Resorts Magazine 53

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RESORTS MAGAZINE

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D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 53 NOVEMBER 2014

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NEW YORK PHNOM PENH SIEM REAP BANGKOK CHIANG MAI GOLDEN TRIANGLE LANAII HONOLULU

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Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai

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Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok

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Four Seasons Resort Lanai’i at Manele Bay

A

EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, Editor-in-Chief

Kahala Hotel, Honolulu

look out over the Pacific is satisfying not only for the subtle curvature of the Earth which on clear days can be appreciated with the sighting of ships, but it is especially pleasing if we pause for a moment to consider the distance that separates us from the mainland, particularly when we turn to the West. We haven’t been to Oceania often. It is quite a distant destination for European travelers and not really recommended for those with limited time available. However, in this issue we propose Hawaii with a stopover in New York, perhaps even in the pre-Christmas season. Stopovers have become trendy. They are a destination in the destination, helping to amortize the cost of the ticket and at the same time make the journey less tiring.

If you have time, you can always continue towards Asia for Cambodia and Thailand and return from the East. With a round-the-world ticket costs are optimized, you earn miles ... but most of all you enjoy the curvature of the earth

Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!

CONTENTS

24

TOP 10 suites

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

HAWAII exclusive

36 40 48 56

L & RESORT

THE KAHALA HOTE Honolulu

SORT AT MANELE

FOUR SEASONS RE Lanai’i

BAY

ELE RT THE LODGE AT KO FOUR SEASONS RESO Lanai’i

ES AMERICAN AIRLIN ass Cl the new Business

CONTENTS

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CAMBODIA exclusive

ROYAL RAFFLES HOTEL LE Phnom Penh

NGKOR

74

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

TEL D’A RAFFLES GRAND HO Siem Reap

THAILAND exclusive

90 96 104

CONTENTS

TEL FOUR SEASONS HO Bangkok

SORT FOUR SEASONS RE Chiang Mai

NTED CAMP FOUR SEASONS TE Golden Triangle

Royal Palace, Bangkok

THE ONLY THING TO EXPECT IS EXCELLENCE

Featured: HD 800 headphones (main) and HDVD 800 headphone amplifier (below)

Sound can’t be sold to you in a catalogue, or explained in a sentence – it’s something you have to experience. Which is why you’ll only be able to find our most exclusive headphones at Club Orpheus retailers.

And the specialists you’ll find there are as obsessed with quality as you are; their knowledge, experience, first-class service and the exclusive products they give you access to have all been designed for one reason – to find you the sound you’ve been searching for.

We promise an experience you won’t forget.

To find out more about Club Orpheus, please visit: sennheiser.co.uk/cluborpheus

facebook.com/sennheiseruk @Sennheiser_UK

CONTENTS

NEW YORK exclusive

114 120 124 128

W YORK CHRISTMAS IN NE events & shopping

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TA MANDARIN ORIEN New York

THE LANGHAM PL New York

ACE

RK ANOTHER NEW YO nnucci Va ra in the pictures of Cla

The Rockefeller Center, New York

RM

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TAP Bom Dia Lisboa

lifeStyle

www.palidano.com

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

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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Top 100

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PalidanoPress

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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. 53 November 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, Hasrudin Tazep Photos Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Clara Vannucci, Roberto Sessoli, HVCB, www.nycgo.com 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) 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. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

ISSN 2043-6629 www.resorts.it

Cover: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai; right Four Seasons Resort Lanai’i at Manele Bay

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

OVIDIO GUAITA In Hawaii and then in New York on the wings of the new American Airlines.

LAWRENCE TAYLOR On the back of an elephant in Thailand, in the Golden Triangle.

HASRUDIN TAZEP In the Cambodian capital between history and modernity.

PAOLO GERBALDO At the legendary Grand Hotel d’Angkor in the footsteps of the great travelers of the past.

ELSA BOZZAOTRA The 10 finest suites in the world in the ranking presented by Elsa.

