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bq | R&R | ISLAND GETAWAYS
World
Paradise Found A top 10 list of some incomparable, anonymous retreats and getaways that will offer you all the privacy and exclusivity that you crave By Shereen D’Souza, Doha
Amanpulo, The Philippines Named after the Sanskrit word for peace, aman, and the Tagalog word for island, Amanpulo is a serene retreat offering the pure white sands, turquoise seas and endless blue skies for which the Philippine archipelago is famed. The entire island of Pamalican is dedicated to Amanpulo, fringed by seven square kilometres of pristine coral reef and lapped by the tranquil Sulu Sea. Amanpulo’s facilities enjoy a spacious layout complementing their natural surroundings. The resort’s casitas are situated on the beach, amongst the treetops or on the hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Each has its own private buggy allowing independent travel on the island. The island is packed with activities and luxurious amenities, including a spa. Rates: Start from QR3,200. Reservations: +63 2 976 5200
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is among the Caribbean’s pre-eminent islands. The Turks and Caicos are located in the northern Caribbean, an archipelago of eight principal islands and more than 40 smaller cays, of which Parrot Cay is one. The islands are positioned some 925km south east of Miami, which is a 70-minute flight away. It’s wrapped in sweeps of sands and peaceful seas featuring a spa and exceptional cuisine. There are over 100 acres of unspoilt wetlands and a powdered beach. Accommodation in white wash with chic teak finishing includes beachside villas, some with private pools. The aesthetic is pared down and sleek, four-posters wrapped in soft cottons that billow with the breeze. Activities include complimentary yoga and pilates classes, non-motorised sports, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boards, floodlit tennis courts and water skiing. Rates: Start from QR1,700. Reservations: +1866 388 0036 (toll free) www.bqdoha.com
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Hayman Islands, Great Barrier Reef Hayman, Australia’s most awarded private island, presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, action-packed activity and indulgent culinary experiences. Hayman offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef and a world of leisure and adventure. Hayman is also opening up opportunities for people to own a special piece of the island. Designed by Kerry Hill, Hayman Private Residences and Hayman Marina Residences offer a modern contemporary setting positioned to take full advantage of the incredible views, vistas and natural beauty of this island. Rates: Start from QR1,700. Reservations: +1800 122 339
Perivolas, Santorini A distinctive and unique boutique hotel, overlooking Santorini’s famous Caldera, Perivolas provides simple luxury for discerning guests looking for total relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Complete with a swimming pool, spa, gourmet restaurant and outstanding sea views from every accommodation, the hotel has earned its 30-year reputation for excellent service and guest satisfaction. Rates: Start from QR2,000. Reservations: +30 22860 71308
Cayo Espanto, Belize Cayo Espanto is not your average run of the mill private island but a spectacular visualisation of how paradise and luxury come together as one. This five-star resort is created for the discriminating few who are looking for an ideal private island resort getaway overlooking the Caribbean. Located three miles from San Pedro in the calm waters of the Western Caribbean, off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto is a spectacular and private retreat. Although Belize is less than two hours from Miami, Houston and Charlotte, it remains virtually undiscovered. With only seven villas and a staff to guest ratio of two to one, you will always feel as if you have the entire island to yourself. A private, sea front, freshwater pool in every villa, romantic dining on your personal verandah or private dock and breath-taking alfresco showers are just a few of the exciting things to look forward to. Rates: Start from QR5,200. Reservations: +1888 666 4282 (toll free) www.bqdoha.com
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bq | R&R | ISLAND GETAWAYS
Laucala Island, Fiji Laucala Island is set amid coconut plantations, sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, rich green mountains and breath-taking natural beauty, often drawing comparisons as a veritable Garden of Eden. Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres on its own island in the archipelago of Fiji, Laucala Island dazzles in the beautiful blue surrounding waters. The resort prides itself on an integral philosophy, incorporating elements of the entire island into each guest’s experience, and offering products and ingredients raised and grown on the island. True luxury is appreciated in the privacy of the resort’s 25 villas with the freedom to experience a variety of activities, ranging from golf and water sports to beach-side horseback riding and more. The 25 villas are comprised of one, two and three-bedroom configurations, and each features its own pool, lush tropical garden and spacious indoor and outdoor areas. Each villa comes with all food and beverage services included, chauffeur, nanny, housekeeping, Tao service, laundry and dry cleaning and both welcome and farewell gifts. Guests are also offered sports and activities, golf, tennis, horseback riding, land and water packages and diving as part of their stay. Rates: Start from QR15,250. Reservations: +679 888 0077
