and utterly pampering personalized service in the world’s most spectacular oceanfront locations.

The Pure Freedom to Just Be • Royal Service (exclusively for adults) • Life enriching activities (tango lessons and wine tasting) • Private Pools & Beach Areas with Bali Beds & Valet Service • Family Concierge (personalized vacation experience for families) features a full compliment of VIP services and amenities including private beach and pool areas with valet service.

For more information contact your travel agent, or visit MELIA.COM CUBA

I

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

I

MEXICO

I

CO S TA R I C A ( CO M I N G S O O N )

A Meliá Hotels International Brand

Her simple, romantic white dress was a personal

was to take place. First we toasted the new couple with

homage to the recently deceased Dominican Oscar de la

champagne. I can still remember that precise instant with

Renta. For the occasion, the bride and groom had asked

all the smiling guests, the sunset in the background and

their guests to attend barefoot, dressed in pastels, cream

the soft sea breeze. The light was perfect. Being barefoot

or white. The bride looked spectacular.

gave us that freedom and contentment that seemed to

Everything about the ceremony was very moving.

glow from our faces. I must admit that it was one of the

There were three readings, one of which was mine, the

most special days I can remember, and definitely the most

common thread for which was the value of the friendship

beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Full of love, happiness,

and the respect that had guided our relationship since

emotions, laughter and tears in an intimate ambience and

we were little girls. Of course I was so moved that there

an incomparable setting – simply perfect.

were moments when I thought I would not be able to finish reading. Finally, the newly-weds left, bringing the

˜

ceremony to an end – now husband and wife –, walking

PARADISUS PALMA REAL ALL-INCLUSIVE GOLF & RESORT

along a path that we had strewn with rose petals. And,

“No other hotel in this area offers what we do on arrival,” the hotel’s general manager

when we least expected it, a string quartet suddenly

Conrad Bergwef confidently claims “This hotel has a unique colonial style, and from

started playing Vivaldi’s Spring allegro beside the tables

its lobby you can see the turquoise and blue of the Caribbean Sea”. Very close to this

arranged on the palm-fringed beach where the banquet

484 luxury room resort, distributed over 3-floor buildings – 200 of which offer Royal Service, with their own exclusive spaces – is another Paradisus hotel: the Punta Cana Resort,“a hotel integrated into Nature where environmental sustainability is one of its great strengths.” In addition, and commenting on the latter, he says “Here we have unique gardens and villas for those who look for greater privacy.” All in all, there are 694 rooms comprising villas, suites, bungalows, and rooms with views. Both hotels organise weddings and events, and in the evenings “lighting plays an important role, creating unique effects in the gardens and the restaurants”. Both hotels “are icons within the Meliá Hotels International portfolio". Playa de Bávaro, Av.Alemanio, Punta Cana; www.melia.com.

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From top to bottom, a general view of the Paradisus Palma Real resort, right on the beach in Punta Cana; 75-m² Junior Suite with views of the garden, decorated in Caribbean colours, dark mahogany furniture and marble floors; and the 500-m² Royal Service Suite terrace with a jacuzzi and views of the sea.

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GOURMET

BARRY VERA

STK: a lounge or a restaurant,

steak your claim

The One Group, that manages this steakhouse, decided to open here: starting its European adventure right here on the ground floor of the ME London hotel.

Its name, STK, hides the two vowels in the word steak, but if there is anything that is not hidden from diners it is meat – not just any meat, but a variety of cuts of American meat in a range of portion sizes. Although it is their speciality, it is not the only food they serve and, apart from their substantial signature dishes, such as Lil’ BRGs, Parmesan Truffle Fries and Shrimp Rice Krispies, they also offer organic vegetables and fresh fish.

Just like Cinderella, but at 10pm, STK transforms after dinner. Its dress code suggests that women wear highheels, recommends that men wear a blazer, and it does not allow shorts and flip-flops. When the coffee spoons

Barry Vera is The One Group’s head chef for Europe and also manages the other spaces at the ME London hotel: the Italian Cucina Asellina restaurant and the Radio Rooftop bar where cocktails are served that offer the best views of London – the views from this old theatre that overlooks the whole Strand and West End area in London’s legendary theatre district.

Great art, great theatre, a great show at ME’s restaurants.

Text: ARANTXA NEYRA.

A

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stop tinkling and the last bite of dessert has been finished this modern steakhouse becomes an elegant lounge. The lighting changes, tables are used as dance podiums and tinted mirrors invite sensual games to be played that encourage men and women’s tables to mingle. Let the music begin… under the DJ’s command! And then the whole scene becomes a sort of Ibiza…though without the beach and perhaps snow outside.

Over your life, you’ve lived in several countries. What has that taught you and what’s the one thing you consider to be

tlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Miami. And

most important from the experience of living abroad?

then, naturally, London; the obvious path for an American

Everywhere I have worked and lived I have learnt some

steakhouse to take to Europe had to be, of course, via the

integral life lessons in the kitchen, business and life itself.

English capital. At first it seemed a strange, different and

Travel is essential, but so is my job as I have met so many

unknown concept that was successful in big cities in the

interesting people, picked up ideas and learned from

US and hugely popular there. Here in London, however,

others. One of the most important things was being in

the idea people had of steakhouses was that they were a

business for the first time and learning about what I didn’t

place you go to with your parents to eat meat – not one of

know, absorbing knowledge from the people around me.

a very cool venue that becomes a lounge. But if there is a

After this I made it a point to understand everything I

city that shies from nothing whatsoever, it’s London. So,

needed to Alain Ducasse said London is the world capital of gastronomy, do you agree with him?

100% and I have done for years. It’s like we are at the centre of the world with a number of amazing restaurants and chefs all wanting to be in the capital. Remember it’s

also not just about 5-star or Michelin-star restaurants, it’s about the unique gems that we have here too.

It has been four years since you launched STK in London. Is being trendy in the city the key to a restaurant’s success?

The key to our success is ensuring that at the weekends we focus on delivering not only great food and efficient service, but we also watch the room. We watch how our diners interact at the table, we watch how guests admire other diners across the room, we watch how diners react to our choice of music – the DJ and the General Manager watch the room in tandem and together they control the lighting, the volume, the beat, the rounds of complimentary shots, all in a bid to enhance a dinner-party atmosphere.

The way the DJ and the General Manager watch the room during the week is totally different – it’s different every night of the week. The focus midweek is more about creating a atmosphere that is conducive for dating, family gatherings, city brokers, etc. so a more relaxed pace is required at STK. All in all, it’s about watching our diners and interpreting what makes them happy.

Above, Lil’Wagu beef Burger with a special sauce, sesame seed bun, black truffle.

Below, parmesan truffle chips.

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Left, interior of the STK steakhouse, one of most popular spaces in central London.

Below, its bar and a cocktail to make the wait more enjoyable.

Would you describe STK as a “femalefriendly”? And if so, why?

We would describe STK as femalefriendly as firstly we have created an extensive menu that includes dishes to suit all diets, palates and appetites.

Secondly, there is a vibrant, energetic atmosphere in the room that makes a night out at STK more fun, with just the right level of discreet security monitoring the entrance and in the room so there is never the aggressive atmosphere that can be found in some West

You’ve worked in many other Luxury Hotels around the

End restaurants. We offer a great dining experience that is

world. What’s the difference between those hotels and ME

welcomed by everyone.

London?

Steakhouse & Lounge Chic, which of these qualities does STK have?

The whole ethos of STK is that it is a lounge-style

look back on those places to now, it’s just about evolving

atmosphere with a steakhouse menu – we do not have

and making sure the guest experience is perfect, making

a standard restaurant layout; we have luxurious and chic

sure that everything is about their experience. I think

lounge-style restaurants with a number of booth-style

it’s becoming far more personalised now, knowing more

tables all facing each other so everyone is looking at the

about guests’ likes and dislikes and fully understanding

dinner party. It is not a row of tables and chairs uniformly

their needs. I am constantly looking for new ideas to make

arranged.

their stay truly memorable.

After London you’ve opened a place in Milan. Are there any other new projects about to open?

We have a few projects in the pipeline globally as well STYLE

46

I think the defining point is individuality. All 5-Star hotels have their own style and are constantly developing. As I

as UK-based, so watch this space…

STK offers a new concept to the typical steakhouse. Do you think adding a twist to the traditional steakhouse concept is the secret to success in terms of gastronomy these days?

I do think a twist is always needed, but that twist must be thought through to be able to deliver an experience to diners. There are many restaurants that offer a twist, so to speak, but that can also be just a gimmick. STK has withstood the test of time and developed well in new cities and countries.

˜

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GOURMET

RADIO ROOFTOP BAR

A drink with the best views

W

ith a personality of its

own, the Radio Rooftop Bar on the building’s 10th floor has, without a doubt, the best views of London where you can also enjoy a drink.

Its vast drinks list was designed to satisfy the most exquisite palates,

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and cocktails such as the Thames

wide selection of wine, champagne

dishes from its menu. For those who

River Iced ME and Remember ME

and sparkling wine, gin, vodka,

like to sleep in on the weekends, the

pay homage to the cutting-edge

tequila, mescal, liqueurs, cognac,

Radio Brunch option on Saturdays

building it sits atop. It also offers a

whisky.... To accompany them, its

and Sundays (1pm - 4pm) is perfect.

new Tapas with Views menu takes

The ideal accompaniment for any

a tour of the great Spanish classics

brunch is a freshly prepared Bloody

and is available from 12pm to late at

Mary. Make it yourself with the help

night. If you feel like having a more

of the Radio Rooftop Bar’s experts

substantial meal, order some of the

(radiorooftop.com).

GOURMET

The art of being “in the right place”

GINÉS LORENTE

at the right time P

eople love this place, and it’s not just the guests

but – and this is what’s surprising – also the locals in the neighbourhood (who have their own entrance on Osnaburgh Street) who come here to eat or buy their food to take home or to the office. This is hardly surprising as what The Place offers is unbeatable on several counts. Its multifunctionality – it is a restaurant, a deli and a salad bar; its opening hours – breakfast through dinner; its quality (and variety) – delicious and balanced Mediterranean food that changes every month; and its prices – a lunchbox costs £10, and an average meal £25 – all make for much more than just a good deal in London.

Apart from Spanish dishes (such as paella and roasts from different regions, and a wide range of Italian pasta and some British must-eats), this market-like restaurant has on-the-spot cooking stations offering a variety of fish and meat, pasta (on Tuesdays) and lots of different salads that can be personalised thanks to the more than 35 different ingredients and dressings; international specialities and a delicious dessert bar. It also offers healthy food – as part of the Balance programme by Meliá.

PHOTO: ALEX DEL RIO.

All the food served is fresh and seasonal (the menu:

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includes Iberian ham, sobrasada from Mallorca, and Idiazábal, manchego and Buenalba cheeses) and is accompanied by excellent and international wine, drinks and beer lists. In the afternoon there are oysters and champagne, in addition to classic English tea with

This is “the place”. But not just for the name it was given – The Place – and not even for its location – in Central London and close to Regent’s Park – but because The Place, the international buffet restaurant at the Meliá White House hotel, has become a favourite in the area and has completely shaken up the concept of hotel restaurants in London.

pastries, as well as smoothies and juices. Behind all this

Text: ARANTXA NEYRA.

struggle to eat healthily at lunch without breaking the

is Ginés Lorente Barcelona. Read the interview with him below.

The hotel buffet + London + a resounding success. How do you combine these three concepts?

The key is to have a unique concept in London, as it is a tough market, The Place take-away buffet was one of the first of its kind to be offered at a hotel. Londoners bank. They are looking for quick, healthy options for their breaks, and The Place bridges that gap! This is no ordinary hotel buffet; prices are fair and we offer fresh, organic ingredients and no two days are the same. We create constant interest and variety.

return to roots, local ingredients and produce imported directly from organic suppliers across Europe, connecting with suppliers at a local level.

What does The Place have that other places don’t have in a city where new restaurants are opening and closing every day?

Firstly, it’s an always-changing menu, it changes from one moment to the next and we offer monthly specials

Above, an appetiser at The Place made with anchovies, peppers and salad.

Left, On-the-Spot Cooking at The Place and two of its specialities (paella and lamb).

and promotions. Secondly, we also always have “on-thespot cooking” with octopus, chorizo, steak etc. cooked fresh in front of diners so that they get exactly what they want, prepared just as they like it. There are no limits, no Restaurant, deli, take-away… What exactly does the concept of The Place consist of?

set menus; you grab a box and fill it with whatever you wish! And there are over 40 different options every day.

The Place is a Mediterranean-themed deli offering a

One of the things that is most attractive to diners is the

sit-down lunch, take-away and deli products; we import

rotating menus. How do you create all of the dishes? How many

produce from Italy, Spain, Greece, and diners can also

different dishes do you serve each day?

purchase these to be cooked at home. In the evening the

Overall we have more than 35 cold salad options/

restaurant offers an international buffet, and an à la carte

toppings; a hot meat and fish option; a choice of 4 hot

menu. It also serves breakfast for our in-house guests and

side dishes; at least 7 types of dessert; fresh fruit, bread

has a take-out option.

and olives. We tailor the menus to suit our seasonal

The Place, Real Food. It seems that the name in itself is a declaration of intent.What is behind the name?

We are THE PLACE for fresh, seasonal, quality food and ingredients, inspired by the Mediterranean style of living.

The Place is Number One for fresh, quality food. It is a

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Left, the popular The Place buffet, and the outside and inside of the restaurant.

produce, and dishes are based on the freshest ingredients that are delivered daily from the market. We always have a different type of paella/hot food/daily special choice with fish, meat, vegetables, and also a Sandwich station and a Pasta station, where you can choose the type of pasta you’d like, add a sauce, add toppings, and get it cooked on the spot!

The breakfasts at The Place have become famous in London.

What do the breakfasts consist of, and what time is breakfast

We have the best selection of meat, fish and vegetables

It is served between 6.30-10.30 on weekdays and 7-11

from local markets as well as partnerships with local

on the weekends. The breakfast buffet consists of 40+

farmers who provide us with the freshest produce but we

items: Full English breakfast, continental selection, cold

also bring in products from Spain, Greece and Italy.

yoghurts, granola, fresh bread, omelettes, smoothies, fresh fruit and juice, and more… Take-away options include drinks, porridge, fruit, cereal, granola, pastries.

Mediterranean food is nothing without enjoying it with a good wine.What does your wine list have to offer?

We offer mainly Spanish wines from every region to accompany the dishes, but also we have Italian, French

Who makes up the clientele at The Place?

and a selection of New and Old World wines, ranging

Business people who work near the hotel (Regent’s

from the “basic” to the “exquisite”.

Place is on our doorstep and it is a large area of corporate offices), locals who want quality food, hotel customers

What is the Balance by Meliá programme and how do you put it into action at The Place?

(both in-house guests and clients who come to meetings).

It is a healthy-eating programme in partnership with

To motivate them, we have a loyalty card scheme: make

a nutritionist to allow you to enjoy a fuller life and with

10 purchases and the next one is on us! It is a simple

lots of energy. Choose one of our breakfasts and find the

way to say thank you for coming back time and time

perfect harmony between mind and body.

again. Guests and diners can also redeem and collect 52

ingredients? Where do you import them from?

served every day?What is the first thing to sell out on the menu?

meats, cheese, fish, porridge, muffins, pastries, pancakes,

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Italy, Spain, Greece, Britain… Where do you source your

MeliaReward points for purchases at The Place.

You have fun concepts such as the “Build Your Beast” sandwich.What does that consist of?

It consists of creating your own unique sandwich thanks to a wide range of breads, fillings and condiments to suit your needs. “The Beast” is a round loaf that can be purchased and it is big enough for up to four people! Perfect for sharing at the office or for a picnic in Regent’s Park.

˜

GOURMET

DRY MARTINI BAR

A classic one in vanguard

B

ond, James Bond would have been

happy at the new DRY Martini bar located both in the lobby and on the terrace of the MeliĂĄ White House. One of the best barmen in the world, Javier de las Muelas, shares his experience and expertise with the public in London, accompanied by a team that have been working with him for years. The dry Martini is the star cocktail (loved in London, it is linked to the world of cinema, art and literature). The vast cocktail list by Javier de las Muelas includes his 100 dry martinis, but also signature cocktails created by him such as Flamenco (Zacapa 23 rum, Pedro XimĂŠnez, dark chocolate and Freixenet Cordon Negro); eccentric cocktails like his Carnivore (Pisco Leblon, strawberry, Szechuan pepper, passion fruit juice, served in a frozen flower), classic cocktails, champagnes, cavas and many more.

At this cocktail bar that aspires to be one of the best in the world, its atmosphere encourages conversation.

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Laid-back and exclusive ambience at the first Dry Martini cocktail bar by Javier de las Muelas in the United Kingdom.This new and exclusive establishment at the MeliĂĄ White House is more than a mere bar. Here you will find new versions of classic cocktails as

well as a selection of original signature cocktails and carefully chosen tapas.

Below, his version of the Moonwalk cocktail (champagne-based); a detail of a classic barman’s tool, a jigger shaker, and the acidic and sweet Wild Breakfast cocktail.

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WELCOME TO THE BIGGEST GASTRONOMIC & LEISURE CENTRE IN EUROPE.

Welcome to the only place where a huge stage meets the best Spanish and international gastronomy made by Michelin-Star chefs.

An amazing 6000sqm design space that holds up to 12 restaurants that will take your breath away.

C/ GOYA, 5-7 (PLAZA DE COLĂ“N) 28001, MADRID (SPAIN) T: +34 91 577 00 25 www.plateamadrid.com

IN THE CITY

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THE NEW GOLDEN AGE

Madrid

HOTEL GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE LOS DUQUES

In the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, just a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Theatre, Puerta del Sol, Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the new Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques will open in 2016 – a latest-generation hotel dedicated to Velázquez, where contemporary classic elegance and design coexist in the interiors of an old Isabelline palace.

Text: ARANTXA NEYRA

The spaces of the new Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, in Madrid, where – as here in the exclusive The Red Level area – the work by the painter Velázquez will be ever-present.

