Opulence Travel Magazine by Opulent Projects

E VERY THING FOR THE DISCERNING TR AVELLER

Opulence Travel INTERVIEW Sir Richard Branson

SPA LUXURY Home or away

SHANGHAI

Morphing Metropolis

WIN

A THRE E NIGHT BREAK FOR TW O 2

LUXURY WORLD TRAVEL

SOUTH AFRICA + GALAPAGOS ISLANDS + DUBROVNIK + EL GOUNA ON EGYPT’S RED SEA RIVIERA

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20/1/09 20:09:27

“I want all the cultures of the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.

˜ Mahatma Gandhi ˜

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Contents 8 8 THE LEGEND OF LUXURY Discover Abu Dhabi where luxury and style are infused with hospitality and respect and a mixture of culture and traditions come together for a holiday experience like no other.

20 34 SIXTY SECONDS Interview: Sir Richard Branson

36 EL GOUNA

18 RELAX HOME OR AWAY

The Little Venice of the Red Sea – a self-contained town on the beautiful Red Sea coast, El Gouna offers an unrivalled lifestyle – sandy beaches and ideal temperatures welcome visitors all year round.

Indulge in a spa holiday and experience a wide range of luxurious treatments.

40 UNDER AN AFRICAN SKY South Africa has to be one of the world’s most beautiful countries. From soaring rugged mountains, dramatic desert landscapes, natural wildlife and bush, fruitful winelands, vibrant cosmopolitan cities and deserted beaches you can easily see why.

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46 DUBROVNIK DARLING, WHERE ELSE? Nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, has a wealth of attractions for visitors. The city’s seafront location, coupled with its beautiful and historic old town, is helping Dubrovnik make a come back to its top spot as a destination in the Dalmatia area.

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A TH NIGH REE TB FOR T REAK W Page 6 O 4

20 NECKER BELLE Sir Richard Branson’s newest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition collection, Necker Belle, is a magnificent 32 metre catamaran. With spacious common areas and beautifully appointed cabins with ensuites, Necker Belle is perfectly designed for fun and relaxation.

50 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

56 SHANGHAI:

One of the world’s great wildlife experiences – walk in the footsteps of Darwin and rediscover islands which remain as timeless and mysterious as they were centuries ago – observe different land and marine creatures at close quarters.

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis. Western customs along with Chinese traditions jointly form the interesting Shanghai culture, which makes your stay in the city truly memorable.

46 OPULENCE TRAVEL

The legend of Russian hospitality About the Hotel

At your disposal

The historical five-star Savoy Hotel is located in the very heart of the Russian capital. Close to it there are Bolshoy and Maly theaters, Red Square and the Kremlin’s museums, stylish shops, cafes and nightclubs. Being a symbol of Moscow life style, the respectable Savoy combines old hospitality traditions with present-day hotel’s technologies. After an extensive renovation in 2005 the Savoy got its rebirth with an original historical look and now presents luxury and grace of the Silver Age as well as the highest level of service and comfort. The Savoy was the first hotel in Russia to enter a prestigious international chain ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’. Now it is one of the first designer hotels where the ambience of old Moscow mansion goes with all present-day services and comfort.

• 67 comfortable guestrooms and suites • Non-smoking rooms • 24-hours room service • S avoy Restaurant (Russian & European cuisine) • Hermitage Lobby-bar • Meeting & event facilities • Fitness facilities & swimming pool • Business center & travel services • Wi-Fi Internet • Laundry & dry cleaning • On-site parking

Hotel SAVOY Moscow 3/6, b.1, Rozhdestvenka, Moscow, 109012, Russia Tel: +7 (495) 620-85-00 E: sales@savoy.ru W: www.savoy.ru

A warm

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107 Marsh Road, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 5PA T: +44 (0) 20 3356 9634 F: +44 (0) 20 3356 9635 E: production@opulencetravel.com W: www.opulentprojects.com Publishers: Jim Gethin Stefan Taylor Head of Production: Lisa Parker E: production@opulencetravel.com editor: Julia Atkins E: editor@opulencetravel.com Design: Icon Graphics E: icon.graphics@btinternet.com Sales Director: Marc James Sales executives: Pam Mileham Shona Wheatley Contributors: Julia Berg Ania Mudrewicz Julia Warren Printed By: St Ives Web Ltd Disclaimer: Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Opulent Projects and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content. The Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions. All prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission. © Opulence projects 2010

welcome Each issue of Opulence Travel will take you on a journey of ultimate luxury, to discover a selection of the most luxurious travel experiences situated in some of the world’s most amazing destinations. The real appeal of a luxury destination is in the special touches that reflect attention to detail and for those seeking the ultimate in opulent travel there are plenty of options to choose from... If the wintry weather has taken its toll, head for an indulgent spa retreat to revive body and soul (page 24). Discover Abu Dhabi where visitors are offered an array of experiences with stylish hotels and impeccable service (page 8). If you fancy the cool Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas as your playground, take a look round Necker Belle – Richard Branson’s magnificent 32 metre catamaran available for charter with tailor-made itineraries all year round (page 16). A journey to Shanghai blends the beauty of the Ancient Orient and the glamour of a modern day international city (page 56). So, what are you waiting for? Turn the pages and dive in!

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The legend of

LUXURY The mystique of Arabia has long captured the imagination of international travellers and adventurers...

ABU DHABI

or centuries tales of palaces rich beyond compare, of perfumes with scents that forever linger in the memory, of golden jewellery that adorns and inspires, of beauty that captivates and of hospitality so great and so ingrained in culture that others cannot replicate, have inspired legends. And yet the legends come alive in Abu Dhabi – a destination steeped in the past, powerful in the present and safeguarding the future. Abu Dhabi knows a thing or two about luxury. It should do, its approximately 450,000 nationals live atop one tenth of the earth’s proven hydrocarbon reserves and have the world’s second highest per capital GDP at around US$71,200. STAY IN A PALACE The approach to the hotel which aptly goes by the name Emirates Palace is almost majestic. A wide, palm-lined avenue delivers a stately arrival to this magnificent national landmark which emerges on the horizon with an entrance worthy of a 1001 nights fable. This US$3 billion masterpiece of marble, with a gold topped dome bigger than the dome of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, by day sends a rosy hue over the 85 hectares of beautifully kept

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ABU DHABI

gardens in which it sits. At night it becomes a fairytale fable lit up with a kaleidoscope of green, purple, red and yellow lights. Fountains dominate the entrance where a welcome which epitomises hospitality awaits. Service here, honed by a guest list which has included Kings and Queens, Presidents of nations, international business magnates, Hollywood and Bollywood stars and global sporting superstars, is highly attentive but obviously discreet. Valet park your car here and you’ll be in the company of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the not-so occasional Rolls Royce. Once inside the Palace – built to house Arabian Gulf heads of state during a Gulf Co-operation Council Summit – the eyes are treated to a feast of marble majesty and are dazzled by the 1,002 crystal chandeliers. This is a hotel where guests really are treated as personal guests – as a palace invitee. They stay in one of 302 Grand Rooms – which

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live up to the description – or in suites which are the ultimate in luxury and state-of-theart technology. They can use the privileged and private Palace Lounges where hospitality abounds, laze on 1.3 kilometres of private white sandy beach, take a dip in the warm, clean waters which lap its shores, or while away time in a trip down the lazy river. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants, all producing award-winning food and round the evening off in the Etoiles restaurant, lounge and club – one of the city’s most exclusive night spots. In the boutique arcade you’ll find the best quality brands and in the Anantara Spa, the only truly luxurious Moroccan hamman experience in town. THE LUXURY BENCHMARK Emirates Palace sets Abu Dhabi’s accommodation tone but uber-luxury is a hallmark of this very discerning destination and

ABU DHABI

you’ll find it in hotels up and down the emirate. The Shangri-la Qary’at Al Beri also oozes luxury with its fabulous waterfront setting overlooking the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and from which guests can join a complimentary guided tour each morning between Sunday-Thursday. This hotel, built and decoréd in Arabian style is next to The Souk, which guests can reach by abra (water taxis) and where they will find a range of first-class boutiques, beauty parlours and waterside restaurants. Luxury is not confined to Abu Dhabi city – the capital of the United Arab Emirates – but extends throughout this vast emirate and its island and desert landscapes. GO WEST In the emirate’s Western region – Al Gharbia – a luxury jewel shimmers in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sir Bani Yas Island, a former royal nature reserve, is now a naturebased destination and home to the boutique

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Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa. Here is a quiet bay, overlooking an expansive lagoon where flamingos wade, this 64-room hotel, which also has waterfront villas, is an island sanctuary. Guests can take part in a range of adventure activities, including 4x4 guided tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park where animals roam free, including a 400strong herd of Arabian Oryx (gazelle) – one of the world’s largest herds of its type. Other activities including snorkelling in the crystalclear Arabian Gulf waters, kayaking through lush mangrove forests, mountain-biking or hiking over the island’s centuries old salt domes – or if it’s all just too exhausting, laze by the pool, soak up the sun – or adjourn to one of the best spas to be found anywhere. Also in Al Gharbia, is another palatial edition to Abu Dhabi’s luxury portfolio – the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab (Mirage Palace). Resplendently set amidst the towering dunes of the Liwa Desert – which at over 100 metres are some of the tallest in the world – this fabulous desert retreat summons up an

ABU DHABI

atmosphere of days gone by while serving up the very latest in modern comfort. Here you can experience the wonderfully cleansing ritual of Hamman in a spa which combines wellness technique which are mindbogglingly old. Designed using the authentic architecture of this Bedouin homeland, Qasr Al Sarab is something of a period piece – inspired by the past it has been built for the present. Touches throughout celebrate the heritage of the region. This mirage retreat in a way brings together all the strands of a complicated history into one fulfilling and memorable experience. HOSPITALITY – IT’S IN THE GENES No matter where you choose to stay, you can take for granted that the red carpet will be rolled out for you. Hospitality is a byword for Abu Dhabi – it is, quite simply, in the blood.

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There’s a sincerity of approach, a warmth of nature and a benign courtesy that smacks of another age but is the real thing. You’ll find it wherever you go. In the hotels and restaurants and the polished marble halls of the main shopping malls where a dazzling array of brands beckon. The top designer names from England, the USA, France and Italy sit alongside Arabian brands which will amaze with their bejewelled offerings. WHEN TO GO Winter comes to Abu Dhabi around the end of September and runs through to the beginning of May. This is when you’ll feel most comfortable on those fabulous beaches or touring the emirate’s natural islands on a chartered yacht. But if you’re looking for that little bit extra, you could tie your trip into one of the many mainline events now taking place in

ABU DHABI

the emirate. You could, for instance, go while the city comes alive each January for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and watch the likes of Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and a host of other stars vie to lift the Falcon Trophy at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club – an award-winning building designed to reflect a falcon, the country’s national emblem, in flight. Or you might like to stay in February for the Gourmet Abu Dhabi culinary festival and attend one of its many chateau dinners or masterclasses delivered by Michelin-star global authorities. One month later and you might like to take in the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show with its multi-billiondollar fleet of floating uber-luxury. If you leave it until later in the year you could catch the Etihad Airways Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whatever time you go, and wherever you stay, Abu Dhabi is a place you’ll remember

and want to return to, particularly when the planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi open. Culture, shopping, sea, sun, sports and leisure are all wrapped up in a luxuriant, yet understated, package that can live up to its ‘destination of distinction’ promise.

