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Masseria Torre Maizza
D E S T I N A T I O N S 93 2021
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Masseria Torre Maizza
E X C L U S I V E
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EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief
A
n intense fragrance of Spring recalls holidays and evasion, discoveries and surprises in the guise of a trip. In a fluid and unforeseeable international panorama, where classical destinations become unreachable, and new ones appear in catalogues and on the websites of tour operators, luxury and exclusivity are evermore discoveries to be enjoyed at a slow pace. We know slow food and slow travel, but, perhaps, we have yet to appreciate “slow luxury” fully. We stop in a dated lobby to observe the hurried and distracted travellers. We enjoy the tea we are served with scones and reflect on the destination which is not only an airport and a five-star but a world – a world we cannot afford to miss since tomorrow we may not be able to return there. Let’s enjoy the luxury of getting lost in the streets, the exclusivity of doing it alone mixed in with the locals. Let’s rise on our toes to see and not only observe from the airport limousine.
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CONTENTS
22
Hotel Bauer Palazzo Venezia, Italia
28
Olo Ravintola Helsinki, Finland
32
Ristorante Marc Lanteri al Castello Grinzane Cavour, Italia
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Masseria Torre Maizza Savelletri, Italia
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Garonga Safari Camp Makalali Reserve, South Africa
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Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam Brunei
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Luang Say Residenbce Luang Prabang, Laos
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The Tower Club at Lebua Bagkok, Thailand
CONTENTS
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Kata Rocks Phuket, Thailand
88
Indigo Pearl Phuket, Thailand
RM
lifeStyle
98
Lyzard KZ1 & KZ14 Sennheiser
www.palidano.com
E X C L U S I V E
D E S T I N A T I O N S
2014
2014
H otels &
HOTEL COLONIALI
R es o r t s Ov id io
a ait Gu
Ovidio Guaita
2020 PalidanoPress
Places to Stay in Florence & Nearby
HOTEL COLONIALI PP
T op I t a lia n Top Italian Hotels & Resorts
The best properties among hotels and resorts have been chosen - all of them visited and evaluated. Go beyond your expectations. Let yourself be led by your emotions for a stay that will never be more memorable.
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. 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.
L’autore, Paolo Gerbaldo, è inviato di Resorts Magazine.
Le strutture migliori tra hotel e resort. Tutte visitate e valutate. Andate oltre le vostre aspettative, lasciatevi guidare dalle emozioni per un soggiorno che non potrà che essere memorabile.
Top 100
Top 100
Dal Settecento fino alla seconda guerra mondiale. Due secoli di lusso ai tropici, tra ventilatori a pale, verande, tè pomeridiani e stuoli di servitori. Molti in Asia ma anche nelle colonie africane e in Centro America. Una storia affascinante di lungimiranti investitori, pionieri e avventurieri costellata di nomi eccellenti come Raffles, Peninsula e Strand. Questa directory ci mostra i migliori esempi sopravvissuti dove sperimentare esperienze e atmosfere d’altri tempi.
aggiornare ISBN PalidanoPress Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
PP
Top 100 P l aces t o St ay i n
F l or en ce Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
M O S T
Top 100
W O R L D ’ S
Top 100
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and nearb y PalidanoPress
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XVI, n. 93 2021 International Editor-in-Chief Ovidio Guaita Senior Editor Lawrence Taylor Contributors Elsa Bozzaotra, Riccardo Casano, Maria Coscarelli, Paola Di Girolamo, Paolo Gerbaldo, Alessandra Jovinelli, Pamela McCourt Francescone, Agnese Frullatori Translations Lawrence Taylor, Agnese Frullatori Photos Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Paolo Gerbaldo, Riccardo Casano e hotel e resort pubblicati 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 Europa 300 € Resto del mondo 350 € Publisher PalidanoPress Kemp House, 152 - 160 City Road London EC1V 2NX (UK) Palidano Press is a Trade Mark of Palidano LLC
2701 Centerville Rd. New Castle County Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (USA) © 2021 Palidano LLC www.resorts.it
Cover: Masseria Torre Maizza.
