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Hotel Beau-Rivage, Lausanne
EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief
C
uriosity. In the fifteenth century the Chinese sailed as far as Africa and the Portuguese explored the coasts of the same continent coming down from the west. All had commercial motivations and followed the paths of gold, silk, spices and anything else that could produce wealth by moving from one place to another. With the discovery of America, the season of great explorations was then inaugurated, continued by Cabot, De Gama and many others. Upon returning from each trip, reports were drawn up, memoirs published, new plant and animal species shown, even human beings of unknown races. The curiosity for new lands increased hand in hand with the desire for new discoveries and explorations. What remains of this curiosity today? For the past two years we have been traveling almost exclusively in Europe, perpetuating the tradition of the Grand Tour which enriches the spirit, removes prejudices, forges manners and helps to become a “complete gentleman”. Abbot Giuseppe Toaldo, author of an academic lecture published in 1771 with the title Del Viaggiare, argued that a young man must have << pilgrim training >> for 10-12 years with a wise guide at his side. In the world of travel, it was a revolutionary innovation to say the least. So much so that those who will have some perplexity are not a small number. Alexander Pope in La Zucconeide argues that << the young Englishman, on his Grand Tour, has seen everything without understanding anything, he collects the vices of the Christian land, loses his own language and learns no more >>. Our smartphones show us the way, and at every moment they suggest what to see and where to go, but often… “we lose our language but without learning any more”. Haven’t we, perhaps, lost our curiosity? Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
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CONTENTS
22
Au Coeur des Neiges Courmayeur, Italia
28
Dimora Palanca Firenze, Italia
34
Fonteverde San Casciano dei Bagni, Italia
40
Beau-Rivage Lausanne, Switzerland
MADRID
58
VP Plaza de España Design Madrid, Spain
64
Hyatt Centric Madrid, Spain
68
Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid, Spain
CONTENTS
78
Hotel de Rougemont Rougemont, Switzerland
90
Corinthia Khartoum Khartoum, Sudan
RM
lifeStyle
98
Grand Tour Sogno d’Italia da Venezia a Pompei
100
Ruffoni Art and tradition in the kitchen
102
Oral-B “Go electric!”
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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
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Top 100
T H E
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XVI, n. 96 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, Paolo Levi, hotel e resort pubblicati Video for iPad and iPhone app Roberto Sessoli Graphic Desing 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
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MOUNTAIN RESORT | COURMAYEUR
Au Coeur des Neiges Courmayeur
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he Luxu r y C hal et R eso r t Au Coeur des N eiges in Co u r mayeur co nveys an auth entic atmosph ere and idea o f t he mo untain s. H igh -impac t sceno grap hic p ersp ec t ive s. S k illful games of shap es and vo l umes. R es earch an d th oughto u t co mb inat io ns o f mater ials. Th is is th e dimensio n shap ed by t he central body an d th e c h a l e t s wh i c h draws w it ho u t disto r t io n th e Alpin e space of th e R e s or t f rom w hich yo u can admire t he M ont Blan c massif. Th e c h a l e t s, in t yp ical Ao st a Val l ey Alpin e st y le, are f u r n i s h e d wi t h t aste and at tent io n to t he master ful use of k ey el e m e nt s of m o unt ain architec t ure such as wood an d ston e el e m e nt s t h at t ransmit t he war mt h o f a mountain cabin . Th e i n d e p e n d e n ce and t ranqu il it y o f p erso na l space amplify th e hol i d ay ex p e r i ence o f ab so l ute rel axat io n. S ilen ce completes th e p le a s a nt i mp ressio n o f b eing in a war m an d welcomin g hou s e. 22
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Th e l a rg e S pa w indows w hich over l o ok M ont Blan c offer th e p e r fe c t s e tt ing fo r reg enerat io n af te r a day spent on th e s l op e s : Th e covered and heated sw immin g pool is en r ic h ed by a hyd rom a ssag e co r ner, water fal l s a n d counter- cur rent s wi m m i n g. To t h e li s t of del ig ht s is added t he rest a urant with excellent c u i s i n e p rop osed by chef Giovanni D ’Anton io. Th e wells t r u c t u re d a n d carefu l l y p rep ared l o cal dish es with th e j ust th e r i ght tou c h o f creat ivit y cer t ainl y do n ot disappoint. N or do e s t h e we l l - b al anced menu o mit t he classic M editer ran ean f l avor s. Th e h ig h g ast ro no mic o ffer can be en j oyed at th e B i s t rot or d i re c t l y in yo ur ow n chal et t han k s to th e “Cook ed an d Eate n” s e r v ice.
