Resorts Magazine 83 by THE WORLD'S MOST EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS by Ovidio Guaita

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London Paris Amsterdam New Orleans Los Angeles Yellowstone Moab Mount Rushmore Muscat Salalah Nizwa

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Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

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Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief

he issue we propose this time is indeed an intense one. A summer of visits ... in a world tour for 40 days, visiting 8 countries and driving 6,300 kilometers. Twenty hotels and resorts visited, but we will not present them all in this issue. Some surprises, many confirmations and a bit of decadence here and there. Europe is committed to preserving tradition by renewing it; North America is confirmed to be of great interest, above all naturalistically speaking. There is good service and sometimes gigantic structures. The Middle East remains a constantly evolving territory, especially the Arabian Peninsula, with new resorts appearing even in the most inaccessible places, as in Oman. In this fluid panorama, only one factor appears unchanged to us: the ethnicgeographical one. A factor that is decisive in the definition of service and which inexorably means that excellence in the Far East will only become more and more rare as one moves away from Indochina. Attitude is not learned at school.

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CONTENTS

YOTELAIR London Gatwick, United Kingdom

Terme di Saturnia Saturnia, Italia

Aman Venice Venezia, Italia

Corpo Santo Lisboa, Portugal

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle, USA

Grand America Hotel Salt Lake City, USA

Gallatin River Lodge Bozeman, USA

Hotel Sacher Salzburg, Austria

USA

New Orleans Louisiana

Arches National Park Utah

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial South Dakota

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Beverly Hills California

132

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Northern Europe

138

London United Kingdom

146

Paris France

160

Thalys Paris-Amsterdam

162

Amsterdam The Nederlands

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Sultanate of Oman

182

The Chedi Muscat

188

Alila Jabal Akhdar Al Jabal Al Akhdar

198

Al Baleed Salalah by Anantara Salalah

204

Oman Air Muscat-Milano

lifeStyle

212

Finnair gourmet stopover

214

Trona outdoor design furniture

218 222

Logitech Craft e Spotlight Presentation Remote

Canon Travel photography

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

2014

This directory offers an annotated and up-todate instrument for the possible destinations for those who want to stay in the city or nearby. This because sometimes it is not only a question of price but rather attention to detail, passion and taste.

HOTEL COLONIALI

2014

Questa directory offre uno strumento aggiornato e ragionato sulle possibili destinazioni per chi vuole soggiornare in città o nelle vicinanze. Perché a volte non è solo questione di prezzo ma di attenzione al dettaglio, passione e gusto.

Places to Stay in Florence & Nearby

HOTEL COLONIALI

L’autore, Paolo Gerbaldo, è inviato di Resorts Magazine.

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

Top 100 P l aces t o St ay i n

F l or en ce Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

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and nearb y PalidanoPress

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XII, n. 83 2018

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, Luca Frassi, Riccardo Casano Translations Lawrence Taylor and Agnese Frullatori Photos Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Paolo Gerbaldo, Hasrudin Tazep, Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Paolo Gerbaldo, Hasrudin Bin Tazep, David meredith, Pascale Hainigue, Valerie Semensatis, Alina Tyuly, Travis Burke, Stella Kelsie, Tiffany Rose, Stephanie Russo, Jason Savage, Madeline Lkuo, Amelia Anne, Inge Prader, Custer Resorts, South Dakota Tourism, Modus Photography and 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 Kemp House, 152 - 160 City Road London EC1V 2NX (UK) Palidano Press is a Trade Mark of Palidano LLC

Cover: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Right: Trona’s floating tray.

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TOP AIRPORT HOTEL | GATWICK

YOTELAIR

London Gatwick

ow to ret hink tran sit at th e air por t. Lo n g con n e c t io ns, del ays, cancel l at io n s. Travelin g is n ot always t h at e a s y. No t to ment io n fl ig ht s d epar tin g at dawn or th os e la n d i n g at nig ht. H aving a p l ace to rest or j ust spen din g th e n i ght i n s i d e t he air p o r t is increasing l y impor tant. With out any wa s te of t ime, w it ho ut excessive costs. S paces with th e l u x u r y of e a s e w hich are al so essent ial an d prac tical. Th e YOTE L A I R chain so l ves t his mat ter with its air por t h otels i n Am s te rd a m , Par is C DG, Lo ndo n GT W an d Lon don L HR. A c a p s u le for o ne o r a ro o m fo r t wo, even with an inter n al b at h room . You p ay fo r ho u rs . . . and yo u t ravel rested.

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Ovidio Guaita

INFO HOTEL

YOTELAIR LONDON GATWICK Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom www.yotel.com Rooms & Suites 46 Villas 0 - Restaurants 0 Spa no Children yes Chain Yotel Affiliation none Activities transit

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DESIGN HOTEL | MIAMI

YOTELPAD a new concept in hospitality

oday, time is our most valuable commodity. Technology lets us do more with every square metre, so having a lot of space isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that important. Luxury is the experience - a great sleep, a powerful shower, high-speed connectivity and every request at the touch of your fingertips. Efficient concepts that save time, so you can spend it having fun - or doing whateverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to you. YOTELPAD fits everything guests could possibly need into a compact space, cleverly planned. Through technology and intuitive service, they have simplified the experience of arriving, unpacking and unlocking. The lines that separate work and play have become blurred and the YOTEL experience makes it easy to seamlessly switch between modes. Or just relax in our common spaces, especially curated for social interaction.

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Ovidio Guaita

INFO HOTEL

YOTELPAD www.yotel.com

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THERMAL RESORT | SATURNIA

Terme di Saturnia Saturnia

or 3000 years, the thermal water of Saturnia have gushed from a natural crater at a constant temperature of 37 Â° C. The continuous exchange allows the water to keep intact its chemical-physical characteristics, biological and therapeutic effects and hygienic-sanitary conditions, without the need for any external manipulation. Rich in mineral salts and hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, it has an antioxidant effect, promotes circulation and pulmonary ventilation, while on the skin it exerts natural exfoliation. Built from an ancient travertine construction, the elegant hotel surrounds one of the thermal pools of great fascination, created by the light mist which, in certain moments, rises above the surface of the water, almost evoking the ancestral rites of sacred bathing and purification. Terme di Saturnia SPA & Golf Resort offers a series of personalized programs of care and psycho-physical regeneration that exploit the precious patrimony of the sulfuric thermal mineral waters, integrating it with the most up-to-date equipment and methodology. In the large wellness center the new exclusive area of Luxury Relax has been created, inspired by the oriental spas where, surrounded by soft music and delicate fragrances, you can experience regenerating rituals.

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Lawrence Taylor

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THERMAL RESORT | SATURNIA

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;farm to tableâ&#x20AC;? cuisine interprets the Tuscan enogastronomic tradition at its best, enhancing the products of the territory. The Aqualuce restaurant overlooks the thermal water pool, heart of the property - so much so that at breakfast and lunch, guests are also welcome in their bathrobes. At dinner, instead, the magic of the sunset and the night is colored by a thousand lights filtered by the vapors of the spring water. There is also a Spa Menu designed by the medical team and the Chef for a healthy and detoxifying nutritional regime. The golf course, crowning element of the Resort, is only 100 meters from the hotel and spreads over 70 hectares, with an 18-hole championship course, par 72, 6316 meters long.

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INFO HOTEL

TERME DI SATURNIA Saturnia, Italia www.termedisaturnia.it Rooms & Suites 128 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities spa & golf Score 80 Environment 77 Design 78 Service 80 Cuisine 83 Health 80 Spa 87 Rooms 75

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PALACE HOTEL | VENEZIA

Aman Venice

Venezia

et u r ning to Ven ice always h as s om e t h i n g m a gical ab o ut it. Ever y p er iod of th e year h as its mys te r i e s a n d it s char m; o ne al ways dis cover s n ew cor n er s. We t a k e t h e Canal Grande - a cl assic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a n d yet, th is time we ente r on e of t he rare g ardens o f t he cit y with a distant past ( for t u n ate l y) - al mo st unno t iced. I t is t hat of th e 1 6 th - centur y Pa la z zo Pa p a d o p o l i. I nside fresco es by Tiepolo en n oble th e m a i n f loor a n d an al cove. G e t t i n g of f t he mo to r b o at we are immediately greeted with th e wa r m we lco me o f t he st aff. I t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a b it l ike comin g h ome af ter a t r i p, wi t h t h e difference t hat t his is t he j our n ey - a j our n ey th rou g h t h e magic o f a histo r ic b u il din g wh ose man iacal re s torat i on , co mp l eted in 2014, has al so been awarded. Th e room s a p p e a r o ne af ter t he o t her w it h baroque an d rococo m a r b le f i re p l a ces, neo cl assical st u cco es, precious wallpaper s, f re s coe s a n d precio u s mar b l es.