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NECKER BELLE

Necker Belle FLOATING LUXURY ON THE HIGH SEAS With the cool Caribbean Sea as your playground, this world class super yacht with its crew of seven, and fabulous Virgin service is a perfect choice for fun and relaxation...

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necker belle

ecker Belle is a 32-metre (105ft) catamaran with an unbelievable 14-metre beam; that means sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 14 metres wide. After an extensive makeover in Australia, this majestic catamaran is available for charter in the Caribbean. Necker Belle is one of the largest all-carbon multi hull yachts of its kind and can reach speeds of over 20 knots. With spacious common areas and four beautifully appointed main cabins, all with en-suites, Necker Belle is perfectly designed for fun and relaxation. The Experience Below deck, the designers cleverly laid out the interiors to ensure the living arrangements provided flexibility with beach style comfort. In fact, Necker Belle can accommodate up to 12 guests by converting the saloon into a double cabin with a privacy screen. Additionally, two of the more adventurous types can sleep in the upper cockpit area quite comfortably under the stars. To guarantee you can keep your eye on the horizon at all times, the four spacious main cabins with large windows are situated on the main deck above the water line. Days aboard Necker Belle will be spent enjoying the clear waters of the Caribbean, whether cutting up the sea on a pair of water-skis, trying your hand at the high-adrenaline sport of game fishing or marvelling at the vibrant marine life with scuba tanks strapped to your back. Sun lovers can relax suspended over the turquoise

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NECKER BELLE

Necker Belle’s interior is luxuriously spacious so you’ll feel like you’re in your own private beach house

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Ease your way into the clear turquoise waters by way of the built-in swimming platforms

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necker belle

CATAMARAN SPECIFICATIONS Main characteristics: Dimensions

32m long

Beam width

14m wide

Tonnage

171 tons

Mast height

38m high

Construction Carbon-epoxy (hull and superstructure) Year built Delivered April 2003 / Extensive refit 2009 Engines 2 x 425 HP caterpillar engines Speed Maximum cruising speed under power – 14 knots Maximum speed under sails – 20+ knots Range 1,500 nautical miles under cruising speed Accommodation: Number of guests 12 guests Guest cabins One master suite with shower room, DVD player and surround sound with queen size bed Two double guest cabins with en-suite, DVD player and surround sound with double bed that can be split into twins One double guest cabin with en-suite, DVD player and surround sound (double bed only)

waters of the Caribbean Sea, catching some rays on the forward beam trampoline. Whether you prefer formal or informal dining, fine cuisine on board Necker Belle is a given. Whilst in the evenings, after dinner, you’re invited to the open air cinema – they will set up a projector and a big screen on the aft deck. Guest Cabins The Master suite offers stunning views of the ocean through large windows. This room has ample storage space along with a comfy queen size bed, private bathroom with a double basin and shower room. If a lie in is the perfect start to your day, you can snuggle up in bed and switch on your 52 inch LCD TV, watch a DVD or listen to a selection of music through the sound system. Guests can also hook up their iPods for hours of listening pleasure. Two double VIP guest cabins can be arranged into twins and both have a junior version of the Master Suite’s bathroom with shower room. Other features include a 26 inch LCD TV, DVD and sound system. The

double guest cabin, which can not be split into a twin, offers an en-suite, DVD and sound system. All enclosed guest cabins are fully air conditioned. Interiors Necker Belle’s interior is luxuriously spacious so you’ll feel like you’re in your own private beach house. Unlike mono-hull yachts, where the living area is below deck, Necker Belle’s indoor areas are light and airy and offer undisturbed views as she cruises two metres above the water. The amazingly spacious living area spans almost the full-beam of the main deck. The main salon features a huge 52 inch flat screen TV, with a bar and service area close by. The new furnishings are softer, more relaxing and comfortable. Dining Fine food is a highlight of any guests’ stay. Guests can set the menu and times of meals – or this can be left up to the crew. Dining can be formal or informal, inside or outside, upstairs or on the main deck, themed or

Further accommodation for two guests is available by converting the salon into a 5th guest cabin in the evenings, and not to forget the two beds on deck for the adventure types! Audio/Visual Equipment: Visual 52 inch LCD screen in Master Suite and Salon, 26 inch LCD screens in other guest cabins DVD

Multizone DVD players

Audio Each cabin has a control panel to control audio Watersports Equipment: Tenders One 5.8m (18ft) 12 person 160 horsepower craft Scuba Diving Equipment for six divers, tanks, snorkelling, dive tank filling compressor Waterskiing Mono-ski and regular waterski equipment on board Game fishing Game fishing chair, electronic fish finder, two Penn reels

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necker belle

traditional – or a mixture of everything! Ask them for some ideas or give the chef yours. The talented chef prepares food Virgin Limited Edition has become famous for, and it is up to you whether you want to dine on lobster and caviar or sausage and mash! Necker Belle stocks a fine range of international wines stored in the vessel’s own temperature controlled cellar, top quality spirits, international beers and excellent house champagne. Before you board Necker Belle they will send you a preference sheet so you can let them know if you would like something special or just if you have any particular favourites. The fly-bridge cockpit, located above the main saloon, is a great U shaped seating area, perfect for sundowners. There is also a beautiful outdoor dining area for 30 on the aft deck. Alfresco dining is given a whole new meaning on Necker Belle. Watch the most beautiful sunsets from the main deck before your delicious evening meal. Play The portside deck is set up for game fishing

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and enthusiasts will fight for the game chair! The chair is mounted on the port aft quarter and there’s room to prepare the bait – and the chef can be on hand to clean and cook the catch of the day. For those water-babies, dive off the yacht from the 6ft diving board on the top of the aft deck straight into the clear turquoise waters or simply ease your way in by the built in swimming platforms. Necker Belle has a selection of state-of-theart equipment and a comfortable 12-person

fast boat capable of 40 knots perfect for activities such as waterskiing, island hopping and game fishing. They also provide scuba diving and snorkelling equipment for those who want to go out and blow some bubbles with the marine life! Crow’s Nest The crow’s nest ascends up the mast, some 25m above the water, perfect for navigating reef passages or taking in the view.

CHARTER RATES • For charters in the Caribbean winter season in 2010 the weekly rate is US$88,000 • Please note that charters usually commence from noon on the first day and terminate by noon on the last day • Advance provisioning allowance (APA): An advance provisioning allowance equivalent to approximately 25% of the weekly rate will be charged to cover the operating expenses of the charter such as fuel, food, port fees, harbour and marina dues, customs clearance, water and electricity, personal laundry, all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s party such as telecommunication costs WHAT’S INCLUDED? • Charter of Necker Belle for seven nights • Seven dedicated staff PAYMENT TERMS

RELAX For those types who prefer to just kick back, there are numerous places to sunbathe. The trampoline between the forward beam and the deckhouse is a great place to take in those 360 degree views whilst you laze your days away soaking up the Caribbean sun. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet during the day, you’ll find the large upper cockpit pit the ideal place to get away. This cushioned area is perfect for sunbathing alone or with friends, and if you want a little shade, the awning is ready to go.

• To secure a booking a deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is required. The remaining 50% plus the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer one month before the charter commences.

BOOKING For availability and to make a booking contact Virgin Limited Edition’s Sales and Reservations Office United Kingdom T: 0800 716 919 (toll-free) or +44 (0) 208 600 0430 enquiries@virginlimitededition.com www.virginlimitededition.com

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Relax AT HOME OR AWAY

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Turn the page to explore some of the most luxurious spas in the world, offering indulgent choices of treatments with impressive facilities and stunning surroundings. Discover your own perfect sanctuary for a quintessential experience in relaxation and wellness, as well as the ultimate in both comfort and service...

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Calcot Manor

Champneys Health Resorts ENGLAND

ENGLAN

Offering fabulous facilities in a tranquil and beautifully designed setting. With seven treatment rooms, the choice of health and beauty therapies – both traditional and contemporary – is second to none. Also on offer is a range of ‘spa days’ which include a choice of treatments, unlimited use of the pool, gym and relaxation areas plus Calcot’s legendary hospitality – spa days and single treatments are available to everyone, as is use of a crèche when you are using the Spa.Gift vouchers are also available. Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8YJ Tel: 01666 890391 Fax: 01666 890394 Email: reception@calcotmanor.co.uk Web: www.calcotmanor.co.uk

The Spa at Chewton Glen

Champneys Health Resorts are made up of four award-winning spa locations across the UK – each offering unique charm – choose from the original Champneys in Tring Hertfordshire, the enchanting Forest Mere in Hampshire, the more modern Springs in Leicestershire or the traditional Henlow in Bedfordshire. All provide elegant and luxurious accommodation, delicious healthy cuisine, the latest fitness regimes, state-of-the art spa facilities and the most indulgent beauty treatments around. Whether you want to relax and unwind, get fit or simply indulge in a little pampering, our resorts are ideal to visit on your own, as a couple or with friends. Champneys is the place to be … Tel: 08703 300 300 Email: reservations@champneys.com Web: www.champneys.com

Mandarin Oriental Spa

ENGLAND

Voted the UK’s Favourite Spa Retreat by Readers of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, Chewton Glen sets a new benchmark in hotel spa facilities and embodies the unique purity of its New Forest and coastal location. A selection of over 60 exclusive beauty and body treatments is provided by a team of highly qualified therapists and fitness instructors. The club is spacious and luxurious, and features the latest technology along with the highest level of comfort. The centrepiece of the club is a 17-metre ‘ozone treated’ classical style indoor pool and the spectacular hydrotherapy pool is its crowning glory. Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS Tel: 00 44 1425 275341 Email: reservations@chewtonglen.com Web: www.chewtonglen.com

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Consistently voted one of the best urban spas in the country, we offer eight private treatment rooms and the serenity of our heat and water oasis. Spa guests are invited to unwind in our Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, Vitality Pool, Sanarium and the deeply calming Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation room. Our supremely professional therapists blend techniques from around the world to promote both your physical and spiritual harmony. Facilities also include eight treatment rooms and gymnasium. 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA Tel: +44 (0)20 7235 2000 Email: molon-info@mohg.com Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/london

ENGLAN

Gleneagles Hotel

Safaa Spa SCOTLAND

ABU DHABI

Set in an 850 acre resort of beautiful countryside in the heart of Scotland, The Gleneagles Hotel is the perfect setting for one of the most luxurious destination spas in the world. The Spa by ESPA has been designed by award winning interior designer Amanda Rosa. Every aspect of the unique and tranquil space enhances the therapeutic ESPA treatments. ESPA’s approach is holistic, combining modern techniques with ancient therapies from around the world. A wide range of natural facials, body treatments and massages are available to improve the wellbeing of both men and women. The calming relaxation rooms and the spacious, naturally lit courtyard allow you to rest your body and mind pre and post treatment.

