Retreats

The World of Exclusive Retreats and Estates

The World of Exclusive

Retreats and Estates

First published in Great Britain in 2008

by Beyond Black London UK

Š Beyond Black 2008

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

ISBN 978-1-905904-06-8

Designed by Bradbury and Williams, London

Printed and bound in China

<< Give us the luxuries of life, and we will dispense with its necessities >> JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY

4

contents 6 Foreword 7 Introduction

8 12 14 18 22 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 38 40 44 46 50 52 54 57 58 60

Erick van Egeraat Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Chesa Lumpaz La Ferme du Plan Gstaad Palace Real estate overview Hotel Astoria Brown’s Hotel The Balmoral Le Richemond Hotel Amigo Hotel de Russie Hotel Savoy Profile of a contemporary art dealer Villa d’Este Villa La Massa Villa Cima and Villa Malakoff MaMaison MaMaison Pokrova Suite Hotel Hotel Adlon The 7th Marquess of Bath on owning an estate Longleat Le Sirenuse

64 66 70 72 76 80 84 86 88 94 96 100 104 108 112 114 116 120 122 126 127 128

Bahia del Duque Aguas de Ibiza La Vialla The best of Bali Orion Expedition Cruises The Beach House S Medical Spa Bangkok Dermatology Clinic Luxury strikes back Sabi Sabi Elemér Jankovich-Bésán The Bahamas Fowl Cay The Rock House Villa Pasha Casa Ramon Baraka Point Cove Spring House Mustique The World’s Finest Clubs azita K Beyond Black

CONTENTS

5

foreword

THIS BOOK IS NOT A DIRECTORY OF GRAND HOTELS, NOR A COMPILATION OF TRAVEL REVIEWS. AS WITH ALL OTHER BEYOND BLACK PUBLICATIONS, WE HAVE SOUGHT TO DISTINGUISH OURSELVES FROM THE REST IN ANY GIVEN GENRE BY OFFERING THE READER NOT A BEWILDERING CHOICE OF TRAVEL DESTINATIONS, BUT A SMALL SELECTION OF WHAT WE THINK IS CONSISTENTLY OUTSTANDING IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. Alongside legendary names we have profiled mere sandbanks in the Bahamas and other little known gems. We have eschewed the temptation to feature some of the obvious choices: retreats, resorts, hotels, grand estates… that are the staple of Condé Nast Travel and other glossy magazines.

The world is full of amazing places. Some have achieved legendary status, others are still being discovered. New breathtaking developments are taking place in both urban areas and exotic parts of the world.

Here is a secret that many an avid traveller has discovered all by themselves: when the eye has feasted

on the beauty of the landscape, and the body and senses have been enough pampered, what matters most is that intangible thing called ambiance, atmosphere, a mixture of happiness and excitement so potent you want to capture it forever. It often comes from being able to share an experience with someone you love. But the places that are infused with it captivate a globetrotter’s soul in a unique and indescribable way.

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introduction

BEFORE COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS DEMOCRATISED TRAVEL, GLOBETROTTING WAS THE EXCLUSIVE PRESERVE OF THE VERY RICH. EVEN NOW, WEALTH FINDS A WAY OF DISTINGUISHING ITSELF FROM THE MERE RICH AND ONE OF THE BENCHMARKS IS HOW ONE TRAVELS AND WHERE ONE TRAVELS TO. The truly wealthy have their own estates scattered around the globe and access them by private jets and super-yachts.

For those who find the task of maintaining staff to service (and often let) their private islands, hunting lodges, skiing chalets and waterside residences too onerous, there are destinations clubs offering — at a price — to take the sting out of ownership.

What no destination club can offer, however, is the element of exploration which comes with discovering yet another remote corner of the planet. Travelling for travel’s sake is one of the most seductive activities known to man – and one of the most self-indulgent.

The super-wealthy do not crave luxury — they take it for granted and often overdose on it. It has long been the norm for trust fund/old money yachtsmen on Nantucket Island to sport threadbare pinks (the distinctive Nantucket shorts) and battered deck shoes. Wealthy adventurers would often undertake gruelling journeys to reach extremely remote or inhospitable areas – whether in the name of discovery, sport or sheer daredevilry.

Free from work-related constraints (the world wide web having liberated even the most work-addicted of tycoons), the wealthy travel seasonally, just like mere mortals do. It’s not that they can’t afford to chase the sunshine around the globe, it’s just that they like skiing in the winter as much as they like setting anchor in the Bahamas. Or the Seychelles… or Bora Bora….

This book represents a mere glimpse at different geographical locations and what they have to offer in terms of culture, sport or the simple excitement of discovery. It is subjective in that the selection was made by Beyond Black, but, then, travel and the enjoyment of it are never objective: one man’s castle is another’s hovel.

INTRODUCTION

7

erick van egeraat INTRODUCTION

ERICK VAN

EGERAAT STARTED IN HIS FIRST OFFICE AT THE AGE OF 24. ‘MANY OF MY FRIENDS WERE BEGINNING THEIR OWN ARCHITECTURAL CAREERS DESIGNING PRIVATE HOUSES AND WHEN I ENDED UP WORKING ON SOCIAL HOUSING, MOST OF THEM THOUGHT I HAD BEEN UNLUCKY. However, nothing could be further from © Attila Dubniczky

the truth. My early training gave me unparalleled experience dealing with large projects, high ambitions but limited budgets, all of which proved invaluable.’

Now, 28 years later, his clients are state organisations, banks and wealthy private individuals. “It helps that they have extensive budgets, but there are limits. The stakes are

encountered and overcome some of these before; many of our engineers have also worked

high: of course clients want their projects to be unique and special, but there is always a time

on the Palm Islands in Dubai which, until now, have been the world’s largest artificial

frame. One of my tasks is therefore to manage expectations in such a strongly results-

islands.” One of the major difficulties in this case is the depth of the Black Sea. Whilst the

oriented setting. The responsibility I had at the age of 24 remains useful practice even now.

sea bed under the Palm Islands is relatively shallow, foundations at a depth of 30m have to

This is as true of a 5-star hotel as it is of Federation Island, the 330-hectare artificial

be created. This requires enormous quantities of sand and rock: nothing has been attempted

archipelago in the Russian Black Sea off the coast of Sochi. No matter how wealthy they are,

on this scale before. In addition, the area can suffer violent storms, and this has been taken

no one ignores these twin constraints of cost and time.”

this into consideration by designing a wall around the island to protect it from high waves.

Erick van Egeraat has a reputation for being unorthodox. His work is often called

Physical work will start in the Summer of 2009. It will take approximately two to three

avant-garde or unusual. That is one of the reasons for his success. “My clients are not

years to build the foundations and create the land mass of the island. After that the first

looking for something that is run-of-the-mill”, says Erick van Egeraat. In this environment

construction will occur, beginning with the marinas. Hotels will follow next. Sochi is the

there are challenges to turning ideas into reality, taking the vision a client wants and

venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics, by which time much of the island’s 3.5 million square

convincing them it can be created. This is especially true in the case of Sochi Island. The

metres of buildings will be complete. The total time frame for Federation Island is 10 to 12

archipelago will be built in the shape of the Russian Federation, reflecting the country’s

years: this is a long-term project.

major geographical features; Russia’s mountains shape the island’s relief and the country’s

‘Whilst some of the benefits of the finished project will be the almost unlimited

river network has been used as a template for its waterways. The island will comprise seven

opportunities for sport and entertainment, as well as its exclusive residences, Federation

main bodies of land, more than a dozen private and three breakwater islands, offering

Island’s rewards will be so much greater than merely financial or even cultural. At present

residences, hotels, cultural, leisure and recreational facilities.

the coast of the Black Sea around Sochi presents a fairly stark landscape, with little between

Sochi was chosen as the setting for this iconic project for a number of reasons. Sochi

rocky beaches and deep water. As a result there is a limited amount of flora and fauna. If we

city lies in an interesting region. It has a mild, almost sub-tropical climate, with a backdrop of

succeed, we will establish a far more diverse environment and a great improvement in the

forests, and yet 40km away there are 3,200m mountains – an ideal location for winter

local ecology.’

sports. These variations in climate and landscape make it a very attractive location for both recreation and entertainment.

Russia is not short of space, and Federation Island is being built not for the land but

8

Obviously an undertaking of this scale comes with immense challenges. “We have

Similarly there are political ramifications to this ambitious project. This is a factor Erick van Egeraat has encountered before in his work revitalising cities, which have included master plans for big developments. ‘These open up not only architectural but also financial,

for the climate and coastline. The sandy beaches, dunes, grasslands, bushes, forests and

political and technical issues, which inevitably prompt us to rethink how we use our cities

rivers hold opportunities for a great variety for accommodation, from beach residences,

and environments. In the case of Sochi, we are working at the crossroads of four major

luxury villas and apartments to dune, river and cliff houses. Many of these will have a port or

economies: Russia, the West, the Middle East and the emergent Asian economy. Such work

access to a marina.

cannot be carried out without considering the implications of this.’

OFFICES FOR ING & NNH, BUDAPEST, HU, 1994

E R I C K VA N E G E R A AT

© Christian Richters

INHOLLAND UNIVERSITY, ROTTERDAM, NL, 2000

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In personal terms, the rewards are high. Erick van Egeraat is given free rein to do new things, not just copy existing ideas – ‘something that makes my work both interesting and exceptionally lucrative. Wealth tends to have a big-picture approach; its philosophy is that there is space for all of us. I am therefore able to think and act boundlessly. The horizons are broad, almost unlimited.’

‘Although we speak of a global economy we also have global problems, with religious and political tensions across the world. The multicultural nature of these projects carries an implicit message of respect and harmony – also the message of the Olympics, which Federation Island will play its part in hosting in 2014. We must accept and embrace our differences. This is one of the benefits of wealth: the understanding that achievement comes with obligation. Wealth intrinsically brings the capacity to see and oversee more than one’s own life; it transcends culture, religion and region. My work is exclusive only because it is unique. It is inclusive because it brings people together. In an age of globalisation, this unification is an important legacy of my work that surpasses even the architectural heritage of the ground-breaking technical developments involved.’

© Christian Richters

MAHLER 4 OFFICE TOWER, AMSTERDAM, NL, 2009

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ING HEAD OFFICE, BUDAPEST, HU, 2004

METZO COLLEGE, DOETINCHEM,NL, 2006

Contact Erick van Egeraat

3016 CA Rotterdam The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)10 436 9686

ROYAL DUTCH EMBASSY, WARSAW, PL, 2004

Fax:

+31 (0)10 436 9573

Email: eea.nl@eea-architects.com URL:

E R I C K VA N E G E R A AT

Calandstraat 23

www.eea-architects.com

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BREATHTAKING Views from the hotel

ST MORITZ

of the mountains and Lake St. Moritz.

B A D R U T T ’ S PA L A C E HOTEL

THE LEGENDARY BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL IS SITUATED OVER

1800 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL IN THE HEART OF THE SWISS ALPS. SET AMID BREATHTAKINGLY

AND UNSPOILED SCENERY, BENEATH A STUNNING MOUNTAINOUS BACKDROP, IT OVERLOOKS THE

SPARKLING ST MORITZ LAKE, WHICH PROVIDES A STAGE FOR A

NUMBER OF UNIQUE EVENTS, SUCH AS THE CARTIER POLO WORLD

CUP ON SNOW, WHITE TURF HORSE RACING AND ICE CRICKET ON THE

FROZEN LAKE IN WINTER, OR SAILING REGATTAS IN SUMMER. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is the epitome of style, high-class sports and elegance, with excellent and discreet service, high-quality cuisine and an atmosphere of pampered luxury.

YOUR VIEW

Over 110 years old, the hotel was built in 1896. Today it is still privately owned by the Badrutt family who have always been renowned in the valley as pioneers and trend-setters. They are credited with launching the area as a winter destination for the beau monde.

The intangible but ominpresent Badrutt’s spirit is what makes the allure of the hotel what it is

Badrutt’s Palace Contact

Accommodation The hotel has a 5-star rating, but its reputation far exceeds any conventional star

Via Serlas 27 7500 St Moritz Switzerland

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today and keeps drawing the international jetset to its doors year in, year out.

Phone:

+41 (0)81 837 1000

Fax:

+41 (0)81 837 2999

Email:

reservations@badruttspalace.com

URL:

www.badruttspalace.com

rating. Its 159 individually decorated guest rooms (of which 38 are suites), seven restaurants, four bars, fitness facilities, butler service for all rooms, beauty treatments, Kids’ Club ‘Palazzino’ and a boutique-filled shopping arcade, make for a fully self-contained and magical lifestyle that many grand hotels strive to replicate, yet few succeed.

<< A spirit of its own >>

The majestic lobby ‘Le Grand Hall’ is often referred to as the ‘living room of St Moritz’. It is the heart of the hotel and the setting of many a society romance. It offers a fine view from the large window overlooking the lake and its terrace makes the perfect spot for lunch or just people watching.

GRAND DELUXE ROOM

Activities The weather plays an important role in St Moritz. The sun shines for over 300 days a year, the high lying resort guaranteeing good snow conditions throughout the winter season and challenging weather in summer for sailors on the lake and golfers on the greens. The resort offers a host of Alpine sports and activities such as canyoning, rafting, paragliding, fishing, biking and hiking against the backdrop of the stunning Alpine scenery of St Moritz.

The most romantic horse-drawn carriage trip this publisher has ever experienced was across the frozen lake to nearby Fex Valley, with the occasional stop for a hot wine punch.

In summer, you can relax with a picnic basket filled with gourmet treats in a boat on Lake Sils.

The oldest 18-hole golf course of Switzerland is in St Moritz and guests of the hotel receive 20% off the green fee and priority tee times.

If you truly belong to the beautiful set, you would be a member of the vertiginously exclusive Corviglia Ski Club. If you are not a member, befriend one and ask them to sign you in. Perched 8,000 feet above the village of St Moritz and Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, it is quite impenetrable to outsiders, and although unprepossessing in appearance, it was very grandly founded in the swinging 30s by a largely aristocratic group including several Rothschilds and Agnellis as well as the Duke of Alba.

If browsing the designer boutiques is more your thing than active sports, St. Moritz is the place to be. Some of the world’s top brands line the shortest luxury shopping mile in the world – Via Serlas – right in front of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

People watching and socialising The landmark property occupies 4.53 acres in the centre of St Moritz and has long been a magnet for the global elite. From Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and Alfred Hitchcock in the past to shipping tycoons, European and Middle Eastern Royalty, film stars and world-class celebrities today, everyone who is anyone has enjoyed the famous atmosphere.

The hotel has been awarded several industry accolades including 15 Gault Millau points for Le Restaurant, the annual Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Award for the 4th best European resort. Mr Hans Wiedemann, Managing Director, has also been awarded ‘Hotelier of the Year’ by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association. In addition Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Historic Hotels and Swiss Deluxe Hotels.

The most meaningful accolade of all, however, is the continued patronage of its guests.

LE GRAND HALL

THE SPARKLING PALACE POOL

BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL

Anna-Louise Felstead Polo on Snow, St Moritz.

Pencil and Indian ink on paper.

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C H E S A LU M PA Z

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF

ST MORITZ, NEXT DOOR TO THE FAMOUS BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL, CHESA LUMPAZ IS A

CONTEMPORARY STYLE, SUPER-LUXURY 900-SQUARE-METRE CHALET, BUILT OVER FIVE FLOORS

AND FEATURING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY IN HOME COMFORT, ENTERTAINMENT, SPA

AND WELLNESS. THE WORD ‘LUMPAZ’ MEANS ‘BEAR’ IN THE TRADITIONAL LANGUAGE OF THE

ENGADINE VALLEY. BEARS FIND RENEWED STRENGTH WHEN THEY ARE SAFE IN THEIR OWN LAIR.

CHESA LUMPAZ OFFERS THE SAME REJUVENATING AND RESTORATIVE EXPERIENCE TO ITS

GUESTS, HENCE ITS NAME. Chesa Lumpaz was completed in 2007 and for the first time it is now being offered for rental.

The history of the property goes back to the late 19th century. Where the chalet now stands was once the house of the coachmen – in an era when horse-driven carriages were the only mode of transportation

ST MORITZ

to St Moritz.

Chesa Lumpaz Contact Phone: +41 (0)81 833 13 26 Email: info@leotrippi.com URL: www.chesalumpaz.com

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<< Super modern lifestyle in a traditional setting >> CHESA LUMPAZ

15

The Swiss canton of Graubünden was at the time the only place in the world that had a law banning cars from the road. In 1925, when the pressure to open up the roads increased, cars made their first appearance in the Swiss Alps and, subsequently, train access to St Moritz was added. The once so important coachmen were obsolete.

Almost a century later, in late 2007, the construction of the stunning Chesa Lumpaz was completed and the property is now one of the most exclusive alpine chalets.

The accommodation With a team of successful and established architects, designers and construction companies on board, the goal was to create the ultimate in design, functionality, comfort and sense of wellbeing. Swiss architects Valentin Bearth and Andrea Deplazes planned the building, later joined by internationally acclaimed architect Nico Rensch, whose exceptional track record of building private properties and his natural flair for functionality, design and materials, enhanced the team. The result is a modern, yet warm and cosy house.

The ingenious use of space provides guests with utter privacy and the ability to indulge their personal interests and tastes. Every conceivable detail has been thought of to maximise the comfort of the guests after a day’s skiing: you can relax in the wellness area or train in the private gym, or watch a movie in your room’s own cinema, or read a book in front of the fireplace…

Architect Nico Rensch has made no corner-cutting compromises. He felt that the Chesa Lumpaz did

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not need one master bedroom, but four. Rather than maximising occupancy, he created four large bedroom suites, only differing in terms of colour scheme and art.

The top floor of the villa is dedicated to socialising, relaxing, entertaining and experiencing culinary delights, supplied by a private 5-star chef and a full complement of staff.

For the culturally minded, Chesa Lumpaz boasts a library with a complete set of Taschen (and soon Beyond Black) publications, offering guests the opportunity to browse through a multitude of art and photographic editions.

The top floor of the Chesa Lumpaz is a window to the town of St Moritz. Whether you are enjoying the mountain views, watching the lake sporting events in the summer or following the polo on ice in the winter, you have access to it all directly from the living room of Chesa Lumpaz.

The chalet can be rented in its entirety including all services. The chalet team is always at hand to fulfil any wishes of the guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: massage after skiing with your personal guide, followed by a delicious dinner and night clubbing in the town of St Moritz, and a service befitting the quality Swiss hoteliers are justly famous for.

the Swiss Alps.

Conclusion A truly exceptional arrival on the super-luxury private-residence-run-as-a-5-star-hotel scene.

CHESA LUMPAZ

The chalet offers different experiences in summer and winter and staff will guide you and organise the best activities of the season, including accommodating your children in the most exclusive summer camp in

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LA FERME DU PLAN LA FERME DU PLAN, SITUATED JUST 55 MINUTES FROM GENEVA AIRPORT, LIES AT THE

INTERSECTION OF TWO IDEAS. IT IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO FIND THE SOLITUDE THAT SO MANY

PEOPLE CRAVE, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME REMAINING CLOSE ENOUGH TO EVERYTHING

NECESSARY FOR AN ACTIVE AND EXCITING HOLIDAY: A RARE AND UNEXPECTED PRIVILEGE. In the summer months, the resort of Megève is 10 minutes walk along a path through the forest. In the winter, a 4x4 vehicle (the chalet has a two-car garage) will take you to the village. Guests can ski directly to the slopes from the chalet itself: all that is required is to cross the bridge over the trout stream.

The delightful landscape has barely changed in more than that two centuries. Guests are faced

EXTERIOR Traditional materials such as stone and timber have been used to build this magnificent 18th-century chalet.

with the Jaillet Mountain and, in panoramic view, the ‘chaîne des Aravis’. Close by lies the beautiful and enchanting forest.

Megève is a smart ski resort whose paths lead to the romantic Ferme du Plan – a place of loneliness and silence which could have been inhabited by Tolstoy, but which is nevertheless near the centre of the village, overlooking a charming valley and a lovely stream. Constructed in 1779, La Ferme du

DINING ROOM The large dining

FRANCE

room seats 16 people.

Ferme du Plan Contact Dominique HENRY 42 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris France

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France:

+33 (0)153 675 453

UK:

+44 (0)7970 529 480

Email:

d.henry.megeve@gmail.com

Plan was transformed into a holiday chalet in 1970. The building consists of 500 square metres of marvellously arranged space on two floors: six bedrooms and six bathrooms, a study, a library, two dining rooms, an office and a well-equipped kitchen. However, the chalet is best known for its entrance, which features an immense 18th-century pine wood staircase that leads to the spacious living room, the old grange attic. The construction is spectacular, with the vertical and horizontal placement of beams resulting in an impressive volume of space – the perfect location for unforgettable parties in the winter evenings or romantic times by the flames of the large fireplace. The former barn’s ceilings are six metres high, but the room has a warmth that will be welcome after a day of skiing.

KITCHEN The fully equipped kitchen is complete with an adjacent indoor barbecue area.

LIVING ROOM Part of the vast and magnificent living room.

DINING ROOM The chalet’s second dining room seats 8 people.

FERME DU PLAN

BAR/TV ROOM

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La Ferme du Plan holds a magical ambience. In the air floats a taste of old Russia, the present owner’s country of origin. Captivated by Russian paintings of the 19th century, she collected pieces by Sverchkov (including La chasse à l’ours) and Bogdanov-Belskii (including L’enfant à la luge), intending to give the chalet a particularly warm and elegant atmosphere. Traditional furniture and fabrics, some of it designed by Catherine Navarro, a well-known interior designer and decorator in Megève, paintings, ancient photographs, holiday souvenirs, samovars, fur and Caucasian carpets, fireplace and majestic deep couches, a piano for the melodies of Scriabin… All contribute to an unforgettable stay in this chalet where one can feel the kind of joy of childhood and where time can stand still. This is a property that comes with stories of its own, a chalet that speaks of an isba – Russian log hut – deep within the forest, a long, long time ago…

STAIRCASE The massive and unique 18th-century staircase leading to the living room.

La Ferme du Plan is for sale. Price upon request

DRAWING ROOM The drawing room has a huge open fireplace and a door opening onto the balcony.

THE STUDY The study, with a king-size bed in the back, can be used as a spare bedroom.

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<< Relics of Old Russia in the heart of France >> YELLOW BEDROOM Yellow/large bedroom with a mezzanine and a library opening onto the balcony.

RED BEDROOM The red bedroom, as with every other bedroom, has an en suite bathroom.

MASTER BEDROOM Master bedroom suite with 2 bathrooms, a very large dressing room and a mezzanine.

FERME DU PLAN

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G S TA A D PA L A C E

OVER THE YEARS THE

GSTAAD PALACE HAS EARNED AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR DISCREET, REFINED

HOSPITALITY, AND HAS ALWAYS WELCOMED THE MOST DISCERNING INTERNATIONAL CLIENTELE.

Set on a hill overlooking Gstaad, the resort offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Swiss Alps. The 104 tastefully decorated rooms include 29 junior suites, 4 suites, 2 Tower Suites and the most luxurious and sophisticated three-bedroom Penthouse Suite ever built in an Alpine resort.

Guests enjoy traditional Swiss dishes, savoury grill specialities, an exceptional Italian menu and exquisite gourmet cuisine at the hotel’s five superb restaurants. They can unwind in the relaxed lobby bar, the stylish Bar du Grill or the famous GreenGo nightclub.

The Gstaad Palace features a spa and health club (see below for details), and a wide variety of activities is available nearby, such as golf, heli-skiing, hot-airballooning, etc.

This elegant hotel offers guests a truly memorable stay in distinguished surroundings and a

SWITZERLAND

relaxing ambiance with over 250 employees dedicated to fulfilling their every wish.

Gstaad Palace Contact Gstaad Palace Palacestrasse 3780 Gstaad Switzerland

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Phone:

+41 (0)33 748 50 00

Fax:

+41 (0)33 748 50 01

Email:

info@palace.ch

<< One of the world’s jet set hotspots >>

GSTAAD PALACE

23

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Spa design and philosophy The Gstaad Palace is renowned for its authenticity, elegance and unique ambiance. Thus, when designing the new spa, the main focus was to create an outstanding wellness oasis which blends perfectly into the overall hotel concept.

One priority was to bring the mountain feeling into the spa.

Therefore a 60-metre-long stone wall was built with granite from the nearby ‘Blausee’ region in the Bernese Oberland. Over fifty tons of rock were cut into small pieces and assembled to create a stunning architectural masterpiece. Further highlights are the comfortable lounge with its fireplace and the spectacular mountain view.

Opening of the new spa The new spa features authentic décor and ambiance which radiate a magic charm. Its exclusive facilities are spread over 1800 square metres and include eight treatment rooms, a private spa suite, saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas with incredible views, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art gym, a pilates studio and a unique hammam experience with seven rooms. With this major investment the hotel is creating an exclusive and extraordinary wellness centre, which will exceed even the expectations of discerning spa connoisseurs.

Unique hammam experience A visit to the hammam at the Gstaad Palace is a unique experience offering a relaxing journey of approximately two hours. It consists of a harmonious sequence of seven steps over 130 square metres.

