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Istanbul Prague Palermo Taormina Ventiane Luang Prabang Langhe 662002 772043 9
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San Domenico Palace, Taormina
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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, Editor-in-Chief
e journey from Sicilian culinary pleasures to the ascetic surroundings of Laos. This will be an autumn dedicated to travelers in search of themselves – those who neither neglect their bodies nor their minds. These are travelers who are fascinated by history and art and who choose properties with a past and where the cuisine respects local traditions and the strong culinary influences of the territory‌without repetition.
We will visit Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Palermo,Taormina and also Prague and the Piedmont hills. It is an enjoyably slow issue, one where we celebrate and taste without haste. It is almost an issue of meditation, situated in that relaxing interregnum that unites intense summer wandering with the opulent frenzy of December.
Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
CONTENTS
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TOP 10 city hotels
36
SWISSOTEL THE BOSPHORUS Istanbul
40
HOTEL SAVOY Prague
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SEASCAPE next room
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.
Alberto Pedrali Comunicazione
CONTENTS
SICILY exclusive
56
GRAND HOTEL VILLA IGIEA Palermo
60
SAN DOMENICO PALACE Taormina
CONTENTS
LAOS exclusive
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SETTHA PALACE Vientiane
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AMANTAKA Luang Prabang
www.rosenthal.de
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LANGHE exclusive
88
RELAIS SAN MAURIZIO Santo Stefano Belbo
92
CASTELLO DI GUARENE Guarene
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RELAIS SANT’UFFIZIO WELLNESS & SPA Asti
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SAMSONITE the world in a suitcase
RM
lifeStyle
www.palidano.com
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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.
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Top P l aces t o St ay i n
Flor en ce Four Seasons Hotel
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and nearb y PalidanoPress
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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, Hasrudin Tazep, Aman Resorts, 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: Luang Prabang, Laos. Right: Langhe, Italy.
our correspondents All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.
OVIDIO GUAITA In Taormina for an excellent classic: The San Domenico Palace.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR The world’s best city hotels according to Resorts Magazine.
MARIA COSCARELLI The world in a suitcase. Maria presents Samsonite.
PAOLO GERBALDO From the culinary pleasures of the Langhe to the spiritual ones of Luang Prabang.
ELSA BOZZAOTRA In Prague for the renewed Hotel Savoy.
MARCO GALLI Floating and itinerate suites that are eco-friendly: the eco-resorts of the future.
HASRUDIN TAZEP In Palermo by way of Istanbul. A Mediterranean trip for Hasrudin.
DANIELA KOMISARJEVSKY LIBERO Visiting Relais del Sant’Uffizio in the Langhe area.
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Su Cologone, Sardegna
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TOP 10 | CITY HOTELS
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Lawrence Taylor
Top
10
city hotels
urban oases
ai, UAE 1. Armani Hotel Dub land, Indonesia 2. Amanjiwo, Java Is Spa, Barhain 3. Al Areen Palace & dives ves Reethi Rah, Mal 4. One&Only Maldi dives ndaa Giraavaru, Mal La at rt so Re s on as 5. Four Se ai, UAE 6. Burj Al Arab, Dub Langkawi, Malaysia rt so Re s on as Se ur 7. Fo nesia rt Bali at Sayan, Indo 8. Four Seasons Reso li, Indonesia 9. Bulgari Resort, Ba t, Oman 10.The Chedi Musca
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TOP 10 | CITY HOTELS
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ho te ls . he be st ci t y ed in ud cl ca n be se se s w he re yo u oa e io n. bl nt ita te r at ve , d pe c te Ur ba n re so r ts le en jo yi ng un ex hi w ng yi n tr tio r re te sc af di ol r be so co si le nc e an d re e ci t y w ill ne ve su th en in to ay h st uc t to gh e An ov er ni aq ue at th op es m co gy be lo ch no s w hi m pe ra tu re ; te ch ou r to p 10 . Gl as th e ou ts id e te ith w ls ne pa ; y pr iv ac on . yo ur iP ad an d so r. co nt ro lla bl e w ith the city cente ost resorts in m l a , d s e e t r s a e s o n i e r , designs Hotels that a rvice, per fect e s f e o l b e l a c b c a e p p a c m ve all, Places with i ings, and, abo d n u o r r u s e v i in impress isolating us.