‘‘I

t’s just like having vanilla ice-cream with a hot

is a perfect symbiosis, as magnificent a play of contrasts as

chocolate sauce,” says Álvaro Sans, the architect in charge

that of the classic contemporary design of the sofas or the

of the project for the new Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques

ultra-modern bathtubs that are elements of the interiors

hotel, as he describes what one feels when they enter this

of this old Madrilenian villa that was created by merging

hotel that will open soon in Madrid. The simile immediately

what remained of the old convent of Santo Domingo with

makes you feel like trying, tasting, becoming addicted... but

the palace of the Duke and Duchess of Granada de Ega y

Sans elaborates on the metaphor: “Vanilla and chocolate are

Villahermosa.

both really delicious, but one being cold and the other hot,

From the moment he first saw this Madrilenian building,

you would not expect them to suit each other. However,

when it was still the Ambassador hotel in the 70s, Sans –

together they are an unbeatable combination.” The result

who had already worked on a good number of projects

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and renovations for Meliá Hotels International all over the world knew that something great would emerge from it. It was the same feeling that he had had with the house where Nero’s mother was born on the Gianicolo Hill (Rome) – a house that, along with a

reproductions of fragments of the

team of Italian architects, he converted

most famous paintings by the painter

into the luxurious urban resort Gran

from Seville – and particularly, of his

Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina, loved by

masterwork Las Meninas [The Maids

guests and praised by critics. When

of Honour] will. They will hang

talking about the project in Madrid,

above the headboards of the 181

he therefore likes to say that both

rooms and suites: the design of which

hotels are closely linked, and also

will be overseen by the architect’s

“because both buildings, starting

team. “Whereas Raphael’s mannerist

with similar characteristics, ended up

colours are very suitable for interior

sharing a common solution: both are

design,” Sans explains, “Velázquez’s

notable urban villas which were very

are much more powerful. That’s why

run down, both have gardens with

we have opted for a softer chromatic

ancient trees, both enjoy an excellent location… and both

range, with whites and greys, and with gold taking centre

have the same common thread: art”. While the Italian hotel

stage.” This bright, neutral palette will prevail everywhere,

embodies the spirit of Rafael – the painter who worked

both in the common areas and in the rooms, and goes

in Rome and the Vatican – the palace in Madrid has fully

perfectly with the personality of this hotel, where “our

embraced Madrid’s best ambassador: Velázquez, an artist

major concern was to respect the original building while

who despite being born in Seville, had lifelong bonds with

clearly showcasing the century we live in.” In addition to

the capital as Philip III and Philip IV’s court painter.

contextualising the hotel in terms of the age we live in,

But Velázquez’s relationship with the building goes

the architect also deemed it essential to contextualise it in

even further back as his portraits of a well-known family

terms of space. “One of Meliá’s goals is for guests to really

of art collectors once graced the walls of this very same

feel the atmosphere of the cities where its hotels are. We

palace: the portrait of Don Diego del Corral y Arellano

can bring guests into this hotel blindfolded and we are

(1570-1632), judge of the Castilian Council and professor

sure that when they open their eyes they will guess that

at the Salamanca University, and that of his wife Doña

they are in Madrid from the shape of the building, the

Antonia de Ipeñarrieta y Galdós and Don Luis, their son,

façade, its interior spaces, the references to Velázquez and

whose heirs were part of the Madrilenian intellectual elite

the artworks.” This does not mean, as the architect himself

in the mid-19th century and bequeathed these portraits to

explains, that the Palacio de los Duques cannot also evoke

the Prado Museum where they can be seen today.

in some ways other great contemporary European Hotels,

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the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques though, but

such as the Hotel Costes or the Mandarin Oriental, in Paris, and of course, the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina.

Neutral, relaxing colours have been used, as have natural, quality materials like aged oak for the floors, Italian furniture by the design firm Molteni and details with great character such as the glass shelves in the lobby that display objets d’art. These are very modern,

Above, two photos of future spaces in the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

Below, a portrait of Don Diego del Corral y Arellano, painted by Velázquez.This painting that once graced these walls today hangs in the Prado Museum.

TAKING SPANISH LUXURY TO THE WORLD Into the realm of luxury emerges a bold new shade of hospitality, rendered one unforgettable moment at a time through the impassioned touch of our signature RedGlove Service.

Book online at melia.com

C H I N A • I N D O N E S I A • I TA LY • P U E R TO R I C O • S PA I N • V E N E Z U E L A granmelia.com

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functional, cosy spaces; not

rooms overlook Madrid’s

too serious but always

rooftops, the Teatro Real

very lively: “The entire

and the Palacio de Oriente.

hotel has been designed

Great care was taken

to be inviting, whether

to make the hotel look as

for having a drink, or

we see it today: historical research was carried out to

breakfast… our guests will feel at home at all times: so at home in fact, that they will

recover the original spaces and structure in order to keep

feel like staying in” – something that was also taken into

some of its elements such as the old cloister – now with

account in the design of the very spacious rooms and the

a glass ceiling – and the original colours of the staircase.

even more cutting-edge bathrooms that measure from 7

However, perhaps the most remarkable feature of the

to 10 m², and are integrated into the rooms. Many of the

project is the opening up of the extensive gardens that

PLATEA: HAVE YOU

From left to right and from top to bottom, El Foso offers cuisines from all over the world; a cocktail served at El Club Cóctel Bar; El Patio area, with a wide variety of tapas, and below, two tapas stalls at El Foso.

SEEN THE BIGGEST GASTRONOMIC CENTRE IN EUROPE? The Madrilenian Plaza de Colón has a secret: the biggest gastronomic centre in Europe. Platea is a unique gastronomic space right in the heart of Madrid.A magical place where something is always happening.

Almost 6,000 m2 over two floors, three savoury sections and one dessert section, aim to become the highlight of gastronomy in Madrid and a major benchmark both nationally and internationally.

Start this memorable tour at El Patio, the tapas section.At El Foso, mediterranean recipes are combined with international cuisine. In addition, on its impressive stage, shows are performed, offering a wide range of entertainment choices.

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At El Palco is a stunning cocktail space,

Stars and 12 Repsol Suns. In addition,

and on the top floor is El Club where

Alejandro Montes offers an exclusive

you can enjoy privacy in a stunning space

range of desserts at Mamá Framboise.

designed for exclusive events.

If you would like to create great dishes

Four of the highest representatives of

like them, you can start by buying the

avant-garde Spanish cuisine have come

best ingredients at our specialised Gold

together at Platea: Pepe Solla, Paco

Gourmet shop.

Roncero, Marcos Morán and Ramón

Platea is a refuge where you can relax

Freixa, who between them have 6 Michelin

and enjoy yourself, a meeting point where every detail has meaning. It is the result of a project that combines performance and gastronomy in all their splendour. Platea is excellence, it is creativity.A place where you and your senses will be the stars.

Nuestros clientes son exigentes, por eso son nuestros clientes

Our customers expect a lot, but that’s why they are our customers

En Banca March apostamos por un modelo genuino de banca para clientes exigentes.

Un modelo que busca establecer relaciones duraderas para poder crecer conjuntamente.

At Banca March we have chosen to pursue a genuine banking model for demanding customers.

A model that seeks to establish long-lasting relationships and allows us to grow together.

were formerly closed to the public, as they will be one of the hotel’s defining features; not only in the summer, when guests will be able to enjoy its outdoor terrace and have lunch from its designer loungers (again, as in Rome) – but also during the winter months when they can enjoy PHOTOS: SERGIO MARTÍNEZ.

breakfast or a drink on the terrace equipped with space heaters. A glass pavilion will be used for conventions and private events: all in all, 800 m² featuring cutting-edge technology and the service of the RedGlove team.

In this spirit of recovering tradition without turning

of Thai therapists give traditional treatments and you are

its back on the present, the Gran Meliá Palacio de Los

surrounded by ancient Burmese lacquerware and unique

Duques’s kitchen and restaurant will showcase local

Tibetan objects, enveloped by exotic Eastern essences. And

produce and typical Madrilenian dishes, always with a

all this without leaving Madrid de los Austrias, a district

contemporary twist and accompanied by a well-stocked,

of narrow streets, terracotta rooftops and history-laden

and mainly Spanish, wine list. The same goes for its spa,

neoclassical buildings which can be seen from the windows

the Thai Room Wellness centre, where the delicate hands

of the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques hotel.

A PERFECT DAY OF

and luxury brands such as Loewe,

SHOPPING AT

whose headquarters are in Madrid and

LAS ROZAS VILLAGE

is renowned for its handbags and high

Visiting Madrid is a good idea any time

quality leather goods; the sophisticated

of the year as it is a city in which you

and simple elegance of Purificación

can enjoy a unique and heady mix of

Garcia's creations; the beautifully

history, art and culture and the relaxed

delicate vintage style of Hoss Intropia;

lifestyle of Spain. Shopping is also a

the contemporary clothes of Bimba y

must in a country that is internationally

Lola; modern

renowned for its designers and its

classics by Adolfo Domínguez; the

creativity. Las Rozas Village – a favourite

preppy style of El Ganso; as well as

destination for shopaholics – is part

Castañer, the most famous luxury brand

of The Village Collection by Value

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˜

of espadrilles in Spain, and Spanish ballet

Retail. This is thanks to the fact that

well as their beautiful surroundings. Las

flats by Pretty Ballerinas. It also has an

they have seamlessly combined the best

Rozas Village is located in a very special

impressive line up of international luxury

international brands and well-renowned

location at the foot of Madrid’s Sierra,

brands: Burberry,Armani Outlet,

Spanish designers with savings of up to

surrounded by nature and interesting

CH Carolina Herrera Company

60% on recommended retail prices. Its

historic sites, such as the El Escorial

Store, La Perla,Versace, Escada,

visitors – comprising both locals and

monastery, rich in art. In addition, the

Calvin Klein Jeans, Hackett, Hugo

visitors from every corner of the globe

design of the Village reflects the style of

Boss, Lacoste, Zegna and Bvlgari,

– enjoy what the shops have to offer as

local houses and villages with ochre-

among others.

coloured walls in clean colour tones and tree-lined streets. In a fabulous experience that brings together shopping, culture and gastronomy, visitors can find national and international fashion

The Asian Wellness centre at the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, the Thai Room Wellness, will be one of the hotel’s greatest attractions.

Experts in mixing

SCHWEPPES PREMIUM MIXERS

Diego de Velázquez arrived in Madrid in 1623 as court painter to King Philip IV. In the capital he met writers such as Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca. Except for a period in Italy, he lived in Madrid until his death in 1660.We follow his steps to the places from which he drew inspiration for his paintings and where he lived his day-to-day life.

IN THE CITY

THE PAINTER’S ROUTE PLAZA MAYOR (www.esmadrid.com)

As an employee of the Royal Family, Velázquez was given free housing close to the Plaza Mayor. Later, as Aposentador Mayor de Palacio [a high-level court official] for the King, he moved to the Casa del Tesoro, in the east part of the Alcázar where he lived until his death.

THE ROYAL PALACE (Calle Bailén, s/n;

www.esmadrid.com) The place where Madrid’s Royal Palace stands today was once the site of the Royal Alcázar. It had been the residence of the Spanish Royal Family until it was destroyed by fire in 1734 and many valuable works of art and heritage were lost in the fire. Fortunately,

MADRID DE LOS AUSTRIAS

Velázquez’s Las Meninas was spared. The

(There is a free tour every day starting

painter’s studio was located in the gallery

at 10.30 from the Plaza de Isabel II:

called the Cierzo del Alcázar, in the east wing.

feelthecitytours.com) The painter led his life on these narrow streets in the centre of Madrid that is dotted

THE RETIRO PARK (Plaza de la Independencia, 7; www.esmadrid.com)

with charming places. On the Plaza

“The painter to the King”, as he was known, personally selected

de Ramales once stood the Church

the artists who would decorate the rooms in the park’s buildings,

of Saint John the Baptist where the

and here he painted some of his best-known pieces.

painter was buried in 1660.

Whether you go for a stroll, exercise, or enjoy the sunset by

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ILLUSTRATION: JAIME MARTINEZ

the pond, it is worth visiting the park.

THE PRADO MUSEUM (Paseo del Prado, s/n; www.museodelprado.es) Madrid’s picture

gallery, home to one of the most important painting collections of the world, today has six monographic rooms devoted to this painter from Seville. The evolution of

THE ROYAL SITE OF EL PARDO

his work and his innovations can be seen here, as can his use of perspective and

(www.elpardo.net) Philip IV commissioned

depth. The absence of sketches for his compositions can also be appreciated as can

Velázquez to paint a series of works with a

his forays in naturalism, his journey to Italy, his royal portraits, religious paintings,

hunting theme to decorate El Pardo’s hunting

dwarves and jesters, and mythological paintings. Las Meninas, The Triumph of

pavilion, called La Torre de la Parada. Today

Bacchus, Apollo in the Forge of Vulcan, The Surrender of Breda and The Spinners are some

this hillside – traversed by the Manzanares

of the iconic paintings that can be seen here.

River – is one of the capital’s green lungs. It covers almost 16,000 hectares and is of great environmental value and has been declared

TEATRO ESPAÑOL

a Protected Area for Birds (ZEPA: Zona

(Calle del Príncipe, 25;

Especial de Protección para Aves). The sky here

www.teatroespanol.es)

captivated the painter and it is one of

This theatre used

the most distinctive elements in his work.

to be a Mediaeval courtyard known as the Corral del Príncipe [the Prince’s Courtyard] where informal performances were staged – many of CASA LUCIO (Cava Baja, 35;

them plays by young

www. casalucio.es) Old Woman Frying

writers whose works

Eggs, a painting by the young

would later become

Velázquez, whets your appetite and

great classics of

makes you want to go to Casa Lucio

Castilian literature.

and try their famous fried eggs. A classic on Madrid’s culinary map, there are of course other specialities such as cocido (a one-pot meat and chickpea dish) as well as other delicious stews.

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THE BEST SELECTION Hotels with personality and character of their own, from the ME Madrid Reina Victoria to the Meliá Princesa, from the Gran Meliá Fénix to the Innside Luchana: these are the most castizo, most purely Madrilenian, urban resorts.

Which one will you choose?

1 2 3

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I

t is the city of the moment: Madrid.

Madrid with an M for modern, for marvellous and for mutable. And M also stands for ME, the city’s most iconic hotel. In a small history-laden square named after a saint – Santa Ana – it is graced by the statues of two playwrights (the Teatro Real is close by) – those of Calderón de la Barca and Federico García Lorca – and surrounded by terraces that are lively even in the middle of the winter. The building has poise. White, immaculate, with a tower crowned by a lantern, it is lit up at night making it even more beautiful. Night is its best moment, either because it is time to go to sleep in one of its modern rooms, or because there is a party on its terrace: The Roof offers (in

4 1 ME MADRID REINA VICTORIA Plaza de Santa Ana, 14; +34 91 7016000; www.melia.com.

Its Roof Terrace has unique views.

2 INNSIDE MADRID SUECIA Marqués de Casa Riera, 4; +34 91 2000 570; melia.com.

Modern and charming, close to Madrid’s Gran Vía.

3 INNSIDE MADRID GÉNOVA Plaza Alonso Martínez, 3; +34 91 2062160; melia.com. Its Library Cocktail Lounge and its terrace are perfect.

4 GRAN MELIÁ FÉNIX Hermosilla, 2; +34 91 4316700; www.melia.com. A classic hotel with an excellent culinary offering on Madrid’s Golden Mile.

5 INNSIDE MADRID LUCHANA Luchana, 22; +34 91 292 2940; www.melia.com. A hotel where you can feel the modern side of the city.

addition to drinks) the best music and one of the most stunning panoramic views of Madrid’s rooftops and a number of skyscrapers. Also boasting incredible views, and a tenminute walk from here, is another Madrilenian urban resort with a terrace: the Innside Madrid Suecia, which was the old Hotel Suecia for years and was fully refurbished in 2014. Next to the gorgeous building of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, close to Gran Vía and Calle Alcalá – right in the heart of Madrid – its terrace,

5

The Balcony (between floors 11 and 12), is one of the most popular and has a swimming pool that makes every customer (and Madrilenians, who have to endure high summer temperatures) sigh with delight. In an excellent location in the castizo district of Chamberí, two hotels with a marked lifestyle feel, the Innside Luchana and the Innside Génova,

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6 MELIÁ CASTILLA Capitán Haya, 43; +34 915 67 50 00; www.melia.com. Perfect for doing business in the capital.

7 MELIÁ MADRID PRINCESA Princesa, 27; +34 91 5418 200; www.melia.com. A hotel that has become an icon in the city.

are perfect options for any business or leisure getaways to the capital.

The Innside Madrid Luchana, in the old Palacio de Luchana, is close to Calle Fuencarral – a famous shopping

6

street where you will find boutiques and concept stores and the Market of San Ildefonso, as well as the renovated Barceló Market.

The Innside Madrid Génova, located in the middle of the Alonso Martínez square, in a modernist building with neoclassical influence, was the first Innside hotel in Spain.

Enjoy a cocktail and Mediterranean tapas in its Library Cocktail Lounge.

More majestic and in the heart of the Salamanca district, the Gran Meliá Fénix can be recognised by its unmissable sculpture of a phoenix. At a stone’s throw from Colón Square, it is located in an area that is going through an interesting gastronomic renovation that started a couple of years ago with Platea as a benchmark, and Caray – the hotel’s restaurant – which serves Spanish cuisine prepared by chef Miguel Román. Another hotel where food is

7

paramount is the Meliá Castilla off Paseo de la Castellana, close to the Santiago Bernabéu football stadium and in the heart of the financial district. The hotel hosts one of the best Convention Center in the city, and its restaurant L'Albufera has the best rice dishes in the capital. On the other side of the city, next to Plaza de España, and recently refurbished, the Meliá Madrid Princesa combines traditional luxury with state-of-theart trends, complete with a business

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centre and meeting rooms.

˜

SPAS

TENERIFE

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, features rugged terrain of volcanic origin, countless microclimates and landscapes with plenty of mineral-rich waters.We travelled up to the foot of the Teide volcano to discover, besides the island’s golden beaches, one of the most awarded Health Clubs in existence – and Spa by Clarins products and techniques are here on offer.

Text: SARA MORILLO Photos: ALEX DEL RÍO

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A view of the ascent to the Teide, a volcano in Spain’s tallest mountain, on the island of Tenerife.

T Below, the natural swimming pool on the seafront at Tenerife’s Gran Palacio de Isora resort, 5 minutes from the Gigantes Cliffs (the biggest salt-water swimming pool in Europe, with its more than 5,000 m²). Opposite, a general view of this resort awarded as one of the best in Spain at the 6th edition of Condé Nast Traveler Spain Prizes.

Below, the swimming pool, the beach, the reception desk and the lobby.

enerife can be said not to have seasons. Nearly

highest average of sunshine hours

890,000 islanders live in peace and harmony in its perpetual

per year, hundreds of white sand and

spring and amidst the intangible energy emitted by its

black sand beaches, nine magnificent

volcanic soil. Viewed from the heights, the island’s natural

golf courses, myriad natural wonders

attributes speak for themselves – perhaps the result of

of volcanic origin, profuse marine

the wide range of microclimates that have been present

wildlife, and a coast that is a dream

here for centuries. Catalan economist and writer José

for all lovers of aquatic sports. My

Luis Sampedro comes to my mind, as he decided to enjoy

mission during this trip, however,

Tenerife’s mild climate and lived here with his dear wife

consists of a deserved investigation

Olga Lucas until 2008. In the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife,

of the salubrious waters of the Spa

he would walk along Las Teresitas Beach and enjoy some

by Clarins in the elegant Gran Meliá

barraquitos – the coffee with condensed milk, liquor and

Palacio de Isora hotel.

ground cinnamon adored by the chicharreros (as people

From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we

born in Santa Cruz are called). It was here where he put the

cross the island west to southeast

final touches to one of his last novels: La senda del drago

exploring moon landscapes populated

[Dragon Tree Track] (2006). He said in an interview: “For

by endless species of flora and fauna

me, writing is living with oneself, knowing oneself, being

– many of them indigenous – and

one’s own archaeologist. It’s like digging up – and, if you

solemnly tropical vegetation. We

dig it up, there is just about all things inside each of us: the

leave behind the natural terraces of

murderer and the saint, the hero and the coward.”