This special ritual begins with a soothing foot bath followed by calm moments in the ‘Infinity Room’. Afterwards a cleansing soap foam body massage is awaiting and subsequently the journey continues with a steam bath and a dip into the ‘Floating Pool’. After a break in the private relaxation room a hydrating oil massage completes this amazing experience.

Facilities, treatment and products The aspiration is to offer guests an excellent and memorable spa experience. Therefore the spa team has been increased by the addition of some very qualified therapists, while the treatments and products have been chosen very carefully. A wide variety of classic body and facial treatments as well as innovative rituals will be offered with the following internationally renowned product lines: Cinq Mondes, Sisley and Niance and L’Raphael.

The entire spa offers only the most select facilities and amenities and the gym features state-ofthe-art equipment by Technogym. The Pilates Studio offers private lessons and instruction in small groups.

Special Stott Pilates equipment is used and ‘Galileo’ vibration technology is incorporated.

GSTAAD PALACE

25

real estate overview

WHILE LONDON, MOSCOW AND SOME SELECTED CITIES IN THE USA SEEMED TO BE THE ‘HOT SPOTS’ FOR THE PROFIT-ORIENTED INVESTOR OF THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THE RECENT CRISES OF THE FINANCIAL MARKETS, BASED ON INCORRECT MORTGAGE EVALUATION IN THE USA, HAVE PROMPTED THE MAJORITY OF RICH FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO BEGIN TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIOS. A HIGH YIELD WAS, UNTIL A SHORT TIME AGO, THE MOTIVATION FOR A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT IN AGGRESSIVE GROWING MARKETS; TODAY THE DESIRE FOR STABILITY AND THE LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF VALUE HAS DRIVEN INVESTORS INTO CALMER WATERS. Ivan Kaufmann

Having seen the markets hit hard in the Baltics and Central Asia, we now notice that places like Copenhagen, Zurich, Geneva and some German cities seem to have gained sympathy for investors in Europe. In Asia, Shanghai and Singapore are still the rising stars, but we are not sure whether the real estate prices, especially in Singapore, will soon reach their zenith. Most of our clients left the North American real estate market in anticipation of a looming economic crisis in the USA.

The market is in a consolidation phase and the ‘new money’ seems to have learned that a yield of 4% on a real estate investment in a strong currency has its benefits: the investor sleeps better at night.

Another development that we noticed is the fact that real estate investors are discovering more and more new ways to invest, such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT). However, an in-depth analysis of the product and its hidden costs is highly recommended when investing indirectly through investment products.

All in all, we feel that when it comes to real estate the investors have changed their focus from high yield to maintenance of value, and become more conservative in their investments.

Ivan Kaufmann is the Managing Director of Naiman Trust Solutions Ltd in Zurich, Switzerland. The company mainly provides family office services and consultancy for both companies and individuals when it comes to asset protection, offshore structuring, tax consulting and relocation to Switzerland.

Most of the clients of Naiman Trust come from the former CIS and Eastern Europe. The company’s headquarters are in Zurich but it keeps correspondence offices in Cyprus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Panama and Austria.

Contact: European Headquarters: Naiman Group SBFTC House Rämistrasse 31 8001 Zurich Switzerland Phone:

+ 41 (0)44 804 44 00

Phone 2: + 41 (0)79 420 96 13

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Fax:

+ 41 (0)44 804 44 01

Email:

ink@naiman-group.com

URL:

www.naiman-group.com

HOTEL ASTORIA

ROCCO FORTE'S LUXURIOUS

HOTEL ASTORIA CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF RUSSIA WITH AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE STEEPED

IN COMFORT AND ELEGANCE. It occupies an unrivalled setting in St Isaac's Square at the hub of St Petersburg's vibrant city centre. St Isaac's Cathedral stands opposite Hotel Astoria, and the renowned Hermitage Museum is only a short walk away.

Complementing the beauty and heritage of St Petersburg, the 211 rooms and suites at Astoria are carefully furnished with comfort and tranquility in mind. Contemporary facilities share a harmonious space with elegant decor, luxurious marble bathrooms and, in many rooms, breathtaking views over St Isaac's Square. Every room is air-conditioned, with mini bar, safe, interactive TV system, broadband internet access, telephone with voicemail.

Authentic Russian cuisine is at its finest in Hotel Astoria's splendid restaurant, Davidov.

Fashionable yet sophisticated, intimate yet friendly, Davidov Restaurant is Russian in every sense. Exciting flavours from home and abroad tantalise the senses in the

ST ISAACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SQUARE St

company of a large selection of superior wines. The pride of the restaurant is an

Isaac's Cathedral is a symbol of St Petersburg and one of the most magnificent buildings in the city.

exquisite selection of chilled vodkas and the best Russian caviar.

Health and beauty experts offer a range of energising treatments at the Astoria SPA, including a variety of individually tailored massages. The sauna and

ST PETERSBURG

Turkish bath with relaxation rooms complement the hotel gym, which is open 24 hours a day.

Business travellers are welcomed with extensive conference and exhibition facilities that include the Winter Garden and the Ballroom for up to 450 people, three meeting rooms and business centre as well as all the latest technological resources and Wi-Fi in public areas. Guests can be accommodated in comfort and luxury, enjoying stylish and practical meeting rooms alongside the superior leisure facilities and fine dining that make Hotel Astoria one of the most sought-after hotels in St Petersburg.

JUNIOR SUITE Where contemporary style meets classic elegance.

THE ROTONDA LOUNGE Set in the heart of the Astoria, traditional afternoon tea is served and live music is played throughout the day.

WINTER GARDEN BANQUETING SUITE The legendary Winter Garden hall has kept its historical ambience since 1912.

Hotel Astoria Contact Hotel Astoria St Isaacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square Ul. Bolshaya Morskaya 39 St Petersburg 190000 Russia +7 812 494 5757

Fax:

+7 812 494 5059

Email:

enquiries.astoria@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE LOBBY Over the years, the Astoria has played host to many distinguished guests.

HOTEL ASTORIA

Phone:

27

CENTRAL LOCATION Situated in the

BROWN’S HOTEL

heart of Mayfair, Brown's Hotel is London’s premier address.

SITUATED IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR AND JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM

THE CHIC BOUTIQUES OF BOND STREET, THE VIBRANCY OF THE WEST TASTEFUL DINING The Albemarle END AND THE TRANQUILLITY OF GREEN PARK, ROCCO FORTE’S BROWN’S

offers outstanding British cuisine in a glamorous, informal setting.

HOTEL IS LONDON’S PREMIER ADDRESS. James Brown, Lord Byron’s butler, opened Brown’s Hotel in 1837 as London’s first ever hotel and it is here that Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book, Agatha Christie penned At Bertram’s Hotel and Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever European telephone call.

Following a recent £24-million renovation, this legendary hotel now blends a traditional English style with a contemporary twist, offering a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. Brown’s now boasts 117 luxurious rooms and suites, each of which has been elegantly decorated, whilst encompassing state-of-theart technology.

The Albemarle specialises in the finest quality British cooking. Executive Chef Lee Streeton and Director of Food Mark Hix have created an outstanding menu featuring great British classic dishes, all using carefully sourced seasonal ingredients. Savour award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea in the English Tea Room and meet friends in the Donovan Bar – London’s fashionable meeting place.

The Spa at Brown’s offers a wide range of luxurious treatments including their exclusive range of seasonal pedicures, as well as a 24-hour hour gymnasium.

Brown’s is also home to six private dining rooms, each of which boasts an abundance of natural daylight, high ceilings, beautiful

LUXURIOUS PAMPERING The Spa offers a haven of tranquillity in the heart of the hotel.

antiques and air-conditioning.

Brown’s Hotel offers a unique range of special accommodation packages for those visiting London with the whole family will love their Family Affair package – children are treated like royalty and receive a wide range of goodies at no additional charge! For those wanting to experience the ultimate in luxury, you must stay in one of their Classic, Deluxe, Presidential or Royal Suites where not only do you receive a choice of 16 pillows, 3 mattresses and different linen,

LONDON

but also your suitcases are unpacked and you too receive many additional treats.

HOMELY COMFORT The Classic Suites provide the perfect home away from home.

Brown’s Hotel Contact Brown’s Hotel Albemarle Street Mayfair London W1S 4BP Phone:

+44 (0)20 7493 6020

Email:

reservations.browns@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS The Kipling Suite is where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book.

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THE BALMORAL

THE ROCCO FORTE

COLLECTION’S THE BALMORAL IS A LUXURY HOTEL IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD, A STYLISH

5-STAR PROPERTY IN THE VERY HEART OF EDINBURGH. Located on Princes Street, in Edinburgh’s main shopping area and next to Waverley Station, the Balmoral is close to the leading luxury department stores and many of Edinburgh’s main attractions.

The Balmoral has 188 opulent suites and stylish rooms designed by Olga Polizzi, many with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and Arthur’s Seat When it comes to fine dining, the choice of restaurants at The Balmoral matches the mood of the moment. With attentive but non-intrusive service, guests can choose from a variety of dining experiences.

For a memorable culinary experience, visit number one - the only Michelin-starred hotel restaurant in Edinburgh. Using only the finest Scottish ingredients, Executive Chef Jeff Bland creates outstanding à la carte dishes using favourites such as Scottish beef, roasted

IN THE VERY HEART OF EDINBURGH Situated on

venison, seared scallops and the finest Scottish salmon. Number one was given the Fine Dining Experience Award at the inaugural Scottish Restaurant Awards 2008,

Princes Street, the luxurious Balmoral Hotel is close to many of Edinburgh’s main attractions.

and the panel delivering their verdict stated that number one restaurant offers its customers ‘the ultimate sophisticated dining experience’. If you feel like a different and more casual meal Hadrian’s, Edinburgh’s much loved chic and buzzy brasserie, is a favourite choice for stylish dining in Edinburgh. In addition, opulent Palm Court hosts Scotland’s only Bollinger Champagne Bar and offers world-famous afternoon tea. The recently renovated and very cosmopolitan Balmoral Bar has a focus on the classics, with a twist - cocktails shaken and stirred to perfection, luxury and vintage

THE BALMORAL'S CONCIERGE TEAM

champagnes and malt whiskies exclusive to The Balmoral. For utter relaxation visit

ensures that guests benefit from the endless opportunities available in Scotland’s capital.

The Balmoral’s award-winning Spa, recently voted Scotland’s top Day Spa (UK category) in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2008. The Balmoral Spa is an exclusive retreat in the heart of the city offering a wide variety of ESPA and Ytsara treatments, a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation

EDINBURGH

suite, cardiovascular gymnasium and exercise studio, where yoga and pilates classes are available.

EXCLUSIVE URBAN RETREAT Complete with a crystal clear swimming pool, sauna and steam room, the spa offers a variety of specialist ESPA and Ytsara treatments.

MICHELIN-STARRED DINING The award-winning ‘number one’ offers the ultimate dining experience.

LUXURIOUS DESIGN Olga Polizzi, Director of Building and Design, chose striped carpets and paint colours in the bedrooms which have the earthy hues of the moors, mists and heathers that one associates with Scotland.

The Balmoral Contact

1 Princes Street EDINBURGH EH2 2EQ Scotland Phone:

+44 (0)131 556 2414

Direct Dial: +44 (0)131 622 8805 Fax:

+44 (0)131 557 8740

Email:

ksteffensen@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

THE BALMORAL HOTEL/BROWN’S HOTEL

The Balmoral Hotel

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LE RICHEMOND

BUILT IN 1875, LE RICHEMOND IN

GENEVA WAS OWNED AND MANAGED BY FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE ARMLEDER

FAMILY UNTIL 1999. THE ROCCO FORTE COLLECTION BOUGHT THE HOTEL IN JULY 2004.

Situated opposite the celebrated Brunswick Gardens and overlooking the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Old Town Cathedral, the building is in a prime position within walking distance of the business and shopping districts and located only 6km from Geneva Airport.

After 20 months of complete renovation, Le Richemond re-opened its doors on 21 September 2007. The hotel is the ideal venue for business meetings and conferences. It has three meeting rooms and an elegant ballroom, all enjoying natural daylight. It provides the ideal location for any kind of gathering, from a private dinner to a corporate event with room for up to 240 people.

Rooms and Suites With an entirely new 7th floor and completely restyled throughout, Le Richemond now counts 109 rooms including 19 suites. These are furnished with an eclectic mix

EXTERIOR

of Art Deco, neoclassic and contemporary-style furniture. Precious materials such as lacquered exotic wood, splendid marquetry, rare marble, linen, silk and angora come together harmoniously throughout the hotel. All rooms are equipped with a unique individualised heating/air-conditioning system, dual-line telephones with voice messaging, LCD flat-screen television with interactive video on demand, satellite, cordless keyboard with internet access through the TV, data port with high-speed internet connection, docking station for iPod (only in suites), plasma screen in bathrooms (in junior suites and suites), DVD player (in junior suites and suites), in-room safe, mini bar, hairdryer and heated towel rack. Many rooms boast views over the peaceful Brunswick Gardens, the Old Town or Lake Geneva.

G E N E VA

SUITES AND BATHROOM

Le Richemond Contact Le Richemond Jardin Brunswick 1201 Geneva Switzerland

30

Phone:

+41 (0)22 715 7000

Fax:

+41 (0)22 715 7001

Email:

reservations.lerichemond@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

Dining Le Richemond has long placed great importance on its restaurant. Since it was built, the hotel was one of the first in Geneva to prepare daily specials. Their very reasonable price quickly attracted people to the restaurant.

Sapori, the Italian restaurant at Le Richemond, maintains this tradition by providing simple but inventive Italian cuisine. With a completely new décor and layout, the venue offers an urban and cosmopolitan setting. The legendary terrace, protected and calm, is always a fabulous experience for guests. Located on the ground floor of the main building, Sapori is large enough to seat 134 people, 70 in the interior and 64 on the terrace, whilst the private dining room welcomes more intimate dinners for a maximum of 16 people. The menu ranges from light meals at noon to business meals and more sophisticated dinners.

Le Bar Previously situated between the lobby and the restaurant, to the right upon entering the hotel, Le Bar now commands a more expansive space and opens onto a terrace. Offering a contemporary and warm atmosphere inspired by the Art Deco period, its design marks the new style of Le Richemond.

Le Bar today revolves around three main areas: the bar itself, the terrace and the lounge.

The menus include refreshing, colourful and imaginative dishes that are served throughout the day. The activities and ambiance vary, according to the time of day. Le Bar is vibrant and glamorous, with special programmes prepared for all of the ‘movers and shakers’ in Geneva.

Le Spa Le Richemond is the only 5-star hotel in the city centre equipped with a real spa. The refined surroundings invite guests to indulge in the pleasures of well-being and total relaxation. The spa’s design beautifully blends elegant lines with original details. Black and white dominates, while gold filigree brings together bamboo and mosaics with subtle exotic touches.

Le Spa is located on the first lower level of the hotel, and welcomes guests as well as residents of Geneva who would like to enjoy this oasis of serenity in the centre of town.

Le Spa allows its visitors to stimulate their senses with specific treatments, or to simply escape for a moment of pure well-being.

The comfortable and elegant spa extends over 400 square metres and is composed of five treatment areas. Aroma therapy, chromo therapy, beauty treatments and massages for both men and women are delivered by a team of experienced therapists. The aesthetic treatments they provide blend Eastern or Western philosophies, according to preference. A hammam and sauna create the perfect balance between beauty and relaxation, the perfect place to unwind. Essential oils delicately permeate the dry heat or the clouds of vapour.

Treatments are given from 9am to 8pm in the Spa, and massages in hotel bedrooms until midnight, on prior request.

Le Richemond offers an ultra modern fitness room, equipped with the latest cardio training equipment. Fresh fruit, delicious fruit juices and mineral water await you there.

Geneva Concierge The city of Geneva straddles the River Rhône and the hotel is situated HOTEL LOBBY AND SPA

at its heart on the north bank, ideally located for the business centre and for visiting the famous landmarks of the city, as well as the numerous museums and galleries.

Le Richemond offers a concierge service to take care of guests during their stay and help them plan their itinerary. From organising chauffeured transfers to booking events and guided visits to historic Geneva, the service aims to make their guests’ visits as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

LE BAR AND SAPPORI RESTAURANT

LE RICHEMOND

31

HOTEL AMIGO

BRUSSELS’ MOST FAMOUS LODGING,

LOBBY Spacious and luminous entrance with a welcoming conciergerie and reception with beautiful authentic blue marble stones to guide you to the lobby.

ROCCO FORTE’S HOTEL AMIGO IS SUPERBLY LOCATED IN THE VERY HEART OF THE CITY

ADJACENT TO ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SQUARES IN EUROPE, GRAND PLACE. ROCCO FORTE

HAS ADDED HOTEL AMIGO TO HIS COLLECTION OF BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND TURNED IT INTO THE

BEST LUXURY HOTEL IN BELGIUM. EXECUTIVE ROOM

Rooms and suites Director of Design and style guru Olga Polizzi redesigned the original building (which predates 1522), creating modern interiors with clean lines and Flemish touches.

As befits the capital city of Europe, the latest facilities and technology for both business and leisure guests have been provided. Each of the magnificent rooms and spacious suites individual in style and luxurious, with some offering fantastic views towards Grand Place and others looking over the rooftops of Brussels.

BRUSSELS

MAGRITTE SUITE

Hotel Amigo Contact Hotel Amigo Rue de l’Amigo 1-3 1000 Brussels Phone:

+32 (0)2 547 4747

Email:

enquiries.amigo@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

SUITE BLATON

SUITE BLATON

32

AMBASSADOR BALLROOM Ballroom with natural daylight for up to 200 guests, can be divided into 2 separate rooms. Perfect for hosting conferences, seminars and events.

<< Brussel’s hotel of choice for the most discerning of travellers >>

BOCCONI With beautiful decoration and the most exquisite Italian cuisine.

Dining Bocconi, Hotel Amigo’s Italian restaurant, led by award-winning Chef Vincenzo Regine, Maître Cuisinier of Belgium 2008, serves creative Italian cuisine with only the freshest ingredients within a comfortable and contemporary atmosphere. Prized among locals and visitors alike, dining here is a sophisticated escape from city life. Each Sunday experience the delectable Italian brunch ‘Sapori Domenicali’.

During the famous and well-attended ‘Belgian Tea Time’ one can enjoy a variety of teas from around the world. One can also come to discover the unique choice of martini cocktails without forgetting the numerous blends or the jazzy atmosphere on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Fitness and conference facilities The hotel also offers a new fitness centre equipped with the latest exercise machines.

A great deal has been invested in expanding and developing the conference facilities with six fully equipped meeting rooms, a ballroom and a 24-hour Business Centre.

These improvements, together with the hotel staff’s dedication to the highest levels of personal service expected at a Rocco Forte Collection establishment, make for a memorable stay, whatever the reason for your visit to Brussels.

BAR With a quiet and relaxing atmosphere Awards ‘3rd best hotel in Europe’, Travel + Leisure - World’s Best

the bar offers the opportunity of tasting unique cocktails and blends.

Awards, 2008 ‘Top 100 World Best Hotels’, Institutional Investor, 2007 ‘World’s Best Hotels and Resorts’, Forbes Magazine, 2007

HOTEL AMIGO

GYM The most up-to-date equipment available 24/7 to let one exercise without restriction.

33

HOTEL DE RUSSIE

THE HOTEL DE

RUSSIE IS A LUXURY 5-STAR HOTEL PERFECTLY LOCATED ON VIA DEL BABUINO, BETWEEN PIAZZA

DEL POPOLO E PIAZZA DI SPAGNA. ORIGINALLY AN ANTIQUE BUILDING BUILT IN 1814, SIR ROCCO

FORTE BROUGHT IT BACK TO LIFE IN 2000.

Most of the stunning 122 bedrooms and suites overlook the terraced Secret Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Rome that houses a Butterfly Oasis. The unique Secret Garden offers the opportunity to relax with a Martini cocktail at the famous Stravinskij Bar, member of the exclusive club of the Bond Bars, while Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant gives our guests the chance of experiencing Italian cuisine created by chef Nazzareno Menghini and inspired by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, recognised as the best Italian Chef by national and international guides.

Do not miss an experience at De Russie Wellness Zone, an all-blue refuge featuring a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, where you can rebalance physical, emotional and mental energy.

EXTERIOR

ROME

STRAVINSKIJ BAR

Hotel de Russie Contact Hotel de Russie Via del Babuino 9 00187 Rome

34

Phone:

+39 (0)6 32 88 81

Fax:

+39 (0)6 32 88 88 88

Email:

reservations.derussie@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

WELLNESS ZONE

NIJINSKY SUITE

BATHROOM

SECRET GARDEN

HOTEL DE RUSSIE

LE JARDIN DE RUSSIE Summer dining on the terrace.

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H O T E L S AVOY

THE 5-STAR HOTEL SAVOY OFFERS

LUXURY AND STYLE IN THE HEART OF FLORENCE. LOCATED ON THE PIAZZA

REPUBBLICA, CLOSE TO FLORENCE’S RENOWNED LANDMARK THE DUOMO, THE

UFFIZI GALLERY AND THE PONTE VECCHIO. Just steps away from the main Florence fashion houses, the Hotel Savoy is the ideal base from which to visit the key attractions of this beautiful and historic city.

The 102 guest rooms and suites are decorated in a contemporary Italian style, complemented by carefully chosen ceramics, artworks and fabrics. Special mosaics decorate the bathrooms and quirky prints of shoes are on the walls throughout the hotel - a charming reminder of Florences’ many artisans. Two of the suites, Suite Brunelleschi and Suite Signoria, feature a state-of-the-art steam room equipped with chromotherapy and aromatherapy L’Incontro Bar and Restaurant is among the most popular restaurants in Florence offering views over the Piazza Repubblica and, during summer, the chance to dine outdoors and absorb Florence’s pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The Hotel Savoy offers its guests a Fitness Centre equipped with the latest machines with fantastic views over Florence to give the opportunity to work out and unwind.

EXTERIOR View of the hotel on the

FLORENCE

Piazza della Republica.

Hotel Savoy Contact Hotel Savoy Piazza della Repubblica 7 50123 Florence

36

Phone:

+39 (0)55 27 35 1

Fax:

+39 (0)55 27 35 888

Email:

reservations.savoy@roccofortecollection.com

URL:

www.roccofortecollection.com

<< Unrivalled opulence in the heart of Florence >> FRONT DESK

DELUXE STEAM ROOM, SIGNORIA SUITE

LA SUITE

L’INCONTRO RESTAURANT L’INCONTRO BAR

GYM

HOTEL SAVOY

37

profile of a contemporary art dealer LAURA PARKER-BOWLES LOPES, PARTNER IN ELEVEN FINE ART

On hype and contemporary artists…

How it all began…

In 2002 I was offered an internship at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.

Hype is ever present within the contemporary art market. It is a by-product, but I

This opened my eyes to the invigorating new world of contemporary art. When I

believe that true talent will always win through, with or without it.

returned to England, I decided that I wanted to get involved with the commercial

We are continually told of emerging artists, whom we watch closely and follow

contemporary art gallery world. I met Charlie Phillips who was a founding director of

their progression. There is no set system for choosing who is right for us. We can

Haunch of Venison and worked on various projects with him before we opened Eleven.

sometimes work with an artist for many years before we feel they’re ready for a show.

The recent auction of Damien Hirst’s work at Sotheby’s where £100 million-

On investing in contemporary art…

worth of works were sold demonstrates how financially viable he is, which is a reflection on the contemporary art market in general at the moment.

Working with new artists has the added bonus of watching their careers develop and I think Natasha Law and Natasha Kissell, two artists that I work very closely flourish. To work alongside each artist and play a part in carving their creative path is with, are also beginning to reach some very impressive heights. incredibly exciting. I feel that from an investor’s point of view, this is an added and very tangible advantage: being able to buy pieces at the beginning of an artist’s journey and follow their progression as their career develops.

On Eleven Fine Art and the future…

Eleven was opened in 2005 and we specialise in established and emerging artists. We

Contemporary v. Traditional

have a regular stable of exhibiting artists who work with differing types of medium.

Our philosophy is to work alongside the artists, nurturing their growth and

The contemporary art market is a vast field and incorporates sculptures, installations, development. We look at placing their works in important collections and encouraging photography, etc., all underpinned by personal taste. Some of our clients enjoy the them over the creative hurdles. We also work closely with clients, helping them to traditional mixed with the contemporary, whilst others only collect photography or build their collections of works by artists other than the ones we represent. Some prints. The joy of investing in contemporary art is that it is an open, unconstrained clients are interested only in specific works by specific artists and we try to identify field, unlike with traditional pieces where the market is more established. and locate those works for them. We are able to do this through the relationships we have built up with some of the most important collectors worldwide. So, whether we are working with a potential collector looking to start his or her collection or one of the world’s major collectors we have something to offer.

Looking to the future we hope to establish relationships with galleries abroad (Law and Kissell in Mumbai in November 2008) and showing more artists from abroad.

Olly & Suzi Lioness Sleeping, 2006. Aquarelle and graphite on paper, 11 1/2 x 16in / 29 x 41cm

38

Natasha Kissell The Green Hour, 2008. Oil on canvas, 66 x 50in / 167.5 x 127mm

Contact Laura Lopes

11 Eccleston Street Natasha Law Sat in Pink on Red, 2008. Gloss paint on aluminium, 49 x 40in / 125 x 125cm

London SW1W 9LX Phone:

+44 (0)20 7823 5540

Fax:

+44 (0)20 7824 8383

Email: URL:

info@elevenfineart.com

ELEVEN GALLERY

Eleven

www.elevenfineart.com

39

VILLA D’ESTE

ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE

ESTATES IN EUROPE, VILLA D’ESTE IS NOT SIMPLY A GRAND HOTEL – IT IS AN ARCHITECTURAL

MASTERPIECE AND AN INSTITUTION.