PAOLA DI GIROLAMO Paola reviews the photographic book by Clara Vannucci.

New York

USA

114,120 124

Honolulu

USA

36 Lanai’i

USA

40, 48

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Our destinations

Golden Triangle

Thailand

104 Chiang Mai

Thailand

96 Bangkok

Thailand

90

Siem Reap Cambodia

74 Phnom Penh Cambodia

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

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D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 45 MARCH 2014

Saint Petersburg Tbilisi Andermatt Genève Lausanne Ascona Weggis Zürich Lugano Oberlech

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

N. 43 JANUARY 2014

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

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Saint Petersburg Tbilisi Andermatt Genève Lausanne Ascona Lugano Weggis Zürich Oberlech Punta Ala

The >Chedi, Andermatt

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M O S T

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D E S T I N A T I O N S N. 49 LUGLIO 2014

Mi la no Tal l in Vil ni us Ri ga S ai nt -Tr op ez S ard eg na C osta N avari n o 49 8

W O R L D ’ S

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MAGAZINE

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Su Cologone, Sardegna

www.resorts.it

TOP 10 | SUITES

Top

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10 suites

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ites the most beautiful su

Elsa Bozzaotra

Abu Dhabi 1. Emirates Palace, ai 2. Burj Al Arab, Dub el Firenze 3. Four Seasons Hot acau 4. Crown Towers M , Dubai 5. Atlantis The Palm g Kong 6. The Peninsula Hon ei & Country Club, Brun 7. The Empire Hotel Palace, Jodhpur 8. Taj Umaid Bhawan apore 9. Raffles Hotel Sing ce, Rio e Janeiro 10.Copacabana Pala

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P TOP 10 | SUITES

th in g th at

sl ee p is th e la st to es ac pl t an le as th e Em ira te s ul su ite s ar e at tif au be t os m e Th , m or e th an an y co m es to m in d. th e on es w hi ch e ar l ey Th i. ab an d te ch no lo gi ca Pa la ce in Ab u Dh , se r vi ce , de co r ze si in r ei ab th r Ar fo Al e rj ot he rs , su r pr is th os e at th e Bu x t in lin e ar e s at th e Fo ur ite su e th eq ui pm en t. Ne to es e th ird pl ac e go a ca rd in al .

D ub ai , w hi le th er re si de nc e of m r fo e th , ce en Fl or pt io n to th e S ea so ns Ho te l in t y an d, w ith ex ce er op pr an pe ro Eu r ei gh t in th e Th is is th e on ly Ja ne iro , th e ot he de r io R in ce la nt er of gr av it y fo Co pa ca ba na Pa si gn th at th e ce a st Ea e th in ra nk in g ar e al l or ab ly sh if tin g. sp ita lit y is in ex ex ce lle nc e in ho

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S P E C I A L

H A W A I I

HAW

A mythical destination isolated in the middle of the Pacific. An archipelago

WAII which has always been synonymous

with vacationing, but that has much

more to offer. A century of tourism has left these volcanic rocks almost intact.

We went to see them again on the wings of the renewed American Airlines.

SPECIAL | HAWAII

Let’s forget the beaches to find a natural setting characterized by a strong personality and grandeur.

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Lush vegetation, volcanic rocks and tropical fruits.

Wrapped in warm hospitality.

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SPECIAL| HAWAII

Big waves for surfing, endless shopping opportunities, excellent food (especially meat) and tradition. Hawaii exceeds expectations and clichĂŠs. It is gratifying and surprising.

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In Honolulu you visit the royal palace.

A piece of history witness to an intriguing past.

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Ovidio Guaita

Honolulu

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Just outside of Honolulu, behind a large crater, in a quiet bay lies this resort. The view is definitely one of the best selling points of the structure.