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Golf? Gastronomy? Bike? Wakeboarding? Culture?
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Hiking? Horse riding? Lifestyle? Paddle boarding? Biking?
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CITY HOTEL | VENEZIA
Hotel Bauer Palazzo Venezia
A
unique setting to experience the timeless magic of Venice, the Hotel Bauer Palazzo best interprets the sophisticated atmosphere of great international hospitality. You immediately realize the class of the Bauer as soon as you begin to fully experience both the common areas and the intimacy of the rooms. In fact, the Hotel responds splendidly, dispensing grace and excellent service, to the needs of hospitality lovers. Antique furniture, inlays, marbles, damask wallpapers, Rubelli fabrics, mirrors and Murano glass chandeliers - a precious range of refinements that help to characterize the rooms and suites, some of which are then made unique by the magnificent view of the Grand Canal, the Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute. An experience within an experience. The magic continues when you reach the superb outdoor terrace of the De Pisis restaurants for breakfast or main meals.
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CITY HOTEL | VENEZIA
In fact, the menu proposed by chef Dario Parascandolo takes shape in this dream setting, under the super vision of executive chef Cristiano Tomei. Introduced by punctual and accurate ser vice, a vast bouquet of original flavors, of the Venetian and Mediterranean tradition, thus arrives on the table to delight the palate. 24
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CITY HOTEL | VENEZIA
The elegance of the spaces and the mise en place, with examples of plates and glasses with an unmistakable Venetian design, instead, shape the Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant, where the technical mastery and creativity of executive chef Cristiano Tomei design a personalized path of taste. Staying at the Hotel Bauer Palazzo is thus equivalent to imbibing from a higher source of hospitality that flows, with moments that are unforgettable, in the incomparable setting of Venice.
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HOTEL BAUER PALAZZO Venezia, Italia www.bauervenezia.com Rooms & Suites 191 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa no Children yes Chain SIGNA Luxury Hotels Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 84 Environment 80 Design & Art 87 Service 83 Cuisine 94 Health 70 Spa n.a. Rooms 91
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TOP RESTAURANT | HELSINKI
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Olo
Ravintola
Consistently at the top of the charts of Finnish restaurants, Olo restaurant soars with its Michelin star not just for the flavours and textures but also for the careful selection of ingredients.
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O TOP RESTAURANT | HELSINKI
lo means “hungry” in Chinook Jargon, a language derived from English, French, Chinese and Chinook. A language that does not exist but is spoken by the merchants of yesteryear accustomed to dealing with people of different ethnicities. Helsinkii with its port, has always been a hub where goods, cultures and languages meet. It is right in the heart of the district of the port, near the Market Square that we find Olo. A place to come together and eat, following the sacred rite of the broken bread - the very bread that we find on the table upon arrival and which is still rising. Only then will it be baked and returned hot and crispy to accompany the creations of the chef. Consistently at the top of the charts of Finnish restaurants, Olo restaurant soars with its Michelin star not just for the flavours and textures but also for the careful selection of ingredients. The tasting menu - here called “The Journey”, the experience accompanied by wines chosen by the sommelier represents a full immersion in Scandinavian flavours. From the first dish with “Courgette with goat cheese cream and pumpkin seeds with tomato fennel juice”, the experience comes into focus. Among other compositions that follow we recall with pleasure the “Norwegian langoustine with emulsion and puffed rice” and “Beef tartar with pickled mustard seeds, onion rings, egg yolk cream, poppy seeds and thyme sour cream “. The sweet conclusions surprise for their lightness. For example, “Semi-dried strawberries, pickled white strawberries, wheat ice cream and sour milk mousse with rucola and strawberry drops”. The accompanying wines are mainly French with deviations into Hungary and Chile.
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OLO RAVINTOLA Helsinki, Finland http://olo-ravintola.fi
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TOP RESTAURANT | GRINZANE CAVOUR
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Ristorante Marc Lanteri al Castello
The castle of Grinzane Cavour is the ideal place for a sensory and visual experience that does not betray expectations.
