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Manila Boracay Singapore Jeju Kuala Lumpur Masai Mara Bruxelles
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Kenya, Masai Mara
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The Lind, Boracay
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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief
n late spring the Far East is the place to go. The weather is still fairly dry and the temperatures are (a little bit) lower than in the summer. In this edition we suggest some hotels in Malaysia and the Philippines. Some well known, others less so and some hardly visited, but all of them fascinating.
And then in Kenya, off the normal safari routes, an exclusive destination for nature and animal lovers. Between the savannah and the desert, new, sophisticated accommodation options welcome modern-day explorers, and leave them lacking for nothing.
Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
CONTENTS
30
TOP 10 colonial hotels
34
MAKATI SHANGRI-LA Manila, Philippines
38
NEXT ROOM Jeju Hills Resort
CONTENTS
KUALA LUMPUR exclusive
48
THE MAJESTIC KUALA LUMPUR Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
54
YTL HOTELS hotels, resorts and spas
58
GRAND HYATT KUALA LUMPUR KLCC
64
ENAK Starhill Gallery
BORACAY exclusive
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THE LIND Station 1
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
KENYA top safari
86 90
COTTARS 1920’s SAFARI CAMP Masai Mara
RIDE KENYA movable camp
RM
lifeStyle
98
LOISON Vicenza, Italy
102
LEONIDAS Bruxelles, Belgium
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LEITZ London, United Kingdom
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VISIT GUAM 2016 Guam Visitors Bureau
CONTENTS
www.palidano.com
E X C L U S I V E
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.
PP
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. 71 2016
International 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, published hotels and resorts Video for iPad and iPhone app Roberto Sessoli Graphic Design Niccolò Angeli www.nican.me Layout Graphic Department Palidano Press 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 www.resorts.it www.resorts.it
Cover: YTL Hotels. Right: Boracay Island, Philippines.
our correspondents All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR For excellent Italian pastries, Lawrence went to Vicenza for this issue.
PAMELA MCCORT FRANCESCONE In the Filipino Capital, Pamela visited the Shangri-la a Makati.
ELSA BOZZAOTRA Elsa has tried the Leitz bags, those for work and travel, the glamorous and comfortable ones.
PAOLA DI GIROLAMO Paola is in Kenya for two tented camps, one opulent, the other itinerant.
PAOLO GERBALDO Paolo has compiled a list of top colonial hotels around the world.
MARCO GALLI In Jeju, South Korea, to present a new project by LAVA studio.
HASRUDIN TAZEP Hasrudin presents the special on Kuala Lumpur and Boracay: rooms with a view ‌ on the past and future.
MARIA COSCARELLI Maria presents the program of events for Visit Guam 2016.
Bruxelles Belgium
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our destinations Jeju South Korea
Manila Philippines
Boracay Island Philippines
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Guam USA
Singapore Singapore 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
www.resorts.it
InterContinental Carlton, Cannes
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Top
10
s l e t o h l a i n o l co apore
ffles Sing a R e th t a ty li a it sp o historical h
apore 1. Raffles Hotel, Sing ong Kong 2. The Peninsula H a Tower, Udaipur, Indi & ce la Pa al ah M j 3. The Ta arrakech, Morocco 4. La Mamounia, M wn, South Africa To pe Ca , el ot H n so 5. Mount Nel al Bangkok, Thailand 6. Mandarin Orient Hanoi, Vietnam 7. Hotel Metropole l, Shimla, India 8. The Oberoi Ceci lace Luxor, Egypt Pa r te in W el fit So 9. on, Myanmar 10. The Strand, Yang
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TOP 10 | COLONIAL HOTELS
H
s w hi ch ha ve w r itt en ot el da y, ev en ho sp ita lit y. To of y or st hi e th an de s of s es ge lo gi es , th e Gr im po r ta nt pa th e la te st te ch no an d ith ge w lla ed pi , ad es gr s, ar m is tic th ou gh up ar W h. ut yo w g a ne at , es pe ci al ly Da m es ar e liv in r fa ce s. Th e he su r ei th ed ar sc te ls , a fa c to r m ak e - ov er s ha ve fo r co lo ni al ho at re th nt ta ns co es - pr in ci pa lly if hu m id , is a lo ni es th em se lv co e th me of n tio in As ia , w ith so tie d to th e lo ca os t ex cl us iv el y m al d an h is gl Fr en ch an d En tin Am er ic a. is ex ce pt io ns in La us ly w hi le te a th e ai r co nt in uo s. e ie ov ur m nt ns ce fa r m e fo Th e ce ili ng ha s be en th e sa at n r th tu re ite r a e is Th y da e ho te ls to se r ve d at 4. es th in ay st en A at e. no w ev no t on ly th is – Ju st lik e th e cl im sc in at io n - bu t fa un iq ue in us h ic rd R fo . af st to th e pa op er tie s st ill pr e Th . gy lo no se r vi ce an d te ch e ex pe r ie nc es . bl ta et rg fo un an d