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Ovidio Guaita

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PALACE HOTEL | VENEZIA

A s tor y t h at i s al so refl ec ted in t he sp a collec tion . Th ree rooms fo r a m e n u of â&#x20AC;&#x153;p recio u sâ&#x20AC;? t reat ment s w h ose in gredients also i n c l u d e p e a r ls, amet hyst, jade and incense; produc ts with out c h e m i c a l a d d i t ives as est ab l ished by t he Aman tradition . Th e Ar va rest au rant is in t he hands of exec utive c h ef D a r i o O s s ol a a nd ser ves o n t he main fl oor as well as in th e g a rd e n . Th e p ro du c t s are cho sen dail y at th e R ialto mar k et. A m a r k e t- to - t ab l e cu isine t hat, fo l l ow ing th e advice of th e awa rd -wi n n i n g chef Davide Ol dani, is inter preted favor in g s e a s on a li t y a n d simp l icit y. B eyond the emotion of living in histor y, pampered in a rarefied at m os p h e re of rare excl usivit y and mania cal attention , at th e Am a n Ve n i ce g u est s rediscover fl avo rs, sk illfully en h an ced by e s s e nt i a l h owever, at t he same t ime, in gen ious rec ipes. A p at h t h at e n h a nces t he ter r ito r y b ut w h ich promises future s u r p r i s e s. 40

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PALACE HOTEL | VENEZIA

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INFO HOTEL

AMAN VENICE Venezia, Italia www.aman.com Rooms & Suites 24 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain Aman Resorts Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 90 Environment 95 Design 93 Service 88 Cuisine 87 Health 80 Spa 91 Rooms 95

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HISTORIC HOTEL | LISBOA

Corpo Santo Lisboa

pon arrival in Lisbon a light breeze that has made the sky incredibly clear welcomes us. While the car sent by the hotel crosses PlaĂ§a do Comercio, we realize how central this historic hotel is. In fact, just a few meters farther on stands this old edifice located above the city walls, whose remains can be visited going down one floor below the reception, right next to the small gym. The recent restoration has recovered the building, obtaining 77 rooms, including two panoramic suites on the fourth and last floor. From here you can admire the surrounding hills. At reception they welcome us with professional efficiency, and we are quickly escorted to our room. Not very big but incredibly quiet thanks to double windows with double panes. Another surprise is the restaurant Portersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Friendly maitre, prepared staff, menu based on Mediterranean cuisine without neglecting international classics such as the beautifully assembled Caesar Salad. We continued with a shrimp risotto flavored with lime and concluded with a classic, creamy and consistent Tiramisu - certainly not dietetic but with that essential personality and character that an important dessert requires. A historic five-star then, central, refined and certainly recommended to fully enjoy the beauty and liveliness of this eclectic European capital.

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Ovdiio Guaita

INFO HOTEL

CORPO SANTO Lisboa, Portugal www.corposantohotel.com Rooms & Suites 77 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children no Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 70 Environment 83 Design 80 Service 80 Cuisine 87 Health 76 Spa 0 Rooms 81

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HISTORIC HOTEL | SEATTLE

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Seattle

f t h e grandeur o f t he b u il ding could be missed upon a r r i va l, t h e a r r ival in t he l o b by wo ul d h ave to attrac t th e v i s i tor â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at te nt io n. Once t he t hresho l d of th e G eorgian is cros s e d, e ve r y do ub t is disp el l ed. The high ceilin gs, th e large w i n d ows, t h e g o l den st ucco s remind us th at th e Fair mont O l ym p i c i s t he ho tel in S eat t l e, t he h istor ic al on e, wh ic h e m b od i e s t h e essence o f t he cit y. O p e n e d i n 1924, t he ho tel is an exam ple of th e Amer ic an e nt re p re n e u r ial sp ir it. The idea fo r a new h otel in th e c it y ca m e f rom a co mmit tee o f 400 cit izens. S h ares were issued, a n d t h e n e ce ssar y funds were co l l ec ted. Th e loc ation could n ot b e b e t te r : a few step s fro m t he Pike Place M ar ket an d t h e wate r f ront, t he main museu ms and sh oppin g streets - all w i t h i n wa l k i n g dist ance. H ence yo u can entr ust th e c ar to th e va le t p a r k i n g at tendant. O f t h e 7 5 6 or iginal ro o ms - af ter var ious ren ovation s, with t h e l a s t on e in 2016 - t here remain 4 5 0 th at also in c lude va r i ou s s u i te s. I nser ted in t he Nat io nal R egister of H istor ic Pla ce s, t h e h otel p reser ves it s o r iginal ch ar m but with all th e a m e n i t i e s t h at t he co ntemp o rar y t ravel e r c an n ot do with out.

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Lawrence Taylor

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HISTORIC HOTEL | SEATTLE

E xe c u t i ve c h ef Paul Shewchu k o ffers a n Amer ic an c uisin e, s om e t i m e s f usio n and w it h M editer ran ean an d Asian cont a m i n at i on s. At tent io n is p aid to raw mater ials, favor in g s e a s on a l a n d lo cal ingredient s, w hil e p roposin g a men u th at i s cont a i n e d ye t ab l e to sat isfy l o cal p al ates as well as th ose o f i nte r n at i on al g u est s. A c h a p te r of histo r y t hat enr iches t h e c it y scen e of th is ef fe r ve s ce nt center l o cated o n t he b o rd er with Can ada but profou n d l y Amer ican.

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INFO HOTEL

FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL Seattle, USA www.fairmont.com Rooms & Suites 450 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa yes Children yes Chain Accor Hotels Affiliation one Activities sightyseeing Score 82 Environment 78 Design 88 Service 84 Cuisine 82 Health 84 Spa 80 Rooms 81

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CITY HOTEL | SALT LAKE CITY

Grand America Hotel Salt Lake City

n a u g u rated o n t he o ccasio n o f t he 2 0 0 2 Winter Oly mpic G a m e s, t h i s grand ho tel co nsist s o f a 24-s torey main buildin g wi t h s m a ll e r wing s aro u nd it, giving it a ver y European look , howe ve r, on a n Amer ican scal e. The high central body of th e b u i ld i n g s t ands o ut over t he snow- capped mountain s, c h a ra c te r i z i n g t he cit y l andscap e. From Europe, the hotel not only takes its inspiration but also Murano chandeliers, French cherr ywood furniture, English wool carpets and Italian marble. The cour tyard with the Italian garden is the hear t of the proper ty on to which the tower with rooms and suites look. The various flower blossoms give life to a palette of colors that contrast with the white of the stone. In the center lies a large circle designed around a elegant fountain.

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Lawrence Taylor

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CITY HOTEL | SALT LAKE CITY

Th e a l l - d ay- d ining venue is t he G arden CafĂŠ. We tr ied it at bre a k f a s t wi t h t he so f t mo r ning l ig ht fil ter in g in th rough th e l a rge wi n d ows. On t he menu we find t radition al dish es but als o i n n ovat i ve p ro p o sal s decidedl y interestin g, suc h as th e Avoc a d o Toa s t o r, o n t he sweet side, t h e Paleo Ban an a N ut Po r r i d ge or Le m o n R ico t t a Pancakes. For t h os e wh o l ike to indu l g e in t he p l easures of relaxation , g u e s t s wi l l f i n d great sat isfac t io n in t he Gran d S pa, gen erous i n s i ze a n d t h e p ro p o sed t reat ment s o n t he men u.

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INFO HOTEL

GRAND AMERICA HOTEL Salt Lake City, USA www.grandamerica.com Rooms & Suites 775 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain Grand America Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 80 Environment 79 Design 80 Service 79 Cuisine 80 Health 78 Spa 84 Rooms 80

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RIVER RESORT | BOZEMAN

Gallatin River Lodge

Bozeman

ou may have the impression that you are lost, but, instead, after a few kilometers in the open countryside, you will finally find the driveway. A body of water stands next to it but it is not the river that gives the resort its name. It flows beyond the clearing behind the vegetation. We could define this as a boutique resort. Right from the arrival it is clear that attention to detail is maniacal. Not a blade of grass out of place; perfectly maintained and with an excellent service. The (few) housing units are comfortable and very quiet. You come here to isolate yourself, to fish and then for the excellent cuisine that is served in the atmospheric restaurant with large windows overlooking the garden. The cuisine is contemporary American but never banal. The ingredients have a name and a surname: meat, fish, cheese and vegetables are produced on farms in the area or, in any case, located in Montana. So much attention combined with the chef ’s preparation makes dinner an event. We have breakfast early before leaving. Guests who are passionate about fishing are anxious to get started and are talking to the guide who will lead them to the river. The scent of eggs and tasty crunchy bacon accompanies us as we leave the restaurant… but we plan to return… soon.

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Lawrence Taylor

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RIVER RESORT | BOZEMAN

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INFO HOTEL

GALLATIN RIVER LODGE Bozeman, USA www.grlodge.com Rooms & Suites 12 Villas 9 - Restaurants 2 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities fishing, excursions Score 70 Environment 82 Design 77 Service 80 Cuisine 93 Health 77 Spa 0 Rooms 80

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HISTORIC HOTEL | SALZBURG

Hotel Sacher

Salzburg

he amb iences o f t he p ast flood th e elegant ro om s of H ote l S acher in S al zb u rg r ig ht from th e entran ce. Th e h a r m on i ous and so l emn st aircase t hat sh apes th e atr ium o f t h e b u i l d i n g immediatel y st ands o ut. To th e meticulous re s p e c t for t h e p ast, however, o ne mu st add th e abilit y of t h e H ote l to m eet al l t he needs o f cu r re nt guests: from th e at te nt i ve s e r vice - st ar t ing fro m t he reception – r ight up to t h e p re s e n ce o f mo der n techno l o gical equipment. Com for t, s of t and cl assic, disp enses q uiet an d seren it y in eve r y cor n e r. The sp aces o f t he S acher, sin ce its open in g in 1 8 6 6 , a s Ö s te r reichischer H o f, reco u nt s histor y, th an k s to th e i l l u s t r i ou s p re sences ap p ear ing o ne af te r th e oth er over th e co u r s e of a ce nt ur y and a hal f. A c la s s i c i m pressio n charac ter izes t he rooms an d suites: i nte n s e cor n e rs, fur nished w it h st yl e, embellish ed with th e v i e w of t h e S a l zach r iver and t he o l d cit y. At t h e S a c h er H o tel, p l easant co r ners are cer tain ly n ot l a c k i n g. O n e i s definitel y Café S acher, wh ere you can taste t h e a u t h e nt i c S acher To r te. The cul inar y r itual given by th e Zi r b e lz i m m e r go ur met rest au rant is a searc h for con n ec tion s b e t we e n Au s t r ian fl avo rs and at tent io n to c reativit y. Today stopping off at the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg is a refined choice that allows, in some way, to get in tune with histor y.

