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Colombo Da Nang Dubai Ras Al Khaimah Santiago Atacama Courchevel Zermatt Aosta Venezia

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Colombo Da Nang Dubai Ras Al Khaimah Santiago Atacama Courchevel Zermatt Aosta Venezia

N. 43 JANUARY 2014

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

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Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah

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Zermatt, Switzerland

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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, Editor-in-Chief

ff again! A new year, new trips and a new magazine, increasingly more useful for finding luxury that is TESTED and EVALUATED. A refined tool to help choose because there are so many five-star properties, however very few are excellent. Of course, if you are looking for low-cost solutions, Resorts Magazine is not for you. But since you have rewarded us with 33,000 subscriptions (1 November 2013), we will continue to propose the best in order to help you make a trip or stay an amazing and memorable event. If excellence is what you really want, without a guide with objective reviews you will, more often than not, risk low-service experiences, where cost is the only thing exclusive.

Courmayeur, Courchevel, Colombo, Ras al Khaimah, Atacama are just a few of the destinations in this issue. Distant places, different but united by quality. Experiences that our correspondents will describe and recommend.

Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!

26 32 36

TOP 10 Service Resorts

CITY HOTEL mbo Casa Colombo, Colo

BEACH RESORT , Da Nang Banyan Tree Lang Co

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46 54 60

UAE exclusive

BURJ AL ARAB Dubai

WADI BANYAN TREE AL Ras Al Khaimah

AL KHAIMAH BANYAN TREE RAS Ras Al Khaimah

BEACH

CHILE exclusive

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GRAND HYATT Santiago

E HOTEL DE LARACH a San Pedro de Atacam

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SKI exclusive

LE STRATO Courchevel

ZERMATT Zermatt

ELITE HOLIDAY Aosta

RM promotion

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E DANIELI WINE SUIT zia Hotel Danieli, Vene

S SILVERSEA CRUISE Caribbean

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2013

HOTEL COLONIALI

Questa directory offre uno strumento aggiornato e ragionato sulle possibili destinazioni per chi vuole soggiornare in città o nelle vicinanze.

Perché a volte non è solo questione di prezzo ma di attenzione al dettaglio, passione e gusto. E tra le soluzioni proposte non mancano appunto le sorprese.

T op 100 P l aces t o St ay i n

Flor en ce

2013

PP

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. Among the solutions proposed, surprises are not missing.

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.

Top 100

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and nearb y PalidanoPress

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D E S T I N A T I O N S

X, n. 43 January 2014

Editor in Chief Ovidio Guaita Senior Editor Lawrence Taylor Contributors Elsa Bozzaotra, Maria Coscarelli, Paola Di Girolamo, Marco Galli, Paolo Gerbaldo, Alessandra Jovinelli, Giuseppe Lai, Daniela Libero, Pamela McCourt Francescone Photos Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Roberto Sessoli , Mattieu Courtois, Maurent Brandaj, Apache Production, Thibault Jeanson, Kurt Mueller, Chez Vrony, Michael Portmann and published hotels and resorts Video for iPad and iPhone app Roberto Sessoli Graphic Design Niccolò Angeli www.niccoloangeli.com Layout Graphic Department Palidano Press IT Manager Riccardo Casano www.riccardocasano.com Public Relations Daniela Libero Subscriptions (12 issues per year) Italia 250 € 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 monthly publication © 2014 Palidano Press Ltd All rights reserved. Repruduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly forbidden.

ISSN 2043-6629

In copertina e a destra: Burj Al Arab, Dubai.

Our correspondents

All resorts published are choosen by the editorial staff and tested by our journalists-inspectors.

LAWRENCE TAYLOR In Ras Al Khaimah, from the beach to the desert.

PAOLO GERBALDO For the mountains special Paul visited Courchevel and Zermatt.

MARIA COSCARELLI Maria wrote the exclusive Chile special.

PAMELA MCCOURT In Sri Lanka, for a design hotel in Colombo.