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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 100 InterContinen Sw a git 49 Sin Resort & Spa 50 Cuisinart Golf
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CITY HOTEL | MAKATI SHANGRI-LA
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Pamela McCourt Francescone
a l i r g n a h S i t a k Ma tral
en cosmopolitan and c
th e w ar m es t o f h it w d an rt ea h Lu xu ry w it h a an d at i, th e fi n an ci al ak M s. ile sm es Ph ili p p in ca p it al , is aw as h o in lip Fi e th f o el eg an t h ea rt , ar t m al ls , b o u ti q u es g in p p o sh ry xu w it h lu . an d g ra n d h o te ls ts n ra au st re y d g al le ri es , tr en
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H CITY HOTEL | MAKATI SHANGRI-LA
o Macati, istorically San Pedr Park, a elt nb ee Gr rks like the pa d an s en rd ga s also ha the heart of a this central district ing skyscrapers in ar so by fed ar dw t nook tranquil and verdan . ant space to nature sc es ed nc co at city th Greenbelt Mall side the upmarket be s ar so ila an M a i-L as you step into The Makati Shangr ss that is palpable cla A . are sp to ss cla en scène with two and Park and has : a sumptuous mise by lob s ests iou tig es pr in the afternoon, gu the spacious and bby Lounge where, Lo in e ed th d rv se an t es en as tm irc a true enchan is ornamental sta is Th . es ur as Tre ies & delicac : e of Tea are treated to the rit concealing tempting s er aw dr n ze do a ch with d babas, cakes colourful boxes, ea tes, macaroons an ola oc ch d an its cu , bis adding a touch of mignon sandwiches cal string orchestra ssi cla a th wi s, rie and luscious patisse t is romanticism. g Palace restauran the Chinese Shan in se h oo nc ch Lu to s ef Plu Angus be The Dim Sum t cuts of prime Black en k, er ea St diff k n te aw ah are m e umental To legendary. Ther ill where the mon ss, Gr ba e a ok se sp rs, Be ste ge lob Sa from in the rs with broiled grams, rubs shoulde lectic array of weighing in at 1,300 in Circles offers an ec ing din ay -d all e Th b. giku the premium prawns, duck and lam in the Japanese Ina d an s, tie ial ec sp l na local and internatio sence. e nature in all its es ac br s em s nt die re ing rooms and 54 suite s and comfortable iou ac ich sp wh ra, ult ite 6 Su 69 ntial The Makati has ites and the Preside three Speciality Su g, willowy and ilin sm e Th al. with, the top floors, s in the capit iou ur lux t os s, who greet m d wn an go -length ball is the largest or flo in nt de len sp sses, re , in the Makati, very beautiful hoste gri-La style which an Sh e th of s se dres le levels of service guests are ambassa spitality, impeccab ho y ur lux of s ion dit means the best tra ipino welcomes. most charming of Fil d an t es rm wa e th and
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INFO HOTEL I-LA MAKATI SHANGR ilippines Metro Manila, Ph m
www.shangri-la.co
6 Rooms & Suites 69 nts 4 Villas 0 - Restaura s ye Spa Children yes Chain Shangri-la Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 84 Score 85 Environment 89 n Desig 86 Service 89 e isin Cu 76 Health 74 Spa 89 s Room
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NEXT ROOM | JEJU HILLS RESORT
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Marco Galli
t r o s e R s l l i H u j Je
beneath the volcano as h e r it ag e li st e d ld r o w O C S E N Je ju is U u th lc an ic is la n d so vo s u o in ta n u o a m a m aj o r h o li d ay a, re o K th u o S e as t o f C h in e se o u th K o re an s, S r fo n io at in d e st n e to th e H al la sa m o h d an se e an d Ja p an al ic o n . tu b e s, a n at io n va la d an o an vo lc
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D NEXT ROOM | JEJU HILLS RESORT
rm with esigned as a landfo mposed co is it re, tu logical struc po to a as ed rat ne s’ and ge and atrium. The ‘valleys and canyon d a terracing façade un aro s om ro tel ho and throughout the of 2000 apartments ous green landscape inu nt co a d m for to t ec ildings in an s-shape atrium spaces conn e seven terraced bu Th t. es d for an t s on en hfr rd ac ga Hanging hotel and link to a be from the shoreline. up ids de Vo sca s. ca ing ly ild ral bu tu arrangement na o the volcano-shaped ming parks bring nature int ilation. Sinuous swim undulating rooftop els and increase vent lev nds, er isla low ial o ific int art , ht lig lks allow natural s and boardwa ck de r be tim s; . ing on e build of relaxati The pools arc around th forest create a place al loc t an rd ve a d an room sizes, creating pools, beach dunes designs and flexible d rie va for s ow all e curved building shap d different typologies. tterns, strata layers an based on voronoi pa is y g, ph zin so gla ilo t ph igh n he sig The interior de of