The Villa and its gardens are rich in history and art and have long held the world’s most sophisticated travellers in their thrall. A favourite of royalty and connoisseurs, Villa d’Este has a near-legendary status.

Originally built in 1568 as the summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Villa d’Este sits on one of the most romantic lakes, Lake Como, amidst 25 acres of magnificent and much celebrated gardens.

The building is richly decorated with frescoes, reliefs and internal fountains. With a little imagination, you could almost feel the presence of Franz Liszt, who composed the ‘Jeux d’Eaux à la Villa d’Este’ while staying there as a guest of the Cardinal of Hohenzollern. Liszt is one of many distinguished artists and writers who have visited and worked at the villa and immortalised it in music, art and poetry: Hubert Robert and Fragonard, Montaigne and De Brosse, Federico Zuccaro, Livio Agresti and Girolaio Luchiano, to name just a few.

Much has been written about the beauty of the gardens, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tree-lined terraces and individually named show-stopping fountains are some of the most striking features of this estate.

I TA LY

QUEEN’S PAVILLION

Gran Hotel Villa d’Este Contact Grand Hotel Villa d’Este Via Regina 40 22012 Cernobbio, (CO) Phone:

+39 (0)31 3481

Fax:

+39 (0)31 348844

Email:

info@villadeste.it

URL:

http://www.villadeste.it/

CARDINAL BUILDING

40

Accommodation Villa d’Este has 152 guest rooms, located both in the Cardinal Building and in the Queen’s Pavilion, which was built in 1856 in honour of Princess Caroline of Brunswick who was, for a time, Queen of England. Double rooms and suites are elegant and comfortable and each is unique in size and interior design.

Although furnished with antiques, all rooms have the most up-to-date modern facilities, including air-conditioning,

CABINA SPA

marble bathroom, Jacuzzi, minibar, satellite TV and high-speed internet connection.

In addition, two private villas stand in the grounds of Villa d’Este. Villa Cima was built in 1814 and boasts stunning views, 7,000 square feet of spacious rooms over three floors, and luxurious décor. Villa Malakoff was built in 1860 and stands on a small hill within the grounds of the Villa d’Este. This warm and informal house offers discretion and privacy, yet provides all the amenities and creature comforts guests require.

DOUBLE EXECUTIVE

JUNIOR SUITE

LOBBY

41

COLONNE ROOM

VERANDA RESTAURANT

TERRACE

42

Dining There are five eateries on the grounds of the hotel. The most formal, for which proper attire is required, is the elegant Veranda, overlooking the lake and gardens. Hand-made fresh pasta, risotto and fish are the house specialities.

The Grill offers regional cuisine. It is open from April to October, for dinner only, and is closed on Mondays. Smart casual attire is appropriate.

The Non Solo Pasta is an informal, cosy restaurant with a charming ambiance, offering an Italian buffet of hors d’oeuvres, a variety of pasta dishes and a selection of desserts. It is open from June to September, for dinner only, and is closed on Sundays. Outdoor dining overlooking the lake is an option at all restaurants.

The Pool Bar offers a range of light meals, salads and snacks at lunch time, as well as cocktails and drinks throughout the day.

The Canova Bar serves snacks and drinks inside or outside on the terrace overlooking the lake with an evening piano bar until midnight. During weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) there is live music.

Services and activities An ideal venue for meetings, the Villa has the standard equipment and facilities available at all conference centres, including microphones, simultaneous translation, projectors, video recorders and monitors. Stage lighting equipment for all sorts of set designs and effects or for television

FLOATING POOL

takes are also provided, as well a team of first-rate sound and video engineers equipped with a mobile unit for all aspects of audiovisual production.

The Villa d’Este sporting club caters to all tastes. There is a unique outdoor swimming pool floating on the lake, an outdoor children’s swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool and facilities for wind-surfing, sailing, canoeing and water skiing. The Villa has eight tennis courts (six in clay), a squash court, and a health club with steam bath, sauna and massage. There is a golf simulator and seven gold courses are available in the area. There is also a jogging track.

The Villa opened its sybaritic Spa in 1999, giving clients the best way to start a holiday or a business meeting. A serene and relaxed atmosphere is created by the blend of soothing colours, soft lights, background music and water games. The choices range from the traditional relaxing and toning massage to plantar reflexology and shiatsu massage. The Spa offers personalised treatments using the Villa d’Este products, which can be purchased at the Spa boutique.

The villa has its own helipad for guests who wish to arrive by private helicopter.

VILLA D’ESTE

43

EXTERIOR

VILLA LA MASSA

THE TUSCAN SISTER

PROPERTY TO VILLA D’ESTE, VILLA LA MASSA IS A 16TH-CENTURY MEDICI DWELLING SITUATED

ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF FLORENCE, ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY USING THE HOTEL’S COMPLIMENTARY

SHUTTLE, THUS OFFERING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: THE LUXURY OF BEING IN FLORENCE, YET

AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY. The villa was converted into a hotel in 1950, continuing five hundred years of rich history and offering guests a visit against a background of Renaissance splendour and the lifestyle of Florentine aristocrats.

The highlights of the Villa Massa, also dating back to the Medici era, are the Villa Nobile (Noble Villa) and the Vecchio Mulino (Old Mill), as well as the more recent Villino (Little Villa). The hotel itself offers guests 35 rooms, all unique, and all recently refurbished in traditional Florentine style. Of these 35

I TA LY

rooms, 25 are suites and junior suites, making it an almost all-suite hotel.

LOBBY

Villa La Massa Contact Via della Massa 24, Candeli, 50012 Florence Italy Phone:

+39 (0)55 626 11

Fax:

+39 (0)55 633 102

Email:

info@villalamassa.it

SUITE

44

The spacious and airy rooms are decorated with antique furniture, fabrics woven at the historic Florentine textile mills, wrought iron and woodwork from the famous old-time Florentine cabinet makers.

The bathrooms and their fittings have been created in a style reflecting the atmosphere of times past and are fitted with Carrara marble. Most rooms have windows that frame the beautiful Tuscan landscape.

The most commented upon feature of this property is on the river Arno, giving it the status of the only hotel in the entire Florence area with an outdoor restaurant terrace overlooking the river.

The Villa has a heated swimming pool, open every day in summer, the use of which is reserved exclusively for guests. The pool is surrounded by lawns and fitted with loungers for visitors to enjoy the sun. In the summer months the Pool Bar offers an ideal menu for light lunches beside the pool.

Villa La Massa boasts a 13th-century cellar with more than 200 wine labels, where wine tastings take place frequently and where one can perfect the art of matching exquisite food with equally exquisite wine. Cooking lessons are also offered.

The elegance and intimacy of Villa La Massa make it the ideal location for small and prestigious meetings or banquets. State-of-the-art communication and audiovisual technological equipment is

CHAPEL

available for conferences, and Villa La Massa offers the possibility of exclusive renting of the hotel.

Because of its privacy, Villa La Massa has long been the favourite of international VIPs. With its private chapel, the hotel hosted the David Bowie and Iman wedding.

RESTAURANT TERRACE

CELLAR

VILLA LA MASSA

SWIMMING POOL

45

VILLA D’ESTE: VILLA CIMA AND VILLA MALAKOFF In July 2006 Villa d’ Este opened two spectacular

VILLA CIMA

VILLA CIMA WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1814 BY

villas, the Villa Cima and the Villa Malakoff, both located within the gates of the 25-acre national

CAROLINE OF BRUNSWICK, PRINCESS OF WALES AND THE FUTURE QUEEN OF ENGLAND, TO HOUSE

heritage park and designed exclusively for the private THE FORMER OWNERS OF VILLA D’ESTE, COUNT AND COUNTESS PILO.

use of its guests. Faced with the beauty of the park and lake, Franz Liszt remarked, ‘I do not know any area more obviously blessed by Heaven, neither have I ever

Situated directly on the shore of Lake Como, it offers spectacular vistas, privacy and peace, as well as the outstanding and luxurious service expected of the nearby Villa d’Este.

seen anywhere else where the

Villa Cima comprises 7,000 square feet on three floors and includes a living room with a large private terrace –

enchantments of a life of love

perfect for al fresco dining – a dining room, a well-equipped

could seem more natural.’

kitchen and a laundry room. The accommodation consists of

Built in the 19th century,

two suites – a full suite and a junior suite - and two corner

the villas have recently

bedrooms. Every bedroom has its own en-suite dressing room

undergone extensive renovation

and marble bathroom.

All the villa’s rooms have a balcony or terrace on

to ensure that they offer Villa

which to enjoy stunning views across Lake Como, of which the

d’Este’s traditional patrician

poet Shelley wrote, ‘This lake exceeds anything else I have

elegance, combined with all the

ever beheld in beauty.’

modern conveniences that guests require. Visitors can have the best of both worlds: the freedom and privacy of a home combined with the luxuries of a 5-star hotel.

A stay at Villa Cima or Villa Malakoff includes full hotel EXTERIOR

services, daily housekeeping, daily in-villa continental breakfast or buffet breakfast at the Veranda Restaurant, and free membership of the Villa d’Este Sporting Club. Additional ‘extras’ that can be made available to villa residents include butler service, a private Chef, limousine transfers, use of the private helipad, golf at Golf Villa d’Este and motorboat rentals.

The thoughtful but unobtrusive service is marked by many subtle touches, utmost discretion and impeccable attention to detail.

TERRACE

46

BATHROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

ENTRANCE

VILLA CIMA

JUNIOR SUITE

47

V I L L A M A L A KO F F

BUILT IN 1860, THE

VILLA MALAKOFF TAKES ITS NAME FROM ONE OF THE FORTRESSES AROUND SEBASTOPOL. IT

STANDS SLIGHTLY BACK FROM THE LAKE ON A SMALL HILL AND AWAY FROM THE MAIN HOTEL

BUILDING, OFFERING ITS GUESTS EXCEPTIONAL PRIVACY AND EXCLUSIVITY, WHILST MAINTAINING

SECOND-FLOOR BALCONY

THE HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICE EXPECTED FROM VILLA D’ESTE. A private driveway leads directly to the property. The area of the national heritage park in which Villa Malakoff stands dates from the Renaissance period. Highlights are the 500-year-old Plane tree and its mosaic and Nymphaeum, dating back to the 16th century, as well as a wealth of majestic plants, from roses and jasmine bushes to chestnut, palm and cypress trees.

The villa’s 3,200 square feet are distributed across three floors. Rooms include a living room with a terrace, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry room and four bedrooms, all with en-suite dressing rooms and marble bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms have their own private balconies facing the lake. All the rooms are tastefully and luxuriously appointed, and the warm tones and understated atmosphere of the residence are instantly relaxing. The Villa Malakoff successfully combines the grandeur and beauty of a regal property with the informality and amenities of home. A stay is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

EXTERIOR

48

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM WITH BALCONY

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM TERRACE VILLA MALAKOFF

BATHROOM

49

MAMAISON

MAMAISON HOTELS AND APARTMENTS OFFER

LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN MAJOR CITIES THROUGHOUT CENTRAL

AND EASTERN EUROPE. WHETHER CLIENTS ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO STAY FOR JUST A

SINGLE NIGHT OR A HOME FOR THE NEXT YEAR, MAMAISON HAVE THE SOLUTION. WE PROVIDE

LUXURY HOTELS THROUGH TO FULLY FURNISHED STUDIOS AND EVERYTHING UP TO THREE-

BEDROOM APARTMENTS, PROVIDING THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR EITHER WORK OR PLEASURE.

Unparalleled service from personal and professional staff and world-class amenities mean that our guests will never need to compromise when travelling away from home. The breadth and quality of

MAMAISON PACHTUV PALACE, PRAGUE

accommodation makes MaMaison the ideal choice for individuals, families or business travellers.

Stately palace steps away from the historic Charles Bridge in the heart of Old Town.

Hotels and Apartments

P R A G U E · WA R S AW

‘Select from many elegant residences or small luxury boutique hotels.’

MaMaison manage hotels and apartments in Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bratislava, Ostrava, Katovice Bielsko-Biala and the island Hvar (Croatia). Each property benefits from an outstanding location in the heart of its respective city. This ensures access to all major attractions and the opportunity of travelling further afield where necessary. In addition, every building is unique in its concept, with charming and original design features, offering the very highest standards of service.

Helpful and attentive staff are on hand to make your stay unforgettable. The MaMaison team prides itself on creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that is qualitatively different to that found in ‘usual’ hotel chains. Whilst they are provided with every amenity, guests are also able to enjoy independence and privacy where desired, making their choice a home from home in every possible way.

Apartments are spacious and well appointed, with fully equipped kitchen, TV, DVD player, CD player, highspeed internet access and telephone, making them perfect for business travellers who wish to benefit from an office environment. Hotels are likewise ideal for meetings and conferences, as well as weddings and other events.

Hotels in Prague, Moscow, Budapest and Warsaw are members of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which comprises some 350 deluxe hotels worldwide. Additionally, most are also members of Hôtels et Préférence.

MaMaison’s quality and reputation have made them the choice of many celebrities, including actress Mia Farrow, who enjoyed a holiday in the Prague’s beautiful baroque MaMaison Pachtuv Palace. This stately palace now contains 50 suites, returned to their original splendour by interior designer Jane Wilson from RPW, well-known for restoring the Dorchester in London. Rooms feature antique wooden beams, frescos, vaulted chapel ceilings, sculptures and fireplaces, and contain an expertly chosen mixture of antique and contemporary furnishings. With a privileged position on the waterfront of the Old Town just steps away the magnificent Charles Bridge, MaMaison Pachtuv Palace has become one of the most refined and exclusive destinations for travellers worldwide.

MaMaison

MAMAISON LE REGINA HOTEL, WARSAW

Contact

Urban chateau formerly residence of barons and diplomats. The only luxury hotel in Old Town Warsaw.

Central Reservations Office: Phone:

+420 2 34 376 376 - 7

Fax:

+420 2 34 376 456

E-mail:

reservations@mamaison.com

URL:

www.mamaison.com

<< Hospitality for new Europe >> 50

Although MaMaison Pachtuv Palace stands out as an icon of splendour and luxury, this attention to detail is characteristic of all of MaMaison’s properties, each of which makes best use of the existing architecture and ambience of the surrounding area along with carefully selected furnishings to create the perfect impression. In the Residence Belgicka, for example, renowned designer Barbara Skorpilova has brought a vibrant feng-shui style to the luxury serviced apartments in a classic Art Nouveau building in Prague’s prestigious and fashionable Vinohrady district. Budapest’s Residence Izabella, just moments away from the city’s famed Andrassy Avenue, incorporates elements of classic Hungarian design but also the modern amenities of sauna, fitness room and a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden.

<< Private home hospitality and excellent atmosphere >>

HONEYMOON SUITE IN MAMAISON PACHTUV PALACE, PRAGUE Suite 102 with its magnificent frescoes... stay in a work of art.

MIA FARROW, PACHTUV PALACE

MAMAISON

<< With immense gratitude for your hospitality and excellent atmosphere.

I love to stay here! >>

51

M A M A I S O N P O K R OV K A SUITE HOTEL IN THE SUMMER OF 2007 MAMAISON

OPENED ITS FIRST RUSSIAN PROPERTY, THE MAMAISON POKROVKA SUITE HOTEL. LOCATED AT

THE HEART OF RUSSIA’S LIVELY AND COSMOPOLITAN CAPITAL, THE HOTEL

WAS DESIGNED BY JESTICO + WHILES AND IS A MEMBER OF THE

PRESTIGIOUS SMALL LUXURY HOTELS CHAIN.

Russia’s first genuine all-suite hotel, the Pokrovka boasts some of the most spacious and functional accommodation in Moscow, combining modern design and a number of outstanding features with the MaMaison brand’s characteristic warm atmosphere, meaning that it is as relaxed and well appointed as a luxurious private house.

Each of the Pokrovka’s 84 suites exhibits a unique layout, view and decoration. Interior design draws on the ‘modern’ 1930s values of openness and

HOTEL LOBBY Hotel lobby area

light as well as the pastel colours and attractive shapes of the 1950s. Quality wooden parquet and homely

designed by Guillaume Piéchaud who formerly worked for House of Dior.

furniture introduce a note of warmth and comfort.

Facilities MaMaison Pokrovka Suite Hotel offers a full range of business services and the latest technical equipment at any time. Amenities include underground parking and valet service, concierge, 24-hour inroom dining, and laundry and dry cleaning service. A large and fully equipped boardroom on the ground floor of the hotel provides an ideal venue for business meetings, seminars and training events.

Restaurant ‘Numbers’ and Bar ‘Tezon’ MaMaison Pokrovka’s restaurant, ‘Numbers’, a spin-off from the highly successful Doucet X.O. is a visual and culinary triumph. The stunningly decorated space includes subtle art deco touches by famous St Petersburg designer, Anton Gorlanov, and extends to a summer terrace and bar, reflecting Moscow’s chic and cosmopolitan feel. The combination of traditional European and Eastern elements is also evident in the cuisine; head chef Said Fadli, perhaps best-known for his work

MOSCOW

at ‘Rasputin’ Restaurant in New York, brings together the best of Russian, French and Mediterranean

Mamaison Pokrovka Suite Hotel

styles.

The Bar was named after one of Tequila’s most famous brands, Olmeca Tezon. Today, Tezon employs the ancient and difficult ‘tahona process’, which involves using a two-ton volcanic stone wheel to crush the pre-roasted agave.

Spa and Thalasso MaMaison Pokrovka’s spa centre is a brand of the famous French company Algotherm, pioneers of marine cosmetics and thalassotherapy.

The hotel’s guests are offered exclusive programmes which perfectly combine the comfort of spa and the efficiency of thalassotherapy. These programmes include, but are not limited to, hydrotherapy procedures with sea or flower water, unforgettable massages, the complex ‘private-thalasso’ and relaxation in the aqua-zone, the steam procedures in Sanarium and hamam and the special spa-diet.

The new spa centre is located on two floors of the Pokrovka Suite hotel over a total area of 800 square metres.

Using only top-of-the-range products, staffed by highly qualified professionals certified in France

Contact

and fitted with the latest equipment and technology, MaMaison Pokrovka spa center offers utmost luxury

MaMaison Pokrovka Suite Hotel

and comfort to its visitors.

Pokrovka str. 40, Building 2 105 062 Moscow Russia

Reception

52

Phone:

+7 495 229 57 57

Fax:

+7 495 229 57 75

Email:

info@pokrovka-moscow.com

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Upscale Suite with breathtaking views from panoramic windows from the floor to the ceiling are sure to appeal to the most demanding high-end traveller for corporate, leisure or extended stay.

STEPAN HON One of a series of images by Czech photo artist Stepan Hon depicting progression of life in Moscow.

of culinary classics and dĂŠcor designed to dazzle. An exquisite space with summer terrace and bar, catering to the chic, classy and cosmopolitan.

POKROVKA SUITE HOTEL

NUMBERS RESTAURANT Gentle melange

53

HOTEL ADLON

WHEN BERLIN RESTAURANT

MANAGER LORENZ ADLON INVESTED 20 MILLION GOLD MARKS AND TWO YEARS IN THE CREATION

OF A NEW HOTEL, HIS VISION WAS TO CREATE THE MOST OPULENT HOTEL IN THE WORLD,

SETTING STANDARDS PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN IN THE INDUSTRY. Opening in 1907, the Adlon’s architecture, interior design and advanced technology were praised across the globe. It soon became a popular meeting-place for guests from all over the world, including such illustrious names as Thomas Mann, Enrico Caruso, Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin, as well as high-ranking politicians, who regarded the neutral ground of the hotel as the ideal venue for discreet negotiations.

Today Under the direction of the renowned Kempinski Group, Hotel Adlon, which burned down shortly after the Second World War, has been rebuilt beside the Brandenburg Gate. The new hotel was ceremonially opened in 1997 by Federal President Dr Roman Herzog, restoring an international grand hotel to this traditional location in Berlin’s historic centre after more than 50 years.

In 2007 the prestigious US magazine Institutional Investor rated the new Berlin Adlon as not only the best hotel in Europe but also at a sensational third place of the world’s top 100 hotels. The new establishment follows on from the old traditions; maximum comfort, stylish and exquisite appointments in all rooms and public areas, as well as perfect service, excellent cuisine and first-rate technology and security, provide the essential conditions for a first-class hotel of international renown. Not least because of its prominent position and proximity to the parliament, the Adlon is once again regarded as the ‘government’s unofficial guest-house’, providing a home-from-home for state visitors and celebrities from all over the globe.

Suites Berlin’s grandest hotel has recently expanded its capacity and now comprises 384 comfortable rooms including 78 suites. A total of 69 new rooms, including 15 Executive rooms, 34 deluxe rooms and 20 suites have been added. At the same time, to meet the growing demand for attractive and larger suites, 39 hotel rooms were converted into 15 exclusive suites. The spacious suites are equipped with the latest technology: high-speed internet connections, flat screens and modern hotel entertainment systems.

Larger suites even have a private fitness room with gym equipment, a sauna and whirlpool.

LOBBY The elegant lobby with its ancient

The 24-hour butler service is as much a part of the three Presidential Suites as the limousine

fountain and spectacular dome serves as a meeting place for politicians, businessmen and high society individuals.

service with up to five cars, an open bar and gourmet breakfast:

BERLIN

Presidential Suite Brandenburg Gate (New York penthouse style) The two Presidential Suites called

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Contact Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Unter den Linden 77 10117 Berlin Germany Phone:

+49 (0)30 2261 1111

Fax:

+49 (0)30 2261 2222

Toll Free: +800 4263 1355

54

Email:

reservations.adlon@Kempinski.com

URL:

www.hotel-adlon.de

Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz offer guests ideally located comfortable living. Both majestically overlook Berlin’s symbolic Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz and Unter den Linden and can without doubt

BRANDENBURGER TOR SUITE Luxurious suite with a spectacular view of the Brandenburg Gate.

be considered the Adlon’s ‘crown jewels’. The suites have been modelled on the type of luxury private homes built in the 1920s and 1930s for wealthy families of long standing. This suite recreates the atmosphere of a New York penthouse apartment from this period. The elegant classical furnishings are perfectly combined with pieces of new design and modernity and are decorated in rich, warm colours. The predominant fabrics and materials used are silk, marble and artistically painted wood.

The luxurious 200-square-metre suites incorporate a spacious living room and two bedrooms with separate entrances (master bedroom and security), two bathrooms, one of which is comfortably equipped with private sauna, steam shower and whirlpool, a large pantry, a fine study, an elegant dining room and up-to-date security measures like video surveillance of the corridors, steel-enforced walls and 8cm-thick bullet-resistant windows. In-room technical features include two direct dial telephones, one portable phone – functional within the hotel for local, national and international calls – a private bar, individual air-conditioning, colour remote-controlled television, a fax machine, computer and modem plugs, bathrobes, large closet space, an in-room safe and a CD-player.

Presidential Suite Pariser Platz Like the Brandenburg Gate Suite, the Pariser Platz Suite also majestically overlooks Berlin’s symbolic Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz and Unter den Linden. The suite has been modelled along the lines of a luxury German residence from the 1920s and 1930s, built for wealthy families of long standing.

Also like its twin, the luxurious suite boasts a spacious living room and two bedrooms with separate entrances (master bedroom and security), two bathrooms – one of which incorporates a private sauna,

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Spacious living room with views of the Brandenburg Gate complemented by a fireplace, piano and 24hour butler service.

steam shower and whirlpool – a fine study, an elegant dining room and up-to-date security measures including video surveillance of the corridors, steel-enforced walls and 8cm-thick bullet-resistant windows.

Presidential Security Suite The new Presidential Security Suite is not only the most luxurious but also the safest hotel suite in Germany. It covers 240 square metres, expandable to 420 square metres, with a specially equipped lounge for drivers, security and escort, and a panoramic view overlooking the Potsdamer Platz. It was built to the latest standards and official guidelines for the highest security level. Windows and walls are bullet proof and doors are armoured.

The suite includes a separate room, outfitted with a control centre with video surveillance, self-sustaining airconditioning and ventilation, and private elevators to the underground garage (when using the extended area).

SECURITY SUITE BATHROOM The marmoreal bathroom offers an elegant Jacuzzi, a Finish sauna and a separate steam shower as well as a private massage/fitness area. All fittings are made of Swarovski stones.

of this suite invites its visitors into a world of exclusiveness - simply a luxurious retreat.

HOTEL ADLON

HIGH-SECURITY SUITE ENTRANCE The entrance

55

Furnishing is spectacular and carefully designed down to the last detail, representing a traditional

<< Combining an illustrious past with dynamic modernity >>

and yet vibrant style, encompassing 18th-century French antiques, English Georgian-style furniture, Chinese lacquerwork, Baroque console tables, Empire lighting and rich yet modern fabrics. All of the rooms in the suite, which occupies a spacious wing, have ancient oak wood ‘Parquette de Versailles’ flooring, hand crafted stucco borders, solid wall panels or painted silk wall décor, opaque glass window screens, framed doors with hand-crafted handles by Remy Garnier of Paris and large Carrara marble fireplaces.