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I

n town but away from th e hu st le an d bustle. Dr ivin g alon g th e coast en j oy in g a sl ig ht breeze, th e scen ar ios c h an ge contin uously an d in a moment we are beyon d downtown Hon olulu an d h ave ar r ived at th e K ah ala. I t is n ot a n ew str uc ture but is sit u ated in a super b position . I t over look s a small an d ver y pr ivate bay. Th e beac h is pleasant alth ough in th e end th e pool is th e ch oice of most of th e guests. A small p ro m ontor y covered with palm trees an d c rossed by a p at h j uts out into th e sea an d invites you for a pleasant wal k - espec ially at sun set, h en ce your souven ir ph oto is rea lly a postcard.

I mm er sed in th e garden th ere are some tan k s reser ved for dolph in s. Th e dedicated staff willin gly enter tain s guests by sh owin g off th e abilit y of th ese fant a stic mammals th at per mit caresses, j ump an d dive in exc h an ge for fish th ey th en receive as a reward.

C hil d ren an d adults alike are fasc in ated an d we too do no t m iss th e appointment.

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INFO HOTEL

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Lawrence Taylor

on the island of pineapples

Four Seasons Resort Lanai’i at Manele Bay In a bay protected from the big waves of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by a golf course perched on the rocks, arises this enchanted place.

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t is up high, overlooking the sea, near but isolated. This is the golf course at Manele Bay. The view extends for tens of kilometers, up to where the blue of the sky merges with that of the sea. It seems impossible, but only half an hour before we landed on this island greeted by a rain more reminiscent of Wales than Hawaii. These are the miracles of a micro-climate that causes two distinct seasons on this tropical island.

Rooms and suites have been recently renovated and the look is very contemporary. Natural materials, lots of wood tones from beige to brown connect witih the natural setting of the place. Crafts and works by local artists identify the place and communicate a sense of belonging. The view is captivating everywhere.

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The recently- open ed N obu is adj acent to th e wellk nown For t y On e, th e Amer ic an steak restaurant th at o ffer s tr ue emotion s with classic c uts th at reveal a tender n ess an d flavor rarely foun d. Th e An gus B eef Filet M ignon was our favor ite, but th e An gus B eef NY Str ip was n ot far beh in d. A five - cour se tastin g men u offer s a successful mar r iage bet ween lan d an d sea wh ic h is still quite light.

The n ex t day it is a must to take a walk in th e G arden o f t h e G ods, a n ame wh ic h contrasts greatly with th e l unar lan dscape of red ear th an d volcan ic rock s - all a ston e’s th row from wh at was lon g on e of th e largest p ineapple plantation in th e Pac ific.

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INFO HOTEL

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Lawrence Taylor

the Hawaii you would never expect

Four Seasons Resort Lanai’i at Koele Very British landscapes - never too hot - lush vegetation and flowers everywhere. An exclusive hermitage surrounded by century-old trees.

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15/20-min ute sh uttle r i d e s e p a rate s M anel e Bay fro m The Lo dge at Koele.

Th e d i s t a n ce i s no t great, af ter al l t he islan d of L an ai i s s m a l l, ye t i t l o o ks l ike ano t her co nt inent. M an ele B ay i s a s t ropical as t his l o dg e is co ntin ental an d Nord i c. Th e l a rg e l o b by is do minated by mon umental f i re p l a ce s. Woo d and sto ne wed w it h h an dmade f u r n i t u re a n d war m co l o rs as at a co untr y estate.

From t h e l a rg e w indows o ne can see a lan dsc ape of m a n i c u re d f i e l ds and cent ur y- o l d t rees. S udden ly th e re a p p e a r s a C hinese -st yl e g azeb o an d a little f a r t h e r on a Vic to r ian greenho u se, al l w h ite an d full of orc h i d s. H int s o f dist ant wo r l ds t hat en r ich th e ex p e r i e n ce of a rel axing st ay.

