The Road Less Travelled

The Road Less Travelled

BB Publications www.beyondblack.org

CONTENTS FOREWORD 5 Private Villas:

Estates and Resorts:

The Beach House 6

Bobby Genovese 64

Villa Turquoise 10

Maradiva 66

Villa AkAsha 16

Frangipani Beach Resort

Villa M EZE 18

Hacienda Ucazanaztacua 72

La Maison MichellE

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Delaire Graff 74

L’Olmo 24

Rumours Rarotonga 78

Villa Es Serral

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

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Profile: Sebastian Blakeley

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Quinta de Barranco da Estrada

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Villa Suriyawatta 36 Villa Beige 40 Rocky Mansion Mykonos

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Ranawara 92

First published in 2016 by BB Publications

Profile: Tim Gosling

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Š B.B. Publications 2016

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort

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Kaya Mawa 100

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.

Estates, Resorts, Hotels:

http://www.beyondblack.org

Corinthia Hotel 56

ISBN 978-1-905904-31-0

Kristiania Lech 60

Designed by www.squareandcircus.co.uk

Namibia Exclusive 88

Beatrice Tollman 50 Hotels: Palacio Bel Monte 54

Selong Selo 102

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost

The Road Less Travelled The active mind is a curious mind that loves and feeds on exploration. The unique thrill of discovering a new place on earth and adding it to your treasure trove of experiences, the joy and excitement that come in equal measure from crossing a geographical and/or cultural boundary are what makes some of us feel alive.

This specially curated travel edition, one of many in the Beyond Black series, is for those who prefer the road less travelled and who understand that none of us will get to see all the wonders of the world in a single lifetime. So why not make each journey different and new and see where that road takes us?

We hope we can communicate to you, the reader, the travel lust we have been infected with and inspire you to take the time to savour the diversity of this planet of ours.

Your life will be all the richer for it.

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The Beach House anguilla Interior Design: Valerie Barker Photographer: Renante Guinto

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esigned by self-taught architectural designer and property developer, Ian “Sugar George” Edwards, The Beach House is one of his finest projects to date and one of the most stunning beachfront homes in the Caribbean.

The 2012 International Architecture and Property Development Awards in London gave it the “Best Single Residence Architecture” award worldwide which is a testimonial not only to the creative spirit of the team behind it, but also to the developer’s innate understanding of location and island living ethos.

Set on beautiful Meads Bay, Anguilla, The Beach House is built on one acre of prime beachfront land, close to the island’s best restaurants, the 18 hole Greig Norman Championship Golf Course and two five star hotels.

This contemporary masterpiece has been designed to capture the natural beauty of Anguilla with its spectacular sunsets and ocean views, and to bridge exterior and interior seamlessly.

The minimalist concept and clean geometric lines incorporating large expanses of glass, stainless steel trims

and highlights, touches of warm wood complemented by natural oversized stone tiles, and water features all reflect the shift in tastes and trends among discerning clients worldwide.

The architect has drawn inspiration from the natural landscape: huge ocean views, stunning sunsets , white sands and turquoise waters, as well as Anguilla’s heritage and culture.

The structure, of mainly concrete blocks and steel, features finishing materials such as rubbed concrete, marble, travertine, limestone and slate, and locally sourced shell.

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Furnishings are ultra modern and the villa houses a stunning below ground entertainment room with a large home theatre, lounge area and a fitness room.

The villa is set within beautifully landscaped gardens, and offers eight spacious master bedrooms, ten bathrooms and two powder rooms, as well as a number of communal areas including Great Room/Dining, Kitchen, with more than a dozen outdoor deck and lounge spaces. A tennis court, a stunning 50 foot infinity edge pool, and an outdoor Jacuzzi complete the leisure facilities.

Attention to detail in all things is nothing short of jaw-dropping: the way the light hits a pool of water and reflects into a room, the shape of a door handle, or the subtle texture of a stone wall...

Most rooms in the villa have a farreaching ocean view while spaces that do not open to the bay, incorporate water

features that maintain aquatic continuity throughout the home. One such water feature is the highlight of the interior, a 12’ high waterfall made with split-face travertine.The atmosphere is described as one of “generous and carefree lavishness”.

This is an unapologetically high tech home featuring an extensive automation system with convenient control over the entertainment/audio-visual, lighting, temperature and security systems from anywhere in the house – or the world.

The equally high tech kitchen sports double ovens, a double microwave and an island with a large stainless-steel countertop. The kitchen was conceived as a separate space to enjoy by amateur or professional chefs or as an informal family hub.

Outside, a full kitchen with BBQ grill, fridge and a handmade, rubbedconcrete countertop complement the pool

deck and create an elegant ambience for outdoor living.

The Beach House is fully staffed with private chefs, butlers and beach attendants as one would expect of a villa of this standard.

Edwards is the founder of Sunset Homes (www.sunsethomesanguilla.com), an award winning firm that specializes in Architecture & Design and Property Development in the Caribbean. Sunset Homes is credited with some of the most acclaimed and prestigious villa, residential and commercial property developments showcasing distinguished and sustainable designs tailor-made for tropical and coastal environments.

For exclusive ownership or villa rental opportunities – www.anguillabeachhouse.com

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Villa Turquoise zanzibar

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he islands of Zanzibar are a truly exotic destination for Africa-bound travellers and holiday makers. Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar stirs the imagination and conjures up images of magical Arabian nights, the scent of spices and the spirit of ages gone by.