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AU COUER DES NEIGES Courmayeur, Italia www.aucoeurdesneiges.com Rooms & Suites 18 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities mountain activities Score 86 Environment 92 Design & Art 90 Service 85 Cuisine 85 Health 82 Spa 80 Rooms 91
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VILLA HOTEL | FIRENZE
Dimora Palanca Firenze
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e are in t he secon d h alf of th e nineteent h cent u r y, wh en th e dec ision was made to move th e c apital of th e new K ing do m o f I taly to Floren ce, mo re cent ral and less distant th an th e no r t her n Tu r in. Arch itec t Giuseppe Po g gi was sent to th e Tuscan capital to re a r ra n ge a n d “mo der nize” t he u r b an l ayo ut of th e R en aissan ce c i t y. J u s t li k e H au ssmann had recent l y don e in Par is. Th us th e ave n u e s t h at rep l ace t he o l d wal l s are b or n an d become th e f avor i te p l a ce fo r t he new set t l ement s of th e Piedmontese nob le a n d b ou rg eo is famil ies w ho move here. 28
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VILLA HOTEL | FIRENZE
Th e Pa la n c a famil y, w ho co mmissio ned th e villa, is on e of th e m . Af te r s e veral chang es o f hands, t h e h ouse was bought by t h e a rc h i te c t R affael l o Br izzi, o ne o f th e fir st design er s s p e c i a l i z i n g i n ho tel s. I n t he 1960s, t he villa began its j our n ey i nto t h e wor l d o f ho sp it al it y. Th e l ate s t re s to rat io n has resto red t he n eoc lassic al dign it y o f t h e b u i l d i n g al o ng w it h it s deco rat io n s by removin g wh at ha s b e e n a d d e d over t ime. 18 ro o ms and s uites, wh ich in c lude th e m a i n b u i lding and co nser vato r ies. Th e atmosph ere is th at o f a re s i d e n ce. Br ig ht, immersed in a hush ed silen ce, Dimora Pa la n c a , d e s p i te b eing cent ral, iso l ates t h e guest by offer in g a s oj ou r n ex p e r i ence t hat is b o t h fo r mal an d welcomin g. 30
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VILLA HOTEL | FIRENZE
Th e for m e r k itchens o f t he ho use now h ouse th e M imesi re s t a u ra nt r u n by yo u ng chef Giovanni Cer ron i, th e k in g of dis h e s, t h e a r t ist o f co l o rs, t he scul p to r o f taste, wh o sur pr ises wi t h e ve r y cou rse. The chef p ro p o ses a p ath with th ree tastin g m e n u s i n t h e n ame o f enno b l ing simp l e ingredients suc h as in O m b r i n a , m u s hro o ms and l eeks, o r in Cauliflower, almon d an d bu t te r m i lk . Th e b re a d s are ho memade and acco mpan ied by lard from Colon n at a a n d b ut ter w it h b o t t arg a p owder, so much so th at th e y t h e m s e lves b eco me a dish. I n t he end, af ter th e beautiful Pe a r… n o wa s te! w it h smal l p o r t io ns and th e balan ce bet ween c a r b ohyd rate s and p ro teins, we g et up full but n ot satiated. 32
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INFO
DIMORA PALANCA Firenze, Italia www.dimorapalanca.com Rooms & Suites 18 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score Environment Design & Art Service Cuisine Health Spa Rooms
76 80 90 88 97 80 0 95
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THERMAE RESORT | SAN CASCAINO DEI BAGNI
Fonteverde San Casciano dei Bagni
B
eau t y is o mnip resent at Fonteverde: a spa reso r t t hat o p ens o nto t he in credible Tusc an l andscap e do minated by M onte Amiata. Ancho red to t he histo r y of th e Val d ’Orcia ter r ito r y, t he Fo nteverde of S an Casc ian o dei Bagni has an ancient so ul th at c an be c lear ly p erceived in t he st yl ist ic integr it y preser ved by t h e re s i d e n ce o f t he Grand D u ke Ferdin an do I de ‘M edic i to wh i c h i s a d d e d t he equal l y el eg ant mo der n win g. Th e re s or t ’s hig h-l evel ho sp it al it y conveys a pleasant fe e l i n g of t ra n qu il it y enhanced by t he contr ibution provided by t h e p a r k t h at su r ro unds it. The fur nish in gs of th e var ious room s a re re f i ned. The ro o ms and su ites, with a classic an d conte m p ora r y design, enjoy an al mo st in fin ite view of th e p rof i le of t h e Val d ’Orcia rel iefs. A s u g g e s t i ve p assag e charac ter ized by a play of sh adows an d l i g ht s a ccomp anies t he g u est to t he large spa welln ess are a . Th e b od y and t he sp ir it so p l easantly succumb to th e m a ny b e n e f i t s dist il l ed fro m t his u nique place. Th e welln ess 34
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THERMAE RESORT | SAN CASCAINO DEI BAGNI
