62
RESORTS MAGAZINE
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 62 2015
T U C A N O
V I A G G I
Vienna Sicily Rovinij Nay Pyi Taw Saint Tropez Singapore Bangkok Kuwait City
R I C E R C A
Nella geografia del mondo alla scoperta della natura e dell’uomo
You Tube
772043
9
IL TUCANO VIAGGI RICERCA - Piazza Solferino, 14/G - 10121 Torino tel. 011 561 70 61 - info@tucanoviaggi.com - www.tucanoviaggi.com
662002
62
AMERICA - AFRICA - ASIA - GRANDE NORD E RUSSIA - ANTARTIDE
ISSN 2043-6629
I L
Palais Hansen Kempinski
RESORTS MAGAZINE
8
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
Raffles Singapore
RESORTS MAGAZINE
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
w w w.sim a ndsnc .it
S
EDITORIAL
Ovidio Guaita, Editor-in-Chief
low food, slow travel ‌ slow life. In the constant rush of today’s life, it is increasingly important to pause, to take the time to enjoy the moment, to notice and absorb all its details. Take a train trip for example. A full immersion in the landscape. Indulging in fine cuisine and excellent service while the countryside (or towns) scroll past the window. We experienced one of the legendary trains of the Orient, the Eastern & Oriental, run by the same company as the Orient Express. From Singapore to Bangkok, travelling through Kuala Lumpur, stopping at the Raffles and at the Oriental. Like in olden days. Like in a dream. Actors and spectators of a vintage film. A film which plays again in other iconic European holiday destinations such as Saint Tropez or Sicily. These pages also include a stop in emerging Kuwait City and the fascinating Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar.
Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
CONTENTS
30
TOP 10 service resorts
36
PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI Vienna
40
VERDURA RESORT Sicily
44
THE LAKE GARDEN Nay Pyi Taw
48
GRAF TOWER the origins of the future
The Peninsula, Hong Kong
THE ONLY THING TO EXPECT IS EXCELLENCE
Featured: HD 800 headphones (main) and HDVD 800 headphone amplifier (below)
Sound can’t be sold to you in a catalogue, or explained in a sentence – it’s something you have to experience. Which is why you’ll only be able to find our most exclusive headphones at Club Orpheus retailers. And the specialists you’ll find there are as obsessed with quality as you are; their knowledge, experience, first-class service and the exclusive products they give you access to have all been designed for one reason – to find you the sound you’ve been searching for. We promise an experience you won’t forget. To find out more about Club Orpheus, please visit: sennheiser.co.uk/cluborpheus
facebook.com/sennheiseruk @Sennheiser_UK
CONTENTS
FRENCH RIVIERA exclusive
58
Mauritius
HOTEL BYBLOS Saint Tropez
CONTENTS
KUWAIT CITY exclusive
70
HOTEL MISSONI Kuwait City
CONTENTS
slow travel from Singapore to Bangkok
80
RAFFLES Singapore
84
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS luxury train
90
MANDARIN ORIENTAL Bangkok
RM
travels4 travelers
CONTENTS
98
ROGNER BAD BLUMAU Bad Blumau
RM
lifeStyle
www.palidano.com
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
2015
Top Places to Stay in Florence & Nearby
Top 100
This directory offers an annotated and up-todate instrument for the possible destinations for those who want to stay in the city or nearby. This because sometimes it is not only a question of price but rather attention to detail, passion and taste.
HOTEL COLONIALI
Questa directory offre uno strumento aggiornato e ragionato sulle possibili destinazioni per chi vuole soggiornare in città o nelle vicinanze. Perché a volte non è solo questione di prezzo ma di attenzione al dettaglio, passione e gusto.
PP
PalidanoPress Four Seasons Hotel
2015
L’autore, Paolo Gerbaldo, è inviato di Resorts Magazine.
HOTEL COLONIALI
Dal Settecento fino alla seconda guerra mondiale. Due secoli di lusso ai tropici, tra ventilatori a pale, verande, tè pomeridiani e stuoli di servitori. Molti in Asia ma anche nelle colonie africane e in Centro America. Una storia affascinante di lungimiranti investitori, pionieri e avventurieri costellata di nomi eccellenti come Raffles, Peninsula e Strand. Questa directory ci mostra i migliori esempi sopravvissuti dove sperimentare esperienze e atmosfere d’altri tempi.