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Paolo Gerbaldo

INFO HOTEL

HOTEL SACHER SALZBURG Salzburg, Austria www.sacher.com Rooms & Suites 110 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa no Children yes Chain Sacher Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 72 Environment 73 Design 88 Service 80 Cuisine 87 Health 80 Spa 0 Rooms 96

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SPECIAL | USA

NEW

Lawrence Taylor

It is not necessary to visit the city during the Mardi Gras to experience the liveliness of the deep American South.

ORLEANS

SPECIAL | USA

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We start in front of a cafè au lait and beignets, perhaps at the historic Café du Monde. It is a meeting place for locals and tourists, always full, always great (800 Decatur St www.cafedumonde). The heritage of French and Spanish culture transpires at every corner. Despite the name of the district the architecture is that left by the Spaniards who took over from the French.

Vieux Carré

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SPECIAL | USA

The balconies characterize all the Vieux CarrĂŠ (or French Quarter), supported by airy wrought iron structures; on the ground floor the large windows create spaces that interact with the outside creating street living rooms that are lively all day long but unmissable at night. Jazz at every corner, the aromas of contemporary Creole cuisine. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a stop at the Palace Cafe (605 Canal Street). Dickie Brennan and his team continually revisit traditional dishes livening them up. Below, some of his creations, from left to right: Crab Meat Cheesecake, Bluberry Gentillly Cake and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. www.palacecafe.com

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Vieux Carré & Palace Café

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SPECIAL | USA

Speaking of music, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which celebrates jazz in the city where it was born, is worth visiting. You can visit the quartier on your own or take a tour with the Historic New Orleans Tour which offers well-prepared local guides who help you discover otherwise inaccessible corners. www.tourneworleans.com 66

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T SPECIAL | USA

his hotel is somewhat the symbol and history of the French

Quarter in New Orleans. An important restoration has recently given it luster, making it an exclusive retreat for the contemporary traveler. Located near two major New Orleans landmarks - St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square - the hotel is at the center of it all. Entering the large lobby, welcomed by the informal and helpful staff, is like stepping into history and gives sense to staying in New Orleans, making it memorable. French influences, American history, the wars have shaped the city by cyclically decreeing its rise and decline. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel reflects all this.

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Bourbon Orleans Hotel

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Several suites have a balcony to look out on the life of the neighborhood. Those who prefer a quieter solution will opt for the rooms that overlook the inner courtyard with a swimming pool. In the morning breakfast is served at the tables overlooking the street. Slowly everything becomes livelier until the evening when the neighborhood offers up its best. You can go out or stop at the Bourbon “O”, the hotel bar which is more open on the street than in the hotel. Here you can meet locals and tourists alike, listen to music and experience the “vibe” of the New Orleans nightlife. www.bourbonorleans.com 70

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he hotel is located on the edge of the French Quarter, in

a building of the 1920 that was well renovated in 2017, leaving here and there elements that recall its origin. In fact, NOPSI is the acronym of New Orleans Public Service. The faรงade and the lobby, with neoclassical stuccos which contribute to creating an atmosphere that captures the charm of times gone by, create for guests a cozy atmosphere, made of class, service and comfort.

NOPSI

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Rooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city. In a classiccontemporary style they ensure a high-level sojourn experience. The beautiful Public Service restaurant, in an archeo-industrial atmosphere, surrounded by exposed brick and wood and with a varied contemporary menu, welcomes guests and visitors who, after a stop at the bar, can indulge in oysters, crab cakes, ceviche and other dishes closer to the cajun tradition. www.nopsi.com

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Along the Mississippi, in the state of Louisiana, announced by long avenues of oaks over a century old, arise the ethereal residences of cotton and sugar cane planters. Here, where the famous film was set, everything recalls an epic that has never really died away, and the villas are its first and most tangible testimony. Walking along the Great River Road, the plantation road that runs along the great river, is still a pleasure, a continuous discovery of a world that Rossella Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara remembered and which the candid and elegant faĂ§ades still testify to today, with their Ionic colonnades of a giant order, their pronaos surmounted by a triangular tympanum or the quiet verandas, whose peace is barely disturbed by the creaking of a rocking chairs.

Antebellum Homes

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Today these dwellings can be visited, and they transmit the atmosphere of those years ... not without contemporary comforts however. Take Ormond Plantation (above) with its excellent restaurant for example. Here they serve one of the best Bread Puddings in the area. www.plantation.com Or Houmas House (below and top right) which offers elegant cottages to experience the atmosphere of Gone with the wind. Here too, an excellent restaurant is available to guests, along with a spacious event room often used for atmospheric weddings. https://houmashouse.com Then there is Oak Alley (below right), a classic with its long avenue of oaks connecting the grand faรงade to the Mississippi. It has been on the cover of countless volumes about the history of Louisiana. www.oakalleyplantation.org

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etween the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries the

Louisiana planters were the wealthiest in all of America and for their homes they chose the classical Greek style, noble and monumental, filtered by the Palladioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Venetian experiences, evident in the twostorey loggias or in the wide gables always facing the river - until not long ago the main means of communication. But there is no lack of timid Victorian references, especially in the large attics, identified by numerous dormers. It is certainly a cocktail of styles that of the plantations of the Mississippi, well amalgamated, however, by the revival of Greek architecture that plays a fundamental role.

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Nottoway Plantation

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The Mississippi façade of Nottoway Plantation (previous pages and here left and below) is an example of this eclectic style with its curved shapes and broad balcony. Out of all the features of the house, the living room is, perhaps, the most interesting – completely white and therefore extremely luminous. Here there were innumerable dances that brought together the region’s cotton elite. Various cottages flank the manor house and, together with the excellent restaurant - specializing in Creole cuisine - they permit guests to experience southern hospitality with every comfort. www.nottoway.com www.neworleans.com www.travelsouthusa.org

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A R C H E S

Lawrence Taylor

Near Moab in Utah lies this arid region dominated by the sandstone rocks that wound up submerged then covered by a bed of salt hundreds of meters thick. Once the sea evaporated, the salt was gradually eroded away by atmospheric agents, forming the famous arches.

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Va r i ou s it in e r ar ie s e x is t. S ome are part ly passable by ca r , b u t s o m e r e q u ir e miles of t rekking, suc h as t he o n e t o De lic ate A r c h , cert ainly t he most famous. I t ’ s e no u g h to o b t ain th e a ppropriat e gear and t he show a l o n g t h e t r ail will d e f in it ely not d isappoint . A n o r i g i n al ac c o m m o d at ion a few kilomet ers from t he e nt r a nc e t o th e p ar k and suit able for ent ering “int o t h e a t m o s p h e r e ” o f t h e plac e is t he Und er Canv as M oa b t e n t e d p ar k . I t is loc at ed j ust out sid e t he t own, w i t h a n e x c e lle n t v ie w of t he surround ing mount ains, in co n t a c t w ith n atu r e . I t does not have a rest aurant but g a ze b os wit h b ar b e c u e pit s are available.

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ntering the tent, the heat becomes apparent. However, little by little as the evening approaches, the temperature becomes pleasant. For those unaccustomed to hospitality in contact with nature, this is a new sensation and, in our case, pleasant, thanks to the season. The decor is basic but atmospheric and a curtain separates the sleeping area from the bathroom - complete with a shower and much appreciated after a day of sightseeing in the Arches National Park. The camp is large enough to afford privacy to most of the units and includes a reception area with water, hot drinks and fruit. On the edges of the camp, there are some barbecue stations which are very popular with families. The camp does not have a restaurant, but the nearby town of Moab offers a wide choice and we particularly enjoyed the pizzas in the Italian restaurant.

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Under Canvas Moab

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After 10 pm, silence is a must and generally respected. Moreover, after a while even the traffic on the access road gradually diminishes and ensures rest. The night with the passing of the hours becomes cool but a blanket is always available. This is not really a pioneering experience but certainly interesting and enjoyable, especially for nature lovers. The feeling of freedom and immersion is strong and repays the small inevitable inconveniences mentioned, especially by the most spoiled travelers. www.undercanvas.com

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YELLOWST

Lawrence Taylor

For the most aged readers, this is the park of Yogi Bear and Booboo. It was the first park to be established in the United States in 1872, and, just over a century later, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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I t s t e r r i t o r y is e x t r e m e ly vast and is loc at ed near t he Ro c k y M o u n tain s . I t in clud es t errit ories belonging t o t h r e e dif f e r e n t s tat e s : Wyoming, M ont ana, I d aho. T he n a m e â&#x20AC;&#x153; y e llo w s t o n eâ&#x20AC;? is obviously in referenc e t o t h e f u m e s o f s u lf u r - c o n t aining wat ers and v apors t hat a p p e a r a litt le in all its territ ory. Geysers are c ert ainly o n e o f th e m ain att r ac t ions. Ac c ord ing t o rec ent st ud ie s t h e w h o le p ar k is p o s it ioned ov er a huge v olc ano, and , he nce , t h is w o u ld b e the j ust ific at ion for t he frequent e a r t hqu ak e s in th e ar e a. I t i s t he p ar k o f b e ar s b ut also t hat of t he Americ an biso n a n d w o lv e s .

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his property stands isolated at the edge of the woods not far

from West Yellowstone. The first bit of advice from the staff upon arrival is to avoid bringing food into the tents. Nobody wants to come face to face with a bear, hence this advice is respected to the letter. We are assigned a tent at the edge of the camp and, once the children in the adjacent tent fall asleep, the silence will be total. Inside there is a wood stove that guests can light to make the last moments of the day more comfortable.

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Under Canvas Yellowstone

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The rangers of the camp patrol all night to reassure guests, since it is precisely with the darkness and the silence that bears may approach. The fact is, however, no sooner had we fallen asleep, we were awakened by the howling wind and slamming cloth of the tent. Surprisingly, this experience - at times worrying due to its intensity - enriched our experience since we are not accustomed to en plein air solutions. Our Stardust Tent had a covering of Plexiglas over the bed, allowing us to observe the night sky. However, we were able to fully enjoy the view only after the strong wind had swept away the clouds. The nearby ranch has a pleasant restaurant where farm-to-table cuisine is served in a very informal atmosphere. After dinner, guests gather around the bonfire next to the reception for a short period of live musical entertainment. www.undercanvas.com

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MOU NT

Lawrence Taylor

Known especially for the sculpted faces of the four American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - this national park also offers a very rich and interesting natural setting.

