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Manila Oman Spalato Porto Montenegro Tirana Sofia Belgrade Zagreb Skopje Cap-Ferrat Masai Mara
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Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb
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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief
he Maldives have won our award for best beaches. White sand, coral reefs, deep blue sea. A picture postcard scene which is worth looking after. The Balkans area, by contrast, is not known for its beaches, despite the fact that they are beautiful and have for some time been hosting holiday-makers from all over Europe (and previously also from the entire Soviet bloc). The peninsula is a complex region with a history and a landscape that is never uninteresting, and the new political stability is giving the young countries top-quality tourist venues which are worth the trip.
One of these countries, Montenegro, boasts fascinating UNESCO-listed sites, lush vegetation and beautiful new tourist destinations, such as Porto Montenegro. We will then introduce you to the historic Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat, which has recently been bought by the Four Seasons group. We went to see it, and in these pages we will tell you what’s new there
Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
CONTENTS
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TOP 10 beaches resorts
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NOBU HOTEL, CITY OF DREAMS Manila
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NEXT ROOM Oman Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
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HOTEL VESTIBUL PALACE Split, Croatia
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REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO Tivat, Montenegro
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PORTO MONTENEGRO Tivat, Montenegro
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AMAN SVETI STEFAN Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
BALKANS exclusive
Montenegro
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SHERATON TIRANA HOTEL Tirana, Albania
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SENSE HOTEL Sofia, Bulgaria
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SQUARE NINE HOTEL BELGRADE Belgrade, Serbia
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ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL Zagreb, Croatia
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CAP-FERRAT exclusive
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GRAND HOTEL DU CAP-FERRAT A Four Seasons Hotel
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MASAI MARA top safari
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&BEYOND BATELEUR CAMP Masai Mara
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lifeStyle
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HOLIDAY INN Skopje
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HERTZ Prestige & Dream Collections
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VISIT GUAM 2016 Guam Visitors Bureau
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Skppje, Macedonia
www.palidano.com
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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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XII, n. 69 2016
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, LAVA, 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 Co-Publisher Hong Kong and Macao edition Asia Travel Media Ltd. Room 1705-1708, 17/F, Pacifi c Plaza, 410 Des Voeux Road West, HK
© 2016 Palidano Press Ltd ISSN 2043-6629
Cover: Regent Porto Montenegro. Right: Cap-Ferrat.
our correspondents All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR Lawrence is with Ovidio in the Balkans for a spring itinerary between past the present.
OVIDIO GUAITA Ovidio presents Porto Montenegro, the new capital of luxury in the Balkans.
ELSA BOZZAOTRA Among the 10 most beautiful beaches presented by Elsa, those of the Maldives triumph.
PAOLA DI GIROLAMO Paola is travelling around the Masai Mara in Kenya to show us the luxuries of the savannah.
PAOLO GERBALDO Paolo has journeyed to (re)discover a classic: the Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat, now a Four Seasons.
MARCO GALLI Futuristic resorts is the best definition for those showcased by Marco in the desert and wadis of Oman.
PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE In Manila’s City of Dreams. Pamela experiences the new Nobu Hotel.
MARIA COSCARELLI Maria shows us the best hotels in Skopje.