The rich cultural heritage, the spice farms, the warm turquoise waters and white beaches, the labyrinth of the winding lanes of Stone Town and the joyful spirit of the Zanzibari never fail to leave a long lasting impression.

Villa Turquoise is located in Matemwe, a charming fishermen village on the island’s North East coast,

where pristine beaches stretch for miles both sides of the Villa. The owners stay frequently in the house and have ensured the level of comfort and luxury is the highest you can find in this part of Africa.

Villa Turquoise is fully equipped and serviced, and positioned directly on the beach yet offering total privacy. It was built in East African style with an impressive Makhuti (thatch) roof and is surrounded by a lush tropical garden with a large swimming pool fringed by palms, fruit trees and oriental flowers.

The Villa is staffed with a gardener, two housemaids, a private chef (who

is delighted to offer cooking lessons with traditional dishes and local spices) and a skipper will take you for trips in and beyond the lagoon with the power or sailing boat. The house manager welcomes guests on arrival and is available to assist with catering, shopping, excursions, local events, etc...

The Villa sleeps up to 14 guests in 4 large en-suite, air-conditioned bedrooms with king-size beds and one suite with two kingsize beds.

The villa is fabulously positioned to enjoy the lagoon and the Indian ocean, with its pool deck leading directly on to a private beach.

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The large dining and lounge area on the first floor, under the Makuti roof, has a 270 degrees view of the ocean and the jungle behind the house.

All famous attractions in Zanzibar are within a 45 minutes drive. Walking through the narrow streets in Stone Town (a Unesco World Heritage) will take you back in history and lead you to the market where local traders offer fresh fruit, fish and meat every day. Pay a visit to the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Africa House, the

palaces built by the Sultans of Oman and Zanzibar and the slave market and caves, a throwback to Zanzibar’s bitter past. Visit Joziani Forest, go snorkelling and diving or deep sea fishing, swim with the dolphins, enjoy lunch on a sandbank.

Visit the spice farms and find your senses overwhelmed by exotic spices.

Kilimanjaro and the famous parks of Serengetti, Ngorongoro, Masai Mara and Selous are only a short flight away from Zanzibar.

More details about Zanzibar and Villa Turquoise can be found at http://www.zanzibarbeachvilla.com and info@zanzibarbeachvilla.com The owners have recently established a joint venture with other House Owners and with Virtual Reality and Digital Media experts to offer special promotion packages for Rental Villa’s and Resorts. These packages include Virtual Reality and Floorplans, Photo- and Videography, Website Templates, Promotion Videos and E-brochures. More details can be found at www.Virtual2RS.com.

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"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars. " Jack Kerouac

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Villa Akasha A Love Affair thailand

hen the owner of Villa Akasha, a veteran of the luxury industry, went to Thailand for a short escape from her super busy life, she never planned on falling in love there.

She simply wanted to unwind from the high octane living in Hong Kong, where she was based at the time.

She and her husband rented a villa, designed and built by prominent architect Jonathan Levi – and ended up buying it.

The 3 bedroom jewel on Koh Samui’s North-Eastern coast has that intangible quality that beguiles the visitor: a magical atmosphere – a vibe that speaks to our inner quest for serenity and a respite from our all so busy lives.

The villa is an apotheosis of an aesthetic flair, fluidity of design (a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors) and location (it is but a short distance from Choeng Mon beach, one of the most beautiful on Koh Samui).

“A total Eden”, was the owner’s first and enduring impression – so much so that she was inspired to start writing a novel there.

Because the villa was so perfect when she acquired it, she decided to leave it as is, simply fine-tuning it/adding a few luxury details, but leaving its special aura untouched.

Furnished with unerring taste, the villa is quite distinctive because of a clever combination of artefacts, wooden and stone Balinese furniture, the liberal use of functional sculpture and well chosen – and displayed – contemporary art.

The villa is intimate, clearly designed to be used for and with friends. Each of its 3 bedrooms is en-suite and equipped to the highest tech standard, with individual entertainment systems, and at the same time offering total privacy to the occupants.

The 14 m pool fringes the outdoor deck, itself a continuation of the indoor dining and lounge area. The clever use of space and light colours, the unique and creative décor and tropical plants everywhere create a sense of an almost surreal beauty – a wow effect and an energy that the owner plans to put to a higher purpose.

To secure its privacy, she has purchased the adjoining lots and is busy putting together a program of life coaching seminars for senior executive calibre women who need to take a break.

With its excellent resident staff, fantastic cook, and a full complement of massage therapy and tai chi courses, the villa is already a slice of heaven. Staying there would appeal to the aesthete who is looking for something much more accomplished than the standard fare tropical accommodation that is readily available on Koh Samui.

Address: 55/19, Moo 5 bo phut, koh samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand Tel: +66.96.725.4329 Email: info@villaakasha.com Website: http://villaakasha.com/

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Villa M Eze eze-sur-Mer

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ze-sur-Mer has been an iconic destination ever since la Cote d’Azur itself became a magnet for the world’s “beautiful people”.

Impossible to miss if you drive along the Lower Corniche, this is one of the most picturesque villages fringing the French Riviera between Beaulieu and Monte Carlo.