Within the Anantara’s Desert Islands Resort & Spa is the beautiful and supremely intimate Safaa Spa with four treatment rooms – two for couples and two for individuals – each of them spacious and all offering a wide range of world-renowned luxurious indulgences. Choose from an array of natural treatments – Thai massage, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, rich facials, and lavish body treatments and scrubs all using the finest ingredients – as well as treatments based on the healing and beautifying properties of gemstones and precious metals. Facilities include a private outdoor relaxation area, separate male and female changing areas, sauna and steam rooms.

To book treatments, call The Spa directly on +44 (0) 1764 694332. For information about spa breaks, call resort sales free on 0800 704 705 Email: resort.sales@gleneagles.com Web: www.gleneagles.com

Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 (0) 2 801 5400 Fax: +971 (0) 2 801 5408 Email: dirs@anantara.com Web: www.anantara.com

Tamara Spa

Jumby Bay MALDIV

As part of Jumby Bay Resort’s $28 million enhancement, Sense, a Rosewood Spa opened last November. Set on a private island off the coast of Antigua, this exclusive haven will offer guests an oasis of calm that is the perfect blend of the Caribbean surroundings and colonial heritage of the West Indies. Located just steps from the white sand beach, the open-air sense spa boasts luscious tropical gardens and five sumptuously designed personal spa suites which feature individual showers and personal relaxation terraces that offer picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea. A signature massage is performed on handmade hammocks, creating a sense of weightlessness throughout the treatment. Tel: +268 462 6000 Email: jumbybay.spa@rosewoodhotels.com Web: sensespas.com/www.jumbybayresort.com

Tamara Spa at the Lily Beach Resort & Spa presents a holistic journey, touching body, soul and mind and transporting you to a haven of self-reflection and re-discovery! Located on the island of Huvahendhoo, Tamara is designed for absolute tranquility with seven treatment rooms offering state-of-the-art rituals, treatments, wraps, scrubs, facials and other beauty treatments to bring back your glow with a perfect blend of nature, harmony and balance! Handpicked masseurs, under an internationally experienced spa manager, ensure that we pamper your body and mind with invigorating signature treatments.

ANTIG

Lily Beach Resort & Spa, At Huvahendhoo, Maldives South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel: (+960) 668 00 13 Email: sales@lilybeachmaldives.com Web: www.lilybeachmaldives.com

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Chi, The Spa

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort in the Maldives south of the equator. Offering guests a stylish experience in a spacious, boutiquestyle environment, the resort encompasses lush vegetation and stunning white sandy beaches. The stylishly furnished accommodation includes private ocean retreats to tropical tree house villas – unique to the Maldives – with panoramic views. Guests can enjoy a tempting selection of dining and entertainment facilities, innovative treatments at CHI, The Spa and a variety of water-based leisure activities. Explore by bicyle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. For those who seek dining experiences with a difference, the resort will surprise with arrangements from a junglethemed dinner in the heart of the island’s forest to a cruise on a luxury yacht for lunch on the equator.

As with Al Maha, Wolgan Valley incorporates Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ own Timeless Spa branded facility. This features six double treatment rooms and offers a distinct range of relaxation, rejuvenation and beauty therapies drawn from techniques used traditionally in various parts of the world. Designed to provide utmost privacy and comfort, Wolgan Valley Timeless Spa caters to the most discerning travellers. To perfect the health and wellbeing experience, the resort will provide a fully-equipped gymnasium and a 25-metre outdoor infinity swimming pool, with lounge areas and poolside service.

Villingili Island, Addu Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel : (960) 689 7888 Fax: (960) 689 7999 Email: slmd@shangri-la.com Web: www.shangri-la.com

ALTA

Go beyond the ordinary at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Malta. Indulge your pursuit of the Grand life by living the spa life. Engage your senses. Discover fresh, sensory experiences and new sensations including your sense of 5-star luxury. Skilled hands are here to revive you. Soothing colours and textures bathe your eyes while perfumes and soothing music fill the air to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Look forward to treatments that have been specially designed for you. Le Grand Spa is a haven of tranquility that surrounds the personalised programmes that are dedicated to your wellness, relaxation and beauty.

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ALIA

R AUST

MALDIV

Grand Hotel Excelsior

Great Siege Road, Floriana, FRN1810, Malta Tel: +356 2125 0520 Email: info@excelsior.com.mt Web: www.excelsior.com.mt

2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia Tel.: +61 2 6355 1800 Fax: +61 2 6355 1801 Email: info@wolganvalley.com Web: www.wolganvalley.com

Rosewood Little Dix Bay CARIBB

EAN

The Sense Spa at Rosewood Little Dix Bay – a perfect place to soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings; it offers the finest in beauty and recuperative programs in a dramatic setting and is combined with the traditional spiritual and physical healing arts of the Caribbean culture. The hilltop Sense Spa’s nine treatment cottages utilise indigenous botanicals plucked right from the resort grounds. The dramatic Cliff Spa Suite is an idyllic spa hideaway perfect for individuals or couple’s treatments with an indoor room, outdoor terrace, dining area, outdoor shower, hot tub, striking two-level infinity pool and a hilltop yoga platform. Little Dix Bay also offers the innovative ‘Poolates’ which uses the buoyancy, resistance and gentle movement of water to strengthen the muscles, enhance flexibility and improve posture. Tel: +284 495 5555 Email: littledixbay@rosewoodhotels.com Web: www.rosewoodhotels.com

Beauty and peace in Marrakech

Call or email us for last minute offers Tel: 00 212 24 44 12 10/20 Fax: 00 212 24 44 12 11 Email: riadelfenn@menara.ma www.riadelfenn.com, www.eileanshona.com

One Spa

Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

Regarded as Europe’s most advanced city spa, One Spa is a natural balance of energy, water and heat in a beautiful, light-filled space. A shimmering swimming pool and bubbling rooftop Hydropool pool go hand-in-hand with a rejuvenating Thermal Suite and soothing spa treatment programme, while the advanced gym and fitness studios tone and balance the body’s core. One Spa is a holistic experience that rewards mind and body again and again.

ENGLAND

One Spa, 8 Conference Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8AN Tel: +44 (0)131 221 7777 Fax: +44 (0)131 221 7778 Email: info@onespa.com Web: www.onespa.com

SCOTLAND The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, where the sensual knowledge of the east flows into the higher reaches of 21st century luxury, where we will pamper, indulge and relax you until your five senses are left begging for more. Choose from over 45 different treatments or one of our Day Rituals. Swim in the ozone-cleansed pool, work out in the TechnoGym, or just relax in the thermal baths. The Serenity Spa is linked by a magical underground link to Seaham Hall Hotel, the leading small luxury hotel in Northern England, just 20 minutes from Newcastle, and discover style, service and cuisine that is off the scale. Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG Tel: +44 (0) 1915 161 400 Email: info@seaham-hall.co.uk Web: www.seaham-hall.co.uk

Scotsman Spa & Health Club SCOTLAND

This new spa – which opened on 1 July 2009 – is defined by its contemporary design which uses neutral tones and clean lines to create a soothing environment. Dedicated to relaxation, beauty and well-being, the spa includes seven spacious treatment rooms (including one couples treatment room and a secluded manicure and pedicure area), a relaxation room for guests to use before and after spa services, luxurious changing and shower rooms, a 16m indoor swimming pool as well as a fully equipped Gym and Fitness area with 60 fitness stations.

Thermae Bath Spa Britain’s original and only natural thermal Spa – located in the heart of Bath and fed by the natural hot springs, Thermae is a remarkable combination of old and new where historic spa buildings blend with contemporary design. Here you can bathe in the naturally warm, mineral rich waters as the Romans and Celts did 2,000 years ago. Relax in the open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views over the city, enjoy the flowing curves of the Minerva Bath and refresh your sense in the aromatic steam rooms. Choose from a wide selection of spa treatments and packages such as the full day Thermae Experience which offers a two course meal, Kraxen Stove, Thermae Oriental massage, Hot Stones pedicure and a facial (£175). Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ Tel: 0844 888 0844 Email: info@thermaebathspa.com Web: www.thermaebathspa.com

ENGLAND

The Scotsman Hotel, 1 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DF Tel: +44 (0)131 622 3800 Email: spa@thescotsmanhotel.com Web: www.scotsmanspa.com

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SIXTY MINUTES WITH 60 SECONDS OR LESS WITH...

Sir Richard Branson How do you relax? Spending time with my family and friends is how I relax. I am very lucky as my office is based on Necker Island; I can often be found lying in my hammock with my blackberry and phone working away. It’s one of my favourite places to relax and gather my thoughts. It’s a hard life! What is your favourite sport? I am a very keen kitesurfer and do quite well at it if I do say so myself! BVI’s is one of the best untouched kiting locations in the world with its beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. I’m also a keen tennis player and play whenever I get the opportunity. Were you ever tempted to follow in your father’s footsteps and practice law? No, I think my parents were always aware that I would do something different. My father actually followed three generations into law but his real passion has always been archaeology. Growing up my mother was always coming up with creative ways to make some money and as I got a little older I found myself following in her footsteps and trying to come up with my own ways to make money! It went from there really…

who are not afraid to say what they believe and raise the voices of people across the world who would otherwise go unheard. Does it matter where you come in The Sunday Times rich list? No, it’s not important where I sit within any rich list. I realise I’m in a very fortunate position and try to invest my money in creating new jobs and in tackling some of the seemingly intractable problems of the world. Who was your most important signing for Virgin Records? I would say Mike Oldfield in 1972, Tubular Bells really captured people’s imagination, it was completely original and immediately spellbinding. It sold over 13 million copies, making it the 11th bestselling album ever released in Britain. Closely followed by Mike would have to be the Sex Pistols who we signed in 1977. How did you feel when you sold the Virgin Label to Thorn EMI? Sad – even though we sold for a billion dollars. British Airways were trying to put Virgin Atlantic out of business and I needed the fire power.

Do you have a role model past or present and if so – why them?

What was the fundamental element in entering into the airline business?

I have been very lucky and fortunate enough to have met some truly inspirational men and women over the years. The late Freddie Laker was an extremely inspirational figure for me in my early years – I was thinking about setting up my own airline when we first met. He gave me this advice: “You’ll never have the advertising power to outsell British Airways”. You are going to have to get out there and use yourself. Make a fool of yourself. Otherwise you won’t survive.” I’ve have been following his advice ever since! Since then, Nelson Mandela, President Carter, Archbishop TUTU, Mary Robinson to name but a few. They are individuals with truly good hearts

Frustration. I’d flown on the large flag carriers and had hated the experience. I decided to create the best airline in the world. Fortunately the best always survive and 25 years later Virgin Atlantic is flying high.