Elegant furniture and antiques, painted silk wall hangings and 17th-century paintings are expertly juxtaposed with the latest flatscreen TV and audio equipment. The result is an unrivalled experience in both security and comfort, exceeding all expectations.

Facilities The Adlon offers a pool, gym, sauna, steam room and solarium in the basement, open from 6.30am to 10pm daily. The hotel also boasts a Spa as well as a number of outstanding restaurants staffed by award-winning chefs to cater for every taste and occasion. The light and airy conservatories, the spacious ballroom, the prestigious lobby with its mosaic dome and mezzanine offer extensive scope for festive occasions, conferences and receptions.

ADLON DAY SPA Heaven on Earth. This stylish Spa offers everything from Shiatsu, Yoga, Lomi Lomi Temple massage to exclusive Signature Treatments.

RESTAURANT QUARRÉ This Mediterranean restaurant has direct access to the terrace, overlooking Pariser Platz – providing for an intense taste experience.

WINTERGARDEN This multi-functional venue is the ideal place for high teas, cocktail receptions or private dinners.

56

the 7th marquess of bath ON OWNING AN ESTATE

I have been asked for some thoughts on owning an Estate, which has been my privilege at Longleat for the past fifty years. The first and most important thing is to enjoy it in whatever way appeals to you and your family. For some, that will involve peace, privacy and seclusion. For others, it will be the process of furnishing and creating a home and gardens that are personal to them, or the opportunity to enjoy private space for sport, riding, entertainments etc. Others still might take it as the opportunity to utilise their stately home when open to the public as the canvas upon which they can develop or indulge their personal ideas of art. For example, the painting of my own murals. These houses were built for pleasure and to impress and they should continue in that purpose.

Aside from enjoyment inevitably comes responsibility in an age when the public perception is that every owner has a duty to preserve their piece of heritage. It is almost certain that an Estate or Mansion will be subject to protection in some form or other such as Listed Building Status, Conservation Area Status, Site of Special Scientific Interest, etc. The beady eye of the bureaucrat will be upon you so make the best of it and try to keep the authorities on side. The offer of afternoon tea served from the Sèvres porcelain service to a thirsty planning officer can do no harm and may well pave the way to converting the Orangery into the Olympic-standard swimming pool needed to keep the son and heir fit and healthy. The alternative can be descent into open warfare as your entirely reasonable ideas for change and improvement fall foul of the Local Authority.

Some owners favour a full hands-on approach to managing their Estates, whereas others prefer to employ an Estate Manager. Adopt the approach that suits your inclination and lifestyle. If you employ staff make sure that they are of quality and that you have the necessary checks and balances in place to ensure their proper performance. Running an Estate is no different from any other business, albeit your objective may be the pleasure of owning a lovely house with its park and surrounding countryside.

7TH MARQUESS OF BATH, ALEXANDER THYNN 08/2008

57

L O N G L E AT

SET WITHIN 900 ACRES OF ‘CAPABILITY’ BROWN

LANDSCAPED GROUNDS, LONGLEAT HOUSE IS WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BEST

EXAMPLES OF HIGH ELIZABETHAN ARCHITECTURE IN BRITAIN AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

STATELY HOMES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Visited by Elizabeth I in 1574, Longleat House was built by Sir John Thynne from 1568 and is the current home of the 7th Marquess of Bath, Alexander Thynn, who, as this publisher is delighted to attest, is a most genial host, often inviting eclectic groups of guests to his weekend-long private parties.

Many treasures are housed at Longleat. The fine collection of paintings ranges from English portraits dating from the 16th century to the present day, to Dutch landscapes and Italian Old Masters.

Inspired by various Italian palace interiors, including the Ducal Palace in Venice, the ceilings are renowned for their ornate paintings and abundance of gilt made by the firm of John Dibblee Crace in the 1870s and 1880s. The furniture collection includes English pieces from as early as the 16th century,

BANQUETING SUITE

17th-century chairs from the Coromandel coast of India, fine French furniture of the 17th and 18th centuries and a collection of major Italian pieces very unusual for an English country house.

The murals in the private apartments in the West Wing have been painted by the present Marquess and are a fascinating and unique addition to the House. Incorporating a mixture of oil paints and sawdust, these private works of art offer a unique insight into Lord Bath’s personality and beliefs.

If you are fortunate enough to be a friend of the Marquess, your entire visit would take place in this wing (depending on the size of your party, you could sleep in the Dowager’s suite or the Kama Sutra room, or any of the other apartments, idiosyncratically decorated with Lord Bath’s murals on the walls and Longleat’s antiques throughout). He would also conduct a very personal tour of the West Wing, for his guests, talking about his life-long passion for the arts, his compulsion to record his life in murals and to immortalise ancestors, present day family and different companions as part of his extensive portraiture collection. The Bluebeard staircase, leading to the top and his penthouse suite, never fails to elicit intense curiosity and commentary.

Located in the private apartments of Longleat House lies the most fantastic yet unusual venue for a conference… Lord Bath’s Banqueting Suite. Modern in design yet still with a traditional feel, this suite of facilities creates a definite ‘wow factor’. The rooms

ENGLAND

are very much in keeping with the sumptuousness of the rest of Longleat House but the

Longleat Contact Phone:

+44 (0)1985 845435

Email:

marketing@longleat.co.uk

Website: www.longleat.co.uk

EXTERIOR

58

LIBRARY modern appearance – blue walls, silver doors, Makepeace furniture and ancestral portraits produced by Lord Bath – make this suite of facilities a real talking point of any function. Lord Bath’s Banqueting Suite

BALLYHOO STAIRCASE

will hold a maximum of 50 people.

Often referred to in the press as Britain’s most eccentric peer, the 7th Marquess of Bath is a true renaissance man: an author, an artist and a patron of artists, a poet, a musician and a thinker whose ideas have been documented in a series of published essays and on his website.

The Marquess has been known to host the occasional event – something that adds immensely to the attraction of the Banqueting Suite.

Apart from the ancestral home, Longleat is also renowned for its Safari Park. Open in 1966, it was the first outside of Africa and began a revolution in zoological collections that has since spread around the globe. For the first time animals were able to move freely across hundreds of acres of land and to interact naturally with each other.

Today it is difficult to imagine the furore aroused when Longleat’s plans for an initial 100-acre lion reserve were made public. There were dire warnings of big cats running amok in the Wiltshire countryside, local clergymen were up in arms and there were even questions asked in the Houses of Parliament.

In spite of the fears, however, the ground-breaking concept of the drivethrough safari park proved a hugely popular draw for visitors and, over forty years on, Longleat remains one of

GREAT HALL

the country’s leading attractions.

SALON

LONGLEAT

LOWER DINING ROOM

59

LE SIRENUSE LIVING ROOM Caption copy to be written about this location Caption copy to be written about this location. Caption copy to be written about this location.

THE TOWN OF POSITANO IS ON THE

AMALFI COAST, SOME 60 KM SOUTH OF NAPLES, ITALY. IN THE LAST GASPS OF WORLD THE

SECOND WORLD WAR, POSITANO BECAME A REST CAMP FOR BRITISH OFFICERS AND REPORTS OF

ITS BREATHTAKING BEAUTY SPREAD AROUND THE WORLD, COURTESY OF THEM. WHEN THE WAR

WAS WELL AND TRULY OVER MANY ARTISTS AND INTELLECTUALS FLOCKED TO POSITANO AND

SOME STAYED THERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF POSITANO’S RISE AND

RISE IN POPULARITY AMONG THE GLOBAL COGNOSCENTI. The village itself is perched on the steep cliffs of a valley and was added to the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1997.

Le Sirenuse is in the middle of Positano, within walking distance of all the shops and local restaurants, and facing the sea and the beautiful island of Li Galli.

The spectacular panorama is enhanced by the old Church of Santa Maria Assunta, whose ancient green and yellow tiled cupola is just below the hotel.

The hotel was first opened in 1951. It was once the summer home of the Sersale, a noble family from Naples that still owns and manages the hotel.

Accommodation Le Sirenuse has 63 rooms, junior-suites and suites with all the comforts of a 5-star luxury hotel and the refined atmosphere of a private house.

When John Steinbeck visited in 1953, he wrote the following for a Harpers Bazaar article: ‘We went to the Sirenuse, an old family house converted into a first class hotel, spotless and cool, with grape arbors over its outside dining rooms. Every room has its little balcony and looks out over the blue sea to the islands of the sirens

I TA LY

from which those ladies sang so sweetly.’

Le Sirenuse Contact Antonio Sersale Manager asersale@sirenuse.it

60

Phone:

+39 (0)89 875 066

Fax:

+39 (0)89 811 798

E-mail:

info@sirenuse.it

URL:

www.sirenuse.it

Today the hotel is directed by Franco Sersaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Antonio, while his wife Carla runs the Emporio Le Sirenuse boutiques. Franco continues to add to the impressive collection of antiques started by his brother Paolo, sourcing out mainly from the elite auction houses in Rome and London.

Paolo was succeeded by two daughters: Giulia, who is responsible for the gardens and flowers, and Marina, who, together with her husband Sebastian Alvarez Murena, developed the signature scent of Le Sirenuse, Eau dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Italie.

The building architecture is Moorish with white-washed walls, vaulted ceilings and hand-made tiles on all floors. Old paintings and prints can be seen hanging on the walls and period furniture decorates all bedrooms and several living rooms.

There is an 18-metre pool on the main terrace, shaded by vines and lemon trees.

Most rooms have a private terrace or a balcony overlooking the bay and marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs.

BATHROOM

SUITE

THE SIRENUSE

SWIMMING POOL

LIVING ROOM

61

The Spa Le Sirenuse Aveda Spa and Fitness Centre are exclusively reserved to hotel guests and offer a state-of-the-art gym, a pink granite steam bath, two saunas and two massage cabins for face and body treatments.

Dining The dinner menu at Le Sirenuse’s main restaurant, La Sponda, designed by well-known chef Alfonso Iaccarino of the Michelin 2-star restaurant Don Alfonso, focuses on Neapolitan recipes and uses the best ingredients.

In the summer, guests can dine al fresco on a large terrace and during the colder months dinner is a 400-candle-lit extravaganza.

The Champagne and Oyster Bar offers incredible views with music supplied by a resident DJ

SPA

during the early evening hours, oysters and other sea delicacies, cocktails and a variety of Champagne wines.

The yachts The Sant’Antonio, a magnificent 15-metre classic wooden yacht carries up to thirteen people, twice a day on complimentary excursions along the Amalfi coast from June through September weather permitting.

For vintage boat connoisseurs, there is a classic 1973 Riva Aquarama Special, which is the ultimate vessel in which to enjoy a special day out on the sea or just a romantic glass of Champagne at sunset.

Conclusion Le Sirenuse, one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, is also a favourite of film stars and very discerning guests who seek privacy in an exquisite setting.

<< one of Italy’s best kept secrets >>

BAR

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RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

VIEW

LE SIRENUSE

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BAHIA DEL DUQUE

LOCATED

DIRECTLY ON THE SEA FRONT OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ON THE BEAUTIFUL BAHIA DEL DUQUE

BEACH IN THE SOUTH PART OF THE ISLAND OF TENERIFE, THE GRAN HOTEL BAHIA DEL DUQUE

RESORT IS AN EXCLUSIVE AND LUXURIOUS 5-STAR DEVELOPMENT.

Built in 1993, it was the first large project of architect AndrĂŠs PiĂąeiro, later responsible for similar ventures around the world. The resort is a small town of buildings, set within 16 acres of tropical gardens.

are integrated into the subtropical gardens.

Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque Resort

TENERIFE

The hotel, originally built in semi-desert, is now an island landmark. Skilfully combining various

EXTERIOR AND POOLS Five outdoor pools

different styles of architecture, it recalls a typical Canarian Village, Venetian Plaza, and botanical garden with streams, pools and cascades.

Suites and rooms The resort includes 311 rooms and 46 suites. The Ducal Residences, all decorated by the prestigious designer Pascua Ortega, comprise 34 rooms and 17 suites of these and offer a number of special features, including separate entrance and reception area, private lounge and butler service. All rooms have either a balcony or patio with spectacular views of the ocean or hotel gardens, as well as a safe, mini bar, internet connection and WLAN in public areas, cable TV, and 24-hour room service.

Las Villas In January 2008 a further 40 villas were opened, again designed by Pascua Ortega. These include the same features as the Ducal Residences, but also boast individual private gardens and swimming pools. Occupying a surface area of 50,000 square metres, the villas open out onto a stunning pool and to the speciality restaurant Las Aguas, run by famous Michelin Star chef, Salvador Gallego.

Contact Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort

Restaurants Visitors will certainly not go hungry at

Avenida Bruselas s/n

the resort, which includes no less than eight different

Costa Adeje

restaurants and seven bars, offering an outstanding

Tenerife Sur, Canary Islands, 38660

range of food and drink. Most famous of these is Las

Spain

Aguas, situated in the new Villa zone of the resort. The restaurant offers a unique and exclusive atmosphere,

Phone:

+34 (0)922 74 6900

Fax:

+34 (0)922 74 6916

Email:

commercial@bahia-duque.com

with a relaxing view and an exquisite gastronomic selection. The excellent wine cellar with an international selection of wines deserves a special mention. The chef,

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Salvador Gallego, has won the National Gastronomy Prize, is a professor of the Gastronomy School and has been a Michelin Star holder for his restaurant, El Cenador de Salvador, for 18 years.

In addition to this culinary tour-de-force, guests may enjoy snacks and meals from the French Brasserie or the Italian Trattoria, Tapas (complete with live Flamenco guitar) from La Tasca, seafood from the Beach Club, authentic Canarian cuisine from Casa Del Lago, and many more.

LAS VILLAS The new villas offer the ultimate solutions in comfort and design.

Activities When guests are not enjoying the comfort and privacy of their suites, gardens and pools, or relaxing on the beach, there is a huge range of activities to choose from. A reading room with national and international newspapers gives the opportunity for a quiet moment, and there are bridge and billiard rooms.

More active visitors might enjoy the tennis and squash courts, gym, mountain biking, Tai Chi, aqua gym, Pilates, jogging circuit or botanical walk, beach volleyball, table tennis, dance classes, aerobics, steps and personal training. Archery, darts, boules and giant chess are offered, as are painting and crafts. Beach and water sports include hang gliding, jet skiing, parascending, diving, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and deep sea sport fishing.

For swimmers, 800 metres of golden, sandy beach is directly accessible from the hotel. In addition there are six pools: two salt water, three freshwater (two of which are heated) and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool.

Bahia del Duque Spa Opened in the summer of 2008, the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spa offers a state of the art Thalassotherapy centre unique in Tenerife, as well as the usual spa treatments. The spa is carved into a natural rock face, surrounded by palm trees and created from natural Tenerifian materials such as cream tosca lava stone, woven grasses and natural teakwood, while fragrant jasmine, bougainvillea and lemon trees stimulate the senses.

Golf The five best golf courses on the island are situated around the resort, between five and 20 minutes away. The hotel reserves green fees and tee times in all of them and organises transfers and golf equipment rental for players who request it.

Mini Club The Mini Club service for children between three and 12 years is open from 10am to 6pm. A different programme is offered each week, with a variety of activities throughout the day: painting, crafts, treasure hunt, mini disco and more.

Meetings and Incentives Set amidst the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, the extensive and wellequipped Bahia del Duque resort is the perfect location to stage events, combining sea, sun, beaches, mountains and botanical gardens with excellent corporate facilities. Twenty-five rooms comprise a total capacity of 3,000 square metres, with an additional 2,000 square metres available for exhibitions and shows. Internet access and WLAN is available in public areas.

BAHIA DEL DUQUE

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AGUAS DE IBIZA

FOR THE JET SETTERS OF

THE WORLD, IBIZA NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION – IN THE LAST DECADE OR SO, IT HAS ACQUIRED THE

STATUS OF A MAGNET FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE AND SUMMERS THERE ARE A GARGANTUAN

FEAST OF EXTRAVAGANT ALL-NIGHT PARTIES. There is of course another Ibiza… that of the private fincas, villas and estates and their club-like lifestyle, and a certain sense of belonging to an exclusive set into which only the truly wealthy can buy.

The motley community of often displaced, sometimes long-settled, but always eccentric and colourful ‘artistes’ adds to the unique blend that draws in even the most jaded of summer revellers and travel addicts.

The 35 by 15 km island off the Catalan coast of Spain is often referred to as the White Island because of the very bright sunlight.

Year-long residents claim they discover something new about it continually and often speak of the spectacular sunset, the Es Vedra cliff, rising unexpectedly from the sea at dawn and of the ‘autra Ibiza’ – the villages and farming estates that make the interior of the island, the mixed cultural heritage that defines most of Spain (Phoenician, Moorish, Catalan), the strong sense of identity and intangible island atmosphere that all come into play when trying to define the Ibicenco spirit.

As is the case with all exclusive destinations, Ibiza is hard to get to, but if you have to rely on a commercial flight, you wouldn’t be reading this book.

The island has the largest relative to size private jet airport in Europe.

The Beyond Black team flew to Ibiza on the last week of August – the week when partying acquires feverish proportions.

Aguas de Ibiza We chose to stay at the newly opened Aguas de Ibiza, a self-sustainable eco-resort and the newest 5-star establishment on the island, situated in the north-east part of the island, in Santa Eulalia.

From the outside, the hotel looks like many an opulent modern hotel and the main distinguishing feature is the natural stone façade, a nod both to the famed Escodolar pebble beach and to the surveillance towers built on the island by the Phoenicians first and pirates next.

That and the vague resemblance to a state of the art cruise ship, an impression reinforced by the space-station-like lobby, with its super comfortable modernistic sofas, semi-transparent partitions of the reception desk, natural light flooding through huge glass walls and pale stone surfaces everywhere.

Super-intelligence and feng shui The vision of Alberto Torres Senior, a born and bred Ibicenco and veteran hotelier, and managed by Alberto Torres Junior, the hotel is an amazing blend of traditional and futuristic that doesn’t lend itself to description easily.

IBIZA

It has to be experienced…

Aguas De Ibiza Contact Aguas De Ibiza c/Salvador Camancho No.9 Ibiza

66

Phone:

+34 (0)971 319 991

Email:

info@aguasdeibiza.com

URL:

http://aguasdeibiza.com

FACHADA PRINCIPAL

The open plan suites have intelligent lighting that ‘knows’ when you are there or not and even if you need to use the bathroom without disturbing your partner (a soft blue light guides you to the loo in the middle of the night).

Each suite ‘spills out’ to a balcony that is so much of a natural extension that it has its own al fresco bathtub, to compliment the one indoors.

The photovoltaic crystals that are the main component of the balcony tiles in each suite generate solar power and save 35% energy – as do the argomatic lights throughout the hotel.

If you need to wake up before midday to catch breakfast by the pool, your curtains would be drawn open by ‘the natural sunlight alarm’ – via an intelligent switch from the reception.

If are feeling self-indulgent, you would book the Cloud 9 suites on the top floor – described as ‘a hotel within the hotel’ by Alberto Junior. The top floor wasn’t quite finished when we visited, but the views from there were spectacular.

Clever use of exceptional materials produce visual effects of light flooding in and the blend of traditional and high tech is omnipresent.

However much you love the sea, you might just be tempted to stay by the pool because of its underwater music system, shaded poolside areas, upholstered single daybeds and unobtrusive service.

Which leads me to the food experience that Aguas de Ibiza is…

Dining You would be forgiven for thinking that the restaurant and Alabastro Bar are a mere extension of DELUXE ROOM

AGUAS DE IBIZA

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the poolside area: the glass walls and stone coloured tables and chairs create that optical illusion.

When you first come down for breakfast, do take a moment to admire the quirky resin panel with strands of Posseidonia, the largest and oldest living sea plant in the world, and the Villanueva paintings specially created by the artist for the hotel.

Because your main focus of attention thereafter will be the breakfast buffet table. The Beyond Black team is widely travelled and its palate tends towards the jaded. We did, however, pronounce the Aguas de Ibiza breakfast the best weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever had. Even such stalwarts of the traditional breakfast buffet, bacon and sausages, had a special quality to them. Reader, they were

ALBASTRO RESTAURANT

perfectly delicious, yet healthily lean and crisp.

As with all else in the hotel, the traditional rubbed shoulders with the innovative and each morning we were presented with sampler size fruit compote blends, mini fruit salads, and a full complement of cold meats, sushi and bakery; infused olive oils, sparkling Brut; chocolate fountain and, of course, any cooked dish to order.

Breakfast is a relaxed affair that spills over to brunch as the tables are only cleared when all breakfasters have finished.

Santi Petri, a Marbella chef was specially trained in Ibicenca cuisine and is staging a revival of traditional dishes. The hotel restaurant has its own unique feature: a 10 table Ibicenca cuisine lab, with a list of 500 wines. The hotel will be holding regular private events to introduce islanders and visitors to island gastronomy (and in particular low-heat cooking) and culture.

We were invited to the first of these events on our last evening on the island. True to style, the chef produced taster style delicacies such as algae soup in cute vials, white fish in mint sauce, mini potatoes filled with meat mousseline, cherry tomatoes with parmesan dressing, marinated squidâ&#x20AC;Ś all washed down with copious amounts of Mojitos, Pina Coladas and Champagne. The guests were just getting in party mode as we left, regretfully, at 11pm.

CLOUD NINE SUITE

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CLOUD NINE SUITE II Airline Rooftop Lounge Another original idea is the rooftop lounge designed as a 1960s aeroplane, complete with economy, business and first class areas, a pool and a fully lit runway to the DJ booth. Staff will wear stewardess uniforms and revellers will be able to take their cocktails on floating inflatable beds in the pool.

The views, needless to say, are spectacular and, in keeping with Ibiza summer lifestyle, you could watch the spectacular dawn from there.

Spa A few words about the spa which was on the cusp of opening while we were there.

The only spa on the island boasting a doctor, it will specialise in Chinese wellness techniques and remedies. Products have been sourced locally and from North America

<< On Cloud 9 at Aguas de Ibiza >>

and full use will be made of the island resources, in particular the famed Ibizan almonds.

We missed the poolside masseuses by a few days, but they will be offering their services to guests relaxing or sunbathing.

special emphasis on healthy indulgence. This may sound like a contradiction in terms, but Aguas de Ibiza is a spectacular exception to the rule.

AGUAS DE IBIZA

Conclusion A truly unique lifestyle resort, effortlessly blending the best of tradition and high tech, with a

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I TA LY

LA VIALLA

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE VIEW THAT WEALTH

CARRIES SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY – OR IF YOU ARE SIMPLY PREPARED TO PAY

FOR SUPERB QUALITY ORGANICALLY PRODUCED FOOD – VISITING FATTORIA LA VIALLA IS A MUST. It will also be a revelation. La Vialla is not simply an organic (or, rather, bio-dynamic) farm in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, but a vast estate run on the basis of its own concepts and philosophy of life.

Fattoria La Vialla Setting The estate occupies an enviable position on the heights above Arezzo, some 90 minutes drive

Contact

from Florence airport. It consists of 1050 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and forestry, with 23 restored Fattoria La Vialla Famiglia Lo Franco Via de Meliciano 26 52029 Castiglion Fitocchi Tuscany

stone Tuscan houses that are let to Vialla disciples and aficionados between the months of April and October.

Driving into the estate is an experience in itself. The entrance conforms with everyone’s romantic idea of Italy: long, check cloth-clad tables positioned under the shades of trailing vines and old fig trees, laden with green-tinged olive oil, ricotta cheese, home-made spreads, organic cured meats, bread,

Italy

tomatoes and organic farm wine.

Phone:

+39 (0)575 477720

Fax:

+39 (0)575 477704

Vision When you drive into the estate, you drive into another world. La Vialla takes the organic farming

E-mail:

fattoria@lavialla.it

concept to a new level. It is a self-sustaining, state-of-the-art project that combines old farming methods with new technology. Visitors have the option of renting a self-contained house on the estate and live off the land for the duration of their stay. The estate is run on the principle of a ‘closed circle’ which would impress even the most fervently purist among conservationists: absolutely no by-products are wasted.

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<< The European estate for dedicated environmentalists and organic food devotees >>

Organic waste is fed into giant macerators, to be pumped back into the ground. Grain grown on the estate is fed into a centuries-old wooden grinder (donated to La Vialla by a nearby monastery); the husk is turned into animal feed, while the unprocessed flour is used for the estate’s bread and other bakery products.

Produce La Vialla’s state-of-the-art dairy makes and matures two types of cheese, both from organic estate sheep milk: Peccorino and Ricotta.

The vineyards are old and established, with some generic grape varieties cultivated. Wine-making

is an art and La Vialla excels in this too. Oak barrels line the cellars and Vin Santo is offered to every visitor, in accordance with traditional Italian hospitality.

La Vialla is the vision and life’s work of the Lo Franco family. The stone mansion in which the Lo Franco children grew up houses the olive press. Two gigantic granite wheels go to work in November, the month of the olive harvest, and 4 people work day and night to extract the ‘green gold’ from the estate’s olives.