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TOP RESTAURANT | GRINZANE CAVOUR
I I
n its dominant position among the hills of the Langhe which gently envelop it, the Piedmontese regional castle-wine cellar of Grinzane Cavour, not far from Alba, is impressive. A superb location ennhanced by the Marc Lanteri al Castello restaurant. The menu conceived by Marc Lanteri, where the chef’s signature dishes stand out combined with the seasonal Langhe menu, is attentive and stimulating. The proposals perfectly speak the language of product quality, preparation techniques and the correct balance of ingredients. The dishes, both modern and well thought out, are so satisfying. Take, for example, one from the path of excellence: the convincing version of “Tajarain” with whole meal flour, raw red prawns from Sanremo, turnip greens and lemon zest. The gastronomic experience is made complete by the elegant setting offered by the historic hall of the Castle. The service is impeccable and extremely attentive to guests’ needs. The room is, in fact, entrusted to the attentive care of the restaurant manager Amy Marcelle Bellotti. The wine list, which accompanies the cuisine well, is the result of the attention of Amy and the sommelier Alessandro Corsini. Marc Lanteri’s creativity is inspired by France with respect to the technique, and Italy, for the variety of raw materials. Based on these cornerstones, a solid vision of cuisine is thus unfolding, and has found in the prestigious gourmet amphitheater of the Langhe the optimal environment where it can be expressed at its best, starting from the very high quality of local products. The Marc Lanteri al Castello restaurant is the ideal place for a sensory and visual experience that does not betray expectations.
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RISTORANTE MARC LANTIERI AL CASTELLO Grinzane Cavour, Cuneo www.marclanteri.it
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MASSERIA | SAVELLETRI
Masseria Torre Maizza Savelletri
S
e n s i t i ve to t he histo r y and identit y of th e place, th e Tor re M a i z z a masser ia, u nder t he b rand R occo For te Hotels, i s s u r rou n d e d by o l ive t rees t hat b l end into th e blue of th e Ad r i at i c S e a of Pug l ia and wel co mes g uests with an offer of s e re n i t y t h at co mes fro m immersio n into th e inten se st y le of M e d i te r ra n e a n l ife. Tor re M a i z z a is, in fac t, a sp ace carefully orc h estrated to o f fe r a m u lt i p le exp er ience by t ak ing advantage of an elegant s e t t i n g wh e re sil ence is inter t w ined w it h peasant c iviliz ation an d m od e r n i t y.
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MASSERIA | SAVELLETRI
Th e conte m p o rar y inter io rs o f t he ro o ms an d suites, design ed by O lg a Pol i z z i , are so b er and ex t remel y refin ed, en r ic h ed with de t a i ls t h at cont r ib u te to inst il l ing a p erson alit y modeled on th e i d e nt i t y of t he Ap ul ian ter r ito r y. Al l aroun d olive groves an d s p a ce s s u r ro unded by greener y create th e h ar mony of th e p la ce. S i t u ate d in t he green is t he rel axing environ ment of th e p ool e n r i c h e d by t he Po o l Bar w here o ne can also en j oy an exce l l e nt p i z z a . An a u t h e nt i c enviro nment is o ffered by th e Carosello re s t a u ra nt wh e re t he excel l ence o f t he Apulian ter r itor y is en h a n ce d to i ts fu l l est. The dishes su r p r ise for th e inten sit y 38
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o f t h e l oc a l f lavo rs w hich, carefu l l y reth ought, delight th e p a l ate wi t h a n excep t io nal g ast ro no mic moment of sea an d l a n d. N i col a Leno ci, H ead C hef o f To r re M a iz z a, best inter prets th e k i tc h e n l i ne devel o p ed by t he Creat ive Direc tor of Food Ful vi o Pi e ra n gel ini. St ayi n g at t h e To r re M aizza far m is th erefore a multiple ex p e r i e n ce to l ive by t ak ing advant ag e o f a place of h ospitalit y th at t ra n s l ate s t he search fo r t he p er fec t ar t de vivre into re a li t y.