PP
Top P l aces t o St ay i n
Flor en ce Four Seasons Hotel
M O S T
Top 100
W O R L D ’ S
Top 100
T H E
and nearb y PalidanoPress
RESORTS MAGAZINE
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
XI, n. 62 2015
Editor-in-Chief Ovidio Guaita Senior Editor Lawrence Taylor Contributors Elsa Bozzaotra, Maria Coscarelli, Paola Di Girolamo, Marco Galli, Paolo Gerbaldo, Alessandra Jovinelli, Daniela Komisarjevsky Libero, Pamela McCourt Francescone, Hasrudin Tazep Photos Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Paolo Gerbaldo, published hotels and resorts Video for iPad and iPhone app Roberto Sessoli Graphic Design Niccolò Angeli www.nican.me Layout Graphic Department Palidano Press IT Manager Riccardo Casano www.riccardocasano.com Public Relations Daniela Libero Subscription Europe 300 € Rest of the World 350 € Publisher PalidanoPress 3 More London Riverside - SE1 2RE London US Office 1133 Broadway, Suite 708 - New York, NY 10010 www.palidano.com
© 2015 Palidano Press Ltd ISSN 2043-6629 www.resorts.it
Cover: Palais Hansen Kempinski, Vienna. Right: Rovinj, Croatia.
our correspondents All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR A cutting-edge experience in Vienna, Palais Hansen Kempinski.
PAOLA BEATRICE ELISEBA DI GIROLAMO Destination: Sicily. Showcasing the spa and golf course at the Verdura Resort.
PAOLO GERBALDO From Singapore to Bangkok aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Train.
ELSA BOZZAOTRA Elsa presents a ranking of the 10 resorts that standout for their service.
PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE Pamela discovers a little gem in the center of the former Burma, on a lake in Nay Pyi Taw.
MARCO GALLI An ideal hotel, extremely eco, a sustainable urban resort ... even though still just a project.
MARIA COSCARELLI The prismatic world of the Bad Blumau spa.
Saint Tropez France
Verdura Resort Sicily
26
RESORTS MAGAZINE
our destinations
Vienna Austria
Kuwait City Kuwait Nay Pyi Taw Myanmar
Bangkok Thailand
Singapore Singapore
RESORTS MAGAZINE
27
to subscribe www.palidano.com
one year (12 issues) Europe â‚Ź 300 - rest of the world â‚Ź 350
get 10 % off fill in the questionnaire
complete the questionnaire on the website and receive a discount code
RESORTS MAGAZINE
T H E
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
RESORTS RESORTS RESORTS 53
45
MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
MAGAZINE
D E S T I N A T I O N S
T H E
San Francisco
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
N. 53 NOVEMBER 2014
D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 45 MARCH 2014
53 8
54 8
T H E
Saint Petersburg Tbilisi Andermatt Genève Lausanne Ascona Weggis Zürich Lugano Oberlech
N. 54 DICEMBRE 2014 EDIZIONE ITALIANA
Saint Petersburg Tbilisi Andermatt Genève Lausanne Ascona Lugano Weggis Zürich Oberlech Punta Ala
The >Chedi, Andermatt
45 8
W O R L D ’ S
NEW YORK PHNOM PENH SIEM REAP BANGKOK CHIANG MAI GOLDEN TRIANGLE LANAII HONOLULU
NEW YORK PHNOM PENH SIEM REAP BANGKOK CHIANG MAI GOLDEN TRIANGLE LANAII HONOLULU
T H E
Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai
49
RESORTS MAGAZINE
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 49 LUGLIO 2014
Mi la no Tal l in Vil ni us Ri ga S ai nt -Tr op ez S ard eg na C osta N avari n o 49 8
54
W O R L D ’ S
Su Cologone, Sardegna
www.resorts.it
TOP 10 | SERVICE RESORTS
30
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Elsa Bozzaotra
Top
10
s t r o s e r e c i v r se his choice f to each the service o
g Kong, China 1. The Peninsula Hon ai, UAE 2. Burj Al Arab, Dub sia mbaran Bay, Indone Ji at li Ba s rt so Re s 3. Four Season ves aa Giraavaru, Maldi nd La at rt so Re s on 4. Four Seas apore 5. Raffles Hotel Sing a li at Sayan, Indonesi Ba rt so Re s on as Se 6. Four . Moritz, Switzerland St , ce la Pa t’s ut dr 7. Ba sia rt Langkawi, Malay 8. Four Seasons Reso Reap, Cambodia 9. Amansara, Siem s rt and Spa Maldive 10.Taj Exotica Reso
