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Roma Brescia Alassio Asti Gardone Riviera Val Gardena Anguilla Saint-Martin Sint Maarten

DISCRETION

Villa della Pergola, Alassio

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Hotel Granbaita Dolomites Selva di Val Gardena

EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief

T

he arrival of summer instills security, as if the heat in itself could improve the health situation, even if all of Africa realizes that this is not the case. Nevertheless, leaving behind the cold season to which the flu is linked is still a reason for optimism. And so we have gone back to dreaming, and now we will become desirous yet again, as when we were children and everything seemed unattainable. “The world in a room” is once again very current and suddenly we find ourselves surprised and excited, thinking about the next check-in and the excitement of the border.

However, the resumption of travel will be a big step, both for those who travel and for those who live off of travel and travelers. Green passes will help in Europe and will hopefully soon be recognized outside the Community as well. We wouldn’t want the remedy to end up being worse than the problem.

Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!

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CONTENTS

22

Double Tree by Hilton Rome Monti Roma, Italia

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Centro Pastorale Paolo VI Brescia, Italia

30

Villa della Pergola Alassio, Italia

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Villa Pattono Relais & Spa Asti, Italia

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Eden Reserve Hotel & Villas Gardone Riviera, Italia

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Hotel Granbaita Dolomites Selva di Val Gardena, Italia

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Hotel Riu Palace Oasis Gran Canaria, Spain

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Radisson Blu Gran Canaria Gran Canaria, Spain

CONTENTS

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Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club Anguilla, United Kingdom

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Belmond La Samanna Saint- Martin, France

98

Sonesta Ocean Point Sint Maarten, The Netherlands

106

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa Vulcano, Italy

RM

lifeStyle

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Bellroy contemporary elegance

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

T H E

and nearb y PalidanoPress

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XVI, n. 94 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 All artistic property right reserved. Any kind of reproduction is prohibited, whole or partial, in any language, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISSN 2043-6629 www.resorts.it

Cover: Villa della Pergola, Alassio.

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The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert

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New York Palace Budapet The Dedica Anthology

Golf? Gastronomy? Bike?

Wakeboarding? Culture?

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Hiking? Horse riding? Lifestyle?

Paddle boarding? Biking?

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CITY HOTEL | ROMA

Double Tree

by Hilton Rome Monti

A

precise character has been given to the elegant rooms by the extensive redevelopment work that has shaped a new address for Roman hospitality.

This is the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti.

Managed by HNH Hospitality, one of Italy’s leading independent hotel operators, the hotel enjoys an excellent location in the Eternal City.

The light and sweet colors chosen for the refined interiors create a warm and enveloping space - an emotional sensation of welcome that is immediately perceived as soon as you enter the spacious lobby. Luminous. Set up on different levels. The lobby is, in fact, a pleasant place to relax thanks to a décor hovering between ancient and modern and embellished by per fect floral arrangements.

Quality materials and functionality are the features that characterize the modern rooms for a mix that well underlines the bleisure dimension of the Rome Monti.

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Paolo Gerbaldo

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CITY HOTEL | ROMA

The Italian and Roman cuisine revisited in a per fect way thanks to the work of executive chef Antonio Caputo gives the Mamalia restaurant a sure gastronomic value. The dynamic menu offers authentic flavors in a refined version and not without pleasant surprises. The MiT Food & Coffee Brewery is, instead, a meeting place with the city.

The best of the show is offered by the Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar with its view dialoguing with Rome and Santa Maria Maggiore.

A modern and exclusive space that comes alive for an evening aperitif featuring cocktails signed by mixologist Antonio De Meo. The DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti dialogues per fectly with Rome, offering its guests lively contemporar y hospitality.

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DOUBLE TREE

BY HILTON ROME MONTI Roma, Italia www.hilton.com Rooms & Suites 133 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain Hilton Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 66 Environment 65 Design & Art 85 Service 73 Cuisine 85 Health 70 Spa 0 Rooms 82

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CITY HOTEL | BRESCIA

Centro Paolo VI Brescia

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escending t he st atel y baroque staircase, fresco ed w it h b eautiful mon oc h rome squ ares o f t he seventeenth centur y, we are wel co med by t he quiet of a cloister enl ivened by t he del ightful ch ir pin g of an amazing numb er o f b irds th at dwell in th e inter nal g arden. This in c redibly spac ious b u i ld i n g i s loc ated in t he histo r ic center, a ston e’s th row from th e s i te s of our visit, and it is wel l equ ipped for any t y pe of m e e t i n g.