“Village” is today something of a misnomer as regular visitors know full well because every available inch of that famous stretch has been renovated and developed into a stratospheric value real estate. To fully understand why that is, you have to have driven there once – the incomparable beauty of the coastline will have bewitched you before you even take in some of the best preserved examples of Belle Epoque architecture.

Owning or renting a house in Eze is a privilege and finding an original one to renovate, creating your dream home, is an even rarer one.

Enter Krisztina Anspach and husband Mathieu Forcioli, the fortunate owners of Villa M. Buying a 1950s house, gutting it from the inside and creating a modernist jewel may

not have felt like a good fortune during the extensive works, but the result is a stunning four storey villa, sitting on its own grounds and overlooking a bay that is both legendary and breathtaking. The Hong Kong-based couple had a sentimental attachment to Eze which goes some way to explaining why and how the house feels like a very sumptuous private home of minimalist design with numerous art works, signature furniture pieces, its own professionally stocked wine cellar and a mindblowingly spectacular roof terrace.

Decorated in cool, stylish silver grey throughout, with pristine white interiors, the villa is remarkable for the use of marble, mosaic and floor to ceiling window panels everywhere.

The 5 bedroom suites ooze contemporary chic and the maid’s room allows visitors to bring their own staff. The villa is fully and discreetly serviced with the kind of ultra high end flexibility guests of a certain calibre appreciate – a private chef, a chauffeur or a personal trainer, for example, are all available for the asking. As are customised helicopter and jet transfers... naturally.

Lifestyle on the Riviera is primarily Mediterranean outdoor living and Villa M has been designed to incorporate that in grand style. The extensive grounds allow for numerous living/dining/relaxation spaces and the pool has been built on a terrace overlooking the villa itself. Complemented by a cool pool house, fully equipped gym and dedicated spa area, this is a 5 star wellness complex.

One of the best features of Villa M, however, remain the views – far-reaching across the bay, along the coast and all the way to the magical “nose” of Cap Ferrat, with the beauty of the Riviera below captured in all its glory, it is the views that compel both owners and guests to return for a dose of unadulterated happiness – or what the French have coined the very apt joie de vivre term for.

Its 10 minutes proximity to Monaco or Eze Village and easy access to St. Jean Cap Ferrat, with its legendary sea side walk and beaches, means Villa M Eze is the ideal place for a taste of life on the Riviera.

Address: 70 Avenue de Provence, 06360 Èze, France Phone: +33 7 85 42 40 05 Email: contact@villa-m-eze.com Website: http://villa-m-eze.com The road less travelled

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La Maison

Michelle St James, barbados

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Phone: +1 914-589-6550

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Address: Lancaster Ridge, St James Barbados Email: info@villalamaisonmichelle.com Website: www.lammbarbadosvilla.com/

f you are acquainted with the topography of Barbados, one of the most glamorous and well-frequented Caribbean islands, you would know that La Masion Michelle’s proximity to the Westmorland golf course and the Sandy Lane Hotel spells location with capital “L”.

Location credentials aside, La Maison Michelle (LAMM) is a special breed of property that caters to a new generation of holiday makers: they work hard and when they take a break, they go for the best – because they know they are “worth it”.

The spa villa’s motto, “world class luxury” is not an empty slogan and the key is in the “world-class”, “luxury” being over-sold in the noughties.

For the fortunate guest of LAMM, “beautiful” doesn’t quite cut it and “wellappointed” is simply expected, rather than a selling point.

This is a modern property in every sense of the word. The owners have, it would seem, worked from a blueprint of what every successful individual would wish for, anticipating even what you haven’t yet thought of.

Massive entertainment space with every conceivable gadget? You’ve got it. Meals prepared to your specification by a private chef ? Included in the rental package. Slick, contemporary, multi-level deck design and an infinity pool complements the villa’s private sandy enclave. It’s the perfect counter point of a tropical island’s relative remoteness and delightful indolence.

The main villa has five en-suites, plus a Guesthouse, and is exceptionally wellstaffed, even by most 5 star hotel standards.

The suites: The Shell, The Caribbean, The Glass & Mirror, The Ocean and The Safari, are all vast, share the same spectacular views and facilities, but are designed and furnished differently, to reflect the theme inherent to the name.

The slick and contemporary Guesthouse portion of the villa houses two suites: The Platinum and The Cosmo, with a private kitchen and a shared sun deck.

LAMM does not just have a gym room – given that nothing is done by half, it would come as no surprise that it houses a full spa, complete with state of the art fitness equipment, massage and health & wellness

facilities along with personal and yoga/ Pilates trainers.

To add to the relaxing ambience the villa also boasts tranquil waterfalls and a Tropical Spa Garden and lush Courtyard. The rainforest effect here is achieved through abundant greenery and flowing waters.

If you are staying long enough to tear yourself from the utter self-indulgence of the villa itself, La Maison Michelle’s concierge is happy to arrange a round of golf and/or tennis, for your pleasure.

Most guests find it hard to leave, such is the extent of the cocoon-like pampering. In fact, for an island that has everything and is intensely sociable, the owners seem to have managed the impossible: making it almost superfluous to leave the villa both for the purpose of seeking outside entertainment/ dining on the island and for going back to reality. La Masion Michelle is the ultimate fantasy destination for those who can afford to never compromise.