El Sauzal, the magical Icod de los

Many of the travellers who visit the island for the first

Vinos, home of an ancient dragon

time come here seeking a destination that boasts the

tree (a symbol, together with the Teide, of the essential Tenerife) and the scenic arrogance of the Gigantes Cliffs, to get to Costa Adeje, in the south. In the municipality of Alcalá, the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora will be my insular refuge for some days. The temperature as I enter the lobby is perfect. A concierge receives me with an infectious smile and pours me a glass of champagne. For a moment, I forget the outside world. I am at the Red Level of Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, the most exclusive experience within the resort, so that we can indulge in luxury throughout our stay. It is a sort of oasis enjoyed in the most absolute privacy. The Red Level has no less than 53 rooms with a whirlpool bath for two installed in the terrace, and concierge service at its spacious villas. In the swimming pool for adults, a concierge offers flawless attention: fresh fruit and juices, daily papers, top brands of sunscreen lotion, board games, Spa by Clarins cold aromatic towels, and an Open Bar in the late afternoon. The concierge tells me about this on our way to one of these villas, a 600-m² plot with a private swimming pool. If there’s one thing I like when I arrive at a hotel, that’s finding a welcome gift of fresh fruit. In

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addition to some big and beautiful Granny Smith apples, large strawberries covered in chocolate waited for me.

Although the Red Level has its own facilities, I decide to go on my own private expedition of the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. On my way, I count up to six restaurants, seven bars, three paddle tennis courts, three tennis courts

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and the elegant Spa by Clarins. As a guest of the Red Level, I can book my great spa experience at a day’s notice.

The first sunrays, and the concierge

From top to bottom, the Atlántica Plaza, with its fountains and arcades of huge columns and marble floor, in which the guests are received.

Below, a night water show, and right, a detail of the fancy lightning of fountains in the Atlántica Plaza.

knocks on my door. I have time for a swim in my private swimming pool while he lays my breakfast beautifully in the garden. Once at the table, I document myself about the Guanches, the first dwellers of the islands. Several are the theories to try and explain their origins. Perhaps

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the most accurate is that they came from the Berber tribes

by Clarins. Its director Ángela del Rey Carvajal waits for

of the African desert. During their reign, Tenerife was

us there with green tea and pleasant conversation. “If you

divided into nine Menceyatos (one for each Guanche king).

are fortunate enough to be staying at this hotel, you can’t

Some centuries later, in 1494, the Castilian conquerors

miss our spa experience.” She is completely right, I say

took hold of the island, until – again after several centuries

to myself, when I discover the peaceful feel and natural

– an unstoppable migratory wave from Venezuela and

light of its water circuit, after a tour of the sauna and

Cuba would consolidate the archipelago’s overseas

the hammam, and a final session in a soothing saltwater

relationships and the final integration of Latin American

swimming pool in which I put my thoughts to rest. I am

culture. And with this thought about Tenerife’s lovely

unaware of what is to happen next.

cultural fusion, at last I put myself in the hands of the Spa

One of the masseuses asks me to go with her to the treatment room, where I undergo the most pleasurable episode of my volcanic adventure. I have taken advice from Ángela, who some minutes before explained to me: “If you want to really know what the quality of life in the island is like, you should take a relaxing massage as soon as you

Enjoy a new

Lifestyle

Experience a new way of life Club Melia is the vacation membership designed to satisfy your curiosity and indulge your sense.

Journey to breathtaking destinations near and far.

Members enjoy traveling with confidence, knowing that the luxuries of home awaits them around the world.

With Club Melia waking up to new experiences year after year is a way of life.

arrive. Thus you will get rid of stress

García Farráis, who has managed

for the rest of your stay.” No sooner

Finca Araucaria for over five years.

said than done. And I even decide to

His parents, former owners of the

repeat the experience before leaving.

winery which he runs today, Tajinaste

The

“Besides

(El Ratiño, 5; La Orotava; tel. 922 308

innovating various treatments to

720; tajinaste.net; open from 9.00 to

adjust to our clients’ current tastes

18.30), passed onto him their love

and

for grapes and everything related.

director

explains:

preferences,

we

gradually

incorporate the new formulations by Clarins Labs. This is

After training in Bordeaux, he took the reins of the family

the result of in-depth research into the best products on

estate – whose imposing conifer tree welcomes me to this

the market.”

spot of cool Atlantic breezes in La Orotava. García Farráis

After daydreaming for a long while amidst unforgettable

overviews harvests included under Tenerife’s designation

treatments and unique ointments, I challenge the laws of

of origin Valle de la Orotava – with such grapes as black

happiness by temporarily leaving my Red Level villa. In

listán (the archipelago’s tempranillo), marmajuela and

one hour’s time, I will discover how Tenerife’s volcanic

tintilla. With a large dose of bravery and creativity, he

origin and its plentiful groundwater account for the island

reconciles the fertility of this volcanic soil, the region’s

having become an emerging wine region in just ten years.

whimsical microclimate and the rules established by the D.

For this mission, I have been recommended to Agustín

O. authority in a masterly fashion. While bottling the wines

The Designation of Origin Valle de La Orotava occupies nearly 400 hectares of vineyards in the valley at the foot of the Teide, spanning to the sea. Below, a detail of Seve Díaz’s Cochino negro with potato mash dish; sunset from the Terrazas del Sauzal, with fabulous views of the Teide, and a detail of the Canary Islands typical mojo picón sauces, an essential garnish for some dishes.

THE LIGHT OF THE ISLAND’S CUISINE Tenerife’s cooking tradition unfolds a panorama of Guanche customs, Castilian recipes,African techniques and Latin American ranges. Due to their geographic location, halfway between Europe,Africa and America, the Canary Islands have always known how to combine the culinary preferences of conquerors, kings, privateers, intellectuals and political refugees, as reflected in a singular idiosyncrasy resulting from balance and fusion.

Today, without forgoing tradition, gastronomic trends highlight the unstoppable rise of cuisine d’auteur. Behind the scenes, the cleverness and freshness of a young generation of Canary islanders able to arouse the curiosity of critics and sybarites from all over the world.A fact to take into account: early in 2015, Mesa Abierta [Open Table] was launched as the first gastronomic magazine in the Canary Islands with an avant-garde approach that has been for some time presenting the island’s new food scene.At its head, Juan Carlos Clemente, from La Gomera, leads a movement close to modernity without forgetting Canary Island’s raw material. In his own words:“The secret to understand local gastronomy lies in the culture behind the food.” This is the same doctrine followed by Braulio Simancas, another leading light of the insular gastronomy who, in turn, has proclaimed his love for the sea.A regular fixture at Madrid Fusión annual gastronomic meeting, he claims: “The signature cuisine from the Canary Islands is now expanding. It is important to bring down the myth of the mojo picón potatoes.” And he adds,“We have always been apart from the peninsular cuisine. It’s time to get close, to create a connection.” Another interesting name among top-notch Canary islander chefs is Seve Díaz, who heads Las Terrazas del Sauzal (Pasaje Sierva de Dios, 9, Santa Cruz de Tenerife; terrazasdelsauzal.com) – an oasis perched over a ravine with wonderful sunsets.Without forgoing contemporary trends, he dreams of setting up his own restaurant, and firmly believes in the influence of the Teide and the sea:“Every time I leave the STYLE

island, I miss its smell of saltpetre.”

approved by the Council, he leaves room for experimentation. There is a slogan on his bottles: Sophistication in wine from the Canary Islands. El Can is a black listán and vijariego red wine that can rank unashamedly alongside the top cellar selections.

In the same municipality of El Sauzal, Bodegas Monje (Camino

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Cruz de Leandro, 36, El Sauzal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife;

performing arts together. “The volcanic ardour rules the

tel. 922 58 50 27; open from 10.00 am to 19.00 pm) has

roost,” a chicharrero will later whisper.

been making wine since 1956. Its vineyards, 600 metres

Determined to decipher the island’s mysticism, I

above the sea level, grow on a volcanic, mineral-rich soil.

proceed to climb the mount here known as Echeide.

Felipe Monje is the fifth generation of a lineage devoted

To climb the 3,718 metres of the Teide volcano, besides

to fermenting the most highly prized of Tenerife’s

challenging the power of our fitness and our lungs, takes

grapes – black listán, white listán, negramoll and tintilla –

several hours hiking. The cable car only takes you up to

and his creativity led him to use sour wines that, aged

3,555 metres – mind you, in eight comfortable minutes.

in oak, are turned into the reputed macho red vinegar.

It can be said that the Teide is the third largest volcano

Monje’s underground wine cellars reflect the spirit of a

on Earth, measured from sea level (7,500 metres) – from

family devoted to wine, and also on display are pieces of

ground level it occupies the tenth place in the world.

contemporary art together with other kinds of cultural

Undeniable are the bonds of Tenerife’s people with its

aspects of wine-making: Wine and Sex (wineandsex.

intense interior activity: this seemingly dormant volcano

net) is an initiative that brings gastronomy, wine and the

somehow affects their ardent character and, especially, the quality of their waters. Today I will discover this and other curiosities that I still don’t know. On my way, the panza de burro [donkey’s belly, a sort of sea of clouds], that insular weather condition, accompanies me: as I cross the Teide National Park, the natural environs recover a colour

From top to bottom and from left to right, Oasis Pool Grille, an à la carte restaurant specialized in fish and seafood; Nami Asian Bistro, an exotic Asian restaurant; the Ocean Club restaurant, an à la carte restaurant serving avant-garde Italian food, and the Yhi Spa area.

Style Culture since 1967

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The manual techniques and the Spa by Clarins treatment products at the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora resort combine with water rituals and the spaces for relaxing (like the Zen meditation area) in this award-winning spa. Left, whirlpool baths at the Yhi Spa.

of less tropical latitudes, and the temperature suddenly

with the Atlantic Ocean crossing the horizon, what moves

drops. My ears pop and my eyes seem to expand

me the most, what leaves me breathless, is again silence.

their viewing angle before this deliberately stunning

The eloquence of the void. Certainly, the Teide National

panorama. Once the vertigo of the cable car is over, I

Park is paramount for geologists and volcanologists – but

wonder: “Why do we people so often forget that silence

also for photographers, poets and artists.

is a right?” At this height above the sea level, it is only

On board a helicopter, after a volcanic dip in wellbeing

the wind that disrupts infinite calmness, as it can reach

and facing majestic Teide, I get to understand what José

170 kilometres per hour. Some decades ago, the scientific

Luis Sampedro’s lucid mind wanted to convey when he

community took the respectable decision of building the

wrote: “Life is a sort of burning, and he who does not

Izaña Atmospheric Observatory here. From this height,

burn, does not live.”

˜

GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE ISORA HOTEL & SPA For decades, the French cosmetic firm Clarins has forged an international reputation for excellence.

Chosen by the great ladies of contemporary history, its products are fabulous statements of principles – both aesthetical and cosmetic.Their style and their effectiveness, as well as the brand’s philosophy and its using only plants and active principles of vegetal origin convinced the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora’s team to design this exclusive temple of wellbeing and relaxation that has been awarded several times by prestigious journals like Condé Nast Traveler in the category of Best Spa in Spain. Its treatments and massage techniques are strictly manual, and offered in an open-plan and quiet oasis called Health Club. Details such as a well-chosen music, products with pleasant textures and fragrances that enhance the feelings of comfort and familiarity turn this spa into one of the best havens on the island of the Teide.As its director Ángela del Rey puts it:“We adapt our treatments to each profile by first studying each type of skin. Given their wide range, the products by Clarins are suitable for a broad assortment of skin and hair needs. Depending on

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Ángela del Rey, director of the Spa by Clarins at the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora resort.

the season of the year,Tenerife receives a great diversity of travellers, and we have a wide range of facial and body treatments – also for men and for pregnant women.” She also remarks that:“Another of our principles is our manual technique to reaffirm the skin of face and body: hands as the only tools to treat the skin with top precision, with balanced touches that respect its structure without stretching it, stimulating both blood circulation and the lymphatic system.” The seafront hotel has also been awarded as the best resort in Spain and Europe (Avda. de los Océanos s/n; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; www.melia.com).

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FASHION

ME LONDON

THE VANGUARD OF

L U X U RY HIGH SPACES, PROJECTIONS, MARBLE AND... AN ABUNDANCE OF DESIGN CREATE THE ALCHEMY OF THE ME LONDON, THE FAVOURITE HOTEL OF FASHIONISTAS. WE VISIT ALL OF IT ACCOMPANIED BY MODEL NIEVES ÁLVAREZ. Styling: ANDRÉS ACOSTA. Photos fashion: ALEX DEL RÍO. Make-up & hair: VICKY MARCOS.

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84

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE Opposite, in the hotel’s foyer, Nieves wears a green embroidered dress with metallic appliqués

by Hervé Leger.

LUXURIOUS MATERIALS The Marconi Lounge, located in the hotel lobby; a place to enjoy a wide range of drinks in a chic, relaxed atmosphere.

Above, a stunning corridor in the ME London.

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ARTISTIC SPACES The nine-storey atrium on the first floor is a cathedral shaped atrium with a skylight 24 metres up.

Below, a view of one of the lobby areas, with clean lines and a minimalist style.

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NATURAL SEDUCTION At the Radio Rooftop Bar, Nieves Ă lvarez wears a yellow dress

by Juanjo Oliva, gold sandals by Jimmy Choo and rings

by Rabat.

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ELEGANT LOUNGE The STK London restaurant combines contemporary, international cuisine with a leisurely, inspiring atmosphere and from 10 p.m. onwards turns into a great party with DJ’s.

A LEISURELY MEETING At the STK London restaurant, Nieves wears a black and white tuxedo by MM6 Maison Martin Margiela.

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TWO MOMENTS Below left, Nieves wears a patterned dress in black and white by Ermanno Scervino. Shoes

by Manolo Blahnik

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and rings by Rabat.

Opposite, the model looks stunning in a metallic jumpsuit with a geometric print

by Blumarine and earrings by Rabat.

RADIO ROOFTOP BAR Located on the tenth floor and accessed via an exclusive express lift, it is the only rooftop bar, lounge and terrace in The Strand and Aldwych area.

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PRIVACY In one of the Passion Suites of the ME London hotel, Nieves wears a waxed print silk dress by MM6 Maison Martin Margiela.

URBAN HAVEN Opposite, clockwise from top to bottom, a Passion Suite (75 m2) at the ME London and a detail of the bed in the room; a terrace and views from an ME Suite, a duplex suite located on the ninth and tenth floors; the living room of an ME Suite and the bathroom of a Passion Suite.

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INTERVIEW WITH

NIEVES ÁLVAREZ A muse of Yves Saint Laurent, this top model from Madrid has walked down the main catwalks for big the firms, including Christian Lacroix, Giorgio Armani, Paco Rabanne, Hervé Léger and Emanuel Ungaro.

Cover girl for the best magazines and the face of international advertising campaigns, today she combines her work as a model with that of TV presenter and fashion designer of children’s clothes.

An unstoppable career and a long path, with a stopover at the towering ME London, where she shared some travel secrets and confessions with us.

By ANDRÉS ACOSTA.

We are sure that Nieves Álvarez has a wanderlust spirit.What does travelling mean to you?

I have always been a passionate traveller, and for me it is a culturally enriching experience. Travelling and seeing the world is like the best university of life. I love getting to places and losing myself in their neighbourhoods and discovering the most authentic things in each one.

Is there any unforgettable trip or anecdote that you would like to share with us?

My trip to India. It was a

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94

What are your favourite

Hotels are one of the most

destinations? And is there any

important things when choosing a

new destination on your list of

destination. Sometimes I decide my

dream trips?

holiday destination just for a hotel

My favourite places are in Asia. I

that I have seen that made me feel

like travelling in Thailand, and Bali

curious because its architecture and

memorable experience; its

is one of the places in the world

design have perhaps surprised me.

landscapes, its smells, its colours –

that I have visited most often. Asian

I devote a lot of time to choosing

they are etched in my mind forever.

culture fascinates me. I would like

them, and I have in mind a list of

my next adventure to be in Bhutan.

Do you devote a lot of time to choosing your hotel?

What features do you appreciate the most?

show! Ample space, perfect lighting... I loved being greeted by the Welcome to the ME Hotel messages written on the mirrors.

What is the feeling you will remember from your stay, generally speaking, of the hotel?

Would you recommend it?

I will remember a very sweet feeling. I am already looking forward to returning to London and staying at the hotel again. I would really recommend it to young, modern people who like to move with a very cool crowd and, as I said before, it is in a perfect location for enjoying the city, going sightseeing and being near all the musicals and theatres that London offers.

Any essential accessories when travelling?

The first things I pack are my loudspeakers so I can listen to music in my room.

The best souvenir to take back with you?

The memories that I take home with me.

PHOTO: ALEX DEL RIO.

Is there any project that you

hotels where I would like to stay some day.

What was your first impression on entering the lobby of the ME London?

DESIGN, modernity: a real

In front of the mirror, in the main bathroom of her Passion Suite, Nieves Álvarez wears a black dress by Dsquared2. Earrings and ring by Rabat.

would like to share with us?

I am still working on Flash Moda – my programme for Spanish National Television where we bring the world of fashion onto the streets and show everything that goes

many interesting people, make it a

on behind this industry which is

perfect place for enjoying the city.

so important for the economy of

What do you like the most

any country. At the same time, I

about the hotel; what would you

continue to design my N+V line of

say is its real strength?

children’s clothes, and for which

The reception area with its cupola

every season we set new challenges

surprise in the heart of London. The

is a fascinating piece of architecture,

for ourselves. We have gradually

impressive views from the Radio Bar

as is the light in all the rooms that

grown and carved a niche in the

and the hotel’s ambience, with so

contrasts with the corridors in black

children’s fashion sector.

marble and, of course, the terrace and its views.

What about your room – interior design, view, amenities...?

My room has been like a real

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95

WHAT TO DO IN

SOHO The ME London is, once again, the base camp

for fashionistas who make their pilgrimage to this city these days.

Here is the definitive route for this year’s fashion circuit.

E

ach fashion week has its own

personality, as do fashion magazine editors who each year tour them all and who themselves change somehow on each of these visits.

New York is functional and those who attend are like a walking catalogue of today’s trends. Paris is a chic fun Rock city, just like stilettos and leather trousers by Emmanuelle Alt. Milan is baroque and uninhibited. However, the freest of them all is London. It is in London, on its streets and during its fashion week, where the most extreme, the most unlikely, the most imaginative trends are put to the test.

London has a very broad cultural and social life all year round, and visiting this city is always interesting, but at this past fashion week (for spring/summer), held from 18 to 22 September, it was the passersby themselves who become the show, even more than usual. Until the last edition, February 2015, the epicentre of this creative party was south of The Strand, on the north bank of the Thames, in Somerset House, a few metres from the ME London hotel.

Last September the show moved to The Brewer Car Park (www.