R e gi s t rat i on is quick and easy. I n just a few min utes you c a n go u p to your ro o m - simp l e b u t ex t re mely quiet. Th e size an d gra n d e u r o f t he sp aces o f t his p ro p er t y are str ik in g: large room s, cor r i d ors, arcades and, ab ove al l, a luxur iant garden .

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D u r i n g t h e s ummer, b reakfast is al so se r ved in th is elegant s p a ce, s u r rou n ded by l ush greener y an d immer sed in a m a gi c a l. . . a lm ost mo nast ic sil ence. I n t he garden also stan ds th e h u ge c h a pel, sp l endidl y fresco ed a n d domin ated by a cof fe re d va u l t w it h il l uso r y rel iefs.

A h ote l, h e n ce, b u t al so a p l ace fo r med itation , man aged by a fou n d at i on t h at p ro mo tes C hr ist ian values aimed at anyon e wh o wa nt s a p au se fo r refl ec t io n. M o reover, th e summer es p e c i a l l y - wh en co nferences are decl in in g - is th e moment to t a k e a d va nt ag e o f t his wo nder fu l o p p or tun it y.

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CENTRO PASTORALE PAOLO VI Brescia, Italia www.paolovi.it

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VILLA RESORT | ALASSIO

Villa della Pergola Alassio

V

illa della Pergola affords guests many emotions with measure and refinement. Their gaze slowly catches sight of the villas, placed in a dominant position on the heights of Alassio and characterized by the stylistic features of colonial architecture, immersed in a wonder ful park whose gardens delight the eye with their contrasting colors.

Landscape architect Paolo Pejrone has deftly revitalized the gardens of Villa della Pergola which now surround the historic buildings of the Dalrymple and Hanburys, giving guests who stay there today tranquility, coolness and a wonder ful botanical path that permits them to discover, among other things, the collections of wisteria, citrus and agapanthus.

Per fect combinations of colors. Refined taste. Select furnishings and fabrics. Classic and modern dictates. The suites spread among the different buildings that dot the park are a concentration of styles, ambiences, colors and views of the sea of Alassio. Architect Ettore Mocchetti was the creator of this happy synthesis as he undertook the restoration requested by the Ricci family.

The numerous paintings, with views of western Liguria, the rich collection of memorabilia and the librar y-conversation room refer to the history and stays on the Riviera of the English colony present in Alassio between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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In the Nove restaurant, the starred cuisine of chef Giorgio Ser vetto condenses the flavors of Liguria. Focused on enhancing the gastronomic identity of a territory between the sea and the hinterland, the Ligurian Pride tasting menu is an intense and unforgettable journey guided by the quality of the raw material, beginning with that grown in the gardens, sublimated by the creative ability of the Chef. A common trait that, in a context enhanced by excellent service and superb views, enlivens the whole broad and thoughtful menu of the Nove.

At Villa della Pergola, the art of hospitality achieves a high level of quality, offering peace and fascinating contacts with the worlds of gastronomy, luxury and history, without forgetting, however, to constantly permit the guest to live in the warmth of an enchanting accommodation.

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VILLA DELLA PERGOLA Alassio, Italia www.villadellapergola.com Rooms & Suites 15 Villas 2 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation R&C Activities excursions Score Environment Design & Art Service Cuisine Health Spa Rooms

77 100 95 82 98 71 0 95

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Villa Pattono Relais & Spa Asti

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ver yt hing co nt r ib u tes to creatin g a per fec t al chemy at Vil l a Pat to no R elais & S pa. Th e c h ar m o f t he p l ace b et ween L an gh e, M on fer rato and R o ero. The sp l endid buildin g. Th e c are in t he ser vices o ffered to guests. Th e Villa, w hich do minates t he su ggestive sur roun din g l andscap e, has an ancient soul th at blen ds well wi t h i t s m od e r n vo cat io n fo r ho sp it al it y. Attention to detail is, i n d e e d, p a i d to t he del icate resto rat io n commission ed by th e own e r, t h e wi n e ent rep reneu r Piet ro R at ti.

Vi ll a Pat ton o is reached af ter having walk ed alon g an aven ue b ord e re d by vi neyards, first discover ing th e n eo - G oth ic tower o f t h e h i s tor i c st atel y ho me t hat co nt ain s th e “L a Tor re” suite wh i c h i s a r ra ng ed o n t hree fl o o rs w it h a splen did ter race af ford i n g a 360 ° view and a smal l p r ivate spa. I n th e R elais yo u i m m e d i atel y g et l o st amo ng t he cha r ms of th e gen erous s p a ce s ava i l a b l e b o t h inter nal l y and ex ter n ally.