MARCO GALLI Discovering the Danieli Wine Suite in Venice.

DANIELA LIBERO Daniela presents Elite Holiday, an exclusive tour operator in Aosta.

JOSﾃ右 MANCA

In Vietnam for a visit to the Banyan Tree Lang Co.

Zermatt Switzwerland

96 Courchevel France

92 Courmayeur Italia

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San Pedro de Atacama

Chile

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Santiago

Chile

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Our destinations

Dubai

Ras Al Khaimah

UAE

UAE

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Da Nang

Vietnam

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Colombo

Sri Lanka

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Firenze Cairo Luzern Milano Wien Riyadh Zanzibar Maroc Maldives Capri Chianti Ajman Addis Ababa

Firenze Cairo Luzern Milano Wien Riyadh Zanzibar Marrakech Essaouira Fès Casablanca Maldives Capri Chianti Ajman Addis Ababa

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Milano, Lisbon, Bali, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi, Biarritz, Dubai, Muscat

Bangkok Brussels Cusco Firenze Forte dei Marmi Jeddah Lisbon Machu Picchu Milano Muscat Riyadh Shanghai Chianti

Bangkok Brussels Chianti Cusco Firenze Forte dei Marmi Jeddah Lisbon Machu Picchu Milano Muscat Riyadh Shanghai Siena Telese Terme

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Milano Lisbon Bali Baku Kuala Lumpur Kota Kinabalu Langkawi Biarritz Dubai Muscat

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Ovidio Guaita

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g Kong 1. The Peninsula Hon ai 2. Burj Al Arab, Dub Bay rts Bali at Jimbaran 3. Four Seasons Reso dives ndaa Giraavaru, Mal La at rt so Re s on as 4. Four Se apore 5. Raffles Hotel Sing rt Bali at Sayan 6. Four Seasons Reso St. Moritz 7. Badrutt’s Palace, sia rt Langkawi, Malay 8. Four Seasons Reso Reap 9. Amansara, Siem s rt and Spa Maldive so Re a ic ot Ex aj .T 10

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at th e gu es t ul a Ho ng Ko ng th e t is at th e Pe ni ns llo ws an d th en th Ar ab in Du ba i fo Al n rj io Bu nt e te at Th e . er ed y. Pl ac es wh ar e be st tre at Ba n ra ba Jim at er ac es wh e so rt Ba li ex pe ct at io ns . Pl Fo ur Se as on s Re nd yo be g, in az te , am er e yo u wo ul d m ul tip lie s - di sc re e gu es t. Pl ac es wh th of s ed ne e th es th e st af f an tic ip at el at ho m e. fe to rn tu re ys al wa

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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 | casa colombo

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Pamela McCourt

Casa Colombo

ild extravagant brainch n ed b y a yo u n g C la ss ic al lin es h o

d es ig n er an d

u s Sr i ir ed b y th e fa m o sp in as w o h w r h o te lie B aw a to b re at h e y re ff eo G t ec it La n ka n ar ch -o ld d so m e 20 0- ye ar an h a to in e n ew lif m o u s G al le R o ad fa e th n o n o si p at ri ci an m an al . e Sr i La n ka n ca p it in th e h ea rt o f th

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C city hotel | casa colombo

travagant brainchild asa Colombo: the ex ’s classical beauty erved the building es pr o wh a, en as Jin r savvy travellers of architect Lalin M. o a luxury haven fo int it ing rn tu ile wh e and Moorish façad d comfort in excess. nt-chic interiors an ga ele y irk qu ing ek se in the m the floating beds are everywhere, fro s up at he d uc ke to pic al sic are ts im Jinasena’s wh pool, and gues ing m im sw ink s-p y-flos who delight in 12 suites, to the cand Casa Domo butlers e th of e on by n sti e Au me in Colombo. the airport in a vintag l this really is their ho fee em th ing ak m d pampering guests an s, whirling ceiling fan t on the garden has ou g l ta kin to loo ing ge ek un se Lo e for thos The long Library tan armchairs, and rat e bl rta fo m co d soft lighting an small spa. relaxation there is a ld ceilings and gold-leaf walls, go d an t en m ce th s wi e in silver, purple, There are 12 suite o are alike: they com tw no d an re itu rn fu separate living and purpose-designed lan and others with -p en d op e m so d, re copper bath tubs, an green, gold and cent free-standing nifi ag ing m at ve flo e ha y th s: an M sleeping areas. t-of-the-box creation ud.

