Joyous sensations and wonderful memories

SUKKHO SAMUI ESTATES:

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICES AND FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

We can use many different words and phrases to describe the distinctive state of well-being and relaxation to which everyone strives in search of the perfect vacation. But there is a capacious Thai word sukkho that perfectly describes the feeling of ease and happiness that comes from genuine and memorable experiences.

And Sukkho Samui Estates got this very name for a reason because the time spent here brings the most joyous sensations and leaves nothing but wonderful memories. Once here, you won’t be surprised that this selection of stylish sea-view pool villas was voted Best Luxury Villas in Koh Samui, Thailand, by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards judging panel.

Koh Samui is, without exaggeration, a magical place and the perfect destination for a dream vacation. But Sukkho Samui Estates embodies the best of what you can find and experience in this paradise. A stunning hillside location with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand and close to some of Samui’s most sought-after sites are just some of the delights for your body and soul that await you here.

The luxury fusion design villas available to guests of Sukkho Samui Estates are the epitome of modern style and comfort with a luxurious twist. Each property offers exquisitely designed accommodation with spacious spaces and all the trappings of upscale living. The villas are particularly charming, with infinity pools and lovely uninterrupted views available to guests of each property.

The friendly and hospitable Concierge Service team will be your loyal companion and assistant during your stay at Sukho Samui Estates. The attentive staff will provide you with all the necessary information about the services available, as well as all the options for an unforgettable time in Samui.

The guests get the can’t-miss opportunity to savor fine dining at Sukho Samui Estates. The award-winning Thai executive chef Daorung invites you on an Exquisite Fine Dining Journey, where you can enjoy local dishes made with fresh seafood. The menu, designed by a female chef with more than 20 years of experience running kitchens around the world in renowned hotels, will leave no gourmet indifferent. Daorung’s wealth of experience is reflected in being internationally awarded 14 points by Gaultmillau Switzerland 2019 and Michelin Guide Switzerland 2020. You can embark on delightful culinary adventures in the evenings in the privacy of your villa. Private Chef’s Table with a unique 6-course menu featuring an artistic “Amuse Bouche Series” made of 4 tasty Thai appetizers (Miang Kham Waan, Phra Goong, Khao Yam, and KeroPok) awaits you. This is a true culinary masterpiece that is perfect to share with friends, family, or on a romantic date.

The villa lifestyle at Sukho Samui Estates also includes a variety of experiences related to discovering local fascinating sights and land and water activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Wat Phra Yai Temple, where you will be overwhelmed by the 15-meter golden statue of Buddha, and Wat Plai Laem, where you will encounter the impressive 18-arm statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion.

Discover new trails on the island on ATV or buggy rides accompanied by enthusiastic guides. Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park, from where you can embark on an individual boat cruise, enjoying the peace and quiet of crystal-clear waters away from the crowded island. And when you’ve had enough of the impressions, and fatigue sets in, return to Sukkho Samui Estates for your well-earned relaxing and rejuvenating invilla massage treatment.

We invite you to learn more about authentic experiences and Sukkho Villa Lifestyle at www.sukkhosamuiestates.com and https://www.instagram.com/sukkhosamui/

THE ITALIAN PALAZZO DUCALE VENTURI, PUGLIA REOPENS FOR

THE NEW SEASON

Situated in a picturesque Apulian Borgo in Salento, in the southern end of charming Puglia in Italy, Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic palace from the 16th century.

The palace has been carefully restored to offer 20 refurbished bedrooms, a unique restaurant, one indoor and one outdoor pool, luxury spa and Puglia’s first Cryotherapy chamber, alongside a wealth of experiences to enjoy Apulian traditions and explore the local area.

Located in the quaint village of Minervino di Lecce, Palazzo Ducale Venturi boasts two outdoor spaces, the main green garden, and a secret citrus grove. The main garden is accessed through a rose garden, which overlooks the outdoor saltwater swimming pool, as well as the pool bar and the old armoury, recently restored to house the gym, wellbeing area and four majestic suites with floor length windows for guests to enjoy the magical Apulian sun. Other rooms include the Ducale Suite which features direct access to the garden and pool, and the intimate Abbess Room on the first floor which has its own antique stone spiral staircase and access to the indoor pool. After a busy day exploring the local sights, the citrus garden is an oasis of peace, relaxation and Mediterranean scents, the perfect place to enjoy a book or an Aperitivo at sunset.