RESORTS MAGAZINE
31
TOP 10 | SERVICE RESORTS
A
e et im es m an ag rc hi te c ts so m t ou n r tu d an ith na tu re w t c ra te in , g. es te r in al pl ac t dr ea m of en to bu ild m ag ic en ts th at gu es is no t nm ro ay vi st en a g s, en ch an tin er fu l de si gn w po ch su ith d w l re al iz e ho w Fr eq ue nt ly fa ce up to pa r. W e al is ch hi e w ce vi r se ie nt s. He nc e w en ha nc ed w ith st an da rd s fo r cl gh hi . n ce ai oi nt ch ai s m hi vi ce of di ffi cu lt it is to To ea ch th e se r g. in nk ra is th d ill ha ve co m pi le w he re gu es ts w Ho ng Ko ng is a ul ab ns Ar ni Al Pe rj e e Bu Th at sa id , Th Fo llo w ed by th be st tr ea tm en t. R es or t Ba li at ns so ea S ex pe r ie nc e th e m es th e Fo ur co ce lle nt en th d he an pl ac es w re ex in D ub ai g, in is pr r su , te Di sc re tio ns . Pl ac es Jim ba ra n Ba y. be yo nd ex pe c ta s ue in nt co d s an ac es to w hi ch se r vi ce ab ou nd s of th e gu es t. Pl re si de e th its tu in w he re th e st af f to fe el at ho m e. s w an t to re tu r n ay w al ld ou w e on
32
RESORTS MAGAZINE
e d i w d l r o W s t r o s e R 0 0 1 Top
51 Amanwana ldives at Reethi Rah Ma ly On e& 52 Amansara On 1 aavaru ala Estate, Bali Resort at Landaa Gir ns aso Se ur 53 Como Shambh Fo 2 i aw gk Lan t ce uri sor 54 Shanti Ma Four Seasons Re 3 ence yal Mirage, The Resid Pangkor Laut at s ate Est e 55 One&Only Ro Th 4 Palace 56 Anassa Taj Umaid Bhawan 5 Jimbaran Bay at li Ba ves Rangali Island t sor Re ns 57 Conrad Maldi Four Seaso 6 s ve ldi Ma a, Sp & i Resort 58 Reid's Palace Shangri-la's Villingil 7 e vat Pri nd Isla 59 Amanpulo FrĂŠgate 8 at Sayan li Ba e t sor Re ns aso 60 Grande Roch Four Se 9 try Hotel un Co nd rla o Ku jiw an 61 10 Am raa Hu da Ku at ean Club Resort 62 One&Only Oc 11 Four Seasons s ve ldi Ma a, s sort and Sp 63 Aman-i-Kha 12 Taj Exotica Re z ga Ra d Ba t sor Re 64 Amankora d 13 Gran Resort a Sp & lf Go ra 65 Suvretta House rdu 14 Ve eirah yas ala Him 66 Madinat Jum 15 Ananda in the lla we 67 Aman 16 Amanusa du Cap Ferrat Resort Chiang Mai ns aso 68 Grand Hotel Se ur Fo 17 Resort Nevis 69 Four Seasons 18 Il Salviatino mbo Lodge t, Bali 70 Singita Lebo 19 Bulgari Resor e & Spa 71 The Nam Hai 20 Al Areen Palac Zanzibar e lac 72 The Residence 21 Taj Lake Pa jvilas 73 Sandy Lane 22 The Oberoi Ra mp Golden Triangle Ca ted Ten ns aso 74 Blancaneaux 23 Four Se Spa rr Al Jissah Resort & gh ba 75 Shangri-la's Ba 24 Aman Lodge 76 Amankila 25 Sabi Sabi Earth Lijiang y Ca 77 Banyan Tree t rro 26 Pa sort & Spa Re e lac et Phuk 78 Blue Pa 27 Banyan Tree Palm e Th ly On 79 One& 28 The Legian i a Ma yar g an ian 80 Am 29 The Chedi Ch Tunis Resort Bora Bora ns aso 81 The Residence Se ur Fo a 30 Sayang Resort & Sp sa Ra 's -la gri an Sh 82 31 Amandari rtesin scat 83 Hotel Finca Co 32 The Chedi Mu ita ah An at s den-Roc tiu Resort Mauri 84 Hotel du Cap-E 33 Four Seasons 85 Le Touessrok 34 Cheval Blanc lle Ga ess rtr 86 Soneva Fushi 35 The Fo iera Maya es ell ych Se e Tre 87 The Tides Riv an 36 Bany Country Estate au uh watu 88 Whareka 37 Alila Villas Ulu es ell Seych 89 Muse 38 Four Seasons Ringha hl Hasheesh Sa i ero 90 Banyan Tree Ob e Th 39 ele ch Mi n e Sa lac Pa 91 Villa 40 Beau-Rivage sert Resort & Spa De on t cti sor lle Re Co un ry ch xu 92 Fu 41 Al Maha, a Lu roa Kia 93 42 Palazzo Sasso oon Resort and Spa aivilas 94 Bora Bora Lag 43 The Oberoi Ud h Van Bay cil 95 Six Senses Nin 44 The Oberoi Ce o 96 MesaStila 45 Hotel Splendid try Club Sanya un Co & tel Ho e pir 97 Banyan Tree 46 The Em ce rsa 98 Palazzo Ve 47 Amanpuri urice 99 K Club 48 Le Prince Ma tal Carlton Cannes e dg Lo i en Sw 100 InterContinen a git 49 Sin Resort & Spa 50 Cuisinart Golf
RESORTS MAGAZINE
33
Welcome
to a travel experience unlike any other. Be greeted with our stunning
NOW FLYING DOHA TO BANGKOK.