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Do you have a personal favourite within the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio and why? All of them are very close to my heart and I can’t say I have a favourite as such but I spend most of my time on Necker Island and my most treasured memories are pretty much all from times spent with friends and families on holiday there. What would you never travel without? My passport, I have been known to leave it behind accidently! My phone and blackberry are essentials too. What would be your ultimate luxury experience? Everyone’s perception of luxury is personal and individual. My ultimate luxury experience is spending quality time with my loved ones somewhere beautiful and for me that’s always Necker Island my home. Nor can I hide my love for Africa, especially our private game reserve Ulusaba in South Africa. Is space Virgins final frontier? Never! My team at Virgin Galactic, alongside Burt Rutan and his amazing team at Scaled Composites, have just unveiled SpaceShip2. I cannot wait for the inaugural flight in a couple of year’s time. This will be such a huge achievement for everyone involved but I know that once we have done this there will be something else around the corner! Maybe Virgin Oceanic!

Do you have any plans to introduce a supersonic passenger aircraft into the Virgin Atlantic fleet? Virgin Atlantic campaigned to keep Concorde flying but unfortunately BA refused to sell any planes to us. Virgin Galactic is of course supersonic and one day may consider intercontinental travel rather than just space travel.

Sir Richard Branson and model of SpaceShip 2

I have been very lucky and fortunate enough to have met some truly inspirational men and women over the years

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El Gouna

They’re calling it ‘The Little Venice of the Red Sea’

I hadn’t ever heard of El Gouna on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera before, so I was keen to see if it delivered what it promised with claims of ‘somewhere special’... by Julia Warren

EL GOUNA

fter a five hour flight from London we landed at Hurghada, having taken in fantastic views of the desert suddenly transforming into an urban sprawl of 50,000 people. This former fishing village has sprung up in the last 30 years into a cool resort on the edge of the Eastern desert. You could tell people knew they’d arrived somewhere special; happy, smiling faces unlike where we’d come from in cold, grey England. Some looked slightly perturbed by the buzz and general noise, bu having fallen in love with Egypt many years ago, I knew what to expect. Egyptians, like all warm blooded nations, live life to the full and, shall we say, are expressive in everything they do. On clearing immigration and paying for our visas (£11) we headed out to find a taxi to take us to the resort of El Gouna, 20 minutes drive north of Hurghada. The journey was pretty much a straight line up the coast with the evening light turning pink over the mountainous desert. One thing immediately strikes you about El Gouna and remains with you throughout your stay: this is one utterly elegant place, purpose built in the late 80s by a wealthy landowner and now a ‘model’ town for the rest of Egypt’s tourism development. Everywhere. splashes of colour dazzle, from the white washed and pastel coloured low rise villas covered in bougainvillea, swathes of green

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EL GOUNA

on the 18 hole championship golf course, to turquoise lagoons and canals criss-crossed by little bridges. All of this is neatly sandwiched between the desert and a sea so blue that it almost brings years to your eyes. El Gouna is fondly referred to as the ‘little Venice of Egypt’ and it’s easy to see why. Built partly on reclaimed land from the sea, you simply

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couldn’t get a more Venetian lookalike outside of Venice. Boutique shops sell quality goods from international designer names to pure Egyptian cotton sheets a must-buy souvenir). There was probably Venetian glass too but I wasn’t looking for that as I had a Dior handbag in my sights. There are several fabulous five-star hotels here including the Sheraton Miramar, the Steigenberger Golf Resort, and a number of good four-star properties including the boutique style Dawar el Omda. Our choice of hotel was gorgeous. The five-star Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is situated on a peninsula on the water’s edge. There are 554 rooms laid out in a ‘cluster’ arrangement spread over several acres, yet walking around the pretty courtyard and well tended gardens you get a feeling of spaciousness and tranquillity and the clever design means every room has a sea view. Ours was not far from the hotel’s most delightful restaurant (there are 11 including pool bars) El Sayadin, located on the seafront, where we scoffed local grilled lobster on our first night. The à la carte restaurant specialises in seafood and each night features live music; we chose a table on the balcony overlooking the Red Sea

with twinkling lights along the water’s edge. A truly romantic spot. El Gouna is living proof that luxury and sustainability can co-exist and the resort has committed itself to sustainable development in order to maintain the natural beauty of the area, which means that there are showers but no baths in any of El Gouna’s 14 hotels. The town’s rubbish is recycled and cardboard is used to make traffic bollards. There’s a real feeling of community and friendliness here which grabbed us. It doesn’t take long to walk (10 minutes) or get a fun tuk-tuk ride into downtown El Gouna from the hotel. There’s always something going on here. Weekly events including live music in the chic and very attractive Abu Tig Marina, Oasis night (fantastic trip to an authentic Bedouin oasis), Nubian show (belly dancers) and Street festival, as well as additional events including beach parties and fashion shows all hosted by the restaurants, bars and hotels of downtown and Abu Tig Marina and offer free entrance. A trip to Hurghada on the local bus (50p) from the centre of El Gouna is a 40 minute journey and one we thoroughly enjoyed. You get dropped off in the old part of town where the bus station is and can walk through the streets past many an inviting looking café or

El Gouna

restaurant if you fancy eating local food and shops selling all manner of things. This end of town still feels Egyptian and we bumped into a few fellow tourists who thought it good fun too. It was market night so a very lively and noisy atmosphere greeted us. We were tempted to part with a few Egyptian pounds on many an occasion and did. A five minute taxi ride (£4) into downtown Hurghada and you’re into the main ‘strip’ in Siggala, where you can find every modern amenity including international hotels and many bars, clubs and restaurants. This area of town is quite clearly party central with loud commercial beats and bright lights. We found a lovely authentic place to eat called El Arabie and after a delicious dinner headed to the marina for a walk. On our third day, we decided to slow down the pace and so booked a couple of treatments at the hotel’s renowned Angsana Spa (the only one outside Asia). I can safely say I have never experienced a more professional, relaxing and truly authentic Thai massage than this and left feeling as if I were walking on air . It had well and truly set me

up for a round of golf at the nearby USPGA El Gouna golf club. Gene Bates and Fred Couples designed the course with every level of golfer in mind, from the beginner looking to try out the game for the first time to the advanced golfer playing the tournament circuit. The 18 hole championship course has greens intersected by both lagoons and by desert rough forming obstacles and challenges. More than a couple of my balls ended up in the water. No matter, the course is unique and beautiful. Several hotels on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera have their own dive clubs and there are many independent clubs to be found, all professionally managed and run with fully qualified instructors offering a variety of dive packages and trips. Dive Tribe is owned and managed by the Mövenpick El Gouna and we turned up to book a snorkelling trip to the nearby coral reefs. As we swam, we bumped into a giant turtle which seemed to enjoy leading us for a while. He swam and we followed for a few magical minutes as we discovered his underwater world.

Because of the location, there is always a gentle breeze in El Gouna and the only months to avoid if you really don’t like the heat are July and August when temperatures can reach 38C. I had discovered El Gouna, she indeed kept her promise and I’ll be back.

• The five-star Way : Mövenpick Resort o to g & Spa El Gouna has double rooms from £114 per night (low season) to £177 (high season) including buffet breakfast www.moevenpick-elgouna.com. Also... • Easyjet flies firect from London Gatwick to Hurghada from £140, www.easyjet.com • More information, Egyptian State Tourist Office, 020 7493 5283 www.egypt.travel

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UNDER AN South Africa has to be one of the world’s most beautiful countries. From soaring rugged mountains, dramatic desert landscapes, natural wildlife and bush, fruitful winelands, vibrant cosmopolitan cities and deserted beaches you can easily see why...

outh African Tourism has launched an exciting and new element to its successful ‘My South African Feast’ campaign, with a focus on health and wellness. Over the past year, the South African Tourism campaign has focused on the country’s food and wine and literal feasting. While South African Tourism will continue to promote this key driver for tourism, the new wellness campaign aims to uncover South Africa’s strength as a destination that is a feast for all the senses. The key theme will be how indigenous African products, such as Rooibos – the plant used to make herbal South African red tea – are being integrated into Western practices such as spa treatments. Perhaps it’s the wide, open spaces and skies

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– but there’s something about just being in South Africa that makes you feel fabulous. Maybe it’s the hot, African sun; the delicious, healthy food often eaten el fresco in a country with a year-round temperate climate; the see-forever views; or the clean, crisp air designed for deep breaths as the wine is for slow sips. Perhaps it’s the miles and miles of golden beaches, warm ocean water and sea air so rich in ozone you can almost taste it. Maybe it’s a combination of all of these things. The truth is that South Africans know what’s good for them. This is a nation that relishes good health, because the people live in a land where there’s just so very, very much to enjoy. It’s really all just common sense. A

SOUTH AFRICA

mango eaten straight from the tree is just so much healthier (and more delicious) than one that’s been ripened in a heated warehouse and then kept in cold storage for weeks. And because South Africans are so connected with the great outdoors and to the rhythms and cycles of nature, they have a rich tradition of natural remedies and wellness therapies that the world is only now starting to wake up to. South Africa abounds with natural therapies that have been part of the local folklore for centuries. ADVENTURE This year, South Africa has been running an ‘Adventurers Wanted’ campaign, which gave outdoor-types from across the UK have been

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SOUTH AFRICA

given the chance to win a 10 day trip of a lifetime for themselves and a friend, following an action-packed itinerary including trekking, surfing, wildlife tracking, canoeing, bush walking, safari, bungee jumping, paragliding, diving and hot air ballooning. The aim of the campaign is to highlight some of the more active pursuits that are available in South Africa to travellers looking for anything from gentle walking or cycling to pushing themselves to the limits with some of the most challenging adventures in the World. 2010 WORLD CUP The 2010 FIFA World CupTM in South Africa is billed as the biggest sporting event after the Olympic games. Taking place from 11th June to 11th July 2010, the 19th FIFA World Cup promises

Did you know? South Africa is home to: • The World’s highest bungee jump – (700ft) Bloukrans Bridge – Tsitsikamma • The World’s longest commercial abseil – Table Mountain (1,066 meters) • The World’s toughest golf hole, with a US$1 million incentive to anyone who achieves a hole in one – Legend Golf and Safari resort, Entabeni, Limpopo

thousands of soccer fans from around the world an unforgettable soccer experience. Ten stadiums are preparing for action and the nine host cities are upgrading infrastructure to ensure the smooth running of this soccer spectacular. Tickets are already selling fast. There has been an unprecedented and encouraging demand for 2010 FIFA World CupTM tickets – 60,000 tickets have already been sold to date and South African Tourism anticipates somewhere in the region of 450,000 visitors to the continent from around the world. Lebohang Mokhesi, UK Country Manager at South African Tourism comments: “The ten stadia being prepared to accommodate the 2010 FIFA World Cup are on track to be completed by the end of 2009, well ahead of the start of the games. In addition to some stunning, world-class football, visitors to South Africa can look forward to an unforgettable holiday in one of the world’s most culturally and geographically varied countries.” Ten stadiums in nine host cities have been chosen to host the tournament: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg; Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, Durban Stadium in Durban, Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Loftus Verfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria and

Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Five of these stadia are undergoing major renovations for 2010: Soccer City and Ellis Park, Loftus Verfeld, the Royal Bafokeng and Free State stadiums. New stadiums are being built in Nelspruit, Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay, Cape Town and Polokwane. “Although South Africa already has a world class physical infrastructure, this will be taken to new heights in the next few months as the country prepares to host the first ever African World Cup. Not only one of the biggest sporting spectaculars in the world, this event sees South Africa witnessing a huge public sector investment and a massive new investment by the tourism industry itself.” Said Lebohang Mokhesi, UK Country Manager at South African Tourism. South Africa is working flat out to make sure the rapid rail link, Gautrain – a highspeed train between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is up and running in time for the World Cup, and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects are also being implemented in Johannesburg and Cape Town. South African Airways and British Airways