terraces and full louvres. include generous ro powered intelligent soft shapes. Features lar so g, an erh ov of by ro r creating a external sun shading wing into each othe flo s m for ft so th ous wi Furniture is curvace e. ac sp g nurturin promenade and aquarium, waterfront ts, ran tau res a, em ponents - business, The hotel houses a cin the three hotel com ish gu tin cal dis ia atr r” atic and unique verti marina. Three “crate each of them a dram e giv um d an tim t op en an nm th family and entertai almost identical wi around the world are into zones of ed nis ga or are s om space. Hotel rooms t. The hotel ro en nv rei to g etc., which lt tin cu ica diffi un layout that is rking, comm wo g, din rea , ing th ing, ba overall themes of activity such as sleep surfaces reflect the d an s ial ter Ma s. nd are interpreted as isla ists adorns the walls. d artwork by local art an n, ea oc d an no volca
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INFO STUDIO LAVA re ionary Architectu Laboratory for Vis er, iss all W s Chris Bosse, Tobia Alexander Rieck www.l-a-v-a.net
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KUALA
In the past and future. Surrounded by tropical vegetation which envelops the urban centre of Kuala Lumpur, today we find one of the most dynamic and fascinating capitals in Southeast Asia. Hospitality at the highest level, efficient infrastructure and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make
LUMPUR it an irremissible destination.
DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
Our correspondent, Hasrudin Tazep, went to visit the renewed Majestic, a historic and glorious colonial hotel which, for some year now, has brought back its original splendor. He then tried the Grand Hyatt, with its contemporary design and breath-taking views of KLCC Park and the Petronas towers, stopping off at the Enak restaurant, temple of traditional Malay cuisine.
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Hasrudin Tazep
The Majestic
renewed colonial charm
A symbolic historical hotel from a colonial period which contributed to the birth of modern Malaysia. Superbly restored and flanked by a 15-storey tower, it welcomes guests in a rarefied vintage atmosphere.
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A DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
pproaching the hotel a doorman dressed in a safari jacket, shorts and a colonial hat immediately appears. There is no doubt we have arrived at the Majestic. It is a hotel from 1930, built on the historical mile of Kuala Lumpur, just in front of the Moorishstyle train station. Not long ago, when Bukit Bintang did not yet exist, the urban centre was right here. Today, this historic hotel, carefully restored, re-opened in 2012, is flanked by a modern 15-storey tower. Guest may choose to stay in the Tower Wing or in the Majestic Wing. The latter offers a rarefied atmosphere, few spacious suites, butler, in-room breakfast and a series of included benefits such as laundry, mini-bar and city transport. However, the most appreciated is indubitably, its tranquility and personalized service. On the ground floor we find The Colonial CafÊ, where the ambience and the cuisine of the colonial plantations can be enjoyed, and where tea is served with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and sweets presented on Chinese porcelain every afternoon. It can also be served in the original Orchard Conservatory. The live music in the afternoon (as in the evening) is guaranteed by the descendants of the legendary maestro Alfonso Soliano, always well presented in the Malay musical tradition.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
In a separate building is situated the The Smoke House, with its renowned cigar room - also available to non-guests with a membership. In another edifice adjacent to the hotel we find The Majestic Spa by Spa Village. The architecture is inspired by the Willow Tearooms of the celebrated English art nouveau designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Here too the colonial period relives its heyday and not only in the style of architecture. In fact, we tried a ritual: the Malaya Golden Chersonese which recalls the period of the epic trip of the English writer and explorer Isabella Lucy Bird who, in her various world tours sojourned a long while in the “British Malaya�. The treatment is composed of a banana and honey- based mask for the hair followed by a herbal scrub, the Herbal Steam and then concludes with the East Indian Spice Massage. For guest who want to take extra special care of the face, the Deep Cleansing Pure Facial is a must - 90 minutes of facial cleansing, deoxidizing treatment and removal of impurities. The preparation of the therapists, the quality of the products and the delightful ambience make a visit an event. The Majestic is the only member hotel of the Leading Hotels of the World in Kuala Lumpur.