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands Necker, Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise, is situated in the British Virgin Islands, a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. At 74 acres, Necker sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches. Necker can become your own private hideaway - the island can be hired exclusively for groups of up to 30 people, or if you’re not looking to hire it exclusively, you can still enjoy the Necker experience during Celebration Weeks when individual rooms can be booked by singles or couples. Activities include kite-surfing, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, kayaking, power-boating, and plenty more. They have two tennis courts and a tennis professional happy to give you a few pointers. Alternatively, you could spend the whole day lazing in a hammock! The beach pool pavilion is a hub of activity during the day, with an infinity pool and swim-up bar. The chef prepares their famous sushi boat for an unforgettable lunch. Rates: Start from QR7,200. Reservations: +44 (0)208 600 0430
www.bqdoha.com
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Cocoa Island, Maldives Cocoa Island by Como is a private island in the Maldives in the relatively undisturbed South Male Atoll. White sandy beaches and turquoise waters are paired with the resort’s simplistic elegance and understated luxury. Rooms resemble local dhoni fishing boats and have direct lagoon access. The Ufaa restaurant serves fresh local produce and seafood cooked in the Keralan style, while the Faru bar overlooks the pristine infinity-edge pool. Cocoa Island’s spa, Como Shambhala Retreat, offers rebalancing treatments, including Ayurveda. Rates: Start from QR2,700. Reservations: +960 6641818
The House in the Sea, Cornwall If you fancy a taste of the high life, then this unique private island is just the ticket. With its far-reaching coastal views and suspension footbridge approach, The House In The Sea at Newquay, Cornwall is a truly magical home stay. With quirky interiors fusing a cool New York vibe with coastal luxury, the footbridge access to your iconic island retreat is nothing short of breathtaking. The home stay features a luxury four-poster master bedroom suite which occupies the first floor, and has access via a private staircase. There’s a BBQ area with a Mediterranean feel besides a sunny garden room. The sitting room has the best view, complete with a 40″ TV, billiards table and a bar area with a fully stocked bar. The unique extras provided include fresh picnics, afternoon teas, seasonal wine selections and beautiful fresh flowers. Rates: Start from QR22,000 (7 night stay for up to 6 guests). Reservations: +44 (0) 1637 881183 (Images: © Uniquehomestays.com)
Fregate Island, Seychelles With seven magnificent beaches, irresistible tropical waters teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life and a profusion of rare and exotic flora and fauna, Fregate Island in the Seychelles makes for a perfect private island getaway. Beautifully crafted and nestled nicely into the coastal line, its 16 residences - ranging from 400 to 700 sqm are naturally secluded, each with their own luxurious terrace, large private infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The island boasts a plethora of unique activities and the private inland harbour is the first port of call for all sea adventures and the wealth of marine wildlife. Thanks to the great care taken to nurture the natural habitat, organic vegetables and fruits are grown on the island’s plantation for hotel guests to ensure the highest quality and freshness of food. Rates: Start from QR6,700. Reservations: +49 6151 734 75 144 www.bqdoha.com
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bq | R&R l REVIEW
Qatar
This Majlis Sizzles For this review, bq visited Majlis at the Grand Hyatt, located minutes from the business areas of Doha and the new district of West Bay Lagoon, popular for its sheesha and traditional, but exquisite, Arabian cuisine creations By Shereen D’Souza, Doha
The Majlis exudes a warm environment complete with Arabian hospitality, making it an ideal setting for private business luncheons. Whether you want to host your clients or impress your boss, the outdoor seating by the pool is beautiful and makes a pleasant quiet afternoon meal, albeit not the best idea for summers. The interiors are contemporary yet arabesque and the cosy seating area with striking couches does full justice to its name. Coming to the food, we were reasonably impressed. The food was delicious although very plainly presented. We started off with varieties from the Cold Mezza, all priced under QR 25. Our favourites from the selection are Babaganoush and the Hummus Beiruty. The Hot Mezza is quite exciting; we particularly liked the chicken wings, Cheese Sambouse, Toshka, the prawns and the Lamb Makanek – Lebanese sausages sautéed and served with lemon juice, onion, green capsicum and tomato paste. After appetizers, we moved on to the main course. Their lamb kofta is simply brilliant and the mixed grill is almost as good. The mixed grill consists of chicken (which was supreme), beef and lamb chops - we were hoping for juicier chops, but they were tasty nevertheless. The strawberry cheesecake and the bitter chocolate yoghurt mousse followed for dessert. We savoured the cheesecake first, and it was so delectable, the mousse just could not keep up. bq recommends the following dishes at Majlis: • Lamb koftas – really juicy, succulent and topped with a delectable chilli paste. Just perfect. • Their signature shawarma – the portion is enormous, and the taste even better. • Jawaneh (deep fried chicken wings with a lemon garlic, parsley and butter dip) – this one is literally finger-licking delicious. • Kredes (sautéed prawns, lemon, coriander, garlic and rocca) • Strawberry cheesecake – will exceed your expectations, a must try! The service was good. The waiter knew what he was talking about and very politelyexplained the intricacies of several dishes. At night, the Majlis buzzes with traditional sheesha lovers and is a great place for a lively night out, but if you’re looking at a discreet destination for an afternoon meal while discussing a deal, we definitely recommend this place.
www.bqdoha.com
Cuisine: Arabian Recommended for: Business lunch, night out with friends Timings: Sat - Wed 12:00pm to 12:00am Thurs - Fri 12:00pm to 2:00am Location: Grand Hyatt Doha Meal for two: QR 250 - 500 Alcohol served: Yes Reservations: +974 44481234
If time is an issue but food is a necessity, take the weight off your feet, drop into an oversized chair and munch on a fresh chicken shawarma with salad and coffee at Majlis for QR 66.