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Lisbon Rhodes Johannesburg Shambala Reserve Cape Town Paarl Mauritius Sri Lanka
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
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Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town
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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, Editor-in-Chief
ack to Africa, a special Africa, that of the extreme south, the land that gave us people of the calibre of Nelson Mandela. Back to South Africa. European and wild, with ever-changing beauty. The grapevines, the sea, the savannah, the parks, the animals. A synthesis. On Rhodes, we find more of the same with Casa Brutale - which is only a project for now - an ultramodern and technological dwelling whose beauty is simple and exhilarating. One more case of a return to hospitality in the most natural of settings. We then went to Sri Lanka, a long trip amid tea plantations, temples and enchanting beaches. An island reminiscent of spices, curry and history rife with mysticism. It is a land of great architects like Geoffrey Bawa. A trip is not just to discover culture but also an event to reawaken our senses. Not by chance, in this issue we present the world’s 10 most beautiful spas.
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CONTENTS
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TOP 10 spa resorts
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SOFITEL LISBON Lisbon
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CASA BRUTALE next room
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Alberto Pedrali Comunicazione
If you wish to dine in a renaissance villa at just 5 minutes form Florence’s historical city center, taste dishes from the best Tuscan culinary tradition, immersed in 20 hectares of greenery, surrounded by olive groves, vignards and orchards, you may have just found the restaurant you are looking for! “Il Conventino a Marignolle” part of the Hotel & Resort Villa Tolomei is at your complete disposal, whether you are a guest of the Hotel or whether you wish to spend a pleasant evening with an unforgettable backdrop on our panoramic terrace. The restaurant staff will take care of you, guiding you in your choice of seasonal products from our grounds or the Tuscan countryside. ReSeRve a RoMaNTIC DINNeR aT THe CoNveNTINo
hôtel & spa des pÊcheurs Ile De Cavallo 20169 Bonifacio (Corse du Sud) France Tel: +33.495703639 info@hoteldespecheurs.com www.hoteldespecheurs.com
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SOUTH AFRICA exclusive
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SAXTON Johannesburg
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ZULU CAMP Shambala Private Game Reserve
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THE NELSON MANDELA CENTRE FOR RICONCILIATION Shambala Private Game Reserve
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SOUTH AFRICA exclusive
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BELMOND MOUNT NELSON Cape Town
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GRANDE ROCHE Paarl
www.rosenthal.de
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SRI LANKA exclusive
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UGA BAY Kalkudah
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CASA COLOMBO COLLECTION MIRISSA Kamburugamuwa
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HERITANCE KANDALAMA Dambulla
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HERITANCE AHUNGALLA Ahungalla
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SPACELAND & IL TUCANO from Mauritius to the space
lifeStyle
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D E S T I N A T I O N S
2014
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
2014
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.
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Places to Stay in Florence & Nearby
HOTEL COLONIALI
L’autore, Paolo Gerbaldo, è inviato di Resorts Magazine.
Top 100
Top 100
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.
aggiornare ISBN PalidanoPress Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
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T op 100 P l aces t o St ay i n
Flor en ce Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
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and nearb y PalidanoPress
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XI, n. 65 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, Roberto Sessoli, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, hotel e resort pubblicati 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: Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Right: Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
our correspondents All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.
OVIDIO GUAITA A zero-gravity flight with SpaceLand and Il Tucano.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR Lawrence announces Resorts Magazine’s best spa destinations.
MARIA COSCARELLI In the South Africa Exclusive Maria recounts this amazing country.
ROBERTO SESSOLI With Maria in South Africa. The photos and videos (in the app) are all his.
ELSA BOZZAOTRA Elsa tried out the Sofitel for us in the Portuguese capital.
MARCO GALLI Marco thrills us with a feasible habitation constructed in a cliff overhanging the sea.
TERESA CARRUBBA In Sri Lanka to present the Heritance Hotels. Kandalama and Ahungalla.
PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE Pamela, too, is in Sri Lanka to discover the Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa and the Uga Bay.