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The presidents were chosen respectively as symbols of the birth of the country, its growth, development and conservation. The sculptures were begun in 1927 during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge and originally were to include the busts of the presidents. However, in 1941, with the death of the designer of the project, the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and the outbreak of the Second World War, the funds were needed for war activities. The project was later terminated by the sculptorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, representing only the faces. Even in this form, these portraits, about twenty meters high, are a spectacle that visitor to the park refuse to miss. Already along the access road there are various views that offer a prelude to the grandiose and exciting vision that you will have from the main platform right in front.

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Not far away, still on the Black Hills massif, is another magnificent monument sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, one of Borglum’s assistants employed on the Mount Rushmore project: The Crazy Horse Memorial. The desire of the Native Americans as a testimony of their history and importance as an indigenous population of North America, it is dedicated to the famous warrior Crazy Horse (Cavallo Pazzo), defined as the “last Sioux”. The work was started in 1948 and since then the members of the Ziolkowski family have come - first the creator, then the wife and now the children. At the moment the work is still under construction; however, in any case, it is already of great impact and once finished will be the largest man-made sculpture. http://greatamericanwest.it http://travelsouthdakota.com 104

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he twenty years of experience of Black Hills Aerial

Adventures are a guarantee of safety and efficiency. The tours they offer range from a short and inexpensive introductory flight experience to the helicopter to tours around the great presidents and Crazy Horse sculptures to customizable itineraries. One not so insignificant aspect is that of the cost: it is quite contained.

Black Hills Aerial Adventures

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ften referred to as the lodge of the

presidents or even as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Summer White Houseâ&#x20AC;?, this hotel surrounded by nature has not changed much since President Coolidge chose it as his summer residence. Even today one can sleep in his suite. Above the fireplace stands his autographed photo. The atmosphere is retro but enveloping. On the ground floor there is the restaurant that serves a turf cuisine with various meat proposals, including that of bison. The wine list is heavily played on the production of Napa Valley but also includes labels from Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. https://custerresorts.com

State Game Lodge

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BEVERLY

Ovidio Guaita

The so-called Platinum Triangle is set in the lush Los Angeles County, calling itself the mecca of exclusivity and luxury.

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Just w e s t o f Ho lly wo o d , bord ering Bel Air and on t he r o a d l e ad in g to San t a Monic a beac h, it is a t reasure t r ov e o f d e s ig n e r s h o p s , movie st ars, c ust om-built c ars a n d t r e n d y r e s tau r an t s .

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Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States and is a galaxy. Within it spring forth - autonomously, characterized and otherwise exclusive - various towns and neighborhoods. Beverly Hills is certainly among the best known. Films, television series and documentaries have made it a success since â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunset Boulevardâ&#x20AC;? with Gloria Swanson. Here we offer a couple of hotels and restaurants that are well worth the visit. www.visitcalifornia.it www.latourism.org www.lovebeverlyhills.com

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Spago, Beverly Hills

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et’s start by saying that you have to book…well in

advance. Otherwise don’t even think about getting in. In the heart of Beverly Hills, on Canon Drive, Spago is the flagship restaurant of the group created by the multi-talented Austrian chef, Wolfgang Puck. The chef of Oscar night to be clear, very telegenic as well as creative. So, it is here that one comes to see and be seen. But this is just the glamour aspect, the façade one. The point is that Spago is also substance. Behind every dish there is a meticulous search for the products from the market, in season, across all of California. You can opt for à la carte or choose a tasting menu. We tried the latter on August 25th, a warm late summer evening, and we were seated in the courtyard. The place was packed, but the service was irreproachable. As soon as we were at the table, the napkins disappeared only to reappear matching the color of our clothes. We experienced the Eight-Course Chef’s California Tasting Menu with its very fresh, organic and healthy taste. A succession of light creations, yes, but really satisfying - you do not leave hungry. https://wolfgangpuck.com/dining/spago/

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CUT, Beverly Hills

t is located inside the Beverly Willshire, at Four Seasons Hotel, so

you cannot miss it, given the visibility and importance of this historic hotel (that of Pretty Women to be clear). CUT is the first in the chain and still stands in its original location. It is a reinterpretation of the traditional American steak house in a modern and international way. Obviously, red meats dominate the menu with a vast heterogeneous selection by origin (Illinois, Nebraska, Idaho up to the Japanese Wagyu of Miyazaki), for feeding (cattle fed with corn or grass) and for times and ways of maturation (wet or dry- aging, from 21 to 35 days). A rich selection of homemade sauces is on the menu to accompany the meat, and the staff is always available to advise. The environment is elegant but still quite informal. The atmosphere is lively as befits a steak house. The extensive wine list is played out on California and France with sporadic quotes from Argentina, Australia, Portugal and Italy. https://wolfgangpuck.com/dining/cut-beverly-hills/

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Universal Studios, VIP Experience

fter the opening of the section dedicated

to Harry Potter, The Studios have attracted even more visitors. Not only fans of the story of the boy wizard but people of all ages eager to experience in person the pursuit of the magic ball. And the wait does not disappoint. The VIP Experience is definitely a plus: small groups, personalized visit, no lines, gourmet dining and parking all included. Do you believe your senses? Perhaps you had better think twice before answering. What awaits you at the Studios is beyond imagination. Of course, a visit to the set is interesting: you recognize places and glimpses of famous movies, and backstage always has its charm. But try Despicable Me or Transformers, fantastic 3-D rides that will deceive your senses and make you believe you are in the middle of the action.

Musement is the travel companion that allows you to book tickets for activities and attractions around the world, in over 1000 destinations and 70 countries. The service was created with the idea of helping travelers discover and book things to do wherever they are, giving them access to a world of unmissable experiences. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters are in Milan with local offices in Barcelona, Dubai, London, Paris, Amsterdam and New York. Musement is available in eight languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian and Dutch, on https:// www.musement.com, iOS and Android. Musement is a certified Great Place To WorkÂŽ and among the Top 20 Best Workplaces in Italy RESORTS MAGAZINE

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Viceroy Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ermitage 9291 Burton Way

n a q u iet and el eg ant resident ia l street j ust over a m i le f rom R od e o Dr ive st ands t he el eg ant buildin g th at h as h ou s e d t h e h otel since 1975. An inst it u t ion th at h as followed Holl y wood h i sto r y fo r hal f a cent ur y. Here soj our n ed L iz Taylor, R i c h a rd Bu r to n and Lo rd Ol ivier, to n ame a few. Th e d e cor over t he years has b een adapted to fash ion an d tod ay i s c h a ra c ter ized by t he el eg ance of its contemporar y ro om s a n d s u i tes t hat, acco mp anied by attentive an d discreet se r vi ce, h ave made it a su ccess. The ro of top pool offer s a gre at vi e w of t he sur ro unding area and t h e small spa n ex t to t h e g ym a l l ows u s to keep fit. The Avec Nous restaurant is th e b i s t ro on t h e gro u nd fl o o r and o ffers contemporar y Fren ch ( a n d M e d i te r ra nean) cuisine.

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Lawrence Taylor

INFO HOTEL VICEROY Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ERMITAGE Beverly Hills www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Rooms & Suites 117 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain Viceroy Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 79 Environment 80 Design 78 Service 80 Cuisine 78 Health 78 Spa 77 Rooms 80

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Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

e are a ston e’s th row from R o d e o D r i ve, yet t his Fo u r S easo ns is an oasis of tran quilit y. Su re ly gl a m oro us, ver y p rest igio us, b ut envelopin g an d prote c t i ve. S u it ab l e fo r t ho se l o o k ing for a full-immer sion ex p e r i e n ce i n B ever l y H il l s and t hen “ret ire” to a h ome away f rom h om e. I t i s al mo st an ur b an reso r t more th an a c it y h otel, th a n k s to t h e s w imming p o o l o n t he to p floor, large with lots o f gre e n e r y b u t esp ecial l y set u p fo r daily use rath er th an a hu r r i e d d i p.

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There is a visit at the Four Seasons Los Angeles that cannot be missed, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one to Culina. The name is taken from the Latin word for cooking and this unequivocally sends us back to Italy. The menu created by Executive Chef Luca Moriconi is in Italian with the translation alongside - this already inspires authenticity. We tried a Rustichella Salad ( Tuscan & baby kale, bresaola, oven-dried tomatoes, pecorino, bean sprouts) and a Caprese di bocconcini (buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, celer y, taggiasca olives, basil, aged balsamic vinegar) as an appetizer. Then came the Lasagne di Grazia (classic beef lasagna, parmigiano reggiano) and Risotto di carciofi (artichokes, Piave aged cheese, tarragon, aged balsamic vinegar). Among the desserts of Pastr y Chef Federico Fernandez, we chose the Millefeuille (vanilla cream, honey ice cream, black truffles) and a bar-shaped Tiramisu with Espresso Meringue. The extensive wine list offers the best of Italian production divided by regions, accompanied by the irremissible champagne and some labels of Napa Valley. The warm and attentive service of the prepared Italian staff accompanied the excellent experience and makes us consider Culina one of the best Italian restaurants in LA - if not the best. 128

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Th e S p a com pl etes t he so jo u r n. Var io us treatments to tr y are on t h e m e n u. R eco mmended fo r t ho se wh o are bac k from a l o n g f li g ht i s t h e signat u re t reat ment, t he S ur ren der M assage. Am on g ot h e r t hing s, to t he Sp a are p er iodically sent ex ter n al ex p e r t s ava i la b l e fo r co nsu l t at io ns o n Ay ur vedic medic in e, non - s u rgi c a l f acial t reat ment s, reik i and psyc h oth erapy by ap p oi nt m e nt. 130