chandelier and a truly warm welcome by our cabin crew. Our award-winning service comes from not only looking after your needs but anticipating them. We believe the secret to unforgettable flying is simple. It’s all in the detail. qatarairways.com
Our A380. It’s all in the detail. World’s 5 star airline.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME YOUR GATEWAY TO THE WORLD
Qatar Airways is proud to fly to over 140 destinations via our new home at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Go from the world’s 5-star airline to a world class airport, where the concept of hospitality underpins your entire Qatar Airways experience. World’s 5-star airline. qatarairways.com
CITY HOTEL | PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI
36
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Lawrence Taylor
i k s n i p m e K Palais Hansen imperial atmosphere
s, Mozart and s u a r t S f o a n In the Vien with e welcomed r a s t s e u g , r Mahle rs, sweeping u o v a l f f o y n a sympho rar y, a contempo n i y a w a them atmosphere. l a i r e p m i d reinvente of the rchitecture a t n a g e l e The h overlaid wit w o n s i building . a modern key additions in
RESORTS MAGAZINE
37
T
CITY HOTEL | PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI
ild in g hi s pr es tig io us bu ct Th eo ph il e fa m ou s ar ch ite th by d ne sig De 73 . ho us e of fic es . wa s er ec te d in 18 ar t it wa s us ed to st e th m fro l, te a ho of Vi en na so ld Ed va rd Ha ns en as 97 wh en th e cit y 19 til un ise gu is d on th e fa m ou s It co nt in ue d in th ki Gr ou p. Lo ca te ns pi m en Ke e th of n th e Pa la is Ha ns it to a su bs id ia ry ca re fu l re no va tio its r st . te pa af d, its ar ng ev yi ul wi th ou t be tra Ri ng st ra ss e Bo ts en em el n sig de co r ar e te ch de e co nt em po ra ry in co rp or at es hi gh th s, ce rra te d de su sp en Th e gl as s lif t, th e in th e pr es en t. ed rib sc in nt (it s na m e st ro ng ly d Ed va rd re st au ra re ar st ed wn no re y im pr es sio n. Ru n Th e ne w ye t al re ad ct ) co nf irm s th is ite ch ar al in ig or e ne – to qu ot e th e is a tri bu te to th g, its “fr es h” cu isi ze Po n in g to An ef ch ur s. Ca re fu l co ok by th e ex ec ut iv e te to na tu ra l fla vo bu e tri nc a ha is en s n nt tio ie in gr ed m en u’s de sc rip . Th e fe w se le ct ed as om ar d an es ur pr es er ve s te xt . te d co m po sit io ns rti cu la rly th e sk ilf ul ly pr es en sh es , an d we re pa di 7 th wi u en m st in g / Sa lv ia , th e We ch os e th e ta tti ni / Pa nc et ta go Fa an es rm Pa th e / Be et s / W hi te im pr es se d wi th th e Ro as t be ef d an ar vi Ca / in g wa s a ve ry Ki ng fis h / Le m on / Li m e / Ri ce Pu dd er ng g Gi / a ch at M us wa nt in g wa nt in M us hr oo m s. Th e an es ce nt le av in g ev s e ur th fo on g tle in lit rg de lic io us lig ht de ss er t, ve l. Bu t fe ar no t.. . ia nt ta bs su e or so m et hi ng m va rd fo llo we d. be r ye t el eg an t, Ed tly gl am or ou s, so ie qu d, te ta rs de Sl ig ht ly un th e ho te l ac tu al ly. is a su cc es s. Li ke
38
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL KEMPINSKI PALAIS HANSEN Vienna, Austria com
www.kempinski.
1 Rooms & Suites 15 nts 2 Villas 0 - Restaura Spa yes Children yes Chain Kempinski Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 80 Score 80 nt me on Envir 81 Design 80 ce rvi Se 83 Cuisine 73 Health 78 Spa 83 Rooms
RESORTS MAGAZINE
39
GOLF RESORT | VERDURA RESORT
40
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Paola Beatrice Eliseba Di Girolamo
t r o s e R a r u d r Ve the essence of Sicily
It
looks
overlooking by
an
a
like
the
ancient
modern sea, t o we r.