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Horseback riding, mountain biking and golf are the favorite activities of the guests. Here the 18-hole golf course winds through the woods with views that unfold at each passage. The gradients are gentle and challenge players with different difficulties. In absolute peace one gets in tune with the rhythms that we had forgotten and that prepare us for spa treatments. Finally, dinner at The Terrace, where the executive chef Eren Gur yel presents a menu of meat where the grill dominates, along with herbs and vegetables from his garden.

On the lawn out front the last squirrels chase each other before retiring to their dens, while we move to the fireplace in front of which we chat, enjoying a good Irish whiskey.

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Ovidio Guaita

Flying in a suite the new beds on American Airlines

After returning from Hawaii we tried the new Business and First Class between Los Angeles and New York. A new product, contemporary, harbinger of excellence.

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SPECIAL | HAWAII

September 18, the flight AA12 from Los Angeles to New York is on schedule. We take advantage of the totems to print our boarding pass and then relax in the large lounge reserved for premium-class passengers. The priority boarding gives us time to settle onboard and enjoy a chilled prosecco.

At 11 o’clock we leave the gate. While making the approach to the runway we get comfortable with the new seats - decidedly roomy. Touch screens with an excellent choice of entertainment, including many new films. And then, surprise, even in Business, seats that recline to 180 degrees, offering a comfortable bed even for people like me. I’m 1m 88cm tall.

The stewardesses continue without respite: first the amenity kit, then the menu and then the Bose noise- canceling headphones. If we consider that many frequent flyers now buy them (like myself), knowing that you do not have to bring them along is a real bonus. At noon lunch is served. We had already booked our pasta dish on the website. It is served with a superb cabernet sauvignon 2011 from Napa Valley.

The onboard wi-fi keeps us connected. Hence if we want to work we can. However, we indulge ourselves with chocolates and a glass of prosecco, viewing the latest X-Men on our large personal screen. The superb Bose headphones are captivating and totally isolate us. We almost miss the fact that we are beginning our descent. New Jersey is below us and in a moment we’ll be at the Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle for dinner.

What we found is really a new American Airlines. Very contemporary, refined, attentive to the new needs of demanding travelers. A must try.

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INFO

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CAMB S P E C I A L

C A M B O D I A

ODIA

A new country in an ancient land.

The exuberant natural setting is the boundary for what man has built. A history both noble and tragic at the same time has shaped a nation that is only now achieving well-being.

SPECIAL | CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh is not beautiful but fascinating - from the moment you cross the threshold of the Raffles Le Royal or when you visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum.

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The French colonial style dominates in the capital.

The contrast is strong with the traditional Khmer architecture.

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Angkor is not just Angkor Wat, the main temple - for many the largest religious building in the world - it is a vast expanse of temples buried in the forest and some yet to be discovered which testify to the splendor of a civilization that developed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries,

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becoming one of the largest in Southeast Asia. A visit that is involving, fascinating, and one that makes us think.

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Hasrudin Tazep

Phnom Penh

Raffles Hotel Le Royal colonial style Khmer hospitality The graceful old colonial buildings which compose the hotel frame a courtyard where guests can enjoy blissful tranquility, immersed in a luxuriant tropical garden complete with an inviting swimming pool.

SPECIAL | CAMBODIA

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t al l st ar t s w hen yo u are met by th e ai r p or t re ce p t io nist s w ho acco mp any yo u to th e sleek s h i ny b la c k B M W ser ies 7, o ffer yo u a co ld towel an d a re f re s h i n g d r ink , w ishing yo u a p l easant stay at th e R a f f l e s ( b u t a R o l l s-R oyce is al so avail ab le) . I t is j ust a s h or t t r i p to t he b eginning o f t he t ree -lin ed allée wh i c h l e a d s to t he p o r te co chere o f t his for midable “gra n d e d a m e”. The wel co me is co rdial and th e c h ec ki n e f for t le s s. I n no t ime yo u are in t he cha r min g room re s e r ve d for you. The deco r is a t astefu l b l en d of K h mer, Ar t D e co a n d French co l o nial. Al l aro und th e rooms are i m p re s s i ve o b jet s d ’ar t designed by loc al ar tisan s expressly for the R affl es. The hotel, with its gleaming

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white marble floors, has a total of 170 guest accommodations.