A ra re p le a s ure is exp er ienced in t he elegant rooms an d s u i te s re s p e c t ful o f histo r y w it h t heir or igin al frescoes. All dif fe re nt a n d al l at tent ive to b o t h t he fur n ish in gs an d th e eq u i p m e nt. Th e view over l o o k ing t he vineyards an d th e ran ge o f s u r rou n d i n g hil l s is sp ec t acul ar.

Th e q u a li t y of t he cho ices al so charac te r izes th e en ch antin g we l l n e s s of fe r designed aro und t he sp a with a view an d th e l a rg e ou td oor sw imming p o o l.

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Th e s e a rc h fo r a successfu l unio n b et ween tradition an d i n n ovat i on i s the b asis o f t he g ast ro no mic proposal of th e re s t a u ra nt “ I cedr i ”, ent ru sted to chef D omen ico D eraco. Th e b a la n ce d m e n u co nveys an idea o f cu isin e th at is careful to com b i n e t h e cl assics resul t ing fro m t rad ition al rec ipes with wi n e s s t a r t i n g fro m t ho se fro m t he R at t i win er y – a path of ta s te of gre at i ntensit y t hat do es no t disappoint th ose look in g fo r a u t h e nt i c f lavo rs u ndil uted, however, by creative abilit y.

At Vi l l a Pat tono R el ais & Sp a t he rest of th e body an d th e q u i e t of t h e s pir it are a g o al achieved th at gives th e guest i nte n s e m om e nt s o f b l iss.

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VILLA PATTONO RELAIS & SPA Castigliole d’Asti, Italia www.villapattono.com Rooms & Suites 13 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 87 Environment 98 Design & Art 86 Service 80 Cuisine 88 Health 80 Spa 85 Rooms 90

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LAKE RESORT | GARDONE RIVIERA

Eden Reserve Hotel & Villas Gardone Riviera

I

n Gardone Riviera, on Lake Garda, a stone’s throw from the Vittoriale, the new Eden Reser ve, formerly known as Villa Eden Luxury Resort, has taken shape. A place of peace and exclusivity isolated on the hills that surround the west shore of the lake but at the same time close to the places that have made the destination famous.

The lake is clearly visible on the horizon, although the closer you go up to the area of the villas, the better it reveals itself to the guest.

The complex consists of the boutique resort with nine rooms and suites and five villas. In the main building we find the reception, the La Celeste restaurant - run by chef Marco Carasi - the swimming pool and the spa, where Susanne Kaufmann’s 100% natural products are used.

In the restaurant, during the summer season, you can dine on the terrace, fully enjoying the view and the refreshing dew. From the menu we were surprised by a per fectly marbled Kobe wagyu, beautifully enhanced by a bed of grilled vegetables. A wise way to enhance its quality.

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Lawrence Taylor

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The property is exceptionally nice and welcoming, particularly the new spaces designed by the creative Art Director Vincenzo Dascanio, who remodeled the outdoor area in front of the resort - always ver y popular with guests. The resort is flanked by four large apartments designed by Matteo Thun. However, it is in the area of the villas that the complex offers its best. To say that these are generous in size does not give a complete idea. They are Hollywood mansions with breathtaking views of the lake. The size starts from 500 square meters reaching up to 670, excluding terraces. Each one boasts a swimming pool and an exceptional design. The designers are international star architects such as David Chipper field and Richard Meier.

The villas can be booked with half board or even purchased to use them exclusively or to include them in the rental program that offers an interesting share revenue. In short, the Eden Reser ve Hotel & Villas offers itself in a renewed guise, with a wide range of accommodations along with investment proposals.

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EDEN RESERVE HOTEL & VILLAS Gardone Riviera, Italia www.villa-eden-gardone.com Rooms & Suites 9 Villas 5 - Residences 4 Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 80 Environment 85 Design & Art 90 Service 77 Cuisine 78 Health 78 Spa 75 Rooms 80

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MOUNTAIN RESORT | VAL GARDENA

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites Selva di Val Gardena

T

he mighty frame of the Dolomites, a natural recharge of extraordinar y strength, is the backdrop for the Granbaita Dolomites. What the Puntscher-Perathoner family opened in 1961 as a small hotel is today a refined 5- stars property in the heart of Selva di Val Gardena. A vocation for hospitality that has now reached the third generation and that combines the vision of style and design proposed by architect Rudolf Perathoner. The sober and enveloping elegance of lines and materials such as wood and stone, the furnishings and the large windows create a continuum with nature. The play of shapes and structures evoke trees and leaves; sinuous forms and a contemporar y design give the rooms a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Savinela SPA, with its 4000mq situated both inside and outside is the ideal place for rèmise en forme and relaxation. In addition to the traditional Finnish sauna, the aromatic steam bath, the snow shower and the hay sauna, an irremissible experience is the salt oasis. Guests can float immersed in incredibly salty water, where plays of light and mirrors allow you to feel weightless and at ease.