The noble Palazzo Ducale Venturi, once called Castello Nuovo, is recognised as a historical residence, and offers five centuries of history, art and culture and hints of the extensive past can be found in every nook and corner. Restored under the supervision of The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, once through the door, visitors are greeted by an enormous antique fireplace in the lobby, and in the garden, they can admire a well, made from Lecce stone dating back to the 13th century. Each of the guest rooms are different, with the design offering a taste of the original Apulian palazzo style but with a modern twist. Majority of the rooms in the main building feature original 16th century vaulted ceilings and art work, typical of old Salento architecture and in the corridor on the first floor, guests will even see an old wooden door set into the wall like a work of art. Legend has it that the Duke Venturi himself had a passionate love affair with the Abbess of the convent near the present-day Church of St Anthony in town and in order to meet her, he had an underground tunnel built, which still exists, connecting the palazzo to the monastery. Throughout the hotel guests can also admire its extensive art collection of modern and classic works of art, from original paintings and sculptures to statues. Choosing to stay at Palazzo Ducale Venturi, guests can relax and regenerate at the dedicated spa, which is the first in Puglia to offer cryotherapy, a hi-tech treatment that operates at -190° for extensive health benefits. Guests can also find a massage room, well-equipped gym and the ancient oil mill has been restored to be the hotel’s heated underground swimming pool. After a swim in the palazzo’s pools, guests can stretch out in Pilates or yoga class in the garden. For those wishing to personalise their stay with a classic or typically Mediterranean fragrance in their rooms, the hotel has a remarkable selection of essential oils to choose from.

The palazzo brings a distinctive culinary experience to Salento with its restaurant that is exclusive to guests. The restaurant is headed up by Chef Antonio Russo who offers an elegant but unpredictable menu, inspired by the fresh products of Salento’s nearby sea and local area. Example dishes vary from a starter of crispy cuttlefish with urchin, a pasta main of spaghetti alla chitarra with anchovies and wild fennel and orange scented aubergine pie with ricotta, candied fruit and chocolate sauce for dessert. As part of the large variety of extra experiences offered by the hotel, guests can try their hand at cooking traditional dishes using the palace’s restored salt ovens with Chef Antonio. Complimentary bikes are available to use for the day to explore the highlights of the heel of Italy and guests can take part in whisky pairing masterclasses with a special whisky menu paired with Apulian ingredients. For a touch of romance, guests can surprise their loved ones and enjoy an intimate evening under the stars having an aphrodisiac themed dinner in the hotel’s secluded citrus grove.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi reopens from 1st May through to 30th of November 2022. Nightly rates at Palazzo Ducale Venturi start from €200 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis. www.palazzoducaleventuri.com

Palazzo Venturi is in a strategic position, a short distance from all the pearls of Salento which are rich in history as well as natural beauty and pristine beaches. The hotel is just 6KM away from the sea and close to the nearby towns of Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco, Santa Maria di Leuca and Lecce. Just an hour’s drive away, the nearest airport is Brindisi.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is also the first historical residence in Italy to be certified Green Key, an international recognition that rewards excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism sector. The palazzo is also one of the first hotels in Italy to ensure that it caters for any mobility or care needs. Through an innovative system of glass walls and mobile pressure handles, every guest with disability or mobility needs can choose any hotel room they would like, and it will be adapted to their needs with the help of the hotel’s specialist staff. Four legged friends are welcome too, at no extra cost.

XPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CONNECTION AT COLOURS OF OBLU’S NEWEST RESORT - OBLU XPERIENCE AILAFUSHI

The second COLOURS OF OBLU property to open this year promises to dazzle guests with fun duplex-style family rooms, a vibrantly social ‘La Promenade’, featuring a café & wine boutique, and a scenic ‘Channel’ that meanders across the island.

COLOURS OF OBLU, a brand by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, ushers in a playful new energy to the Maldives with the opening of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi on 02 June 2022. Free-spirited relaxation is the vibe here, promising an invigorating environment where guests can connect with nature, the local people, and fellow travellers- thereby finding the freedom to reconnect with their true inner self.