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INFO HOTEL FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS Beverly Hills www.fourseasons.com/losangeles Rooms & Suites 285 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 85 Environment 80 Design 90 Service 85 Cuisine 95 Health 78 Spa 82 Rooms 85

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Lawrence Taylor

n the States you drive. There is no better way to discover the

grasslands, beaches, parks or cities. The streets are wide, safe and well-marked. With Hertz everything is much simpler and therefore our correspondents entrusted themselves to their service. As a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to stop at the counter because your name and the area where you pick up your car appear in the Gold display at over 50 of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

busiest airports and 4,000 locations worldwide. The keys will be inside the car. In other cases, only show license and get the keys at the designated Gold counter. And in selected U.S. locations,

choose the car you like best on the spot. Start up and off you go! The journey begins. Enjoy expedited drop-off with Instant Return. For our coverage we chose the Prestige Collection cars, complete with every option. Simply unique. Hertz is the best choice for the demanding traveler. www.hertz.com

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London

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St. James Court Taj Hotel

o ing b ack to St. James Cour t is l i ke com i n g h o me. D esp ite t he 338 ro o ms, th e coz y areas give th e l ob by a we l co ming at mo sp here, w hile th e cour t yard out ba c k i s a cool refu g e fro m t he hu st l e and bustle of th e c it y in ni ce we at h e r. Loc ate d b e t ween Bu ck ing ham Pal ace an d Th e Houses of Pa r li a m e nt, St. J ames Co u r t maint ains t he atmosph ere of th e ea r l y t we nt i e t h cent ur y. Op ened in 1902 , it is still today “a hom e away f rom ho me” fo r many. Af ter th e last rest y lin g ju s t f i n i s h e d t his year – t he deco r o f t he rooms an d suites h as be com e e ve n m o re wel co ming and g l amorous.

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Va r i ou s re s t au rant s are avail ab l e to guests. Kon a is u n d ou b te d ly t he mo st p eacefu l. A r ich breakfast is ser ved pa r t ly i n b u f fe t-st yl e and in p ar t Ã l a car te - do n ot miss th e Eg g s B e n e d i c t. Fo r a mo re ex tensive b uffet an d a metropolitan at m os p h e re, t he Bist ro is t he r ig ht cho ice, even for a light l u n c h or a d i nner o f Ang l o -Eu ro p ean c uisin e with Asian cont a m i n at i on s.

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Th e Te a R i t ual, instead, finds t he r ig ht location in Kon a, wh e re i t i s com b ined w it h a t heme t hus becomin g an event: Al i ce i n Won d er l and, J asmine I ndian and S h er lock Holmes. Th e g e n e ra l at mo sp here o f t he ho tel is invitin g, elegant an d re la x i n g a ll at the same t ime. A histo r ic hotel wh ic h , th an k s to th e c a re f u l m a n ag ement o f Taj, maint ains its ch ar m un altered.

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INFO HOTEL

ST. JAMES COURT, A TAJ HOTEL London, United Kingdom www.tajhotels.com Rooms & Suites 342 Villas 0 - Restaurants 4 Spa yes Children yes Chain Taj Hotels Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 75 Environment 77 Design 80 Service 77 Cuisine 78 Health 68 Spa 65 Rooms 80

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Hotel Le Burgundy 6-8 Rue Duphot

t t he h ear t of th e fash ion dis t r i c t, a s ton e’s t hrow fro m Pl ace Vendôme an d Place de l a M a d e le i n e, cl o se to t he rue S aint-H on oré, disc reet an d el e g a nt, Le B urg undy is a haven. A haven with beautifully ap p oi nte d rooms and su ites w here p er son alized ser vice we lcom e s g u e st s in a wo r l d o f at tent io ns.

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Th e S p a by S o t hys, al so o p en to o ut side r s by appointment, i s c h a ra c te r i zed by so f t to nes p l aying on th e sh ades of be i ge, u p to the dar k b row n o f t he p re cious woods used. S of t li g ht, b a c kgro u nd mu sic and w isely diffused aromas m a k e t h e s p a ce an o asis o f t ranqu il it y wh ere you c an relax. Th e t re at m e nt menu is aimed at b o t h sexes. I t star ts from th e f a c i a l wi t h Sib er ian Ginseng o r hyaluron ic acid goin g o n to t h e m os t co mp l ete and co mp l ex anti-agin g programs. S o, b od y t re at m ent s, fro m scrub s w it h sugar an d sea salt, to re l a x i n g m a s s a g es, to S o t hys Signat ure Treatments suc h as H a n a k a s u m i a n d Or ient al S ensat io ns. Th e g a s t ron omic o ffer ing var ies dep en din g on th e time. Wh i l e i n t h e mo r ning at Le Baudel aire a delic ate buffet bre a k f a s t i s s er ved w it h t he addit io n of some Ă la c ar te c re at i on s, foll owed by an info r mal yet soph istic ated lun c h . From 4 p. m . onwards t he rest au rant t ur ns into a ch ampagn e an d coc k t a i l b ar w here g u est s can rel ax b e fore exper imentin g wi t h t h e s t a r red cuisine o f chef Guil laume G oupil. Th e i nte r i or room s, o f co ntemp o rar y design th e fir st an d th e s e con d c la s s i c a l, to g et her w it h t he del ightful cour t yard, are th e s t a g e for an exp er ience o f eno l o gic al an d gastron omic ta s t i n g of gre at amazement. 150

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INFO HOTEL HOTEL LE BURGUNDY Paris France www.leburgundy.com Rooms & Suites 41 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 81 Environment 80 Design 80 Service 80 Cuisine 93 Health 75 Spa 80 Rooms 80

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Le Baudelaire

Hotel Le Burgundy

sho r t men u is of ten s yn onym ou s wit h freshness. A co mb inat ion th at is con fir med at Le B a u d e l a i re. The menu is reviewed season ally but, above al l, li n k e d to w hat t he mar ket o ffers t hat day. On th e men u we f i n d s i x a p p et izers, t hree su r f dishes an d th ree tur f on es. Am on g t h e d e sser t s we eye French cl assics an d in n ovative c re at i on s i n t h e name o f l ig ht ness. O u r vi s i t wa s o n J u l y 30t h. A co r ner t ab le h ad been reser ved i n t h e cou r t ya rd - a g o o d p o sit io n to o bser ve th e c lientele. Ave ra ge a g e ab o u t 35-40; an info r mal e legan ce domin ates, s om e j a c k e t s, so me co ckt ail dress, cas ual sh oes but wellk n own d e s i gn e r l ab el s. A so b er st yl e yet well studied an d th at m atc h e s t h e h otel. A ver y co ntemp o rar y revisited c lassic. We c h oos e t h e Discover y M enu : fo u r cour ses with th e best f rom t h e m a r k et and w hich yo ung Executive Ch ef Guillaume G ou p i l ex p e r t ly ar t icul ates. Smal l p o r t ion s are th e r ule ( an d th i s re a s s u re s u s), del ig ht fu l co l o r co mbin ation s ( as well as th os e of t h e f l avo rs) are t he no r m, b alan c in g th e var ious nu t r i t i ve com p o nent s - an ap p reciated p lus. Th e desser ts are â&#x20AC;&#x153;a re t u r n to t h e o r iginsâ&#x20AC;? o f Past r y C hef Pa scal Hain igue, also a yo u n g m a n , b ut al ready w it h exp er ience at th e G eorge V. Th e re s u l t i s an exp er ience o f l ig ht ness th at gratifies th e pa l ate a n d t h e eye, o rchest rated w it h excellent ser vice. A din n e r- e ve nt t h at easil y ju st ifies t he M ich elin star.

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Hotel Lancaster Champs Élysée / Rue de Berri

t 7 Rue Berri, a five -minute walk from the Champs Elisée, stands this gem of Parisian hospitality. The building was built in 1889 by the Spaniard Santiago Drake del Castillo and then purchased in 1925 by the Swiss hotelier Emile Wolf, who took it up four storeys to turn it into a hotel that was opened in 1930. Still today on exhibit are various works of Wolf ’s collection, including about eighty paintings by the Russian painter Boris Pastoukhoff, who lived here several times. The hotel has the appearance of a residential building and is characterized by its discretion, much appreciated by its distinguished guests, from Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Orson Wells, David Lynch to Nanni Moretti and especially Marlene Dietrich, who lived here for three years star ting from 1937. Her suite, 401, was redecorated according to her taste and her piano can still be found here.

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I t i s t h e re fore a histo r ical at mo sp here th at reign s amon g th e s e wa l l s, b u t b e it cl ear t hat t here need be n o ren un c iation o f t h e u s u a l co mfo r t s to w hich we are a ccustomed - on th e cont ra r y. Th e p erso nal ized ser vice p amp e r s guests wh o feels s o at h om e. M on s i e u r i s t he name o f t he rest au rant. Th e stor y goes th at a f r i e n d of Diet r ich’s w ho t ravel ed th rough out Fran ce an d b rou ght the diva t he mo st charac ter istic libation s of ea c h re gi on t h us recreat ing t radit io nal dish es for h er. He was c a l l e d “ le M on sieur ”, so t he rest aurant co ntin ues th e tradition by m a k i n g ava il ab l e to it s g u est s t he b es t season al produc ts an d c u li n a r y t radit io ns o f t he var io us region s of Fran ce. Ever y m ont h a re gi on . . . o ne mo re reaso n to co me back .