Zagreb Croatia
Cap-Ferrat France
Split Croatia
Porto Montenegro Montenegro
Tirana Albania
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our destinations Belgrade Serbia
Sofia Bulgaria
Manila
Skopje
Philippines
Macedonia
Oman Oman
Masai Mara Kenya
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Saint Petersburg Hainan Zanzibar Zurich Cannes Catania Siem Reap Botswana
Manila Oman Spalato Porto Montenegro Tirana Sofia Belgrade Zagreb Skopje Cap-Ferrat Masai Mara
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Luzern Venezia Lisbon Masai Mara Selous Onguma Chianti Cusco
Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp, Kenya
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InterContinental Carlton, Cannes
TOP 10 | BEACH RESORTS
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Top One&O
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s t r o s e r h c a be
op Beach T , a a R i th e e R t a s e nly Maldiv
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ves at Reethi Rah 1. One&Only Maldi ivate, Seychelles 2. FrĂŠgate Island Pr 3. K Club, Barbuda Landaa Giraavaru at s ve di al M rt so Re 4. Four Seasons and Spa, Maldives rt so Re a ic ot Ex j Ta 5. Rangali Island 6. Conrad Maldives infaru, Maldives 7. Banyan Tree Vabb exico 8. Las Alamandas, M 9. Cuisinart, Anguilla ados 10.Sandy Lane, Barb
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TOP 10 | BEACH RESORTS
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sa nd . Ev er yb od y kn ow s m at te r of Th e be ac he s ar e vi ab ly be au tif ul . en is s ve di al s in ou r M e th e to p te n re so rt th th at th e se a in of e fiv as y d as m an ju st as go od , an ip el ag o. fo un d in th e ar ch be n ca pe r fe ct ra nk in gs yo ne w ho lo ve s fa ns an d fo r an isn ’t ng ch vi hi di w r fo d An se A pa ra di po wd er. ce fa as e fin nd as be ac he s, w ith sa g. in to o, ev en sc or ch in th e Ca rib be an s he ac be ul tif au fe we r of th em . Yo u ca n fin d be e ar e fe we r an d er th at th id sa be , bu t al l of th em th ou gh it ha s to to , ot he rs le ss so t ge to sy ea e rt ed . Yo u ha ve to So m e of th em ar al l, th ey ar e de se of t os m d an .. ar e fa sc in at in g. it. e se e it to be lie ve e cl ea nn es s of th e of th e sa nd , th us ca be – s he ac Te n dr ea m be bl e be ac he s. n. Te n un fo rg et ta se a, th e ve ge ta tio
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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 | NOBU MANILA
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Pamela McCourt Francescone
Nobu Manila Japanese minimalism al is m an d re fi n ed im in m e es an p Ja f A fu si o n o e m is e th e so ft h u es o f th e er h w , ry xu lu e u rb an en n t lif e w it h su d d ra b vi to g n ri sp en sc èn e lo u r. b o ld st ro ke s o f co
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C CITY HOTEL | NOBU MANILA
ge of a, a glittering mira ity of Dreams Manil oa int s ep se ts, se n at, as the su th s ce rfa su n lde go linear geometric lines and hues. A place ze on br h ric palette of tund silhouette asure Dome, its ro Ple e th ere wh ise of light and magic. of serenity and prom infinite microcosms ts ec refl rs, ou nt co echoing Renaissance art, the refined st levels of the culinary he hig e th te no de at finds its befitting Nobu, four letters th bu Matsuhisa which No ef Ch of in the e isin cu of the three hotels Japanese-Peruvian Hotel Manila – one bu No of the e g ok fla sp e th be e property to fly collocation in th ian As t firs e th – a opens only ms Manil futuristic City of Drea the restaurant, which in u en m e th On chef. tizers of ceviche, multi-award-winning imate alcoves, appe int d an ing ht lig d moo and Wagyu. The for dinner and has shellfish, vegetables h, fis by ed low fol e, or sans pareil - a linesashimi, sushi and m art,” is an experience he ’s ef er ch e th om “fr ted and narrated, ov Omekase, meaning d masterpiece presen fte e cra th a d e An on ff. ch sta ea e s, the attentiv up of eight dishe and competence by isu on ssi am pa Tir th ge wi on s, sp ur te almost three ho d hazelnut chocola art-throb almond an signature dish is a he glaze. mousse and fondant with white chocolate es of calligraphy petuous brush-strok im th wi , ng iki str s are lest pink cherry The Executive Room ites, which feature pa Su bu No 21 The e th d , an uristic bathrooms on walls and carpets night areas, and fut d an the y to da ol, us po ino the relaxing blossoms, have lum le attractions: from sty set, life r of ge a un or th yo e ple o while, for th property offers a eams 24-hour casin ent Dr nm of y tai Cit ter e en th ily is interactive fam spa, and there t firs ’s rld wo e th y, DreamPla rough a world the big attraction is ide young guests th gu rs cte ara ch on ati anim center where popular es. challenging adventur d an es m ga ing of excit