Jinasena’s more ou e a glowing pink clo they all have one of seems to float abov it e ibl vis s leg no bed. With l and local cuisine. sion of internationa fu a is t ran tau res N ting gurus sitting on The menu in the HV cross-legged medita of o at sc fre s ou or m g fan does exactly wh One wall has a hu gous antique ceilin on m tily hu et e pr th d en rd an s, ga e puffy white cloud cube ZaZa Bar in th ould do. The glasssnacks are served y da e th g rin a humongous fan sh du d , an ow colours at night go tree. lights up with rainb agnificent old man m a of e ad sh e th in ol po k pin e beside th

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INFO HOTEL CASA COLOMBO a Colombo, Sri Lank bo.com

www.casacolom

12 Rooms 0 - Suites nts 2 ura sta Re Villas 0 a Spa Ariyanna Sp Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing 81 Score 87 nt me on vir En 95 Design 96 Service 86 e Cuisin 58 Health 53 a Sp 89 Rooms

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new resort | banyan tree lang co

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Josée Gontier Manca

o C g n a L e e r T n Banya under a big tree

l fi sh in g vi lla g es al sm f o ea ar In a re m o te d ri ve n g le , an h o u r’s ju le b ra et en p an d im g an d H u e, o n e an N a D f o s rt o fr o m th e ai rp s of an t to u ri st ar ea rt o p im st o m o f th e o. , La g u n a La n g C d te ea cr n ee b lu xu ry h as

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T new resort | banyan tree lang co

t has granted he local governmen to giving jobs to Tree commit itself an ny Ba at th n itio nd lage falls within the the land only on co is is because the vil Th a. are g din un rro in order to maximize the people of the su Co, created in 2007 ng La a. ay M an Ch tment to this rural are economic zone of gion and bring inves re e th in ism ur to the potential of the South e Lang Co Bay, facing th on s re ac 0 28 er read ov ree kilometers of Laguna Lang Co is sp tiful coastline of th au be its r fo s ou fam World Heritage China Sea. An area g and proximity to pin ca ds lan h lus s, ain l capital of Hue, with golden sand, mount am. The old imperia tn Vie d of ” gle an tri rfume River, is locate Sites in the “cultural pagodas on the Pe d an ive s dr ple ’s m ur te ho , bs an is its wealth of tom erchants of Hoi An endary city of old m not far inland. is , ple m te u nd to the north. The leg Hi site of hidden e th n, So y M d an to the south gsana hotel, the an Tree and an An ny Ba a s es lud inc rt so er, private residence Laguna Lang Co Re as, conference cent sp p, of ou gr re e tu Tre na ld an e wi other brand of Bany

by Sir Nick Faldo. Th lf course, designed erent itinerary go diff d ole -h an g 18 gin an d en an provide a chall to d ve er where the es pr en ro rice fields and cks, the place has be s, m ea str all sm , es h the tre which winds throug dscape. s alternate in the lan ain nt ou m e sea and th amese dynasties ritage of the Vietn he tic tis ar e th by ed g, 17 of which face The design is inspir beach of Canh Duon ul tif o. au be e th on mountains view als and has 49 villas e lagoon, with the th e of fac es r us he ho ot al 32 ion dit the beach, while (modeled on the tra in the pagoda style s and flowers. The nt pla al pic tro They all have roofs th wi en rd ga a d an e pool explore the ntre to discover and Hue), a private plung Ce ne ari M a a, Sp e an Tre hotel also has a Bany staurants. ina Sea and three re Ch h ut So e th of waters