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96

brewerstreetcarpark.com), a 1929 Art

bloggers wearing the limits of reality,

1ME LONDON HOTEL

Deco building in the heart of Soho

models, designers and publishers

(www.melia.com; 336-337 Strand)

that usually houses macro exhibitions

from places all over the world

The base camp for the public

and events linked to fashion. The

sharing this urban space with the

attendees at fashion week is still

new venue has meant an ever more

salespeople at the coolest shopping

the ME London. After all, everyone

exciting mix of fashion insiders in

area in Europe. In order not miss

comes to the city in search of good

their most unlikely attire, Asian

anything, we suggest you follow

design. This five-star luxury hotel

this fashion circuit that, starting at

was designed by Foster and Partners

the hotel, will take you to the most

down to the tapware and even

important places during Fashion

the breakfast cutlery. Sir Norman

Week as they are the fashionistas’

Foster had carte blanche to design

favourite meeting points.

even the smallest details. The

move over the walls of the very

2 LONDON FASHION WEEKEND

high cone-shaped space, gaping

SAATCHI GALLERY

while the receptionist tries to attract

(www.saatchigallery.com; Duke Of

their attention. First the fashionistas

York's HQ, King's Rd London Fashion

leave their suitcases and then they

Weekend; from 18th to 22nd September)

have a cocktail at the hotel’s sky

This is the mother of all pop-up

bar. The Radio Rooftop Bar these

shops and the meeting point for

days is a catwalk in itself and its

buyers with the best taste in London.

views of London have nothing to

It is celebrated every two years and

envy those from the London Eye.

includes its own parallel shows, talks

Some fashionistas are even reluctant

and, most importantly, shopping.

to leave their rooms right away,

The site for this edition has changed

as everything is so perfect there:

to the Saatchi Gallery and so

a scalable lighting system to suit

fashionistas have had to change their

every taste – there is even a “sexy”

haunts from Soho to Chelsea. The

chamfered façade is discreet and

option – beds are massive and the

walk is worthwhile even if the event

does not reveal its breath-taking

bathroom amenities are by the Greek

has already passed: do not miss a

black and white marble interiors

brand of natural cosmetics Apivita.

visit, even if you only see one of the

that embody London’s avant-

It is understandable that they do

invariably inspiring Saatchi Gallery

garde, freewheeling spirit. The

not want to leave their rooms, but

exhibitions. It is just five minutes

welcome would have even delighted

London is out there and from ME’s

from the Duke of York Square (www.

Alexander McQueen. It is hard to

door to the front row is a ten-minute

dukeofyorksquare.com) where every

check-in at a reception that looks like

walk lined with interesting places

it is out of a German expressionist

where you can shop, eat and have

film or a superhero comic. Usually,

fun. Think carefully about what you

newly-arrived guests stare at the

wear, the streets are filled with street

huge colourful projections that

style photographers.

Above, Vintage Magazine Shop (Vin Mag), a place to lose yourself in.

Below, Milk and Honey, a very exclusive and convenient pub for celebrities, fashionistas and top models.

Opposite, Maison Bertaux, an delicious French pâtisserie; Lazy Olaf, with its fun garments, and Coco de Mer, a superchic erotic shop.

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97

Saturday from 10 am until 4pm the open-air Fine Food market offers artisanal and locally produced meat, game, fish, bread, cakes, cup-cakes and much more.

3 KOKON TO ZAI (www.kokontozai.com; 57 Greek St.) Winner of the Shop of the Year award by Time Out in 2011 and 2012 – not an easy feat for a one-brand shop – it will delight lovers of urban culture, DJs and anyone who wants to look instantly like a Londoner after just one afternoon of shopping.

The creative world of its director Marjan Pejoski is young, street-style, arty and inseparable from music.

Creative talents such as Gareth Pugh and Nicola Formichetti can often be spotted here.

4 MILK AND HONEY (www.mlkhny.com; 61, Poland St.) A true institution in Soho, the Milk & Honey is more than just a pub. It has the personality of a gentlemen’s club and its atmosphere recalls that of the New York jazz clubs of the 20s.

To enjoy certain privileges, such as access to the Red Room, you have to be a member. Non-members can

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98

enter until eleven, but must book

5 COCO DE MER

6 LAZY OAF

in advance. Although it seems very

(www.londonfashionweek.co.uk; 23,

(www.lazyoaf.com; 2, Ganton Street)

exclusive, a visit is worthwhile.

Monmouth Street) One of the delicious

The Lazy Oaf brand was set up in the

Here they take the art of having a

details of the ME London is that

garage of designer Gemma Shiel’s

drink very seriously. The variety

in a sweet little bag inside its bar

father. She used to sell her creations

of alcoholic drinks is exceptional

cabinet, it offers its guests an erotic

at the Old Spitafields market and

and a manual, old-style ice crusher

kit including feathers, lubricant and a

is now a star of mid-range fashion.

is still used. A curious detail loved

vibrator. If guests’ interests go beyond

She offers fun, cartoon and comic-

by models that go there is that the

this, this super-chic erotic shop will

book inspired colourful clothes and

Milk & Honey’s rules forbid men

satisfy the most demanding clients

accessories both for men and women.

approaching women if the latter

with sophisticated, cutting-edge-

Its motto is to design clothes that make

have not talked to the former first.

design sex toys and lingerie for all

people smile, and her target public

tastes: from leather to lace, including

are adults who still find Sponge Bob

latex and even designs by Stella

fun. Her collections are designed in

McCartney.

collaboration with Looney Tunes, Warner Bros and DC Comics. Her Soho flagship shop is worth a visit

8 MACHINE-A

is generous and very good. Don’t

(www.machine-a.com; 13, Brewer

forget to try the karaage chicken and

St.) Back in Soho is another multi-

chashu pork.

brand shop that is interesting as it combines consolidated signatures

11 MAISON BERTAUX

with emerging names and also has

(www.maisonbertaux.com, 28 Greek

a wide price range. You can find

St.) Bonjour! Welcome to the best

brands with a punk spirit like Louise

and oldest French patisserie in

Gray here and more conventional,

London. Maison Bertaux is an

but also exclusive, labels like Raf

establishment founded in the 19th

Simons. A-Machine is a meeting

century that offers charm to an area

point for fashion connoisseurs and

that has increasingly more chains

is where you will find today’s – and

and impersonal shops. The protocol,

tomorrow’s – success stories. Pick any

if time allows, consists of ordering

of the firms at this multi-brand shop,

coffee or tea and one of their cakes

remember its name by heart and you

(their almond croissant is a mystical

will see how, two seasons down the

experience) and then take them out

road, it will the only thing that people

to the street. Inside, the customers

will be talking about.

usually crowd together around the

9 VIN MAG (www.vinmag.com; 39-43, Brewer St.)

old piano looking at the photos and mementos.

12 BRIXTON EFFRA SOCIAL

Soho is unique in the world. On its

(www.effrasocial.com; 89, Effra Road)

streets is an immense establishment

Getting away from Soho, very far

devoted to old magazines where the

away, to have dinner and then dance

most interesting thing is the almost

at the Effra Social is worthwhile. We

quarter of a million magazines from

visited Brixton, an ever livelier and

the 20th century whose covers span

more hipster district that has not

from Art Deco to 90s top models.

lost is authenticity. This bar was the

They also have a huge range of movie

headquarters of the Conservative

posters and music that is hard to

Party’s club and still has the same

whatever your style as it is a trip to

find anywhere else, plus vintage ads

interior design: portraits of Churchill,

another world: To the world of Who

and merchandising from old films. A

messages to its members, wingchairs,

Framed Roger Rabbit cartoons.

place to lose yourself in.

crocheted tablecloths… an

7 BROWNS FOCUS

10 BONE DADDIES

(www.brownsfashion.com; 24, Molton

(www.bonedaddiesramen.com; 31, Peter

dreadlocks and girls with tattoos even

St.) It is worth going a bit farther

St) An excess of eatery choices can

on their jaws. At the Effra you can

from Soho towards Mayfair and

sometimes be the worst nightmare

have supper, dance and even listen

explore Browns Focus, a sort of

for those who enjoy walking around

to a poetry recital. It all has a very

daring, young branch of the classic

London. In recent years, ramen

fashionable feel and is a place you will

Browns shops. Trends are forged on

restaurants quickly popped up in

want to return to again and again.

its shelves, here is the it bag for next

the city centre but the quality can

Christmas. The shop is dark but has

be very varied and it is impossible

lots of neon light like a nightclub,

to know what they are like from the

and it offers clothes and accessories

outside. Bone Daddies is the best

just off the catwalk designed by

choice for a casual meal – you’ll be

emerging designers.

standing up at the bar, but the food

ILLUSTRATION: JAIME MARTINEZ

This shop is one of the reasons why

atmosphere brimming with bearded boys in bright shirts, Jamaicans with

˜

Text: JIMENA BELLISCA

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ART

CARMEN REVIRIEGO is an art investment consultant for collectors. President of Wealth Advisory Services (www. weadser.com) and the Callia Art Fund, she is the author of El laberinto del arte [The Labyrinth of Art], published by Paidós.

FRIEZE LONDON 2015 While young people may not have money, they certainly have beauty, talent, energy – they are fun, set trends and are, above all, the future.And money usually runs towards the future, hence towards the young.This was keenly perceived almost ten years ago – amazing how time slips away – by two young entrepreneurs called Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover: the founders of Frieze London, the great art fair in Europe’s cultural and financial heart.

O

nce upon a time, there was

largely to do with being a breeding

a very, very important city called

ground for radical emerging artists

London – one of the most important

who moreover had huge vitality and

financial and cultural hubs in the

ambition. Conceived as a magazine

world – that nonetheless unlike

from-London-to-the-world and

many other cities in the world did

from-world-to-London, Frieze

not have a great contemporary

had had considerable success in

art event. However, the city had a

both directions. So, never say no

Emerging and contemporary art,

magazine called Frieze which in just

to two young people who have an

commissions for works that needed

a few years, had earned international

obsession: S&S resorted to plan B

a really big space and, of course……

repute, and you know…., give an

and started contacting art dealers

London.

idea to someone young, and they

from other countries. “Of course,

might just surprise you by doing

it would be wonderful to come to

something impossible!.

London,” was the general answer.

then S&S envisaged “moving” the

Indeed, many well-heeled men from

“” Fair, which targeted artists who

her partner Slotover ( we’ll refer

all over the world were acquiring a

were virtually unknown, inside

to them as S&S) were very clear

second home in the city as a lifestyle

Frieze; they envisaged the Sculpture

about the “absurd” void endured

investment. They might become

Garden, and debates in which

by London’s art market because

collectors or investors, might they

people who “needed” to know could

it lacked a contemporary art fair:

not? In 2003, London’s Frieze Fair of

“speak” with those who knew the

after all, “Frieze”, the exhibition that

Contemporary Art first opened its

most. And they promoted a look:

had brought about the birth of the

doors under a marquee in Regent’s

low-heels and lots of sports shoes,

Young British Artists group had

Park. S&S – of course – knew

plenty of understatement. And then,

been held in 1988! so they started

absolutely nothing about art fairs.

in 2012 “Frieze Masters” arrived.

to sound out London’s big galleries,

Indeed, for six years they had never

Since the very beginning, Frieze

to a lukewarm welcome: “too many

met a collector – but they knew about

had been compared to the strongly

taxes”, “the plight of the market”...

art. And they installed their marquee.

consolidated Art Basel – plus a touch

But via their magazine, S&S knew

The facts about Frieze London’s

of “freshness”. But Europe had – and

Not long before 2003, Sharp and

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The creative ambition of the young, however, has no limits, and

that something was dramatically

first edition were as follows: 124

has – another essential fair: TEFAF

changing in London during those

international galleries, revenues of

Maastricht. It so happened that,

years. And that “something” had

£990,000, sales of around £20 million

suddenly, many contemporary art

and 27,000 visitors. The event was the

buyers were admiring incredible

opening that nobody wanted to miss.

quality pieces at “Masters” with lower

It was an it party. Madonna, Kate

price tags than contemporary works

Moss… Hirst – and young people,

in many cases. Either sports shoes or

lots of young people. Its formula?

high-heels… “Masters” was, from the

IMAGE COURTESY OF JUANA DE AIZPURU GALLERY. IMAGE COURTESY OF MAISTERRAVALBUENA GALLERY.

IMAGE COURTESY OF CAYLUS GALLERY.

beginning, a different thing: the 2 for 1 concept.

Carmody Groarke studio was

to galleries of up to ten years old,

York. But Frieze is, above all, art

commissioned to design this

and presenting projects created

and emergence… and here comes

building-marquee – and the architects

specifically for the Fair, but also

Rachel Rose. Google her to see her

have been back again this year. The

Frame, for new galleries presenting

face and you will find the title of

decision was recognised and admired

only new artists. In this 2015 edition,

the next Mission Impossible sequel.

as a wise one; the fact that Carmody

Focus has continued evolving to

OK, either you know her or you

and Groarke have designed possibly

become the definitive destination for

don’t. But she is the winner of the

the most beautiful swimming pool

young galleries – seven of which are

Frieze Artist Award, and the person

in the world certainly maintained

opening exhibitions for the first time

in charge of creating a “site-specific”

Frieze’s hipness at the expected level.

this year, including Antenna Space

work within the programme curated

(Shanghai) and Hopkinson Mossman

by Nicola Lees. It has already been

(Auckland, New Zealand).

written that she “will mark an age” as

The Fair’s 13th edition was held from 14th to 17th October 2015 with the participation of over 160

In addition, Live is back – a

an artist. Art dealer Pilar Corrías and

contemporary art galleries from

platform devoted to performances

the Serpentine Gallery “must be in

nearly 30 countries. Since 2013 the

and art works that call for audience

the know”. They know. And so does

programme has been curated by

participation. This section tries to fill

Frieze. Her piece A Minute Ago does

Nicola Lees, but this year a new team

the Fair with activity via works that

not seem from this world, neither its

was recruited made up of Victoria

need the public’s immersion and

beauty or technique nor its humility

Siddall as director, Abby Bangser as

interaction.

and brutal sophistication. What then

art director for America and Asia,

And finally… the bombshell. S&S –

and Jo-Stella Sawicka as art director

Sharp & Slotover, do you remember?

for Europe, Middle East, Africa and

– quit their posts to engage in new

Russia.

projects, and Victoria Siddall takes

In this last edition, the Fair has

over – coming from “Masters”, a

presented two new specialised

post that she maintains – as director

sections: not only Focus, devoted

of Frieze London and Frieze New

IMAGE COURTESY OF MAISTERRAVALBUENA GALLERY.

In 2014, the London-based

Clockwise, from top to bottom, La Virgen del Huso, oil on wood, 71x 50.3 cm, by Luis de Morales; Untitled,

by Albert Oehlen, mixed technique on paper, 228 x 117 cm; Diest, by Nestor Sanmiguel; and Untitled, by B.Wurtz.

will she create for the brand new, fast-approaching Frieze edition?

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ART

GUY JENNINGS

a head-and-heart art investor

Guy Jennings studied Contemporary History and Art History at Trinity College, Oxford.

His professional path can be summed up in two big moments: 1890, when he joined Christie’s in London, and his current position as Managing Director of The Fine Art Fund Group – the oldest and most important market leading art investment partnership in the world.

By CARMEN REVIRIEGO.

I

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n September 1888, Van Gogh was desperately looking

There is a priceless video that Guy

for a studio where he could paint together with Gauguin.

Jennings filmed before the auction. In it

Suddenly, he found the perfect space: a yellow house that

he describes in detail why this drawing

was being let at a reasonable price. Van Gogh found a

is so special. He does so with the passion

piece of paper and quickly drew a sketch that he sent to

and timbre of voice of a snake charmer

his brother Theo to convince him of the opportunity that

(one who knows the value of what he

had opened up to them… and so that he, in turn, could

holds in his hands). Jennings explains

convince Gauguin. The letter would give way to what is

that this drawing is all about capturing a

today known as “The Nine Turbulent weeks in Arles”. Theo

moment in time, about details, about the

convinced Gauguin, but not Seurat, Signac or Bernard as

people sauntering past, the “Grocery”

hoped by his brother who wanted a new space where the

sign on the adjoining building, the

creativity that was effervescing

proportions of the awning, the horizontal lines that fill the sky,

in the world of art could be

the window frames, the position of the chimneys – but, above

further developed. Barely two

all, Jennings points out “the little mounds of sand”, indicating

years later, on 27th July 1990,

that gas lines would soon be laid down. Artists would

Vincent – the signature in his

therefore have the light they needed to work late into the

letter, not in his sketch – died,

night. Everything changed at that exact moment, and precisely

leaving behind a huge body

with that sketch. Jennings knows this. And he knows how to

of work that he had created

transmit the passion that has guided him along the winding

starting from that momentous

path of how Impressionism – which changed everything –

move to the “Yellow House” that would significantly change

began and matured. That was the topic of his first book. The

the history of art. Van Gogh himself made two paintings

second was a monograph on Renoir.

based on that sketch and, in addition, Signac produced an

How has your personal track record, working in an auction

excellent watercolour. But the true beginning of it all was

house, influenced your role in an art investment company?

that drawing that the artist did hurriedly to send with his

How are you able to contribute to TFAFG, and what have you

letter. Both were auctioned at Christie’s almost two years

learnt from your previous positions?

ago on 5th November 2013. The estimated starting price

I have worked since 1980 as both an auction house

was between $2.5 and $3.5 million. The auction lasted just

expert and as a leading private dealer: I have acquired

over six minutes. In those six frantic minutes, bids, after

in-depth knowledge of the art market over that time as

having been below $3 million, started to increase slightly

it has travelled through both peaks and troughs. I have

and ended up over $5.4 million when the hammer fell. The

seen painters go in and out of fashion and be in fashion

price of a sketch of a place to rent, drawn hurriedly by a

again. It is this long-term view that I bring to The Fine Art

man full of hope but short of money.

Fund and which is invaluable for developing a consistent investment strategy.

Important auctions and dealings in the art market have become headlines in major economic newspapers.Why is art a good investment?

Art is a tangible asset, one that has proven to maintain itself

an investment The Group’s funds follow strict sector diversification; for example our Callia Art Fund, (www. calliaartfund.com) allocates 20% to Latin-American and Spanish artists. The Group is driven by the underlying quality and value of individual artworks; focusing on genuine connoisseurship and a profound understanding of each piece – their individual markets, the market for the sector and the market as a whole. Art market indexes and data trends provide useful background information but are never the sole basis for an investment decision.

The Group works with a large number of external experts – all of whom are recognised as leading world authorities

Left, Guy Jennings, the current Managing Director of The Fine Art Fund Group in the lobby of the ME London hotel.

Opposite, an image of the sketch that Vincent Van Gogh sent his brother Theo (together with a letter) of the Yellow House.

It was auctioned at Christie’s and sold for $5.4 million.

in their fields – and it never recommends the purchase of artworks without a specialist third-party opinion. Our team is therefore divided into sections that play to each person’s strengths and wealth of knowledge.

PHOTOS: ALEX DEL RIO.

TFAFG is present in Europe,Asia and America, having already successfully launched six art funds. How has the art investment market for funds evolved worldwide?

The idea of an art investment fund was one that people were initially very sceptical about as it was the first of its kind: The only notable historical example of an art fund

and increase in value over time. Looking at the historical

was the British Rail Pension Fund which achieved a real

evolution of the art market, we can observe that it has been

annual rate of return calculated at about 11.3% between

in continuous growth, expanding into new countries and

1974 and 1989, thus supporting the premise that attractive

with new clients around the world, reaching a truly global

rates of return are achievable on art. Today, The Fine Art

dimension with art becoming a global language that can be

Fund Group is the largest global investment house of its

marketed on a global scale. High quality works of art as an

kind, standing apart from the rest with over $350 million

investment provide not only portfolio diversification and

worth of assets under contract. Art funds, and especially

capital protection, but also offer an interesting opportunity

The Fine Art Fund, offer a one-stop platform with a tried

during times of market instability due to their high returns

and tested model. It is interesting to note that the global

and low correlation with other asset classes.

art investment fund industry is concentrated around

The fact that the art market is not a regulated market generates uncertainty among traditional investors, how do art funds reassure investors?

Art and capital markets might seem like two completely

existing art funds, such as ours, that can demonstrate a track record.