citadel
dominated A
perfect
rnity luxur y, mode f o n o i t a n i comb . and tradition
RESORTS MAGAZINE
41
V
GOLF RESORT | VERDURA RESORT
e essence which captures th e erdura is a resort warm colours of th cape, echoing the ds lan e th to d ke of Sicily, strongly lin . ige, ochre and sand the earth in tones of be design all display and contemporary ip sh the an all m fts es ris cra cte al chara Majolicas, loc and modern which ch old Ea . of ht ion lig at ral bin tu m successful co of space and na e us r ve cle a so by panied hind the re rt rooms. It is accom sive mountains be es pr im e th of w a vie private terrace has ly down to the sea. nt ge d en sc de which a level, their classic e golf courses at se re th an th the s les no lours and scents of There is a choice of s, bathed in the co ion dit the tra th h wi t itis Br arp contras design inspired by n stands out in sh ee gr is t th an e illi iat br ec pr eir ap n fully Mediterranean. Th ckground. Guests ca ba e e iqu th un in e a th se e ing th te beach, enjoy perfect blue of iva pr of ch et str ich g ling wh ully lon r themselves. A fee blue from a beautif er of the sea just fo rn w of the co a vie g ed vin pt ha ru of er sensation with its unint ol po y nit infi ge lar continues with the . on horiz ake it an oasis of ty of the location m au be e e th d an ion o be enjoyed in th The isolated posit well-being can als se en elf Int . es on ion at ing lax ow all pure peace and re thalassotherapy, or ing in the benefits of facial and body e th all ich wh d Verdura Spa, indulg essences aroun ral tu na e th in d to be wrappe d. vel through treatments are base Pierangelini is to tra o lvi Fu ef ch e th of the edge of the To taste the cuisine onment: either on vir en e iqu un a in urs t, or in the elegant genuine local flavo the Amare restauran of s ow nd wi d oa br name evokes one of sea, framed by the w of the gardens. Its vie a d th wi ra, ga Za som. This is embodie atmosphere of the e island, orange blos th a t of ts no en is sc at ic wh at ination of the most emblem rus crêpe, the culm ns cit sio ate es lic pr de ex a y an in m and enhanced ary art. It is one of e expression of culin ots, beautifully mere meal but a fin cts, to its Sicilian ro pe as all in e, tru y to sta of the resort’s wish odern key. m a in ed et pr reinter
42
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL VERDURA RESORT Sicily, Italy hotels.com
www.roccoforte
3 Rooms & Suites 20 2 nts ura sta Re Villas 0 Spa Verdura Spa Children yes rte Hotels
Chain Rocco Fo Affiliation none
Activities d excursions sea activities an 84 Score 90 nt me on Envir 92 Design 78 Service 90 Cuisine 82 Health 76 Spa 83 Rooms
RESORTS MAGAZINE
43
LAKE RESORT | THE LAKE GARDEN
44
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Pamela McCourt Francescone
n e d r a G e k a L e Th l
apita in Myanmar’s new c
A
country
club
style
resort
in
ust ital. Located j p a c w e n s ’ r a Myanm a y P y i Ta w ’s N m o r f s e r t 20 kilome ing ort, and walk p r i a l a n o i t a intern Convention e h t m o r f distance rt is nt urban reso a g e l e s i h t , e Centr . set on a lake
RESORTS MAGAZINE
45
T LAKE RESORT | THE LAKE GARDEN
a replica g-high alms bowl – he enormous ceilin p into ste u yo en wh at greets you th ks on m t his ere dd wh by Bu MGallery, of the bowls carried m Myanmar’s first fro ct pe ex the to s, at om u wh guestro the atrium tells yo lly deployed in the ilfu sk d an res tly et en om ific kil un just 20 space and size are m d gardens. Located pe ca e ds th lan m h fro lus e e ng distanc public areas and th l airport, and walki na od tio wo na l er ca int Lo s e. w’ a lak from Nay Pyi Ta n resort is set on , this elegant urba rs throughout are lou co e th s, Convention Centre rie s and accesso or flo r fo e ag ces on display nt va d is used to ad ptional crafte pie ce ex y an m e th d , an tory. muted and relaxing lden Land and its his to tell about the Go s rie sto ing at cin have fas attered around in low-slung units sc s, ite su are 40 ich e and the suites The 165 rooms, of wh Superior and Delux are en rd ial Ga ke La e . The two President the grounds of Th e or garden views lak th ing wi m im all , sw ive te ut priva Deluxe and Exec d dining area and a drooms, a living an requested for any be n ca ich Suites have two be wh , ice rv se r tle bu e with hout makes life pool, and they com entary Wifi throug im pl m Co s. ion at mod antic will delight of the