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INFO HOTEL NG CO BANYAN TREE LA m tna Vie , ng Da Na .com

www.banytantree

0 Rooms 0 - Suites nts 4 ura sta Re Villas 49 Spa yes Children yes e

Chain Banyan Tre Affiliation none

Activities sea activities sightseeing and

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S P E C I A L

E M I R A T E S

We are back in the UAE to rediscover a classic property and another two almost new: The Burj Al Arab, for a decade now the icon of Dubai, its wealth, its eclectic

UAE

style; and the two Banyan Tree properties in the small emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one on the sea and one in the desert.

by Ovidio Guaita & Lawrence Taylor

Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah from

our journalists flew to Dubai with Oman Air via Muscat

SPECIAL | UAE

Rich in history and culture, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is an eco haven, resplendent with fertile plains set against the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Al Hajjar Mountains.

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Less-known destinations, only one hour of the UAE metropolis but far from traffic and nightlife. Here it is nature that dominates.

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Ovidio Guaita

BURJ AL ARAB Dubai

Arabian Enchantment

The Silver Seraph Rolls is white, immaculate, all chrome and mirror shiny. With the motor running, it patiently waits for me to exit the airport. It is almost blinding in the unforgiving sun of the Pirates Coast.

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SPECIAL | UAE

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n five minutes I am ready, thanks to the assistance of the concierge who welcomes guests at the airplane. The car silently slides along the liquid asphalt, passing through manicured lawns, Oscar-worthy intersections and the most costly “18 holer” in the world (if only due to the irrigation system). All the vegetation is some shade of green, alternating with palettes of flowers. “Music, Sir?”, the Pakistani chauffeur is insistent.

I almost do not realize that we have already arrived at the bridge.

Right, because the Burj Al Arab, “tower of the Arabs” is situated on an artificial island a few meters from the shore. Here comfort becomes prestige. That which one buys for its weight in gold, not the plated and ephemeral stuff of brochures. The limo speeds ahead in the preferential lane, by-passing the queue of visitors, and, in an inebriating succession of tire squeals, salutes and bows, I am catapulted into the lobby, amid gilded columns, Carrara mable with blue granite inserts from Bahia, wrapped in the inebriating fragrance of incense and Oud, the ancient and rare oily essence imported from the Indian colonies. An attendant,

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reminiscent of a candy box, offers me some dense and bitter Arab coffee served with a sweet, almost honey-like date. And amid musical fountains, water sculptures, aquariums and gilded lifts, I finally arrive in my suite.

In the dining room preparations are feverish. I requested a dish of crudités with muttabal, labneh and plenty of hummus. The champagne is a Cuvée Dom Perignon from 1990 - millésimé, of course. Ça va sans dire.

Selecting a place to eat at the Burj al Arab is a challenge since there is a great variety of venues. Two of the most exciting are Al Muntaha and Al Mahara. The view from Al Muntaha is extraordinary. While dining on Hand-cut Wagyu Beef Tartare or Poached Foie Gras Tranche in Spicy Duck Bouillon followed by Wild Sea Bass seared and glazed in “BBQ Grenobloise”or Sea Bream filled with Courgettes Skin Pesto, guests can enjoy vistas of the Palm Jumeirah or the “World” archipelago. Al Mahara, on the other hand, boasts a lunch menu which includes exquisite dishes such as Poached Tsarskaya Oysters and Confit Foie Gras in Fine de Champagne. The backdrop this time is a 990,000-liter aquarium which some of most exotic sea creatures on the planet call home.

All this opulence must not, however, translate into similar abundance in one’s physique. Thus the restaurants offer menus studied to delight the palate

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SPECIAL | UAE

without creating conflicts for the body. However, guests should make at least one visit to the Talise Spa, where, among exercise machines, jacuzzis, massages and everything else desirable, they will find great satisfaction.

It’s sunset when a small helicopter picks me up from the heliport suspended in the air on top of the tower. It will carry me to catch the Oman Air flight that will bring me back to Europe via Muscat.