Experience No description could ever do justice to La Vialla, however. The place needs to be experienced more than seen: the quietly opulent, unpretentious and authentic décor of the massive stone houses; the inherent comfort and peace; the harmony with nature; the passion of the owners who are so hands-on, and who know and greet every visitor in their respective language; the indescribable flavour of the food and wine; the serenity…

Given La Vialla’s discretion, which borders on cultish secretivity, discovering the estate is a triumph in every sense of the word. Once found, La Vialla becomes indispensable to discerning and healthconscious palates.

Because devotees cannot live without the once-tasted, never-forgotten products, La Vialla has developed a mail order distribution service that keeps a select number of consumers well supplied throughout the year.

Since we last visited La Vialla, the estate has added three new ovens and a new pentolone (a large vacuum cooking pot), and introduced a field of solar panels.

The latter provide an amazing 170 000 kilowats per hour energy per year, making this estate even more self-sufficient and self-contained than ever (generating more energy than it uses).

The new cooking classes at La Vialla are so popular that German TV have produced two episodes to date.

LA VIALLA

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the best of bali: WHERE TO FIND IT, WHERE TO FLAUNT IT

by Bali ‘insider’ Susi Johnston

INTRODUCTION

BALI HAS BEEN CALLED ‘THE

ULTIMATE ISLAND,’ AND IT DESERVES THE TITLE. EVERYONE

SMART SHOPPERS START SMALL It’s fair to say that Bali is a treasure island. That’s not surprising, considering the Balinese have inherited two millennia of goldsmithing traditions, dating back to the early Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms of South-

KNOWS IT’S ONE OF THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT DESTINATIONS

east Asia. Ancient ornaments are still turning up from under the ground in Bali and neighbouring islands. Tribal chiefs, sultans and rajas still ‘deaccession’ heirloom jewellery

TO ESCAPE TO, WITH FABULOUS RESORTS,

in gold, silver, ivory and precious stones. The treasures that don’t

EXOTIC SCENERY AND A FLOURISHING LOCAL

go to museums are channelled from all over the Indonesian

CULTURE. What everyone doesn’t know — yet — is

archipelago into the antiquities trade in Bali, where jewellery connoisseurs visit Bruno Piazza or Island Arts to pick up

that Bali is also becoming the ultimate place to

gorgeous baubles that can be worn every day, or stunning

shop for truly unusual acquisitions, large and small.

masterpieces to elicit awe from onlookers. What a brilliant alternative to the same old, big-name bijoux from Europe and

If you’re not satisfied with merely ‘the best,’ but

America. Could there be anything more exclusive than the hefty

demand the unique and most extraordinary, too,

high-carat gold royal torque of the Raja of Sikka? Or an intaglio ring from the ancient Sumatran kingdom of Sriwijaya?

Bali offers plenty that’s worth pursuing. Now

Extraordinary new bijoux also abound in Bali. The island’s best contemporary jewellery makers draw inspiration from

Beyond Black can reveal Bali’s best jewellery and

ancient traditions and then refine or elaborate on them. Most

fashion sources for those of us who are as notable are the ateliers of Jean-François Fichot and Carolyn Tyler.

innovative as we are acquisitive.

Both are based in Ubud, Bali’s artistic hilltown, where they craft statement jewellery unlike any found elsewhere on Earth. For unleashed extravagance, those in the know turn to Zoein Jewels

by Shuntaya, a charismatic mystical master whose figurative and sculptural pieces are not only rich materially, but also symbolically.

THE ISLE STYLE FILE Obviously, many good things come in small packages in Bali. And some of those things are not

CAROLYN TYLER

jewellery. The island has no shortage of gorgeous bodies in very scant packaging. Italian heiresses, Brazilian bombshells, Russian models, and anyone with stuff worth strutting knows that Bali is bikini heaven and the best bikinis come from Blue Glue. Their colour palette is always luscious and au courant, the materials and workmanship are superlative, and new collections burst forth from their Bali workshop seasonally. From simply slinky to elaborately ornamental, Blue Glue makes the most of the least of garments.

Bali has been a known quantity to top designers in Europe, America and Brazil for quite some time. Many send pre-cut pieces to the island for elaborate beadwork, sequinning and embroidery. Others have sourced textiles here and found design inspirations in the island’s traditional weavings. Take a look at Nicole Miller’s latest resort collection for example. Many designers are hip to Bali and the likes of Donna Karan call it home for certain months of the year. There’s also a local crop of talent that can stand up to the darlings of the world’s fashion weeks, and their celebrity clients stand as iron-clad testimonials. Most are ‘mum’ about where they got their fab frocks, as they don’t want to spill the beans about the sartorial splendour on offer in Bali. But we happen to know that Gisele, Keira, Demi and Madonna have recently copped frocks from Bali’s homegrown fashion talent. And plenty of the hottest male hotties of Hollywood shop Bali, too. Keep it just between us.

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Biasa is a Bali fashion house that scorns shallow trends, turning out perennially

produce couture that can stand up to any fashion maven’s sharp eye the world over. And

wearable looks that the wearer designs on the body, combining, wrapping, tying and

they won’t have any idea who did your look, but will plead with you to find out. Leading

twisting to get a personal look no one can copy. The quality of workmanship and the all-

lights are Oka Diputra, who turns tailoring on its head and shakes it; Kiata Kwanda, whose

natural materials here could put a European couture house to shame. Slinky silks that

Indo-minimal luxe uses seams as structure; and Ika Butoni, who is a force of fashion nature,

drape like water, diaphanous cotton mousselines, and ingenuously cut structural linens

most prominent of late for her almost armorial silhouettes created by applying braiding in

offer limitless possibilities to take you from the beach to the ballroom and back.

innumerable sinuous lines onto silk and mesh to flatter both the male and female form — and sometimes defy gravity.

Celebrating the rich tradition of Indonesian batik, Bin House, Milo’s and Quarzia all

Photos: Isabella Ginanneschi

The catwalks of Asian fashion weeks have been graced of late by numerous local greats, whose uniquely Indonesian inspirations, combined with lavish Indonesian handwork,

BALI

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have different takes on where to take batik today and they are all great. And newcomer Michel Harcourt is a veteran of the ateliers of Valentino, Balenciaga and Lagerfeld, bringing distinctly Parisian overtones to paradise. Bali’s burgeoning fashion scene can’t be kept secret for long, so buy now before everyone else finds out.

NOW WHERE TO WEAR IT ALL? After scouring the island’s secret style and ornament sources, and having snapped up all manner of exquisite treasures and fetching fashions, there’s no need to feel all dressed up with nowhere to go in Bali. Big spenders and sybaritic types have a handful of favourite hang-outs, aside from their private villas.

In the mornings walk along Seminyak beach, stopping for breakfast at La Lucciola or KuDeTa (better known as a nightclub, but just as lovely in the morning). Obviously, the rest of the day is set aside for shopping, spas, salons and general lolling about. Then, as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, the beautiful places for beautiful people now are the Breeze on Seminyak Beach, the Nammos at Karma Kandara, and the upstairs terraces at KuDeTa. Moving into the dinner hour it’s got to be Sarong, Warisan, di Mare, the Bulgari Resort or Café Bali. Following that, one migrates to a private party, or to the Living Room, Hu’u Bar, or when in a naughty mood to Syndicate, the beachside nightclub where almost anything goes, but goes smoothly.

The next day you can do it all again, but why not go for even bigger quarry, acquisition-wise? Fine antiques, art, artefacts, furniture, and accessories abound in Bali, where a boom in creativity is putting this tiny island on the global style map. Don’t worry about where to put all of that stuff you couldn’t resist acquiring. Just buy yourself a villa, or build one to suit, and put all the stuff inside it. Property is white hot in Bali, with supremely stylish luxury villas and big building lots available in prime locations. Beyond Black’s Bali insider will reveal, in luscious detail, the best of the best of Bali’s big-stuff shopping in her next article.

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BALI

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ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY

TO EXPLORE SOME OF THE MOST INACCESSIBLE AREAS AND BEST-KEPT SECRETS AROUND

AUSTRALIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, NEW ZEALAND AND ANTARCTICA, ALL FROM THE SUPREME

COMFORT AND STYLE OF A LUXURY CRUISE SHIP. GUESTS ARE INVITED TO EXPERIENCE THE

BEST OF THE REGION’S WATERS, WILDLIFE, BEACHES, ISLANDS, SCENERY AND CULTURE,

TRAVELLING IN STYLE ON THE PERFECT EXPEDITION VESSEL WITH EVERY AMENITY

PROVIDED. About the Orion Custom-made by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, Germany, and launched in November 2003, the Orion was built expressly for luxury expedition cruising. Every feature is designed for the comfort, safety and enjoyment of her guests, meaning that she has more in common with a mega-yacht than a traditional cruise ship. Unparalleled environmental and maritime technology – such as the

SYDNEY

highest classification of icestrengthened hull short of an icebreaker – is combined with the ultimate in luxury – chilled champagne, a 5-star menu and all ocean-view accommodation. Both technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel of her kind.

Orion has 53 staterooms and suites with a choice of twin or queen-size beds. A crew of 75 cater for just 100 guests. Despite its size, the Orion has many facilities that would usually only be found on a larger ship: health spa with

Orion Expedition Cruises

gymnasium, sauna and Jacuzzi, hair and beauty salon and massage therapy. All of

Contact

the vessel’s staterooms offer marble

Orion Expedition Cruises Pty Limited A.B.N. 88 456 259 434 Level 2, 26 Ridge Street North Sydney Sydney N.S.W. 2060 Australia

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Phone:

+61 (0)2 9033 8700

Fax:

+61 (0)2 9033 8799

Email:

info@orioncruises.com.au

URL:

www.orioncruises.com.au

bathrooms, a sitting area, plasma TV, internet access and DVD/CD players. The crew are welcoming, service is warm and unobtrusive and life on board is relaxed and friendly.

<< Chart your own path less travelled >>

ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

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australia Expeditions A range of different expeditions are on offer according to the season. From April to September the Orion sails along the Kimberley coastline of north-western Australia, famous for its Aboriginal culture and ancient artwork, beautiful south sea pearls and pink Argyle diamonds.

In March and October the ship sails between Cairns and Rabaul to explore Melanesia, en route to Papua New Guinea. These remote islands are famed for their coral reefs and fish and are ideal for divers. Off the beaten tourist path, guests can be assured of experiencing the beautiful beaches, ancient tribal relics and stunning views from a

papua new guinea

still-active volcano in blissful tranquillity.

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In the Southern summer months of December and January, Orion departs from Hobart, Tasmania, and Bluff, New Zealand, to follow in the footsteps of celebrated explorers Mawson, Scott and Shackleton in a series of voyages to Antarctica.

Guests are invited to experience one of the most inhospitable regions on Earth from their safe and luxurious base, encountering an incredible array of wildlife, such as penguins, killer whales, fur seals and sea lions, amidst a backdrop of icy waters and dramatic glaciers.

In November 2008 Orion will sail on her inaugural exploration of New Zealand with two different itineraries to explore â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a path less travelled...â&#x20AC;&#x2122; across both North and South Islands.

optional or included in the itinerary, enabling guests to experience aspects of Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Antarctica that others rarely see – snorkelling over coral reefs, camel trekking in Broome, following the paths of celebrated explorers, visiting primitive villages and finding prehistoric remains, to name a few. The ship’s fleet of 10 inflatable Zodiacs gives guests the opportunity and flexibility to explore at their leisure in smaller groups.

Expedition Team Orion has assembled a

new zealand & antarctica

Shoreside Expeditions Orion offers a number of Shoreside Expeditions, either

team from a range of fields to offer the most informative, enriching and fascinating voyage possible. These experts – naturalists, marine biologists, artists, geologists and historians – are all chosen for their unique knowledge of the destinations on each expedition. Guests are invited to attend presentations in the ship’s 90-seat Lecture Theatre before being led shoreside by their speakers to experience the subject matter for themselves.

Cuisine Orion’s guests are treated to the very best of food selected from each of the regions visited. The menus are designed by Corporate Executive Chef and well-known Sydney restaurateur Serge Dansereau (of the Bathers’ Pavilion at Balmoral Beach).

Guests may eat in the ship’s silver service Constellation

Private Charter As well as its organised expeditions, Orion is also available for private charter in which every aspect of the trip is tailored to the individual’s or the group’s requirements. The length of the voyage, the itinerary and any shoreside excursions can all be personalised. Alternatively, guests may choose to reserve one of the company’s scheduled sailings for their exclusive use.

ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

restaurant, or have the option of dining under the stars.

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THE BEACH HOUSE BEACH VIEW Situated over the beautiful

THE BEACH

HOUSE AT MANAFARU MALDIVES IS A BRAND NEW 5-STAR LUXURY RESORT SITUATED ON AN

lagoon, all Water Villas have direct access to the turquoise ocean. All villas of the resort can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.

IDYLLIC PRIVATE ISLAND IN THE HAA ALIFU ATOLL IN THE NORTHERN MALDIVES, SURROUNDED

BY CORAL REEF LAGOONS. WITH STUNNING NATURAL BEACHES AND A RARE

DIVERSITY OF VEGETATION, THE RESORT FEATURES 68 VILLAS AND COMBINES THE

RELAXED CLIMATE AND CULTURE OF THE MALDIVES WITH EVERY MODERN

CONVENIENCE AND LUXURY. Offering tranquil beaches and coral reefs, gourmet dining, spa, bars and endless activities, the Beach House is the perfect holiday destination for the sophisticated traveller, couples

MALDIVES

and families alike.

Accommodation The Beach House provides a range of luxury accommodation to suit all tastes and visitors. There are 16 Beach Villas (1,647 sq. ft.), 12 Beach Suites (2,422 sq. ft.), 38 Over-Water Villas (1,572 sq. ft.) one Grand Water Pavilion (4,510 sq. ft.) and a Grand Beach Pavilion (7,459 sq. ft.). Each has a private pool, courtyard, veranda decks and a private cabana. Private butlers are on hand at any time to tend to guests’ every need.

Villas are built in traditional Maldivian style, from the open-air en-suite design to the thatched roofing. Guests can relax in perfect tranquillity on comfortable furniture under the domed ceilings. At the same time, the villas are equipped with every technological convenience guests would expect from a 5-star hotel: high speed email and internet access, 32” LCD TVs, CD and DVD player and satellite TV. In addition, villas are equipped as standard with customisable private in-room bars, iPod hook up, a private outdoor dining area, an open air en-suite bathroom and private pool. All land villas and suites have their very own private beach cabana. Water villas have glass panels in the floors so that guests can observe life below the ocean surface.

The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives Contact The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives Haa Alifu Atoll

<< A world of opportunities.

Only one unique choice >>

Republic of Maldives Mail c/o Tropical Maldives Pvt. Ltd. H. Maley-Thila, Meheli Goalhi Malé 20-05 Republic of Maldives Phone:

+960 6500 400

Fax:

+960 6500 444

Email:

reservation@beachhousecollection.com

URL:

www.beachhousecollection.com

GRAND BEACH PAVILLION The resort’s largest accommodation guarantees maximum privacy and is equipped with 2 private pools and a private spa treatment pavilion.

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Eating and drinking The Beach House boasts three superb restaurants. These are included in a ‘dine around’ option for full board/half board guests, who can choose any of the three restaurants for Dinner to eat in whenever they like. Should guests prefer to eat in, one of the chefs can prepare a meal at any time of the day or night on the resort’s portable cooking stations, allowing them to dine in privacy in their room or villa garden.

MEDIUM RARE RESTAURANT Open for dinner, the resort’s grill restaurant offers delicious meals such as mouth-watering Wagyu steaks or grilled lobster.

At the Four Corners gourmet meals are prepared to various themes from around the world by an international chef and served either as a buffet or à la carte. Freshly caught local seafood and Maldivian specialities feature prominently, along with plenty of vegetables, salads and fresh fruits. Medium Rare provides a broad selection of prime cut and organic meats, seafood caught earlier that day and fresh vegetables, prepared in front of you on the barbecue. Guests can dine at one of the three pavilions or on the deck, under the stars. Situated on a natural coral reef and surrounded by the sea, Saffron is the Beach House’s Asian speciality restaurant and offers fusion cuisine from across the East.

Wine-lovers will be reassured to know that the Beach House has its own wine cellar, tended and presented by a world class sommelier. Stocked with some of the best-known wines from around the world, connoisseurs will also find a selection of rare and vintage wines. Aficionados can request an entire dinner in the cellars if they wish.

The Beach House features three bars. Saltwater offers live acoustic music and hammocks under the stars. Amazon is a traditional Maldivian-style bar, centred around a pool of clear water in the rainforest. Infiniti’s deck and swimming pool make it the perfect venue to cool down in the heat of the day.

THE BEACH HOUSE

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beach suite

BEACH SUITE Situated in the middle of lush vegetation, each Beach Suite has its private cabana and a small path leading directly to the beach.

Facilities The Beach House includes a Spa, situated in the midst of dense tropical foliage. Ten treatment rooms are staffed by trained therapists and medical professionals to provide guests with a range of Thai, Ayurvedic and Swedish treatments. There is a sauna and steam room plunge pools and floral baths: a truly indulgent treat.

The Beach House aims to appeal as much to men as to women and there is a spa programme specifically designed for male guests. In addition, they offer some ‘toys for the boys’: a gentleman’s lounge, martial arts lessons, the Golf Blaster – a virtual golf simulator which allows guests to play a full 18-hole course of golf from a private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean – and an enormous trampoline with support leads to allow guests to touch the tree tops!

The Beach House features a fully equipped hi-tech gymnasium, tennis and badminton courts, beach volleyball, billiards, table tennis, a free form and infinity pool, plus a PADI diving centre where fully qualified instructors will take guests to explore some of the local shipwrecks and nearby dive spots, with their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Complimentary non-motorised water sports include kayaking and wind surfing. Catamaran sailing

over-water villa

excursions, Big Game fishing, snorkelling tutorials and guides are also offered. The resort owns two additional islands close by, one of which is available for weddings and those guests who wish to take advantage of the rare opportunity to dine in complete privacy.

OVER-WATER VILLA Each Water Villa offers a stunning view of the Indian Ocean from its private sundeck.

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AMAZON POOL The junglestyle pool has integrated submerged Jacuzzis and a butler circulating around the pool, offering refreshing sorbets.

Children are well catered for at the Beach House. The resort’s staff offer the chance for parents to relax while the children take part in various activities. The Kids Club, which accepts children from 3 to 12 years old, features a private swimming pool, the latest computer games and consoles and an activity programme for different age groups, including teenagers. There is also a babysitter available for children from 3 years on. One of the nearby private islands is home to many turtles; depending on the time of year children can see them nesting! Teenagers will love the Overnight Camping, After Dark Land and Sea Safaris, which comprise a tantalising mix of night dives, sea turtle nesting sites seen through night-vision goggles, and overnight camping.

Special menus have been created throughout the Beach House’s restaurants to cater for children and teenagers. Baby meals are available on request.

Honeymoon offer Stunning views, perfect weather and beautiful beaches mean that the Maldives is perennially popular with honeymooners. Recognising this, the Beach House have included an offer for newly-weds. Couples can enjoy the luxury beach villas with low-lying bathtubs, open-air rain showers and private beach cabanas looking out on the Indian Ocean – not to mention the range of spa and leisure activities, fine dining and 24-hour butler service.

Honeymooning couples staying at the Beach House for a minimum of four nights will be welcomed to the resort with a basket-full of fresh local fruit and will be treated to a complimentary romantic dinner and a celebratory turn-down service on their first or second evening. Those

beach villa

staying 13 nights or more will receive a complimentary blessing ceremony on the beach or a private jetty, with a local photographer on hand to record the occasion. They will also be presented with a wedding cake and bottle of wine, a private dinner in the villa or on the beach and a special turn-down service with strawberries and cream. On departure couples are offered a selection of up to twenty photographs taken during their stay.

Travel Arriving at Malé International Airport, guests are met by a Beach House representative to escort them to their 45-minute domestic flight across the beautiful Maldivian islands, which become greener and with larger beaches the further north you travel. A further 45-minute speedboat trip on arrival at Hanimaadhoo Airport completes the journey to the island.

Weather Average highest temperatures are consistent throughout the year at around 86oF/ 32oC. The dry season, iruvai, runs from December to March whilst the wet season, hulhangu, runs from May to November. The transitional periods in mid-April and late November are generally calm, with clear waters.

BEACH VILLA The Beach Villa’s outdoor bathroom features an open air rain shower and a sundeck with cozy loungers.

THE BEACH HOUSE

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AQUA ACUPRESSURE

S Medical Spa

B A N G KO K

<< The best of East and West >>

S M E D I C A L S PA

BASED IN BANGKOK, THAILAND,

S MEDICAL SPA PROVIDES A ONE-STOP SERVICE FOR OPTIMISING HEALTH, APPEARANCE AND

WELL-BEING OF THE BODY AND MIND. A complete spa service, S seamlessly combines spa treatments alongside unique medical programmes and is staffed by certified physicians, dermatologists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists and spa specialists. S is the perfect fusion of traditional Eastern spa therapy and modern Western science.

S Medical Spa’s blend of traditional and ultra-modern was pioneered by the renowned Anti-Aging

Contact S Medical Spa

Physician and Dermatologist, Dr Pakpilai Thavisin. The spa’s many services and treatments have been

2/2 Bhakdi Building,

carefully selected from proven clinical procedures after in-depth research, and customised to create a fully

Wireless Road,

integrated healthcare programme for each visitor.

Lumpini, Bangkok 10330

Services S is located in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant central business district, situated amidst

Thailand

Embassies, 5-star hotels, multinational companies, international and local banks, convention centres, parks, shopping arcades, entertainment venues and restaurants. The bustling streets give way to absolute

84

Phone:

+66 (0)2 253 1010

Fax:

+66 (0)2 253 9625

Email:

info@smedspa.com

URL:

http://www.smedspa.com/

tranquillity as you step through the anti-aging clinic’s doors, which lead to the most extensive spa facilities in Asia. In this serene environment visitors can enjoy a wide range of therapeutic massages, body and facial treatments, holistic body workouts and purification programmes, proving that medical treatment can be both healing and relaxing.

GENTLE LAG LASER Beauty The spa’s highly trained and experienced dermatologists employ the world’s most advanced aesthetic technologies in their beauty treatments, from vitaminenriched facial treatments to Botox fillers and laser rejuvenations. Following a personal consultation, a unique combination of these treatments will be recommended to provide the ultimate skin treatment for age defying, nourishing, and rehydrating.

S Medical Spa uses a range of non-invasive laser and aesthetic technology treatments, including Fractional Resurfacing to even out skin colour, abnormal pigmentation, wrinkles and scars; IPL (intense pulsed light) to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin and remove age spots; treatment for permanent hair reduction, skin tightening and reducing the appearance of facial veins; and CO2 laser treatment to remove the outermost layers of skin, repairing discolouration and resurfacing imperfections.

Figure The spa’s staff can help you to achieve your perfect figure using an integrated non-medicated slimming programme which draws methods from a wide range of approaches, from holistic treatments to advanced technology. S includes a fitness

HYDRO TUB

centre, equipped with state-of-the-art machines, where certified sports-medicine physicians will manage and supervise your personal exercise plan. Figure styling can include cellulite combat, body contouring, instant firming, and addressing stretch marks.

Purification An unavoidable consequence of the urban lifestyle is the absorption of hazardous toxins into the body, via pollution and unhealthy diet. S offers a complete range of purification programmes for total body detoxification under the supervision of physician and nurses, restoring internal balance and overall health, improving complexion and leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Detox treatments last from one hour to three days, depending on individual requirements.

Vitality S is Asia’s first clinic to offer vitality consultation for middle-aged men and women.

A comprehensive assessment by qualified doctors determines the optimal approach to revitalise mind and body, helping you to look and feel younger, have more energy and enjoy a more active life. The assessment can involve methods as diverse and genetic screening, to determine if there are any hereditary factors or predispositions to take into account in any recommendations for lifestyle, nutrition, hormone therapy or any other considerations; bio-energy medicine, which measures the energy and toxin levels of the body’s organs and systems; Platinum health for men, which offers a complete health consultation service for middle-aged men; and the bio-rejuvenation programme, a total mind-and -body approach to delaying aging and slowing degenerative change.

Holistic S Medical Spa’s holistic approach embraces methodologies from both the East and the West.

Professional therapies, tailored to the individual’s requirements, include health consulting with specialised physicians and alternative medicines for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

These include massage for de-stressing and relaxation, and a special programme designed to address the sleepiness, lethargy, depression and frustration that so often result from disturbed sleep or insomnia.

Spa and relaxation Finally, visitors can enjoy an enhanced sense of relaxation and well-being by pampering themselves with S’s signature range of spa treatments, which are medically proven for their therapeutic benefits. Indulge in the ultimate serenity of the most extensive spa facilities in Asia.

S is just a few minutes walk from BTS Ploenchit Station. A limousine service can be

SUITE

S MEDICAL SPA

arranged upon request.

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B A N G KO K D E R M AT O L O GY C L I N I C LED BY THE WORLD-RENOWNED DR ORAWAN, THE BANGKOK DERMATOLOGY CLINIC IS A LEADING

MEDICAL SPA THAT PROVIDES SERVICES RELATED EXCLUSIVELY TO SKIN CONDITIONS, COSMETIC

LASER SURGERY, ANTI-AGING MEDICINE AND SPA TREATMENTS. BDC was one of the earliest medical spas to open in Thailand, enabling clients to enjoy luxurious yet effective treatments for the first time. In the course of the last 20 years the institute has welcomed over 20,000 clients from around the world. Some 70% of customers come from abroad, including America, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sweden and Taiwan. From the very first step clients are welcomed by warm and competent staff, committed to the highest professional ethics, excellence in service and personal satisfaction.