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Hasrudin Tazep
YTL Hotels
Malay style
The Malay chain YTL has expanded rapidly and today manages a prestigious collection of resorts, city hotels and boutique hotels in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and UK.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
T
h e most ren own ed is doubtlessly th e myt h ical Pan gkor L aut R esor t, in augurated with a co ncer t by Pavarotti an d, in 2 0 0 3 , celebrated by Con dĂŠ Nast Traveller UK as th e best resor t in th e wor ld. H owever, all of th e proper ties man aged boast motives fo r interest an d un iquen ess. I n 2 0 1 4 Y TL laun ch ed K asara, a n ew bran d of luxur y w hose fir st proper t y is in th e mountain village of N isek o in J a pan . I n 2 0 1 5 th ey acquired th e Th e G ain sborough Bat h S pa, th e on ly Le adin g Hotel of th e Wor ld in th e Th er mal cit y of Bath b ut also th e on ly E n glish h otel c apable of offer in g a t her mal spa in its inter ior.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
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Hasrudin Tazep
Grand Hyatt when the view means almost everything
In the pulsating heart of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, with the Petronas Twin Towers at your fingertips, the city park at your feet, the view is all important. What remains is service, cuisine, design and space.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
O
ur sun set ar r ival affords us a rare view of th e towe r s due to th e proximit y, but most of all for th e height. Th e reception on th e 3 9 th floor h as a glass wall t hat provides a view of th e t win tower s an d th e par k t hat sur roun ds th em. We are obviously in th e centre o f t h e c it y. Adj acent ar ises th e Convention Centre, th e D ewan Filh ar mon ik Petron as an d th e famous G olden Tr iangle, th e sh oppin g distr ic t with th e Jalan Buk it Bintan , th e most glamorous street in th e M alay capital. From th e rooms th e view is n o less spec tac ular. Th e b ed is or iented towards th e win dow an d th e mor n in g awak en in g could n ot be more impressive. Th e b at h room, j ust beh in d th e bed, also h as a glass wall th at can become opaque at th e flip of a switch to en sure n ot o nl y a great view but also pr ivac y, depen din g on th e mo od of th e guest.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
Th i r t y8 i s t h e p ano ramic rest au rant o n th e 3 8 th floor r i g ht b e l ow t h e l o b by. I t is fo r al l - day dinin g dur in g th e day, wh i l e i n t he evening it b eco mes a soph isticated f i n e - d i n i n g re s t au rant. Thanks to t he vie w an d th e sof t l i g ht i n g a p a r ticu l ar l y ro mant ic at mo sph ere - greatly ap p re c i ate d by co u p l es - is created. Th e cuisin e is i nte r n at i on a l w it h a su p er b sel ec t io n of Australian Wa gyu a n d B lack Ang us, del ec t ab l e Fr ied Crab Cakes an d Ch i n e s e s pecial t ies co o ked in wo ks. For in stan ce, S e a B a s s Fi l l e t, Tig er Praw n and Szechuan St y le Ch ick en .
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Hasrudin Tazep
Enak KL KL dining with Sherena
Mindful of preserving tradition, family dishes are presented with contemporary elegance, but on them very traditional ingredients. More than a restaurant it is a museum of flavours, supervised by the mother of the owner.
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DESTINATION | KUALA LUMPUR
S
herena Razaly is a beautiful Malay woman who certainly does not lack for words. She is as sure about what she says as she is about what she does – which is quite a lot. She is preserving the Malay culinary tradition, refining family recipes jealously guarded by her mother who periodically checks the chef ’s work. The latter is in charge of the very contemporary presentation, the only concession she has taken for herself. The menu tells of tropical products, loads of spices and sur f ’n’ tur f dishes, often accompanied by rice. Dishes that smell of antique and which relate the histor y of the countr y, opulent yet balanced. If you love desserts, forget the cheesecake and tiramisu. Instead you can opt for a Puter Mandi (rice in coconut milk covered with melted brown sugar) or trade this for a detoxifying “full immersion” in tradition, still ver y satisfying.