Onboard the plane I have a suite with a real bed. A smiling flight assistant greets me with a glass of perfect Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 1995. In a moment we are in the air. It ‘s like the best of the Burj Al Arab, soothing me in the clouds. Outside it’s dark, but I know we’re over the desert, above those seemingly inhospitable and arid lowlands, with large salt flats, yet so humanly large and traditionally rich. Gold, oil, but also a lot of savoir faire. “Have a nice sleep sir”.

At sunrise the scent of coffee wakes me up. I have breakfast in bed with fine china and fine cutlery. A delicious warm croissant filled with bitter orange marmalade surprises me. We are already above the Adriatic Sea. “Please fasten your seat belts”. I enjoy a date. I had never had a sweeter one.

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INFO HOTEL BURJ AL ARAB Dubai, UAE www.burjalarab.com Rooms 0 - Suites 202 Villas 0 - Restaurants 4 Spa Assawan Spa Children yes Chain Jumeirah Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 97 Environment 97 Design 100 Service 100 Cuisine 100 Health 96 Spa 96 Rooms 100

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SPECIAL | UAE

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Lawrence Taylor

BANYAN TREE

Al Wadi

exclusive desert in Ras Al Khaimah Isolated, but not too much. Bedouin, but hightech. A place to get away from it all, a place for wellness and discovery of nature. An enchanted golden oasis in an ancient land.

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SPECIAL | UAE

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nly a 20-minute drive from the Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah resort on the coast, through the desert, across a roundabout and down a long path to the resort entrance.

This place is really crowded‌ crowded with sand dunes, that is! And with camels, falcons, horses, oryx gazelles. The central building looks huge, but once we get past the reception desk we come to a long pool surrounded by a restaurant, a bar, a big gym, a spa and the evocative Vitality Pool and Hammam.

The villas are placed among the sand dunes, arranged to ensure privacy. Each with its own opulent plunge pool, in strident contrast with its desert surroundings.

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SPECIAL | UAE

There’s plenty to do here. Falconry is one of the most popular activities. Working with these stupendous birds is always fascinating. Then there are the horses, with tours of the stables, riding lessons for both children and adults, sunset rides in the desert. Camel rides are also available. Then there’s archery, dune driving, sandboarding, desert safaris, and so on. And when you get back, the spa awaits you with the great Rainforest hydrothermal wellness itinerary.

The desert cloaks the resort in silence at night. It’s beautiful to stroll along its torch-lit paths on the edge of the desert.

Time seems to have stopped back in the days of the caravans.

But what luxurious caravans!

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INFO HOTEL

BANYAN TREE AL WADI Ras Al Khaimah, UAE www.banyantree.com Rooms 0 - Suites 0 Villas 101 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain Banyan Tree Affiliation none Activities desert excursions Score 84 Environment 87 Design 82 Service 80 Cuisine 80 Health 82 Spa 80 Rooms 94

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SPECIAL | UAE

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Lawrence Taylor

BANYAN TREE

Ras Al Khaimah Beach at the edge of the empire

Where the sun never sets, where there’s nothing to do but anything can be done.

Where you would never think you would find such luxury, a luxury made up of space, silence, and… sand.

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SPECIAL | UAE

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ur driver drops us off at a gazebo by the sea. A boat is on hand to take us to the private peninsula where the resort is built. 32 Bedouin tents, each with its own swimming pool, with plenty of privacy and an undefinable Arabian flair. As the big gossamer drapes of the tent waft in the cool breeze of the air conditioning rising from the floor, we indulge ourselves with a tray of dates and chocolates left on the desk to welcome us. Though healthy eaters might prefer to pick and choose from a basket of exotic fruit, something which is always a delight at these latitudes.

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Our private pool awaits us on the other side of a glass door. Our big private gazebo is furnished with a couple of chaise longues; the thin strip of sand forming the peninsula is perfect for going jogging, perhaps with a break at the spa on its tip, with pavilions over the sea.