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INFO HOTEL NOBU HOTEL es Manila, Philippin anila.com
www.nobuhotelm
1 Rooms & Suites 32 nts 1 Villas 0 - Restaura s Spa ye Children yes ls Chain Nobu Hote Affiliation none Activities rsions sightseeing, excu 87 Score 87 Environment 90 n Desig 90 Service 98 e isin Cu 61 Health 90 Spa 95 s Room
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NEXT ROOM | OMAN RESORTS
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Marco Galli
s t r o s e R n a Om
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su lt an at e
u n d er g o in g
d w it h d ev el o p m en t an
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a g re at en vi ro n m
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y vi ll as in sp ir ed b st o h l il w an m O d iv er si ty , ri es . it s va ri ed te rr it o
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A NEXT ROOM | OMAN RESORTS
d culture, with hints land rich in history an es that has e traits, Oman is one of the countri es gu Portu . The particular of Anglo-saxon and thanks to its stability , ars ye ty for st pa e t in th king landscapes: developed the mos a variety of breath-ta to life ing e giv is y or rit etre “mountain of th morphology of its ter ns, up to the 3100-m oo lag of e did nc len se sp es e int th the qu from the “Akhwar”, wadis - right up to not to exclude the to create a fresco of d lan is th in s sun” - being careful erything mixe Ev rt. se de e th y, sa Oman, that is to table fascination. fragrances of undispu VA studio is colours, sounds and Oman offers, the LA at th s pe ca ds lan ried the desert, the Starting with the va all the essence of rec ich wh las vil e vlusiv in the rock of the designing some ex ese are villas built Th . ns oo ch lag d an dis ormous valleys - ea mountains, the wa cky floors of the en ro e . th es on nc or rie , pe ple ex different mountains, for exam es of habitations for typ t ren ffe Di . ws vie ndy one with glorious e, recalls the grand sa the middle of the sam in re, ilt nt ce bu la, its vil in rt” e se t open spac The private “de and will have a grea ed s m ert for ins d be an ll wi es e lin dunes with its y. The mountain villag admire the starry sk on will boast a permitting guests to each accommodati d an s, ain nt ou m e of th below. Next to the between the rocks of the valleys down ws vie g kin -ta th ea br will be immersed private pool and offer rdens, the “wadi” villas ga did len se sp by d de e “Bay Resort” will clo cascades and surroun colours. The exclusiv d y an wa ds un By t. so of sca ze Mu bay near in greenery in a bla uated in a protected sit , et nic cre cli s dis es ry lln ve a we a in the circle. This is ll reach these villas cy. e for yacht, guests wi ents in absolute priva of the private entranc best cosmetic treatm e th joy en ll wi d an way by sea page of great write yet another to y ad re is ich wh ry A land rich in histo hospitality. of at th – t en m develop
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INFO STUDIO LAVA re ionary Architectu Laboratory for Vis er, iss all W s bia To , Chris Bosse Alexander Rieck www.l-a-v-a.net
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BALKA
Nowadays the Balkans are a collection of states which are all different, but share the fact that they once formed part of Yugoslavia. Neighbours who differ in approach, landscape, history and culture. Always interesting and sometimes surprising.
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From the Adriatic to the Ionian, and on to the Black Sea. A peninsula which links ancient civilisations and contemporary vigour, and a range of languages, religions and ethnic groups. It was from here that Alexander the Great set out to conquer half of Asia.
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G r e e k , Ro m an an d B y z ant ine vest iges. Trac es of e mpi r e s o n c e in f in it e s w e pt away by t he wind s of h i st or y. N e o c las s ic al an d et hnic arc hit ec t ure seal t he h e t e r o g e n e ity o f t h e s e la nd s, always hov ering bet ween Chr i st i a ni ty an d I s lam .
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Lawrence Taylor
Hotel Vestibul Palace in the home of Diocletian Between the past and the present. A contemporary, minimalist hotel nestled in the ruins of a historic palace, the ancient residence that the Emperor Diocletian had built in 305 AD.