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INFO
MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA Savelletri, Italia www.roccofortehotels.com Rooms & Suites 40 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain Rocco Forte Hotels Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 85 Environment 97 Design & Art 88 Service 80 Cuisine 87 Health 80 Spa 80 Rooms 88
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DESTINATION | MAKALALI CONSERVANCY
MAK AL
Paola Di Girolamo
The Greater Makalali Land and Wildlife Trust was initiated to act as caretaker of the land and all the wildlife on it. The Trust pursues applied and innovative research, which is directed towards solving problems facing the owners of small reserves.
A LI
DESTINATION | MAKALALI
A s a r e su l t of fr ag men ted h abi tats, sm al l reserves and c o n se r v a n c ies r eta in a cen tr al rol e i n the conservat i on of ani m al an d p la n t p op u la tion s, pa r ticul arl y t hrough m et a- popul at i on ma n a ge m e n t. Ga r on g a is on e of these sm al l reserves.
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DESTINATION | MAKALALI
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Paola Di Girolamo
Garonga Safari Camp Garonga Safari Camp and Little Garonga are exclusive camps set in the 22,000 ha (60,000 acres) Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve west of Kruger National Park.
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DESTINATION | MAKALALI
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nspired by the beauty of the surrounding landscape, it promises a “Soul Safari”, designed to reflect the rhythms of nature and to encourage harmonization with them, far from the chaos of modern life. Regain your balance by interacting with nature, with activities that include walking with animals and picnics around the campsite, followed by nights spent in the bush in total comfort and safety. Inside the rooms the neutral tones of the canvas and clay, combined with natural light, connect with the clear and decisive architectural lines of the columns for a streamlined design, capable of generating a feeling of wellbeing and harmony. In line with the holistic philosophy which inspires the camp, an isolated area dedicated to aromatherapy treatments, reflexology and a limited series of massages has been designed in the luxuriant vegetation.
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INFO HOTEL
GARONGA SAFARI CAMP Kruger N.P., South Africa www.garonga.com Rooms & Suites 0 Tents 6 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities safaris
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DESTINATION | BRUNEI
BRUN
Paolo Gerbaldo
A small sultanate surrounded by the Malay territories on the island of Borneo. Renowned for its abundant oil deposits, it preserves traditions which are only memories in most other places today.
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DESTINATION | BRUNEI
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam A modern and functional hotel that makes a journey pleasant for tourist in the still littleknown Sultanate of Brunei.
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DESTINATION | BRUNEI
T
he excellent location of the Radisson allows one to explore Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei on the island of Borneo. The proximity to the main attractions, from the Kampong Ayer village, with its characteristic houses built on the water along the Brunei River, to the Royal Regalia Museum, just across the Radisson, up to the great Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, in fact, permits a significant taste of the local culture of the wet city. The same is true from Kedayan. The rooms at the Radisson Brunei Darussalam are modern and functional. The attention for guests - whether on a business trip or on holiday - is confirmed by meticulous service, the presence of restaurants designed to suit different needs and by the facilities for well-being. As for the restaurants, La Tasek Brasserie presents, in a casual setting, a buffet with Asian fare, but not excluding the best known international dishes. The menu at the restaurant Deals, on the other hand, offers in a more sophisticated setting, an elaborate menu which proposes classic Western cuisine which is re-elaborated with innovative flair. A stay at the Radisson Brunei Darussalam makes a journey pleasant for tourist in the still little-known Sultanate of Brunei.
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INFO HOTEL RADISSON BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Darussalam, Brunei www.radisson.com Rooms & Suites 142 Villas 20 - Restaurants 2 Spa Cantik Children yes Chain Radisson Affiliation none Activities excursions Score 69 Environment 57 Design 71 Service 75 Cuisine 75 Health 63 Spa 65 Rooms 75
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DESTINATION | LUA NG PRABANG
LUANG P
Maria Coscarelli
Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of the Land of a million elephants, is an enchanting locality where time seems to have stopped.