We take a romantic sunset cruise on the bay. The purplish hues of the sky blend into the blue water. The champagne is on ice, and the strawberries are ready for dipping in melted chocolate. As we down our second glass the sun sinks into the sea, and as the boat heads back to the resort’s private dock, we realise just how far away we are from the rest of the world.

We get back just in time for our own private dinner on the sand. When we come ashore everything is ready and the chef awaits us. Night falls… and “the stars look down”.

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INFO HOTEL

BANYAN TREE RAS AL KHAIMAH BEACH Ras Al Khaimah, UAE www.banyantree.com Rooms 0 - Suites 0 Villas 32 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain Bnyan Tree Affiliation none Activities sea activities Score 77 Environment 73 Design 83 Service 78 Cuisine 70 Health 70 Spa 79 Rooms 87

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S P E C I A L

C H I L E

A paradise for nature lovers.

Unique landscapes, amazing and fascinating places. From the infinite and arid Atacama

CHILE

desert to the cold of the ice, the plains of the steppes of Patagonia.

text by Maria Coscarelli, photos and video by Roberto Sessoli

from

Santiago to Atacama

SPECIAL | chile

The silence of its unspoiled terrain surrounds travelers.

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The silence accompanies in their discovery, making the trip unforgettable.

Bet on it.

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Maria Coscarelli

GRAND HYATT

Santiago

an urban oasis

In an exclusive residential area discovering Santiago, starting with one of the best-known hotels in the country.

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urrounded by the Andean Cordillera, the Chilean capital welcomes guests in the elite suburb of Las Condes to one of its bestknown hotels, the Grand Hyatt. The hotel is a superb modern building with a central tower. At the sides are two perfectly symmetrical wings that house the 61 suites on the lower floors. Each of these has a name since they are dedicated to a famous writer or composer.

After a day of exploring Santiago, the reborn capital characterized by the contrast between colonial and modern architecture, guests gladly take refuge in the hands of the expert therapists at the Ako Wellness & SPA, an oasis of relaxation where time seems to stand still. Having finished your treatment, the choices for dinner are three: Japanese cuisine at Matsuri, Thai cuisine at the Anakena Market & Grill or, for lovers of fusion cuisine, the delights in the restaurant “Senso�. Here chef Ivan Didelof delights guests with Chilean and Mediterranean flavors. The attentive staff suggest traditional and unusual pairings with the wines in the cellar - touches that make dinner even more unique. The highlight of the restaurant Senso is, without a doubt, its wine list. Choosing among the many proposals is not easy and that is why in 2012 the wine collection was named among one of the best and most extensive.

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INFO HOTEL

GRAND HYATT SANTIAGO Santiago, Chile www.hyatt.com Rooms 310 - Suites 61 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa Ako Wellness and Spa Children yes Chain Hyatt Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 76 Environment 75 Design 84 Service 70 Cuisine 81 Health 68 Spa 75 Rooms 81

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Maria Coscarelli

HOTEL DE LARACHE San Pedro de Atacama at the foot of the Licancabur volcano

An oasis of luxury, the ideal place for those who love comfort combined with nature and sport, in the company of an incredible team.

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lose your eyes, breathe deep, let yourself be pampered by these warm rays of the sun. Enjoy the space and silence. This would be the perfect synthesis of Explora Hotel de Larache. What is interesting to Mr. Pedro Ibáñez, President and Founder of Explora, is to allow guests to travel in the deep south of Latin America, discovering what surrounds his three hotels, combining all this with the luxury of the essential. And it is precisely this which got his project under way and that has become the concept and philosophy of Explora: a company of local luxury, really Chilean.

Here every wish comes true. Travelling to the Explora Hotel de Larache, the Explora Patagonia or to the Explora Rapa Nui, means being pampered at any time of the day.