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he residence that the Emperor Diocletian made for himself at Split was truly imperial. Well defended by a powerful ring of walls, it could be reached directly by boat. Inside there were a series of buildings, temples, gardens and a maze of alleys leading to the main square. This design hotel is right next to the square, on the site where the palace vestibule was once sited. The spaces have been admirably restored by combining very contemporary materials such as burnished steel, glass and wood. The furnishing is minimalist, and there is almost no decor at all. The beauty of the place lies in the shape and the materials used. History can be lived and felt between these walls, as the ancient stones tell of the excesses of an empire which was already in decline and not far from its end. It was here that Diocletian retired after having abdicated in 305 and here that he stayed until his death six years later. The Diocles restaurant, with its tables set out on the tranquil piazza opposite, offers traditional dishes that can be washed down with a selection of top-quality local wines.
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Ovidio Guaita
Regent Porto Montenegro a touch of the Orient deep in the Adriatic The Regent Porto Montenegro is the only five-star hotel to look out over Boka Bay. It is situated in front of the port and its distinctive architecture stands out when looking at the bay from a distance.
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he rarified atmosphere that reigns in the hotel suits the location perfectly. An exclusive resort village, brand name shopping, top-quality restaurants and international clientele. The skipper is waiting for us in Venice Square, alongside the hotel, where they moor the motor boats. Dressed in a white sailor’s uniform, he helps us onto the elegant Riva launch. We take off slowly, going alongside legendary 100-metreplus yachts, and soon we are at sea. We are going to Kotor, a UNESCO site full of Venetian influence, perfectly preserved in a cove half an hour’s sailing time away. Boka Bay, surrounded by green hills, appears to us in all its beauty. We pass the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and finally arrive at Kotor. The guide is waiting for us on the quay, and escorts us through the alleyways of the small town centre. We then go back out to sea and are dropped off at Dobrec Beach, a private beach surrounded by rocks and what was once a secret submarine shelter. After a lunch of fresh fish, the skipper turns round to take us back to the hotel. Just in time for a stop at the Regent Spa where we find a menu with the best Western and Eastern food. Looked after by capable therapists, we relax ahead of dinner.
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DESTINATION | BALKANS
In the hotel Dining Room we tried the Four Courses Degustation Menu combined with top-quality Croatian wines. Typically crisp Mediterranean tastes, with just a hint of delicate eastern spices. The service is attentive and friendly, especially on the seafront terrace. There are other places to eat all around the hotel, like Al Posto Giusto – which serves excellent pizza; or La Piazza, for refined Italian cooking; or Mitsu, for Asian fusion cooking. The Regent Porto Montenegro is a surpise, just as is the resort, the port and the town itself. An unforgettable and evocative place, with a rich history, surrounded by fascinating nature. Leaving the hotel behind, we cross Venice Square, and the skipper is still there, sitting on his Riva launch, rocked by a gentle breeze. Just for a moment time stops, while the memory of a special day will travel home with us.
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Lawrence Taylor
Porto Montenegro Marina and Residences From fri gates to yac h t s. Wh e r e im pos i ng warshi ps an d p ow e r f ul s u bm ari nes were o n c e m oor e d , nowa days there are l uxur y ya c h t s.
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he main concern of the Canadian financier Peter Munk was not being able to find Mediterranean ports fitted out to moor the largest yachts, which exceed 100 metres. So there was nothing bettter than converting a naval base, the historic one at Tivat for example, which was founded by the Austro-Hungarians and then developed under the communist regime. The quays and naval dockyard had been abandoned for some time when the entire area was bought up by Mr Munk’s firm. The pleasure port now has 450 moorings for yachts from 12 to 190 metres, and as such is unrivalled amongst Mediterranean marinas. But the port is not the only thing to be found on the seafront - which is over a kilometre - there is also an entire resort village, Porto Montenegro. A Mediterranean-style development made up of various-size apartments, a luxury hotel (the Regent), a group of major international brand-name shops, various restaurants and a lido with an enormous infinity pool. Last but not least, a naval museum, a final witness to the bay’s deep roots as a port. Lying there is a real submarine, which has been restored and open to the public. The latest addition to the accomodation on offer are the Regent Pool Club Residences, a series of apartments with their own pool which are being built next to the hotel. Sales have already begun, and it looks as though they are going very well – apart from anything else, the favourable tax rate, quality of construction and the location make it a great investment. Even for someone who doesn’t own a yacht.