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Top
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spa resorts
eing the temples of well-b
sia rt Langkawi, Malay so Re s on as Se ur Fo 1. Spa, Bahrain 2. Al Areen Palace & Spa Bali, Indonesia 3. Ayana Resort and alayas, India 4. Ananda in the Him ves at Reethi Rah 5. One&Only Maldi aru ves at Landaa Giraav di al M rt so Re s on 6. Four Seas m Park, United Kingdo e yd H al nt rie O rin 7. Manda g Kong, China 8. The Peninsula Hon ngkok, Thailand 9. The Peninsula Ba dives at Kuda Huraa al M rt so Re s on as 10. Four Se
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m ent. A microcos he spa as an ev ne re se a th wi , e pleasure of the body. Isolated sages, but a eing and th ply a place for mas reserved for well-b sim t No . re nt ce s wellnes es the mind. atmosphere. Not a its wellness, influenc th wi , ich wh dy bo the day) hammams. temple dedicated to ae, the Arabs (still to m er th em th d lle s ca In the Orient the The ancient Roman . But that’s not all. ne gie hy a l ta en m d an icine, spreading to Places of corporal d mixes with med an nt cie an is s ge tradition of massa n. in domestic dimensio s and evolves right d it today originate en is int th we in d as a un sp fo e e world are The world of th at the best spas in th h th ac ral re tu re na ca is it ind e m nc t of body and the Orient. He ar e th e er wh s m microcos very region. Quiet e. nc lle ce levels of ex ed first place Langkawi has earn s on as Se ur Fo e ll th hrain, which And this year as we Areen Palace in Ba Al by d we llo fo le, can sty In third place we for its spa in Moroc saunas and pools. al ion pt ce ex y all re offers a pathway of uatonic Pool. Bali with its grand Aq in rt so Re a an Ay have . And the better ove all, from inside ab , es m co ty au be p. Let’s not forget that a spa is worth the tri ooking we are. So r-l tte be e th l fee we
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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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Elsa Bozzaotra
e d a t r e b i L n Sofitel Lisbo ital
ap in the heart of the c
Alto and the o i r r a B e h t Close to xury of Alfama. Lu s t e e r t s l a v e i med he he heart of t t n i y t i v i s u l and exc pital. Por tuguese ca
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tic contrasts harp chroma re oden furnitu ith dark wo w h c d i e h s w u f l e t y i l f the So harmonious character of g n o r t s e h t represent style. r its eclectic f Lisbon stands out fo rant centre o b i v e h t n i l ote strikingly This luxury h nology with h c e t h g i h y-style ern contemporar blends mod a e d i s n i r o dÊc evocative . g n i d l i bu age to the ases, a hom v a t nt t o c a r r e ylish restaura Two big t , adorn the st e c n n e a e s w s i t a e n b e R arriage Florentinewhere the m e n e i c s a i l u p c h c i c h n c e ticated Fr AdLib, a s i h p o s d n a e s s avour propo s Portuguese fl iel Schlaipfer n a D f e h C e r . He ansforming is celebrated creations, tr c i h p a r g o n ce ic inventions stupefying s es into artist h s i d l a c o l e l ings. the delectab ary art paint le contempor b m e e s e r h c i h w d with delicat s are perfume e t i s u t s c d u n d a o r s p m xclusive The 163 roo l e L a n v i n ’s e i o t h w s r , s u c e c n n o a c r h floral frag tinerary whic s olfactory i yage for the o v d e n i f e complete thi r a o t n i l e t i t Sof turn a stay a . s sense
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INFO HOTEL ERTADE SOFITEL LISBON LIB Lisbon, Portugal www.sofitel.com 3 Rooms & Suites 16 nts 1 Villas 0 - Restaura no Spa Children yes Chain Sofitel Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 68 Score 78 Environment 80 n Desig 80 Service 78 e isin Cu 79 Health 0 Spa 82 s Room
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Marco Galli
Casa Brutale Earth e th f o s e h c a re r te u at the o ki n g th e A eg ea n o o rl ve o f if cl a n Se t h ig h u p o p ay s b y th e O PA st u d io d te ea cr lla vi e Se a, th o u te r re ac h es o f e th t A . m lis ta ru h o m ag e to b rn ey as a B ru ta le is a jo u C a, se d an y sk , h th e Ea rt it al it y. e co n ce p t o f h o sp th f o s it lim e th to