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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
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CITY HOTEL | SWISSOTEL THE BOSPHORUS
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Hasrudin Tazep
s u r o h p s o B Swissotel The Byzantine visions
sphorus from o B e h t r e v o t Looking ou eeps et, the eye sw s n u s t a e c a r r the te t al gardens tha c i r o t s i h e h t d out beyon ches l and approa e t o h e h t d n surrou e Asian coast h t e r e h w , n the horizo er continent. leads to anoth
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H CITY HOTEL | SWISSOTEL THE BOSPHORUS
think eaven help us if we the as e pl ino nt l Consta pire or the mythica Em tel an ho m e to th Ot es e us th ho ss tower that for a second of gla d an el ste e th ab wards observ le, l. History is clearly limousine speeds to bu an Ist in y sta r ou en for rlines flight, we that we have chos off of the Turkish Ai st Ju s. te ina m do rary Efficiency, service, but the contempo cts the Country… fle re ny pa m co e th realise how much ch of history. pin a th wi ge e… nc ga ele s. Among the lar otel The Bosphoru iss s Sw ion e th rat co at e de m ar ble, appe More of the sa g and the light mar lin ts ne jec pa ob od ed wo fin ht re d windows, the lig tradition. Rare an t Ottoman artistic y that symbolises cit a of ng tti linked to the grea se e th in it ing rat eg tel, int d new, just like contextualize the ho at smell of fresh an th s ite su d an s om Ro the entire Near East. cterises them. ara ch at th n sig the de the inviting infinity the last floor, next to on y Sk & of Ro ja inimalist, avoiding We dined at the Ga emporary, almost m nt co ry rus; ve is o to re bul and the Bospho pool. The décor he At our feet is Istan a. ts. ch ram ya no d pa an e s th rie with fer distraction from sses the canal along ht cro o Rig rg ry. Ca to ia. his As of er ge just a bit furth our knowled e vis re we r, s he es ot sin and an In the Bu Between one course back to the airport. us ke ta ll e wi m at th lco e we sin and courteous staff on time for the limou Airlines the attentive We are e. ish rk ffe Tu co of ish l rk ina Tu rm e te ns Class ter of the de bit e th ns mpur se Lu les ala te ht for Ku us. A very sweet da r beds await. The flig ou ard bo On . te ga at the departure mfortable. will be long but co
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INFO HOTEL SPHORUS SWISSOTEL THE BO Istanbul, Turkey m
www.swissotel.co
7 Rooms & Suites 49 nts 4 Villas 0 - Restaura Spa yes Children yes Chain Swissotel Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 80 Score 80 nt me on Envir 78 Design 80 ce rvi Se 80 Cuisine 81 Health 80 Spa 82 Rooms
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CITY HOTEL | HOTEL SAVOY PRAGUE
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Elsa Bozzaotra
Hotel Savoy
up on Hradčany Hill
rs of Prague e d n o w e h t To a d m i r e ists, throng of tour e h t g n i d i o v a while Savoy Hotel, e h t e s o o h c n visitors ca d on resort locate y r u x u l c i l l y an id . Hradčany hill
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CITY HOTEL | HOTEL SAVOY PRAGUE
ud ed bu t he ho te l is se cl ks of th e ar m in ci pa l la nd pr e th om fr w e’s th ro of its ow n st ill on ly a st on ex ud es a ch ar m it l, al sm gh Th ou dl e Eu ro pe an “G ol de n Ci t y ”. bl en di ng of M id l fu re ca d e th of lt ts 57 ro om s an w hi ch is th e re su -S ax on st yl e. I o gl or An , l ue ca si bl as d, x- re el eg an ce an d cl in w ar m B or de au us ly de co ra te d io on s. m r om ha ro s th ite ba su ar bl e ne s al l bo as t m th e ho ne y- ye llo w to g at m os ph er e of es th e ch ar m in et ne s pl bi m m co co of ef ro A sl id in g he re th e ch w y, an dč ra H sp ec ia lti es st au ra nt re sp le nd en t re s in te r na tio na l hi te ea cr to s ie nt C ze ch cu is in e. se as on al in gr ed ifu l tr ad iti on al nc fa e id gs on al se r ve d al se r vi ce an d iz ed by pe rs on r te ac ar ch is á, w ho , as an Ho sp ita lit y he re Ta ni a Da nd ár ov by ed of ad he f af st m e. Th e ge m en tr us te d to a es ts fe el at ho gu y, es r ak ra m lib r, e yl tle tt is h- st im pe cc ab le bu th e el eg an t S co y, ts dl en te ub om m do un ue , iq th e S av oy is ts ca n en jo y un ge w he re gu es g pr es tig io us in pp si ce la a ve r y ch ic re fu ep fir e th of t fr on am on g th e of re la xa tio n in ok se le c te d fr om bo a g in ad re or S co tt is h w hi sk y r au th or s. C ze ch an d ot he by n tio c lle co va st th e m om en t hi ch co nj ur es up w e ac pl e iv us lth y hu nt er s us ed Th is is an ex cl d gr ou ps of w ea an s ch ze C y t ie iv at e re tr ea t. w he n hi gh -s oc as th ei r ow n pr st re of n ve ha th is m ag ic al
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INFO HOTEL HOTEL SAVOY public Prague, Czech Re rague.com
www.hotelsavoyp
Rooms & Suites 46 nts 1 Villas 0 - Restaura no Spa Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 63 Score 78 Environment 80 n Desig 75 Service 77 e isin Cu 73 Health 0 Spa 80 s Room
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NEXT ROOM | SEASCAPE
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Marco Galli
SeaScape e sea
between man and th
nd sustainable a g n i t a o l f f o A project Elegant, studio. T M B y b villas and‌ ating n i c s a f , s u autonomo nue e sea to conti h t n o t u O . g floatin dreaming.