What properties should an artwork have to be a good investment? Where would Guy Jennings currently invest $1M?

different worlds, but developments in recent years have

The answer to this question is as varied as there are works

shown a growing interest in art as an independent asset

of art in the world, but an investor must always consider

class. High net-worth investors are increasingly sceptical

quality, condition, art historical significance, size, and

of complex and opaque monetary assets and are becoming

medium, but above all aesthetic appeal. Does the investor

more and more drawn to material assets such as art. They

find it beautiful? $1million is not much in the current art

are attracted to art because of its potential returns, its value

market so I would have to direct it towards young, up-and-

in portfolio diversification and its long-term potential.

coming artists who have yet to make a name for themselves

The Group primarily invests in fine art, mostly at the top

but who I believe will make it in the future.

end of the market, focusing on artists with established art-historical value and those who we believe will be, over time, considered part of this group. ‘Blue-chip’ art of this kind has a wide global base and is characterised by decreasing supply and increasing demand. When making

˜

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Vienna

architecture

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art

essence

A muse of avant-garde movements, this city’s calendar has always been marked by design, art and architecture.The Vienna Design Week, the Blickfang Design Trade Show and the Vienna Fair are some of the reasons for visiting it, and its new architecture icons, such as the University of Economics and Business Library – designed by Iranian architect Zaha Hadid – and the DC1 Tower – designed by Frenchman Dominique Perrault, home to the spectacular Hotel MeliáVienna – have picked up the baton from the old masters.We toured the city with a keen eye on its architectural narrative.

V

Text: Álvaro anglada Photos:agE / Corbis / getty

ienna forged its identity via Baroque palaces

and music scores. artists, philosophers and writers – even a psychoanalyst – contributed to its élan as the most magnificent European capital in the early 20th century. a trendsetter, the city now reminisces on its dazzling past to reinvent itself over and over again to retain its previous influence in the fields of art, architecture and design. an architectural visit to this city – dotted with so many iconic buildings – is therefore like a tour of its history: from the monumental sights on the ringstrasse (the historic ring road inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1857, and which turns 150 this year) to the landmarks of Secessionism, without forgetting its new skyline on the danube banks.

To give a general picture of vienna’s history and past up

Left, the Parliament, on the Ringstrasse.

Opposite, Austria’s tallest skyscraper, the DC1 Tower, designed by architect Dominique Perrault, home to the Meliá Vienna. 220 metres high and with 58 floors, it is also Austria’s first sustainable building.

to the present, I stayed in the city’s latest architectural icon – the dC1 Tower. This impressive building from which I wrote these words is an ode to the danube, whose waters are reflected by its undulating façade. looking out at the 360º-views from the terrace of its 57 lounge, enjoying a glass of wine, I have a fabulous first impression of the city.

There can be no better welcome for a traveller: vienna, the danube and a backdrop of vineyards shape the picture of a large, attractive and cosmopolitan city that treats its past with modernity (as past masters who extolled it have

these buildings tell about their past dwellers. If you are

always done).

interested in finding out more about the importance of

2015 is a perfect year to visit. The city is paying homage

this historical avenue, this year’s many exhibitions and

to its monumental avenue: the ringstrasse – 5.3 kilometres

lectures are devoted to the landmarks along it: from the

along which aristocrats, at the prompting of the Emperor,

renaissance national opera House to the main Museums.

built very diverse buildings inspired by the past. So, I started

Its buildings with historicist façades were inspired by

my tour on this big avenue and followed a chronological

an ambitious urban design, created to replace the old

narrative that gave me an insight into the stories that

defensive walls with one of the most beautiful avenues in Europe. The Emperor achieved his goal.

Many of these buildings are still very much alive as they are the sites of different festivals such as the ImPulsTanz dance Festival (www.impulstanz.com) – every year it brings together the world’s most important dancers and

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Be like the Viennese Tuning in to Vienna is simple.A coffee, cake and a book are the only things you will need at a table at the Café Central (Herrengasse, 14), the Sperl (Gumperdorfer, 11) or the Landtmann (Universitätsring, 4).

While rubbing shoulders with Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler and Adolf Loos in this café was once easy, today the aura of fin-de-siècle Vienna lives hand in hand with Above, the Beethoven Frieze, one of the greatest works by Gustav Klimt, inside the Secession Building designed by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich.

Top, the National Opera House, one of the most important opera houses in the world, and below, inside the famous Café Central and a view of the entrance to the complex of the Baroque Belvedere palaces in the heart of the city.

choreographers on various stages in

mobile phones and Wi-Fi.

Austria’s capital. Its next edition will

However, there are other

be in the summer of 2016.

ways to be nourished in

However, in the early 20th century,

Klimt at the Belvedere

of

(Prinz Eugen-Straße, 27)

the

Ringstrasse

represented

for many people a past that was

are an obligatory visit,

resistant to change, and as such it

as are those by Rubens

was unacceptable for the younger

at the Liechtenstein

architects and artists who, ahead

Museum (Fürstengasse,

of their time, expressed their views

1) and the twin museums

by breaking with the old ideas.

of Maria-Theresien-

This movement came to be called

Platz, housing the

the Vienna Secession, and was an

106

Museum of Art History.

unprecedented cultural explosion that spread all over

Facing them is the Museumsquartier, a

the world from Vienna. The epicentre of this revolution

small town devoted to modern art with

was the Secession Building (Friedrichstraße, 12; www.

ten cultural institutions – among which

secession.at), a white pavilion crowned by a dome of

the Leopold Museum and the Mumok

golden olive leaves, designed by architect Joseph Maria

in particular stand out. Find the latest

Olbrich – and was my next stop. Above the entrance, the

fashion items, music, magazines and books

movement’s motto in big gold letters filled me with awe:

in the nearby Quartier21, a pavilion

“To every age its art, to every art its freedom.” That was the

with design shops and art galleries. Life

spirit in 1898, but still today, I could feel its rebellious cry.

continues in the parks.The Viennese

However, if the exterior speaks for itself, its interior will

meet there in the evening – in the

thrill you even more. Here you can view the wonderful

quiet Volksgarten, presided over by the

Beethoven Frieze, a mural that is one of Gustav Klimt’s

Theseus Temple, and in the Stadtpark,

best works, and is part of the building’s architecture.

the city’s first public park. Bike lovers

This tumult of innovation continued over the following STYLE

this city: works by Gustav

the very academicist urban design

years and then another architectural landmark appeared

should head for the enormous Prater, in the shade of Vienna’s emblematic Giant Ferris Wheel.And for the evening, no plan is as Viennese as going to the National Opera House, or letting oneself be carried away by the fashionable clubs along the bank of the Danube.

Left, entrance to the Meliá Vienna hotel in the DC1 Tower, located in the new business district, near the Austria Center Vienna convention centre and the Danube Island, the city’s largest recreational area. It is directly connected to the city centre by metro. Below, 360º views from the 57 Lounge bar (with DJs on the weekends).

Right, the hotel lobby, and below, the reception for the exclusive rooms and suites of The Level area.

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Above, The Postsparkasse, the Postal Savings Bank headquarters, a landmark of functional architecture in public spaces by Otto Wagner. Right, the Hundertwasser, a building with clever shapes on the banks of the Danube, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, another work of his, the Kunst Haus Wien, the headquarters of the museum devoted to him.

on the city’s map. Otto Wagner used clean lines for the new Postal Savings

Bank

Building

–

the

Postsparkasse – (Georg Coch-Platz, 2; www.ottowagner.com), made of grey marble and aluminium in a tribute to functionality.

and look at the façade, you can still feel the energy of that

Its simple, diaphanous interior made me think of how

era in its architectural design. The building was designed

architecture speaks of moments in history and of

as the head office of the tailor’s Goldman & Salatsch, but

generations confronted with changing paradigms and

today is called the Loos House (Michaelerplatz). A young

mindsets. But the coup de grace for the old order came

student with whom I got into a conversation in front of

with Adolf Loos – who inspired Le Corbusier no less –

the building told me that the Emperor Franz Joseph I

when, in 1911, he erected a furiously modern façade –

refused to pass by the palace windows that overlooked the

reviled for its lack of decorative detail (in stark contrast

façade because he found it ugly and senseless – perhaps

to the over-ornate style of the Habsburg Palace) – in front

he thought that he could thus ignore the revolution that

of the baroque Hofburg Imperial Palace. When you stand

the city and the world were witnessing. But the 20thcentury’s avant-garde movements and architectural

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND AUTUMN ART EVENTS

functionalism had come to stay.

As a result of over a century of creativity, the city has become an epicentre for trends. In September and October, the freshest and most innovative shapes abound on the streets

I returned to my hotel to have dinner there as I wanted to

and October next year).The famous Blickfang Design Trade Show (from 30th October

findoutmoreaboutthefascinatinghistoryofthearchitecture

to 1st November; www.blickfang.com) is another big event. It will be held once again at

of another building, the DC1 Tower – the new kid on the

the MAK (Stubenring, 5. www.mak.at), the Applied Art Museum, which will endeavour to

city’s skyline. Not so long ago, in 1964, the 252-m Danube

house this explosion of creativity that embraces the fields of fashion and interior design.

tower (Donauturmstraße, 4), designed by Austrian architect

Do not miss the Vienna State Opera’s programme which spans from the Baroque to the

Hannes Lintl, was built for an international exhibition. And

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Break and evolution

during Vienna Design Week and the Vienna Fair (the next editions will be in September

Inside the MAK (Vienna’s Museum of Applied Art)

21st century – although

in the 1980s, the ingenious shapes of artist Friedensreich

it mainly consists of

Hundertwasser prevailed on the architectural scene. To

19th-century works.

take a look at his work, I went to the old working-class

Seven operas will

district of Landstrasse, by the Danube canal, where the two

be premiered in the

great buildings by this artist coexist – on the one hand, the

2015-1016 season.

irregular shapes of the Hundertwasserhaus (Kegelgasse, 34-

The first will be Verdi’s

38) and on the other, the silver, ochre and blues of the Kunst

Macbeth (October

Haus Wien façade (Untere Weißgerberstraße, 13; www.

2015), followed by a

kunsthauswien.com) and the site of the museum devoted

new Humperdinck

to this architect who was part of this breakaway movement.

production, the tale

This was definitely one of my favourite places in Vienna.

Hansel and Gretel

This old Thonet wooden furniture factory was completely

(November 2015).Also presented for the first time will be Tri Sestri (Three Sisters) by Péter Eötvös, directed by the composer himself, and performed at the Haus am Ring (March 2016). Don’t miss seeing the safety curtain that separates the stage from the public which was designed by American artist Joan Jonas.

Left, the 45-m², romantic Grand Premium room, whose bathtub has 180º panoramic views of the river and the city. Below left, a Meliá Guest room (they range between 28 and 34 m2), and below right, the bathroom of the 214-m² Presidential Suite on the 14th floor with spectacular 180º panoramic views of the city.

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Right, the Flow Bar and Restaurant in the hotel lobby, the perfect place to try one of its cocktails after work, or get to know the culture of Viennese coffee and the local gastronomy.

Far right, a view of the 57 Lounge – which has a vast gin menu.

Below, the atmosphere of the 57 Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays (open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.) with DJ sessions.

Bottom left, the hotel’s gym and bottom right, the convention space with 8 meeting rooms, or Great Ballroom, for holding exclusive gala dinners.

transformed with irregular elements in glass, metal, brick, wood and multicoloured ceramic tiles.

But if there was a time when contemporary

and

post-modern

architecture made a strong statement it was in 1990 when the Haas House (Stephansplatz, 4), designed by Hans Hollein, was built in front of the venerable Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in the medieval heart of Vienna – confirming that the 21st century was already knocking at the door. I had a strange but pleasing feeling, a sort of overwhelming confusion standing in front of the façade. In fact, there are two façades in one: one in glass and the other in Roman-style panelling – like a clash between two ages.

With this feeling of chaos and

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renewed energy, I took a look at the present day.

Meliá Vienna Hotel basks in its own light and breathes life

Everybody told me that Vienna is again awakening to

into this zigzagged façade of steel and glass.

an avant-garde spirit, and that the city is filling with new

I must admit that the first thing that caught my eye when

architectural shapes that express the world we live in. The

I entered was its impressive gilded iron, champagne-

city feels comfortable as it is accustomed to being fertile

coloured spiral staircase that connects three floors, and

ground for trends that shake the worlds of design and

the large windows through which sunlight shines to

architecture.

illuminate the hall. Thanks to the large dimensions of

In this spirit, I went to my next visit: the Vienna University

this hotel, and also to its elegant furniture, I could not

of Economics and Business Library (Welthandelsplatz, 1)

help feeling that I was, in a way, living in the diaphanous

whose straight and curved lines in a futuristic structure

and functional Loos House or the Postparkasse. It is as

look like a giant sculpture, though functionality is never

if the inspiration from those buildings has reached all

far away. Designed by Iranian architect Zaha Hadid, it

the way here. Apparently I was not wrong, as when I

has become the star building of this new campus in the

met the hotel’s general manager – the smiling Dorothea

Leopoldstadt district where other internationally well-

Schuester – in the spectacular 57 Lounge, that has

known architects have also left their mark.

unrivalled views of the city, she confirmed it: “Because of

I also enjoyed the last chronological link on the east bank

its exciting and singular design we hoped that the Meliá

of the Danube. Today, it reveals Vienna’s most contemporary

Vienna would be another architectural attraction for the

face. Donau City, the new business district, has become a

city, both for visitors and for the Viennese themselves.”

cutting-edge lab for important architectural developments

And so, to integrate it even more into its surroundings,

that are changing the city’s skyline. I stayed there a few

the project turned the tower ’s base into a public space

days – while living my architectural dream – in the brand-

for the inhabitants of the city. In just a few months, it has

new DC1 Tower (Donau-City-Straße, 7) designed by French

become a meeting point for the Viennese – a meeting

architect Dominique Perrault, famous for creating France’s

point that, thanks to its extreme verticality of 250 metres,

National Library 20 years ago. Within this building, the

including its aerial – is Austria’s tallest. To bid my farewell to the city, I dined in this magical restaurant with heartstopping views, and also enjoyed a couple of drinks at the SKY bar, above the restaurant. My architectural dream came to an end while I caressed Vienna’s sky and I dreamed of my next visit.

˜

The Meliá Vienna hoTel The newest symbol for modern Vienna, this hotel occupies 18 floors of the DC1 Tower,Austria’s tallest building. Designed

by French architect Dominique Perrault, it has 253 spacious rooms fitted out with the latest technological advances – of which 25 rooms are designer suites, including the 200-m2 Presidential Suite – all of them with spectacular views of Vienna and the Danube thanks to their large floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel has modern conference rooms, an impressive entrance hall and the exclusive John Harris Fitness Centre, the perfect place to forget the stress of the big city. In addition, it is the country’s first sustainable or Green Building, an iconic construction that respects the environment located right in the heart of the emerging business district of Donau City, close to one of the city’s large green spaces, the Danube Island.Three restaurants reflect its culinary scene.

The Lobby-Bar and Restaurant ‘Flow’, ideal for getting to know the culture of Viennese coffee and local specialities; the 57 Restaurant, where Mediterranean and Austrian cuisines fuse with today’s gastronomic trends and includes a small selection of vegan dishes; and the 57 Lounge, a cosmopolitan roof bar that boasts an exclusive cocktail menu and 360º views – a fashionable place for enjoying the best DJ sessions.

(Donau-City-Straße 7; www.melia.com).

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GUEST EXPERIENCE OR THE ART OF OFFERING SOMETHING BEFORE YOUR GUESTS WANT IT

The Observatory

It used to be just a bed. Now a hotel is much more than a place to sleep in when you are away from home. It has become a major decision for any trip, and in many cases is even the destination itself.

Meliรก Hotels International has designed seven hotel brands that cater to seven different guest profiles.Which one is yours?

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Text: ARANTXA NEYRA

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ooms are ever more sophisticated,

between guest and hotel – a connection that goes far

amenities are now haute couture, great architects design

beyond intangible values – Meliá Hotels International has

the buildings, and chefs who have Michelin stars are

incorporated for some time now the figure of the Guest

consultants for restaurants that are no longer just cafés

Experience manager in its hotels. Specifically for its ME

where to have breakfast but have become eateries with

by Meliá brand, this figure has the appropriate name of

their own appeal and open to the rest of the city – meeting

Aura Manager, a sort of guardian angel “whose functions

points. All these services have a clear objective: to enhance

encompass everything from being a DJ, stylist and tour

the guest’s experience.

operator to personal confidant and private secretary”

Over the past decade, if there is a single word that

and whose mission is to anticipate each guest’s wishes.

describes every touristic initiative it is “experience”.

Because the goal is not just for guests to be satisfied and

So much so that in order to ensure an emotional bond

their expectations met: the goal is to surpass these, surprise the guests and turn them into ambassadors for the brand.

But, where does this trip begin, and where does it end?

The experience is a chain with many links whose value is added to by the taxi driver who takes us to the hotel all the way to the receptionist in charge of checking out.

Left, a view of the bathroom in the exclusive Presidential Suite (355 m²) at the Gran Meliá Xian.

Above, a Deluxe room (23 m²) at the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina.

Opposite, terrace with sun loungers and daybeds and magnificent views of the city of Sevilla from the Gran Meliá Colón.

Its success is measured by the return on experience – in

GRAN MELIÁ,THE VALUE OF CLASSICISM

other words, ensuring guest loyalty. This is why, for the

Elegant yet with state-of-the-art touches, such as

brand promise to be fulfilled, it is essential to define its

the Gran Meliá Fénix and the Gran Meliá Rome Villa

attributes and convey its values and its philosophy with

Agrippina – these are the Gran Meliá hotels, located

the utmost precision so that guests clearly identify with

in iconic buildings and mainly targeted at the most

one specific brand. And this must be perceived by guests.

travelled and discerning guests. This is why these Gran

This is achieved by approaching each of them and offering

Meliá confer, with what they call a “value promise”, great

just what they need; Meliá Hotels International has

importance on gastronomy. Highly-reputed chefs, such as

developed seven brands with different brand attributes

Miguel Román at his Caray restaurant in the Gran Meliá

and commitments encompassing different profiles: Gran

Fénix, and Alfonso Iaccarino at the Viva Voce restaurant

Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá,

in the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina, integrate the

Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Innside by Meliá, Sol Hotels & Resorts and TRYP by Wyndham. Whether a getaway for couples, holidays with the family, or a business meeting, all the hotels of the Meliá group are always much more than just a bed.

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Can you give one advantage and one disadvantage of having seven – very different – brands?

The advantage is that it allows us to address our guests’ preferences, no matter how varied they are – the approach of each brand is not only based on demographics, but also on psychographics or IAO variables, and not only includes our guests’ different purchasing powers, but also their psychological side, the stage of life each is currently experiencing, their family situation. A single guest can have different needs and expectations when booking a hotel room: as a young single executive, later as a parent, and then as an empty nester (when their children are already independent and they can travel with their partner again). Our mission is to be present throughout the present and the future of our guests. Regarding disadvantages, one could be the fact that each brand has to remain faithful to itself all the time, and that involves a full-time commitment as well as constant analysis of the brand's space, its attributes and its competitors.

What weight do intangible values such as hospitality, lifestyle, attention and service, etc. carry for your company?

For Meliá, intangible aspects such as hospitality, personalised attention and service, pesonalisation, are very important From top to bottom, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, a resort in a private bay, ideal for a holiday with children.