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INFO HOTEL HOTEL LANCASTER Paris, France www.hotel-lancaster.com Rooms & Suites 56 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 70 Environment 80 Design 81 Service 80 Cuisine 82 Health 77 Spa 0 Rooms 80

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Helipass

iscover ing a cit y fro m above is a more an d m ore wi d e s p re ad fashio n and H el ip ass was able to inter pret th e re q u e s t by p roviding co mp el l ing co nc rete an swer s. Fir st o f a l l, t h e H e l ip ass net wo r k incl u des no t on ly Par is but also Lo n d on , L i s b on, New Yo r k , D ub ai and o t h er interestin g c ities th at ex h i b i t a n ir resist ib l e char m. B u t l e t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s t ay in Par is. We t r ied t he Par is Ver sailles duo on a wa r m a n d s u n ny day at t he end o f J ul y. Th e h elipor t is in th e c i t y a n d c a n a l so b e reached by M et ro. Th e for malities an d th e b r i e f i n g e nter t ain u s in l ig ht o f t he d epar ture. M aximum p a s s e n ge r s 6. As so o n as we g et u p, we see th e E iffel Tower, an d t h e n l i t t l e by l it t l e t he o t her mo nu ments flow before our eye s. Af te r a fe w minutes we are o ut side th e c it y an d begin to g e t a gl i m p s e o f t he p al ace. Af ter numerous visits to Par is, it i s a t h r i ll to s ee t he p al ace and it s hug e garden from above. I t i s i n d e e d wo r t h t he t r ip. We l and no t far away an d af ter a l i t t l e re f re s h ment, t he p il o t shows us th e basic s of flight, i n s t r u m e nt at i on, etc. Ver y interest ing. D u r i n g t h e ret ur n fl ig ht we al l feel l ike pilots, cer tain of havi n g l i ve d an exp er ience t hat g o es well beyon d th e 9 0 m i n u te s t h at h ave seen u s as p ro t ag o nis ts an d th at will n ot b e e a s y to forg et. w w w. h e l i p a s s. co m

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Thalys

he Thal ys co nnec t io ns net wor k in N or th er n E u r op e a l l ows yo u t o t ravel co mf o r t ably between P aris, Br u s s e l s , Am s t erdam and C o lo g ne w it h competitive times and c os t s c om p ared t o t he p l ane. We t r i e d i t f ro m Par is to Amsterdam o n August 1 st. We c h ose to t rave l p a m pered in t he Premiu m car r ia ge even th ough th e o n b oa rd s e r vi ce is k now n to b e excel l ent even in th e oth er c l a s s e s. L a rg e seat s, WiFi, mag azines, dedic ated staff. A few m i n u te s a f te r dep ar t u re, we were ser ved lun ch design ed by th e Fre n c h Ch ef Ol ivier Picho t- a G o ur m et Break , as h e c alls i t - b a l a n ce d, l ig ht w it h Or ient al co nt amin ation s. I nterestin g an d re wa rd i n g. A cof fe e, a bit o f wo r k o n t he co mputer an d, wh ile th e cou nt r ys i d e f l owed by b efo re o u r eyes, we h ad ar r ived. M uch b e t te r t h a n t h e p l ane, mo re rel axing and enter tain in g.

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Am s te rd a m M useum

Rijskmuseum

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Rijskmuseum

Amsterdam

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M u s e u m H e t R emb randt huis

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Van G ogh M us e um

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De L’Europe Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14

he l o cat io n co u l d no t be any better for a wate r c i t y l i k e Amsterdam. The D e L’ Eu rope is located at th e ti p of a p e n i n s u l a w here t he R o k in and Amstel c an als meet. A ve r y ce nt ra l l o cat io n fro m w here yo u can reac h th e station an d t h e t ra i n to t he air p o r t in fif teen minutes on foot. At t h e b e gi n n ing o f t he seventeent h centur y th is place was th e s e t t i n g for a mo dest inn w hich in t he eighteenth centur y wa s s t i ll op e rat io nal u nt il in 1882, in v iew of th e Wor ld ’s Fa i r of t h e fol l ow ing year, it was enl arg ed. A few year s later, i n 1895 - n ow cer t ain o f su ccess and l o cation - th e own er s de c i d e d to comp l etel y reb uil d t he edifice in moder n for ms wh i le re t a i n i n g st yl ist ic el ement s o f t he or igin al str uc ture, an d t h at i s h ow t he ho tel to o k it s cur rent for m. Th e n ew s t r u c t u re wa s e quip p ed w it h an el evato r, central h eatin g, gas an d e l e c t r i c i t y. The l atest renovat io n was in 2 0 1 2 /1 3 with th e ad d i t i on of t h e Sp a by Sk ins I nst it u te. 166

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I t i s c l e a r h ow t he D e Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Eu ro p e rep resents th e h istor y of th e Am s te rd a m ho tel indu st r y. Yo u can fe el an d live it dur in g a s t ay. A m a gn ificent feel ing o f b el o nging en r ic h ed by ever at te nt i ve s e r vi ce. R ed car p et s, b o iser ie, mir ror s. Th e replic a o f p e r i od f u r nishing s and t he l arg e win dows th at frame m a gn i f i ce nt vi e ws o f t he histo r ic cit y and th e can als. B re a k f a s t at t he H o o fdst ad Brasser ie is an event for th e bu f fe t : t h e u nfo rg et t ab l e Eg g s B enedic t, th e var ieties of s m ok e d s a lm on, b u t al so fo r t he canal v iew. We will retur n to t h i s b ra s s e r ie fo r dinner. I n a ro mant ic atmosph ere, with a b a l a n ce d s e a menu, we o b ser ve l ife o n th e Amstel flowin g be fore ou r e yes. 168

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INFO HOTEL DE Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;EUROPE Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.deleurope.com Rooms & Suites 111 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 83 Environment 83 Design 80 Service 81 Cuisine 100 Health 78 Spa 78 Rooms 80

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Bord’Eau & Hoofdstad Brasserie

De L’Europe

o u nds l ike t he Fren ch win e but, in re a l i t y, i t i s t he l o cat io n o n t he Amstel c an al. B ord ’E au is th e s t a r re d re st aurant co mmanded by E xec utive Ch ef Bas va n K ra n e n . S o b er deco r, at tent ive b ut n ot invasive ser vice, ra re f i e d at m os p here do minated by -as already mention ed th e exce ll e nt v iew o f t he water. Th e m e n u i s d eter mined by t he seaso na lit y of lan d produc ts an d t h e ava i la b il it y o f sea p ro du c t s. I n addition to à la c ar te it o f fe r s t h re e s e t menu s o f 6, 7 and 8 co ur ses respec tively. We c h os e t h e f i r s t set and fo u nd it wel l b al anced. I t b re a k s t h e ice w it h a su ccessio n o f fo ur amuses ... B ord ’E au ( a s t h e y a re c a ll ed), l ig ht, w it t y and o bvio usly th e introduc tion to t h e a p p e t i zers. Amo ng t hese we find R ed M ullet ( pomgran ade ‘ l e ce d e t i gre’ w it h I nca b er r y and co r ian der ) , L an goustin e ( p u m p k i n tor tel l ini w it h o rang e and No r th I n dian spices) . For th e m a i n cou r se t he Veniso n (cher r ies with meadowsweet, ar t i c h ok e s a n d l emo n) t hen t he D uck Liver ( fer mented apple wi t h N or t h S e a Crab, green o l ives and raw almon ds) . At t h e e n d of the it inerar y, t he R ed R o se (lyc h ee with beetroot, g o at ’s c h e e s e and o l ive o il ) is sur p r ising for its arch itec ture an d f lavor. I t is an o r iginal creat io n t hat well represents th e wor k of Ch e f B as - al ways careful to respec t an d en h an ce th e i n gre d i e nt s. No t to b e fo rg o t ten are t he more th an 8 5 0 labels i n t h e ce l l a r t h at make t he w ine l ist a mu st. ht t p : / / b ord e a u. nl A m ore i n fo r mal dinner o n t he canal ? Hoofdstad Brasser ie i s t h e r i ght p l ace fo r a sea o r even l and din n er accompan ied by f i n e wi n e s and b eers. No rdic cuisine with inter n ation al nu a n ce s ; s e r vi ce fr iendl y eno u g h to t ake off your j ac ket an d en j oy t h e e ve ning, watching t he b o at s g o by on th e can al. ht t p : / / h oofd s t a db rasser ie. nl /

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The Dylan

Keizersgracht 384

he D yl an Amsterdam o ffer s an en ch antin g i m a ge of e n semb l e. Precise ident it y, h igh st y le an d pe r s on a l i ze d s er vice charac ter ize t his treasure trove of hos p i t a li t y. O ver l o o k ing t he Keisersgrac ht can al, Th e D y lan i s h ou s e d i n a histo r ic six teent h and eighteenth - centur y m a n s i on . B e h ind it s evo cat ive faĂ§ade, th e an cient walls, at te nt i ve ly e n hanced , wel co me g u est s, proj ec tin g th em into a d i m e n s i on of war m el eg ance. The l ink b et ween th e past an d th e p re s e nt i s evident in t he char ming s paces of th e Hotel. I n f a c t, n on - obvio u s p ersp ec t ives and t he predomin an ce of wood s h a p e i t s architec t u re, b al ancing contemporan eit y with th e p a s t. Th e ro o ms and su ites, w it h t heir different st y les evok e h i s tor y, and t heir cl assic feat ures blen d per fec tly wi t h t h e m i n i m al ism o f t he refined fur nish in gs. Ever y th in g i s f u r t h e r i m p roved by a dĂŠco r w hich can n ever be tak en for grante d. I n t h i s s u p e r b set t ing t he cer t ain o ppor tun it y to en j oy c u i s i n e i n s te p w it h t he t imes - ent ru sted to executive ch ef D e n n i s Ku i s p ers - is never l ack ing. The men u of Brasser ie O cco i s b a s e d o n fresh p ro du c t s, . The p roposal of th e star red Vin k e l e s re s t a urant is mo re el ab o rate o n th e oth er h an d: a re f i n e d com b i n at io n t hat p l ays w it h t he c lassic an d moder n nu a n ce s of French cu isine, enr iched, h owever, with an i nte r n at i on a l to uch. Th e D yla n co nveys a sense o f t ranquil it y to be lived in an o r i gi n a l s e t t i n g o f l u xu r y and co mfo r t, th e ideal star tin g po i nt for d i s cover ing Amsterdam. 172