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T NEXT ROOM | CASA BRUTALE
co ol an d de s, a cl iff , th e he is la nd of R ho th in g m or e. m ar in e w av es , no e th g in ny pa m co th e m ar ve ls of br ac k is h w in d ac hi dd en be hi nd y em ch al d an s lim it th em se lv es Th e in gr ed ie nt d fr ag ra nc es an d an ds to un so e pl er e is no ne ed na tu re ha ve si m , to in no va te , th ild th r bu Ea e To th l. of ia r hy th m to th e es se nt at te nt io n to th e ng yi Pa y. it ex se ek co m pl op ou lo s, su ffi ce s. nt el is K am po ur Pa e u ilo ss Va am as se d th e La er tis -A nt on io A st ud io , ha ve OP e th of rs de fo un Ca sa Br ut al e ar ch ite c ts an d si er w ith th ei r bu r Co Le of y br ut al is m . A ar tis tic pa tr im on of th e tr en d of ur no lla ho in d th e re no w ne d vi pr oj ec t, so ca lle e ba si c id ea of th to ts in si n vi tio re r se ch w ith its in st ru c tu re w hi e en vi ro nm en t to th in d ic te im r m se in ill w M al ap ar te si ng le vi lla or a As n. tio ta ve ge th e su r ro un di ng g. al e is fa sc in at in ut Br sa Ca t, a re so r
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gn ed e pr oj ec t de si ch ar ac te r is e th s w on nt do ne in po w m e co bl Na tu ra l lik e a ve r ita , an ge Ae e th ov e ly m at er ia l in si de a cl iff ab w at er ar e th e on d an d oo w s, gl as of w hi ch w ill in fin it y. R oc k , a po ol on th e ro ve ha ill e. w at th th e en tir e ho us us ed fo r a vi lla lo ur an d lif e to co g in br d an or e fil te r th e lig ht in or de r to re st al is t, es se nt ia l im a, in m m ra be no ill pa w m ire th e Th e in te r io r e w in do w to ad th el to fe ill ng w oi G ts es y. de s, gu lo st si m pl ic it e Co lo ss al of R ho ill th st e os gh ar ou C. th B. 0 en st or y - ev w he re in 30 hi d an on iz r ho th ds th e ot io ns at pr oj ec te d to w ar a ca ro us el of em in t en es pr e in th on dr y la nd an d fo rd . lik e th is co ul d af re tu c ru st a on ly tr an ce w hi le ad to th e m ai n en le at th s ep st 50 ffi cu lt to th in k D es ce nd in g th e , it w ill no t be di ew vi g in ak -t th y to th e lim its of pr ov id in g a br ea al so be a jo ur ne ill w ay e al ut Br sa y st ru c tu re , a w ho w m uc h Ca c t of a ho sp ita lit pa im e th d . an re y tu su st ai na bi lit ra c tio n w ith na no va te ou r in te y to th e to re th in k an d in w ill be a jo ur ne e al ut Br sa Ca , th is m e. An d at Bu t m or e th an r co nc ep t of ho ou of , ts bi ha r ou , th at fr ee do m ou te r re ac he s of m n to fr ee do m hy a be ill w it at ed te ch no lo gy th e sa m e tim e te an d so ph is tic da o -t up t os m w hi ch on ly th e ca n of fe r.
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INFO STUDIO OPA r Architecture Open Platform fo therlands) Haarlem (The Ne ) ce Rhodes (Gree com
www.opaworks.
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SPECIAL
s o u t h
a f r i c a
by Maria Coscarelli photo and video by Roberto Sessoli
SOUTH
South Africa is a region of indubitable fascination suspended between The West and Black Africa- a land to love unconditionally. An itinerary in search of fascinating corners of the final part of the African continent. An itinerary that allowed us to share experiences and sensations that are doubtlessly worth living. So here we are dreaming of Africa‌
AFRICA
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South Africa is the country of a thousand faces. One of these is its largest city: Johannesburg. A guided tour is the best way to get to know it. Our trip follows in the footsteps of her charismatic father. Hence, the first stop is at the house of President Mandela and, consequently, the touching Apartheid Museum. Top of Africa, Soweto, Arts on Main…whatever part of the city you visit, Johannesburg is like South Africa: It reserves a surprise at every corner.