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L’ Olmo TUSCANY, ITALY

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wned by that most stylish and creative of hoteliers, Tonino Cacace, together with Sara Iannuzzi:, L’ Olmo was destined to become a gem of a small hotel the moment they fell in love with it. The classic Tuscan farmhouse from the XVII century already had the amazing location (situated in magical Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO heritage site) and amazing views, but Cacace’s touch has transformed it into something quite special. This, after all, is the man who inherited and developed The Capri Palace into one of the most

iconic hotels ever. It is said that he sleeps in every finished room before it is officially opened to guests, to make sure the atmosphere is exactly right and everything is perfect.

L’Olmo, originally a staging post, then a farmhouse and later a B&B, sits atop of a small hill, overlooking a seemingly endless vista of rolling Tuscan countryside, dotted with cypress trees and subtly changing seasonal hues. You might want to stay there forever, just for its spectacular sun rise and sun set, and the gardens

with their abundance of fruit trees, roses and scented flowers, to savour the accomplished simplicity Italians do so very well.

L’Olmo’s interior is characteristic of Cacace’s style: uncommonly large suites of 50-70m2 each, furnished in his signature precious fabrics, light colours and dark wood (floors and beams) interacting harmoniously. The vision and creative spirit are Cacace’s, together with the touch of Fabrizia Frezza, the architect of The Capri Palace. Each suite is named after the views it offers,

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Address: Località Monticchiello, 53026 Pienza SI, Italy Phone: +39 0578 755133 Email: olmo@olmopienza.it Website: http://www.olmopienza.it

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respectively towards the beautiful Renaissance town of Pienza, some 8 km away, the garden, the pool or Val d’Orcia itself.

The typical enclosed courtyard of Tuscan houses doubles as the hotel’s outdoor living room and the hub where guests can enjoy a drink or a dinner of Napolitan and Tuscan dishes prepared by the local chef on request. Cacace and Iannuzzi produce their own olive oil which is served both at L’Olmo and The Capri Palace and that, along with home-made jams and home-grown tomatoes, makes for a culinary experience in its own right.

The Cacace-Iannuzzi team, helped by 7 strong staff for as many suites, looks after its guests, many of whom become personal friends, with a particular blend of warmth and sophistication that seems effortless but is one of the hardest things to achieve. Along with the regular local activities – wine tasting, cooking lessons, cycling and riding – L’Olmo offers to host intimate weddings that, one can imagine, bear the hallmark of discreet and accomplished elegance of its owners. ●

BBEYOND TRAVEL

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"Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station."

Lisa St Aubin de Teran

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a Villa Es Serral best of both worlds in Ibiza

n authentic Ibizan finca owned by the same family for 200 years, Villa Es Serral has been restored with great care to preserve every original detail and heritage piece such as the milling stone, now used as an outdoor feature.

Ibiza has achieved fame as a hub of contemporary culture, making the juxtaposition between the party scene and this haven of tranquillity and authenticity all the more enticing.

Nicely positioned near the village of Santa Gertrudis, pretty much in the center of the island and within a short drive of the beaches, the villa offers just the right dose of solitude to help you unwind, along with the option to socialise or shop if you choose to.

Ibiza regulars would appreciate the constant cooling breeze there relieving the island’s intense summer heat and the vast gardens (50 000m2 of them!) planted with every manner of fruit tree.

Villa es Serral is a stone-built finca and stone is everywhere – from the quaint twin tables inside the large pool where you can enjoy your drinks without getting out of the water, to the meter thick walls, to the hand-carved stone pieces in outdoor seating areas.

The massive wood beams provide a nice contrast to the very modern bathrooms - an effect that is replicated across the board at the villa, offering a rare opportunity to experience life as it

once was, but with every modern amenity that we have come to take for granted.

Outside, the BBQ, pool and numerous relaxation areas are likely all you would need to enjoy your stay but should you wish to experience the local activities, a local manageress is available to organise boat charter, sailing or horse riding.

The villa is self-catered, however, a 24/7 number is provided for the convenience of visitors and cleaning/ housekeeping can be arranged on request.

Small enough t o ensure seclusion (there are 4 bedrooms in all), the villa is just right for an intimate wedding with a difference.

The owner, who is of course Ibizaborn and bred and very much an island resident, takes enormous pride in the restoration of this special family heirloom, which makes renting it all the more enjoyable. Decorated by her, the house oozes charm and stands out from the multitude of impersonal rental properties on the island.

Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a dine-in kitchen and an outdoor porch.

Fabulous views, vast orchards, private pool, several outdoor chill out areas, complimentary WiFi.

Villa Es Serral, Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza Website: http://www.villaesserralibiza.com Tel: +34 675 306630

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Quinta do Barranco

da Estrada portugal

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uinta do Barranco da Estrada, or Paradise in Portugal, as it is affectionately referred to, is a small quinta off the beaten track.

Its remoteness makes it seems like it exists in its own, special world and for the most part, it does.

The quinta itself is almost dwarfed by the lush, carefully kempt and manicured greenery that abounds all around. The sheer amount of land that surrounds this place is surreal.

Nature here is a law unto its own and you are constantly reminded of this. This is a retreat where you are able to get back to the basics of life and to the things that matter. It is a wholesome experience, a Steinbeck-type picture, of ‘livin’ off the fat ‘o’ the land’ (which is in fact totally lean).