Set in the calm surroundings of a quiet Bangkok street, the clinic combines tranquillity and aesthetic appeal with state-of-the-art technology and the most up-to-date equipment. Featuring soft lighting, comfortable furniture and clean lines, the centre is staffed by a board of qualified physicians.

B A N G KO K

Clients can relax in the knowledge that they will be served by a world-class team trained in a broad range of disciplines.

Treatments The Orawana clinic is the leader in combining traditional Eastern and Western methods with modern technology to prevent and treat the aging process, promoting longevity and well-being.

For example, acupuncture is combined with laser treatment; electrical therapy may be used in conjunction with ultrasonic vacuum massage. Acupressure and Tuina along vital energy points along Chinese meridian lines are employed with aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of energy, boost immunity, heal ailments and maintain balance of the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s systems. Treatments include a pre-diagnosis to address disease before serious symptoms occur.

Bangkok Dermatology Clinic Contact 54/1 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Sukhumvit rd., Klongtan nua, Wattana Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Phone:

+66 (0)2 392 5555

Fax:

+66 (0)2 392 5558

Email:

bdc@bkkdermato.com

URL:

http://www.bdcbydrorawan.com

<< Where the best of Eastern medicine meets with the best of Western medicine >> 86

<< World class anti-aging treatment >>

Some of the services offered by the clinic include: > General dermatology > Aesthetic dermatology treatments for the perfect face, body, and healthy hair and scalp > Holistic medicine, medical spa and anti-aging medicine for comprehensive health and well-being, sexology and rejuvenation > High-quality skin-care products and supplements > Anti-aging, aesthetic laser and stem-cell rejuvenation treatment.

products. In particular they have been commended for their patented nanotechnology products, ‘Oriental Secrets for Rejuvenation’, which were selected by the Thai Promotion Centre to be the Thai representative in products in the Global Franchising and Licensing 2003 exhibition in Singapore, as well as many other international events since.

Conscious of its role in society, the BDC is involved in several ongoing charitable activities, including raising money and giving support for HIV patients at Pra Baht Num Poo Temple.

BANKOK DERMATOLOGY CLINIC

Care products For the last 18 years Orawana’s team of dermatologists and PhD-qualified pharmacologists have developed and produced a range of high-quality and hypo-allergenic skin-care

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luxury strikes back << The return of legendary palaces >> SAMEH EL-SHAHAT IS THE FOUNDER OF

‘You know, Sameh,’ opined the owner of the house, evidently pleased with the way the work was going at the pool which we had left only a moment earlier, ‘the problem with

TAVOLA RASA, THE FURNITURE BRAND FOR LOVERS OF UNCOMMON LUXURY. HIS UNIQUE PIECES AND LIMITED ARE

luxury nowadays is that it has become a mass-produced word. It is so difficult to find class.’ We both had a good chuckle about this. He was right and he was doing something to rectify this rather deleterious situation. Work had started very early this morning to

SOLD AND COLLECTED AS DESIGN AND ARTS PIECES, AS WELL

make as much headway as possible before the summer heat set in. I had just driven over

AS FURNITURE. Due to the time-consuming nature of the hand-

from the Ciragan Palace Hotel to make a quick inspection of the work in progress before I boarded a flight back to London. Things were going swimmingly well. At this rate, the

making process, Tavola Rasa makes very

house would be finished ahead of schedule. In the meantime, I ran my hand against the

few pieces each year. As a result of this,

weighty sample of marble. It was cool to the touch and it was the reason I was there.

only a few discerning owners will ever share in Sameh’s passion for unbridled

We were sitting in the spacious anteroom of the main sleeping quarters of the substantial little palace on the hill. Through a window that occupied one entire wall of this large atrium-like space loomed the Asian coast of Turkey where a rather timid sun was

luxury. Sameh is also a writer, commentator and film-maker. In a past

rising slowly from between the Anatolian hills. We were on the European side in the wealthy Istanbul neighbourhood of Bebek, and all that separated us from almost three billion Asians and Turkey’s European aspirations on that beautiful morning were the

life, he was a financier.

Sameh el -Shahat

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Luxury furnishings are only truly luxurious if they satisfy a whole series of conditions, all of which were met in this particular case. Firstly, the quality must be superlative, the work of highly skilled artisans. This was the case with the tables, the obelisks and just about every aspect of the house down to the hand-fashioned solid gold taps in the bathrooms. Secondly, all the luxury objects were conceived as bespoke items by makers who specialise in these high arts and do not have different qualities for different markets.

By that I mean that they have dedicated their lives to excellence, which means eschewing mass production. They are the Stradivarii of their field and in so far as we know, the Stradivarius family did not make cheaper ‘lines’ of stringed instruments to supplement their income.

The last, and really most crucially important condition, is that the client appreciates what he or she is acquiring and understands or makes an effort to understand the inordinate amount of time and effort that goes into making their desired items. In the same way that the artisans had gone to extraordinary lengths to produce the works, their future owners

unusually calm waters of the Bosphorus. It was a majestic setting for one of the most opulent abodes I had worked in that year. No expense had been spared in building materials and the furnishings, although very tasteful, would have given the Hermitage in St Petersburg a good run for its money. Only a few months earlier, the owner had travelled to Tuscany to seek out a few slabs of marble from the town of Carrara. Carrara is the home of the finest Italian marble and has provided the stone for the Pantheon of Rome and Trajan’s column. However, not for my client the grandiose portico with the imposing columns to match the palatial attributes of his summer house. Let us not forget that the word palace derives from the Old French palais, which itself is derived from Palatium, the Palatine Hill in Rome, which is where Augustus and subsequent emperors built their imperial residences.

My client had done his research on the best marble money can buy but he was careful not to turn his home into a Roman ruin. For a start, the helipad in the back would have looked distinctly out of place. The Roman emperors – whom I had no doubt he was complimenting by way of imitation – preferred their chariots. What the client had in mind for the marble was something altogether more subtle. He knew that Michelangelo’s David was carved from that noble material and he sought to partake of its spirit in his inner sanctum. He wanted two mini obelisks carved from it so that they might be placed at either end of the swimming pool. These had to match the lining of the swimming pool itself, also from the same tone of marble, and the whole lot had to match two large ornate rectangular tables in the Louis XIV style with Carrara marble tops that I had made for him to sit by the swimming pool that was currently being finished. I was there to give my

tone as that of the tables, with which my client had become besotted. Notice the attention to detail and the order of inspiration: the tables came first and, when they pleased him, he had the swimming pool relined and commissioned the obelisks, all in the same tone as the initial two pieces of marble. Not the other way around. If it seems like a

TAV O L A R A S A

approval that the marble used in the swimming pool and the obelisks was of the same

folly or extravagant, then you’re missing the point about what luxury means.

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would go to even greater lengths to acquire them, whatever the expense. Now let’s hold

The owner of this particular house is a keen pilot of a brand new Gulfstream jet. When I

on to that thought for a moment as we embark on a short diversion.

arrived an Italian painter had just finished several floor-to-ceiling murals; I was there to appreciate the new ambience of the house and savour the heady elixir that emanated

Fast-forward a year and to another palatial home, this time in Virginia Water in Surrey,

from the Chateau Petrus 1989 bottles that were opened to lubricate an impromptu lunch

just outside London. In my line of work, I am constantly in and out of unique and often

to toast the new murals. As we sat around chatting, the majordomo politely attracted the

very beautiful residences. A bespoke furniture maker’s lot is a blessed one indeed. In this

attention of the owner of the house with an almost imperceptible cough. ‘Aha, they are

case, I was being treated to one of the finer houses in the estate, and in particular to

here. Come my friends, you must share in this special moment.’ And so, without further

another inner sanctum, albeit one of a more spiritual nature. One of the most innovative

ado, the artist, the owner, his partner and I all proceeded in single file towards the inner

arrivals to the set of ultimate sine qua non must-have home additions for the uber-rich

belly of the house.

are meditation rooms. I think there is no malady on earth nowadays that has not been tied to stress, and no cure that has not been proven to be expedited with the alleviation

After various sets of double doors, we were asked to remove our shoes and don soft

of stress. Stress, without doubt, is the scourge of our modern time. We try to fit so much

suede slippers. We then passed through the final set of doors and emerged into a

into so little time; the more moneyed you are the more potential there is to do things, and

minimalist room of almost cubical dimensions, lined from floor to ceiling in warm Portland

therefore the more stress.

stone. In the middle of the room there was a small pool that was being carefully filled by hand with water of a rather murky tone. And to make matters even more surreal, the

Needless to say, our super-rich ancestors suffered less of it. Back then, time was

water was being emptied from large clear plastic containers of the type that sit inverted

governed by sunset and sunrise, punctuated by the daily meals and bouts of hunting.

atop water coolers. We were in the inner sanctum – in this case, an Ashram, no less – that

Nowadays, there is yachting around Corsica, skiing in Verbier or Cortina, hunting in Spain,

was being purified by water from the Ganges that had just been flown in. With the kind of

diving in the Bahamas, and you still have to fit regular shopping trips in Sloane Street and

stuff that floats around the Ganges I began to wonder whether another purification might

Beverly Hills. In the 18th century, the scions of wealthy families were sent to Europe to do

be needed after the water ceremony. One way or another, my host must have been a man

the Grand Tour, gain some continental culture and habits, and return with a few artefacts

with good connections within the Health and Safety community. If there ever was a proof

to decorate the family pile. These trips lasted months and were undertaken at a rather

that money could buy you happiness, then that was it. Nevertheless, here was a man who

leisurely pace – unlike nowadays, when travelling with your own jet means that you can

had taken the idea of luxury one step further into the spiritual world. Luxury had just

party in four different continents in as many days. This accelerated Grand Tour ends up

begun to make its way back to its natural home, when it was practically a religion.

taking its own toll in the form of jetlag. Jetlag is one of the most nefarious forms of

90

stress for today’s jetset. So when you come home to your mansion, you really have to

Once upon a time, artisans were thought to be very powerful magicians of their craft,

work harder at relaxing.

especially those who worked with precious materials. Only the finest artisans were

allowed to furnish royal palaces. Priests and priestesses had the finest clothes and

product quality that can engender a commensurate increase in the quality of life of the

jewellery lavished upon them to placate them and seek their favour, and their temples

acquirer. In this case, the home of the acquirer became the ultimate beneficiary of this

received the most luxurious offerings. Pearls, incense, gold, and the finest things that

luxurious thinking. Recent developments in the centre of London such as the

money could buy. Luxury always had a spiritual aspect to it and ancient religions such as

Knightsbridge and the upcoming One Hyde Park by such luminaries of luxurious living as

those of Egypt, the Near East and China saw in wealth a key to pleasing the guardians of

the Candy Brothers have been favoured with an ancient and noble pedigree.

the afterlife. In their passage to the next world, kings and queens were adorned with the finest jewels, garments and wines to ensure that they continued to live in the manner to

When most people make their homes, they are saying something about themselves. When

which they were accustomed. Just one look at the funerary mask of Tutankhamen tells

the super-rich make their homes, they are making a statement to the world and it is all

you that luxury is as old as time. It was the secret language of kings and nobles, eliciting

about power and patronage. It is for the return of this patronage to the scene that we

wonder and amazement from mere mortals. And, after the powerful passed away, their

have to thank these modern Midases and their fabulously appointed homes. Renaissance

works lived on and inspired fables and enriched religions. Consider the solid gold boxes

Italy, and Florence in particular, can be said to be the home of modern-day capitalism.

studded with precious jewels that contain relics of saints throughout the world and have

Capitalism, to the extent that it is a way of a life with followers of its own and a system of

become destinations for pilgrims. We may go to the monasteries to heal our soul, but our

beliefs, can be seen to be a parallel religion. As such, the homes of the super rich have

eyes see the luxury and it makes us dream. The age of legendarily rich kings and queens

become the temples of this religion. The man who came to embody the golden age of

may have become a bygone era â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except for the notable exceptions of the Gulf and Brunei

Patronage was Cosimo di Medici, the scion of the famous family. The great Florentine

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but businesses have created moguls that are richer and even more powerful than the

humanist and businessman (fine book dealer to the powerful and rich, to be exact)

monarchs of old and they too want to turn their homes into temples to luxury. They have

Vespasiano da Bisticci described a conversation between Cosimo and a political rival. In it,

succeeded beyond their wildest ambitions and in so doing they have done us all a favour

Cosimo expounded his political philosophy:

by making our lives richer and by allowing us all to dream once again.

Now it seems to me only just and honest that I should prefer the good name and honour One man retiles a swimming pool at a great expense in lavish marble to match two tables,

of my house to you: that I should work for my own interest rather than for yours. So you

and another flies in almost a tonne of Ganges water from India to add that extra touch to

and I will act like two big dogs who, when they meet, smell one another and then, because

his residential temple: what they have in common is the fervour of luxury, something akin

they both have teeth, go their ways. Wherefore now you can attend to your affairs and I

to the devotion and fanaticism expected of adherents of a sect. They can already have

to mine.

anything that money can buy, but they keep pushing the limit in search of quality and the statement that it makes about them. They are in thrall to an all-consuming passion which

Vespasiano described a man who opted for manipulation and business in an age where

forces them to turn their homes into temples. That is the essence of luxury â&#x20AC;&#x201C; superlative

others would have spilled blood. He believed that competing interests should be allowed

TAV O L A R A S A

91

to flourish side by side and even welcomed competition. This was very avant-garde and

Fast-forward to the modern era. We’ve all heard the expression that luxury is a state of

astute of Cosimo because he was laying out the foundation of the modern capitalist

mind. However, it still must be based on superlative quality. Bad quality, even with the

economy. Instead of war, he promoted business, patronage and outrageously-decorated

best label attached, does not convey power and will not make you dream. When

palatial homes as forms of competition. He was spelling out the mercantilist rebirth of

Modernism broke out, we fell in love with mass-production and egalitarianism in

luxury. From now on, luxury would be given a new boost. By creating a new and vibrant

manufacturing crept in through the back door. Fast-forward again to today and look

business class, artisans would not only have nobles and royals to patronise them, but

around you. Luxury brands now no longer look to big patrons for approval but to the

entrepreneurs too. Furniture makers like me, jewellers such as Graff and Theo Fennel,

stock market. This is not the fault of capitalism, but our fault for betraying the concept of

couturiers such as Valentino and kitchen makers like Boffi all owe our livelihood to

luxury. Luxury that is not based on quality is like a central bank that issues currencies

Cosimo. The Medicis were bankers and businessmen themselves, crossing the taboo lines

without gold to back it up: bankrupt. Most of the big labels of luxury are nothing more

that separated nobility from the ‘money changers’ who saw such a raw deal in Christian

than grandiose mass-producers, and the quality has suffered. Driven by the need to cut

lands. He foresaw the day when blue blood would pass the torch of power and patronage

costs and raise margins, all the while satisfying shareholders, something had to give.

to business and acted accordingly by blurring the line between nobility and business.

Quality did. Call me a snob, but an ‘affordable luxury’ is an oxymoron, and no more so than in the home. There is no such thing – except mediocrity masquerading as genius.

Cosimo set the example of the new patrician style of living by building a huge palace in Via Larga (now Via Cavour), which was to become a byword for luxurious living. This

Luxury is not meant to be affordable except to the very few, which brings me back to the

expenditure on magnificent décor and the extravagantly costly furnishings was designed

conversation I had with the client that morning overlooking the Bosphorus. It has been

to provide an impressive setting for prominent guests, to create an image of Medici

left to individuals like him to save luxury from the fraudsters. What statement does a

wealth and taste. The Palazzo Medici-Riccardi was the Renaissance equivalent of One

person make when he or she has bought a house for £100 million and then places a

Hyde Park, the Candys’ latest extravaganza, blended with Versailles’s later opulence

£10,000 mirror or a £25,000 gold cutlery set in there that anybody else can have by just

(although it preceded the French palace), but for just one family. The amount of

walking into Harrods or that is shoddily made? None whatsoever. So the extravagantly

tapestries, brocaded fabrics and gold- and silverware that went into that place would

wealthy have had to find other ways to convey their power and impress others.

have aroused the envy of not a few Russian oligarchs. The new class of businessmen-

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nobles followed with their own extravagant abodes. Artisans were patronised and

With these uber-homes abounding, a new measure of luxury needed to be created and, in

dynasties of jewellers, silversmiths, goldsmiths, tailors and cloth-makers were trained to

this case, the super rich did not have far to go. They simply revived the old system of

deal with the demand. The Italian luxury sector was created and was to dominate Europe,

patronage and went to back to commissioning artists and artisans. Suddenly we have a

including the French Court. So much so, as a matter of fact, that when Louis XIV arrived

Renaissance taking place again. Smaller companies and highly exclusive true luxury

on the throne, measures had to be taken to save French artisans from ruin as nobles

brands are seeing a revival in their fortunes thanks to patrons like the gentleman from

stocked up on Italian luxury articles instead of French ones. Versailles was about to be

Istanbul – who also happens to own an equally magnificent home in Knightsbridge. From

built and was the scene of this revolution. The French decided it was time to have their

London to Madrid, Paris and Rome, brands are springing up that offer things made by

own luxury sector. The Italian Bernini’s famous plans to transform what was once Louis

hand, be they brocades, bed linen, furniture, or complicated timepieces. These items are

XIII’s tiny hunting lodge into the world’s most luxurious palace were rejected. Instead the

rare to find, difficult to obtain, and very expensive – and rightly so. They are usually one-

commission was given to architect Louis le Vau. Not only so, but Louis XIV’s loyal and

offs or parts of limited editions and they cater only to the super rich.

rather zealous minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert passed laws making it illegal to import

The rise of Russian wealth in recent years has been much maligned. Snobbery is usually

foreign luxury goods and establishing royal control – and quality control – over the French

involved, and unfairly so. In my opinion it is nothing more than envy disguised. In the UK

artisanal sector. The French luxury goods sector was born; now you see how Louis Vuitton

decrying Russian wealth has become a form of sick sport. Usually these thinly veiled

and Lalique came to see the day!

attacks are presented in the form of critique of the oligarch’s taste and how their buying

habits have pushed up the prices of luxury items and homes. In fact, we should be

You see, the last and probably most pivotal condition of luxury is that money should not

thanking them for putting real luxury, and not just mere labels, once again beyond the

be a financial consideration, neither for the maker (true luxury makers live dangerously),

reach of anyone except the super rich, bringing balance back at the top end of the market.

nor particularly for the buyer. Logic should just not come into it because it is all about

Putting Armani furnishings in your home nowadays doesn’t really say all that much about

passion and the pursuit of the ultimate in luxury should be as compulsive as the need to

you. But putting unique furniture made by a little furniture maker from the north of Italy

procreate. Don’t you remember those neoclassical renditions of ancient Greek and Roman

who creates only 20 pieces a year is unique, original and unattainable, especially as each

temples that pepper the grounds of 18th century country houses? They were called follies

piece costs ten times the price of an ‘average’ luxury piece from a boutique.

for good reason, because they were built at great cost and for no other reason than the vanity of their owners. One of the latest follies is a mirror with a time lag. That is, it

It also makes for an interesting story with which to impress the equally powerful and rich

shows you what your reflection was like five seconds earlier. In effect you see a life-size

visitors to their palatial homes. You see, when you’ve been there, seen this, done that,

movie of yourself, and can admire yourself from the back walking away, say, or from the

painted the town red and bought three Gulfstreams and a 300ft yacht last year on

side. Why, some may ask, would anyone want that in their house? The answer all too

nothing but a whim, very little will cause you to raise your eyebrows, save perhaps for a

simply is because they can. The frontiers are constantly being pushed in the search for

unique luxury item of which there is only one example in the world – and you own it. The

unique ways to elicit wonder when you already have it all. We all need follies in our lives.

Russians, and to a lesser extent the Arabs of the Gulf, have made patronage come alive

We all need to rise above the ordinary.

again. In the process they have made us all dream once more.

Contact Sameh el-Shahat Tavola Rasa Ltd Art and Design as F(unctional)urniture ® Flat 2, 7 Wetherby Place

Phone:

+44 (0)20 7259 2635

Mob:

+44 (0)7813 160 751

Fax:

+44 (0)870 137 9773

Email:

sameh@tavolarasa.com

TAV O L A R A S A

London SW7 4NG

Website: http://tavolarasa.com

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SABI SABI

IN THE LATE 1800S AND EARLY 1900S BIG GAME

HUNTING IN THE AREA KNOWN THEN AS THE EASTERN TRANSVAAL LOWVELD AND TODAY AS

MPUMALANGA WAS AT ITS PEAK, GIVING RISE TO CONCERNS THAT THE

ANIMALS WOULD ONE DAY BE COMPLETELY HUNTED OUT. Sabi Sabi’s history as a wildlife sanctuary goes back to 1884 when President Kruger of the Transvaal Republic drew attention to the way uncontrolled hunting was exterminating wildlife. His suggestion that a large area be set aside to afford a sanctuary for what was left of the animals was met with no enthusiasm. In 1898, a motion was carried to proclaim the area between the Sabi and Crocodile Rivers for a wildlife protectorate; and the SABI GAME RESERVE was born. A great deal of hunting took place during the Second Anglo-Boer War, and after the war the British administration decided to formalise the wildlife conservancy. Eventually, in 1926, a massive game sanctuary, the Kruger National Park, was proclaimed with the areas bordering the Park retained as private hunting farms. In 1948, these private farms agreed to create one large 60,000 hectare conservancy called the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, with

selati camp

its eastern boundary being that of the Kruger National Park. Hunting was banned, and between 1979 and 1994 Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve acquired some 5,000 hectares of prime game-viewing land within the Sabi Sand Wildtuin and developed an award-winning conservation programme. In the early 1990s all fences between the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Wildtuin were taken down, creating a 2million hectare reserve where animals move freely as they have done for centuries – unhindered and uninterrupted.

Sabi Sabi offers four 5-star lodges, each with a unique look and feel and with three distinct characters and atmospheres – those of ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.

‘Yesterday’ is found in the romantic, olde-worlde colonial feel of Selati Camp. The abandoned railroad of its namesake, the Selati Railway Line, runs through the eastern section of Sabi Sabi. One of the train stops was at Newington Siding, a stone’s throw from where Selati Camp is today. The story goes that one night, over a century ago, the train driver peered into the darkness, but seeing no passengers, carried on towards Komatipoort. Meanwhile, alongside the track, travellers had been forced into surrounding trees by a pride of hungry lions, and watched, dismayed, as their train steamed away.

Sympathetic railway management eventually

SELATI CAMP For a century, lovers

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve Contact Sabi Sabi 4 Jameson Avenue Melrose Johannesburg South Africa

94

Phone:

+27 (0)11 447 7172

Fax:

+27 (0)11 442 0728

Email:

res@sabisabi.com

URL:

http://www.sabisabi.com

placed ladders against the trees for protection

SOUTH AFRICA

have held each other in Selati's gentle light.

from predators, and train drivers were instructed to look up into the branches for their passengers!

Today Selati Camp resonates with railway memorabilia from that era; gentle lamplight glows at night and the furniture and décor reflect an age when time moved more slowly. Luxurious white linen, antique furniture and draped mosquito nets conjure up images of the late 1800s. Steeped in history, the lodge evokes memories of long ago.

‘Today’ is celebrated at the contemporary Bush Lodge. A total rebuild has seen Bush Lodge take its place amongst the top 5-star safari lodges in Africa, without losing any of the warmth and charm for which it has been famous for over a quarter of a century. Huge wooden decks and sparkling pools look out over the Msuthlu riverbed to a well-utilised waterhole and unspoiled bushveld beyond. A newly acquired lodge, Little Bush Camp, is an extension of the ‘Today’ philosophy, offering the same warm atmosphere in an intimate, six-suite setting overlooking a riverbed; ideal for families, friends or small groups who reserve the entire lodge to enjoy their very own home in the bush. African artefacts collected from all over the continent imbue both lodges with a warm, vibrant spirit that is echoed by legendary hospitality.

The remarkable Earth Lodge captures the philosophy of ‘Tomorrow’. Taking its cue from the surrounding bushveld, Earth Lodge has been described as the ‘the most environmentally sensitive lodge in

BUSH LODGE Deep in the wilderness lies a place loved by the world.

bush lodge

LITTLE BUSH CAMP A secret place.

The perfect escape.

little bush camp

Africa’. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, the lodge uses texture, space and light to present a lodge like no other. Inspired by Sabi Sabi Director, Jacqui Loon, Earth Lodge was designed by South African architect Mohammed Hans. Together with internationally renowned South African sculptor Geoffrey Armstrong, who designed unique furniture sculptures from trees uprooted both by the great flood of February 2000 and by elephants, they succeeded in creating a work that reflects Africa’s immense artistic talent to stand proudly with the best of Europe and the Americas.

Home to the Big 5 – Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo – as well as Cheetah, Wild Dog and hundreds of species of

earth lodge

birds, reptiles, insects and plants, Sabi Sabi’s game experience is unparalleled. South Africa boasts one of the world’s richest biodiversity regions, and Sabi Sabi, located in the Sabi River Valley, is blessed with an environment that includes open areas, woodlands, sloping hills, rivers and pans. These diverse habitats make for exceptional game viewing, unveiling extraordinary sightings of animals feeding, hunting, mating and nursing. Bird-lovers are also in for spectacular spotting, with over 300 species having been recorded

Finding the Big 5 is always a thrill, but equally fascinating is the

EARTH LODGE Submerged in nature,

myriad of other small creatures which inhabit this bushveld paradise.