At Hotel de Larache guests do not even have to think. The fantastic group - referring to them as “équipe” would be too minimizing - takes care of every desire, be it horseback

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riding, hiking in the Andes, mountain biking, having a thermal bath at the Puritama Spa or simply a leisurely swim in one of the four pools available. Between one activity and another, it will be pleasant to taste the excellent dishes of chef Denise Grand, in which the combination of European flavors and those of the Southern Hemisphere is another pleasant surprise. Guests feel that they must take advantage of everything the hotel offers so that the goal of the Explora philosophy can continue to be realized: having guests live an unforgettable experience.

It is precisely for this reason that, after a holiday at Explora Hotel de Larache at Atacama, guests have only one thought: to visit the other properties in Patagonia or Rapa Nui.

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INFO HOTEL

EXPLORA ATACAMA HOTEL DE LARACHE San Pedro de Atacama, Chile www.explora.com Rooms 50 - Suites 4 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa Termas de Puritama Children yes Chain Explora Affiliation none Activities Each day guests can choose from a wide range of excursions. On foot or horseback, or by bicycle; a couple of hours long or a full day; gentle or more physically demanding.

Score 75 Environment 78 Design 87 Service 80 Cuisine 81 Health 80 Spa 60 Rooms 60

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S P E C I A L

M O U N T A I N

White Winter. Snow Palaces, synthesis of luxury, originality and art de vivre. Fine dining on the peaks. Kilometers of slopes. Alpine landscapes full of charm.

SKI

From the Savoy and the Valais via Valle d’Aosta, a short intense journey through the snow-covered Alps.

by Paolo Gerbaldo

Courchevel to Zermatt and Courmayeur from

SPECIAL | ski

Switzerland’s renowned international ski resorts, easily accessible using the handy Swiss Pass and the many mountain railways.

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Paolo Gerbaldo

HOTEL LE STRATO the pleasure of making guests happy

L e Strato transpo rts gue st s i n t o a w or l d of ins pi red el egan ce , c om b i n i n g gr e a t s k iing and extreme c om f or t .

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ôtel Le Strato in Courchevel (amid the Alps of Savoy), a pearl of the largest ski area in the Trois Vallées, has an important history which reflects the strong values of the Boix -Vives family: art, tradition and a taste for excellence. The name, in fact, is one of the most innovative ski resorts for the period in 1965, created by the Rossignol brand. Today the Hotel combines an extraordinary destination with a strong family entrepreneurial identity, begun in 1956 when Laurent Boix -Vives purchased Rossignol.

Great skiing and great comfort come together in one of the gems of the Courchevel hotel business. The interiors, a blend of style and emotions, are entrusted to Pierre Dubois and Aimé-Cecil Noury, known as Les Héritiers. The duo plays with historical periods, giving concrete shape to the idea of transversality which doses different periods and styles in a carefully studied manner. Everything is in line with the atmosphere of a charming residence.

The two-star restaurant is a pleasant parenthesis and is entrusted to a subtle alchemy between modernity and tradition, Mediterranean

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INFO HOTEL

LE STRATO Courchevel, France www.hotelstrato.com Rooms 2 - Suites 23 Villas 1 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes

inspirations and alpine influences, proposed by Sylvestre Wahid and crowned by pastry chef Jonathan Wahid. The menu, which modulates and highlights authentic and recognizable flavors, offers an exciting progression of sensations. Contrasting hues give the Spa a strong sense of relaxation, amplified by the view overlooking the mountains of Savoy.

The H么tel transports its guests to a world of inspired elegance.

An idea of pleasure lingers in dreamy Le Strato: the pleasure of making guests happy.

Chain none Affiliation none Activities mountain activities Score 84 Environment 80 Design 86 Service 82 Cuisine 98 Health 75 Spa 80 Rooms 86

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Paolo Gerbaldo

ZERMATT the magic of winter mountains

If you add to the charm of the Alps high quality restaurants, designer shops, a village without cars and many other proposals, it will not be difficult to convince even non-skiers to leave for Zermatt.

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ere in the Swiss canton of Valais, tourism, in fact, appeared in the early nineteenth century and exploded after Edward Whymper’s first ascent up the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865 .