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B NEXT ROOM | SEASCAPE
wo rld ’s M T st ud io , th e ch on ze ro in ue s its re se ar nt co , ts ec oj pr na bl e pe or ig in at ed le ad er fo r su st ai g vi lla . Se as ca in at flo e th , pe ca m he re th at th e im pa ct w ith Se as ui te s. It w as fro as Se d ne w no re an d ex cl us iv ity fro m th e al re ad y su ch fa sc in at io n ith w t e ur ct ite ch at ol ls of a gr ea co nc ep t an d ar al l in de pe nd en t sm re as he w d te n, uc er tr ev ol ve d. Co ns se nt ia l ye t m od sig n ap pe ar s es vi lla s ar e ch su rro un d th e co m pl ex , th e de hi w es ac sp l ra e na tu th e se a an d la rg no ra m as . br ea th -ta ki ng pa ith w s ist er ge d in an pr ot ag on d el eg an tly im m an lly tfu ec sp re is pe rc ep tib le , Ea ch ha bi ta tio n e la nd sc ap e is im th on ct e pa im e Th s w he re th ey ar na tu ra l co nt ex t. iz at io n of re so rt al re e to th ss r ce fo ac w re ct an d th is w ill al lo ro of to p po ol , di Ea ch vi lla ha s a d. ite ib oh pr y da to ve l. oo m be lo w se a le io ns th e be ac h, a be dr to sil en ce , se ns at m ea ns re tu rn in g ty Th e er . op es pr ac a pl ch r A st ay in su ye d in ot he jo en be ot nn pe rm itt ed th at ca an d fra gr an ce s va l ar ch ite ct ur e na in io ud st er ia ls an d BM T ex pe rie nc e of ze ro -im pa ct m at ith w pe ca as Se n of rw ise ex pe ns iv e th e co ns tr uc tio r su ch an ot he fo s st co e th e m od ul es . He nc gr ea tly re du ce d. pr oj ec t ha ve be en f. en is no t so fa r of Su st ai na bi lit y th
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INFO STUDIO BMT Singapore cific.com
www.bmtasiapa
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SPECIAL | SICILIA
SICILY
The largest island in the Mediterranean has an ancient soul. Colonised by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans, today the island is still rife with vestiges of its former masters. It is an island that never forgets. This multi-ethnicity is well reflected in the variety of dishes that characterise the cuisine, an important cultural patrimony. The sweets, above all, tell of a rough land, of pastoral and Arab influences.
SPECIAL | SICILIA
Sicily is also synonymous with superb wines, bays, temples and historic hotels. More importantly, it is an island for every season. Our correspondents Hasrudin Tazep and Ovidio Guaita propose some excellent stop-offs.
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SPECIAL | SICILIA
O n a mid -summer ev ening, bat hed in t he light of t he full moon and c aressed by a refreshing breez e, w e d ine at The Terraz z a Dei d el V i lla At hena, right in t he heart of th e arc heologic al park, a st one’ s th row from t he Temple of Conc ord. T he noc t urnal illuminat ion out lines th e shape of t he monument and , as t he d ishes of t he d egust at ion m enu of t he t errit orial c uisine al t ernat e, an exc ept ional pianist at t he ac oust ic piano d elight s us w i t h t imeless I t alian c lassic s. The e vening is t urning out t o be an e vent whic h goes well beyond a g r at ifying c ulinary experienc e. w w w. hot elv illaat hena. it 54
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SPECIAL | SICILIA
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Hasrudin Tazep
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea overlooking the Gulf of Palermo Hygeia, the goddess of health, at the seaside near the centre of Palermo. Right in front of the habour, with mount Pellegrino at her back and fragrant gardens all around.