are a , wi t h i t s s w imming p o o l s, is in fac t design ed to blen d th e at avi s t i c t h a u mat urgic p owers o f t he t her mal water s of S an Ca s c i a n o wi t h t he evo cat ive senso r ial u n iver se th at offer s a s we e t 360 ° we ll - b eing exp er ience. At Fo nteverde, th e suggestive i n f i n i t y p ool p rovides an o p p o r t u nit y for recreation an d re la x at i on a ll ow ing yo u to admire - at sun set, sur roun ded by a m a gi c a l dimensio n - t he p ro fil e o f th e h ills of th e Val d ’O rc i a wh i c h , do minated by M o nte Amiata, slowly fade into th e h or i zon . 36
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I n s u c h a p r i v il eg ed sit u at io n, t he g ast ron omic offer can n ot f a i l to b e u p to p ar. The menu o rchest rated by ch ef S alvatore Q u a r to t h u s comb ines t he ep icu rean dim en sion with a more b a la n ce d a n d at tent ive o ne. Wit h t heir per fec tly balan ced f l avor s, t h e or i ginal dishes draw l ymp h from th e M editer ran ean an d Tu s c a n t ra d it io n.
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FONTEVERDE San Casciano dei Bagni, Italia www.fonteverdespa.com Rooms & Suites 78 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa Holistic Spa Children yes Chain IHC Affiliation LHW Activities spa Score Environment Design & Art Service Cuisine Health Spa Rooms
91 100 90 83 88 85 97 94
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LAKE RESORT | GENEVE
Beau-Rivage Palace
Lausanne
H
ôtel Beau Rivage Palace, on ten acres of manicured gardens on the shores of Lake Leman, overlooks the little port of Ouchy in Lausanne. For 160 years this grande dame of the Swiss Riviera, with 168 rooms and suites, four restaurants, two bars, a lakeside swimming pool and an exclusive spa, has welcomed royalty and celebrities. The original Beau Rivage wing was inaugurated in 1861 and for its enviable position, sumptuously frescoed salons, period furniture and exquisite catering quickly became a favourite with the international beau monde. In 1908, with the opening of the second Neo-Baroque wing, the name Palace was added, and today the two intercommunicating buildings still exude history and magnificence, yet make guests feel immediately at home with the warmest of welcomes, and discreet and impeccable service. The rooms and suites are elegant and finely furnished, and many of them have lake views. Among the most popular are the Junior Suites in the Palace Wing, and the Imperial Suite on the Beau Rivage side which has a large living room, a bedroom and a whirlpool tub 40
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Pamela McCourt Francescone
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in the bathroom. Both the Riviera Suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a terrace, and the Duplex Suite which has two bedrooms, a large living room and a large terrace with lake views, are ideal for families. Anne-Sophie Pic’s 2-star Michelin restaurant is one of the most revered in Switzerland, and her refined menus are paired with wines from the cellar; with 75,000 bottles it is one of the largest in Europe. Breakfast is served in La Terrasse; the lakefront bistro-style Café Beau Rivage has tables outside in good weather, and the sushi in Miyako is undoubtedly the best in town. The Cinque Mondes Spa is the first of its kind in Switzerland and offers a wide range of massages and beauty treatments. On 1,400 42
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LAKE RESORT | GENEVE
square meters and recently renovated with an eclectic mix of stylistic elements from Japan, India, Africa, China and Bali - recalling the philosophy based on the five worlds - it has a heated swimming pool that extends into the garden, nine rooms treatments, a hammam and a sauna. To experience the best of Switzerland in a single day, concierge Sylvie Gonin (the only lady Clefs d’Or Chief Concierge in Switzerland) recommends the Swiss Experience. Starting with the UNESCO Lavaux vineyards, the tour continues with visits to a cheese-making village, a chocolate factory and the upmarket Gstaad ski resort, ending the day on the Pillon Pass cable car with breathtaking views of the Les Diableretes glacier, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. 44
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BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE Lausanne, Switzerland www.brp.ch Rooms & Suites 168 Villas 0 - Restaurants 4 Spa Cinque Mondes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 94 Environment 94 Design & Art 95 93 Service Cuisine 102 Health 83 Spa 97 Rooms 93
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a cura di Lawrence Taylor foto Ovidio Guaita
The most visited city in Spain. The witness of a colonial past. The capital of the arts. One of the most important financial centers in southern Europe. But also the venue for the Davis Cup semifinals and finals organized by Kosmos Tennis in Madrid between November and December.