These include State Rooms, Landmark Rooms and Suites, Executive Suites and the delightful Personality Suites. One of the latter was the choice of Jacqueline Kennedy when she visited Cambodia back in 1967. Today it is decorated with memorabilia of her stay. For guest who want to stay in shape during their stay, Raffles Le Royal boasts the Amrita spa which includes a well-equipped gym.

There are a number of dining options at the Raffles, but the favorite is certainly the fine dining restaurant Le Royal, where guests can enjoy the best of Khmer and classic French cuisine.

The Elephant Bar is, of course, a must for before and after dinner drinks.

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INFO HOTEL

RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL Phnom Penh, Cambodia www.raffles.com Rooms 133 - Suites 37 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa Raffles Amrita Spa Children yes Chain Raffles Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score Environment Design Service Cuisine Health Spa Rooms

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Paolo Gerbaldo

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Siem Reap revisiting the history of a place Style and comfort are the current wealth of the Grand Hotel which plays its card of colonial charm well while adding extreme modernity to it.

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affles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. The name immediately evokes many things: mystery, exotic charm, the great tradition of hospitality, colors and landscapes of the East. Arriving at the Raffles is the start of a transit from the archaeological wonders of the Khmer civilization to the exquisite French colonial style that characterizes the hotel built - in its original nucleus - in 1932 a few kilometers from the impressive area of temples-royal palaces scattered in the forest.

Style and comfort are the current wealth of the Grand Hotel that plays its card of the colonial charm well while adding extreme modernity to it. Surrounded by a large park,

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the Grand Hotel revisits the history of the place, preserving its atmosphere right from the welcoming lobby. The excellent mix of art deco and local magic characterize the interiors. A contemporary score of the identity of Raffles is the cuisine punctuated by the encounter between delicious local flavors and more elaborate international gastronomic proposals.

Opening on to the large swimming pool, the first of Siem Reap, the Spa is a relaxing space in which the achievement of the multifarious equilibrium between body and spirit is revealed. The extremely beneficial treatments are performed in intimate rooms and are in tune with the tone of the place.

A sophisticated timeless elegance makes the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor an icon of a journey to the East.

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THAI

S P E C I A L

T H A I L A N D

LAND Ancient Siam, the only kingdom in south-east Asia never colonized.

Here the story merges with the future, Buddhism is the basis of the culture and the sovereign, according to Forbes, is one of the richest men in the world.

SPECIAL | THAILAND

Gold and gold paint dominate the architecture and religious art. They reflect light, enhance and stand out.

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The envoys, Lawrence and Ovidio - among elephants, temples and tented camps - tell us about the best of Siam.

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It is in the thirteenth century that the Siamese civilization affirms itself among the Thai people of the time. Various ruins of ancient temples and palaces of brick can be visited in different parts of the country. However, what remains intact

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is by far the main attraction for visitors and is able to witness to the different styles and periods.

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Lawrence Taylor

Bangkok

Four Seasons Hotel a hotel with a garden Superb views overlooking the green areas of the city, close to the main monuments and the financial district.

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ot new but beautifully maintained, this Four Seasons welcomes guests, pampering them in every way immaginable. From the reception at the airport to the transfer by limousine with wi-fi to the arrival at the porte cochere to the room check-in, guests feel that they are the center of attention at every moment. The famous “focus on the guest� here takes the form of perfect service which is available only at this longitude.

The large lobby is welcoming. Large paintings stand out on the ceiling and on the walls of the monumental staircase.

They were specially made by a local artist just before the inauguration, when the hotel was still a Regent. At the center of the building lies a large tropical garden with a fountain, a surrounded by a shopping arcade with restaurants and a bar. It is in the open air but still within the hotel.