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Lawrence Taylor
Aman Sveti Stefan the island-village
In a 15th-century village on a small island connected to the mainland by an isthmus. An iconic destination of the new Montenegro devoted to luxury and exclusivity.
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o one is the same. All fifty rooms and suites in this old village are entirely distinct. Lanes which intersect in an organic way, alternating the various ascents and descents, have kept their original names, just like the three churches that alternate with the residences, palms, olive trees and oleanders. Stone and wood are the most frequent precious materials, and an attentive restoration has enhanced the graphic and structural constituents, while introducing the luxury so indispensable for a property like this one. The near-by Villa Milocer, with its restaurant and private beach, is also part of the property. And finally, at just a short distance arises the spa, situated in a separate edifice.
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Lawrence Taylor
Sheraton Tirana an urban resort
A short walk from the city centre, but surrounded by a garden, close to the national park and to the artificial lake. Physically close, yet far removed from the noise, chaos and traffic.
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he large adjoining piazza reflects the brief presence of the Italian empire. A domination that has mainly left buildings of that hostile rationalist style typical of the 1930s. Reinforced concrete, glass and large, smooth wall spaces which are plastered and painted white. A simple, imposing style that is monumental without being redundant. The Sheraton, which is unquestionably the best hotel in the city, fits into the location very well, and uses the idea of extensive, smooth walls and the windows. The take on it is very contemporary, as befits a modern business hotel. But despite being focused on business, the leisure facilities also make it comfortable for tourists. There are two restaurants. The Metropolitan, with its ample terrace, is known for Mediterranean cuisine and the excellent Sunday Lunch Buffet; and Il Pomodoro, which is perfect for pasta and pizza cooked in a woodburning oven. In both cases the service is very attentive and the culinary creations are supervised by the young exacting Croatian chef, Damir Pejcinovic.
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Sense
in the heart of Sofia
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Hotel
Lawrence Taylor
Deep in the heart of the Bulgarian capital, the Sofia Sense Hotel enjoys a privileged position on Tsar Osvoboditel street, where some of the most important buildings in the city are located.
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he setting is historic and monumental, but the façade is a succession of smoked glass panels, attached with burnished steel. They reflect the cupolas of the orthodox cathedral and NeoRenaissance façades of the buildings opposite, but conceal a designdriven contemporary heart. Indeed, on the inside – and above all in the guest rooms themselves – a refined minimalism presides. The service areas disappear into the walls, and nothing superfluous distracts from the view of the composition. Comfort is assured, as is the view. On the ground floor, the Sense Restaurant serves Mediterranean fusion food in an informal setting, with very attentive service. The very glamorous Rooftop Bar should not be missed, and is busy right into the early hours. The cocktail selection is excellent, as is the view of course – a spectacular vista over the entire city.
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Square Nine Belgrade Serbian identity
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Lawrence Taylor
Modern, but not unapproachable. Contemporary but showing respect for the past. The architect Isay Weinfeld has given shape to the Serbian pride by creating a hotel which has deep roots in the region.
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he idea behind the hotel was born from the desire of the owner to contribute to the rebirth of Belgrade with a hotel which was modern and up-to-date but which, at the same time, would express the atmosphere and the identity of the city. Exactly the opposite of some of the chain hotels which had opened and which have no link to the identity and the architectural history of the Serbian capital. Square Nine Hotel Belgrade is a modern construction which respects the dimensions of surrounding buildings, and which has incorporated the colours of the historic area where it is situated. The interiors use stone, bronze and wood finishes, creating very welcoming environments, but ones which at the same time are elegant and atmospheric. Amongst the furniture we find various pieces of modern design, such as sofas by Finn Juhl and Bruno Mathsson, tables and chairs by Ole Wanscher, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Kaare Klint, and bar stools by Arne Vodder. The Square, the fine dining restaurant on the ground floor, offers Mediterranean and international cuisine in a light, design-driven environment.