MADRID
DESTINATION | MADRID
Plaza Mayor
In Madrid, it is nice to get up early and go to the Plaza Mayor when the crowd of tourists is still at breakfast and only the people of Madrid are on the street. The women with the shopping, the students running around on the way to the school, the pensioners reading the newspaper at the coffee tables. Light filters through the arcades and creates a play of shadows while austere architectural forms frame the ritual of morning greetings. A new day begins.
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There are more than twenty stands where you can sit down for a coffee and pastry or meet for an aperitif with the inevitable tapas. But above all, this is where one can choose the best Serrano and Iberian hams, the finest cheeses from Castilla, Asturias and the Basque Country. The Mercado de San Miguel is the ambassador of Spanish cuisine. And it has been so for a century. In other capitals these iron and glass markets have disappeared. Take Les Halles in Paris for example. However this one has been enhanced and is now a must for visitors.
Mercado de San Miguel
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DESTINATION | MADRID
Arte e architettura
Despite the centennial history of the city, numerous buildings have been built in the last two centuries, when Spain was no longer a colonial empire. The predominant styles are Neoclassical and Deco. Sometimes they mix with Moorish echoes, generating curious contaminations. There are two museums not to be missed: the Prado and the relatively recent Reina Sofia opened in 1986. The collection of the latter is varied although everyone visits it to see Picasso’s Guernica.
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DESTINATION | MADRID
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The dimensions alone are not enough but the numbers help to understand: a 208-meter façade, 4000 rooms, 16 courtyards, 15 cloisters and 88 fountains. We are describing, of course, The Escorial, a complex protected by UNESCO since 1984 and located just outside Madrid. Commissioned by King Philip II in the 16th century, it was at the same time the residence, monastery and pantheon of the kings of Spain. Emperor Charles V is buried here and the complex also houses the large and impressive library which, in the intentions of the royal house, was to collect all the knowledge of the time. Federico Zuccari, Tiziano, El Greco, Velazquez, Luca Giordano, the Carracci, Bosch and Tintoretto worked on the decoration of this magnificent architectural wonder. In the halls, courtyards and gardens you can breathe history. The testimonies are so full of meanings and artistic value that one is overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotion. It is difficult to see everything, but sometimes even just being inside allows you to imbibe the meaning of a place.
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DESTINATION | MADRID
VP Plaza España Design Madrid
I
t mixes tastes and colors, creating an intimate hotel that puts contemporary art, starting with the majestic metal Atrium sculpture, at the forefront of the VP Plaza España Design in Madrid.
In an optimal position, the VP is the result of work done in the wake of an innovative design that is attentive to details, environmental sustainability, and functionality. At the VP, the sensations are immediately pleasant. The hotel is, in fact, characterized by translating into reality a concept of hospitality based on art de vivre, well-being and an offer of quality experiences to enjoy in Madrid. The VP thus immediately becomes our very comfortable refuge for the days spent in Madrid. It is impossible to remain insensitive to the charm of Biloba Spa with its treatments designed to pamper and quickly regenerate guests. Attention to the customer is unique from their arrival at the airport. The guest’s butler - Samuel, in our case - is always attentive and efficient. Ours made sure that we found our favorite fruit juice at breakfast.