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SOUTH AFRICA

VEL A R T : O F N I

The Seasons: Full winter in South Africa is midyear and peak summer at year end, the exact opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the country is a summer rainfall region, except for the Western Cape which receives most of its rainfall in the winter. As a guide, the seasons are spring (Aug to midOct), summer (mid-Oct to mid-Feb), autumn (mid-Feb to Apr) and winter (May-Jul). Beaches: South Africa is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world. Those along the West Coast and round the southern tip to Agulhas are washed by the cooler waters of the Atlantic, so it is advisable to stick to summer if you’re planning a beach holiday in these parts. From here, and up the East Coast, the waters of the Indian Ocean become increasingly warmer so that beaches can be enjoyed year round. Happenings: South Africa is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, with every region offering something different. There are, however, two national festivals that should not be missed. At the end of February/beginning of March Oudtshoorn comes alive with the Klein Karoo Arts Festival. A few months later, at the beginning of July, Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape is transformed into a hive of artistic activity by the National Arts Festival. In

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September each year, Cape Town hosts the Cape Outdoor Expo where the best outdoor and adventure activities that South Africa has to offer are showcased. The South African Tourism calendar of events, housed on its main website www.southafrica.net, offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of events and select an itinerary based on their interests. Winter Wonderland: The best season to visit the Drakensberg is in the winter months, where the snow-capped mountains offer solace from the madding crowd. Temperatures during the day are low, but manageable and it’s great to go and explore the mountains and valleys on foot. Temperatures drop in the early evening, making it the perfect time for hearty country fare and a sherry. A tradition of Christmas in July is well established at many mountain resorts. Another dining experience with a difference is the vulture restaurant near Giant’s Castle, which is one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa. The bearded vulture hide in the area offers excellent raptor viewing from May to September. Tiffindell is the only ski resort in Africa. Situated in the Southern Drakensberg on the slopes of the highest peak in the Eastern Cape, the resort is functional throughout the year as the snow is manmade out of season. Take a Hike: South Africa offers virtually every outdoor and adventure activity imaginable. Of these, its hiking trails are unsurpassed, especially those through the world-renowned Tsitsikamma Forest along the Garden Route. Because autumn and winter are cooler, you might find that these are the ideal times. The Winelands: The Western Cape has one of the most scenic wine regions in the world, which is enhanced by magnificent architecture and style. And it is easily accessible from Cape Town with clearly marked wine routes. There is no best time to visit, but there is a romanticism to sipping a mellow red by a cosy open fire during winter. And why not tour the vineyards further north during the spring flower season? Flower Power: Namaqualand is a sunbaked, wind-swept land wedged between the fertile floral kingdom of the Western Cape and the Namib Desert. But it’s not this immense contradiction that makes it

the Cinderella of southern Africa. Rather, it’s a place of rare and exquisite beauty that each spring hosts one of nature’s most extravagant spectacles when it is cloaked in a riotous tapestry of billions of blooming annuals, herbs, succulents and bulbs. ‘Field after field of cleared plateau and mountain slopes were ablaze with gorgeous colour, being absolutely covered with the most brilliant-hued flowers,’ enthused Fred Cornell in 1913 as he witnessed the scene from a train window. ‘Here morgen after morgen of glorious crimson; there, half a mountain-side of mustard yellow, in startling contrast to the other half of azure blue.’The Cape Floral region of the Western Cape is also best during spring. While covering a small area, it is home to 8500 different species of plants known as fynbos – most of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Wild Times: Spring hails the arrival of whales to the South African coastline. The best spot for whale watching is Hermanus along the Cape South Coast, which celebrates their appearance with the Whale Festival at the end of September. This is also the ideal time to visit a game park. After a dry winter the veld is sparse and the water reduced to a few waterholes, making viewing much easier. And South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, is at its finest at this time as it performs an elaborate courting ritual in Karoo fields. Follow the miracle of the reproduction of the gigantic leatherback and loggerhead turtles in their annual nesting (Nov-Jan) and hatching (Jan-Mar) rituals in the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal.

SOUTH AFRICA

operate direct flights to South Africa from the UK. The two main airports, OR Tambo and Cape Town International, are being significantly upgraded and a new airport is being built in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which will be ready towards the end of 2009. The total investment in all airport upgrades to date is in excess of 80 million. The private sector is investing hundreds of millions of Euros in refurbishing existing hotels and building new hotels across the country with a number of new conference facilities being built which will benefit meeting planners through the wider choice of facilities available. One of the most exciting is the One and Only, Cape Town that opened in April this year. The hotel is situated at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and features 91 spacious rooms (each with a breathtaking view) on seven storeys. It is in the heart of the business, entrainment and nightlife districts of Cape Town and ideally placed for tourists wishing to explore this justifiably world-famous region of South Africa. The Southern Sun hotel in Hyde Park opened in June 2009. The 132 contemporarily designed rooms are positioned over three floors. The hotel is built on top of the existing parking garage of the Hyde Park Shopping Centre, and the hotel’s lifestyle area consists of a reception area and a 60 seater a la carte restaurant. The Radisson Hotel, Port Elizabeth, with panoramic views of the sandy beaches of Algoa Bay, will be the newest star to open its doors

in the buzzing and lively coastal city of Port Elizabeth. With an offering of 173 sea facing rooms and suites, the hotel offers eight multifunctional conferencing and banqueting rooms which span 760m2, and can accommodate up to 280 persons for a sit down dinner. The benefits of hosting the 2010 Football World Cup will be felt way after the event has come and gone. According to consulting company Grant Thornton, the World Cup will generate around R12.7 billion in direct spending, creating 159,000 new jobs. The country’s tourism industry will also benefit from the estimated three million visitors expected for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. People interested in making the most of a visit to South Africa will find plenty to keep them entertained. From safaris to spa treatments and shopping to sampling local delicacies, there is no shortage of activities on offer. The official FIFA 2010 UK tour operators have been announced as Thomson Sport (UK) Limited (www.thomascooksport.com/football), Thomas Cook (www.thomascooksport.com), BAC Sports Limited (www.bacsport.co.uk) and Keith Prowse (www.keithprowse.com). These tour operators have a selection of travel packages providing accommodation and transportation together with tickets, sold on behalf of FIFA. South African Tourism has plenty of ideas for those Britons who want to make the most of their visit to South Africa. To find out more please, contact South African Tourism on 0870 1550044 or visit www.southafrica.net.

LINKS: • South African Weather Service: www.weathersa.co.za • More on SA’s climate and weather: www.southafrica.info/plan_trip/ travel_tips/questions/climate.htm • Western Cape and Cape Town tourism: www.tourismcapetown.co.za • Eastern Cape Tourism: www.ectourism.co.za • National Arts Festival: www.nafest.co.za • Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees: www.kknk.co.za • Garden Route: www.gardenroute.co.za • South African National Parks, Namaqualand and Tsitsikamma: www.sanparks.org • BirdLife South Africa: www.birdlife.org.za • Drakensberg Tourism: www.drakensberg-tourism.com • Tiffindell Ski Resort: www.tiffindell.co.za • Hermanus: www.hermanus.co.za • iSimangaliso Wetland Park: www.stlucia.org.za

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dubrovnik

Dubrovnik darling, where else? by Julia Berg

Everyone’s talking about Dubrovnik in Croatia but it wasn’t always that way...

henever I visit this jaw-droppingly beautiful city, my Croatian friends still pose the question “what took you so long?” They’re referring to the fact that while other Europeans were flocking back there, the Brits seem only to have rediscovered ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’ in more recent years. My feeling is that many people don’t really understand where Dubrovnik is. George Bernard Shaw certainly did though when he named the city ‘the Pearl….’ So, for the record, one last time, Dubrovnik is on the Adriatic sea in the southern-most part of Croatia, a two and half hour flight from London, Exeter and Southampton, just a little more from other regional airports and in

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summer there are over 20 flights a week direct from the UK and Ireland. So much was written about the damage to Dubrovnik’s old city during the Serbian shelling between 1991-1995 that many people incorrectly believed that the place had been all but razed to the ground. Not so, and work started quickly on restoration. Funds were raised, donations were received from all over the world and the society for the Restoration of Dubrovnik worked miracles. This was no patch-up job. White stone from the island quarries of Korcˇula and Bracˇ was brought in, chiselled and polished so perfectly by the best of local and international artisans that it’s hard to see the join. Over time sun, wind and rain

is blending the brighter orange of the new roof tiles with the original amber ones. Now, companies are choosing the famous Croatian city for conferences, tourists are now visiting in serious numbers, luxury cruise ships call in and British Airways flies all year round direct from London Gatwick. Property prices have increased almost 80% in the past year and Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sir Roger Moore and many other famous are spotted each summer have a coffee in a pavement café or enjoying a concert or two. Crucial to this growth is the increase in five star hotels in Dubrovnik and it’s a fact that no other city or resort in Croatia boasts as many five-star properties.

HOTEL

The perfect harmony of past and present Hotel Kazbek is one of the finest 5-star hotels in Dubrovnik. The hotel is an old castle that underwent a careful renovation in 2008 bringing it back to its former glory, with a rich and fascinating history reaching all the way back to the middle of the 16th century. Each of the 12 rooms have been individually decorated and furnished to make your stay unique, blending the style of the past with the convenience of the new perfectly. Guests will experience the feeling of staying at a renaissance castle with the services and privacy that comes with it.