The choice of restaurants is embarrassing, especially if you have not already planned a long visit to the gym the

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next morning. The Spice Market is informal, like a local store, and has lots of Thai food. But, as often happens now, it is in a contemporary version, measuring spicy and Western influences.

The result is highly effective. Biscotti is the Italian restaurant, open kitchen, very contemporary. It has a chef ’s table for eight, always in great demand. Finally, the Madison, a fine dining steakhouse with a large fireplace for cognac after dinner.

In Bangkok, the choice of exclusive hotels is not lacking, but, searching for service and tradition, this is a safe bet.

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Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Thai grace and elegance Combine the grace and elegance of the Thai culture and the service of Four Seasons and what do you get? A fairytale holiday or business trip, of course.

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ro m t he w indow o f our suite, we c a n s e e a li l y p o nd. Ob ser ving at tent ivel y, you will see hy p n ot i z i n g r i pp l es created by a g ent l e breeze. Just o n t h e ot h e r s ide is an o l d-fashio ned wo oden pavilion u s e d for yoga l esso ns in t he mo r ning an d romantic din n e r s i n t h e evening. Sur ro unding t he pon d is th e m os t lu x u r i a nt greener y S o u t heast As ia can offer.

Lo ok i n g b e yon d t he water yo u w il l find el egant wooden an d s ton e s t r uc t u res used as g uest accommodation s.

Th e y ra n ge i n s ize fro m sp acio u s sing l e rooms to regal re s i d e n ce s t h at even t he mo st discer n in g traveler s wou l d b e h a p py to o ccu py du r ing a sp e cial h oliday.

Th i s i s t h e Fou r S easo ns R eso r t C hiang M ai, a proper t y f i t for roya l t y.

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To s t a r t t h e d a y g u e s t s h a v e a v a r i e t y o f b r e a k f a s t options.

O n e o f t h e m o s t e x c i t i n g , h o w e v e r, i s breakfast in a pavilion at the edge of the lily pond. In a very elegant setting guests are served a delectable selection of everything from fresh exotic fruit, cereals, smoked salmon, and Asian breakfast specialties to delicious fresh pastries.

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Perhaps, the best way to pamper oneself during a stay in this tropical paradise is to visit The Spa. We tried the Royal Lanna Signature Body Massage. It includes a silk glove caress to release tension, the use of special rejuvenating oils with mangosteen extract for firming and antioxidant effects. And for a final regal touch, pure gold leaf is applied to the hands and third eye.

While there are also a number of delightful dining o p t i o n s , c e r t a i n l y t h e m o s t t h r i l l i n g i s t h e C h e f ’s Ta b l e . G u e s t s a r e s h o w n h o w t o c o o k a f o u r - c o u r s e Thai meal and then, in the company of the chef, they consume the dishes that have been prepared.

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Lawrence Taylor

Four Seasons Tented Camp

Golden Triangle

on the back of Boon Maa In the northeast of Thailand lies a jungle retreat that affords the opportunity to experience all the wild adventure of the jungle while basking in the luxury comforts of the best five-star resorts.

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heck-in for malities are br i e f a n d s oon we are in o u r tent- and w h at a tent. I t i s f u r n i s h e d i n a fashio n reminiscent o f t h e exploration s a f a r i s of t h e e ar l y 1900s o f ten seen in films: leath er an d wood e n c h airs, b rass washb asins, han gin g lanter n s be s i d e s m i r ror s framed w it h u nhew n wo o d, local in sec ts an d b u t te r f li e s exhib ited in l arg e cases m ade of wood an d gl a s s. Th ere is even a hug e b at ht ub with brass f i x t u re s i n t h e center o f t he ro o m. H owever, th is is all m os t ly to c re ate t he t hr il l ing at mo sp here of th e j un gle.