RABANG
DESTINATION | LUANG PRABANG
C a lm a n d r elig iou s silen ce creat e a magi cal at m osphere that e n v e lo p s t he sedu ctiv v e a n d el egant ci ty. It has been prot ected by U N E S C O sin ce 1 9 9 5 . On e c an get l ost vi si ti ng the m any t em pl es , h o w e v e r , w h at is str ikin g is the spi ri tual i ty and the cal m . Terzani w r o t e : “ L a os is n ot a p lace, it i s an em oti onal st ate”.
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DESTINATION | LUANG PRABANG
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Maria Coscarelli
Luang Say Residence The charm of traditional Laotian hospitality. A step into history. This is The Luang Say Residence in Luang Prabang.
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DESTINATION | LUANG PRABANG
rench colonialism vibrates everywhere. Louis de Laporte, Henry Mouhot, Auguste Pavie, Doudart de LaGree, besides their craft, fame and nationalities, have something else in common: four suites dedicated to them at this resort. The reason? Because these explorers with their trips and their works have allowed Luang Prabang to open a window on the world. Staying here is a dive into the past. We are surrounded by history. The Hotel Manager, Francis Fernandes, welcomes guests, but Laotian kindness reigns supreme. After a day spent enjoying the beauty of Luang Prabang and before dinner, an appointment under the ancient portico at the bar Le “1861”. Starting the evening surrounded by candles with a well-chilled Château Ducru Beaucaillou is an emotion. Just a few steps to the restaurant La Belle Epoque, where one can enjoy a perfect Laotian dinner. Dishes, apparently simple, conceal surprising nuances and pleasant contrasts. Even the presentation is without excess. Let the flavors decree the success of Chef Khampong - flavors inspired by his early-morning rounds in various markets of this delightful town. But the real luxury of this place is the silence. The hotel is completely immersed in a green oasis of peace. Staying there means breathing the atmosphere of a distant time.
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INFO HOTEL
LUANG SAY RESIDENCE Luang Prabang, Laos www.luangsayresidence.com Rooms & Suites 24 Tents 6 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation SLH Activities sightseeing Score 70 Environment 92 Design 90 Service 82 Cuisine 85 Health 56 Spa 0 Rooms 82
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THAIL
Ancient Siam, the kingdom never conquered by the Europeans, is today a destination popular for culture, nature and sea. Phuket remains the destination most requested by vacationers from Europe and the Far East and the hospitality offer is able to satisfy all pocketbooks.
AND
DESTINATION | THAILAND
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Bangkok, a cosmopolitan metropolis standing between past and future, is spread around the Chao Phraya River which represents it umbilical cord. History is reflected in the local handicraft, traditions and cuisine, today carefully revisited to satisfy Western palates.
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
Phuket remains among the most popular destinations in Thailand. Renowned above all for its beaches and the numerous hotels, bars and restaurants, it is in reality an island extremely interesting from a natural point of view, in part protected by the Sirinat National Park. Our correspondents Ovidio Guaita and Lawrence Taylor went there to explore the best resorts.
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
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Lawrence Taylor
The Tower Club at lebua
It stands out on the horizon, at the top of one of the tallest a skyscrapers in the Thai capital. For sure not one of the newest but certainly among those that create the city skyline.
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
upported by very classical ionic columns, the golden dome of Lebua is not known for its form. But rather it is here that you can find the Sky Bar, the first of its kind and the largest. It seems afloat in the Bangkok night, always crowded and glamorous. The Capital seen from up here is a world unto itself, a composition of coloured lights from which the chaotic traffic and noise disappear. Still at the top of the skyscraper arises Mezzaluna, the formal restaurant which has been one of the best in the city for ten years. The Franco-Mediterranean cuisine here weds with Japanese inspirations wisely dosed by chef Ryuki Kavasaki. Two tasting menus of 4 and 7 dishes with or without wine pairings guide guests along a gastronomic path made of well-balanced flavours which rarely overlap. Lightness is assured, due to the cooking techniques and ingredients adapted from the Asian experience of the Japanese chef. Our experience starts with a seafood symphony with Hokkaido Scallops, accompanied by a 2012 Spanish Rioja Blanco Faustino VII Bodegas Faustino. Then comes the Nova Scotia Lobster with a 2009 Argentine Chardonnay Centenario Reserve Graffigna. Next is a Pacific Code to conclude with a turf ace, a memorable cut of Saga Wagyu, enhanced with a 2011 Bordeaux Clarendelle Rouge by Haut Brion. Pre-dessert and dessert conclude our experience at Mezzaluna, - a restuarant which would certainly deserves a star or two – just in time to join the nightowls of Bangkok at the mythical Sky Bar. The next day the hotel limousine takes us to the airport. The night owls are still asleep while we early-risers are recalling the flavour of a special night that thrills us as we fly off to discover yet another classic: Phuket.