Hotel Kazbek, Lapadska obala 25, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia T: + 385 20 362 999 (hotel) T: + 385 20 362 900 (sales office) F: + 385 20 362 990 E: info@kazbek.hr

 

• 13 luxurious rooms including a suite

• Fully equipped conference room for up to 30 participants • One indoor and two outdoor restaurants offering specialties and wines from all Croatian regions • Two bars • Sea facing terrace with picturesque views of the Gruz Bay • Elevator • Outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi • Sauna • Office corner with PC, printer and internet • Sailing boat and speed boat, both for 12 people at guest’s disposal • Private parking • The whole Kazbek area is a completely non-smoking zone

www.kazbekdubrovnik.com / www.pervanovo.com Contact: Pave Miloglav at pave.miloglav@pervanovo.hr

DUBROVNIK

So, where should we stay when we next visit Dubrovnik ? The Adriatic Luxury Hotel Group has three gorgeous five-star properties with the Excelsior Hotel and Spa in fabulous position, on Franja Supila, close to the old city and a10 minute walk out of the Plocˇe Gate. With around 130 rooms and suites it’s worth paying for a sea facing room here with breathtaking views to the small island of Lokrum and the old city. Last year the hotel added the ultimate in

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luxury named the Villa Agave. The first guest was Kevin Spacey who enjoyed this private retreat yet which has all the benefits of the hotel. Three spacious bedrooms, an outdoor pool, five terraces, a lounge and dining room decorated with antiques and works of art with a contemporary twist plus an open air summer kitchen, covering a total of 270 square metres, the villa is the place for a group of friends or a special stay. There is no better place to watch a Dubrovnik sunset than on the hotel’s outdoor cocktail terrace where the pianist plays every evening. There are sunbeds on a man-made private stone ‘beach’ literally requiring you to walk four steps before splashing straight into the blue. The Comfort Zone Spa has been beautifully refurbished and offers a wide range of treatments. Less traditional than the Excelsior and much more contemporary is the Dubrovnik Palace hotel which reopened in late summer 2004. Located on the Lapad peninsula, a ten minute taxi ride from the old city, this is all cool beige, cream sofas, beach stones and huge picture windows everywhere. There are 308 rooms including 33 suites and a special VIP wing with suite accommodation, extra privacy and the rest of it. Celebs, footballers and presidents have been spotted. There are three outdoor pools, three restaurants and seemingly endless bars with panoramic views plus a wonderful spa offering great value three night pampering breaks. Night owls will love the Orlandinja night club (more cool and eclectic), converted from the old bowling alley where you dance

down in the former lanes on a subtly underlit dance floor. The excellent live band plays some evenings with everything from Chris Rea to Lennon and McCartney. Completing the ALH trio is the Hotel Bellevue which is a luxury boutique style hotel with just 93 rooms and suites, private beach and a Comfort Zone spa. Just ten minutes walk from the old city, this feels funky-chic. If you want luxury bang in the heart of the old city then head for the Pucic Palace in Gundulic Square, another luxury boutique hotel in a Baroque building. With just 17 rooms and a couple of suites, this is the place to peoplewatch, lounge on cushions in the fabulous Dafne restaurant one of the best in town, producing Eastern Mediterranean food in a Moorish elegance, deep sofas with silk cushions, flaming torches and a feeling of magic. The Grand Villa Argentina a few steps past the Excelsior with an equally stunning position. It has had a wonderful makeover and even the single rooms are elegant and well equipped. Another smaller but perfectly formed spa plus wonderful beach terrace. Drinks, breakfast, dinner, everything is available on the terrace and this is what makes these five-star hotels special, the views from the terraces. One of Dubrovnik’s great mysteries stands in the hotel grounds and belongs to it. Villa Sheherazade (Croatians omit the ‘c’), a special place which is let out in its entirety. With an aquamarine dome, Islamic style windows and the Star of David built into most exterior walls not to mention the name itself, the story is entrancing. Rumour has it that the

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villa was built in 1929 by a Russian banker for his lover. He was married and Jewish, she was apparently an exotic dancer, possibly Muslim. This would account for the mix of styles and would surely have raised an eyebrow or two in conservative Dubrovnik back then. The villa was completed around 1936 and it seems that, sadly, the couple never lived there together. Recently restored and costing around 7,000 euros a night (five bedrooms) including breakfast, dedicated staff and gorgeous gardens, several people had told me the new interior was stuffy and old fashioned. I visited and where I expected Moorish contemporary lines with shades of cinnamon, vanilla and cobalt blue, instead there was sage green and claret resplendent of a UK Trusthouse Forte in the 70s. The Hilton Imperial is just a few minutes walk from the Pile Gate and is the closest of the big five-star hotels to the old city. It opened in May 2005 after a massive reconstruction which took four years and started life as the Grand Imperial built between 1895-1897 by Baron Viktor von Kalchberg to provide the first organised holidays for wealthy Austrians who travelled from Vienna by train. Badly damaged by fire and shelling, rebuilding used much of the ornate cream and bronze brickwork from the original façade. There are 147 rooms and suites and a Living Well health centre plus restaurants and bars. The best time to visit is in May, June, September or October because in July an August the place is packed. The annual Summer festival takes place from 10 July to 25 August and many

events take place outdoors in piazzas, in open air palaces even on the city ramparts themselves. Whether your stay is two days or ten, there are two ‘must do’s’. Take a guided walking tour of the city (maximum two hours and the guides are some of the best in the world) and then walk those famous ramparts. Do it in that order. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, these walls are over two kms long, up to 25 meters high, up to six meters thick in places. But for all the monuments and sights, Dubrovnik is no museum. People work, laugh, eat, shop and love. And talk. Find the best gossip and intrigue over coffee on the terrace of the famous Gradska Kavana, the city café. Mercifully the old city is pedestrianised and there are two main entrances that most visitors use: the Pile gate and the Plocˇe gate, both complete with drawbridges. Easy access from the UK, a wonderful choice of trips out to the islands or to the the wine growing areas on the Peljesac peninsula, watersports and super restaurants from elegant Gils, located within the city ramparts to fun waterfront bistros like Lokanda Peskaria serving Mediterranean black risotto from small cauldrons, there are so many reasons to choose Dubrovnik in 2010. And expected to open in May is the new Villa Dubrovnik, another five-star property which welcomed guests from all over the world until it closed a few years ago. No doubt, those visitors will come back to take a second look. Don’t hesitate: put this exquisite walled city on the sea on your ‘must do’ list right now. You’ll be in good company.

MORE INFORMATION Croatian National Tourist Office: 020 8563 7979, www.croatia.hr British Airways: www.ba.com Croatia Airlines: www.croatiaairlines.hr Adriatic Luxury Hotels: www.alh.hr Pucic Palace: www.thepucicpalace.com Vila Dubrovnik: www.villa-dubrovnik.hr Hilton Imperial: www.hilton.com

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Las Islas encantadas

the Galapagos Islands rediscovered... Walk in the footsteps of Darwin and rediscover the Galapagos islands which remain as timeless and mysterious as they were centuries ago. by Ania Mudrewicz

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Galapagos Islands

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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

his is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries left where animals have no fear of man and can be observed closely. You can swim with the sea lions, turtles and penguins, or get within wingspan distance of a waved albatross feeding her chick. Whether watching a giant tortoise slowly amble by or being befriended by a sea lion pup, your first encounter with wildlife will captivate you making it a truly magical and unforgettable experience. The Galapagos archipelago lies on the Equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean and consists of 13 large islands with many smaller ones. First formed by giant volcanoes rising out of the sea about five

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million years ago, they are influenced by both hot and cold currents helping to create a variety of marine life found nowhere else in the world. Since the islands have never been connected to the mainland, all species found there must have crossed 600 miles of ocean either by swimming, flying or perhaps floating across on vegetable rafts. Egg larvae or seeds could have travelled less conspicuously in animals stomachs or stuck onto birds feathers. Thus, over many years, the animals and plants that migrated there have adapted themselves to Galapagos conditions and evolved differently from island to island in order to survive creating many endemic species. Today, over half the plants and most of the reptiles are found nowhere else in the world and 97% of the archipelago has been declared a National park, making it one of the most sought after and unique wildlife destinations in the world. The islands were first visited by pirates who named them after English Kings, noblemen or sea captains. The earliest charts gave the islands both Spanish and English names and the Ecuadorian government assigned their official names in 1892 so an island can have a Spanish, English and official name. Galapagos means ‘saddle back’ in Spanish and is used to describe the shape of the shell found on a particular species of giant tortoise. Historically, buccaneers named them Las Islas Encantadas, ‘the bewitched islands’ because the strong and variable currents made navigation difficult and passing mists made the islands appear and disappear as if by magic.

They were officially discovered by the Bishop of Panama, Tomas de Berlanga in 1535 when during his journey from Panama to Peru, his boat sailed off course and arrived in the Galapagos. For the next 300 years whalers, pirates and sealers used them for shelter and fresh water taking thousands of giant tortoises on their ships to be kept alive for up to a year without food to provide sailors with fresh meat during their long periods at sea. Fur seals were mercilessly hunted for their pelts which decimated their population in the process. The islands first came to world attention when Charles Darwin visited them during his world voyage in HMS Beagle in 1835. His book on the Origin of Species published in 1859 based on his observations made during his five week visit gave the islands the world reputation as the living laboratory of evolution. With its spectacular wildlife and hauntingly dramatic landscape it is not difficult to see why these remote islands have served as an inspiration to both naturalists and scientists. In those days the Galapagos were virtually inaccessible being very expensive and difficult to get to with no real means by which the traveller could comfortably see the islands. Also the interest in the natural universe and issues such as wildlife conservation weren’t as widespread as they are now. Things have changed since then and today it isn’t difficult to get to the islands at all with daily flights from mainland Ecuador. The best way to see the wildlife is by taking an organised cruise as it is the only way to gain access to many of the landing sites which can

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ECO NOTE

As early as 1934 the Ecuadorian government set aside some of the islands as wildlife sanctuaries but it was not until 1959 that the Galapagos was declared a National park. The Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz Island opened in 1962, mainly to ensure the conversation of a unique ecosystem, preserve its wildlife and to encourage educational and scientific research. In 1986, the Ecuadorian Government granted further protection to the islands by creating the Galapagos Marine Resources Centre. A further law was passed in 1998 to control immigration from the mainland and to restrict tourism to smaller groups. Because of the increase in tourism, special guidelines were introduced to protect the fragility of the islands and their inhabitants. The rules are sensible and necessary, and will not impinge on the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; enjoyment of the Galapagos, but will ensure that they do not destroy the very wildlife that they have come to see.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

EL V A TR PS: TI

These remote islands offer spectacular wildlife and hauntingly dramatic landscape

Choosing a cruise: There are a variety of boats operating in Galapagos carrying from 12 to 100 passengers and itineraries may vary from boat to boat. The most exciting islands include Espanola, Genovesa and Fernandina, so ideally, your cruise should include at least two of these islands. Additionally, there are a number of specialist cruises, including birdwatching, photography and diving. There are a handful of comfortable livaboards that concentrate mainly on diving and visit the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin where whale sharks and hammerheads are prolific. Visas: No visas required for UK nationals who automatically get 90 days on entering Ecuador. Health: No inoculations are needed for Galapagos although if you are going to visit the Amazon or other areas of mainland Ecuador, certain vaccinations are recommended. Flights: There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador although you can travel there with KLM via Amsterdam, Iberia via Madrid, American Airlines via Miami and Continental via Houston.Galapagos flights are automatically booked together with the cruise and these fly daily from Quito and Guayaquil. On arrival in Galapagos, your naturalist guide will be waiting for you to transfer you to the boat of your choice and embark on the experience of a lifetime! When to go: As Galapagos is on the Equator, there is something interesting to see all year round, although air temperatures are at their highest from January to April sometimes reaching 32 degrees! After June the weather gets a bit cooler and the sea becomes a little choppier from July to October, with sea temperatures dropping as low as 18 degrees; it is at this time that marine life becomes more prolific and it is the best time to see whale sharks. Due to variations in sea temperatures throughout the islands, a 5-7 mm wetsuit is recommended.