If you are not wearing skis, there is still much to do: climb up Gornegrat at 3089 m to discover an exciting terrace on the Alps.

Another alternative is the underground funicular which reaches Sunega. From this sunny corner you can admire the main seductive attraction in Zermatt: the Matterhorn.

The mandatory walk unfolds along the Bahnhofstrasse. The evening continues, after the après-ski bar, with the delicious specialties of the restaurants.

Among the mountains awaiting you in the winter, Zermatt is a very valid representative.

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INFO

SVIZZERA TURISMO

www.myswitzerland.com VALAIS TOURISM www.valais.ch

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Daniela Libero

ELITE HOLIDAY

by DidiĂŠr Lacroix more than just skiing

Adrenaline and pampering, the right mix to experience the Alps in a special way. Elite Holiday makes you protagonists of your experience in the snow.

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aking up in a chalet with personalized service and after a day on the slopes - carefully chosen for the best snow - and winding up with a champagne tasting, immersed in the warm waters of Pré Saint Didier, really has its magic.

To achieve it every time is Didiér Lacroix, a World Cup athlete, who has created with Elite Holiday pure luxury applied to a mountain vacation. With Didiér everything takes place in maximum safety with the opportunity to live a unique experience with the assistance of a team of selected professionals available 24 hours day. Great attention is paid to every detail, from the red carpet when getting out of the mini-van, to the most up-to-date ski equipment, to the supply of wines, special dietary requirements, favorite chef and personal shopper.

Courmayeur, Chamonix, Megeve, Cervinia, Zermatt are the locations. The most demanding guests are definitely the Russians.

Hence, they are Didiér’s favorite because he speaks their language.

A true champion, Didiér loves challenges and satisfies the most

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incredible requests. The hotels and chalets are carefully selected. The fleet of helicopters for transfers and descents onto snow is among the most qualified in Europe.

You can ski in the breathtaking scenery of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, all peaks over 4000 meters high with ski and snowboard instructors, and mountain guides who leave nothing to chance. So much snow, sunshine and spectacular natural settings, but also dinners in castles, wellness in the most exclusive spas, the trendiest French DJ for private parties in Megeve.

If you have not yet imagined such a fanciful skiing holiday, Elite Holiday will propose one and amaze you with adrenaline and cuddles.

INFO

ELITE HOLIDAY Aosta, Italia tel. +39 333 7263533 www.eliteholiday.net Services personal tour leader, skiing or snowboarding, heli-skiing, wine tasting, shopping tour, hot air balloon, sled dogs, medieval dinners, ice karting

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RM

promotion

Danieli Wine Suite, Venezia

novitĂ &eccellenze rm promotion

Danieli Wine Suite a space dedicated to wine lovers

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Marco Galli

INFO HOTEL

HOTEL DANIELI Venezia, Italia www.danielihotelvenice.com

Danieli Wine Suite is designed to give life to a space reserved for wine lovers, transversally from amateurs to connoisseurs, against an exclusive and spectacular backdrop overlooking the Basin of San Marco, inside an icon of Italian hospitality: the Danieli Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Venice. A cozy room, equipped in the best way for wine tasting, features a wine cellar with selected Italian and international labels. It will be available not only to hotel guests, but also and especially for wine lovers passing through Venice.

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novitĂ &eccellenze rm promotion

Winter Cruises Winter under the Caribbean sun with the unique Silversea cruises.

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Paolo Gerbaldo

INFO CRUISE

silversea Monte Carlo, Monaco www.silversea.com

Representing the best of their refined universe, creating a perfect rapport between life at sea and a cosmopolitan atmosphere which is chic, intimate and prestigious, the ships of the Silversea fleet lead travelers to discover known and less-known places. All the charm and romance in the magic of the cruise can become reality for those who are in search of hot climates, simply taking advantage of the Caribbean cruises in January and February.

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in nesxt issue

Cambogia, Bhutan and other exclusive destinations tested for you