Health and well-being are the combination that also characterizes the cuisine. Along with the typical dishes of South Tyrolean tradition, where the raw materials of small local 46

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Agnese Frullatori

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producers are preferred, you will be amazed by the emotions afforded by Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Andrea Moccia is not only the artifice of the hotel cuisine, but also that of the gastronomic offering of the refined Granbaita Gourmet Restaurant, an intimate and reserved space where you can enjoy delicacies such as Risotto with chanterelles with Tokaji, yeast, figs and goat blue cheese, or the South Tyrolean beef fillet, red onion, foie gras, potatoes, cabbage and bèarnaise, accompanied by an excellent glass of Schiava Kalterersee ‘Der Keil’ Manincor, an organic red wine of absolute elegance. Being seduced by the chef ’s dishes, with a careful sommelier who guides guests in their discovery the local labels, is an experience that makes the trip worthwhile.

The family welcome, the attentive service and the excellent cuisine, make the Granbaita Dolomites the ideal place for a relaxing break to discover Val Gardena. This year the summer season will continue until November, an additional opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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HOTEL GRANBAITA DOLOMITES Selva di Val Gardena, Italia www.hotelgranbaita.com Rooms & Suites 58 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa Sanivela Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities excursions Score 87 Environment 93 Design & Art 92 Service 83 Cuisine 90 Health 77 Spa 92 Rooms 83

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DESTINATION | GRAN CANARIA

by Paolo Levi

GRAN CA

Not far from the coast of Morocco and nestled in the center of the Canary Islands, located between Fuerteventura and Tenerife, Gran Canaria can be considered a true continent.

ANARIA

DESTINATION | GRAN CANARIA

We traveled around the island by car, noting the variety of climates and landscapes that are difficult to find in other areas. Many travelers think that the northern area is to be avoided due to the colder temperatures and the winds that sometimes blow violently, but we believe that a visit to the capital Las Palmas is still worthwhile. Not to be missed is a visit to the Colon museum, opened in 1951 and located in the ancient Vegueta district. It recalls the extraordinary feats of the great navigator, who departed from here three times for the Americas.

Not far away is the pretty town of Arucas, famous for its rum production and with a remarkable tropical botanical garden. Also interesting is the Cueva Pintada museum and archaeological park, where you can visit the painted cave and thus get an idea of how the ancient inhabitants of the island lived.

For nature and hiking lovers, we recommend going up to Pico de la Nieves. It is at an altitude of 1,949 meters and is the highest mountain on the island. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Tenerife on clear days. We also recommend visiting Roque Nublo, the monolith symbol of Gran Canaria, where the gaze sweeps over a truly impressive view.

In Maspalomas the main attraction is the Sahara dunes that rise directly on the beach, washed by the Atlantic Ocean and frequented by the many tourists who feel really free here, even in their behavior. The lighthouse here is famous, and along the beautiful promenade there are many shops with the most famous international fashion designs and brands.

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DESTINATION | GRAN CANARIA

Hotel Riu Palace Oasis Maspalomas

T

he so ut her n co ast o f Gran Can ar ia is cer tain ly t he mo st p o p ul ar p ar t for inter n ation al to u r ism and w here t he fa mous S pan ish ch ain R iu has eig ht ho tel s, eac h with different charac ter ist ics. We t r ie d th e R iu Palace Oasis. The ho tel over l o o ks th e sea an d gives direc t access to t he famous dun e beach of M a s p a l om a s, c h arac ter ized by t he magnificent golden san d of th e S a h a ra .

Th e re s or t h a s t hree l arg e sw imming pools with a solar ium l o c ate d i n va r i ous areas o f t he st ru c t u re an d also a swimmin g po ol for c h i ld re n as p ar t o f t he R iu Land M in i Club. Th e offer is com p le te d wi t h a wel l - equip p ed g ym and th e S PA B ody Love.