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only be visited with a guide from the Darwin Research Centre. There are many categories of boats ranging from economy to luxury carrying from 12 to 100 passengers. Luxury boats are more spacious with ample dining areas – often eating ‘al fresco,’ have roomy, air conditioned cabins and are generally more comfortable at sea. However, which ever boat you choose, whether an elegant traditional sailing yacht or a motor vessel, the single most important influence on your cruise will be your naturalist guide who will be vital in introducing you to the islands. A typical day on board might consist of going ashore after breakfast by dinghy or ‘panga’ as they are known locally where you will have a dry or wet landing depending on the particular site and on occasion you may be greeted by a friendly sea lion. The prolific bird life includes blue and red footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches which they display

during courtship in a bid to attract a passing mate. Nicknamed ‘pirates of the sea’ they will often bully smaller birds into dropping their food which they will then swoop in mid air to catch the stolen meal. This happens because frigate birds have very small preening glands and are not able to secrete enough oil to waterproof their feathers and are therefore are unable to dive underwater to catch their prey. Their seven feet wingspan combined with the largest wingspan to weight ratio of any bird provides aerobatics which never fail to entertain. Blue footed boobies equally impress with their fantastic rocket dives which they do in groups in perfect synchronisation. These islands are truly an ornithologist’s paradise. Photographers will enjoy the tameness of the animals and will have countless opportunities to get some of their best shots without ever having to reach for a zoom lens. On returning to your boat there may be time

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

for a pre-lunch swim and afterwards sailing to another visitors site – perhaps up to two hours away – an opportunity to a siesta on deck until you reach your destination. Dolphins may often accompany your boat riding the bow wave in twos and threes. Each shore visit is a few hours long giving plenty of time for snorkelling during

the day. Swimming in the Galapagos can be full of surprises – a harem of sea lions may gracefully weave their way around you often coming up to your mask with the playfulness of a dog! The uniqueness of the Galapagos islands is reflected underwater where almost one quarter of the marine life is found nowhere else in the world. Encounters with sea turtles, spotted eagle rays or marine iguanas will be numerous and you will usually see these swimming alongside reef fish and penguins darting in front of you searching for food. Diving enthusiasts will not be disappointed and will see something different on every dive where the unexpected happens on a regular basis – like seeing up to eight whale sharks in one week! It is not unusual to find yourself surrounded by a school of hammerheads whilst observing the gracefulness of a giant manta ray slowly gliding by. Life is never dull and the friendliness of the Galapagos sea lion ensures that you are accompanied by at least one or two on almost every swim. Life on board is relaxed and informal and by the end of your cruise you will have become quite a specialist on bird, marine and reptile life found in these waters. Most cruises last for about a week although shorter and longer ones are available on request. All flights to Galapagos go via Ecuador so it is a good opportunity to sample some of its cultural heritage with its beautiful churches, cobbled streets and colonial haciendas. It is one of the smallest countries in South America containing the richest concentration of birds, orchids and butterflies and you don’t have to go far to see them. It is possible to combine a cruise with a visit to the Amazon rainforest where you can stay in an Eco Lodge and relax in your hammock, after a day’s activities and listen to jungle sounds or contemplate the world. Another option is to explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes or trek to nearby snow-capped Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. You may want to do something more relaxing though, like an Andean railway trip along the Devil’s Nose or a visit to a local market where you can see wood carving, textile weaving or the making of Panama hats. Whatever your choice, whether alone or in a group, trips are tailor-made to suit individual requirements. You will not have time to see everything on your first visit – wildlife enthusiast, photographer, holidaymaker or diver, the Galapagos will inspire you in many of the ways it did Darwin and your understanding of the natural world will take on a different perspective leaving you bewitched and wanting to return to these unique, enchanted islands once more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ania Mudrewicz first visited Ecuador in 1977 and her love of wildlife, sailing and photography naturally drew her to the Galapagos Islands. She established Galapagos Classic Cruises (www. galapagoscruises.co.uk) over 15 years ago and continues to visit the islands regularly where she loves to swim with the penguins and sea lions. A donation is made on behalf of every passenger who travels to the Galapagos and this is used to promote all conservation issues on the islands. She also organises cruises hosting BBC Presenters and on these trips, passengers have the additional benefit of joining a celebrity at no extra cost.

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Shanghai: Morphing Metropolis Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis. Western customs along with Chinese traditions jointly form the interesting Shanghai culture, which makes your stay in the city truly memorable 56

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shanghai

et us take you on a journey of discovery around one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Shanghai is an exhilarating, ever-morphing metropolis that is a fascinating mix of East and West. Tucked between the shopping malls and the modern architecture is the old Shanghai, where temples nestle down alleys, along with street markets and classical Chinese gardens. Shanghai is a city of stunning contrasts, where visitors can go from sipping a cocktail in a decadent bar overlooking the Bund, eating at exclusive restaurants, visiting stately colonial buildings, art galleries and spas to eating dumplings at a street stall. Shanghai is fast becoming a city of opulence with no shortage of luxury 5-star hotels offering beautifully appointed rooms and facilities where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a city rich in history and cosmopolitan delights. After a day spent sightseeing, guests can indulge in a soothing spa – an eastern retreat in itself and a necessary indulgence after a long flight. The New Bund: Located at the banks of the Huangpu River between Waibaidu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge, The New Bund is a total length of 4 kilometres. It rests against the Huangpu River on the east and a row of 52 unique buildings integrating the Oriental and Occidental architectural styles on the west,

generally known as ‘buildings in multinational styles of architecture’, which, for over a century, has remained a symbol of Shanghai. At night when the floodlights of the buildings are switched on at the same time, the buildings look exactly like crystal palaces, which, set off by the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower on the east bank of the Huangpu River, are even more brilliant and dazzling. The New Bund is reputed to be one of the ‘Ten Best Scenic Spots of Shanghai’. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall: Known as ‘China’s premier shopping street’, is flanked by hundreds of huge shopping centres, specialty stores and shops with unique Chinese characteristics and a long history. The pedestrian mall starts from Xizang Road (Middle) in the west and ends at He’nan Road (Middle) in the east. At the east and west ends of the pedestrian mall are two dark red marble screens, on which are former president Jiang Zeming’s Autograph: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall. Completed at the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, The mall gives a total new look to the 100 year old Nanjing Road, making it another beautiful urban scenic spot of Shanghai. Shanghai No.1 Department Store (the former Daxin Company), Hualian Department Store (the former Yong’an Company), Shanghai Fashion Co., Ltd. (the former), and Shanghai No.1 Foodstuff Store

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shanghai

(the former Xinxin Company) are four major companies that reflect the past and present of Nanjing Road, making the road a combination of traditional and modern styles and adding a unique charm to it. Walking along this road, one will have a great sense of pleasure. The colourfully glazed floor tiles, the uniform peddler’s stands in the middle of the road, the fashionable stores flanking the street, the hustling and bustling crowd, the small, lovely sightseeing trains, the uniquelydesigned city sculptures… all these constitute a modern urban view of Shanghai. The Jingmao Building / Tower: Standing at 1, Century Boulevard, the Jingmao Building faces the Bund across the Huangpu River. With a total height of 420.5 meters, it ranks third in the world and first in China. The building has a total floor space of 290 thousand square meters, with 88 floors above ground, three floors underground and six floors of side buildings. The building combines traditional and modern styles and regarded as a landmark building of Shanghai. The observation deck on the 88th floor at the height of 340.1 meters covers an area of 1,520 square meters and is the largest observation deck currently in China. It is luxuriously decorated with imported marble and the thickness of the

marble on the wall is only 3mm. The glass wall offers a panorama of views. Standing at the deck, tourists can have a bird’s-eye-view of the urban sceneries of Shanghai and the magnificent view at the estuary of the Yangtze River. The two express elevators that escalate at 9.1 meters per second send tourists to the top of the building in only 45 seconds. The drama theatre has 600 seats for the performance of chamber music, and the studio theatre, which has 200 seats, is for operas and song-and-dance dramas. Shanghai Grand Theatre also has 12 rehearsal halls of different sizes, gymnasiums, scene-setting rooms, makeup rooms, banquet halls, cultural exhibition halls and underground garages. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Located at 158, Yincheng Road (North), Pudong, is the newly constructed high-tech Aquarium, which has a total floor space of 22.4 thousand square meters. It boasts a 120-meter-long submarine sightseeing tunnel, the longest in Asia, making tourists feel as if they were in the depth of the ocean since they can see the mysterious world at the bottom of the sea and the rare and strange marine life from different angles and directions. The Aquarium is made up of eight major areas with 28 large-scale theme marine life exhibition areas, displaying the 300 species and 10,000 more rare

Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line This is the world’s first high-speed maglev train put into commercial use. It is also China’s first maglev line that integrates urban traffic, sightseeing and tourism. The line starts at the south of the Longyang Station of Shanghai Subway Line 2 and runs eastward to the Pudong International Airport, covering a length of 29.863 kilometres. Together with the walking line at the maintenance base and the maintenance line, the demonstration line covers a total length of 31.17 kilometres. The train, which consists of nine compartments, is capable of carrying 959 passengers. The designed speed and actual speed of the train are 505 and 430 kilometres per hour respectively and it takes the passengers only seven minutes to reach downtown Shanghai from the Pudong International Airport.

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fishes from all over the world. Some of them are unique freshwater and marine life; others are rare aquatic life unique to China. All these give visitors a pleasant impression of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;experiencing the wonders of the five continents at the bottom of the seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Site: Located at 1835, Qixin Road this is Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first super-big indoor skiing site with an investment of RMB 300 million Yuan constructed by Shanghai Dashun Hokkaido Skating Co., Ltd, a SinoJapanese joint venture. The skiing site covers an area of 100.8 thousand square meters and the ski track is 380 meters in length and 80 meters in width. The highest point of the ski track is 42 meters above ground, equivalent to a 14-story building. The skiing site, currently ranking first in scale in the world, has introduced in the latest Japanese snow machines and ski kits and has entrusted a first-rate Japanese administrative company for its management. Every day there will be several hours of artificial snowfall and the snow will be as deep as 50cm; the temperature of the skiing site is always maintained at 0-5 centigrade. The ski track consists of three sections and

tourists will be carried to the top of the track by an automatic lift. At the end of the ski track is a platform for exercise, which is 7,200 square meters. Visitors are provided with complete sets of ski gears and ski kits. The skiing site employs coaches and lifeguards, who will provide guidance to tourists. In addition, it has a 30,000-square-meter

supplementary entertaining area that offers indoor hot spring swimming pools, sauna, Chinese and Western restaurants, film and television halls, dancing balls, VIP lounges, and franchised stores selling Japanese goods. The observation hall at the second floor is an ideal place for tourists to watch indoor skiing performance. The fourth floor is a deluxe club.

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The People’s Square is a garden-like square that integrates administration, culture, transportation and commerce

giggling water, residence of the Ming and Qing styles, small dark-awning boats lying at anchor, sweeping willows swaying along riverbanks, and stone bridge spanning the Dianpu River like a beautiful rainbow. Inside the town are rivers and bridges, giving a sense of the ancient time. The Fangsheng Bridge, constructed in the reign of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty, is the biggest joint five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai. It is 70.8 meters in length and 5.8 meters in width. Exquisite in structure and beautiful in shape, it is the first of the ten scenic spots of Zhujiajiao.