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INFO HOTEL
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
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Lawrence Taylor
Kata Rocks nel bianco dipinto di blu
Perched amid the rocks, this resort with exclusively pool suites invites guests to relax and become hedonistic just a few steps from Kata Beach, one of the best in Phuket.
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
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ts white structures can be obser ved from a distance, situated on a promontory called Kata Rock. It is elegant but simple, and enhanced by the green of the surrounding vegetation and the blue of the pools. Each suite, in fact, has its own infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea. During the day, the resort seems to be deserted. Guests are all enjoying the privacy of their spacious suites with breath-taking views. The voluminous living rooms with entire walls of glass and an equipped kitchen permit guest to cook without giving up the pleasure of the view – perhaps, after having participated in the lessons at the cooking school. In addition to the latter, the service of a concierge is also available to organise a series of cultural and marine activities. At sunset the lounge in front of the central pool becomes animated with cocktails. Per fectly oriented towards the
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west, the pool lounge is the ideal scenario for afternoon chit-chat. Amid tradition and innovation, the barmen entertain guests with proposals of high alcoholic content just before dinner. In the restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the chef proposes Thai specialities along with a few international alternatives. The ser vice may appear naïf, but the staff is always cordial and the sojourn absolutely pleasant. The contemporar y design, the ample spaces, the view and the private lap pools make this venue a much appreciated destination. And for those who fall in love with it, there are properties for sale, both for exclusive ownership as well as those to share with co-owners.
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INFO HOTEL
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
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Lawrence Taylor
Indigo Pearl Property of a family for generations linked to the extraction of tin and the project of the famed Bill Bensley. A place where every corner recalls the mining past of Phuket.
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DESTINATION | THAILAND
O
nce upon a time when tourism did not exist and the majority of the people in Phuket dedicated themselves to fishing or to the extraction of tin. Important families have administered this industry, developing it and favoring the exportation of the raw materials. In the 90s the mines were closed and other materials replaced tin. An era was ending while the hospitality industry simultaneously consolidated and new operations – certainly more international – appeared. Indigo Pearl represents this passage well, for it gives witness to an important past and, at the same time, promotes a new one. The pieces of industrial archaeology - just as do the works of art taking inspiration from this era - enrich the stay of guests who fine themsleves inserted into both the economic and industrial histor y of the island. One remains dumbfounded by the unique tin objects created expressly for the resort. Some examples would be the faucets, the outer shell of the bathtubs, the beds, the information signs and so on. The tropical garden is another reason for interest in this resort. Maintained by an army of gardeners, it boasts three pools and the five restaurants which make us regularly lose the way back to our suite. The tall palms, the frangipanis, the banana plants alternate with a myriad of bushy plants which recall a botanical garden. It is not by chance that the resort hosts a workshop of the renowned Austrailian foral artist, Michael Pritchard, on the compositional art of tropical flowers.
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However there are many other activities as well. Among the internal ones, the Thai Cooking School is always very appreciated, as are the Champagne Brunch and the barbeque. One must not miss the Coqoon Spa, where the Thai tradition reigns supreme. The Nest, built like a nest in a tree, is the signature treatment villa. It isolates and fascinates while the expert (and stong) hands of the therapists take care of us. Indigo Pearl is a resort capable of satisfying diverse demands and tastes, managed by a cordial staff, decidedly relaxing for couples and families. A very Thai experience, profoundly tied to the history and traditions of Phuket.
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