Translating from the Maldivian dialect of Dhivehi, ‘Aila’ means family and ‘Fushi’ means island, in essence, the Family Island. A swift 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport brings guests to this beautiful tropical island. The four-star resort’s 268 villas and rooms are designed to experience nature at its finest. A striking fleet of water villas shaped like dhonis (traditional Maldivian boats) are lined up along the jetty – a truly delightful spot for snapping some selfies. Views of bright blue ocean and sugar white beaches are just some of the visual delights that allow guests immerse in a magical Indian Ocean setting. From the moment of arrival, a carefree and relaxed holiday unfolds with the generous Fushi Plan™. Dining, activities, a multi-level kids club with a pool and food corner, overwater gym, and live entertainment are all blended within the stay for a hassle-free holiday.

Sumptuous all-day dining options are available at the Element X Restaurant which

serves modern Western, Central Asian, and Far Eastern cuisines. X360 Bar features a 1000 sqm infinity pool – one of the largest in the Maldives. Guests can enjoy unlimited orders of refreshing spirits, wines, and beer from the grab and go bar counter. Evenings come alive with scintillating music and party vibes aon the bar’s sprawling dance floor. The Copper Pot Food Truck parked on the beach is perfect for an open-air dinner of choicest fresh seafood and meat grills that can be relished on the soft sandy beach beneath the starry sky.

Walk up to La Promenade located beside a channel that meanders across Ailafushi island. This picturesque walkway has cosy seating corners along with a wine boutique, souvenir shop, and café. There is so much to do here — lounge at the scenic overwater deck, sip a cup of coffee, and socialise with like-minded travellers. Experiential highlights also include The Dome, a futuristic 15-meter theatre and entertainment centre. Jorge Amaro, the General Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, says “I’m delighted to welcome guests with our unique offerings, smart services and lively attractions. OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is a youthful, joyous, and energetic resort with a laidback islandstyle living vibe. Ailafushi island follows the successful opening of OBLU SELECT Lobigili in March this year. The two interconnected resorts offer innovative concepts, with something exciting in store for all travellers.”

The COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio also includes – OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU NATURE Helengeli and OBLU SELECT Lobigili

IMMERSE YOURSELF

IN AUTHENTIC GREECE

Greece and its islands are a fertile blend of history, mythology, timeless monuments and spectacular natural wonders.

Clusters of sugar-cube houses climbing up a hillside with splashes of purple bougainvillea is the iconic image of Greece for many, but there is so much more. Think medieval villages with Byzantine churches, waterfront tavernas, neo-classical mansions in pastel colours, and landscapes that range from dry and rugged to thickly forested with cypress and pines. Add cliffs and volcanic mountains tumbling down onto sandy beaches, a population who are among the most generous, fun and hospitable on Earth, and you start to get an idea of what Greece offers.

A luxury villa stay is possibly the most comfortable way to immerse yourself in the authentic Greece. Choosing the right base for your stay is one of the most important decisions you will make, but where does one start? That’s where Five Star Greece comes in; the small, elite specialist team offers a unique personal service that will match-make you with a handpicked villa on an island that fits your brief. Not the company for a quick, online booking, their privately owned villas are only accessible once you have had a detailed consultation with them, but if you want expert guidance, these are the people for you.

Five Star Greece has been discreetly helping A-list celebrities, UHNW families and sophisticated private travellers from all over the world for over twenty years. Their unrivalled experience, expertise and extensive local

networks allow them to give guests the to do from a villa base - water-sport best possible advice. A consultation with instructors, a day out with a fisherman, them can result in things you didn’t know hikes, marble sculpting lessons, Greek you wanted: a small day boat or crewed dancing, parties and private tours, tables in motor yacht to complement your villa stay, the top Mykonos clubs, personal shopping private aviation, luxury transfers, tailored guides and helicopter safaris. staff solutions, VIP services, chefs, butlers, and security. You may just want to anchor Whether your dream is a historic mansion in a secret cove or to spend an undisturbed with jaw-dropping views, a beachfront day under an olive tree by the pool with a estate with private jetty and a yacht, the sunset cocktail, but for the more energetic, ultimate glamour on Mykonos or a laidthere are a huge variety of fun activities back family home near a cute village, the perfect villa is out there for you. For a consultation, contact enquiries@fivestargreece.com