Zhujiajiao: An ancient town located at the bank of the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu District with a history of over 1,000 years. It’s the most well reserved ancient town in Shanghai and has been known as ‘Venice of Shanghai’ for its simple but attractive appearance typical of towns in the south part of China. In 1991, it was designated by the State Council as the ‘Well-Known Chinese Cultural Town’. The ancient town is simple and tranquil, refined and elegant. Walking along the zigzag flagging or wandering among the narrow streets and lanes flanked with shops and stores, visitors feel as if they were in a simple but fresh wash painting: small bridges above

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The Grand View Garden Area of Shanghai: Located at 701, Qing-Shang Expressway on the east bank of the Dianshan Lake this area is both a large classic architectural complex and a modern garden and consists of the east and west scenic areas. The east scenic area has the Shanghai folk cultural village, the plum garden, and the osmanthus garden as its main scenic spots and modelled on A Dream of Red Mansions, a Chinese classic novel by Cao Xueqin in the Qing Dynasty. It is a large classic architectural complex constructed using the traditional Chinese gardening art. It covers an area of nine hectares, of which the classic buildings occupy 8,000 square meters, including 20 architectural

complexes like Daguanlou (Grand View Tower), Yihongyuan (Cheerful Red Court), Xiaoxiangguan (Bamboo Lodge), Hengwuyuan (Lush Grass Court). The chambers in the garden are luxuriously and elegantly decorated; ancient and wellknown trees are set off by red columns and colourful walls, giving tourists a sense of the grand royal garden and the graceful garden in southern China. Every plant in the garden fully embodies the fine mood depicted in A Dream of Red Mansions. In the east of the grand view garden is a piece of land of 100 hectares, on which are planted 340,000 trees. In addition, there are also some other scenic spots here like ‘Plums at the Hollow Bringing a Strong Sense of Spring’, ‘Willows on Riverbanks Signalling the Advent of Spring’, ‘Golden Snow and Lingering Fragrance’, ‘Flowers Competing for Beauty’, of which ‘Plums at the Hollow Bringing a Strong Sense of Spring’ is the best place in Shanghai to appreciate plum flowers. Shanghai Xintiandi: Situated at Lane 181, Taicang Road. It covers a site area of 30,000 square meters. The previous old Shikumen has undergone restoration, making it integrate with modern and new buildings around forming a unique area which combines history, culture, tourism, food and beverage,

shanghai The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower:

The Leisure and Entertainment Street at Wujiang Road: The only stereo leisure street in Shanghai that segregates pedestrians and vehicles and has a two-layer walking street. In recent years, the street, after renovation, has turned into a fashionable food street. Along the street are uniquely-shaped mobile stores and movable flowerbed and trees. The street is an integration of subway traffic, shopping and leisure, tourism, sightseeing and square culture. It is a unique leisure street that attracts the attention of the people of Shanghai.

and to the south is Shanghai Museum. Renmin Avenue, which runs in the middle of the square, has a 17-meter-wide green belt on both sides. The total area of greening of the People’s Square reaches 80 thousand square meters, turning the square into an oasis in the centre of Shanghai. The Century Park: The largest ecological urban park currently in Shanghai located at the east end of Century Boulevard. Designed by British LUC, it covers an area of 140.3 hectares and is a modern Chinese garden that embodies the integration of Oriental and Occidental cultures between man and nature. The park mainly consists of large lawns, forests, and lakes, with such scenic areas as the Central Lake Island, the Huiwu Square, the Rural Garden, the International Garden, and the Thin Forest Lawn. Inside the park are facilities for bird protection, experiencing scientific advances, scientific experiments, and children’s amusements. Tourists can fish, fly kites, have picnics and get the maximum degree of enjoyment.

The People’s Square: A garden-like square located at the centre of Shanghai that integrates administration, culture, transportation, and commerce. To the north of the square is Shanghai People’s Government, to the northwest is Shanghai Grand Theatre, to the northeast is Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: Located at 100, Renmin Avenue, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall has a total floor space of 19 thousand square meters. It fully displays the achievements of Shanghai in city planning and construction and embodies the theme of ‘city, man, environment, and

business, entertainment and residences. The difference and integration of the past and the present and of the East and West give Xintiandi endless charm, turning it into the most ideal place for foreign and domestic tourists to have a general view of the history, culture, and modern lifestyle of Shanghai and the best place for local citizens and foreigners of refined taste to meet and entertain themselves.

Standing at 1, Renmin Avenue the tower is 468 meters in height, ranking first in Asia and third in the world. It consists of three gigantic columns nine meters in diameter, a spherical penthouse, an upper sphere, a lower sphere, five smaller spheres, the pedestal and the square. Together with Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge, it looks like two dragons playing with a ball, turning itself into a symbol of the reform and opening-up of Shanghai. The designers, inspired by rich imagination, arranged the 11 spheres of different sizes from high in the blue sky down to a carpet of green lawns, while the two huge dazzling ruby-like spheres are integrated with the two earth-shaped spheres of Shanghai International Convention Centre, forming a poetic picture of ‘pearls, big and small, falling down into a jade plate’, magnificent and beautiful. Shanghai Urban Historical Development Gallery at the hall in the first floor is a museum devoting to an introduction of the development history of Shanghai in the previous century. The precious historical relics, documents, pictures, and the advanced film, television and stereo facilities vividly reflect the history of Shanghai urban development in the modern times. The exhibition in the gallery fully displays the profound political, economic, cultural, and social changes of Shanghai. The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower is a vivid human landscape.

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SHANGHAI

on the ground. It can also be used for multiple music and dance performance.

development’. The Exhibition Hall adopts modern exhibition technology to achieve an integration of professionalism, knowledge, interest and art, giving stress to the exhibition of the future of the city. Citizens and tourists can see the changes of the leased territory, the vicissitudes of the Bund, the achievements of Shanghai in urban planning and construction ever since the reform and opening-up of the country, in particular, since the 1990s, and the rapid changes of the Pudong New Area. Above all, they can see the bright future of Shanghai there. The main model of urban planning, which is in the proportion of 1:2000, exhibits the urban geography and scenery in an extent of a 100 and more square meters within the inner elevated ring road. It is the world’s biggest model of urban planning. The Exhibition Greenhouse of Shanghai Botanical Garden: A newly developed modern botanical greenhouse located in Shanghai Botanical Garden at 1111, Longwu Road. It consists of two smaller greenhouses, one for tropical plants and the other for sand plants, the former focusing on the themes of gardens

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in which flowers of all seasons are displayed and tropical rain forests, producing a vivid tropical view with flowers competing for beauty, the latter, on the other hand, being a collection of the world’s strangely-shaped cactuses and rare succulent plants, vividly displaying the views of tropical plains, which, set off by deserts, camels, and the setting sun, makes people feel as if they were walking in a desert. Visitors can fully feel the mystery and changes of the world of plants. Shanghai Circus World: Acclaimed to be ‘China’s No.1 Circus World’ located at 2266, New Gonghe Road. Unique in architectural shape and with a golden dome-like roof, it is another landmark building of Shanghai, an international cultural metropolis. It has the acrobatic field as the main building, rehearsal auxiliary building, animal room and commercial cultural city as necessary installations. The acrobatic field, which has a total of 1, 638 seats, is equipped with modern lighting installations and surround sound. The revolving stage, elevating stage, picture-frame stage and suspension bars are set up at the performance area. Stereoscopic large-scale performances can be given simultaneously in upper air, midair and

Yandang Road Leisure Street: A branch street of the commercial street at Huaihai Road (Middle) – one of Shanghai’s first group of 24-hour pedestrian leisure streets. The gravel pavement, the mid-street coffee and tea bars, the Fuxing Park on the north of the street and the Shanghai-style architectural complex create a unique and romantic atmosphere typical of the European Continent. The Jinyanfang Entertainment Centre is a unique place with coffee bars, beauty salons, antique stores, and egg-tart bakers. Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Centre is a self-aid Tourist Centre Specially set up by Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration for the Convenience of Making Tours by Individual Chinese and Foreign Tourist. The Centre mainly offers self-aid tours and supplies different kinds of package tour tickets. The package tickets include the bus tickets forth and back from the centre and entrance tickets to tourist scenic spots. It can also arrange accommodation for tourists in some areas. The centre also provides guides on the buses. There are over 108 tour routes, dispatching over 400 buses and a tourist volume of over 5000 persons every day. The bus lines connect Shanghai with the various major tourist attractions in the suburbs and neighbouring cities. These are bus lines to such well-preserved ancient river towns like Zhou Zhuang, Wuzhen, Xitang, Tongli, known for their ‘stone-paved streets built along the rivers spanned by numerous bridges, lined with old-fashioned dwellings, and deep and quiet alleyways.’ There, tourists may experience the Jiangnan culture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are also sightseeing bus lines to prosperous commercial centres and to gardens with beautiful, natural landscape, where tourists may breathe the fresh air of a modern metropolis.

Opulence Travel

Win a

fabulous break for two to Split

Our prize is a three night break for two at the Le Meridien Lav, Split on a half board basis including a massage and a casino pass plus flights

ocated in Podstrana, eight kilometers south of Split, Le MĂŠridien Lav, Splitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful setting features 800 meters of beach frontage, gardens landscaped by award-winning designer Jim Nicolay, and fantastic

sea views overlooking the city and the surrounding islands. The 381 guest rooms and suites, spread across four interlinked buildings, are the largest guest rooms on the Dalmatian coast. Designed by acclaimed Italian designer Lorenzo Bellini, all interiors have a warm, inviting ambiance. A combination of eight restaurants and bars in the hotel and set along the Marina Promenade allow guests to experience a variety of cuisines. At 2,900 square meters, the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference and banqueting facilities are the largest on the Adriatic Sea, featuring eight meeting rooms.

Designed by Christophe Herbert of Principal Concepts, the hotel’s casino features 140 slot machines, eight gaming tables, a Salon Privé, and a sports bar. The adjoining nightclub offers live entertainment. Recreational venues and activities include the Tennis Academy, with four championship courts, and the Water Sports Centre, which offers scuba diving, waterskiing, sailing, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, and the Penguin Club for young guests. The Diocletian Spa and Wellness centre includes an indoor pool, saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, nail and pedicure studios, solarium, meditation room, relaxation zone, five specialist treatment rooms, a gym, as well as a doctor’s office. The hotel’s Marina Promenade features shops, restaurants, bars, and cáfes, and the Yacht Marina is home to 60 yachts. Split is Croatia’s second largest city but it remains one of the

Adriatic’s most fascinating ports with a long and eventful history. There are great sights to visit and Split is home to the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace which sits proudly on the shore and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a wealth of museums and Roman ruins under a dramatic mountain backdrop and opens onto a vast expanse of sea. Besides the many sightseeing opportunities, the city makes an excellent base for exploring the many islands that lie just offshore. Busy and bustling, yet with heaps of Mediterranean style, Split offers an exhilarating stay with plenty of sights with the bonus of beautiful Mediterranean sunshine!

how to enter To be in with a chance of winning simply email your name, email and postal address with a contact telephone number to competition@opulencetravel.com – winner will be notified via email

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