You have all manner of colours thrown at you: from the azure lake that stretches

into the distance, to the myriad flowers that surround you, to the ‘top of the world’ vision as host Frank calls it, which is the most spectacularly beautiful sunset that lights up well, the world, for as far as the eye can see. You can’t help but notice how REAL it all is and envy it – we who live in our superficial worlds and drive around in metal boxes…

The quinta consists of 9 rooms. All that you want is there: a super comfortable bed, large bathroom (and bath) and an unrivalled balcony view that stretches over the centrepiece of it all – the lake (more on this below).

The salon, saloon-like in its quirkiness, is home to all dining arrangements.

Homemade meals, plentiful in supply and all totally organic, are the staple of your

diet here coupled, perhaps, with some of the local madrogna or Alentejano wine.

A word on the hosts.

Frank and Daniella are the happy (and lucky) owners of Paradise. They run the quinta as a sort of extension of their home.

This is after all where they live, which makes ‘service’ personal and perfect.

Frank, originally from the UK, visited Alentejo over thirty years ago and his eyes feasted on the virgin beauty of the land… he didn’t return to the UK but moved his life in a double-decker bus that he picked up to this side of paradise.

He bought the quinta – then a loose collection of buildings - and with his piecemeal approach turned it into the haven of tranquillity that it is today.

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Address: Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, 7665-880, Portugal Phone: +351 283 933 065 Email: info@paradiseinportugal.com www.paradise-in-portugal.com www.birding-in-portugal.com

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The quinta structure now, the pathways and stairways – all of it was conceived by him.

Something of a philanthropist (though he humbly rejects the idea), the reason when we asked of ‘Why here?’ was that he ‘thought he could make something here and give something back’. Five families in the area subsist thanks to employment from the quinta.

He also gives back to the environment.

Paradise is totally sustainable. It runs off of solar panel and waste is kept to a minimum if not recycled into the environment where possible.

Another quirk of Frank’s is his passion for birding. Travellers from far and wide come to Paradise because of his 25 years’ experience in the field. The all-natural habitat that encourages wildlife to exist irrespective of human presence provides the perfect foundation for this kind of hobby and you will find all sorts of unique species waiting for your eyes or camera. (His favourite bird ‘is the one he hasn’t seen yet’.)

The living room frames the centrepiece of paradise: the lake. Some 25km in total, it is the kind of swimming/sport experience that will rival that of any you’ve ever had – no matter how well-seasoned a traveller you are. The lake is pure. It is clean. No chlorine, no salt water just freshwater. (And for you city-dwellers, there are no mysterious creatures lurking in the depths!)

You can, as we did, take a Swallows and Amazon kind of adventure down the lake with the sail boats or canoes on the pontoon. Or you can swim as far as your limbs can take you. Whatever you decide, the sheer joy and privilege of being able to enjoy something so pure and untainted is unlike any experience you will have had.

When you think of Portugal, you may think of the expansive, unadulterated coastline that hugs the land and has become so cliché. But in fact, the real Portugal is found in Alentejo. And if you’re looking for an experience and a return to the intangible realness of life, well, then, you now know where to go.

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v Villa Suriyawatta sri lanka

illa Suriyawatta is a five bedroom family home perched above the ocean, some 40 minutess from the historic town of Galle, on the edge of the bay of Weligama, and just a few kilometers from the blue whale watching boats’ departure point.

The house is a rectangular shape with four en-suite air conditioned bedrooms at the front, two on each side of a small inner courtyard, and two twin bedrooms. The sitting room, with a full Sat TV/DVD and surrounding sound technology, opens on a front terrace and lawn area. The garden speakers are linked to a Sonos system to play music wirelessly from your phone or tablet. The kitchen, off the main building, is selfcontained for the use of guests or left entirely to the chef.

The lower terrace houses the pool and just a few steps further down is a private gate opening onto a small beach.

The lagoon offers safe swimming and snorkelling, and between mid-December - early April there is a left hand surf break for experienced surfers.

The established gardens, planted some 35 years ago, have given the villa its name (Suriya, Indian Tulip Tree) and provide fantastic shade over the house, terrace and pool. The old Frangipani has a beautiful exotic scent and flowers.

The garden is, in fact, one of the more spectacular features of the villa, with its explosion of lush greenery, fringing the ocean and providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, the very essence of tropical life.

Contact: http://www.suriyawatta.com/

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The pool terrace, facing both East and West, benefits from a day-long, year-round cool breeze, with Suriya and Palm trees surrounding the pool. The pool itself is tiled with small Indian slate mosaic in an “Eau du Nil” shade that reflects the light colour of the lagoon and keeps the water cool.

The latest addition to the Weligama Bay is the Cape Weligama Hotel, part of the Resplendent Ceylon Group that also owns the Tea Trails up country. The hotel has a five stars Padi dive centre that offers a number of water activities in addition to diving. Although not a traditional sailing destination, Sri Lanka’s Mirrissa Harbor offers yacht charters via http://sail-lanka-charter.com/.

Villa Suriyawatta’s owner has a beautiful vintage mahogany Dragon boat from the 1950s and warrants that Weligama Bay is a very safe and comfortable area to learn surfing because of the regular break on a rock-free 4 km beach limited by the picturesque Taprobane Island on one side and the incredible Geoffrey Bawa, Tadao Ando and Shiguro Ban villas on the other.

The villa is fully staffed, with a resident manager, who has worked there for eight years, as well as a chef, two room boys, two gardeners and a laundry maid. Three discreet guards ensure the security 24/7.