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Paolo Levi

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DESTINATION | GRAN CANARIA

Th e re a re t h ree rest au rant s at t he R iu Palace Oasis. Th e Prom e n a d e i s o p en fo r b reakfast and din n er an d offer s a r i c h b u f fe t organized in var io us areas o f flavor s to satisfy all ta s te s. Th e B ot anico p resent s t yp ical Sp anish c uisin e wh ile th e K r ys t a l of fe r s f u sio n. The w ine l ist is al l ur in g. Amon g oth er s we t r i e d t h e B er mejo, a vo l canic w hite win e from th e Can ar y I s la n d s, wh i c h we hig hl y reco mmend. Al l ven ues are man aged by ve r y p rofe s sio nal st aff. At su nset, a magic al atmosph ere re i gn s i n t h e g arden.

Wa lk i n g a l on g t he p at hs l eading to t h e small lak e with a wate r f a ll h a s i ts ow n char m and p rep ares on e for an aper itif at th e coc k t a i l b a r enl ivened by l ive mu sical per for man ces. Af ter din n e r, on t h e ot her hand, st aff memb ers organ ize even in gs of ente r t a i n m e nt and dancing in a dedicate d space.

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DESTINATION | GRAN CANARIA

S u r rou n d e d by a l ush p ar k o f p al m t rees, th e resor t con sists of ove r 4 0 0 rooms. These are divided into on es with a garden or s e a vi e w, s om e w it h a p r ivate sw imming pool with h eated sea wate r a s we ll as a ter race w it h co mfo r t able sun loun ger s ( on th e s e p a g e s ) . The fu r nit ure and l ig ht ing solution s ever y wh ere are of q u a li t y and excel l ent design.

I f you wa nt to t ake a to u r o ut side t h e h otel, follow th e s e a p rom e n a de and in a few hu ndred meter s you will reac h th e f a m ou s M asp al o mas l ig ht ho u se, sy mbol of th e islan d.

Cont i n u i n g a l o ng t he co ast t hat co nnec t s M elon eras to Pasito B la n co, you w il l find t he b o ut iques o f th e most prestigious i nte r n at i on a l b rands. I n fac t, t his is w here th e most luxur ious p a r t of G ra n Canar ia is co ncent rated.

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RIU PALACE OASIS Gran Canaria, Spain www.riu.com Rooms & Suites 445 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa yes Children yes Chain Riu Hotels & Resorts Affiliation none Activities relax by the sea Score 80 Environment 88 Design & Art 80 Service 81 Cuisine 83 Health 67 Spa 76 Rooms 82

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Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria Arguineguin

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ocated on the southern coast of the island and along a magnificent setting that connects Arguineguin to Puerto Rico, we find the Radisson Blu Hotel. Upon arrival you are greeted by ver y kind and competent staff who, in addition to the keys, will deliver a QR code used to access some services of the resort.

A magnificent panoramic elevator serves the eleven floors of the hotel, which has 64 rooms and 125 apartments. All accommodations have a sea view and beautiful terraces finely equipped with sun loungers and Jacuzzis. The type of offer varies from simple rooms to suites with two or three bedrooms.

The latter are particularly convenient for families as they are equipped with a kitchen.

During our stay we chose a standard room and enjoyed it immensely. The sea-view terrace is truly spectacular and the many amenities there include a large television whose channels were accessible via smartphone scanning a QR code. Going down to the ground floor, we found three splendid swimming pools with various platforms. One of these pools contains sea water, and its surrounding area is air-conditioned - particularly suitable for cooler days. In the garden we enjoyed the sunbeds on a lawn facing the sea and surrounded by palm trees. Here you can enjoy total relaxation. For sports enthusiasts, there is a tennis court, a paddle court, a table tennis court and a volleyball court. There is also a gym with excellent equipment and even a spa.

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If you want to discover the surroundings of the resort, there are two options: the wild beach of Patalavaca or the protected Anfi situated on the Caribbean, where a swim in the sea is a must.

The hotel has three restaurants. The first is the famous 222 bar and grill, located outside on the eleventh floor overlooking the bay. The second is La Canaria on the ground floor, where a rich breakfast and dinner are served. The pool bar is open for lunch and offers a limited but quality menu that is definitely worth tr ying. Dinner at La Canaria is buffet style, but the chefs are available to cook fish and meats and even vegetables according to the taste of the guests.

Kind staff, great tranquility and ease in reaching the attractions of the destination make the Radisson Blue Gran Canaria a privileged destination for international vacationers.