Earth Lodge never intrudes upon its magnificent host.

SABI SABI

in the reserve including the rare Bat Hawk and Thick Billed Cuckoo.

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elemér jankovich-bésán PROFILE OF A PROFESSIONAL HUNTER

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Breakfast in the Maasai Mara; bringing a big buffalo trophy off the mountain (photo R.Josh); Lion’s breakfast, Laikipia, Kenya; Lion’s leftovers, Katavi, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION ELEMÉR JANKOVICH-BÉSÁN WAS BORN IN AFRICA IN 1970, THE SON OF A HUNGARIAN ARISTOCRAT

Elemér is a fully licensed Professional Hunter in Tanzania, guiding clients on individually tailored safaris in Africa. One of the most romantic and compelling aspect of big game hunting and photography is its unpredictability. A professional hunter has to devote time to understanding what his clients expect to get out of the experience and to deliver it, all the

AND A PORTUGUESE DIPLOMAT. His early years in Africa instilled a while adhering to sporting ethics and the principles of sustainable and responsible use of

deep passion for the wildlife, the people and the landscape of the Dark Continent. When his parents were posted to Spain, Elemér attended

wildlife.

The thrill of capturing rare game on camera or hunting, with its underlying element of danger, is high octane. A professional hunter has to be able to balance this with super

boarding school in Somerset, England. Holidays were, for the most part, spent hunting and horse riding in the beautiful Andalusian

meticulous preparation to ensure his clients’ safety and comfort.

Elemér is a past master in sourcing all outfitters, camps, territories, logistics…

Bush comfort is a relative thing and, depending on your requirements and

countryside, often so reminiscent of Africa. Elemer took a degree in

expectations, he would line up anything from a luxury photographic camp to a classic

Politics, Economics and Law in Spain and England. A short stint at a

Hemingway-style tented one to a hunting fly-camp.

private bank in London as a junior broker, whilst enjoyable, was

luckier the hunt. This is especially true of the type of hunting trips Elemér conducts in the

enough to convince him that his heart was in Africa, guiding Photo and

vast wilderness areas of Tanzania.

Elemér works on the principle that the more effort that goes into preparations, the

Yet the importance of involving his clients in the hunt is not lost on him. It is, after

Hunting Safaris.

all, their hunt. For Elemér hunting entails so much more than the final shot. There is a huge enjoyment in all the other ‘unplannables’ such as how quickly hunting can turn into a lifeand-death situation, dealing with the frustration of failed stalks and the sheer elation felt when everything comes together and you finally admire the trophy of a lifetime.

Hunting is about going back to basics. It strips away all of life’s complications. Safari life is wonderfully simple. It is about experiencing the beauty of nature, often in extreme situations, and about sharing these situations with trackers and hunting companions… It is about testing your mettle with nowhere to hide, it is about watching the sun go down with a drink and falling exhausted into your bed with lions roaring in the distance, wondering what tomorrow will bring…

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A typical luxury ELEMÉR JANKOVICH-BÉSÁN

tented hunting camp, northern Tanzania (photo R. Josh); Hemingway-style fly-camps allow for greater mobility on safari; a trophy bushbuck ram.

97

ABOVE AND LEFT Modern safari camps may be under canvas but are extremely comfortable (photo R. Josh); barefoot luxury, lake Tanganyika.

Whether hunting huge buffalo, with rifle or bow, in the mist of an extinct volcano in northern Tanzania or hunting elephant, lion or sable antelope in the remote big-game areas of south and south-west Tanzania, Elemér undertakes to give you the very best hunting experience you could ever have.

Africa also provides the most wonderful setting for tracking big game on camera and Elemér takes enormous pleasure in organising and guiding photographic safaris.

Having him as a professional guide allows you to enjoy the experience all the more so as his deep knowledge of African history and culture, his understanding of wildlife and passion for life in the bush would enhance your own awareness of these things.

As a professional guide, Elemér can also help you choose and plan the many ways to enjoy your Safari: whether in luxury, on horseback or even on foot, a safari is always exciting. Indeed, planning your own dream safari is part of the thrill. It could be walking in

BELOW ‘A man is frightened by a lion three times: firstly when he sees his track, secondly when he hears its roar and thirdly when he sees the lion itself’ (Somali saying).

98

the wildest of areas, or flying in a private plane or helicopter across the flamingo lakes in the Great Rift Valley; it could be laced with danger or photographically intense…

Elemér, a professional African hunter, will always be looking to go that extra mile, looking for what is over the next hill.

<< Africa has always been an intriguing place. It inspires people to travel, discover and explore. Often they discover something about themselves...

Deceptively seductive on many levels, Africa is a place that has a powerful magnetism >>

ABOVE Today’s herd bull is tomorrow’s trophy buffalo.

Cape buffalo coming to water.

ABOVE AND LEFT Three protagonists in the wildlife conflict. Hunting gives value to wildlife making it worth preserving to local communities.

Contact

Grimstead Road Farley, Salisbury SP5 1AT United Kingdom Phone:

+44 (0)1722 712 526

Mob:

+44 (0)7767 700197

Email:

elemer@naturalselectionltd.com

URL:

www.naturalselectionltd.com

ELEMÉR JANKOVICH-BÉSÁN

Farley House

Sat-phone: +882 1652 002 042

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the bahamas

INTRODUCTION THE SEVEN HUNDRED ISLANDS

Millenniums ago, water receded from undersea mountaintops to unveil a chain of islands that Christopher Columbus called the ‘Baja Mar,’ meaning ‘shallow sea’.

THAT ARE THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS HAVE LONG

The ancient coral that grows on the sides of those undersea mountains has evolved

HELD SAILORS, ADVENTURERS, ESCAPISTS, AND SOLITUDE

into a spectacular reef and natural marine habitats that are unrivalled.

LOVERS IN THRALL OF THEIR MAGIC. CLOUDLESS SKIES, CLEAR

and cultural history of the islands is, on the other hand, much more colourful: the Spanish,

TURQUOISE WATERS, ISLETS PETERING OUT INTO THE WARM SEA,

who conquered the islands in the 17th century, the British Loyalists, the Florida Seminoles,

The limestone coral reefs have given the sea its brilliant blue-green hue. The ethnical

the Chinese, Syrian and Greek settlers, the Bermudan slaves and free blacks and the

VIRGINAL WHITE SANDBANKS, A CERTAIN LANGUIDITY AND THE FEELING OF TIME STOPPING STILL ALL COME TOGETHER TO

pirates who lorded over the islands in the late 1600s have all gone into the melting pot.

Even though the islands as a whole have a strong Bajan identity, each is subtly different in its landscape, lifestyle and, of course, degree of commercialisation.

CREATE A POTENT MAGIC THAT CAPTIVATES BOTH THE MASS

The most developed islands, Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahamas, are little

MARKET TOURISTS THAT FLOCK TO NASSAU AND PARADISE

more than an exotic extension of Florida to which they are geographically closest.

ISLAND AND THE SUPER-WEALTHY WHO CAN AFFORD TO BUY

THE ABACOS The Abacos are strung out over 120 miles and consist of countless

THEIR OWN SLICE OF PARADISE – A PRIVATE ISLAND. The Bahamas

inhabited and uninhabited cays, beloved by hard-core sailors.

enjoy an idyllic tropical climate, with temperatures rarely going

The Beyond Black team island-hopped there some years ago and was extremely fortunate to stay in Green Turtle Cay, a mere sandbank, known for its boat building, laid-

below 60 or above 90 degrees fahrenheit. Rain comes in sporadic and refreshing afternoon showers. The only questionable-weather

back style, clapboard houses, lovely beaches and offshore sandbars among the finest in the Bahamas. If you have a boat, you can explore such deserted islands as Fiddle Cay to the north and No Name Cay and Pelican Cay to the south of Green Turtle Cay.

time to visit is the hurricane season in the autumn.

We would like to pay tribute to Paul Thompson, owner of Villa Pasha (www.villapasha.com) and previously manager of Lyford Cay club, as the most congenial and generously spirited of hosts. We were sad to hear of his departure from Lyford Cay and of his replacement with a rather pompous Mr Didier Piquot.

Villa Pasha is in a class of its own. An architectural feat, the villa is naturally air-conditioned, with a traditional wrap-round veranda and idiosyncratic interior.

The most important thing about Villa Pasha is the most intangible: it is a property that generates a happy mood. Remote, yet accessible (visitors are supplied with electric carts to visit the village of New Plymouth), with its own beach, light, airy, sumptuous yet eminently comfortable, Villa Pasha provided us with some of our best memories of the Bahamas ever.

THE EXUMAS CHAIN Exuma, also called the Exumas, is the largest of a string of 365 cays stretched over 100 miles. It is one of the Family Islands of the Bahamas.

VILLA PASHA, GREEN TURTLE CAY, ABACOS

Fowl Cay is one of myriad of small cays, more or less well-developed, many entirely uninhabited. We have dedicated a profile on it in this book because it became our exploration base in the Exumas, but also because we had the most fantastic and memorable few days there.

LONG ISLAND The 80-mile-long island is quiet and beautiful, with endless uninterrupted beaches. A towering spine of ancient reef gives Long Island two faces: the dramatic cliffs and caves of the east coast that front the crashing Atlantic waves, and the soft, sandy edged lee side which slides calmly into the Bahamas Bank.

‘The Most Beautiful Island In The World’ is how Christopher Columbus described it.

Shark and scuba diving, bone fishing and sailing are very popular.

100

GRAND BAHAMA Developed by the late Edward St George and Sir ‘Union’ Jack Hayward, this is perhaps the most developed of all Bahamian islands, after Nassau.

The excellent facilities, shopping and proximity to Florida make it a magnet for tourists who are not prepared to compromise on their comforts.

Perhaps the most colourful eating establishment, serving a variety of deep-fried sea food, is Hank’s Place. If you are on a sailing boat, you can sail right up to the veranda, which is built on the water and climb over from your deck.

The BB crew, somewhat overdosed on luxury at Harbour Island and Fowl Cay, spent Christmas in the government-owned and -run hotel and a marina in the eponymously

ANDROS The largest yet least inhabited or developed island is also a 10-minute hop

named Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina. We had the entire hotel to ourselves,

by taxi plane from Nassau. Visited largely by divers, bone fishing enthusiasts and itinerant

eating lobster and watching the spectacular sunset, and the festively lit sailing yachts in

sailors in search of inexpensive mooring in the Bahamas, the island has a marked paucity of

the marina. The luxury was not in the furnishings or service or food – the luxury was in not

hotels and, but for Kamalame Cay (only fleetingly visited and therefore not rated by the

having to be on parade, leaving computing and civilisation behind, swimming to an

Beyond Black crew), no high standard tourist establishments – something that adds to its

abandoned mailboat, exploring mangroves and enjoying the relative solitude.

charm.

The landscape is punctuated by marshland, low rivers and mangroves and because

Luxury is defined differently by all of us. When you’ve gorged on 5-star and beyond star luxury, you come to appreciate

there are only a few roads, some of the more spectacular cays are only visible from a plane

some of the simplest things in life – the

flying above the island. The locals are extremely friendly, informality acquiring a whole new

things that have become so rare and

meaning on Andros, though facilities such as the internet and a doctor’s clinic cannot be

difficult to encounter in our super-busy,

taken for granted. Air taxis and land taxis, on the other hand, can be relied upon even at

super-focused and regulated world, they

short notice.

become the ultimate luxury.

HANK, OWNER OF HANK’S PLACE

ANDROS MARINA AND SUNSET

THE BAHAMAS

101

ORANGE HILL BEACH INN , NASSAU Idiosyncratically managed by its British owner, Judy Lowe, this is not an exclusive retreat - more of a waterfront home away from home, in the truest sense of the word – and, on this basis, has a well-deserved place in this publication.

In between flights, and nursing a golf cart injury, the BB publisher repaired to the hotel’s communal TV, games and drinking den for a few hours, to be indulged by Judy and offered freshly made ham and pea soup, crackers and dips, tea and comfort.

The bar operates an honesty policy and all you need do if you take a drink is to make a note of it against your name and room number on the provided sheet.

The Orange Hill Beach Inn is a sprawling property with a number of bungalow-type rooms that occupies a great position across the road from the beach, some 10 minutes drive from Nassau airport. Ten out of ten for hospitality!

Atlantis (only mentioned in this editorial because it looms large on the Nassau landscape) is, of course, the brainchild of mega entrepreneur Sol Kerzner. It is a vast and very American high-end style operation and a money-making machine.

Architecturally breathtaking, inside it resembles a shopping mall, with an open, walk through casino, several restaurants, pools, superyacht marina, children’s and adult activities.

If you are looking for individuality, rest or the real Bahamas, Atlantis is not for you – unless, of course, you have young children. The massive water tanks are worth visiting for the sheer diversity of species it contains. Commendably, the Kerzner Marine Foundation has joined forces with the Nature Conservancy, Bahamas National Trust and Bahamas Reef Education Environmental Foundation to launch the ‘Blue Project’ in an effort to raise awareness of the critical challenges faced by coral reefs.

ORANGE HILL BEACH INN

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<< ...an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered >> G.K. CHESTERTON

<< Truly, one gets easier accustomed to a silken bed than to a sack of leaves >> BERTHOLD AUERBACH

<< Luxury, so far as it reaches the people, will do good to the race of people; it will strengthen and multiply them.

Sir, no nation was ever hurt by luxury; for, as I said before; it can reach but a very few >> SAMUEL JOHNSON (DR. JOHNSON: THE GREAT CHAM OF LITERATURE)

<< The media is constantly redefining what luxury is. Luxury can be a dirty sock if dressed up in the right way >> ZAC POSEN AT THE LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION, IN THE INTERNATIONAL FASHION PRESS BULLETIN

<< Living in the lap of luxury isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bad, except that you never know when luxury is going to stand up >> ORSON WELLES

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F O W L C AY

SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LONG

EXUMA CHAIN OF ISLANDS LIES A HIDDEN JEWEL – A 50-ACRE SANDBANK LUSH WITH

GREENERY NAMED FOWL CAY.

If you have ever dreamed of losing yourself on a totally private and unexplored island, you would first need to locate Staniel Cay, which provides an airstrip servicing a myriad of small islands in the Exumas. You then need to charter a plane to Staniel Cay, unless of course, you fly your own or go by yacht.

There was no other aircraft in evidence when the Beyond Black team landed, just a solitary golf cart to greet us and pick up our luggage.

Steve Huggins (‘Captain Steve’) appeared within minutes and we boarded the Royal Plantation speed boat to Fowl Cay. The captain provided running commentary as we motored past Staniel Cay’s yacht club, a favourite of Jimmy Buffett and Sean Connery, who go bone fishing there.

The yacht club itself consists of an American-style club house, decorated with international flags and framed 1960s’ photographs documenting the yachting history of the cay, and serving Bahamian and American dishes. A handful of colour-coded pink, blue and yellow houses dot the harbour.

We motored past deserted sandbanks that soon became a familiar landscape during our stay at

BAHAMAS

Fowl Cay.

Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay Contact Captain Steve Huggins Phone:

104

+1242 355 2046

Mobile:

+1242 357 0095

Fax:

+1954 208 8216

E-mail:

steve@fowlcay.com

E-mail:

info@fowlcay.com

URL:

www.fowlcay.com

Then, suddenly, the island itself was right in front of us, a simple wooden sign announcing its name and a small welcoming party waiting at the small dock: Julie Huggins, Captain Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and assistant in managing the estate, and their twin children, barefoot and tanned, just as one would imagine them to be on a desert island in the Bahamas.

Our party was given one of the ubiquitous Bahamian golf carts and driven to our island home for the duration of our stay: Starlight House and Seabreeze House.

Starlight House sits at one of the highest points of Fowl Cay, the other being the club house itself.

Seabreeze House is at a slightly lower level. The two are connected across an open-air courtyard by a living area and kitchen where the Beyond Black troops ate breakfast and made plans for the day.

Our veranda overlooked the Fowl Cay beach, with water sports equipment neatly stored for the use of visitors, hammocks strung between palm trees and a beach bar.

Further afield is a deserted stretch of an island with a tiny sandbar within swimming distance between the two.

We took an exploration trip to the other side of Fowl Cay, using the path Captain Steve had cleared the previous day. Driving past lush shrubland and dwarf palm trees, we arrived at a cove where the sand bears not a single foot mark. The silence was surreal, punctuated only by the sound of the sea, and the views were breathtaking.

Later that evening, the Captain presided over cocktails and dinner and entertained us to stories of his seafaring days and his vision for Fowl Cayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

FOWL CAY

105

We thought Fowl Cay was exquisite just as it was.

The South African chef, John, appeared in his whites and told us the dinner menu: a starter, a choice of two main courses and desert. It was to be the first meal in a series of culinary excellence all the more astounding as we knew that Fowl Cay, in common with all Bahamian islands, gets food supplies by mail boat.

So outstanding is the food, in fact, mega yacht captains, alongside owners of the neighbouring islands, regularly set anchor at Fowl Cay to experience the 5-star cuisine.

After a late breakfast the following day, we piled into the Royal Plantation speedboat once again, this time for the purpose of a day’s ‘sightseeing’.

If you are staying in one of Fowl Cay’s 6 villas (or are fortunate enough to rent the entire island), you needn’t feel shipwrecked for the duration of your stay. Each villa comes with its own boat in which you can further explore the vast array of uninhabited islands, putting in for a picnic and a swim here and there.

Our first destination was the island directly opposite Fowl Cay, Big Major Spot, where recycling takes on a whole new meaning. This is the island of the semi-wild swimming pigs where all food waste is disposed of. Throw the remains of your previous night’s dinner at them and they will swim to catch it as deftly as any fish.

Next we motored to a national reserve with a difference: thousands of multicoloured fish circled around our boat while Captain Steve crumbled bread.

Snorkelling amongst them was as surreal for the Beyond Black crew as the rest of our day.

106

Have you ever dived to explore a sunken plane? It’s all in a day’s sightseeing and part of Captain’s Steve list of ‘interesting things to do’ while at Fowl Cay. Motoring past countless deserted islands, some of the beaches literally petering out into the sea, we took pictures of a landscape we had not suspected still existed in the touristy Bahamas.

You look at the greeny blue translucent water and think, ‘I can touch the bottom’, even though an echo sounder would tell you that you are in very deep waters indeed.

We put in at Compass Cay next. Compass Cay is yet another small island whose owner, Tucker Rolle has the most unusual pets: a school of sharks that feed at the harbour.

The bravest of our crew got into the sea and patted a few of them.

Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and back to Fowl Cay completed the day’s explorations.

We spent the next few days enjoying the island, the delicious food and cocktails, sailing, swimming and dreaming that we could stay there forever.

Fowl Cay can be rented in its entirety for the relatively modest sum of US $110,000 a week.

It is the well-kept secret destination of some of the world’s wealthiest players and yachtsmen.

2008 will see the addition of a spa, but hopefully not too much of a further development as the island is absolute perfection just as it is.

<< There is much more than a tropical beach to Fowl Cay... >>

FOWL CAY

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THE ROCK HOUSE

HARBOUR ISLAND

HAS BEEN, FOR TWO DECADES OR SO, A CLOSE-KEPT SECRET OF THE SUPER-AFFLUENT AND

SUPER-FAMOUS. THE BEYOND BLACK TEAM VISITED IT JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2007. WE FLEW

INTO NORTH ELEUTHERA AIRPORT AND WERE WHISKED OFF BY BOAT TAXI TO THE

UNPREPOSSESSING DOCK OF THIS SANDBANK, HOME TO MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ESTATES AND,

OF COURSE, THE ROCK HOUSE HOTEL.

The first impression of the Rock House is one of a private Colonial style home, idiosyncratically and exquisitely designed. From the two life-like wooden butlers at the door to the Corgi/Lab cross house dogs, to the framed photographs scattered around reception areas, to the pool cabanas, you would be forgiven

DON PURDY (LEFT) AND WALLACE TUTT

BAHAMAS

for thinking you’ve trespassed into the house of an eccentric arbiter of elegance.

The Rock House Contact The Rock House Harbour Island Bahamas USA Phone:

+1 242 333 2053

Fax:

+1 242 333 3173 reservations@rockhousebahamas.com

URL:

www.rockhousebahamas.com

Claudia Uribe

Email:

108

A closer inspection of the photographs would further confirm you in this: Wallace Tutt and Don Purdy, managing owners of the Rock House, are pictured alongside Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Elle McPherson, Gianni Versace… to name but a few.

We were installed in the Asian suite – one of nine individually named rooms and suites – similarly furnished as a private home.

Cocktails at the Rock House are served around the corner sofa unit close by the pool. Wallace and Don know each guest by name and are on a first name basis with most of them. Don’s efficiency and attention to detail are complimented by Wallace’s expansive congeniality, Southern charm and well-honed raconteur skills.

If you are fortunate enough to stay for a week or so, you would hear stories of Wallace’s past as an interior designer par excellence to the rich and famous (his name pops up regularly in Architectural Digest issues) and his close friendship with Gianni Versace.

If you befriend him, he would share with you his impressions of Robert de Niro, Drexler, Ron Pearlman, Mick Jagger… all of whom are regulars at the Rock House for breakfast or just a drink.

Wallace and Don take care of some of the large estates on the island and know each owner personally.

Which means they also get to know the regular season renters…

<< The most glamorous‘sandbank’ in the Bahamas >> THE ROCK HOUSE

109

A lovers’ tiff, a wife misplacing her husband, a Texan of a certain age looking for a new one, a Russian wedding… all unfold under Don’s watchful eye and Wallace’s non-plussed bonhomie.

The Beyond Black team was spell-bound and decided to stay for the Russian wedding.

True to character, the owners staged a private partystyle event. Exotic canapés and caviar by the spoon were served, as well as the house rum cocktail that is so supremely delicious and potent other hotel owners on the island order it by the gallon.

The bride was beautiful, the groom was eloquent, the mother of the bride danced and wept a little, the band played on from their strategic position behind the pool…

The following morning – as every morning – the Beyond Black team repaired to the Rock House’s own stretch

ANNA AND JONATHAN

of beach, just below the whimsically named Sip Sip restaurant.

Wedding at the Rock House, December 2007.

Stylishly covered beach chairs distinguish the hotel’s stake on the beach. The sea, of course, is the same for miles – implausibly clear and warm, and eminently swimmable.

The Rock House kitchen is happy to prepare a packed lunch.

Which brings us to the topic of food…

Breakfast is either cold, buffet style, with fresh fruit, muffins and coffee, or cooked. Many of the famous Rock House visitors stop by for a bacon sandwich, and a Bloody Mary, Wallace’s style, at 11 in the morning is an indulgence no one should pass on.

<< The Rock House is the social hub of Harbour Island >>

110

BREAKFAST BY THE POOL

The dinner menu is short and eschews the usual deep-fried conch dishes ubiquitous on the islands.

Fresh fish, chicken and meat are exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented.

A signature starter is the delectable gazpacho, prepared to Don’s recipe.

Room service is totally unobtrusive, the staff are treated as family and have consequently adopted the private house-party style of the owners.

Any request, whether for water sports, a golf cart or a flight reservation, is immediately catered for, in the manner of the best concierge service.

Conclusion The Rock House is a very unusual gem of a hotel. A former private house of some architectural merit, built on several levels, it has been greatly enhanced by the owners’ innate good taste. The art, the subtle lighting, the wall fountains, the coffee table books, the framed photographs, the pool cabanas, the huge four-poster canopied bed behind the pool – all add an intangible quality to one’s visit.

Wallace Tutt and Don Purdy are hoteliers in a class of their own. Intuitively understanding the lassitude wealthy and well-travelled patrons have for conveyor belt hospitality, they dispense personal attention generously and warmly.

THE ROCK HOUSE

Staying at the Rock House is an experience, not just a holiday in the Bahamas.

Be sure to book well in advance as the experience is addictive and aficionados visit repeatedly throughout the winter season.

photography © Cookie Kinkead

111

Contact

THE BAHAMAS

Villa Pasha

Villa Pasha, New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay,

V I L L A PA S H A

SET NEXT TO THE BEACH AND

OFFERING THE PURE LUXURY OF A 5-STAR PROPERTY, VILLA PASHA IS AN IMPECCABLY DETAILED

AND MAINTAINED TRADITIONAL CARIBBEAN-STYLE PROPERTY. THE FULLY-STAFFED VILLA IS

LOCATED ON A PRIVATE BEACH ADJACENT TO NEW PLYMOUTH, AN 18TH-CENTURY LOYALIST

SETTLEMENT IN GREEN TURTLE CAY, ABACO. TWO MILES OF BEAUTIFUL WHITE SAND EXTEND

BEFORE THE VILLA, AND THE BREATHTAKING TURQUOISE OCEAN CAN BE VIEWED FROM EVERY

SIDE OF THE HOUSE, WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY A WRAP ROUND COVERED VERANDAH. Villa Pasha features five air-conditioned bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living/dining room, library, studio, whirlpool bath, fireplace and all the conveniences of home including a DSS satellite system, telephone and fax, internet dial-up service, VHF radio, a weather station, CD, video and DVD players. Beach towels, linens, towels and utilities are all provided. For short journeys into town and around the local area there are four bicycles and a four-passenger golf cart. A housekeeper works every day except Sunday and the caretaker is available every day for assistance.