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The Ginkgo restaurant is another VP class page, thanks to its intriguing and daring cuisine that combines Mediterranean and Japanese flavors. The meeting point of Madrid life, with its live music offer, is the Ginkgo Sky Bar. In the evening, a stroll on the elegant 360 ° panoramic terrace with the scenic glass pool - to enjoy the sunset and later the lights of Madrid while sipping the Ginkgo cocktail is a must. 62
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INFO HOTEL
VP LAZA ESPANA DESIGN Madrid, Spain www.vphoteles.com Rooms & Suites 214 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain VP Hoteles Affiliation none Activities sightseering Score 81 Environment 73 Design 85 Service 85 Cuisine 79 Health 74 Spa 82 Rooms 87
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DESTINATION | MADRID
Hyatt Centric
Gran Via Madrid
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here is a subtle pleasure in stepping out of this Hyatt Centric and catapulting oneself into the beating heart of contemporar y Madrid. The eclectic lines of the building are reminiscent of early twentieth century architecture while the interior is decidedly contemporar y. A blend that reflects the history of the Spanish capital, always poised between past and future and today with a particularly attentive eye to the present. Made of walks on the Gran Via Madrid’s Broadway - a stop at the Mercado de San Miguel, a morning at the museums, from the Prado to the Reina Sofia. All visits that can be done on foot thanks to the central location of the structure. In the evening, the ritual of tapas moves to the terrace, not surprisingly called El Jardin de Diana, from where, as on a modern Olympus, you can observe life flowing below, suspended… between earth and sky. Great music, atmosphere, well attended, this terrace is a must for anyone visiting the capital. 64
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DESTINATION | MADRID
The Hielo Y Carbon restaurant is, on the other hand, an inviting space dedicated to Spanish and international gastronomy where you can experience art, fashion and culture. Featuring a hot charcoal kitchen, it has a wide range of local meats and ceviche on the menu at the Crudo Bar. The range of handcrafted cocktails, regional wines and Gintoneria beers varies. Architecture, location, atmosphere and ser vice make the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid an ideal destination for those who want to experience Madrid at its best - at all times - as a protagonist.
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HYATT CENTRIC GRAN VIA MADRID Madrid, España www.hyatt.com Rooms & Suites 159 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa no Children yes Chain Hyatt Affiliation none Activities sightseeing Score 72 Environment 88 Design & Art 84 Service 85 Cuisine 83 Health 80 Spa 0 Rooms 83
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DESTINATION | MADRID
Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid
L
isted as t he o l dest ho tel in M adr id an d on e of t he o l dest in Euro p e, it s or igin al layout dates b ack to 1886. But t he firsts don’t stop th ere. I t was al so t he first to have its own restaurant and was b uil t o n o ne o f th e fir st streets to b e ser ved by el ec t r icit y. I n sh or t, at th e time t his was t he ho tel o f cho ice in M adr id. An d in m a ny ways i t st il l is. At l east fo r t ho se l ook in g for a rarefied at m os p h e re, wit h echo es o f t radit io n scattered ever y wh ere, in a q u i e t a n d a l mo st p edest r ianized st reet. O n ly 48 roo ms, evo cat ive b ut ab solutely fun c tion al, c h a ra c te r i ze d by a so p hist icated b ut l ig ht an d eth ereal decor. Th e ce nte r of t h e co mmo n areas is t he hal l, wh ic h retain s some col u m n s of t h e o r iginal l ayo u t as wel l as th e decoration - all pl aye d on t h e e vo cat io n o f t he Ar t D eco past. Floor s in wood, g l a s s, b ron ze and fab r ics sp ecial l y design ed by th e Amer ic an arc h i te c t a n d d esigner David R o ck wel l.