other accom and the more rom rs, lle ve tra g din an m dinner beside the easier for today’s de a bespoke alfresco ing joy en or il ta ck in relaxing with a co lake. alanced choice of urant with a well-b sta re ay the -d all an is n options, and for The Grand Bell ialties and vegetaria ec o sp als ar ich nm wh ya o M im d it has to be Pr international an al pit ca w ne ’s ar ht ll delig in Myanm iskeys and spirits wi best Italian cuisine seurs of vintage wh ois e guests nn tiv Co ac t. e lis or m ne d wi has a fine n of cigars, an tio lec se e fin a s ha ich the spa offers a in the Oak Room wh imming pool, while sw e th d an t ur co is will enjoy the tenn b treatments. reflexology and scru , ge sa as and m of ge ran d from the airport car transfers to an y ur at lux wh s of l ge bo ran m ar ich is the sy The concierge tasanti Pagoda wh pa on so Up e rs th ito e vis lik t es to visit local sit uil capital city. In fac t, Asia’s most tranq there is no on, in Nay Pyi Taw is, without any doub ng Ya al pit ca er rm e the fo discover that, unlik c jam. ffi tra a as such thing
46
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL NAY PYI TAW THE LAKE GARDEN mar an Nay Pyi Taw, My m www.mgallery.co 5 20 s ite Su & s om Ro 2 nts ura sta Re Villas 0 Spa yes Children yes Chain Accor Affiliation none Activities and excursions beach activities 83 Score 88 nt me on Envir 86 Design 86 ce rvi Se 84 Cuisine 72 Health 82 Spa 83 Rooms
RESORTS MAGAZINE
47
ECO PROJECT | GRAF TOWER
48
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Marco Galli
Graf Tower ture
the origins of the fu
ce, Diego Taccioli la al W r le Ty s er gn From the desi ically ty hotel in an ecolog ci a es m co en Ch e and Sizh es energy to itself id ov pr ch hi w er w sustainable to anning language, a new pl w ne A . ty ci e th and to ent takes the lead. nm ro vi en e th re he philosophy w e�. ace to visit. It is Hom pl a t no is e ur at “n Because
RESORTS MAGAZINE
49
T ECO PROJECT | GRAF TOWER
ourselves: of t Tower is to talk of o discuss the Graf at surrounds wh s respec t toward e th of , rld wo e th th row. A building our relationship wi e and with tomor tim th wi s ha an m ediately, whose us, of the link that it into reality, imm rn tu d an le re tu fu e th r future sustainab that is able to take int of reference fo po e th e m co be ambition it is to e environment. zero impact on th t, architecture with urban environmen integrated in the ly d ct an rfe le pe ab in be sta ll su Built with The tower wi energy for the city. rn d tu an re en to , yg sm ox pi r, te ca producing wa ll be a place for es ials, Graft Tower wi to have been cutting edge mater rld which seemed wo ed at in am nt co un ctural style and to origins and to an plexity of the archite m co e th n ee tw be t e city. Thanks to a lost. A meeting poin paradise within th of en rd ded ga a , re tu ing will be surroun the simplicity of na t system, the build en the em to ag an gy m er r en te ll bring sophisticated wa h photosynthesis wi ug ro ing th ed ne ich m wh te ts ys an os by beautiful pl ersed in an ec m im be ll wi t ta es The gu tween fan sy tower and the city. iverse balanced be un a of rt pa l fee ll d wi m of the cycles respect and love an p following the ryth lo ve de d an ow gr will by seasons and and reality, which e will be governed tim e er wh n, oo m e of the sun and of th . atorship of watches to not the frenetic dict lves, to our roots, : to our deepest se rn s tu ke re ta of e re ac tu pl fu a e ere th Graft Tower is t it also a place wh Bu . st ju nd t wi no e d th an to t , en water, to earth is a real commitm e is not a ec t for our planet Gary Snider : “Natur shape, where resp et po e th of s rd the wo words. Because, in me�. Ho is It it. vis place to
50
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO STUDIO DIEGO TACCIOLI DESIGNER ARCHITECTURAL lifornia Ca o, isc nc San Fra ioli.com
www.diegotacc
RESORTS MAGAZINE
51
SPECIAL | SAINT TROPEZ
SAINT
The essence of the timeless legend of Saint Tropez through the colour of the Byblos. Boasting a fabulous location placing it at the heart of dynamic and fashionable Saint Tropez, the Byblos is a palace hotel which surprises with a profusion of special touches which make the guest’s stay unforgettable.
TROPEZ
SPECIAL | SAINT TROPEZ
With its elegant spaces waiting to be discovered and enjoyed, at leisure, the Byblos is an integral part of the legend. Paolo Gerbaldo describes it for us.