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B OR AC
A narrow strip of land about ten kilometres long with 30,000 thousand inhabitants. These are the numbers of the emerging Filipino Phuket. Renowned for its white beaches, it is chosen above all by holidaymakers from the Far East – most of all China, followed by Korea and Taiwan. Its national tourism is also significant.
AY
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A myriad of simple locals overlooking the beach in a vintage atmosphere which recalls the beginning of other destinations which are now famous. Luxury and exclusive properties are still few however. Among these we find the Lind. Our correspondent Hasrudin Tazep went to have a look.
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Hasrudin Tazep
The Lind costal luxury on Boracay
A new brand of hospitality, all Filipino, very contemporary, almost minimalist and very glamorous. We visited the flagship property on Boracay ‌ with a few surprises.
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DESTINATION | BORACAY
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fter a 3-hour Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur, we landed at Kalibo, on the nearby island of Panay (Boracay is too small for an airport). The transfer - ferry included – takes two hours, but the good news is that it’s an introduction to the country, above all, the tranquil and provincial atmosphere of the islands far from the capital. The only road that crosses the island is decidedly traffic laden. Once you enter the resort, everything changes. Space, calm, essential forms and the beach, spacious and white with fine sand. The check-in is quick, and after a few minutes we are on the balcony of our room on the fourth floor with a superb view of the garden, infinity pool and the ocean. The design is one of the strong points of the resort. Very contemporary, wisely decorated with hues of blue and sand. The furnishings are comfortable but essential. There are two pools, one of which meanders through the garden at ground level, while the infinity one is on the first floor overlooking the ocean. A morning spent in the latter is worth the flight here. Down below, life on the beach, with tourists, merchants, fishermen, surfers and many others. Straight ahead the ocean. A light breeze makes the umbrellas vibrate and refreshes the few guests who decide to isolate themselves up here. The culinary choice goes from the all-day dining Tartine, to the beach café and bar Crust and then +36, the lobby lounge. International cuisine with loads of fish, even pizza and homemade
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ice cream. Some particular combinations may perhaps surprise guests with experimental flavours, leading them away from the obvious selections. The creative chef clearly has experience and potential which, in time, will become more and more refined. An ample gym with huge windows that look onto the garden is not missing. Adjacent is The Spa where capable therapists take care of guests with a selection of treatments which propose the best of Oriental traditions. Boracay is a lively young destination in rapid expansion. The atmosphere is still na誰f and recalls Bali or Phuket in the 80s. It should be seen now. Otherwise, the occasion to live a magical moment will be lost. The Lind is the right destination - in the middle of the action but at the same time isolated. Very glamorous.
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KENYA
A conquered land from the 12th century: first the Arab merchants and then the Omanis up to the English colonial period. The Bantu and Masai natives, present since the 17th century, are accustomed to visitors who are more or less peaceful. The coastal town of Malindi is a popular holiday destination, however Kenya is at its best in the parks in the interior
like the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara
TOP SAFARI | MASAI MARA
Here the big five are always on hand and the offering of lodges ranges from basic properties to those which are decidedly opulent and exclusive. Attention is always aimed at the territory and experiences available. Paola Di Girolamo presents us a lodge and a tent camp that are particularly special.
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Paola Di Girolamo
Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp
Safaris of long ago. A colonial-style camp reminiscent of the opulence of the beginning of the century. Crystal and porcelain objects on rugs in the savannah. Uncommon luxury with the fragrance of vintage.
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ere is how to create a unique and incomparable experience laced with adventure, life in the jungle and elegance. This is the objective Cottars Safari has proposed since 1920, the year when its founder launched a long tradition which continues even today with his heirs. Located in the heart of a natural reserve, it offers guests the extraordinary spectacle of a wild and uncontaminated natural setting. Far from the beaten path of mass tourism, the goal is to have guests relive the original spirit of the safari, re-creating for them the period of maximum splendor and ensuring luxury and quality. Expert guides lead them in the discovery of the flora and fauna in a mix of adventure, adrenaline and comfort but, of course, in absolute safety. Reserved for a precious few, the tents are spacious and elegantly furnished with original objects from the 20s. An attentive and discreet butler renders the stay pleasant, while expert guides are available for nighttime excursions.
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Paola Di Girolamo
Ride Kenya equestrian emotions at ol Donyo Lodge
On horseback in the Kenyan savannah, going from one tent camp to another, encountering dimension not even imaginable. An exclusive experience for real travellers, those in love with nature in her entirety.