Below, Paradisus Punta Cana, on Punta Cana Beach, the only Caribbean resort with 400,000 m² of gardens.

local produce of each place with the most modern

because deep down we are “experience

techniques in restaurants with very refined interior

offerers” and the human factor is key to

design which generates the right atmosphere. The same

these experiences. We – companies of

concept of embracing all things local is what gives the

Southern European origin and influence

SPA by Clarins its character, where, apart from the usual

– have a great understanding of these

treatments, traditional therapies using botanical products

attributes given our character and lifestyle,

from the area are also offered. The same goes for the Thai

our genuine hospitality which is reflected

Wellness centre that offers traditional Thai treatments and

in our excellent, personalised attention

atmosphere.

and service – highly appreciated by our international guests. Meliá stands out in

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PARADISUS,THE REINTERPRETATION OF THE ALL INCLUSIVE LUXURY RESORT This is a re-interpretation of the all-inclusive Resort plus luxury in exclusive places, with authentically local architecture and landscapes, tropical gardens and picture-perfect beaches. If, for all the Meliá Group’s

particular for its excellent, personalised

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ANDRÉ GERONDEAU

strengths as a company is, doubtlessly,

EVP HOTELS

our ability to innovate and develop highly

As global head of hotel operations and brand portfolio,André P. Gerondeau has a key role in the design of Melia Hotels International’s successful strategy . His goals: to reinforce the Group’s brands, to promote international expansion and to strengthen the Company’s positioning on the international map.

differentiated products and, just as in the past when we were pioneers and offered our guests innovative services like buffets, themed leisure, and entertainment at our resorts, today we are still leading the sector thanks to our search to update features and unique services with a high added value.

In the short-medium term, what would you say is the one major strength of Meliá Hotels International? What about its major weakness, threat, and above all, opportunity?

It is difficult to highlight a single strength, but I would name the group’s brand structure: diversified by segment and covering different guest profiles and ranges of expectation. I would say that an “opportunity” is that of going forward with the company’s cultural transformation in tandem with the fast international expansion to which we are PHOTO: JAIME VERT

giving priority in the various segments.

“We have learned to balance our short-term vision while never forgoing our long-term goals ”

Of the threats – and although I’ve already said that we have done a good job, and we are now in a good situation for growing and strengthening even more, given the favourable situation of the international tourism industry – we will certainly have to be alert to face the challenge from new players in the hospitality market as well

standard of service, highly valued in all

the most dynamic markets in the world,

as being very aware of our strengths and

the countries where we operate, and we

and equally important was the balancing

competitive differences. As regards our

bring the flavour and warmth of Southern

and diversification of our portfolio,

major weakness, at Meliá we may have

European service to every place where we

both in geographic terms – in solid and

some, but we are expert in turning each

are present worldwide (currently,

profitable destinations that have enabled

weakness into an opportunity. This is

40 countries). A motto of the company is,

us to endure even the hardest times –

how we have weathered difficulties and

“We speak Spanish in every language.”

and in terms of brand and segment. For

it is thanks to our ability to diagnose

example, our company has one of the most

problems and find creative solutions,

company’s strategy, particularly in times

competitively-balanced offers of urban

minimizing risks and maximizing results.

of crisis.What does Meliá offer that other

and leisure rooms within the industry.

We don’t believe in weaknesses but in

companies don’t?

In a nutshell, I can say that our long

opportunities, and in the courage and commitment to achieve that.

Differentiation is a key element in a

The latest crisis has taught us a series

trackrecord as managers of global hotels

of very important lessons – among them,

in the best locations together with a high

I would highlight that we have learned

international diversification and a very

to balance our short-term vision while

competitive portfolio endows us with a

never forgoing our long-term goals. This

more comfortable position and enables

has allowed us to keep on growing in

us to continue growing. Another of our

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From top to bottom, the exclusive Rooftop swimming pool for the guests in suites at the ME Ibiza; a Passion Suite at the ME London with views of The Strand, and the living room of a suite at the ME Milan Il Duca.

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resorts, commitment to sustainability with the destination

gastronomy, but even – sometimes – by showing guests

is important, for the Paradisus hotels, located in places

how the community lives. Enjoy water sports, gourmet

with dazzling nature such as Punta Cana (the Dominican

food – thanks to the input by 7-Michelin-starred chef

Republic), Playa del Carmen and Cancun (Mexico)

Martín Berasategui – and the spectacular YHI Spas.

and Varadero and Holguín (Cuba), it is even more so.

This does not just mean acting responsibly towards

ME BY MELIÁ,A PASSION FOR TRENDS

the environment, the sea and the ecosystem, but also

Technology, music, gastronomy, design… they all make

towards the local population and the original culture of

up the added value offered by this brand of hotels with a

the place, both of which are protected and which guests

cosmopolitan personality, present in cities such as Madrid,

are made aware of, either via various arts and crafts and

London and Milan, and dream beach destinations in Mexico such as Cancun and Cabo San Lucas and in the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca in Spain. The essence of a strong personality and contemporary style can be appreciated thanks to their sophisticated, always service-oriented ambiences, and by the hallmark of top

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ALEX HUGOT

What is it that really builds your

that other person has a place

VP GLOBAL BRAND MANAGEMENT

in our mind, and this makes us

brand image in the minds of guests?

Alex Hugot is in charge of bringing ideas to life and putting them into practice – he designs the processes and makes them come true.

Each brand has a number of distinctive elements. The experience of guests refers to

already “loyal”. The same thing happens with our guests and their experiences at our hotels: they meet us, live an experience

memory once they have returned

with us, feel something special

to their daily lives – this will

for our brand, for the team at

create an emotional bond with

the hotel – they have lots of fun,

that brand for them: anything

they enjoy themselves. Then,

that can surprise them and, in

when they return home, they feel

addition, is related to the five

they have identified with that

senses. As said by Maya Angelou,

hotel, with that brand, and tell

“Guests will never remember

everybody what their experience

what we told them or what

has been like because we really

we did for them – but they

did connect with them; and the

will remember how we made

next time they have to travel,

them feel”. Concerning sight;

they remember all that they

interior decoration and design,

lived with us: we have a place in

colours, lighting, projections, our

their minds, we have managed

guest profiles, the hotel’s team,

to make them loyal customers

PHOTO: JAIME VERT

everything that stays in their

technology, visual uniformity, brand stationery, amenities, even the cleanliness of the hotel. With regard to smell; the brand’s fragrance, the smell of our delicious food, the soap used to wash our sheets, the aroma

“Our guests’ experiences are what remain with them ”

– a part of our MeliáRewards clientele.

How do you use technology to create experiences for guests?

Starting prior the guests’ arrival at the hotel, as they checkin online, and even after they

of our breakfast coffee... Smell is the sense

carry out for Brand Equity, and how are they

have left it; from our offering high speed

that lasts the longest in our memory – hence

monitored? What return on experience do you

Wi-Fi or personalised service via Twitter,

the importance of having a brand smell

have?

to a Wi-Fi printer in the kitchen for the

that allows guests to always recognise it.

We always measure our projects with

guests’ orders, real time projections, activity

Regarding hearing; music, the WOW effect,

two clear gauges. One is ROI (Return

bookings from the hotel’s app, Smart

performances related to the personality of

On Investment), an economic gauge to

television in the room, playlists or events

our brand, having relaxing, quiet areas...

capitalise on the investment made. The

via streaming at our resorts... All these

Taste is linked to the gastronomic experience,

other is ROE (Return On Experience), to

examples improve the experiences of our

innovation and the combinations of flavours

capitalise on our guests’ experience – which,

guests. That is to say, not only all tangible

(surprise = memory), and new mixology

in the long run, is what makes them return.

technology, but also all that which makes

trends. Regarding touch; our sheets, the

To better explain ROE, let me give you an

our operative processes faster and more

sleeping experience with a good

example that happens in real life: when we

accurate.

mattress that enables us to rest, soft towels,

meet someone who we find interesting,

quality cutlery and crockery, the sand

who we like, we live a different experience

of our beaches…

with that person, we feel something special

What implementation protocols do you

towards that person; and if everything goes well, after some months of going out, we identify with that person, we talk our friends about that person, we already feel something different… because a year later, we already share memories together,

What should a hotel have to be a destination in itself?

A personality of its own, being unique… and location, location, location.

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From top to bottom, the common areas at the Sol Beach House, Benoa, Bali.

Right, Gravity Party by the swimming pool at the Sol House Trinidad, in Mallorca, located on Calviá Beach; and a view of the Sol Shack beach bar, with views of the sea, at the Sol Beach House Ibiza.

designers such as Fosters & Partners, United Designers

bodies can join the Balance by Meliá programme: This

Ltd., Zaha Hadid and Álvaro Sans that are perfectly

includes suggestions for healthy eating at the restaurants

in sync with the atmospheres offered by the global

where wholesome, fresh breakfasts are served along

partners who manage some of their restaurants like STK

with nutritional information as well as access to the

in London, and the restaurants in ME Madrid Reina

fitness facilities. Those travelling with their families can

Victoria, such as Ana La Santa. Music and technology are

enjoy the Kids & Co programme which comprises a mini

also always present. The goal is to surprise, to astonish, to

check-in, special amenities for children in the rooms, and

captivate guests who are interested in what is new and

activities for kids and parents. Business travellers will

who follow trends yet want “to unwind, but not be out of

also find suitable spaces for their meetings, events and

touch” while on holiday.

gala diners here, and in some destinations these can also be combined with sports such as golf without having to

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MELIÁ HOTELS & RESORTS, ESSENCE OF LIFE A pillow menu and aromatherapy and chromotherapy in rooms, delicious local flavours at the restaurant and endless pampering at the Spa – these are basic features of all the Meliá Hotels, a brand able to adapt to diverse types of travellers. Those who want to take care of their

leave the hotel.

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TONY CORTIZAS

Experience is the most fashionable

restaurants in many of the

VP GLOBAL BRAND STRATEGY

world’s major cities are located

word in the world of tourism.What is most important when it comes to designing the global experience at a given hotel?

Responsible for overseeing strategies, public relation campaigns and marketing initiatives focussed on the vast portfolio of hotels and resorts belonging to this chain.

in hotels – in the past this was not the case. One area where we are seeing constant change is in technological gadgets for

It is true that everyone is

guests but this is an area that

these days, so in that regard it

is difficult to keep up with and

is something of a trend. Having

is it dangerous to overly focus

said that, it is also true that when

a brand’s positioning on. One

it comes to the category of travel

simple example of this was the

this has always been the real core

influx of iPod docking stations

of our business. If you are not

which were the hot new thing in

selling experiences then all you

room amenities. Not many years

are doing is renting out rooms.

later, not only are the docking

Customers will only pay for

stations obsolete, but the iPod

the value that they perceive; if

itself has become a dinosaur.

PHOTO: JAIME VERT

talking about “experiences”

that is defined by square meters and comfort levels then the possibilities become limited. For us to maximise our value we have to deliver an experience that goes as far as possible beyond just accommodation. Our hotels are environments that we can curate

“The biggest challenge is the speed of change ”

Who designs the experiences, and from where do they get their inspiration?

We have an entire Global Brand Team that is dedicated to designing, evolving and maintaining every aspect of the brand experience; research

to impress our guests on every level; what

environment keeping our portfolio of

and development to stay on top of trends,

they see, what they taste, what they smell,

brands relevant within this sea of change is a

food and beverage concept development,

what they hear, and what they feel. Our job

major challenge but it is also one that excites

entertainment, spas and wellness, marketing

is to create conceptualised environments

me. Never before have the possibilities been

and communications, etc. Our job is to steer

that deliver value on that basis.

so immense and it is up to our Global Brand

the brands strategically as well as provide

Team to take advantage of them.

the follow-through to back up the hotel

What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered?

I just talked about how staying relevant

How have your guests’ tastes changed recently?

operations in the different regions we are

More than just talking about customer

in. Inspiration comes from everywhere. We

is key to having a successful brand. The

tastes, I think what has really changed is

look at our industry competitors but we

biggest challenge I have encountered so far

customer expectation. If you take the area

look at other industries as well to see what

in my career is the one that most companies

of interior design for example, today’s

we can learn from them. MHI is a dynamic

face today, which is the speed of change.

customer has a far more evolved sense of

company and we are extremely passionate

It is all around us in how we consume,

design and I think that that is largely due to

about our brands. As we continue to grow,

how we relate, and how we communicate.

how the idea of good design has pervaded

our main issue is finding the right balance

This tide of change also shows no sign of

the consumer landscape on a mass market

between adapting our brands to different

letting up; if anything, we can expect it to

level – think Apple or even IKEA. Another

cultural realities without jeopardising their

get faster. I am blessed to have three young

area where customer expectations have

essence. If we can get this right we will

children and I see how easily they adapt and

changed significantly is in the area of

ensure that we have brands that engage our

learn new things – it is amazing. In today’s

dining. Today’s guests expect hotels to

customers instead of imposing on them.

offer restaurants and bars that don’t just provide a basic service but instead deliver an experience on the same level as those on offer when they dine out in a destination.

These days the hottest rooftop bars and

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FÁTIMA ALCÁNTARA, GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER: “EVERYTHING IN THE HOTEL HAS A COMMON THREAD” “We are like stage art directors for a hotel”, says Fátima Alcántara, a highly-reputed Guest Experience Manager who we interviewed to find out exactly what is involved in the important job of coordinating all the artistic and financial elements that take place at each hotel.“The objective is to ensure that everything that happens in the hotel has meaning and that there is a common thread,” in other words, that “the brand essence in its widest sense of the meaning can be actually inhaled”.The fact that this person reports directly to the hotel director gives an idea of the importance they have for Meliá Hotels International which, over a decade ago started to place guest satisfaction at the top of its priorities.What in the past had been called Guest Satisfaction Assurance, in 2007 became a system to measure quality standards that includes over 1,000 service, product and manual procedure standards.The entire process of each guest’s stay: pre-arrival, stay and post-stay is all overseen by the Guest Experience Manager. Music, fragrances, lighting, image, textures... everything is in their hands so for the guest experience to be personalised. In addition, they are directly responsible for VIP guests.

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“If, despite meeting the standards, we do not reach a guest’s expectations, the case is immediately reviewed with all the departments involved and a response is given in less than 48 hours.” The latest trend in their occupation?

“To be ahead of our client’s expectations.” Thus,“in our Balance Programme for Meliá breakfasts, we include the nutritional information of each product and offer suggestions for our guests based on their daily activity”.

TRYP BY WYNDHAM, HOSPITALITY AS A CREDO “Own the city” is the motto of this brand that can be found in the heart of cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, New York and São Paulo. These hotels offer a "unique sense of welcome” and their objective is to “give our guests the best experience in the city”. Their common areas thus have what they call "Plaza Central" – blackboards where the guests themselves can share their experiences of the city with other travellers. Tryp Hotels offer different types of rooms: Tryp, Premium, Family and Fitness.

INNSIDE BY MELIÁ,AN URBAN AND FUNCTIONAL LIFESTYLE The range of the Innside by Meliá brand covers urban hotels with a clear lifestyle approach, designed both for leisure and business travellers. With great “made-in

and offer unlimited soft-drinks and Wi-Fi. Efficient, laid-

-Germany” design, each hotel has a unique architectural

back service combined with smart technology is at the

personality, sleek rooms, stylish destination bars &

heart of the brand, which also has developed innovative

restaurants, all aimed at fulfilling the needs of up and

cuisine desand mixology concepts for the enjoyment of

coming travellers, who want more than just a standard

fantastic meals or a perfect after-work drink. Innside by

business hotel. Rooms are modern, elegant, diaphanous

Meliá also has rooms and meeting spaces with cutting-edge

and very functional, and they have signature bathrooms

technology available for business travellers.

SOL HOTELS & RESORTS,

Above, a Premium room at the Innside by Meliá Wolfsburg, in Germany.

Below left, night view of a private villa with swimming pool at the Meliá Zanzibar.

Opposite, reception area at the TRYP Lisbon Airport.

HOLIDAY LEADERS This brand encompasses the essence of a traditional type holiday but is a contemporary version of it. The now refurbished Sol brand, after 50 years of history and tradition, continues to adapt to current times. Four different concepts of hotels and resorts were created under the umbrella of the Sol Hotels & Resorts brand. While the Sol House niche was aimed at the growing sector of millennials – who want affordable holidays that include design and lifestyle experiences and interaction with technology – Sol Hotels are the new version of the traditional holiday resort or families. The Sol Katmandú Park & Resort is fully integrated within a theme park and focuses on the innovative ‘play & stay’ philosophy. Lastly, the Sol Beach House, designed to be “your beach home”, caters for people over 16 who seek a relaxed holiday with a hippie-chic style that combines modernity with a vintage touch.

˜

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THE JEWEL

Big Blue

MENORCA

The

magic

Above, view of Cala Galdana from the Meliá Cala Galdana hotel.

Right, Cala Turqueta, a cove that can be accessed on foot.

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Few things are more impressive than the first turquoise flashes of this sea that seems more concerned about the beauty of its coves than for the power of its waves.White sand, crystal-clear waters, and the fragrance of colourful bougainvillea.

Pine trees watch over the horizon for new disembarkments.

Welcome to the pristine island of Menorca.

Text: María Bayón Photos: aGE, aCI, Getty.

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Above these lines, the 12-m² terrace of one of the new 44-m² The Level Suites on the 8th floor (the same as the exclusive The Level Service) with front views of the sea.

The Level Suite can be booked for four people (on request subject to availability and a surcharge).

Right, different views of Mahón and the Ciutdadella, and the Marina.

D

Ruz, general manager of the exclusive Meliá Cala Galdana hotel, says, this is a unique spot: “This cove is outstanding on every count: the quality of its waters, the originality of its services, its cleanliness, its life-saving station, aquatic

etermined to avoid overcrowding, the island

sports… But best of all are its hills surrounded by pines

has managed to preserve a Mediterranean spirit without

and its endless horizon – so broad that you can even make

additives that makes you feel, time and time and again,

out Mallorca.”

that you are discovering a personal paradise. A string of

The power of the sea shapes the idiosyncrasy of an

beautiful coves where you can buy some fresh watermelon

enthralling and open-minded island that let Great Britain,

or enjoy the shade under the thatched-roof of a beach

France, Italy and Spain love it, indulged in the luxury

bar, ancient and fascinating inland villages in a territory sprinkled with megalithic tombs or talayots, an

ochre

coloured

medieval

Ciutdadella that might almost come out of a tale written on stone, and a bay such as Mahón – which, more than 5-kilometres long, proudly boasts of being the second largest natural harbour in Europe.

Menorca is a natural force where

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you can feel the magic right from the first minute, and get all your

“This cove is outstanding on every count: the quality of its waters, the originality of its services, its cleanliness, its life-saving station, aquatic sports… But best of all are its hills surrounded by pines and its endless horizon – so broad that you can even make out Mallorca.”

PEDRO DE RUZ, GENERAL MANAGER OF MELIÁ CALA GALDANA HOTEL

dreams back on track. There is no better place to start than Cala Galdana, the island’s most emblematic cove, a crescent of white sand and turquoise waters in which all maritime-related wishes can be granted. Just as Pedro de

of preserving the best from each influence, to then smoothly mix them all into a cosmopolitan and sensual, but also definitely cultured cocktail. You just have to get lost in Mahón’s magnificent white heart to head for an unexpected uphill slope and discover treasures like the oldest Opera Theatre (Carrer Costa d’en Deia, 40; teatremao.com) in Spain, built in 1829 – an exquisitely Baroque

wedding-cake

building

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in order to complete your mental picture about Menorca, you should “discover the island by sea”. The Meliá Cala Galdana general manager explains: “Indeed, our guests who have a boat or hire it always remark that it is impossible to know Menorca unless you tour it by boat.”