56
RESORTS MAGAZINE
RESORTS MAGAZINE
57
SPECIAL | SAINT TROPEZ
58
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Paolo Gerbaldo
Hotel Byblos the essence of the legend
Surrounded by green, the Byblos is a delightful “world apart” with many delightful corners.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
59
A SPECIAL | SAINT TROPEZ
t the Byblos, with the bright colours of Mediterranean architecture, everything combines to create a perfect alchemy: from the privilege of socialising at the Caves du Roy, the legendary Mecca of Saint-Tropez nights, to the meticulous care given to every detail. The hotel is a harmonious cradle where luxury and quality of life reign supreme in an environment which is both chic and informal. Surrounded by green, the Byblos is a delightful “world apart” with many delightful corners. The pool is the ideal place to spend summer days; the “B” restaurant is by its side. A menu which combines invention and the substance of Mediterranean products, orchestrated by chef Vincent Maillard at the Le Rivea restaurant at the Byblos by Alain Ducasse. Its cosiness echoes the intense rooms and suites. They were renovated together with a new design aiming at enhancing the luminosity of the generous spaces with an intriguing colour palette, the décor and the furnishings. Elegant spaces waiting to be discovered and enjoyed at leisure. The Byblos is one of those enchanted places were it is easy to rediscover authentic art de vivre. It is encouraged by an intimate lifestyle with the personal and very elegant hospitality supported by an ample range of services including Villa La Capilla, a few miles from the Byblos. The Byblos Palace, from the fabulous sixties, embodies the essence of the timeless legend of Saint-Tropez.
60
RESORTS MAGAZINE
RESORTS MAGAZINE
61
SPECIAL | SAINT TROPEZ
62
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL HOTEL BYBLOS Saint-Tropez, France www.byblos.com Rooms 41 - Suites 50 Villas 1 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sea activities 85 Score Environment 87 86 Design 83 Service 85 Cuisine 75 Health 87 Spa 90 Rooms
RESORTS MAGAZINE
63
SPECIAL | KUWAIT CITY
KUWAIT
From trading pearls and spices to petrol: a large step, taken quickly. In little time the economy of this small country has grown exponentially, and the small fortress which gave its name to the country also paved the way for its modern-day capital. A modern, educated and also more relaxed city compared to others in
T CITY the Arabian Peninsula.
SPECIAL | KUWAIT CITY
Facing the sea, tranquil, Kuwait City is a contemporary city which was born and grew last century. Its new buildings race upwards creating an impressive skyline, overshadowing the aqueduct tower which was the icon of the capital for so many years. Hotel Missoni has brought a world of colours to this sometimes sleepy landscape ‌ and a world of flavours which have redrawn the hospitality and culinary map of the city.
68
RESORTS MAGAZINE
RESORTS MAGAZINE
69
SPECIAL | KUWAIT CITY
70
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Ovidio Guaita
Hotel Missoni an Italian heart Facing the Persian Gulf, the Missoni of Kuwait City stands out thanks to the unmistakable touch of Rosita Missoni. It immediately became the only truly luxurious and exclusive destination in Kuwait.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
71
W
SPECIAL | KUWAIT CITY
hen you arrive, in the Maserati Quattroporte which picked you up from the airport, the first thing you notice at the entrance are the two large mosaic vases which symbolise Missoni hotels. Walking into the entrance lobby, guests are surrounded by a rainbow of colours which exude a sense of harmony. The suites combine a breathtaking view over the gulf and the city with designer furnishings and Missoni’s unmistakable textiles. Its seems that Rosita has left nothing to chance. Every single detail, material and finishing is submitted to the brand’s iron lady’s critical eye. Careful supervision, decisiveness, considerable patience and tenacity; such are the qualities of the co-founder and creative director of the famous fashion brand. Every Missoni hotel reflects the country in which it is located, and Rosita was inspired by the colours of the sea, creating a palette of endless blues, gold and beige which she then combined with the other colours which are so typical of Missoni creations. In the same way as the kitchen is the heart of Italian homes, the Cucina restaurant is at the centre of the hotel. But it is not alone. At the 18th and last floor, we find Luna, offering a mix of Arab and Italian dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary key. On the ground floor, the Choco Cafè opens out onto a terrace. Inspired by Italy’s passion for coffee and chocolate, which is sold in exquisite boxes, designed by Missoni, naturally. Before climbing back into the Maserati which will take us back to the hotel, we say goodbye to the staff. The large vases and their colourful stripes are still there. The only classical note in a hotel characterised by creativity.
72
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL
RESORTS MAGAZINE
73
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
SOUTH-EAST
From Singapore to Bangkok. From reality to the dream of the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express. The trip aboard the E&O is a tribute to slowness, enhanced by the possibility of fully appreciating the beauty of South-East Asia.
ASIA
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
Leaving from the legendary Raffles in Singapore, the unmissable destination for travellers in the days before the jet-set took over, along the Malay peninsula. A stop at Kuala Lumpur before reaching Bangkok, on the shores of the Chao Phraya, at the Mandarin Oriental, the famous “Oriental�. Paolo Gerbaldo experienced this renowned trip and describes it for us in these pages.