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C SPECIAL | SICILIA
reated fro m a spac ious l ate 18t h - ce nt ur y l ib er t y-st yl e vil l a by arch itec t E r n esto B a s i le, t h i s grand ho tel is to day p ar t o f th e M G aller y, M e m ora b l e H otel s by Acco r. Th e a rc h i te c t u re is ecl ec t ic w it h neo - g o th ic in fluen ces. Th e or i gi n a l st ruc t ure co mmissio ned by th e Flor io f a m i ly a lre a d y b o asted excep t io nal l y l arge dimen sion s. I n s i d e we c a n st il l find t he o r iginal frescoes realised at th e t i m e of t h e B el l e Ép o qu e al o ng w it h some of th e o r i gi n a l f u r n i s hing s. Th e ou t s t a n d ing p o sit io n - o n a r ise facin g th e tour ist po r t - i s ce r t a i nl y o ne o f it s b est asset s. Th e ter race of th e re s t a u ra nt and t he ro o ms al ike enjoy t he exception al ad va nt a g e a f forded by t he view. Th e re s t a u rant D o nna Franca Flor io ser ves M e d i te r ra n e a n cu isine, and it s sizeab l e ter race is a gre at ly- a p p re c iated meet ing p o int, esp ec ially dur in g wa r m s u m m e r evening s.
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INFO HOTEL
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SPECIAL | SICILIA
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Ovidio Guaita
San Domenico Palace
from the theatre atop Etna
From Dominican monastery to exclusive resort. The sacred and the profane co-exist in a location of unparalleled fascination and glamour. The two-star restaurant seals the magic of the property.
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SPECIAL | SICILIA
ven before th e existen ce of Taor min a as a small tow n , th ere was a D omin ican mon aster y datin g from th e fo u r teen h un dreds. I n th e silen ce of its c loister s th e mo nks dedic ated th emselves to prayer an d meditation . Var ious families alter n ated in th e protec tion ( an d endowment) of th is ecc lesiastic al str uc ture until 1 8 9 6 , w hen th e mon aster y was c losed an d tran sfor med into a l uxur y h otel. For th e E n glish th is was th e per iod o f h oliday mak er s - above all in winter – an d th ey ap p rec iated mild climates. To d ay th e D omin ican Palace is on e of th e most imp ressive an d h istor ic ally-r ich proper ties on th e isl and. Ever y cor n er testifies to its mon astic past. Sit uated th e centre of Taor min a with an ex ten sive fo r m al garden at th e rear, it over look s a golf cour se, o ffer in g guests a spec tac ular view th at sweeps from th e Gree k th eatre to Etn a. I t is r ight on on e of th e ter races w it h th is view th at we fin d th e t wo -star restaurant Pr inc ipe Cerami, dedicated to Giovan n i R osso Cerami, t he m an respon sible for tran sfor min g th e proper t y into a ho tel. Ch ef M assimo M antar ro proposes a tradition al Sicil ian an d M editer ran ean men u. H is preparation s are p ar t icular ly light an d fresh in gredients are fun damental. The ser vice is super b as is th e win e list.
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LAOS
A journey into the heart of Asia at the easy-going pace of the Orient, punctuated with vestiges of French Indochina and in pursuit of a country which has remained loyal to the spirit of the place. The bights of the Mekong, a unifying element in Laos, lead all the way to Vientiane. Less intimate than Luang Prabang, the capital does not lack the appeal created by the ensemble of architectural styles.
SPECIAL | LAOS
Everything is, in fact, steeped in spirituality in Luang Prabang. The ancient capital spread out across the peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan preserves, alongside the fervour of the Buddhist monks, the splendours of the past. Monasteries and pagodas are evidence of the refinements of Laotian art to be discovered in a context of grace and tranquility. Our correspondent Paolo Gerbaldo suggests two excellent destinations.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Settha Palace Laotian identity
The perfect solution when exploring Vientiane. French Colonial is the style that characterises the classic elegance of a building whose original form dates back to the early thirties.