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RADISSON BLU GRAN CANARIA Gran Canaria, Spain www.radissonblu.com Rooms & Suites 169 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa yes Children yes Chain Radisson Blu Affiliation none Activities relax by the sea Score 78 Environment 82 Design & Art 82 Service 79 Cuisine 79 Health 73 Spa 65 Rooms 82

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text Maria Coscarelli photo Roberto Sessoli

WEST

The fascination of Anguilla is consuming, a Caribbean atmosphere made of colour, hospitality and euphoria. It is a mix splendidly interpreted in the music of Bob Marley, which is always very popular here.

Music is the real bonding agent in Anguilla … as in the rest of the Caribbean.

INDIES

DESTINATION | WEST INDIES

Music reflects the fascination, colour of nature and the ocean of these excolonies. It also transmits the relaxed and festive atmosphere of these European and African jewels spread across the ocean.

The ocean, the real fascination of Anguilla is found here, along with gleaming light, a brilliance which delves into the penumbra, pervading every corner, even the most remote, saturating it with colour. The colour of the houses, nature, fruit, people, the sea and the beaches.

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Anguilla

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Accelyn, our marvelous local guide, represents his people well. First of all, he is reserved and then welcoming, warm and fascinating. Little by little he led us into a rhythm nowadays forgotten, one dictated by nature and the climate. It was like following a musical score which, once again, reminded us of the mythical Bob, ambassador par excellence of these settings.

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In Anguilla there are some of the best sandy beaches in the world. The names themselves are evocative: Rendezvous Bay, Maundays Bay, Savannah Bay, Shoal Bay. Maria Coscarelli and Roberto Sessoli went in search of them.

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Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club l’ex Cuisinart reborns in November

An intimate and sophisticated oasis in front of the candid Rendezvous Bay. White and blue interspersed with the green of the hydroponic crops that inspire the creativity of the chef and nourish guests with quality.

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DESTINATION | WEST INDIES

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lue. Exclusively blue, interspersed with the blinding white of the walls. The arrival is indeed spectacular, the quintessence of the Caribbean.

From the lobby, the eye runs from the sea to the sky with infinite hues from blue to cobalt, to cyan, to turquoise, to aquamarine, up to sky-blue. A palate which does not allow other chromatic inclusions – the only exception being the green of the lawns and the palms in the garden.

Then there is the silence, the real luxury of the CuisinArt, along with the space and service. Thanks to the ample dimensions of the property, tranquility is absolute, just slightly interrupted by the slow breaking of the waves on the strand.

However, the pride of the Resort is its hydroponic crops. They are a type of cultivation first seen in the 30s of the last centur y.

It, of course, requires the roots of the plants to be immersed in water instead of soil. This is a type of cultivation that takes us back in time to the hanging gardens of Babylon or the Chinampas, the floating gardens of the Aztecs. Howard Resh is the director of

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the Hydroponic Farm of the CuisinArt, and he accompanies us on our visit around this unusual and fascinating world. Here we find the products used by the American chef, Jasper Schneider, who wisely exploits the freshness and the nutritional values of the vegetables produced on the farm to make a flavour ful symphony of strictly organic delights. Be it an elaborate dish or a simple Creole Salad, taste and health are always the benefits.

With a final look into the infinite blue from the lobby, we get into the limo headed for the airport, not without a feeling of respect for the farm that nourished us with its vegetables…and water. Perhaps, it is just an impression or the silence…or the experience on the whole, but we already feel lighter.

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AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB Anguilla, West Indies www.auroraanguilla.com

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Saint Martin or Saint Maarten, discovered by Christopher Columbus on the day of Saint Martin in 1493, is one of the smallest islands of the Lesser Antilles, and still today it is divided between France and Holland.

The colonial echoes of the Dutch Indies Company along with those of Spanish and English interests break on the golden beaches of this Caribbean Island.

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Saint Martin

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Maria Coscarelli

Belmond La Samanna Caribbean elegance A dive into the past. History and contemporaneity fuse in the first exclusive property in the West Indies.

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dive into t he p ast. This is wh at L a S aman n a rep resent s. One o f t he most exclusive an d renow ned reso r t s in t h e West I n dies. I n its excel l ence it p r ides itself on bein g on e of t he first excl usive p ro per ties in th e region .

An imp eccab l e p edigre e. Th e same can be said o f o ur H ap py Baie S uite, wh ere ever y d e s i re q u i c k ly b eco mes a t ail o red real it y.

R e n own e d for it s ser vice and frequ ented by an élite clientele, i t a p p e a ls to t ho se in search o f a refined, isolated an d c lassy at m os p h e re. The p ro p er t y u nfo l ds al o ng a mar velous wh ite s a n d b e a c h i n t he Baie Lo ng ue, b at hed by an en c h antin g c r ys t a l l i n e s e a. Al l o f t he su ites b o ast a n in c redible view of th e Ca r i b b e a n S ea.