Johannesburg
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Maria Coscarelli
Saxon luxury is being there
The real luxury of this hotel is the silence, the space and the service. A stay at the Saxon is almost a mystical experience, a dream, an emotion. The perfect place to relax in Jo’burg.
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SPECIAL | SOUTH AFRICA
T
he immaculate white of the Mercedes crosses the vibrant green garden. At the entrance the porter hurries to take care of the baggage while we are escorted to villa 314. P r i n c e , o u r b u t l e r, w e l c o m e s u s a n d g e n t l y d r a w s back the door only to reveal a paradise beautifully decorated in contemporary African style. The spaces are voluminous and the design super b. We linger over the enticing chocolates laid out on a t r ay. At t h e s i d e, co l d c h a m p a gn e. The strong points of this urban resort are its cuisine and its marvelous spa, ranked among the best in South Africa. One more reason to abandon ourselves to the expert hands of the therapists. A dinner at the Qunu Grill – named after the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who was a great friend of the owner – is an elegant ritual. The very traditional cuisine has become – thanks to the wine cellar – an unparalleled point of reference in the South African culinary panorama. Dishes that are apparently simple conceal surprising nuances and pleasant contrasts. The presentation is simple but elegant and permits the
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SPECIAL | SOUTH AFRICA
flavours to determine the success of the creations of Chef David Higgs, who suggests, advises and, in the end, brings joy to the palate. T h e r e a l l u x u r y o f t h i s h o t e l , h o w e v e r, i s t h e s i l e n c e , t h e s p ace and t he ser vice. A st ay at th e S axon is alm os t a mys t ical exp er ience, a dream, a n emotion . Th e p e r fe c t p l a ce to rel ax in J o’ b u rg.
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INFO HOTEL
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SPECIAL | SOUTH AFRICA
We set out on motorbikes at dawn with Dean, our young but very efficient guide. With him we observe white rhinoceroses, zebras, giraffes, kudus, waterbucks, impalas. Coming back from the safari to find a cordial and efficient staff makes us feel as though we are at at the centre of the world. At sunset we set out for a romantic cruise on the lake created by the Douw Steyn Dam. Vintage sparkling wine, indubitably south African and on ice. The expert rangers enlighten the guests on the secrets, sounds and colours of this fascinating land. However, the uncounted nuances of the sunset are what capture our attention and transmit to us a vibrant sensation of the infinite.
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Shambala Pri vate Game Reserve
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Maria Coscarelli
Zulu Camp musical silence Shambala. The music of silence. Zulu Camp, a place where you can enjoy luxury overlooking the savannah. An oasis immersed in 10,000 hectares of savannah, the Shambala Private Game Reserve.
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he eig ht vil l as, b u ilt with t y pic al l o c a l m ate r i a l s, har mo nise p er fec t l y w it h th eir n atural s e t t i n g, wh i c h imp ar t s har mo ny and seren it y to th e g u e s t s. “ Pa ra d ise o n Ear t h”, is t he meaning of S h ambala i n Ti b e t a n . A p er fec t name. This p l ace invites on e to re t u r n to a s i m p l icit y al l b u t fo rg o t ten today an d to en j oy a s i le n ce w hich is music. This is Afr ica – th e on e o f t h e d awn a n d t he su nset, w hen t he con cer t of th e s ava n n a h b e gi ns to assemb l e it s inter p reter s. At d i n n e r, Ch ef Lesl ey Ko t sedi greet s t h e guests an d ente r t a i n s t h e m, co mment ing o n his t a st y creation s wh i c h N i col a s a nd B el o w it h so o n ser ve with great care. Th e s tor i e s of t he day inter ming l e unt il fatigue gets th e u p p e r h a n d. S h a m b a l a i s fo r t ho se w ho are in search of someth in g re a l a n d m e a n i n g ful … wo r t h rememb er ing. Th e soun ds o f t h e la n d e c ho in t he air w hil e we l o o k out over th e s ava n n a h a n d sk y. At dar k t he co nce r t con c ludes, s e a li n g t h e i nte nse day o f discover y in “o ur ” Afr ica.
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Maria Coscarelli
Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation when history becomes exclusive A place that has lived history and continues to do so. The story of a country and a friendship. A real story, intense, touching, with a strong message.