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Va r i ou s ce l eb r it ies have st ayed here, in c ludin g Virgin ia Woolf. Nu m e rous g uest s st il l ask fo r her room. Th e s t re e t where t he ho tel is l o cated was c alled Calle del Lo b o, “s t re e t of t he wo l f ” fro m an ancient legen d, an d so th e re s t a u ra nt wa s cal l ed Casa Lo b o, w here th e t wo -star ch ef Fe r n a n d o P. Arel l ano co mb ines t radit ion al M editer ran ean c u i s i n e wi t h h is inter nat io nal visio ns - of ten bor rowed from hi s wor k ex p e r iences in I rel and, Great Br itain , I taly an d S pain . B u t at t h e s a me t ime he rediscovers o ld forgotten recipes s e r ve d i n t h e rest aurant b efo re 1900. Always p oi s ed b et ween t radit io n an d moder n it y, th e G ra n H ote l I n gl és o ffers a so p hist icated an d relaxin g stay ex p e r i e n ce, i n a coz y p ro p er t y t hat is al ways well-fin ish ed in eve r y d e t a i l. 70
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INFO
GRAN HOTEL INGLES Madrid, España www.granhotelingles.com Rooms & Suites 48 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation LHW Activities sightseeing Score 81 Environment 80 Design & Art 85 Service 83 Cuisine 80 Health 77 Spa 80 Rooms 85
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SWITZERLAND
PAYS-D’
Paolo Gerbaldo
The Pays-d’Enhaut, in the heart of the Alps of the Swiss canton of Vaud, is a small mountain paradise.
’ENHAUT
SWITZERLAND
Pays-d ’Enhaut
T h e m u nicip a lities of Ch âte au- d’Oex, Rougemont and R o ssin iè r e welcome g u ests throughout t he year, of f eri ng t hem a c o n c e ntr a tion of n atu r a listi c and cul t ural sensat i ons w i thout n e gle c t in g th e r ich offer of sum m er and w i nt er sports act i vi ti es.
U sin g t h e mou n ta in r a ilway l i ne that connects Mont reux - on L a k e G e nev a - with th e Ber nese Oberl and , t he Pays- d ’Enhaut (www. c h ateau -doex .com) can al so be reached by t he f am ous pa n o r a m i c tr ain Golden P a ss MOB - j ust anot her of t he em oti ons t h a t t h is e n ch a n tin g a lpin e corner of f ers.
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T h e P a y s-d’ E n h au t, like th e many f asci nati ng pl aces i n Swit z e r la n d, is ea sily a ccessi bl e - w i t hout usi ng the car - thanks t o t h e S wiss T r av el P a ss wh ich al l ow s you t o use al l t he possi bi l i ti es of f e r e d b y th e in teg r ated Sw i ss Travel Syst em : t rai ns, boats, buses an d u r b a n tr an spor t v eh icles. w w w . m y switz er la n d.com
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Hôtel de Rougemont & Spa Rougemont
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sense of sophisticated calm placed alongside the enveloping warmth of mountain hotels is the first impression one gets when greeted at the Hôtel de Rougemont - in the enchanting Swiss Alpine scenery of Rougemont, in the Pays-d’Enhaut, not far from Gstaad.
The location of the hotel allows you to fully enjoy the tranquility provided by the place. The alpine style of the building, however, conceals a contemporary atmosphere inside. Rationality and sober elegance characterize the different spaces in which wood and stone are the dominant features. The modern décor, completed by the subtle work done on the light, thus joins the intense views of the surrounding landscape. The intimate atmosphere defines the Spa: an oasis of well-being characterized by selected products and treatments. In the elegant restaurant Le Roc by Edgard, the gastronomic proposals of chef Vania Cebula, with the advice of the already
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Paolo Gerbaldo
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starred chef Edgard Bovier, wisely play with the ingredients, thus combining the attention to the mountain territory with the intense Mediterranean character: a characterizing trait, this last, of the gastronomic thought of Edegard Bovier. With his creations, Vania Cebula therefore testifies to the growth parable of a young chef, rich in talent and technical bases. 80
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A pleasant encounter with the quality and solid consistency of the most authentic mountain flavors, is proposed, instead, by the Café du Cerf a few steps from the hotel, a mythical address that has gained new momentum thanks to Edgard Bovier. It is from this successful fusion of high-level experiences, combined with nature and silence, that the Hôtel de Rougemont derives its fascinating aspect of a chest of luxury. 82
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INFO HOTEL
HOTEL DE ROUGEMONT & SPA Rougemont, Switzerland www.hotelderougemont.com Rooms & Suites 33 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities excursions Score 80 Environment 63 Design 83 Service 80 Cuisine 87 Health 80 Spa 81 Rooms 87 RESORTS MAGAZINE
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S UDA N
Paolo Gerbaldo
From Khartoum to Karima to Meroe, the path that runs through the heart of Sudan, moving away and approaching the meandering Nile, is, in fact, a kaleidoscope for the senses, prey to constant surprises.