Imbued with the spirit of joie de vivre, Villa Suriyawatta is a place to have fun with family or friends without ever needing, or wanting to leave its grounds.

email: request@suriyawatta.com

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"We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no sunrise finds us where sunset left us. Even while the earth sleeps we travel. We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are scattered."

Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

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Villa Beige Koh Samui, thailand

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oh Samui, Thailand is one of the most exotic destinations in the world – a synthesis of unadulterated natural beauty and man-made indulgence, if ever there was one.

Perched on a hillside on the island’s southwest coast is Villa Beige, an exquisite ultra modern architectural wonder with floor to ceiling windows overlooking tropical gardens and the Gulf of Thailand beyond.

Villa Beige is substantial, yet has just four suites, which is indication enough of their size and ultra-comfort. More of a symphony in white than beige, the villa boasts cool marble floors, with ebony wood fittings providing a visually stunning counterpoint, Bisazza mosaics, exotic textiles from around the world and local craft ornaments.

The owners have gone to extraordinary lengths to not only re-create, but perfect the Mediterranean style so beloved of sea and sun lovers, but with a signature twist.

The villa is, for all intents and purposes, a very private “beyond star” holiday home for those who expect the highest level of comfort in all things.

Everything - from the branded bathrobes, products and tableware to the private chef, personal trainer, concierge and laundry service, to the well-equipped office – has been thought of in meticulous detail.

All four rooms provide a massive 60 m2 space and some of the most breathtaking views you can ever imagine. One is specially equipped for very young guests, so that families would want for nothing. Try and imagine waking up to Koh Samui, framed fully by your floor to ceiling windows, in all its natural splendour!

Imagine lunching or dining on the Sunset Lounge, with those same views down below.

Or using the villa’s gym, perched sideways as a clever architectural addendum. Imagine

being able to spa, yoga (private yoga teacher and spa treatment staff provided, of course) and swim from your private beach. Imagine a 15 m pool fringed by Koh Samui’s famed palm trees. Imagine never to have to step out for a great meal (the resident menus would put to shame any fully-functioning restaurant).

Now imagine every high tech necessity and gadget you are accustomed to, should you need or even wish to use them while you’re there.

The villa is so fabulous, in fact, that it was a setting a Vogue photo shoot and likely the private setting of many a dream wedding and honeymoon.

No clichéd “authenticity” there – just clean cut lines and uncompromised quality in everything are the hallmark of this outstanding property. Strictly for the most discerning!

Address: Moo 3, 70/1 4170, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand Phone: +66 91 228 8972 Email: info@villabeige.com Website: http://www.villabeige.com/en/

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Rocky Mansions MYKONOS, GREECE

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ocky Mansion is an elegant and spacious family villa in a privileged wind-sheltered location above the picturesque sandy Agrari Beach. The villa is south-facing, with panoramic views of some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Aegean Sea coastline. Just a 10 minutes drive from Mykonos town (Chora), the property is a haven of privacy and tranquility. Agrari Beach, a 10 minute walk downhill, has the distinction of being one of the few secluded and quiet spots on the island.

It has retained the old charm of a private beach with its single restaurant/beach bar and its crystal clear waters.

The villa, designed, built and styled by its owner in 2005 to host family and friends, blends seamlessly into the Cycladic landscape, offering high quality accommodation in a captivating Mykonian setting. Rocky Mansion’s advantageous position, on a hill protected from the occasionally strong summer winds, affords spectacular views from every corner of the property.

The feeling of open space is intoxicating – the 300 m2 villa sits on a 5500 m2 plot with 400 m2 of beautiful verandas and has an outdoor parking for eight cars.

The property can accommodate 14 guests in 3 bedrooms in the Main Villa (one of them with two bunk beds, ideal for kids) and 3 separate Guest Studios with 5 bathrooms in total, 4 of them en-suite.

All bedrooms and Guest Studios are airconditioned and have uninterrupted views of the sea beyond.

The beach house style interior, incorporating light blues, whites and ochre, is based on traditional Cycladic architecture interwoven with local elements. The fully equipped kitchen gives onto a charming living area and a stylish library, with direct access to the swimming pool and its wide terraces.

Rocky Mansion takes its name from the rocky hills particular to Greek islands’ landscape that has an irresistible spell over most of us. We all love its easy close to nature Mediterranean lifestyle which

is effortlessly underscored in the villa’s outdoor socializing spaces: a number of two-level sitting areas and one distinct dining/lounge pergola-shaded area, paired with a stone-sculpted dining table and a traditional wood fire BBQ. The 40m2 lagoon-like infinity pool, complemented by an eight persons’ Jacuzzi, overlooks Agrari Beach and dominates the villa’s terrace, itself surrounded by a very spacious sun deck and pergola.

Below the villa, there is an enchanting rock formation with a koi fish pond, fed and kept organically clean by a natural stream, rich in aquatic fauna and flora.

Rocky Mansion’s concept is spectacular, fully-serviced Greek island retreat, combined with high end amenities, stunning views and intimate seclusion.

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"Every time you sit on a chair or a table, it has a language of it’s own and a story which we should endeavour to decode. My book explores this language and deciphers the different design periods and styles.

I am concerned that traditional furniture design’s own language will be written out of the dictionary if we do not continue to use it."

Tim Gosling AWE-INSPIRING DESIGN

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im Gosling is a British Designer with an international reputation for his beautifully crafted furniture, exquisite interiors and a commitment to working with highly skilled British craftsmen, using only the finest materials. Tim’s knowledge and interest in classic and contemporary design and his talent for sketching, combined with his interest in the arts, create the perfect blend for producing the most innovative designs.