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wo years af ter th e death o f Pre s i d e nt M a ndel a, D o uw Steyn, t he fr ien d of h is wh o de d i c ate d t h i s co r ner o f p eace and so l it ude of th e R eal Af r i c a to h i m , made t he co mp l ex avail ab l e to th e public. Tod ay a nyon e can rel ive a mo ment o f th e h istor y of conte m p ora r y S o ut h Afr ica, l o dging in t h is state h ouse de s i gn e d to re cal l Nel so n M andel a. The var ious rooms, com m on a re a s, nat u ral mater ial s, and décor are all a hy m n to conte mp o rar y S o ut h Afr ica. H ow c a n we d escr ib e t his p l ace, w here M an dela loved to com e s e ve ra l t imes a mo nt h w it h his family an d staff ; wh e re gi a nt on t he l evel o f Bil l C l into n and Oprah Win frey pa i d h om a ge to him? H ow is it p o ssib l e to desc r ibe th is je we l com m i s s io ned by a real and sp ecial fr ien d of h is? Si m p l y i n t h e wo rds o f M andel a, w it h t he words of a m a n wh o l ove d Afr ica, his p eo p l e and free dom; with th e word s of t h e on e w ho w il l al ways b e Pres ident, M adiba: “ To b e f re e i s no t merel y to cast o ff o ne’s ch ain s, but to l i ve i n a way t h at resp ec t s and enhances th e freedom of o t h e r s”. Th e f re e d om to l ive in a st ate residence as well. Th e Sh a m b a l a R e s e r ve has t hus b eco me r ich er still with an ot h e r j e we l. Lu xu r io us and excl usive, cer tain ly, but i n t h i s c a s e r i fe w it h a b r ief b u t intense past.
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NELSON MANDELA CENTRE FOR RECONCILIATION Shambala Private Game Reserve Limpopo Province, South Africa www.centreforreconciliation.co.za 1 Villa with 6 Rooms Restaurants private chef Spa Shambala Spa at Zulu Camp Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities safaris, excursions
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Mother city, for the role it played in the birth of modern South Africa. Its guardian is Table Mountain, an irremissible stop-off for tourists. The scenery from up there is breath-taking. This is even more so considering the fact that it is one of the few cities in the world to have a national park in the city centre. A stroll down its streets, beginning from Long Street, helps you to understand how special this city is. Lost amid its streets you are surrounded by the smiles of the people. Do not miss the visit to the multi-coloured houses in Bo-Kasp and a pause to admire one of its incredible sunsets. 72
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Cape Town
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Maria Coscarelli
Mount Nelson from myth to reality
The timel ess i co n o f t h e M ot h e r C ity . At the fo o t o f T a b l e Mou ntai n enj o yi ng th e a g e l e ss lu xu ry o f the Bel mo n t .
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hat do Sir Winston Churchill, Robbie Williams, Agatha Christie, Marlene Dietrich and John Lennon have in common? They all crossed the threshold of the magnificent entrance to the Mount Nelson Hotel for their visit in the Mother City. What did the Hotel represent for them? Surely, a serene refuge. And for us, guests in 2015? A dive into the past enhanced with the rarified colonial notes present in every corner. Everything is a bit old-fashioned. Even the perfect manners of the people who serve us belong to other times. In fact, the “Nellieâ€? - as the hotel is affectionately referred to - with its pleasant pastel pink colour, impressively recalls the colonial era of Cape Town. We are moved and feel lucky. The hotel is surrounded by an oasis of greenery and peace. Silence envelops the guests and makes them feel in perfect harmony with everything around. Experiencing the hotel fully also includes a dinner to celebrate the 10th year of harvesting at the famous VilafontĂŠ Winery. This event allowed us to enjoy the Mediterranean and African flavours that characterise the Planet Restaurant. How could we avoid mentioning the practically divine seared tuna? Gabrielle, with his large dark eyes and love for his land, introduced us to every corner of the hotel. History that completes Cape Town, just like the steps left by its illustrious guest who had very little in common with one another other than the fortune to choose a myth and a tradition of excellence.
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Maria Coscarelli
Grande Roche
amid the vineyards of the Boers
A visit to the Grande Dame of the Winelands, where history and smiles fuse. The sea, mountains and vineyards in a remnant of Europe in the most African country.