Af te r a d ay o f su n we t reat o u rsel ves to a stop at th e S a m a n n a S PA , w hich t ransfo r ms o ur st ay into an occasion of we ll n e s s. Th e l atest innovat io n o n t he men u is a regen eratin g a n d re la x i n g t radit io nal H awaiian massa ge, per fec t for your

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c irc u l at i on . B efo re dinner, we have an appointment at th e Ba i e Lou n ge Bar, a chic rendez vo u s p o int wh ere guests can sp e n d t h e e vening, sip p ing o n an ic y B illecar t-S almon an d re l i s h i n g t h e ho r izo n at sunset. The e ven in g contin ues at t h e Tre l l i s, a n el eg ant wel l -kep t b ist ro t for a din n er th at pays h om a g e to t h e mo st refined French cuisin e. Un forgettable th e a s p a ra g u s m ousse acco mp anied by a B ourgogn e Pin ot N oir.

I t s h e a r t b e at, however, is La Cave, a wel l -maintain ed an d wellsu p p li e d ce ll a r w here yo u can enjoy p re stigious cuvées from a l l ove r t h e wor l d.

En j oyi n g t h e S amanna means ab and on in g on eself to a co n ce nt rat i on o f l u xu r y, el eg ance and discretion . S lightly o ld - f a s h i on e d b u t eno r mo usl y p l easing.

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BELMOND LA SAMANNA Saint Martin, West Indies www.belmond.com Rooms & Suites 83 Villas 8 - Restaurants 2 Spa La Samanna Spa Children yes Chain Belmond Affiliation none Activities sea activities Score 81 Environment 93 Design 78 Service 78 Cuisine 84 Health 70 Spa 77 Rooms 85

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Welcome to the island where the ocean meets the sky. Where colours dominate: the cobalt blue of the sky, the radiant white of the beach, the emerald green of the vegetation, the ochre yellow of the soil burnt by the sun’s rays, the pastel colours of the colonial houses made entirely of wood, a detail which renders the traditional architecture unique.

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Sint Maarten

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Sonesta Ocean Point all-inclusive becomes exclusive An exclu s i ve S o nes t a , wh i c h d o e s n o t b e t ray t h e expec tati o ns o f t h e a b i t uè e s o f t h e c h ai n an d sur pr is es wi t h a wo r ld o f at te nt i o n . I n t h e R o o f to p Bu tler Sui tes t i me p a s s es s low l y, su r ro u n d e d by an impres s i o n i s t p a late o f ma r i n e h u e s.

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t i s al mo st dinner t ime, b ut l o un gin g on th e ter race of our R o o f to p Su ite o n t he 6t h floor h as someth in g m a gical. Wit h t he sea o u t front, we obser ve th e gi a nt s in t he sk y g et near an d th en lan d in th e n e a r by air p o r t in t he l ig ht o f t h e sun set. S on esta is exc l u sivel y fo r adu l t s – o nl y fo r th ose wh o treasure t ra n quil it y and rel axat io n.

Th e peace is on ly i nte r r u p te d by t he b u t l er, w ho p er io dically c h ec ks to see th at n ot h i n g i s m i s s ing.

I t i s s t i l l e a r l y fo r dinner and we indu l ge our selves with an a p e r i t i f. We c h o o se an Acacia Pino t No ir 2 0 1 2 from Car n eros i n Na p a Va l l e y, wel l st ru c t ured, ful l o f b ody but, most of all, we ll p re s e r ve d in t he l it t l e cel l ar in t he suite. R ight, why is t h e re a l i t t l e w ine cel l ar in t he suite…free of c h arge?

Th e i d e a of a l l - i n c lusive is quite an unusu al exper ien ce for us, but at t h e S on e s t a p ro p er t ies, it is a real it y, with out limitation s.

An d wi t h p rod uc t s o f imp o r t ant b rands.

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We con c lu d e t he evening at t he A zul R estaurant, suspen ded on t h e c l i f f a n d over l o o k ing t he cerul ean blue of M ah o Bay. Ch e f M a rco I n no cent i co mb ines M editer ran ean tradition with a t r i u m p h a nt and ir resist ib l e menu o f fish . At th e A z ul, as i n t h e s u i te s a nd al l over t he reso r t, t he design is absolutely conte m p ora r y. The air y and l umino us sp a ces are en h an ced by th e G re e k m a r bl e o f t he b at hro o ms, t he I talian ceramics from S a s s u ol o on t h e fl o o rs and t he fu r nit ure of Amer ican beec h .