78
RESORTS MAGAZINE
RESORTS MAGAZINE
79
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
80
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Paolo Gerbaldo
Stopover at TheRaffles luxurious calm
Having gently absorbed the spirit of Raffles, we prepare to join the meeting point from which our trip on board the Eastern & Oriental Express will start.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
81
F SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
I
irst we enjoy Singapore’s Raffles: a haven of calm luxury and comfort welcoming guests in the wide entrance protected by the elegant and geometric white facade which symbolises an entire era. This feeling is reinforced in the Palm Court: an oasis of tropical green onto which roomy suites open out. Staying at Raffles, open since 1887, allows guests to immerse themselves gently in the colonial ambiance which will accompany them throughout their journey from Singapore to Bangkok. But it is now time to leave behind the elegant hospitality of Raffles, seen in so many aspects starting with the excellent service, to check-in in another wing of the hotel. The last step before transferring to the rail station where the Eastern & Oriental Express awaits.
82
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL
RESORTS MAGAZINE
83
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
84
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Paolo Gerbaldo
Eastern & Oriental Express Luxury Train The elegance of the fittings of the train are those of long-gone times. The unique atmosphere onboard the train makes the slow trip up the Malay peninsula an unforgettable adventure.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
85
T SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
he timeless trip begins in a country entirely turned towards the future: Singapore. Nostalgia and exclusivity welcome us on a legendary train: the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express. As soon as we are aboard we are wrapped in the scent of the golden age of train travel. Colonial style. Lacquered wood. Tapestries. Marquetry. Teak panels. The Belmond atmosphere permeates the private cabins and the common area: the restaurant, the bar and the library. Glamour. Exoticism. Legend. Comfort and elegance. These are its features. The veranda is a place apart. Here, at the tail of the train, the passengers gather regularly to admire the landscape, through Malaysia until Bangkok. The slow pace of train travel, punctuated by carefully selected excursions, enables passengers to admire rice fields, tropical forests, fields, glimpses of local life before reaching one of the most moving segments: the bridge over the river Kwai. The elegance of the E&O interiors are those of long-gone times. Life on board, beautifully looked after with excellent service and oriental and international dishes served in the restaurant cars, has a touch of modernity in the evenings. The passengers congregate. They get to know each other. The unique atmosphere makes the trip up the Malay peninsula an unforgettable adventure. If dreams evaporate at dawn, those arising from the Belmond Eastern & Oriental live on until the afternoon with the arrival in Bangkok. We find ourselves in the midst of an immense station, the crossroads not just of Thailand: Hualampong. The architecture, reminiscent of Italy, is a worthy conclusion to a unique experience enjoyed along the railway tracks. From Singapore to Bangkok. From reality to the dream of the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express. The trip aboard the E&O is a tribute to slowness, enhanced by the possibility of fully appreciating the beauty of South-East Asia.
86
RESORTS MAGAZINE
RESORTS MAGAZINE
87
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
88
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO TRAIN
RESORTS MAGAZINE
89
SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
90
RESORTS MAGAZINE
Paolo Gerbaldo
Arrival at the “Oriental� legendary hospitality in the Orient In Bangkok we are welcomed by the ideal follow-up to the train trip: the Mandarin Oriental. An icon of hospitality not limited to the Orient.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
91
T SPECIAL | EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
I
he names of the suites, honouring famous authors such as Somerset Maugham, Conrad, Green and Coward, remind guests that they are now residing in an icon of hospitality, its fame not limited to the Orient. Since its construction in 1876, the hotel, rising on the shores of the Chao Phraya River, has been an unmissable meeting point for travellers in Bangkok and South-East Asia. The atmosphere of the hotel is an invitation to travel. The spirit and the history of the Oriental are encapsulated in the legendary Bamboo Bar: an institution which now boasts a contemporary look designed to enhance its iconic character. The final stop in the trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express allows us to discover a legend of Oriental hospitality.
92
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL
RESORTS MAGAZINE
93
RM
S RESORTS MAGAZINE
life
tyle
RM
98
RESORTS MAGAZINE
lifeStyle
Maria Coscarelli
Rogner Bad Blumau from the classic to the extravagant
From the Empire to thermal baths. From Palais Hansen to Rogner Bad Blumau, a path from the body to the mind which presents a playful dimension to the complete involvement of the senses – and not least of all that of sight.
RESORTS MAGAZINE
107
RM
lifeStyle
R
o gn er Bad Blumau wa s d e s i gn e d by o ne o f t he mo st ecce ntr ic Austr ian ar t i s t s, Fr i e d ensreich H u nder t wasser. Cur ved lin es, v ib ra nt color s, ro o fs covered w it h grass an d oth er nat u ra l e l e m ent s. A l au dab l e cu l min ation of th e re n own e d t h e r mal b at hs t hat enhance t h is region an d, i n p a r t i c u l a r, t h is l o cat io n. The p o ssib il it ies for th e body an d m i n d a re i n nu merab l e.
108
RESORTS MAGAZINE
INFO HOTEL
RESORTS MAGAZINE
101
in the next issue
Mitteleuropa Slavonia Phnom Penh Firenze Bangkok Prague