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n iconic hotel in Vientiane is the Settha Palace: a romantic destination in and of itself which must be discovered. The international level of hospitality blends well with the Laotian identity, making the Settha Palace an oasis of tranquility that is greatly appreciated by international travellers. French Colonial is the style that characterises the classic elegance of a building whose original form dates back to the early thirties of the twentieth century. This colonial hotel, tastefully renovated with natural decorations just recently, offers those who are touring Laos today intimate spaces that have nostalgically maintained the charm of Indochina. A delicate touch and French Colonial dÊcor, in fact, typify the rooms and suites. The interior exudes an idea of freshness which naturally continues on into the garden. French cuisine and local fare can both be enjoyed in the Belle Époque restaurant. The Settha Palace reflects the grace and warmth of its architecture which, along with its history, make it a boutique hotel that is a symbol of a recent past that looks boldly towards the future. The Settha Palace is the perfect solution when exploring the capital of Laos.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Amantaka Luang Prabang’s garden An extraordinary example of colonial architecture. A complete immersion in local culture, but without having to forgo the comfort offered by a very high class hotel.
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t Amantaka, in Luang Prabang, visitors are immediately struck by how well French colonial style is combined with the local spirit. It is an extraordinary example of colonial architecture, and the recent restoration brings the best out of it. It is even clearer in the white rooms, elegantly decorated with furniture in teak and other prized woods. The building, a former hospital, is situated in the city centre, but at the same time keeps its distance from it, thanks to the carefully tended large garden which surrounds it. In the evening, torches light up the paths which lead to the restaurant where dinner is served on the terrace – watching the hustle of city life, without being disturbed by it. The authentic cooking of Laos, with a hint of French influence, is served in a colonial ambiance. Outside, directly in front of the resort, a long, unending procession of monks turns the main street of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, orange. The Amantaka offers a complete immersion in the local culture, but without having to forgo the comfort provided by a hotel of very high class, with the levels of service and attention that can be expected in Aman Resorts.
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LANG
A uniquely mesmerising area of Italy with strong traditions: the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. The shape of the landscape, with vinyards which produce the area’s best known products, has brought this part of Piedmont UNESCO recognition.
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The presence of mankind can be glimpsed between hill crests and slopes, adding beauty by casting vineyards in a central role. In this treasure trove of natural beauty and excellent food, individual architectural projects have transformed convents and castles into refined cradles of hospitality. Following an ideal route past these historic residences, our correspondents Paolo Gerbaldo and Daniela Komisarjevsky Libero lead us through the discovery of stirring landscapes.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Relais San Maurizio timeless emotions The place to experience timeless emotions. A thread which originates from the territory and its unsurpassable wines accompanies guests through a stay at San Maurizio.
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he place to experience timeless emotions. A comfortable environment, exclusive, calm, characterised by discreet luxury. Silence. Light. Vineyards. Secrets which are the base of an unforgettable experience at Relais San Maurizio di Santo Stefano Belbo. The infinite string of ridges which extend to the horizon beyond the greenery of the park is immersed in the voluptuous hills of the Langhe. The property, which was first an old monastery of Cistercian monks - who settled here in 1619 - later became an aristocratic abode. Today it welcomes those who are in love with unparalleled views and sensations. Moreover, it represents a guardian and symbol of historical and cultural patrimony which has been meticulously restored. The rooms and suites boast antique furnishings and are ideal for a quiet sojourn. High upon a hill, the attentive restructuring of a 17th-century hamlet affords a new experience: the San Luigi Suites. Excellence, however, is not only hospitality. The old cellars, in fact, welcome a grand interpreter of cuisine: the restaurant Guido da Costigliole del Relais San Maurizio. A very high-level setting of taste with the menu of Chef Luca Zecchin, who prepares everything from traditional Piemontese dishes to captivating seafood proposals. A thread which originates from the territory and its unsurpassable wines accompanies guests through a stay at San Maurizio. Following it, after the hospitality and haute cuisine, they arrive in the world of wellness generated by the Spa del Monastero and the Grotta del Sale.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Castello di Guarene the comfort of history A refined, historic location equipped with every comfort. The atmosphere and hospitality are those of a delightful noble residence that presides over the historic village of Guarene.