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o arrive at Paarl we proceeded along the Paarl Wine Route, established in 1984 and dedicated to this town which, along with Stellenbosh and Franschhoek, is unanimously recognised as the capital of South African wines. A trail amid vineyards and cellars open to the public for degustation and purchases. How is it possible not to put on the turn signal for a winery? Tasting a White Pinotage at Mellasat quickly made the hours of flight from Europe worthwhile. The route is punctuated by the white houses of the Afrikaans, the name assumed by the Boer colonists. The refined Dutch architecture, inserted in this unique African region, makes the visit unforgettable. The South African vineyards, which extends as far as the eye can see, are situated between the sea and the mountains. An impressive spectacle. This is also the scene that accompanies and welcomes us when we see the immaculate silhouette of the Grande Roche. The hotel is historic. It exudes this fact in every corner. A visit is obligatory. Besides the suites, all of which are in the local style with the roofs of dried leaves, there is an enchanting chapel. Built in the mill where the slaves had formerly prayed. At the Allegro Bistrot guests can taste the wines of the very well-supplied cellar. But the real delight is tasting a Rhebokskloof at the Bosman’s Restaurant, considered one of the best restaurants in South Africa. They serve delicacies for every palate: local and foreign. Strangely enough, this is what made me feel different. Why didn’t we feel like foreigners at Grande Roche? The smiles and affection that surrounded us warmed our hearts.
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For its particular form they call it the Tear of India and the Pearl of the East, for Persians it was Serendip, the British named it Ceylon and Marco Polo declared it the “most beautiful island in the world.� A name that evokes the exotic perfumes of ginger and cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, and island with sparkling seas, impenetrable jungles, majestic ancient civilizations and the emerald
SRI LA mantle of the tea plantations.
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A tropical island in the Indian Ocean with an age-old history and a sumptuous cultural heritage. A paradise in which to lose oneself among heady perfumes, exotic flavours, traditions and lush natural beauties. by Pamela McCourt Francescone and Teresa Carrubba
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Dominated down the centuries by the British, Dutch and Portuguese, today Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that welcomes visitors with a newly-found tranquillity and goie di vivre after the end of 20 years of the civil war against the Tamil separatists. If the capital Colombo is gripped by a real-estate frenzy for the new mega-port and luxury hotels, just take the new expressway – the second highway in the country after the muchneeded link from the airport to the city centre – to the old Dutch-Portuguese port of Galle to discover the harmonious and light-hearted pace of this compact and hospitable island. Awesome the ancient archaeological sites of the Cultural Triangle with their grandiose testimony to the past like the Buddhist grottoes of Dambulla, the great Sigiriya monolith which was once the seat of a majestic royal palace, and the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura e Polonnaruwa. Enticing the western and eastern coasts with golden beaches and luxury resorts, and the national parks where leopards and elephants roam. Intimate and alluring Kandy, a cradle of musical and artisan traditions, the cultural and spiritual heart of the country and home to a sacred tooth of Buddha. 88
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Pamela McCourt Francescone
Uga Bay far from the madding crowd
A tropical island where history and nature entwine in a succession of heady experiences to the sound of the drums and bells of the traditional dances. A paradise waiting to be discovered.
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apped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and caressed by lush tropical vegetation Uga Bay - a paradise on earth on the east coast of Sri Lanka - is on a splendid halfmoon beach of shimmering white sand. The ancient Persians called Sri Lanka Serendip which led to the neologism serendipity, meaning the good luck to discover beautiful things by chance. One such thing is unquestionably Uga Bay. This part of the coast has been accessible for only for the last few years, since the end of the long civil conflict. The pristine and unspoiled coastline around Passikuda has a barrier reef and seas populated by whales, dolphins and shoals of brightly-coloured fish, while in the sleepy fishing villages and small towns time passes with the slow and blithe pace of yesteryear. In this natural context sans pareil - far from the well-beaten tourist track – Uga Bay is in refined Mediterranean style. At the entrance two lagoons tempt the eye past the infinity pool to the ocean where shades of pale turquoise fade into rich blue and then deep cobalt as they blend into the horizon. The 46 rooms are divided into Beach Suites and Ocean Suites (these are on the upper floors) while the exclusive Beach Villa, on two levels, has its own pool and a garden that leads directly to the beach. All rooms have sea views and the colours of nature echo in the furnishings and in the details. The spa is tucked away under the swimming pool, and the two treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments have sea views through windows like portholes on an ocean-going liner. Sundown is the time to indulge in a barbeque on the beach under the stars, a romantic dinner on the balcony of your room or the best of international fare in the restaurant next to the huge infinity pool. The town of Batticaloa is not far away, and a visit to Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous archaeological sites, is an absolute must.