Gosling is a great champion of British craftsmen and traditional skills, placing both under the spotlight so that they continue to flourish. Tim supports the work of fine vellum workers and straw marquetry experts and is continually exploring, researching and experimenting with new materials and new techniques. One of his passions is, in fact, to constantly push the boundaries with his use of materials and the world’s first ever carbon fibre yacht furniture is a testimony to this.

His commissions run the full breadth from private individuals to hotels, to super yachts and corporate headquarters. The brief may be for the entire space or for the design of an individual piece or pieces of furniture.

Whatever the size of the project, Gosling gets involved with the architectural and design team from the very beginning to ensure everyone working on it has a sense of the scale. He always has a pencil close at hand and still adheres to tradition by producing hand-sketched line drawings of the project.

This enviable skill enables the team to have an instant visual example of the space and ensures the client and designers are “on the same page”. It has also led to the publishing of a wonderful book of sketches called ‘London Secrets, A Draughtsman’s Guide’.

In 2015 Tim designed the stunning new flagship Jaeger Le-Coultre store in Bond

Street. Another recent commission involved the design of a London home in the style of the lavish interior of the passenger ship SS Normandie. In the entrance hall hangs a stunning chandelier commissioned from Sharon Marston, featuring fine Venetian glass and fibre optics. The fluid form represents the movement of the sea and perfectly enhances the curved staircase and inlaid flooring. The attention to detail in a Gosling design is awe-inspiring.

Thames and Hudson published Tim’s latest book Classic Contemporary; The DNA of Furniture and Design in October 2015.

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"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

ANDRE GIDE

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Beatrice Tollman Queen among Hoteliers

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he story of Beatrice Tollman could not be more timelessly inspirational, especially, or even, in our “get there quick” instant gratification times.

She narrated a potted version of it over a long lunch and had me spell-bound.

I could re-tell it as a modest-beginning -toriches story or I could re-tell it as the story of a great visionary. It struck me much later that, above all, it is a story of perseverance and consistent dedication of the kind that one seldom encounters today.

Not one single quality makes a vastly successful entrepreneur on the scale of the Tollman family – rather, it is a combination of qualities, as well as opportunity and a measure of good fortune.

Recognising the opportunity, knowing what to make of it, believing in it, injecting it with your own vision are all important. Hard work is often the unsung hero of a success story and if there ever was a poster girl for it, Beatrice Tollman is that girl.

She is more of a veteran of the hospitality industry than a “girl” but there is still something very attractively youthful in her enthusiasm and the way the Collection has embraced social media, for example. As for the “veteran” bit, hoteliers of the pedigree of the Red Carnation Collection are a rarity today.

The Tollmans built their group from the ground up and own all of their properties (as opposed to managing them for others as is the case with most).

How they did it is the stuff of a Hollywood movie and has been fleetingly told, in pictures and recipes, in a book Beatrice published, A Life in Food. It is dedicated to her “husband and partner in life”, Stanley, with whom she built a hotel and restaurant empire that spans more than 50 years, five countries and three continents.

It all started with a dream. Stanley Tollman, a pharmacological undergraduate, had been given the task of running his parents’ small hotel in Johannesburg when he got smitten with the then famous Colony restaurant in NY. This was the start of an adventure he and his young bride threw themselves into without much, if any experience, learning on the hoof – or in her case, in the kitchen. They took over a small hotel that they leased from a brewery in Johannesburg and proceeded to establish its restaurant as THE place to go to in the city.

Beatrice devoured cookery books and compared recipes, trying out this and that and working with the local talent, training the more promising ones.

Another hotel – the Hyde Park Hotel in Johannesburg -followed on the success of the first and somehow she managed to have four children over the years, as well as managing the kitchens for, and being the de facto chef of the growing Tollman enterprise. Her husband kept the identity of his “chef ” secret, but the success was there for all to see. Renowned entertainment acts and artists such as Petula Clarke and Trini Lopez flocked to the property, which was one of South

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"Our family motto is in pursuit of excellence, so that’s what we do. "

Ashford Castle

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Africa’s first truly boutique hotels, to perform at its famous cabaret. Life was no longer just a toil in the kitchens because success had opened new doors.

Somewhere along the line the Tollmans decided to leave South Africa (apartheid was still the norm of the day at that time) and landed in London.

The Red Carnation Collection was born.

The name was not randomly chosen – Stanley Tollman habitually wears a red carnation in his lapel and the name is a tribute to the man with whom Beatrice shared her vision.

Beatrice herself is quite formidable in her own way. Having reinvented herself as a chef (she was training to be a nursery school teacher when she met her husband), she also became the group’s designer-in-chief as more hotels were added to the portfolio.

The Chesterfield in Mayfair was their first acquisition in London and Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo, the latest, alongside its sister property on the same estate – the Lodge at Ashford Castle.

We had lunch at the Butlers restaurant at the Chesterfield, where the menu is dotted with red stars indicating her recipes. Some are a variation on a well-established classic; others are uniquely hers. The honeycomb ice cream uses ingredients from beehives on the roof of the hotel. Yes, beehives on top of a Mayfair roof !