Mallorcan Pedro Ruz, the general manager of this charming, recently refurbished, hotel, has become a true master of initiation for the most demanding travellers who come to Menorca for the first time. “Directing a singular hotel is always a challenge,” he comments. “The truth is, there are no disadvantages to it. It means being a host for a top-notch tourism, mostly made up of families, in Clockwise, general view of the Cala Galdana, featuring the seafront Meliá Cala Galdana hotel; sun terrace in one of the three The Level Grand Premium rooms, 22 m² each, on the 9th floor; and exclusive swimming pool and reserved area in The Level Beach Club.

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in which the best voices of the international scene of bel

an idyllic environment designated as a Biosphere Reserve

canto have touched audiences.

by UNESCO.” Besides, he adds, “Menorca is a truly

If you want to take in the essence of this island, you

authentic island. For a hotel director, to live here with

need a simple car, a pair of comfortable shoes and a

his family feels a privilege. And being from Mallorca (the

bohemian spirit willing to let your curiosity always play

closest neighbouring island) I am still surprised to see the

the queen of the party. Seven hundred square kilometres

big difference there is between both islands concerning

of Mediterranean contrasts in which being a bon vivant

landscape, tradition, culture and gastronomy.”

is a religion that must be obeyed. But if what you want

Another must-do is a walk in the old section of the very

is to know the soul and essence of the island, the general

beautiful Ciutdadella, a surprising town-fort from its old

manager of the Meliá Cala Galdana hotel remarks: “You

walls to its narrow cobbled streets. A walk between the

need to go on excursions on foot to discover its absolutely

squares of Plaza del Born and Palmeras is the perfect

empty virgin beaches. If you get out of the central road

appetizer to leisurely savour the façades of its majestic

towards some of these coves, you will come to think you

houses, the art of its baroque churches and its genuinely

are lost, for those lanes are so rural and narrow… until

local handcraft shops. You should return home with a

you finally get accustomed and discover that Menorca

pair of menorquinas (leather sandals) and surrender to

has had very good and wise land exploitation.” Finally,

the temptation of some enamel silver jewellery. Highly commendable is to round it off with a visit to the Café Balear (Pla de Sant Joan, 15; cafe-balear.com), a classic seaside restaurant that is still determined to offer the best seafood in the island. The most romantic can let their imagination fly at the terrace-garden of the Smoix

COVES, TRAILS AND OTHER GETAWAYS Turquoise waters, pine trees of an impossible green, crystal-clear water and sand so white that you cannot walk on it without wearing sunglasses.The most inaccessible pearls – and, even so, the most sought-after – are Cala Turqueta, Mitjana, Macarella and Macarelleta: the magnificent four that will delight lovers of wild spaces and virtually virgin spots.A walk among pines that verges on adventure, a hint of remoteness and, unavoidably, some curious public, the truth is, once you have put your beach wrap on the sand, you will feel that you are in one of the most unrivalled spots on Earth. Close your eyes and wait for the fresh fruit vendor to come.The hotel general manager of the Meliá Cala Galdana hotel, Pedro de Ruz, could not resist the island’s magnetic spell, his favourite cove being Cala Macarella, located 14 km from the Ciutdadella between Catellet de Macarella and Punta de na Xulla, and – for those who come for the second time – the Camí de Cavalls (camidecavalls360.com) are ideal trails to walk in the autumn or winter. Personally, I love the long excursions inland, much less well-

Above, a stretch of the Camí de Cavalls: trails that are perfect for an excursion inland in the autumn and winter.

Left, one of these trails passes through the Cova dels Coloms, in Migjorn, and below, another hidden surprise in the Camí de Cavalls.

known and wilder, such as the Cova dels Coloms in Migjorn, or the ascent up to the Ermita de Ferreries chapel.

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hotelsesbruixes.com): a pampering paradise located in an old 19th-century manor house, perfect to spend an afternoon reading by yourself, or to have an amusing conversation with friends. In a nutshell, a perfect place for unwinding.

Pure coastal charm is what you will feel while walking through the dream-like small streets of Binibeca, a village painted in white that seems to symbolise the smile of the island. This old fishing village irradiates postcard-like beauty, making you believe there really are incomparable Above, inside the 40-m² Junior Suite The Level, with views of the sea, a private terrace and a modern bathroom fitted with shower.

Right, The Level Service Grand Suite 105-m² terrace on the 9th floor. Opposite, an image of the swimming pool; a table at the buffet restaurant Mosaico – serving Mediterranean (and in the evenings, international) cuisine and a delicious lobster stew.

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places in the world. Despite its being so touristic, it has one of the most beautiful and least wellknown coves, Binidali: fantastic if you feel like forgetting anything that may be worrying you for a while.

Finally, you should try the cheese and spread board served in Na Rosa (Plaça Sa Font; narosa.es), a quiet restaurant specialized in regional produce that will surprise you for the elegant and efficient simplicity of its food. If you prefer having fish or seafood, go to Taberna del Corso (Passeig dels Porxos) – besides stunning views of the sea, you will find some delicious and substantial dishes.

But if you want to contemplate a sunset that restaurant (Carrer de Sant Isidre, 33; smoix.com), a reward

will go down in the history of your memories, visit the

for the senses.

terrace of La Cova d’en Xoroi (Urb. Cala’n Porter, Carrer

On the opposite tip of the island is Mahón, with its

de Sa Cova, 2; covadenxoroi.com). Suspended over a cliff,

endless port, its lively social life, and its more than evident

its various levels of terraces make for unbeatable views

Atlantic touch. Not in vain was it for a hundred years the

that seem fated to last forever. Ask for the cocktail list to

object of desire for the British, who enjoyed this highly

add a more prosaic element to the landscape: you will

strategic spot until 1802 and left an indelible imprint on its

also enjoy it.

architecture, the character of its people and their love for

And talking about pleasures of the palate, it is

gin, which is particularly popular in Menorca served with

impossible to leave Menorca without trying the queen

lemonade: a pomada de Xoriguer is the best passport to

of its specialities: the exquisite caldereta de langosta

gain further access to the idiosyncrasy of the island. You

(lobster stew). Although you can easily find it all over

can have a glass of it at any of its lively terraces, or opt for

the island, the best idea is going for a classic place that

the classic favourite with locals: the Bar Nou (Carrer Nou,

never fails and that has as vast a celebrity customer list

1) – an appealing establishment in an old manor house

as the ingredients of this almost secret sauce that makes

decorated in art nouveau style, and from which you will

lobsters in Menorca so very delicious: Es Cranc (Calle de

always emerge with a smile on your face.

las Escuelas, 31), in Fornells, is also perfect to visit some

If you are looking for a delicious spot in which to

of the much rougher and wilder northern coves. Don’t

meditate, and are a lover of places where even the smallest

miss the walk and subsequent reward of getting up to

details are taken into account, you should not miss a tea

Cala Pregonda, one of the coves favourite with the locals

at the Jardí de ses bruixes (Carrer de San Fernando, 26;

for its almost absolute absence of tourists. Its reddish sand and air will unashamedly polish your best tan. But if what you want is to finish the day with a contemplative touch, you don’t need to leave the hotel, for the Beach & Club Restaurant has a magnificent and relaxing atmosphere and its closeness to the sea makes it a unique place.

˜

MELIà CALA GALDANA Located in the south of Menorca, in the municipality of Ferreries, this recently renewed hotel has been awarded for its commitment and concern with regard to environmental, cultural and social issues, and it is close to the spectacular Cala Galdana cove and just ten minutes from the Ciutdadella. It is perfect if you are travelling with your family, for its comfort and the variety of aquatic sports provided in the area, and also for its Mini Club – which caters to 5 to 12 year olds. If you book a room of The Level category, you will have at your disposal the reserved area of the Beach Club - Cape Nao, with one swimming pool for adults and another for children on the ground floor (with direct access to the beach), and further exclusive services for The Level customers, including a restaurant that serves international cuisine.The Mosaico buffet restaurant, with daily show cooking, offers excellent food (meats, fish and seasonal vegetables) and the possibility of having breakfast and supper while enjoying wonderful views of the cove. Other options are the Casa Nostra buffet restaurant, with Italian dishes, and the Beach ClubCape Nao, open in the daytime and where you can savour an excellent caldereta menorquina (lobster stew) by the beach.

(Residential area Cala Galdana, Ferrerias, Menorca, Spain; www.melia.com).

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TRENDY

JAMAICA

Soul

C A r I b b e A n

Exceedingly rich in greens, a veteran in rhythms, a musical legend and guardian of crystal-clear waters, Jamaica has preserved its mysticism and spirituality without forgoing a 21st-century philosophy of life. Discovered by the Spaniards, populated by African slaves and colonised by the British, the island is an overwhelming melting pot which its national motto summarises: “From many peoples, a single people.”

Text: Sara Morillo Photos: CriSTÓBal PraDo

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n a handbook on the theory of happiness, Jamaica

what it seems. Discovering it is a reward in itself: a less

would meet all requirements as an ambassador of bliss.

archetypical, and of course more poetic beauty than any

Those who travel here have already dreamt about its

instagram filter could ever attain.

cinematographic beaches, they come to enjoy its delicious

The country that in 1988 dared to take part in Calgary’s

Blue Mountain coffee, explore its sheer gastronomic

Winter Games riding a bobsleigh, and that put an end

exuberance, search for its rich variety of musical genres

to more than two centuries of British occupation on 5th

and fall in love with a most infectious sweetness that

august 1962, irradiates singular energy and magic reflected

catalyses a feeling of empathy. This oasis of white sand

in such varied disciplines as art, music, gastronomy and

beaches, sublime vegetation, crystal-clear waters – that

sports. The same energy and magic of, let’s say, 20th-century

run in 150 rivers and dozens of waterfalls – and altitudes

velociraptor Usain Bolt. He, together with Nesta Carter,

that in the Blue Mountains reach 2,356 metres, is not

Michael Frater, asafa Powell and Yohan Blake, is part of the powerful legion of Jamaican record-breakers. The same magic can be found in the island’s kitchen ranges, with deeply rooted ancient traditions coming from its Caribbean neighbours, an influence of 18th-century african cuisine and some distinctive touches from Spanish gastronomy.

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The Jamaican culture is a mixture of cultures:TaĂ­no Indians, Spanish settlers, English evangelizers, black Africans and the Indian and Chinese communities.

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An aerial view of the Meliรก Braco Village, a resort only a few steps from the beach in Montego Bay.

CAPITAL OF MUSIC As early as breakfast, you will hear the musical quality of patois – the charming Jamaican dialect. Over a steaming cup of Blue Mountain black coffee (no milk, no sugar) and a plate of ackee & saltfish (local fruit sautéed with cod), you will notice its lilting expressions. It so happens that while it does not sound like any of the languages I know, listening to it is a pleasure. In that accent, the waiter explains to me that the ackee is a fruit which is poisonous in its first stage of ripeness and is cultivated exclusively in this island.

Before high noon with its scorching sun, I go to Port Royal at the end of the Palisadoes – the thin tombolo of sand on which Kingston airport stands. Next to the fort, the set of buildings offers a rough idea of what the golden years of British occupation were like.

A strategic point in the Caribbean grid, it was a fishing and commercial epicentre in the 17th century. Its inhabitants, mostly privateers, were engaged in business while also preventing the Spaniards and French from entering into the paradise. The final demise of Port Royal came with the earthquake of 1692. Kingston, its successor, has currently about 950,000 souls. Today it’s the Americans, Canadians, Russians and Germans whom they try to conquer by putting their hips to test in the sound systems that enliven the capital’s streets from Monday to Sunday.

To write a Jamaican chronicle without mentioning Bob Marley proves difficult. Halfway between a legend and a peacemaker, his sudden passing turned Marley into a demigod as widely respected as Mandela. In a garden on Hope Road, a group of tiny four-year-old Jamaicans now run around just where the King used to spend his days between football parties and mystic-religious sessions. The Bob Marley Museum (bobmarleymuseum.com), once his home and the first headquarters of the Tuff Gong studios, pays homage to him here in Kingston, where he spent a good part of his career together with his partner, colleague and the mother of his offspring Rita Marley, and here he tirelessly composed and recorded melodies that later became hymns of our times.

From top to bottom, a Rolling Stone cover devoted to Bob Marley; music producer Dale Dizzle Virgo at the Geejam Studio; Albert

Minot, vocalist of The Jolly Boys and artist Ricky Chaplin at the emblematic Tuff Gong studios, brimming with activity.

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From top to bottom, the reception area at the Meliá Braco Village – a family resort with a colonial spirit.

Right, O’Grill, 100%-Jamaican cuisine made with regional produce; the 876 Prime restaurant, specialized in meats; sea delights at the Gloria’s Seafood restaurant, in Port Royal (Kingston), and a view of the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio.

DON’T MISS In Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum Bob Marley’s residence and former head office of the Tuff Gong studios (56 Hope Road Kingston 6; bobmarleymuseum.com). The Port Royal Foundation What remains standing of the port town.

Especially worth seeing is the singular half sunken Giddy House (1004 11th Street, Port Royal; portroyalhistory.org). In Port Royal, Gloria’s Seafood serves some of the best seafood dishes in the capital (15 Foreshore Rd, Port Royal, Kingston; tel. +1 876 976 8066). In Port Antonio, the Blue Lagoon is known STYLE

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worldwide for the 1980 film of the same name. Rent a canoe to reach the Somerset waterfalls. And two gorgeous beaches: Frenchman’s Cove and Winnifred Beach. In neighbouring Ocho Ríos, Dolphin Cove is a colossal aquatic park where you can swim alongside sharks, rays and dolphins (dolphincoveja.com).Very close by, the Dunn River waterfalls offer a unique spectacle.And in the same municipality, Mystic Mountain is a tropical wood where you can go on a canopy tour or swim in one of its swimming pools. Scotchie’s Too is the best place to try jerk (Drax Hall, North Coast Hwy., Ocho Ríos; tel. +1 876 794 9457).

Jamaica is a dream for bird spotters, with over 200 resident species of which 25 are unique in the world. In Port Antonio, on the northeast coast, they accompany you from the early hours of dawn. They say that Port Antonio was Errol Flynn’s last love. In the 50s, Hollywood’s most seductive privateer lived in a spot that

Clockwise, a bottle of local beer; food prepared in the Jerk style – a technique to cook chicken and pork that consists of marinating it, mostly with Jamaican pepper; and below, the Somerset waterfalls, in Port Antonio.

was home to butterflies and hummingbirds. The American actor opened up the place as a coveted destination. For decades, Port

Antonio

has

attracted

natural “wonders” seekers. The Río Grande River, the Somerset waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon are their usual targets. The latter is said to be bottomless, though all I can confirm with certainty is the truly crystal-clear quality of its waters. They change their colour just like Brooke Shields’s eyes when she did all she could not to fall in love with Christopher Atkins during the filming of The Blue Lagoon in 1980.

CRADLE OF JERK Just a few minutes away by car, Boston Bay attracts jerk fans. Some centuries ago, fugitive slaves used this singular technique to cook chicken and pork, as this way they avoided making smoke and so could go unnoticed. Until 1950, this delicious seasoning was not known outside of this northeast region. The phenomenon aroused the interest of those who came up to Boston Bay, which was

diving, bike trails, waterfall climbing and swimming with

a maze of small streets full of food-stands. Today, jerk

dolphins, rays and sharks. The countless street markets of

chicken and pork are served with festival – vanilla bread

the town in which Dr No – the first 007-Agent movie – was

rolls made of cornflour. Other marvels of Jamaica are its

filmed, are highly valued by the seekers of small treasures

braised white fish with bammies (tortillas made of cassava,

and magnificent local gems.

the star root vegetable of Taíno Indians), enormous warm-

Montego Bay is on Jamaica’s north coast. MoBay, as it

water lobsters and patty, a small meat pasty that awakens

is referred to by the Jamaicans, boasts the best resorts on

just the same passions as Usain Bolt.

the island and offers a host of reasons to understand why

Approximately two hours westward, Ocho Ríos (known

adventurers and outdoor sports aficionados love Jamaica

by its short name Ochie) is a place which neither has eight

so much. An additional lure is its immense and bounteous

streams nor is Spanish-speaking. An obligatory stop on

sea depths, teeming with colourful fishes and whimsically

Caribbean cruise routes, “the garden of Jamaica” offers

shaped corals. In Montego Bay there are beaches that

high doses of outdoor adrenaline: horseback rides, scuba

look like Caribbean postcards and species completely unknown in other countries. For starters, take a dip into Jamaican history at the Outameni experience: from the Taíno Indians up to the first settlers, from slaves up to 21stcentury Jamaicans, this country is a mixture of different ethnic groups and nationalities. Very nearby is Glistening

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Waters, a glaringly luminous lake whose magic is due to the green flashes caused by the microorganisms living in the water, which bring about a unique photochemical phenomenon: fish look like green creatures. With our homework done, we can then indulge in discovering the open secret of this side of the coast: Doctor’s Cave Beach is a flawless beach where snorkelling and diving are mustdo activities.

Jamaica seems to be singing through its birds in Port Antonio, dancing to the rhythm of an open-air concert in Kingston, relaxing by an infinity pool in one of the stunning hotels scattered around Montego Bay, reminiscing about its Spanish past via Spanish Town’s colonial architecture, and its British roots on top of Negril cliffs or, simply, letting its essence flow in one of the waterfalls along Ocho Ríos.

This country is a perfect handbook for happiness.

˜

MELIÁ BRACO VILLAGE In Río Bueno, on the northern coast of Jamaica, is this exclusive colonial-styled resort whose 226 rooms have magnificent views of one of the most beautiful inlets in the Caribbean. Its location makes this hotel perfect to get to know the island’s northern side. Due to their originality, among the most sought-after excursions are the Green Grotto Caves (10 km away), an underground natural wonder – 1,525 metres long and 12 metres deep.Another compulsory visit is the Glistening Waters lagoon (less than 20 km away) and the Dunn River waterfalls (some 40 kilometres).The gastronomic possibilities are distributed among its five restaurants and a wide variety of bars, and it also has two outdoor swimming pools, four whirlpool baths, three tennis courts and a wonderful spa.As put by Dimitris Kosvogiannis, the hotel director,“The Meliá brand is known for emotional architecture, a full experience – not just your food or your room, but just a tantalising experience from the moment you walk in.” Kosvogiannis

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From top to bottom, an early morning swim on the hotel beach; inside the Premium Beachfront room, with direct access to the beach; and the lounge of the Grand Premium room.

also said that “Meliá Hotels have been breaking new grounds in the Jamaican hospitality sector, and the chain brings with it not only personalized and exquisite level of service, but a philosophy that is beyond an experience: it is a lifestyle”. Rio Bueno,Trelawny, Jamaica; www.melia.com.

JOIN US THIS SUMMER. IBIZA & MALLORCA

CONTEMPORARY RESORTS AND URBAN HOTELS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT. MELIA.COM .