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The adventure begins in Khartoum. The light of the northern desert changes its hues so that it becomes more and more intense. The journey is interrupted by camels, buses, solitary sellers along the way. Sporadic buildings dot the infinite space of sand and shrubs, sometimes revealing improvised resting places lost in nothingness. The strip of asphalt seems endless when, suddenly, there appears a mosque with an adjoining village and a providential distributor.
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The Nubian Guest House
A Karima the imposing cliff of Gebel Barkal, sacred to Egyptian and Nubian pharaohs, almost seems to protect Napata, for the ancient capital of the XXV Nubian Dynasty retains its solitary pyramids from the steep slopes and the remains of the Temple of Amun with decorated rooms carved into the cliff. A few meters from Gebel Barkal, a gentle mixture of modernity and Nubian architectural style enlivened by intense colors and decorative motifs characterises The Nubian Rest House. A key stop-off to refresh the traveller. An oasis to entertain his desire for evasion, making him feel far from the world. A unique complex with rooms complete with a pleasant veranda. The service and cuisine are cared for in their essentiality.
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Next stop Meroe. It takes a few hours get to the archaeological site known for its tall tapered pyramids which appear suddenly from the sand. A timeless world. The infinite dimension of the desert landscape, in fact, surrounds the two Nubian necropolises of the rulers of Kush. The moment is magical. A slow pace marks the rhythm of a calm visit. The journey following the trail of the “black pharaohs” with the solemn cultural testimonies of the past and the colors and vibrancy of the present, clearly visible in the Omdurman souk and in residential areas, faces the sunset. The image of the pyramids of Meroe on the horizon as we return to Khartoum seals a unique experience: the splendor of an ancient civilization added to the authenticity of Sudan.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
The Corinthia subtly blends the needs of a business hotel with the elegance requested for luxury hospitality. Between the sky and the Nile the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum is an unusual address for travellers in search of new impressions.
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uests at this urban oasis are immediately greeted by a maze of architectural forms playing with light. The welcome and service are meticulous. The interiors at the Corinthia’s immediately catch the eye and lead it to follow the great architectural expanse of the lobby. The sinuous forms of the Corinthia design a harmonious and functional unit capable of consolidating, thus conferring intimacy to the ample spaces. The interior design revolves around the light which is clearly at the service of contemporary design. The Blue Nile and the fluvial island, all as a backdrop. The infinite view out over Khartoum and the Nile. The light entering through the grand windows. Traits which optimally enhance the modern rooms. In terms of restaurants, the offering is vast and of high quality. The designer spaces, the view and the spectacular architecture create a fascinating setting for the contemporary cuisine of the Mugran Restaurant: a range of flavors from Mediterranean to African on to Oriental. Tradition and innovation, on the other hand, characterize the menu at the Rickshaw, inspired by China and Japan. The proposal at the Grill, instead, is more international and dynamic - a convivial, modern and cozy ambience. In Khartoum, overlooking the Blue Nile, The Corinthia subtly blends the needs of a business hotel with the elegance requested for luxury hospitality.