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Esplanade Zagreb on the way to the East
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Lawrence Taylor
A su m ptuo us h o tel or i g i n a l l y b ui l t to reg al l y acco mmod a t e t h e pa ssen gers o f th e fa m e d O r i e n t Express.
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he luxury journey on the Orient Express back in the early 1920s was an unparalleled event for holidaymakers. The glorious food, the marvelous destinations and the luxuriant accommodations on board the train - and sometimes off. We hear speak of the onboard accommodations continually, however there were also places with accommodations in certain cities along its exotic east-west route that were no less magnificent. One of these was Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb, the extraordinarily beautiful capital of Croatia. Hotel Esplanade was built in 1925 to accommodate the Orient Express travelers who stopped off to visit the exceptionally enchanting city of Zagreb. Situated a stone’s throw from the train station, the hotel was a convenient destination for guests. Having set foot in the lobby, guests realized that the luxury they enjoyed on board the train would be no less breath-taking here. Although the hotel has today been elegantly refurbished by a renowned Croatian interior designer, the grace and charm that awaited the first guests has been attentively preserved. The rooms and suites of the Esplanade, due to the lavish use of marble, crystal, the finest fabrics and exclusive amenities, are well appointed and boast every convenience guests could desire. Of course, this wonderful old property is also equipped with the latest technologies we have all come to expect today. For guests desirous of taking their relaxation a step further, the Esplanade offers soothing body treatments. A wellequipped gym is available for anyone who insists on staying fit even on holiday.
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The voluminous restaurant Zinfaldenl’s, one of the best in the Balkans, with its crisp white-linen tablecloths, bespoke furnishings and glowing silverware – not the mention the elegant chandeliers – serves the most appetizing Croatian and international cuisine in town. Through the enormous windows, guests can look out over the sprawling terrace, where it is also possible to comfortably dine. If you do not have time to take a trip on the Orient Express, you can still enjoy the same enchantment at Hotel Esplanade.
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CAP-
The Cap-Ferrat peninsula has a small and distinctive town centre, and a series of exclusive villas surrounded by large green areas.
-FERRAT The administrative area is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is itself part of the French department, Alpes Maritimes.
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The long cape, laid out between the blue of the sky and the Mediterranean, is located between Nice and Monaco. The richness of the botanical species of the area has made its gardens famous, especially that of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which is from 1905, and Les Cedrès Gardens, which were once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat a Four Seasons Hotel Unforgettable moments on the timeless Côte d’Azur. A legendary palace hotel which provides a priceless location, fabulous furnishings and a wide range of services for its guests.
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symbol of the timelessness of the French Riviera, the Grand-Hôtel, in a secluded location on the long Cap-Ferrat peninsula, is a legendary palace hotel that provides a priceless location, fabulous furnishings and a wide range of services for its guests. Immediately upon arrival, guests are enveloped by the Rotonde, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel. The Grand-Hôtel boasts a very rich history; built in 1908, it knew many pages until the recent restructuring of the entire building entrusted to Pierre-Yves Rochon. Everything is refined and, at the same time, light enough to make you feel comfortable. The hotel is immersed in a flourishing garden which, melting into the strong Mediterranean light, slopes down to the sea, and delights its guests with a special corner for spending summer days: the Club Dauphin. Luxury and sensual pleasure characterise the spa, where light colours and high-level professionalism accompany guests in an intense sensory voyage. The pleasures of food and wine are by no means excluded from this rich cocktail of experience, and award-winning chef Didier Aniès delights diners. His work focuses on looking for products which can be skillfully made into carefully-researched dishes, which are full of flavours. In the intimacy of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. A Four Seasons Hotel which offers an array of unforgettable moments which melt into the essence of the Côte d’Azur.
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MA S A I
As well as the numerous species resident in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve, the annual great migration is also of great interest. Large crocodiles wait for the migrating animals snoozing on the banks of the Mara River.
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The resident species include elephants, hippopotamuses, buffalos, giraffes, lions and cheetahs. With a little bit of luck you may also come across a leopard or a black rhinoceros. It is mainly zebras and antelopes that make the seasonal migration.