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Pamela McCourt Francescone
Casa Colombo Collection
Mirissa In symbiosis with the breaking waves and the sleepy rustle of palm trees, a haven
of style and excellence on the south-west coast where whales and dolphins gambol and wild elephants roam the wilderness.
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he colours are breathtaking: cobalt blue the Indian Ocean, shimmering white the beach, yellow the sun umbrellas and turquoise the swimming pool. Colours that impetuously and shamelessly invade the interior of Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa, luring the luminous and airy spaces to become one with nature. And guests are faced with a dilemma. Whether to sink into one of the deep couches in the luminous atrium-living room, or let themselves be pampered by the sea breezes as they relax on a soft bed under one of the wicker beach gazebos. In this boutique resort - which has six suites and a dual-level villa – the flair of the architect abounds with playful references to nature and to history. Like the découpage wall in the restaurant with back-lighting highlighting the silhouettes of spouting and plunging whales. The cabinets in the suites hark back to colonial days and are in sharp contrast with the minimalist chairs in aluminium and psychedelic orange leather – the same orange of the tunics worn by Sri Lanka’s Buddhist monks. We are on the south coast of Sri Lanka, on Mirissa Bay an hour and a half’s drive from the capital Colombo. This coastline is a paradise for whale-watchers who come to see the more than 600 cetaceans that live permanently in these waters, which also have a large population of dolphins. Surfers also come to ride the waves in Welligama Bay, a sleepy fishing village not far away. On the blackboard in the Miris Restaurant the Seafood Market lists the spectacular catch of the day which can be prepared in an impressive variety of ways. And there are also tapas, pastas, vegetarian dishes and local specialities to choose from on the menu. Miss Elle, a 33-foot yacht with a private cabin, is on hand for guests who want to take to the high seas. Nature-lovers will not want to miss the chance to sight leopards and elephants in nearby Yala National Park, and just half an hour away there is the historical city of Galle which is famous for its Dutch Fort and its trendy restaurants and boutiques.
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Teresa Carrubba
Heritance Kandalama an alcove under a canopy
Like an alcove under a canopy of luxuriant greenery the Heritance Kandalama spreads its austere wings, tracing the lines of the cliff from which it seems to rise.
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repeated continuum of glass and discreet black iron supports melt into the surrounding nature which, in turn, penetrates the interior with which it becomes one. Walking along the long corridors leading to the rooms, the trees, rocks and florid beds of exotic plants pass by like the frames of a film. And the linear stone, wood and iron spaces and architectonic elements make this building unique, underscoring Bawa’s ecoconcept. Nature as a leitmotiv pervades the entire hotel, even in the humongous sculptures that mirror the outside environment, like the metal owl suspended above the entrance to the main restaurant, the wooden elephants in the dining room, and the stone cobra that coils around the sides of the terrace to the infinity pool. From here the Heritance Kandalama overlooks the lake of the same name and the eighth wonder of the world –Sigiriya- the majestic rock with the remains of an ancient palace dating back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477 - 495 A.D.). The added value of this property is its strategic position, close to Sri Lanka’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And the wood-panelled rooms all have beautiful views. The luxury pampering is also found in the Six Senses Spa where precious oils are extracted from local herbs and tropical fruits and used for massages and aromatherapy treatments. For exercising and relaxation there are three swimming pools and a well-equipped gym. Mor, the Kanchana, where theme evenings with international cuisine and barbeque nights delight guests, while the Kashyapa is an elegant à la carte eatery. For all this the Heritance Kandalama has reaped over 70 awards and prizes for its architecture, its cuisine and its service. And it was the first hotel in Asia to receive the Green Globe 21 certification.