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INFO HOTEL
CORINTHIA HOTEL Khartoum, Sudan www.corinthia.com Rooms & Suites 230 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa Sabratha Children yes Chain Corinthia Affiliation none Activities siteseeing Score 81 Environment 82 Design 85 Service 78 Cuisine 80 Health 77 Spa 76 Rooms 86
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Grand Tour Sogno d’Italia da Venezia a Pompei
Milan, Gallerie d’Italia - Piazza Scala 19 November 2021 - 27 March 2022
Th e ex h i b i t i on, u nder t he H ig h Pat ro nage of th e Presiden c y o f t h e R e p u bl ic and in p ar t nership with th e N ation al Arc h a e ol ogi c a l M useu m o f Nap l es and th e State Her mitage M u s e u m of St. Petersb urg, p resent s aro u n d 1 3 0 wor k s from th e I nte s a S a n p a ol o co l l ec t io n, p r ivate co l l ec tion s an d n umerous I ta l i a n a n d i nter nat io nal cul t ural inst it u tion s, like th e M useo N a c i on a l d e l Prado, M adr id, The Nat io n al G aller y, Lon don , M u s é e d u Lou vre, Par is, The M et ro p o l it an M useum of Ar t, N ew Yo r k , Ö s te r re i chische G al er ie B el vedere, th e Vic tor ia Alber t M u s e u m , Lon d on, R ijksmu seu m, Amsterdam, Staten s M useum fo r Ku n s t, Cop e nhag en, M usée des B eau x-Ar ts, Lyon , G aller ie
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Lawrence Taylor
d e g l i U f f i z i , Fl o rence, t he Cap ito l ine M useums of R ome, th e Vat i c a n M u s e u m o f t he Vat ican Cit y, and M useo e R eal B osco d i Ca p od i m o nte. Two wo r ks have al so been loan ed from th e U n i te d K i n g do m, fro m t he R oyal Co l l ec tion of Q ueen E lisabeth I I , i n a d d i t i o n to o t her wo r ks fro m great royal residen ces i n c lu d i n g t h e R oyal Pal aces o f Versail l es, Caser ta an d Pavlovsk , i n St. Pe te r s burg.
Wor k s f rom al l over t he wo r l d and inte n se study h ave brought t h i s ex h i b i t i on to l ife, curated by Fer n an do M az zocca with Ste f a n o G ra n desso and Francesco Leon e. On th e on e h an d, t h e a i m i s to p rovide a rep resent at io n of a composite I taly of ove r wh e l ming b eaut y, to t he ex tent th at it is depic ted by a r t i s t s a s a s u sp ended p l ace, a st rat ific ation of memor y an d k n owle d g e, a st il l imag e o f histo r y ; and on th e oth er, to present d oc u m e nt at i o n o f t he p ro t ag o nist s w ho gave r ise to th e my th of t h e “ B e l Paese”. RESORTS MAGAZINE
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Ruffoni The Cupper Tradition
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oved by st ar red chefs, Ruffon i ’s c reation s have a wo r l d mar ket nic h e. Th e ex ter n al hammer ing, w hich aro se from a produc tion requ irement, to day remains to stren gth en th e ex ter io r b u t al so to charac ter ize a fun c tion al p ro du c t as wel l as an acce ssor y. With Ruffon i p ro du c t s yo u can co o k b ut also use th em to s e r ve at t h e t a bl e. Prod u c t s m a d e to l ast a l ifet ime, su p por ted by a ser vice ab le to re f u r b ish p o t s and p ans, t inp l ate, polish an d retur n th e m re a d y for a new p at h. I t i s t ra d i t i o n w hich, w it h al l it s fo rce, break s into th e da i l y l i fe of t h e 21st cent u r y. Co p p er, th e n oble mater ial pa r exce l l e n ce al ways u sed in t he k itch en for its un ifor m dif f u s i on of h eat to g u arantee ho mo g en eous cook in g, from th e h i s tor i c Ruffo ni co mp any is el evated to th e nth degree an d f i n a ll y m a r r ied to el eg ance. w w w. r u f fon i . net
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Oral-B “Go electric!”
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here is so met hing magical about usin g all th is techno l o g y to b ru sh yo u r teeth . Daily prac tice, to b e rep eated at l east t wice th rough out th e day (as dent ist s reco mmen d) but wh ich c an b eco me an al mo st sp ecial r itual. Programmin g, sp eed, vib rat io n, senso rs, lights, apps proj ec t u s into t he fut ure. And in th e en d it will seem l i k e we h ave co me o u t o f t he sto ne age to sudden ly fin d o u r s e l ve s i n t h e sp ace ag e. Th i s i s t h e u ser exp er ience. ( We also leave out th e progra m m i n g d et ail s and so o n, al l in t he in str uc tion s th at you are s t ron gl y a dvised to read. ) Then t here is th e scientific par t. Th e re a l a d va ntag es, t he b enefit s o f using th ese tooth br ush es, wh e t h e r t h e y a re t he b rand new iO SERIE S , GE N IUS or even th e s i m p le r ones. This, o f co urse, is t he clean in g th at th ese el e c t ron i c a i d s are ab l e to do w hil e p rotec tin g teeth an d g u m s. H e re, b eyo nd t he g l amo r, is t he rea l magic. An d it wor k s pre t t y d a m n wel l. w w w. a z - ora l b. it
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