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uaren e Castle is a delightful residen ce with views over th e vin eyard- clad h ills of th e R oero h ills an d t he L an gh e. Th is imposin g eighteenth - centur y buildin g, co mm ission ed by th e count Car lo Giacinto R oero over an ea r lier medieval c astle, is n ow an exquisite, c h ar min g ho tel - th e result of careful restoration . Th e atmosph ere and h ospitalit y are th ose of a delightful n oble residen ce t hat presides over th e h istor ic village of Guaren e, a few k il o metres from Alba. Eac h of th e large rooms an d suites is different, an d al l are delightful. Per iod fur n iture, silk an d velvet t ap estr ies, h un g as th ey were in residen ces in th e past, recreate a splen did h istor ic environ ment equipped w it h all comfor ts. An un usual spa, reac h ed th rough t he evocative esc ape routes from th e old c astle, awaits g u ests with a swimmin g pool dug into th e roc k , an d a view ac ross th e L an gh e. Th e large I talian garden is enchantin g, with its intimate, secret cor n er s. I n th e restaurant, c h ef Davide O dore offer s a cuisin e w hic h is n eat an d substantial. He successfully revisits t he a rea’s best k n own dish es with h is creative touch . The q ualit y of th e food is en h an ced by th e attentive an d p unc tual ser vice. Guaren e Castle is th e ideal place for traveller s wh o are l o o k in g for a secluded an d refin ed getaway.
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Daniela Komisarjevsky Libero
Relais Sant’Uffizio
Wellness & Spa
Excellent wines produced by Relais del Sant’Uffizio and all the local traditions enclosed in delicious recipes made from choice ingredients.
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perfect balance between the old main building, formerly a Dominican monastery and the newly-opened (May 2015) guest rooms and meeting room created from an area that was once stables. At the Aquanatura Spa, the massage with herbal oils, flowers and spices straight from gardens once cultivated by the monks must not be missed. Moreover, there is nothing better than the antioxidant and exfoliating treatment made with the active ingredients contained in the grapes of the property’s vineyards which have soil rich in nutrients and which enjoy excellent exposure to the sun. With its large windows, the spa overlooks a centuries-old park inhabited by a colony of woodpeaks that represent the symbol of the Relais. A special set of dishes expressly created by Richard Ginori displays a beautiful woodpecker as the emblem of this oasis of exquisite taste and peace. Hills and prestigious vineyards of Barbera and Chardonnay extend as far as the eye can see. The wine theater allows you to view all of the wines proposed on the menu of the restaurant, receive detailed information from the sommelier and to purchase Barbera from the old estate of Sant’Uffizio in order to extend - having returned home - the excitement of this magical corner of Piedmont. Chef Marco Mazzocco recommends matching this rich full-bodied wine with white truffles from mid-October to Christmas, with black truffles from May to autumn. There are many kilometerzero vegetables on the menu, including artichokes, asparagus and even peppers in the summer. With regard to sweets, the mastery of the traditional Savoy chocolate is truly unmistakable. An ideal retreat not far from Milan and Turin. Italians, as is often the case, are beginning to appreciate only now what Americans and northern Europeans have known for some time.
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Maria Coscarelli
Samsonite style and detail
Beyond the materials, technologies and design, Samsonite is glamorous. And it has been so for over a century. Certainly, it is the right choice for the discerning contemporary travellers.
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u itcases but n ot on ly. B a c k p a c k s, i Pa d cases, handb ag s, co mp uter cases an d a l i n e d e d i c ate d to chil dren. M ate r i a ls, te chno l o gies and design. S amson ite is g l a m orou s. And it has b een fo r over a centur y. I t is th e r i g ht c h oi ce fo r t he discer ning co ntemp orar y traveller, a c i t i ze n of t he wo r l d w ho want s a suitcase th at is l i g ht we i ght, d urab l e, func t io nal and b eautiful all at th e s a m e t i m e. S a m s on i te i s a way to t ravel b u t mo st of all a way o f l i fe. Th e q ual it y and p rac t ical it y t hat h ave always dis t i n gu i s h e d S amso nite p ro duc t s over time are also accom p a n i e d by el eg ance, design and l ig htn ess dic tated by t h e a d ve nt o f hand l ug g ag e as o ne’s on ly baggage. An e l e ga nt e s sent ial it y made p o ssib l e by n ew mater ials s u c h a s p ol yp ro pyl ene and Cu r v tech n ology th at u n d e r l i e s t h e Lite -Lo cked l ine. No t even th e youn gest have b e e n forg o t ten w it h t he Disney by S amson ite, wh i c h re p re s e nt s t he main charac ters of comics an d c a r toon s on s uitcases, b r iefcases and b ack pack s.
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