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his is a movable camp organized by Patrick (American) and Nicola (English), who propose excursions on horseback at the ol Donyo lodge. The proposal works, the stables are complete, and now guests can choose Ride Kenya with excursions from ol Donyo lodge or as a safari experience in and of itself with luxury tents and five-star service. All this on horseback. If you love horses this is truly an exceptional occasion to discover Kenya, its grasslands and savannahs. Every camp (each one rigorously movable) is set up by the personnel before the arrival of the guests. The chef pampers the intrepid explorers with award-winning “camping� dishes, accompanied by a superb selection of South African wines. This is not an easy trip, and it is certainly suggested for those who have ridden horses for some time and who desire to exploit this method to discover the geography of this fascinating country.
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Lawrence Taylor
Loison
sweet Italian excellence
F ro m Vi cen za t h r oug h out t h e w or l d , t h e Ital i an co n fe c t i on a r y t r a d i t i on i s e xp or t e d to mo re th an 5 0 c oun t r i e s a r oun d t h e w o rl d. Panet t on i , p a n d or i , c ol om b e a n d butter co o ki e s: a st or y of e xc e l l e n c e .
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he history of Loison is one of a born pastry business that has remained loyal to its origins but knows how to move on the international market. Dario, who manages the business today, along with this wife Sonia, is the ambassador of a tradition which has never been abandoned. Age-old recipes, quality raw materials – some, in fact, the defenders of Slow Food – make the Loison products an example of excellence. The Mananara all-butter and vanilla cookies from Madagascar are particularly special. The flavours range from the classics and traditional ones to those with fruits and spices. They are little delights which come complete with an exclusive packaging: from the simple single portion to the little Cappelliere; from the precious Portadelizie to the degustation boxes. The names are enticing: Canestrelli, Maraneo, Favette, Bacetto, Zaletto and so on. The singleportion packages are very practical for hospitality properties. The packaging of Sonia Loison perfectly highlights these products of excellence which owe a lot to the Italian confectionary tradition, and it is for this very reason that they are greatly appreciated abroad.
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Ovidio Guaita
Leonidas
a sweet story
Leonidas chocolates are crafted using only the very finest fresh ingredients. Real Belgian chocolate, vanilla from Madagascar, oranges from Valencia and almonds from California‌ blended by the MaÎtre Chocolatier with over 100 years of Leonidas family knowhow.
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orn in Anatolia, Leonidas Kestekides represented Greece at the Brussels World Exhibition 1910, winning the bronze medal for his artisanal confectionery and… falling in love. Leonidas returned to Belgium two years later to marry his sweetheart Joanna. 1913 saw Leonidas win gold at The International Exhibition in Ghent. By 1924 Leonidas and his nephew Basilio had opened Pâtisserie Centrale Leonidas in Brussels. Their mission? To make fresh Belgian chocolates an affordable luxury for people to enjoy every day. Basilio registered Leonidas’ namesake - the Spartan warrior - as a trademark and took the helm as Maître Chocolatier. This heralded a period of expansion when shopfronts across Belgium were transformed to include the signature sash window, drawing crowds to see the family at work. The family continued the growth of Leonidas, taking their fresh Belgian chocolates into Europe and further expanding into America and Asia. Since then, Leonidas chocolates have only been made at the factory in Anderlecht, which remains Leonidas Headquarters today. The fresh pralines are then transported at controlled temperatures to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. In 2013 Leonida celebrated the centenary by being included on His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium’s list of official suppliers. Leonida now has more than 1,250 Leonidas chocolate shops and cafés in over 50 countries and the story continues with the fifth generation of the Leonidas family.
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hile travelling we carry with us a series of devices and relative accessories which require adequately organized and protected spaces. A tangle of cords to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras and so on often create havoc in a travel bag. Leitz Complete offers a range of portable, resistant and functional solutions for smartphones and tablets. Let’s start with the material. It is technologically advanced, non-staining and resistant. The lining protects the contents and the compartments help to organise, especially the transparent ones. The result is a full but organized bag, with everything in its place. Whether for work trips in a city hotel or a holiday in an exotic resort, the Leitz Complete line of bags is a superb and elegant aid for the traveller.
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Elsa Bozzaotra
Leitz Complete Green is beautiful. Leitz Complete, the bags for professionals on the move. Lightweight, practical, resistant and, of course, beautiful.
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in the next issue
Sicily Jeddah Manila and other exclusive destinations tested for you