Th e col ou r s, i n stead are Car ib b ean. Fro m sk y-blue to cer ulean u p to cob a lt a nd l o ads o f aquamar ine wh ich alter n ates with th e a nt i q u e white and b iscuit, t he co l o ur s of th e lon g beac h wh i c h u n fol d s in fro nt o f t he reso r t.

I t i s a l re a d y t he nex t mo r ning and t im e to depar t. Af ter b re a k f a s t, b e fo re l eaving t he su ite, we en j oy a per fec t c a p p u cc i n o wit h t he new Nesp resso co n Aerocc in o, per fec t f rot h a n d te m p erat u re, I t al ian ap p earance, stron g flavour, j ust th e way we li k e it. The KLM B o eing to u ches down at th is ver y m om e nt. I t ’s t ime to l eave, and 10 min utes later we are at c h e c k- i n . Eve n t he air p l ane is ceru l ean, an d it remin ds us of th e s e a vi e w f ro m o u r suite.

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SONESTA OCEAN POINT Sint Maarten, West Indies www.sonesta.com Rooms & Suites 129 Villas 0 - Restaurants 4 Spa no (massages & treatments available at a private gazebo) Children no Chain Sonesta Affiliation none Activities sea activities Score 63 Environment 82 Design 80 Service 77 Cuisine 74 Health 50 Spa 0 Rooms 75

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SEA RESORT | THERASIA RESORT SEA & SPA

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa Vulcano Island

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he su nset w hich infl ames th e air, th e sof t sil ho uet te o f t he Aeo l ia n Islan ds emergin g o n t he ho r izo n and t he wild ch ar m of an isl and – Vul cano. This and much more is wh at t he b reat ht ak ing Therasia R esor t S ea & S pa rep resent s.

Fo ur different fo o d p roposals - in cludin g I l Ca p p e ro R e s t a u rant - o ne a M ichel in st a r. A temple of taste fo r a l l l ove r s of g o ur met cu isine l o o k ing for a real sen sor y ex p e r i e n ce wh e re t he b al ance o f co nt rast s, color s an d c reativit y o f com b i n at i on s fu l l y rep resent t he co ok in g ph ilosophy of E xe c u t i ve Ch e f Giu sep p e Biuso. Wit hin t he gastron omic offer, I Te n e r u m i , t h e first veg et ar ian rest au rant in th e Aeolian I s la n d s, n ot onl y has sp ecial ized menus, but also expresses a ph i los op hy of l ife t hat devel o p s in co ncrete suppor t, respec t an d p rote c t i on o f t he enviro nment t hrough out th e supply chain.

Th e vi b ra nt i s l and o f Vul cano o ffers welln ess retreats wh ere g u e s t s c a n re b al ance t heir b o dy and sp ir it. Guests will fin d wa r m wate r s, m u ds and rel axing vap o rs, n aturally gen erated by t h e l a n d a n d al l p er fec t el ement s for a 3 6 0 ° remise en fo r m e. Vu lc a n o Nat ural SPA , to t al l y respec tful of its n atural s u r rou n d i n gs, t ransmit s t he t ru e so u l and en ergy of Vulcan o.

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Ovidio Guaita

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THERASIA RESORT SEA & SPA Isola di Vulcano, Italia www.therasiaresort.it Rooms & Suites 97 Villas 0 - Restaurants 4 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sea activity, excursions Score 81 Environment 90 Design & Art 80 Service 80 Cuisine 85 Health 77 Spa 80 Rooms 77

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Bellroy when sustainable is beautiful

Th e re i s a n e w way o f inter p ret ing wallets an d bags an d it i s a B e ll roy p ro p o sal. M inimal, st yl ish, l ight but at th e same ti m e d u ra b le. Their carefu l cho ice o f mater ials, th eir use of m ate r i a ls wh i ch, even af ter aging, st il l re main beautiful, an d ab ove a l l t h e i r l ow enviro nment al imp ac t, make th em a state o f - t h e - a r t comp any. Eco l o gical l y t anned leath er s, rec yc led f a b r i c s a n d p la nt-b ased mater ial s are t he raw mater ials ch osen fo r t h e n e w col l ec t io ns.

Te n ye a r s of research to up end a rec ycled plastic bottle to ar r i ve at a f u n c t io nal and b eaut iful p ro duc t. w w w. b e ll roy.co m

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