CABO

CANCUN

IBIZ A

LONDON

MADRID

MEBYMELIA

MALLORCA

MIL AN

MIAMI (2015)

DUBAI (2016)

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• THE HOTTEST WINTER • AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • FOOD & BEVERAGE CONCEPTS • PASSION FOR GOLF • SUSTAINABLE COMMITMENT • MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, CONFERENCING • OUR PARTNERS

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SNOW: THE HOTTEST WINTER

Right, thermal circuit at the YHI Spa in the Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel in Sierra Nevada, Granada (Spain).

Below, the hotel’s solarium with the mountain range in the background.

MELIÁ SOLY NIEVE Only 100 m from the ski lifts, and right in the heart of the ski station in Sierra Nevada (Granada), few hotels offer the comfort, stunning location and hospitality of the Meliá Sol y Nieve. Its buffet is another of its strengths, offering a wide variety of breakfast and dinner options, and its 2,500m² spa is the perfect complement to a day’s skiing or an excursion in the snowy sierra. The Level service for more exclusive accommodation and the adults-only The Living Room area enable couples who visit, as well as families with children, to share this hotel that caters to everyone’s needs. Of its 258 rooms, the most spectacular is the Grand Suite, with a Jacuzzi on the terrace.

MELIÁ SIERRA NEVADA Free spa circuit (Yhi Wellness) for all guests, a well-equipped 24h gym, a mini-club, an arcade games room, ski lockers, disco, seven meeting and events rooms for up to 400 people...

These are some of the attractions of this benchmark hotel in Sierra Nevada, located on the Pradollano Square, in the heart of the commercial and leisure area, and only 100 m from the ski lifts. Its bright rooms are spacious and decorated in a traditional alpine style with wood and warm colours.

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Above, the Meliá Sierra Nevada hotel, and right, its spa, located at the foot of the ski station’s slope of Sierra Nevada, Granada, and in the heart of the shopping and entertainment area.

SNOW: THE HOTTEST WINTER

TRYP VIELHA BAQUEIRA

Above and left, a duplex room at the TRYP Vielha Baqueira mountain hotel, in the Catalan Pyrenees.

This cosy, 95-room mountain hotel in the heart of Vielha, the capital of the Arán Valley, is perfect for enjoying the ski slopes of the Baqueira Beret station. If you are travelling with your children this is a great option as you can combine skiing with other tourist activities in Vielha. Its international buffet restaurant always serves the Valley’s specialities when they are in season. It also has a wellness centre with gym, heated swimming pool, hammam and solarium.

MELIÁ ROYAL TANAU BOUTIQUE On the highest peak of Baqueira Beret – the biggest ski station in Spain – and in the exclusive Tanau residential area, this hotel’s rooms have panoramic views of the Arán Valley. It is located just 50 metres from the Esquirós ski lifts and it offers the comfort and enjoyment of a family-run hotel as it has just 30 rooms. Its ski lockers with individual boot heaters, a full Yhi Spa, and its free coffee and soft drinks service until 5 o’clock in the afternoon are just some of the little details that will make you feel at home.

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View of the Meliá Royal Tanau, located in the highest part of the ski station of Baqueira Beret, in the Catalan Pyrenees. Right, terrace of one of the rooms.

The most exclusive flooring program dedicated to Hotels Luxury Vinyl plank and tiles • Click Installation • Loose Lay Installation • Traditional Installation (Adhesive) Laminate flooring Wood flooring Carpets designed Flooring for leisure and operational areas

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Tarkett Floors, S.L. Avda. Llano Castellano,13 ; 4º 28034 Madrid. Tel: +34 91 495 14 00 info.es@tarkett.com (www.tarkett.es)

Síganos en redes sociales

AWARDS MELIÁ,AMONG THE TOP 20 MOST PRESTIGIOUS SPANISH COMPANIES, LEADS THE TOURIST SECTOR

M

eliá Hotels International, the largest hotel group

has risen 13 places and is now in 18th position – an

in Spain and operating in 40 countries, is also the most

impressive ascent due to the excellence of its business

respected company in the tourist sector according

model and its corporative responsibility programme. This

to MERCO (Monitor Empresarial de Reputación

has allowed the hotel group to withstand the global crisis

Corporativa: Survey of Corporative Prestige) which in

these past three years and consolidate its international

June published its ranking of the 100 most prestigious

growth by being a leader in innovation for the sector.

companies in Spain. Since last year, the company

In addition, MERCO’s ranking of leaders places Gabriel Escarrer Jaume in 48th place. The evolution of the company, which for the first time is included among the 20 top Spanish companies, highlights the solidity of a business project that is about to turn 60.

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Views from the Grand Penthouse Suite, at the Gran Meliá Colón in Seville.

Dometic wine service cabinets Advanced technology for perfect storage conditions

Dual-zone models for reds and whites Dometic wine service cabinets give precious wines a perfect place to unfold their potential.

Based on advanced compressor technology, they create an environment that comes close to the conditions in a wine cellar.

Optimal storage and ageing conditions Reliable cooling without temperature fluctuations. Quiet operation with minimal vibration. Low energy consumption.

One or two temperature zone(s) Free temperature selection in a range from 5°C – 22°C. Some models with two separate cooling zones to store red and white wines at the right service temperature.

Attractive design – inside and out Appealing glass doors, accented by details in elegant silver. LED interior lighting. Touch pad temperature control with digital display.

Wide choice of models – plenty of options Freestanding or built-in cabinets in capacities from 24 to 198 bottles. Variable configuration with slide-out shelves, compartments and presentation shelves (optional).

Expertise from the market leader Well engineered refrigeration system, perfect workmanship, smart details. Designed by the market leader in hotel miniBars.

Dometic Spain, S.L. Tel. +34 902 111 042

www.dometic.es

info@dometic.es

FOOD & BEVERAGE SOPHISTICATION AT THE CARAY RESTAURANT, IN THE GRAN MELIÁ FÉNIX HOTEL

A

third generation of

chefs still surprises diners at this classically-designed restaurant in emerald green, black and gold. The kitchen, headed by Miguel Ángel and Adrián Román, is surely among the best in the heart of Madrid’s Gold Mile. Dishes such as their toasted venison tartare and their porcini with truffled eggs will make you want to return over and over and again. The knowledge of a sommelier like Valerio Carrera is inviting and makes you want to sample wines from the restaurant’s vast, carefully-chosen list. The interior design is the work of another master, awardwinning designer Lorenzo Castillo, who has imbued the place with a cosmopolitan STYLE

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and elegant look.

Clockwise, from top to bottom, the chef and owner of the Caray restaurant, Miguel Ángel Román, beside his son Adrián Román;

photos of the entrance and interior of the restaurant, and its venison tartare.

A first-class sleep for Very Important Dreamers.

Those who dream big can't stay in just any hotel. Those who wake up each morning with ideas as big as their dreams can't sleep on just any mattress.

That's why the rooms in the Meliรก International hotel chain are fitted out with exclusive Dreamaker sleep equipment from Pikolin, the exclusive, highperformance brand from the leading manufacture in the sleep industry in Spain, and the second in Europe.

Dreamaker sleep products are where your dreams are born. The range of luxury mattresses chosen by the world's best and biggest hotel chains, and where very important people, like you, know how to appreciate excellence in sleep.

Because for the Pikolin Group and the Meliรก International Group, offering supreme comfort for highly restorative and healthy sleep every night is not a privilege. It's a necessity. And it should meet the standards of exquisite quality our guests expect from a superior hotel.

www.pikolin.com

A PASSION FOR GOLF

ALL LEVELS OF HANDICAP AT THE MELIÁ VILLAITANA GOLF

D

esigned by former American golfer Jack Nicklaus, these two

golf courses that enjoy a special microclimate were designed to offer all types of golfers excitement and enjoyment. The par-72 Levante golf course – over 6,576 metres long – was thus designed in an American style with wide fairways and beautifully-shaped greens. The Mediterranean and the Finestrat Sierra are always within sight as you play. The par-62 Poniente golf course is 3,858 metres long and is on the slope of a beautiful Mediterranean pine valley from which sea and mountain views can also be enjoyed. Designed with different par-3 and par-4 holes, it offers a shorter but more exciting round (approximately 3 and a half hours). It is a very demanding course for low-handicap players and good short game skills are necessary, although all the holes offer alternatives for medium- and high-handicap players.

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20 minutes from Alicante, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the Meliá Villaitana hotel – designed to like a Mediterranean

village – is located between two Nicklaus Design golf courses and has magnificent views of the bay.

A NEW STYLE OF

BUSINESS

Discover INNSIDE by Meliá, pioneer of business lifestyle hotels in Germany, now with a growing international collection. The brand epitomises stylish ambiance, with design-led interiors and open, airy spaces. With the increasing blurring of business and leisure time, comes a need to make hotels more of a lifestyle experience.

Welcome to INNSIDE by Meliá, a new generation of hotels.

BERLIN · BREMEN · DRESDEN · DÜSSELDORF · FRANKFURT · MADRID · MANCHESTER · MUNICH · PALMA · WOLFSBURG Book with your tour operator melia.com / Fur further information or reservations call 0808 234 82 71 or visit innside.com

SUSTAINABLE COMMITMENT

90% OF TRAVELLERS WOULD CHOOSE A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL

F

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impact, the social importance of its

Responsibility) initiatives that have

such as Meliá Hotels International

activity, and recognising the great

been implemented in its hotels all

do not offer just rooms. Today,

artistic and cultural heritage of the

over the world.

they offer “experiences” to guests

destinations where it has its hotels.

Because of these factors, Meliá

who do not only demand products

Many international studies

Hotels International, which is the

and service that live up to their

have started to quantify the

leading company in the tourist

expectations, but also certain

intentions of travellers and hotel

sector in Spain with regard to

commitments and a responsible

guests regarding responsible

prestige, responsibility and

attitude towards the surrounding

consumption. Thus, 90% of

corporative governance (according

society and environment: They

travellers choose a sustainable

to the 2015 Spanish Survey on

regard these factors as essential

hotel, 75% use their towels for more

Corporative Prestige), believes that

for maintaining a bond with the

than one day, and 85% turn off the

responsible behaviour is not only

company. For Meliá, Corporative

room lights before going out. In the

the inspiration for today’s and

Social Responsibility is directly

case of Meliá Hotels International,

tomorrow’s business models, but

related to matters such as prestige,

85% of its customers value this

is also a reason for improving the

sustainability, cost management,

commitment positively. However,

satisfaction of guests and reinforcing

minimisation of environmental

they do not only appreciate the

their loyalty to the company.

or a long time now, hotel chains

company’s commitment to this, but they also become involved. Just in 2014, over 160,000 guests and over 33,000 employees actively took part in the CSR (Corporative Social

View of the Meliá Panamá Canal on the shore of Lake Gatun.

Located in the town of Colón, it is just a few minutes from the Free Trade Zone, the Gatun Locks, La Granja, the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo and the beaches.

BUSINESS TOURISM (MICE) PARADISUS PALMA REAL, A BENCHMARK IN BUSINESS TOURISM Its 17 different meeting rooms, innovative facilities, the possibility of planning all kinds of events with its specialised teams, and being able to offer the latest technology make this seafront resort located on Bávaro Beach (in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic) the perfect option for holding a convention, business meeting, etc. Its fully-equipped Business Centre of over 2,335 m² has high speed Internet WIFI access in all the meeting rooms. Meeting rooms and banquet rooms can hold up to 850 people and the hotel also has spaces for setting up stands for conferences, exhibitions and fairs.

MELIÁ VILLAITANA, ABSOLUTE PRIVACY FORYOUR BUSINESS MEETINGS This hotel’s fully-equipped Business Centre of over

for celebrating all kinds of events as it has indoor

PARADISUS CANCUN, HIGHLIGHTING THE VALUE OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL

and outdoor spaces suitable for setting up stands for

This luxury resort in Cancun provides a variety of

presentations, conferences, exhibitions, lectures, etc.

meeting rooms specifically designed for events,

Its Convention Centre has a separate, direct entrance

congresses and meetings. Paradisus Cancun is one of

and one of its outstanding features is the spectacular La

the main convention and meeting hotels in the region.

Cúpula [The Dome] Lounge that echoes the Church in

For the fifth consecutive year it has been the top hotel

Altea with its 27-metre-high bell tower. Another of its

– out of 30 – for conventions in Mexico. The resort

most striking lounges is the Levante Lounge: It measures

hosts weddings, business meetings, conventions, and

1,250 m² and offers flexibility for any type of event.

galas. Guests wanting to organise an event work with

6,000 m² has 17 meeting and banquet rooms than can hold from 20 to 1,200 people. The hotel is perfect

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a personal, specialised meetings concierge who designs the desired event down to the smallest detail, and the hotel’s staff do their utmost to meet guests’ expectations.

The world-class food and beverage department offers excellent cuisine that is personalised for each event.

w w w.ro s a g re s .c o m

BUSINESS TOURISM (MICE) MELIÁ MADRID PRINCESA,A PERFECT LOCATION Completely refurbished, this hotel is the perfect option for both business and leisure trips thanks to its excellent location in the heart of one of Madrid’s most distinguished areas, its complete and convenient range of facilities, and the quality of its services. The hotel also has a fully-equipped business centre with modern conference and meeting rooms that offer the latest technology and the most exclusive facilities and services.

Enjoy the advantages of a modern and flexible 850-m² convention space

ME LONDON, À LA CARTE MEETINGS AND EVENTS

where meetings or private celebrations for up to 400 people can be held. The

This contemporary and state-of-the-art hotel located in

hotel’s plenary hall, divisible into three independent rooms, offers the perfect

one of the world’s top tourist destinations and right in the

setting for an exclusive gala dinner or a large convention. The Melia Paris La

city centre offers 500 m² that can be divided into seven

Défense also has five meeting rooms on the same floor: These surround a

individual spaces specifically for events, conventions

360-m² hall and the rooms are ideal for smaller business meetings. Its versatile

and meetings. In addition, it has a private and separate

meeting spaces, together with its dedicated, professional staff, are ideal for

reception area for welcoming attendees. Located on

celebrating corporate events, including ones for the pharmaceutical industry.

the conference floor level, the hotel offers the latest-

MELIÁ PARIS LA DÉFENSE

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technology equipment that can be adapted to every requirement. With flexible lighting for creating the right atmosphere to match the theme of the meeting, the spaces can hold 300 people: A private dining area for 16 people at the hotel’s well-known STK restaurant is also available.

OUR PARTNERS COCA COLA CELEBRATES 100YEARS OF ITS BOTTLE Excellence, sustainability and responsibility are the main criteria by which Meliá Hotels International does business. At Coca-Cola we also believe that these three criteria go hand in hand with the way we do business. And now, in the year in which we celebrate the centenary of our iconic contoured CocaCola bottle, we are proud to enjoy a close partnership with guest – at the centre of every

NESPRESSO, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER FOR MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL

decision we take, and with

Melià has signed an agreement with Nespresso whereby the

the aim of further developing

Swiss company will be the group’s official supplier of coffee

HORECA, 2015 has seen the

capsules for a period of at least three years. Meliá thus aims to

launch of our Coca-Cola glass

satisfy its most demanding guests by offering them exclusive,

bottle in Spain, inspired by the

premium coffee. Many consumers are familiar with Nespresso

historical 1915 shape. Touch it.

coffee and have a coffee machine at home. Once used to

Feel it. Relax and enjoy your

Nespresso, they still wish to enjoy that pleasure on holiday or

favourite cocktail with Coca-Cola

when staying at a hotel on a business trip. Nespresso thus offers

at your favourite Meliá resort. It

solutions for the professional world and can be found today in

can’t get any better than that!

the best hotels and restaurants all over the world.

Meliá. With the consumer – the

CLARINS,AN INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN “The future is today” summarises Clarins’ philosophy. By protecting the world’s children we believe we can create a better and a more beautiful world. Whenever Clarins’ Scientific Researchers discover a new plant extract for cosmetic use that comes from an unindustrialised part of the globe, a percentage of the income from STYLE

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Fair Trade sales is donated to improving the living conditions of the local population. Clarins helps in developing sustainable production and builds schools, wells and infrastructures. Clarins works with NPOs which are fighting for children’s rights in around 14 countries, such as the FEED PROJECT, headed by Lauren Bush; Enfants de la Terre in France; and Aldeas Infantiles in Spain.

HERE COMES THE

IBIZA

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MENORCA

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MALLORCA

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WELCOME to SOL BEACH HOUSE Naturally chic destinations to free your mind and feed your soul.

Grown-ups only.

making your holidays fresh sol-hotels.com

A Member of

BALI

In the FIrst PersOn

SETTING THE STAGE: THE ARTISTIC CLIQUE In a planet that has apparently become so small,

masterpieces have been conceived. The desire to make a

the desire to hunt for refreshing sensations and build

contribution to mankind is what really matters to a very

bridges between different civilizations is stronger

reduced handful of Spanish artists. Among them, my

than ever, and this is the reason why international

grandfather, Joan Miró is a clear example. Aware of the

travellers direct their gaze more and more often toward

difficulties and sacrifices he had to endure, he decided

cities and countries where there is a richer cultural

to create the fascinating Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a

fabric to explore. Traveling demands imagination, and

Mallorca, which opened in 1992 with its headquarters

this is why art and travel have become increasingly

building designed by prominent Spanish architect

closely linked. Only by travelling and experiencing

Rafael Moneo. Besides the quality of the architecture,

new things can we encounter the door that will lead

my grandfather donated a large selection of paintings,

us toward the creative imagination that will make

sculptures, drawings and etchings that make this

of us someone special. Art is the perfect viaduct

Foundation quite unique. Needless to say, it is a great

to learn more about our world, and regardless of

honour and privilege to be Joan Miró’s grandson, and

our Romanesque or Moorish past, be it the Near or

one of the last people alive to have witnessed his resolve

Far East, for thousands of years brave and timeless

and commitment. My grandfather’s life and work is an example to follow for many generations worldwide, and his conviction to struggle steadfastly against all kind of difficulties made him into a kind of freedom-fighter. The Fundació Pilar I Joan Miró a Mallorca is a clear example of how the life of a visionary artist such as Joan Miró can help to change the world we live in today, and make it better for our children and grandchildren. Visitors come to feel part of this special artistic clique, to be imbued by Miró’s spirit and wit. Visiting the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca is a unique experience that will definitely change your perception of what art is all about. The outstanding setting, the staging used to present an idea, is extremely relevant when it comes to explaining the importance PhOtO: sergI Jasanada.

of our history, and Museums and art

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Foundations today play a prominent role worldwide for people wanting to choose tourist destinations. This is the reason why Meliá Hotels International decided to collaborate with the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca.

Joan Punyet Miró the grandson of Joan Miró – the universal Catalan who was one of the greatest exponents of surrealist painting – keeps the spirit of the artist alive via his Foundation and the management of his legacy.

This collaboration enhances the vision of Joan Miró, his dreams and his desire to build a better world, and it helps present his legacy to all travellers seeking to do something truly special when they travel abroad.

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shanghai

Jorge arranz

next destination

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With the most futuristic and staggering skyline on Earth,Asia’s financial and business capital is a destination unique in the world. in 2016, the Meliá Hotels international group is disembarking in the city with its first hotel (its third in China), that will have 190 rooms. in a commercial and business area west of the megacity and known as Hongquiao (rainbow), it has a perfect location. the area is integrated into the grounds of shanghai-Hongquiao international airport, next to Hongquiao’s large railway station and near the new national Centre for exhibitions and Conventions.