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Paola Di Girolamo
&Beyond Bateleur Camp on the edge of the Masai Mara
Vintage Africa for a few privileged people who want to relive the atmosphere of the first safaris from back in the 1920s and 30s. A small, isolated camp in a splendid location.
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ith just eighteen tents, guests are ensured elegance and complete luxury in the heart of the African savannah. Wood floors, African craftwork and antiques take visitors back to the golden age of safaris and to the nostalgic stories of the Europeans, who returned from these lands in amazement. Enjoying such a privileged view over this magnificent scene, as the breeze ruffles the tent flaps which fall gently from the roof beams, is unparalleled luxury. Each tent comes with a butler, a discrete presence ready to carry out every request and make the evenings extra special with African cuisine served in the tent or under the stars. Each morning the guide asks what the guests want to see and organises the trips accordingly. These are always done in open-top 4x4s, and individually, because expectations are always different.
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Maria Coscarelli
Holiday Inn Skopje tracing the footsteps of Alexander
In the Macedonian capital the echoes of an empire and its condottiere fuse with the signs of the present. Past, present and future compete to create the ambience in Skopje.
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t is an atmosphere, of course, which perennially hovers between the West and the East – like its history. The name, which means observation tower, is appropriate since the city was an outpost at the border of Macedonia. Once Roman territory, it passed under the control of Byzantium at the end of the Empire. The Emperor Justinian was born nearby. Very little remains of the Byzantine and Ottoman period due to various earthquakes. The one in 1961, in particular, left very few vestiges standing and the city was reconstructed in Soviet style. Today Skopje is a modern capital, not very extensive but well organized in its mostly pedestrian centre. The Oriental fascination remains in the old city. Bell towers and minarets of churches and mosques animate the skyline. The Holiday Inn, just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Vardar, is well situated in the heart of the city. In fact, it is in walking distance from very monument or administrative centre and attentive service and good cuisine make a stay an absolute pleasure. Interior parking facilities, free wifi, the generous dimensions of the suites and the superb view from the large windows are all greatly appreciated. Even though little remains of the glorious past of Skopje, a visit – even just a short one, as in the case of so many other historical destinations that have been transformed over the centuries – is sure to be a gratifying experience.
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Lawrence Taylor
Hertz Prestige & Dream Collections “drive your dream”
To satisfy the needs of travellers seeking a stylish and luxurious driving experience, Hertz now offers its ranges of high-end and ultra-high-end cars: Hertz exclusive Prestige and Dream collections.
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he buzzwords for many discerning travellers these days is “authentic experience” - creating memorable moments that make every journey or trip that extra bit special. Luxury travel now transcends beyond 5 star accommodation needs to modes of travel, places to visit and dine and moments to remember. In order to satisfy the needs of travellers seeking a stylish and luxurious driving experience, Hertz offers its ranges of high-end and ultrahigh-end cars: Hertz exclusive Prestige and Dream collections. For customers seeking a stylish vehicle for that business meeting or special occasion, Hertz created its Prestige Collection, a higher class of hire car. This range can easily meet and exceed the most discerning of expectations. The Hertz Prestige Collection in available in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, UK and the US. The stylish range features vehicles from some of the most valued brands including Audi, Mercedes, Range Rover and other – and suitable to every type of break – saloons, SUVs and convertibles for customers to hit the road in the finest possible environment. The Hertz Dream Collection - perfect for travellers seeking unique experiences behind the wheel - features the most famous and desirable brands in elite motoring. Stunning vehicle brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, or Porsche - amongst many others -, are all available to rent from The Hertz Dream Collection from as little as 24 hours. The company has recently refreshed some of its Dream Collection ranges in Europe with ultra-high-end models including the Ferrari California in France, Lamborghini Huracan in Italy and Rolls Royce Phantom in the UK, inviting customers to continue to drive their dream. Hertz will soon launch dedicated Dream Collection microsites in France, Italy and the UK to further improve its customers’ experience from the moment they decide to explore booking options.
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in the next issue
Marrakech Boracay Zambia and other exclusive destinations tested for you