Abaco, The Bahamas

History Constructed from natural materials including cypress, cedar, mahogany, oak, birch, cherry wood, fir and pine, Villa Pasha was built between April 1993 and April 1994. All the exterior hardware – hinges,

Contact Paul D. Thompson (owner)

112

hurricane straps and bolts, screws and nails – is stainless steel to avoid rust. The Caribbean style of the

Phone:

+1 242 332 2067 or +1 242 422 9992

villa was inspired by ‘Le Maud Huy’, a 19th-century French-built plantation house in Guadeloupe. Villa

Email:

pdthompson@coralwave.com

Pasha’s seven French doors and 18 sets of windows on the main floor all look similar, giving the

URL:

www.villapasha.com

appearance of continuous doors opening onto the 2,000 square-foot veranda, which houses tables,

benches and chairs. The villaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof is a 7/12 pitch and the eves 12 foot, enabling the second floor to accommodate four comfortable bedrooms, two bathrooms and the studio, which overlooks the ocean. The traditionally styled working fireplace enhances the warm atmosphere in the living room.

Amenities The villa is packed full of modern conveniences. The master bathroom includes a whirlpool bath, with a shower in every bathroom and bathtubs in three more. The basement contains a workshop and a weather station monitors wind direction and speed and rainfall. There is a fully stocked library and a large living/dining room with a fireplace. The well-equipped kitchen is complemented by an outdoor charcoal grill. The garden includes an Italian stone fountain and the sandy beach can be reached by 17 lighted steps from the Verandah Broadwalk. A housekeeper/maid is provided for all visiting guests, and is included in the price.

Water for the villa is supplied from a 30,000-gallon cistern located under the front veranda. It takes 12 inches of rain to fill the water tank, and in addition to rain there is a reverse osmosis water production plant that runs for twelve hours during the day to keep the supply topped up. The small airpulsing noise made by the reverse osmosis plant is audible only outside on the north side while the plant is running. All water directed to the ice maker and drinking water spigot on the fridge and by the kitchen sink is double-filtered and ultra-violet treated.

New Plymouth The town is a beautiful English Loyalist settlement where the clock appears to have been turned back to the 18th-century. Almost all of New Plymouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents trace their ancestors back to the American Loyalists. Because of this, the settlement has narrow quaint streets, with pastel clap-board houses perfectly painted from the roofs to their foundations.

The warm and gracious hospitality of the locals is instantly evident in their smiling faces and ever-helpful manner. The people are known for being hard-working and dedicated with great old-fashioned family values.

AGUAS DE IBIZA

113

CASA RAMON

CASA RAMON IS AN EXCLUSIVE AND

LUXURIOUS VACATION RENTAL HOME IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC ENCLAVE. THE CREATORS OF CASA TROPICAL PARADISE Casa Ramon nestled

RAMON HAVE COMBINED NATURAL MATERIALS IN A REMARKABLE WAY, BLENDING TEXTURES AND

in the private and lush green rainforest of the South Pacific in Dominical, Costa Rica.

COLOURS TO ENRICH GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE OF LIFE AND FREE THE SOUL

FROM THE DICTATES OF THE WORLD. Casa Ramon sets out to redefine a lifestyle for Costa Rica. No compromises were made, no detail overlooked and no expense spared in this mission to convey the vision of a marriage between tropical style, savvy contemporary flair and total comfort. Casa Ramon is a masterpiece that showcases years of experience of craftsmanship in natural stone, bamboo structures and superb interior design. The vision is for guests to experience the ultimate in tropical coastal living.

Accommodation Designed to accommodate groups of like-minded people in harmony, Casa Ramon vacation rental contains three luxury apartments. Each apartment is a self-sufficient private residence with its own trendy balance of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Grand Vista Apartment Captivating lush gardens and lava rocks line the primary entrance to Casa Ramon. Antique carved wood benches adorn the vibrant hallway, lit at night by a natural crystal lamp. Entrance is through a large glass doorway into a stunning bistro sitting area. Granite counters frame the

Casa Ramon

C O S TA R I C A

fully equipped open area kitchen and chic indoor dining room with bamboo columns. The master bedroom is a statement in relaxation and comfort with a stunning marble bathroom that extends out to a patio by the pool area. Warm earth tones inside set apart a splendid relaxation area with woven Balinese Banana Leaf furniture.

Deluxe Suite Apartment A flight of bamboo stairs lit by crystal rock lamps leads to the second floor’s radiant passageway, opening into the outdoor lounging space decorated with delightful tropical-theme bamboo sofas and floors made from luxurious Chiricano hard wood. The Deluxe Suite terrace is covered by a wonderful ceramic tile roof held by giant bamboo beams and lined in split bamboo shafts. The floor around the terrace is a sumptuous green Costa Rican Jade. Wall-to-wall glass doors and windows separate the outdoor living spaces from the two separate indoor spaces.

Cranberry and blue hues combine to create a striking master bathroom that looks down into a rock fountain in the garden and the South Pacific beyond. Guests can enjoy a vogue Jacuzzi bath with a glass of champagne, or a delicious open shower. Reached from a bamboo staircase off the terrace, the third floor can be used as an additional relaxation or entertainment space.

Casita Ramon A testimonial in tasteful fusion, the Casita Ramon is reached by a path of smooth white coral stone and across stepping stones of hand-carved black lava rock over a colourful Koi pond. A slate rock tower, stained glass windows and a beamed bamboo roof covered in antique terracotta tile define this

Contact

unique tropical living space. The Casita Ramon vacation rental is separate from the main house and is set

Casa Ramon

in an ultra-private location against the rainforest, facing out to the electrifying blue ocean.

5728 Industry Ln.

On the first floor French doors open out directly on to a charming dining patio, the infinity pool,

Frederick, Maryland 21704

and outdoor Jacuzzi. The Casita Ramon’s bedroom has a delightful smooth natural split bamboo floor and

USA

king-size bed. The walls combine interesting shapes in bamboo with soothing earth tones.

Phone:

+1 800 237 7113

Email:

sales@casaramoncr.com

URL:

www.casaramoncr.com

<< The Ultimate in Tropical Coastal Living >> 114

Activities The South Pacific region of Costa Rica boasts four very large and diverse natural reserves protecting an immense number of plants and animals as well as presenting the opportunity to discover some of the most exotic and bio-diverse areas of the planet. Relax on the secluded beaches, just a few minutes away on foot, or take in a stunning array of sealife and wildlife in a visit to the national reserves and parks.

More active guests may enjoy a guided kayak trip to the Ventanas Caves, a rafting tour on the Savegre River, mountain biking, horse riding up to the impressive Nauyacu waterfall or Dominical beach, or surfing some of Costa Rica’s best waves. Casa Ramon’s Bambú Spa team offer a range of massages and treatments to beat stress, reinvigorate and heal. Private Kundalini Yoga classes are also available on request.

A full concierge service means that guests can relax while any further arrangements are made for them.

Packages > Casa Ramon offer a range of different packages to suit guests’ requirements:

NATURE’S WONDERLAND Tropical gardens and breathtaking views accompanied by the wonderful sounds and scents of nature.

> Ultimate Tropical Honeymoon (3 days, with an option for longer if desired) > Epicurean Delight (1 week, with an emphasis on Costa Rican and international cuisine) > Adrenaline Adventure (1 week, including kayaking, rafting and diving) > Romantic Enchantment (1 week, perfect for a longer honeymoon or anniversary)

ROOMS WITH VIEWS Spacious interiors abound with luxury and comfort.

CASA RAMON

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BARAKA POINT

SET WITHIN TWO ACRES OF

TROPICAL GARDENS ON THE WEST COAST OF VIRGIN GORDA, THE LUXURY OCEAN-FRONT

RESORT OF BARAKA POINT IS A 12,500 SQUARE-FOOT ESTATE OF COPPER-PEAKED PAVILIONS,

SANDY BEACHES AND STUNNING VIEWS OF THE CARIBBEAN. THE COMPLEX ENJOYS FULL

RESORT AMENITIES AND A DEDICATED TEAM OF SEVEN STAFF, PROMISING GUESTS AN

UNFORGETTABLE STAY.

A corner of paradise Barefoot luxury and relaxation are the order of the day at Baraka Point. Built with natural materials such as hard woods, copper and native stone, the Caribbean colours of the pavilions blend into the sea, sky, sand and lush vegetation of their setting, all against the backdrop of the verdant green of Gorda Peak which rises majestically behind the resort. Ahead lies one of Virgin Gordaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spectacular snorkelling beaches. The warm weather is tempered by cooling trade winds, and the gentle sound of the waves permeates the air to soothe the senses.

V I RG I N G O R DA

Staff endeavour to be attentive yet unintrusive in this home away from home. Best of all, guests

Baraka Point Contact Phone/Fax: +44 (0)1376 332826 (UK/Europe) Voicemail:

+1 800 969 9713

(USA/Canada)

116

Email:

info@barakapoint.com

URL:

http://www.barakapoint.com

are promised exclusive use of the entire property: Baraka Point is only rented to one group at a time to ensure absolute privacy.

Suites Baraka Point’s pavilions are decorated with silks and exotic furnishings from India, Morocco and Indonesia. The estate accommodates up to 16 guests and an additional two infants, with a maximum of 12 adults in a group.

Three 900-square-foot master suites are located separately in the gardens with their own entrances. All suites have king-size beds, ocean views and air-conditioned sleeping areas, as well as ensuite bathrooms and a private deck or sun terrace offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Two suites have alfresco as well as indoor showers, and one of the two luxury master suites has its own plunge pool. Two family suites – the Madura and Rajasthan suites – also have a central sleeping area with kingsize beds and adjoining twin-bedded rooms so that parents can maintain their own privacy in the knowledge that their children are still close by.

While they are all individually decorated, the five suites at Baraka Point all feature Frette sheets and high quality linens, flat screen Sony Bravia TV/DVD players, iDOCKS, stereos, mini-bars stocked with Champagne, beer, soft drinks, water, etc and thatched-ceiling fans. Aside from the accommodation, a main

<< Redefining luxury in the British Virgin Islands >>

BARAKA POINT

117

pavilion houses living, lounging and dining areas where guests can meet to enjoy time together, and an additional pavilion includes an air-conditioned games room with full-size pool table, home movie theatre and an honesty bar. The games room leads out on to a spectacular seaside terrace with steps down to Baraka Point’s private Beach Lounge complete with sun chairs, umbrellas and a BBQ and firepit for dining and entertaining on the beach. This area is perfect for hosting weddings and special events. Wireless internet access is available throughout the entire property, even by the poolside. Office facilities are available in the main building and also in the games room.

Dining Baraka Point’s team of staff includes two chefs – one from New Zealand and the other from Canada – to offer visitors freshly-prepared gourmet food throughout their stay. The resort also has a wood-burning pizza oven from Italy and a well-stocked wine cellar. There is no fixed meal plan; chefs can either cook to order, suggest a daily menu, or simply surprise guests with their creativity.

Activities Whilst Baraka Point offers an unparalleled opportunity to rest and unwind, visitors will never find themselves bored. The resort has a full-time spa therapist, offering a wide range of spa therapies and body treatments to leave guests relaxed and invigorated, from exfoliating sea salt scrubs and real fruit infused facials to hot stone massage, as well as yoga and Pilates classes in the Spa & Wellness Pavilion and on the beach. Alternatively, guests may prefer to unwind in the 10-person cliffside Jacuzzi, which comes complete with an ice bucket to keep the champagne chilled and is surrounded by a sun deck with thatched roof for shade during the day.

118

For the more active visitor, personal training sessions are available in Baraka Point’s seaside gym.

Adventure programmes can be designed to take in the many beautiful views and beaches around the island. Guests can swim and snorkel, or opt for water sports off the beach in the resort’s ski boat. Divers are recommended to go out for a one or two tank dive with Dive BVI, a well-regarded dive company that visits several different spots during the course of a week, including two wrecks.

A visit to the Baths is a must: exploring the maze of giant granite boulders that are the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago is a wonderful way to spend a morning, followed by a picnic lunch on the beach. There are outstanding photographic opportunities in and amongst the rocks. The concierge can arrange day trips, sailing, diving, fishing, and many other activities on visitors’ behalf.

Baraka Point organises a number of activities specifically for children in its Kid’s Club House, such as face painting, hair braiding and arts and crafts, as well as outdoor activities including Treasure Hunts and Baraka Point Beach Olympics, so that all family members can find something to enjoy during their stay. The services of a nanny are available, meaning that this can include a break for a siesta or a quiet couple of hours in one’s suite with a book or DVD from the resort’s extensive library.

BARAKA POINT

119

COVE SPRING BEACH

COVE SPRING HOUSE

BARBADOS

C OV E S P R I N G H O U S E DEVELOPED AS THE ULTIMATE RETREAT FOR THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL AND DISCERNING

PEOPLE (THE VISITORS’ LIST READS LIKE A WHO’S WHO FROM THE WORLD’S OF FINANCE, CINEMA

AND THE INTERNATIONAL JET SET), THE VILLA IS KEPT FROM PRYING EYES BY STUNNING WALLED

GARDENS. IT SITS ON TOP OF CORAL STONE CLIFFS OVERLOOKING ITS OWN SECLUDED BEACH –

A RARE LUXURY ON THE ISLAND.

Cove Spring House Contact Steven Parker

120

Phone:

+1 246 437 3835

Email:

suncity@fpi.bb

URL:

www.covespringhouse.com

<< A hidden gem on Barbados’ Platinum Coast >>

BATHROOM Barbados has long been synonymous with high-octane glamour and this villa epitomises the best of the island, while offering seclusion and privacy from the crowded St James’s beaches.

Accommodation and amenities The exquisite coral stone building with vast columns houses ten fabulous Ralph Lauren-decorated en-suite bedrooms. The wrap round verandas, with their sink-in sofas, armchairs and ceiling fans, evoke colonial opulence and comfort. The house has its own 20-seat private cinema, a library and a collection of Terry O’Neill fine art prints.

The pool is an original and ingenious crescent shape and is surrounded by Balinese daybeds and tropical plants. A terrace fringed by palm trees leads down to the sea, with more recliners, daybeds and wrap-over umbrellas scattered on the way.

Lunches and drinks are taken in the garden gazebo and guests can enjoy an in-house spa and gym.

Lifestyle Barbados, with its well-established international set of villa and plantation house owners and glamorous visitors, is renowned for extravagant private parties, an enviable social calendar and exceptional quality restaurants and clubs.

Cove Spring House offers guests the opportunity to entertain on a very grand scale. The villa comes with its own professional house manager and a full staff of chefs, butlers, gardeners and general attendants, trained to cater for any conceivable need.

The devil is often in the details and every detail has been thought of in Cove Spring House: you can have an incredibly romantic break for two or use it to its full capacity for a formal dinner for 20; you can enjoy the varied activities the island has to offer or just unwind in spectacular surroundings and ultimate comfort.

Conclusion Cove Spring House rivals some of the world’s best private estates and is a must if you are among the privileged who travel between the world’s hot spots.

At this level, comfort and top-class amenities are taken for granted. Cove Spring House surpasses expectations and captivates visitors with its unique charm.

CABANA ON THE DECK

BEDROOMS

COVE SPRING HOUSE

121

MUSTIQUE

THE HISTORY OF THIS NOT-SO-WELL-

KEPT SECRET OF A CARIBBEAN GEM IS A MATTER OF RECORD, YET BEARS

REPEATING…

In 1958, the Scots brewing heir Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner, bought the 1400 acre island for a mere £45,000, which seems paltry now, but must have still been a sizeable sum then.

He proceeded to develop it and, in 1960, offered a 10 acre plot to Princess Margaret as a wedding gift. (The Princess built Les Jolies Eaux villa on the estate, which she in turn gave to her son, Viscount Linley, as a wedding present. He sold the house in 1998.)

Never has a more inspired gift been made and not even the most lavish gifting suites of today’s Hollywood can match the return on investment the eccentric peer achieved with this stroke of genius. Glenconner brought in designers such as Oliver Messel and architect Arne Hasselquist and multimillion-pound villas began to emerge.

Mustique swiftly evolved into the playground of choice for the wealthy and the famous, and by the time the Mustique Island Company was sold in 1988 to 55 shareholders and villa-owners, it had become the most exclusive private club certainly in that part of the world, run to this day as a consortium of landowners.

JACARANDA A newly renovated beachfront villa in a tropical setting with lush gardens, quality furnishings and privacy.

Today Today, the island boasts 100 privately owned and vastly individual villas, of which 73 participate in the villa rental collection programme. The highly distinctive architectural and interior design styles appeal to both traditionalists and the most eccentric of guests. Each residence has a minimum of three dedicated staff and many have a resident butler.

Villa rentals range from $5,000 to $150,000 per week, inclusive of a vehicle.

There are but two seasons; May to mid-November and then peak season begins.

There is one little village on the island with one bar and restaurant, the famous Basil’s Bar and Restaurant and two hotels: Cotton House and Firefly.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, this is a closely knit community – the majority of the villa owners have frequented there most of their lives and all are intent on

MUSTIQUE

keeping Mustique as it is: a spectacular and exclusive destination like no other.

The lifestyle is relaxed – most owners and visitors live their lives in the fast lane and cherish the opportunity to rest and socialise with family, friends and business associates.

OCEAN BREEZE Located on a premier hilltop setting with a central courtyard, sophisticated furnishings and generous bedroom cottages.

The Mustique Company Contact The Mustique Company P. O. Box 349 St Vincent & the Grenadines

122

Phone:

+1 784 488 8000

Fax:

+1 784 488-9000

Email:

villarentals@mustique.vc

URL:

www.mustique-island.com

Mustique is all about privacy, safety, natural beauty, island entertaining and recreation.

The island’s repeat clientèle come for the most part from the UK, Europe, North and South America and Canada.

The activities are varied and what one would expect of a super-exclusive island: from spa treatments to lavish picnics on the white sand beaches; horse riding in the hills and on the beach, watersports, tennis, a fitness centre and an exercise trail, day sailing to neighbouring islands, boutique shopping, outdoor movies, a library with internet access, child-minding, etc.

On Tuesday evenings, the Mustique Company hosts a complimentary cocktail party for owners and island guests, an excellent way to experience the Cotton House, the island’s full service hotel and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Dining options include the Veranda Restaurant or Beach Café, or perhaps Firefly and Basil’s Bar. The club-like atmosphere notwithstanding, Mustique’s island lifestyle is low key, fun, relaxed and, above all, memorable. Dress is casual yet sophisticated and barefoot elegance is acceptable. Gentlemen need not worry about jackets or ties.

FRANGIPANI A gracious, hilltop villa in four acres offers impressive furnishings, a private setting and is ideal for families.

<< The villas are highly individual in style: from the palatial to the exotic... >>

MUSTIQUE

123

SEASTAR Famous for its Oliver Messeldesigned dining room, this beachfront pool pavilion is ideal for casual afternoon and evening meals.

All of life’s modern conveniences have been taken care of; eleven television stations, cell phone communication and direct dial phones and faxes from the villas, international daily newspapers from fifty countries in thirty languages. Most villas have extensive CD and DVD collections as well as international books and magazines.

Less than an hour’s flight from Barbados on scheduled or chartered flights, guests immediately get into the slow rhythm of the island. Private aircraft can land at neighbouring islands where transfer transportation is easily arranged. Predictably, Mustique has an extremely high return rate of guests, most of whom have been regulars for generations… and the next generation is now on board as well.

Mustique Blues Festival Each January, Basil Charles and Dana Gillespie host the Blues Festival, a highly popular affair that raises funds for the school children of nearby St Vincent.

Performances are complimentary and offer an unprecedented opportunity to witness the great and the good letting their hair down alongside well known artists and musicians.

The next Mustique Blues Festival will be held from 21 January to

<< You don’t just visit a Caribbean island when you go to Mustique.You embrace a lifestyle >> 124

4 February, 2009. Appearing in 2008 were: Ronnie Jones, Zach Prather, Dana Gillespie, Papa George, Steve Simpson. and the London Blues Band: Julien Brunetaud. Dino Baptiste. Jake Zaitz, Jeff Walker, Mike Paice, Darby Todd, and Enrico Morena. The special guest was none other than media mogul, prolific poet and eccentric entrepreneur Felix Dennis.

YEMANJA A hilltop estate on seven acres with panoramic views, this secluded hideaway is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings.

SLEEPING DRAGON A luxurious fusion of Chinese and Caribbean architecture on five acres with separate pavilions and lovely sea views.

CARISSA A plantation style villa with contemporary interiors and stylish design which boasts a grand dining pavilion and infinity swimming pool.

MUSTIQUE

125

the world’s finest clubs THE CLUB NETWORK

THE

THE WORLD MEMBER CARD The World’s Finest Clubs issues the World Member card, the international passport to clubbing pleasure. The card

GOAL OF THE COMPANY IS TO AWARD THE

represents the key past the velvet rope, an entrance to the world of A-list soirées,

MOST EXCLUSIVE NIGHTCLUBS WORLDWIDE

and an exclusive network of the who’s-who of jet set society, developed to satisfy the most demanding expectations.

WITH THE ‘WORLD’S FINEST CLUBS AWARD’.

This award is a quality seal and denotes an international reputation. Each participating club is strictly vetted by The World’s Finest Clubs to ensure that it reaches the

AS A MEMBER OF THE WORLD’S FINEST CLUBS > You and a guest have free, unrestricted and privileged access to every club in the network > You and your guest can access the VIP area of the clubs

standard of class to which our members are accustomed.

> You benefit from exclusive privileges such as valet parking > You save up to 40% on the room rates in selected 5-star hotels > 24/7 concierge reservation hotline

You are living in the fast lane. The World’s Finest Clubs is the network for people like you, travelling the world and enjoying life wherever you are.

< < SUPPERCLUB, SAN FRANCISCO < BLOCK8, BEIJING

ARMANI-PRIVE, MILAN > VIP ST TROPEZ > > FRENCHROOM, ZURICH > > >

The World’s Finest Clubs Contact The World’s Finest Clubs Seestrasse 97 8702 Zollikon Switzerland Phone:

+41 (0)43 244 97 01

Fax:

+41 (0)43 244 97 02

URL:

www.finestclubs.com

REINA, ISTANBUL >

126

azita K LONDON, PARIS, NEW YORK BACKGROUND

I spring from a universe

in which the petals of roses, the colours of wine and the sounds of poetry defined my sense of beauty and need for passion. The pursuit of ideals and ambitions has taken me around the world as a professional in international business, politics, and development — always, however, seeking beauty and passion on my journey. After more than 20 years in the business of global issues, I decided to revert to my roots, deploy my natural sense of beauty fully, and make my small contribution to a more beautiful world.

BEAUTY

I have a natural and very personal

sense for beauty. I see and seek beauty everywhere — in buildings and structures, in words and prose, in voices and sounds, in culture and societies, and in people and their clothing and accessories. I am driven — in my life and my artistic expressions — by beauty that combines the personality of complexity, the charm of sophistication, and the elegance of simplicity. I thrive on differences in people and cultures, and love to apply and adapt my sense of aesthetics to different cultural sensitivities.

MY JEWELLERY

Since 1999, and in partnership with a gifted jewellery maker

from Florence who has worked with many famous houses, I have designed jewellery pieces and sold them in Paris, London, and New York through private and social events.

The azita K signature range is also available in a Paris boutique and well-known to a small circle of Parisian aficionados. There are only a few pieces made at a time, mostly on a bespoke basis.

FINE JEWELLERY BY APPOINTMENT

Beauty and sophistication

are central to every single azita K piece, as my very soul is locked into creating it. Each is skillfully handcrafted in Florence, Italy, using platinum, 18 carat yellow, white and rose gold, brilliant diamonds, emeralds, rubies, deep sapphires and pearls.

CORPORATE GIFTS

The azita K range also includes exclusive high-end

corporate gifts, such as watches, pens, cufflinks, money clips, key chains, bracelets…

Crafted in solid sterling silver or gold, each piece is intricately detailed and hand polished.

FAVOURITE HAUNTS

One of my favorite hotels in Europe is Brown’s

in London because it embodies, in my view, this fusion at its most sophisticated. I love having afternoon tea at Brown’s. It has an air of refinement in a warm atmosphere.

Another magical, elegant and utterly exquisite place is le Sirenuse in Positano with my friends Carla and Antonio Sersale. Their spa is another divine treat one can wish for…

Gammel Skagen in Denmark - beach resort nestled in the dunes on the peninsula’s uppermost tip with beyond-postcard-beauty known for its luminosity, inspired an art movement in the early 19th century. July is usually the best month for sailing and dining in a pure Scandinavian civilized elegant atmosphere.

One of my favourite restaurants in Europe is Apicius in Paris located in the

By appointment

opulent 18th-century chateau in the middle of Paris’s 8th arrondisement. The food, the

azita K

ambiance and an enchanting terrace.

20 rue Miromesnil

azita K evokes femininity, natural elegance and taste that are

timeless and enduring in their simplicity.

Phone:

+44 (0)7525 815 633

Email:

info@azitak.com

AZITA K

75008, Paris, France

CONCLUSION

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