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INFO HOTEL THE DYLAN Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.dylanamsterdam.com Rooms & Suites 40 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 71 Environment 82 Design 91 Service 80 Cuisine 87 Health 68 Spa 0 Rooms 93

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Stromma Amsterdam Dinner Cruise

he Amstel r iver w it h it s semic irc ular c an als t h at m e rg e i nto it are t he center o f life in Amsterdam. Th e ex p e r i e n ce o f t he magic o f t his net wor k of water ways c a n n ot t h e re fo re b e missing dur ing t he visit to th e c it y. An o p p or t u n i t y fo r k now l edg e - o f co u rse, t ak in g full advantage o f a n a d e q u ate set t ing o f excl usivit y â&#x20AC;&#x201C; co m e with th e Stromma Am s te rd a m D i n ner Cru ise (w w w. st ro mma .n l) . Wh ile you are savor i n g t h e menu w it h a cho ice o f l and, sea an d vegetar ian d i s h e s, you c a n del ig ht in t he su g g est ive images an d t y pic al b r i d g e s of Am s terdam as yo u g ent l y fl ow by. At th e en d of t h e t wo a n d a hal f ho urs o f cruising, we are ver y satisfied w i t h t h e ex p e r ience o ffered by t he Amsterdam Din n er Cr uise. w w w. s t rom m a .nl

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OMAN

in collaboraz ion e con

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T he or i gin s o f t h e c it y a re anc ient (perhaps it is one o f t he o ld e s t c it ie s in t he M id d le East ) alt hough it has be e n t h e c ap ital o f t h e sult anat e only for a few years. A t t he t i m e o f t h e R o m a ns it was known for t he port f r om w h ic h th e s h ip s o f inc ense embarked . Ac c ess is st i l l do m in at e d b y two f ort s built by t he Port uguese ma ny c e n t u r ie s late r and t od ay it is more of an e co n om ic an d p o litic al c ent er. T o u r i st s c an v is it th e s o u q, t he new grand mosque ( e nt i r e l y m ad e o f w h ite marble), t he R oyal Opera H ou se ( t h e Su ltan lo v e s opera) and walk along on t he be a ut i f u l c o r n ic h e wh e n t emperat ures allow it .

Muscat

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The Chedi Muscat

here th ere was on ly san d an d roc k b e fore, to day t here are manicured lawn s an d h edges tr i m m e d i n geo met r ic shap es. This is a palm grove wh ich s e e m s t h e e vo l ut io n o f t he I t al ian g arden , wh ere n ature is s h a p e d to m a nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s w il l. The simil ar it y is s tron g, an d it un ites we ll s wi t h t h e co ncep t o f t he Isl amic g arden domin ated by water. Th e a rc h i te c t ure o r iginates fro m t he adept fusion of m i n i m a li s m a n d t he Omani st yl e. H ence we fin d th e ogee arc h e s t yp i c a l of Isl amic architec t ure inser ted in ample wh ite wa ll s, f u r n i t u re in dar k wo o d and at tentive atmosph er ic l i g ht i n g. Fe w co l o rs to avo id dist rac t ing th e guests from th e es s e nt i a l a n d f u nc t io nal fo r ms.

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Th e s wi m m i n g p o o l o f t he w ing cal l ed Th e S erai is framed by ord e r l y rows o f p al ms, w hil e rec t ang u lar cloth s h un g over th e wate r a f fo rd p ro tec t io n fro m t he sun light - j ust as was th e c a s e d u r i n g t he feast s o f o l d w hen vips of th e time of ten at te n d e d m a n i fest at io ns covered by canopies. Th e re a re 158 ro o ms and suites. A l o t of wh ite, dar k woods an d b l a c k s ton e fo r t he fl o o r. Sp acio us bath s with sun k en s ton e t u b s for t he suites. The palate is appeased by the proposals from the restaurant with four open kitchens that serve Mediterranean, Arabic, Asiatic and Indian food, accompanied by an interesting wine list. 184

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An d to re n d er t he exp er ience co mp l e te, th ere is th e spa th at wi t h i t s 1, 500 squ are -meters, t he biggest in M usc at. Th e t re at m e nt s g o fro m t he I ndul g ent Or iental R ituals to th e R e vi vi n g B od y Po l ish R it u al s to t he mo st c lassic Th erapeutic M a s s a ge s. And fo r t he mo st deman din g, a ser ies of R e j u ve n at i n g B eaut y R it u al s are al so available.

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INFO HOTEL THE CHEDI Muscat, Oman www.ghmhotels.com Rooms & Suites 158 Villas 0 - Restaurants 6 Spa yes Children yes Chain GHM Hotels Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 86 Environment 80 Design 95 Service 81 Cuisine 83 Health 80 Spa 88 Rooms 92

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Alila Jabal Akhdar Al Hajar Mountains

t t a k e s at l east t wo ho u rs to l eave th e c apital M uscat, c l i m b t h e Al Hajar M o u nt ains and discover th is un expec ted m ou nt a i n re s or t. S eeing it fro m afar is no t easy, th an k s to th e l oc a l s ton e a rc hitec t u re. We a re at 2000 m. a. s. l. and, desp ite t he fac t th at th e n ame m e a n s â&#x20AC;&#x153; t h e gre en mo unt ainâ&#x20AC;? t here are no trees. At best on e c a n f i n d s m a l l b u shes grow ing w it h diffic ult y. Th e resor t st a n d s on a d ro p o f a mere t ho usand me ter s an d th e view is n ot h i n g s h or t o f b reat ht ak ing.

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Ovidio Guaita

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Th i s i s a l l s o t hr il l ing t hat amo ng t he usual resor t ac tivities we f i n d t h e Vi a Fer rat a Cave Affair. O ur guide, Tar iq, is a n ice you n g O m a n i w ho, w it h a l o t o f no nchal an ce explain s, h ow we wi ll b e s u s p e n ded in t he vo id w it h o u r feet barely touch in g a s te e p wa ll a n d t hen have to cro ss a cave 2 0 meter s from th e top by wa l k i n g o n a ro p e. That acco mplish ed, th en we will re t u r n to t h e reso r t. Th e i n i t i a l b r iefing hel p s to b eco me familiar with th e e q u i p m e nt e ven if at t he st ar t we mu st on several occasion s b e re a s s u re d by Tar iq, w ho w it h exp er ienced patien ce h elps us to ove rcom e t he init ial imp asse. The exper ien ce is defin itely f a s c i n at i n g a n d no t to b e missed. Af ter all is said an d don e, i t i s e n ou gh to b e in g o o d p hysical shap e.

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U p on ou r re t u r n, we rel ax at t he sp a with th e Tradition al B a l i n e s e S aya ng S aying massag e, a b l en d of Balin ese an d Th a i m a s s a ge s executed by exp er t t he rapists in a refin ed e nvi ron m e nt where wo o d and sto ne do min ate. B efore leavin g th e s p a , we attend a sessio n o f Sp a K itch en , dur in g wh ic h we a re i nt rod uced to t he p rep arat io n of some ( simple) n at u ra l p rod u c t s o f b eau t y and wel l -b ein g. We are sh own th e i n gre d i e nt s a nd t he met ho d o f p rep aration . We leave with re c i p e s t h at we p ro mise to t r y at ho me. Af te r t h e 5 p. m. Tea R it u al, we g o o n th e platfor m used to ob s e r ve t h e s tars, enjoy p r ivate dinners an d spa treatments. As t h e s u n g oe s dow n and t he sil ence fal ls, th e place acquires a m a gi c a l s ol emnit y. We al mo st fo rg et th e din n er th at will s oon d e l i g ht us at t he J u nip er rest aurant. 192

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The cuisine at Juniper exploits the local ingredients by offering a menu that includes authentic Omani cuisine and international dishes with local accents. It is no coincidence that we find pomegranate in the salads, in the Mezze, and even at breakfast with in a delicious pomegranate juice, which, in addition to satisfying the palate, has exceptional antioxidant power.

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INFO HOTEL ALILA JABAL AKHDAR Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar Rooms & Suites 84 Villas 2 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain Alila Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities hiking, climbing Score 87 Environment 95 Design 90 Service 80 Cuisine 82 Health 88 Spa 86 Rooms 85

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Salalah is the capital of Dhofar, the southern region of Oman, the one celebrated for its incense. Its climate is characterized by the monsoon Khareef, which brings rain and humidity every year in the summer, making the region green. The flora is transformed, and seasonal waterfalls come to life. The archeological site of Al Balid UNESCO site contains the remains of a once flourishing town that was on the incense road. The decline in the trade of this resin has progressively decreed its disappearance. Today, a museum has been set up there to show the epic of incense, the maritime history of the city and the spice trade.

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Al Baleed Salalah by Anantara

t i s a b a ckgro u nd rumb l e t hat, as we approach , grows, ex p a n d s a n d e nr iches w it h new nu ances until we fin ally ar r i ve i n f ront o f t he Arab ian S ea in al l its gran deur. D ur in g th e s u m m e r mo nso o n t he waves are high . Th e breeze gets s t ron g e r a n d t he ap p earance even intimidates th e most ex p e r i e n ce d s wimmers and sk ip p ers. We remain in admiration i n f ront of t h i s sp ec t acl e o f nat ure. We obser ve it from th e ex p a n s i ve b e a c h o f fine w hite sand in front of th e resor t.