I n re a l i t y, t h i s tent co u l d no t b e mo re comfor table. I t ha s a l l of t h e mo der n co mfo r t s l u xu r y t raveler s expec t: ai r con d i t i on i n g, ab u ndant ho t and co l d run n in g water, a ve r y p r i vate and excit ing o utdo o r shower an d even a toi l e t t h at re cal l s a smal l reading ro o m. Th ere is a we ll - e q u i p p e d mini-b ar w it h snacks an d ever y th in g yo u n e e d to m ake ever y co ckt ail in t he b ook . Th e most re f i n e d a m e n i t ies are al so o n hand.

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G u e s t s c a n cho o se to st ay o n t he magn ificent ter race of t h e i r te nt a n d watch t he l az y r iver fl ow by, go on j un gle exc u r s i on s to st ay in shap e o r l ear n to be a mah out, a p e r s on s k i ll ed in t raining and managin g eleph ants. We p rob a b l y d i d no t b eco me exp er t s at th is ar t dur in g our s t ay, b u t t h e ac t ivit y is t ru l y excit ing an d fun . S k illed staff t a u ght u s a ll we needed to k now to t ho rough ly en j oy r idin g a n d i nte ra c t i n g w it h t hese giant, yet g entle creatures. For gu e s t s e a g e r to k now mo re ab o u t el eph ants, Four S eason Te nte d Ca m p G o l den Tr iang l e is t he per fec t place to do s o b e c a u s e t he reso r t s wo r ks w it h t h e G olden Tr ian gle As i a n E le p h a nt Fo u ndat io n to care fo r an d protec t th ese exce p t i on a l a nimal s. This is an exp er ie n ce guests will n ot re gret.

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INFO HOTEL

FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP Golden Triangle, Thailand www.fourseasons.com Rooms 0 - Suites 0 Tents 15 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children no Chain Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities elephant drive, jungle excursions Score Environment Design Service Cuisine Health Spa Rooms

87 100 90 90 83 65 78 100

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C H R I S T M A S

I N

N E W

Y O R K

NEW

YORK On November 27th, Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place and Christmas begins. A festival of lights, events, shopping and other urban pleasures that make Christmas here unique and memorable.

SPECIALE | NATALE A NEW YORK

On December 3rd, the tree is lit in Rockefeller Center. The Empire State Building will offer a performance of LED lights and

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those who visit the 86th floor observatory will be able to attend a number of shows. The most popular markets

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are in Union Square, Columbus Circle and Bryant Park.

Do not miss a tour of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, where residents decorate the façades of their houses with fantasy and extravagance. At Radio City Music Hall the Christmas Spectacular will be held; at Lincoln Center,

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the Big Apple Circus , and at the American Museum of Natural History you can admire a large tree made of origami.

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Ovidio Guaita

Angie’s Kingdom

Mandarin Oriental Location, decor, service, spa and cuisine make this city hotel one of the best destinations in the city. Many surprises await, starting with the Asiate restaurant, governed by chef Angie Berry.

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he stained glass windows from floor to ceiling, on a clear September evening, offer an exciting light show, emphasized by the height of the 35th floor. The tasting menu we chose at the Asiate restaurant calls for a combination of international wines. The cellar is, in fact, a strong point, in addition to the seasonal menu and ingredients from kilometer zero or nearly so. Chef Angie Berry is an eclectic, traveler and artist with a keen sense of color. She defines her cuisine as “American contemporary” but there is contamination and this enhances the result. She does not like creams, or better, soups and reductions. Few ingredients, flavors, delicately connected by herbs and spices. Take the delicate foie gras in duck broth, or the tender wagyu (American), enhanced by a delicate cherry reduction with smoked mashed potatoes. The wines alternate as the night flows far beneath us.

Although dessert shows off pairings which are a bit“bold”, the experience is worth the visit and is an invitation to return to discover the winter menu.

The Mandarin Oriental in New York has just had its tenth anniversary.