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Geoffrey Bawa Heritance Kandalama and Heritance Ahungalla two masterpieces by the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. His works infringe the barriers between interior design and landscape architecture, communicating in magnificent and skilful harmony theatrical places and spaces in which nature becomes both a tool and a goal. The exterior filters inside, enhancing the aesthetic and emotional aspects. Profound suggestions endlessly float between the interior and the exterior thanks to the extensive reflecting surfaces of the windows which allow nature to penetrate, while reflecting its vital energy
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Bawa works in a modern vein on the contours of the surroundings to be constructed, on the climate and on the vegetation. His “Tropical Modernism” is a felicitous amalgam that blends minimalist and - chiefly Scandinavian - design with warm Asian forms. It is impossible to describe Bawa’s poetry exhaustively, it has to be experienced.
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Teresa Carrubba
Heritance Ahungalla sculpted by water
Whether it be the jungle of Dambulla or the Indian Ocean on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka where this singular hotel is located, the free spirit of Sri Lanka’s architect Geoffrey Bawa never fails to impress.
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ere again Bawa plays with full and empty spaces in a hotel that becomes part of nature and vice versa. The Ahungalla is different, very different from the Kandalama which comes to terms with the jungle, whereas the Ahungalla sculpts and is sculpted by water. The public areas are like a vast and limitless patio flanked by slim columns, that leads out to the humongeous infinity pool which reflects the exotic allure of coconut palms and seems to blend with the turquoise waters of the ocean. A luxury 5-star hotel to indulge the mind and the body also in the elegant Diviyan Spa, which has developed its own concept of wellness inspired by Asian rituals, and offers a range of treatments based on natural ingredients. The highly-qualified Indonesian therapists, trained in the Spa Academy in Bali, provide relaxing and unforgettable psycho-physical experiences, also for couples: from aromatherapy to connective messages, hot stone therapy, reflexology, facials and Ayurvedic treatments. In the Ahungalla the other senses are awakened by the cuisine in the Jute Restaurant which has received numerous awards for the extraordinary variety of its spices and flavours and the use of local ingredients which are presented to the highest standards of western aesthetics. All the rooms in this hotel face the sea and have private balconies from which to delight in the sunsets. Here again, in pure Bawa style, natural materials abound: glossy wood – a leitmotiv of this hotel – batik fabrics and hand-made tapestries. The bathrooms are spectacular with local black stone floors and ceiling-to-floor windows.
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Ovidio Guaita
SpaceLand & Il Tucano from Mauritius to outer space
The training programs at SpaceLand in preparation for the suborbital flights in microgravity organized by the Italian tour operator Tucano Viaggi under the supervision of Carlo Viberti are still under way.
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t is no t just a question o f a d ve nt u re. SpaceLand w il l t ake to ur ists into space bu t, m os t of al l, it w il l p er fo r m imp o r tant sc ientific ex p e r i m e nt s on t he p sycho l o gical effec t s of reduced or ze ro gravi t y ( e. g. t hat fo u nd o n M ars o r t he M oon .) Th e f i r s t commercial and scient ific fl ig ht is sc h eduled fo r t h e m i d d le o f 2016. The co st w il l be affordable ab ou t ₏ 6 , 000 p l us air p o r t t axes. I t w ill most lik ely de p a r t f rom t h e isl ands aro u nd M adag asc ar, per h aps f rom M a u r i t i u s it sel f. I t w il l l ast aro u nd t wo h our s an d a h a lf a n d re a c h t he t ro p o sp here (over 10 ,0 0 0 m) . From 4 0 - 80 p e op l e o f al l ag es w il l p ar t icip ate. Th e plan e wi l l exe c u te t ur ns and no se dives w hich will gen erate a tot a l of 12- 13 m inutes o f redu ced o r zero gravit y ( more th a n t h at p romised du r ing t he fl ig ht s o f Virgin G alac tic, wh i c h a re m u c h mo re exp ensive. Wh i l e awa i t i ng dep ar t u re, t he asp ir ing astron auts, o r b e t te r, t h e f ut ure p asseng ers can t rain in M aur itius dur i n g a s t ay o rg anized by I l Tu cano Viaggi R icerca. Th i s m e a n s that in M aur it iu s w it h I l Tuc an o Viaggi R ice rc a , on e c an b egin a p ro gram t hat can be contin ued an d wh i c h cou l d l ead to a ver y hig h‌ and light flight.
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