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Th e vi ll a s a re co mp o sed o f a sp acio us livin g room an d a s le e p i n g a re a . The sw imming p o o l in t he garden , wh ose space i s b ord e re d by a wal l to give p r ivac y to families accordin g to t h e c u s tom o f t he p eninsu l a, is g e n erous in size an d ar t i c u l ate d i n bl ack sto ne. Th e c u li n a r y o ffer ing co nsist s o f an all- day din in g buffet re s t a u ra nt ( r i ch and refined), t he Asian restaurant M ekon g ( w h os e Vi e t n a m ese Sp r ing R o l l s we remember ) an d th e on e wi t h M e d i te r ra nean cu isine, Al M ina. The men u of th e latter ra n ge s f rom Leb anese mezze to p izzas, f rom pasta to a few O m a n i d i s h e s. H ere o ne o bvio u sl y find s var ious seafood p rop os a ls b u t a l so del ig ht fu l l y tender me ats. We li k e to re memb er t he excel l ent Eggs R oyal ser ved for b re a k f a s t, t h e co nst ant at tent io n o f t he multi- eth n ic an d m u l t i li n g u a l s taff, t he rarefied at mo sp here of th e garden wi t h i t s l a rg e fo u nt ains l eading to t he p ool. 200

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Th e s top at t he sp a reminds us t hat t h e resor t is man aged by t h e i m p or t ant Thai chain o f Anant ara. S ome treatments are a b le n d of I n d o chinese and Arab ian t rad ition s. We tr ied th e An a nt a ra S i gn at u re M assag e w it h incense oil th at lef t our sk in ve l ve t y. H avi n g t he p at ience to keep t he oil on th e sk in for a cou p le of h ou r s is w hat makes al l t he different. We are taken back to the brand new, extended and functional Salalah airport in the resort suv. The Oman Air flight is punctual, and the Business Class that welcomes us on board is comparable to that of intercontinental flights - as is the ser vice. It almost seems as though we never left the resort. From above the Arabian Sea is a flat expanse of intense blue - nothing would have foretold the intense spectacle we witnessed below.

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INFO HOTEL AL BALEED SALALAH BY ANANTARA Salalah, Oman www.anantara.com Rooms & Suites 40 Villas 96 - Restaurants 3 Spa yes Children yes Chain Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa Affiliation Global Hotel Alliance Activities sightseeing, sea activities Score 80 Environment 80 Design 82 Service 78 Cuisine 80 Health 77 Spa 80 Rooms 80

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Oman Air Business Class September 7 flight WY143 Muscat-Milan

he el eg ant ho stess do es n ot leave us for a m om e nt. We t ake o ff at 2. 40 p m, r ig ht on sch edule from M u s c at. Wh il e fl ying over t he Emirates cock tails ar r ive: Ch a m p a gn e L a urent-Per r ier Bru t, t he o nl y on e on th e win e list but i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s p rop e r l y chil l ed, ser ved w it h a H er b cr usted scallop. Af te r t h i s a muse -b o u che, b et ween sip s we order S mok ed S a l m on a n d s l iced k ing fish fro m t he men u as a star ter fo ll owe d by a del icio us veg et ar ian dish: R oasted ar tic h oke, m u s h room a n d p imiento l asagna w it h basil c ream sauce, pe r fe c t l y p a i re d by a French S au vigno n Blan c of th e Loire Va l l e y. We con cl ude w it h t he War m st rawber r y c ake with c h ocolate s a u ce and co ffee.

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A f ter w ar ds we take a s tro l l wh il e the ho s tes s cl ear s , an d then th e s how b egi ns . The l ig hts dim and o n o ur la rg e T V sc r ee n - vi a a cutti ng -e dge e nter tai nm ent s yste m - w e cho o s e amo n g pr em i er e s, cl as s ic s, an d T V p r o gr am s. We al mos t m i ss the fa ct that w e ar e ab out to lan d - on s ch edul e, o f cour se â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and in ti me to enj oy the s uns et w ith the A lps in the b ack g roun d. Now t h e r e â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s a new w ay t o g o t o t he East , an d th at is fly in g with o n e of t he m o dern and effic ient M iddl e E astern compan ies, u si n g t h e op p or t u nit y fo r a st o p o ver in t h eir h ub. Wi t h O m a n Ai r yo u can st o p t o enjo y Muscat an d disc over o n e of t he r e g io ns w it h t he richest histor y in th e Ar abian Pe n i n s u la a n d t hen co nt inu e t o t he maj or destin ation s of t h e I nd ia n su b co nt inent o r t he F ar E ast. Th e Oman i co m p a n y h a s a Bu siness C l ass as co mfo r table as a Fir st. I t pr op os e s a n a r t icu l at ed menu w hich matc h es all ta stes, pa i r e d w i t h p remiu m w ines. T he at ten tive multilin gual s t a f f p u t s you at ease w hil e t he in-fligh t en ter tain men t s u r p r i s e s w i t h a w ide rang e o f o ffers. I n t h e e n d , t he t radit io nal Omani ho sp italit y is eviden t ev e n i n f li g ht . w w w . om a n a i r . co m 206

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tyle

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Finnair

a starred stopover

innair does not fly only to Helsinki. You do not fly Finnair just for Finland. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network is extensive, and the connections are varied. Both to the United States and to the East. If you like, you can take advantage for a stopover - always appreciated and in any season. It is worth remembering that Scandinavian cuisine is experiencing an endless spring and is worth the stop. A flowering that is also reflected in the dishes served on board, created by the chef Eero Vottonen. Two classes of service: a comfortable Economy and an excellent Business Class with ample seats and dedicated service on the ground as well as on board.

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Outdoor design furniture? letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ask Trona

dreamy outdoors requires unique and exclusive furniture. Trona items, totally handmade in Italy â&#x20AC;&#x153;, reflect high-quality materials and attention for totally handcrafted work in every detail. Trona originated in 2006, with a floating armchair coated in nautical eco-leather which was patented as an industrial invention. Trona is the only design Armchair that can be easily used in or out of water: from an elegant armchair out of water, it becomes a luxury floating mattress in water, thanks to its original plexiglass base. The Trona Armchair changes style and shape as you prefer. Open, it is a luxurious, comfortable and safe Design Floating Armchair. Closed on its plexiglass-base, it is an elegant piece of furniture customizable for indoor and outdoor spaces. The Trona armchair is perfect if combined with the exclusive floating tray and bar. The Trona floating tray and bar are pieces of furniture realized for cocktail parties and happy hour in the water. Thanks to their plexiglass base, they hold bottles, ice-buckets and glasses, keeping them safe and without risk. These items are Suitable for every type of space, retaining their quality over time. From the pool to the Jacuzzi, from the sea to the yacht.

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Trona also boasts a non-floating furniture line: The “Cloud” collection, which includes a wide range of cushions, sofas and armchairs, to guarantee body support while remaining soft and cozy. Used in Spas and Wellness Centers, Onda and Duna Spa beds aim to ensure maximum comfort without giving up elegance and luxury. All Trona items can be customized for dimension, color and with a personal embroidery logo. “Trona is a real innovation to enhance luxury environments and exclusive areas. Our company differs from others, thanks to its quality and the craftsmanship with which it realizes its products. All our collections are planned, designed and totally handmade in Italy with high-quality materials.”

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Logitech Spotlight presentation control

e have t r ie d t wo n ew Logitech p rod u c t s t h at a re o f p ar t icu l ar interest. Le t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s t a r t w it h t he Sp o t l ig ht Pre sentation s R emote. Yo u r con fe re n ce w il l never ag ain b e l ike before. Forget th e ( d a n g e rou s ) l aser p o inter. A b ut to n o n th is remote control all ows you to sw itch b et ween an indicator lik e th e on e on th e m ou s e, a hig hl ig hted circl e (dar kene d all aroun d) , up to a m a gn i f yi n g circl e, an effec t simil ar to t h e magn ify in g fin ger o n a n i Ph on e. I t wo r ks up to 30 m away and h as a rech argeable b at te r y, s o g oodbye b at ter ies. w w w. l ogi te c h . co m

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Elsa Bozzaotra

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Logitech Craft wireless keyboard

he o t her p ro duc t t hat c aught our attention i s Cra f t, t h e n ew w irel ess keyb o ard fo r c reative control of va r i ou s s of t ware. The keys are b ack l it w hic h mak es th eir use ex t re m e ly e a s y and p l easant ; it b o ast s sp ec ial P C an d M ac k eys an d h a s a contex t ual k no b w hich, dep end in g on th e sof t ware u s e d, i s of great hel p in t he fast and p re c ise adj ustments of va r i ou s p a ra m eters (tex t size), b r ig ht ness, zoom etc.) . w w w. logi te c h . co m

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Canon PowerShot G3X

or t h e rep o r t o n t he United St ates we n eeded an agile c a m e ra , p re c i se in exp o su re and w it h a ver satile zoom. Th e u n d e r s t ate d a p p earance o f t he camera allowed us to h ave m ore f re e d om in sho o t ing. Th e Powe r S h o t G3X , w it h it s smal l size an d power ful, wellst a b i l i ze d zoom, p roved to b e t he r ig ht choice. Th e 2 5 x op t i cal zo o m st ar t s fro m a w ide -an gle equivalent to a 24 m m to cont inue u p to a 600 mm super-teleph oto len s, a l on g ra n ge wi t h so me co mp ro mises b ut a lso with an excellent st a b i l i ze r on 5 axes. I t is a sup er b res ource to document i n a cce s s i b l e a reas o r to grasp det ail s. I t s macro fun c tion must n ot b e ove r l ooked eit her. This is w hat we used to ph otograph t h e loc a l c u i s i n e. Th e 20- m e g ap ixel 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;senso r g ave excellent defin ition th us m a k i n g i m a ge s p ub l ishab l e - even fu l l p age. I n con c l u s i on , o n t he ro ad and in al l t hose situation s wh ere i m m e d i a c y m a kes t he difference, t he Can on Power S h ot G3 X re p re s e nt s a n excel l ent al ter nat ive to a re flex. w w w. c a n on . i t

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