Located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, it offers a view of the Central Park from all of its rooms and suites. The style is very contemporary with Asian accents, even more so in the spa, which is strongly inspired by the traditions of the East. Light dominates and the view completes the decor. It is now well into the night when we leave the restaurant. Satisfied but not satiated. Some of you have experienced a brilliantly artistic cuisine, American but not too much (thankfully), moderately healthy, highly contemporary.

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Ovidio Guaita

contemporary luxury on Fifth Avenue

The Langham Place Not large, w el l l o cate d , v e r y u niqu e . Co n tempo r a r y, e l e g a n t a nd refi ned.

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n New Yor k , it is n ot d i f f i c u lt to g e t a g o o d view, co nsider ing th e n umber of s k ys c ra p e r s. A l it t l e mo re difficul t is havin g a good ad d re s s, a n d the Lang ham Pl ace is ver y good: 4 0 0 Fi f t h Ave n u e in M idtow n M anhat t an. On ce th rough th e e nt ra n ce t he qu al it y o f t he fur nishings an d decor s u r p r i s e s. A lo t o f wo o d to nes var ying b e t ween beige an d b rown . Ever y w here l arg e w indows to en j oy th e v ie w. Th e s u i tes are sp acio u s. Tho se at th e cor n er s wi t h t wo wi n dows t hat al l ow t he eye to wan der over Fi f t h Ave n u e a re p ar t icu l ar l y so u g ht af ter.

At t h e L a n gham Pl ace Sp a g u est s ca n relax with hyd rot h e ra py in t he Aqu a Lo u ng e, o r t he y can en j oy a 6 0 - 9 0 m i n u te massag e. Ano t her o p t io n is a facial with a m a s k of m a r ine co l l ag en, o r a Thal g o Ox ygen Facial, d e s i gn e d to cont rast t he aging o f t he sk in c aused by u r b a n a i r p oll u t io n.

And finally, dinner at the Michelin-star restaurant Ai Fiori. Mediterranean Food, and French and Italian Riviera, the result of the creativity of chef Michael White.

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Bail Bond unpublished New York in the pictures of Clara Vannucci

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Paola Di Girolamo

A journey through the risky areas of New York City, far from the glamorous and chic Manhattan of the TV series. A maze of blind alleys and dark corners, where there is neither sunlight nor the heat of hope.

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fascinating and dangerous journey through the city and the soul in their darkness, played out on the edge of legality, where men are guarantors of other men and bounty hunters live their high-adrenaline lives, amid chases and ambushes.

Clara Vannucci has followed them in their arduous and extensive search on the trail of those fleeing the law or, perhaps, more simply, just running away from themselves and from a reality of despair and loneliness. Pictures that recount frail humanity, hiding behind a mask of violence and thick layers of indifference, amid the chaos of the city that never stops. Bitter and difficult stories in which sometimes arrives, unexpectedly, a gift of life - such as the birth of a little daughter to remind us that it’s never too late for a new start.

A journey that takes us into ourselves, into the depths of our conscience, where the line between good and evil is more subtle. Every moral judgment remains pending before the two worlds that come together through the lens. Hence every difference between us and them, between the good and the bad disappears and roles become less defined, so that they could even be reversed, for the existence portrayed in these photos could have been ours if life had not offered us other choices and opportunities.

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Clara Vannucci is an Italian photojournalist who divides her time between the United States and Italy.

Her stories tell of the judicial and jail system in both countries.

She is a freelance photographer for magazines and newspapers, represented by DB Daria Bonera for corporate and advertising photography. She has published in La Repubblica, L’Espresso, Touring Club, National Geographic, La Stampa, Class, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Io Donna, L’Uomo Vogue, Stern, Corriere della Sera.

Clara Vannucci Bail Bond. Bondsmen Defendants & Bounty Hunters Fabrica, 2014 136 pagine, 21x28 cm, € 29

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life

tyle

RM

lifeStyle

with TAP Portugal from London a world of exclusivity and numerous advantages

1

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Ovidio Guaita

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