It is a stylish and traditional hotel that oozes Englishness, and most wouldn’t have any idea of the pioneering spirit of its owner. Visitors to the breathtaking Ashford Castle would be aware of the effort and ingenuity that have gone into restoring its vast interiors. Vast in the context of this castle means vast on a scale that defies belief.

Originally two castles (one built for and by the Guinness family), this is a property that would daunt even the most experienced hotelier. Not the Tollmans.

Once it became part of the collection, they set about sensitively restoring it, which was a major task for a building dating back to the 13th century. The building itself needed substantial

repair work and then the refurbishment began, with Mrs T. (as she is affectionately known by her team) and her eldest daughter Toni scouring auction rooms to add original furniture, fine art and period textiles to the endless rooms. The Tollmans are not just a tight-knit family – they are a working unit that manages a succession of travel businesses together. From tour operators to river cruise ships to hotels and restaurants, they operate on a global scale, each very involved and with different roles and responsibilities within the empire.

One gets a sense of Mrs T.’s work ethic when she talks about everything involved in her daily life, from monitoring TripAdvisor reviews, checking the base chicken stock, choosing fabrics, drawing lists of Christmas gifts for her 2000-strong staff globally, organising the annual Red Carnation Staff Appreciation gala and travelling two weeks of the month to keep an eye on things. Then there are the charities she supports (proceeds from her cookery book go to Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Starlight Foundation).

How does she do it? Short nights and little food are her secret, but one suspects she must have several – an iron-cast discipline, for one.

When I ask if she plans to put her feet up at some point, she gives me a look of total incomprehension. The concept of retirement simply doesn’t compute for Beatrice Tollman.

What has driven her over the years, I wonder?

It must have been a daunting ride at times, perhaps even most of the time and especially at the beginning.

She shrugs it off with “Our family motto is in pursuit of excellence, so that’s what we do.

I always just strived to do the very best that I can, each and every day”.

Now, if we could all create an empire with our best….

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Palacio Belmonte lisbon

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ew hotels come with the kind of pedigree Palacio Belmonte has. The oldest palace in Lisbon and former home of an aristocratic family dating back to 1449, this is the best kept secret in seriously cool Lisbon.

Today, the Belmonte, set in a park of 3700 m2, is a very private hotel (also available for rent in its entirety) with beautiful landscaped gardens, a jaw-dropping black marble swimming pool and ornate interiors filled with antiques, books and artefacts. There are 10 fabulous suites with priceless XVIII century azulejos and frescos, 7 private terraces and breath-taking views over Lisbon and the river, as well as an organic Mediterranean garden. More than 3,800 blue and white tiles dating from the 17th century’s cover the walls and are a testimony to outstanding Portuguese craftsmanship.

The Belmonte is part of the DaST (Design a Sustainable Tomorrow) Collection, (XV century), having been meticulously renovated with emphasis on sustainability, for which it received a RICS Award for Urban Regeneration, presented by HRH Prince Charles. The blend of history with modern comfort, art and culture is quite unique.

Palacio Belmonte is all-related with senses, the privacy, the quiteness in noise, in the visual, in the touch, the natural smells, the taste, all the five senses are there to give guests an exceptional feeling of wellbeing.

They say two days at Palacio Belmonte is better than a whole week in a spa .

Palácio Belmonte has provided the setting for a number of motion pictures, including “Lisbon Story “ by Wim Wenders, and “A Firma Pereira” with Marcelo Mastroianni.

w: http://palaciobelmonte.com e: reservations@palaciobelmonte.com t: +351 21 881 6600 Pátio de Dom Fradique 14, Lisboa, Portugal

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Corinthia Hotel london

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he hotel occupies one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Whitehall, just a short walk from Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Buckingham Palace.

Palatial without being pretentious, opulent without the stale loftiness of some of the traditional 5 star London establishments, Corinthia Hotel London receives guests in a vast and breezy lobby with an entrance at each end, a statement piece Baccarat chandelier in the middle and well defined seating areas, with some of the most beautiful flower displays you are ever likely to see. With large scale contemporary art works, from elaborate mosaic panels to

intricate metal lift doors to paintings and sculptures everywhere, right down to the glass container grown plants, the space is an aesthetic delight. The central courtyard is full of greenery and offers smokers their dedicated lobby space.

Lobbies have taken on a new significance in the last couple of decades because of their social hub function and the resurgence of that great English institution, the afternoon tea. If lobbies were rated on their own merit, we’d give this one ten out of ten.

Do ask for a room with views towards the river or, for a truly exceptional experience, take one of the seven themed

penthouses. The Royal Penthouse has its own lift, private spa, walk-in wine cellar and roof terrace with a 180Âş panoramic view of London.

Corinthia London is a must for visitors who like their spa facilities to be not just an addendum but state of the art.

The pool is massive, the 24 hour gym spectacularly well-equipped, and ESPA Life offers individually tailored face and body treatments by a team of naturopaths, traditional acupuncturists herbalists and osteopaths.

The spa is spread over a staggering four floors and includes a vitality pool, an

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amphitheatre sauna, an ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods.

The hotel has two bars and two restaurants, each offering a distinct atmosphere and experience.

Massimo Restaurant & Bar offers Italian cuisine whereas The Northall Restaurant is staunchly British.

We love the Bassoon bar for its club-like ambiance, live music and great cocktails.

Massimo serves the best Fritto Misto di Pesce (mixed fried fish) and Misto di Pesce (char grilled selection of fish and shellfish) in London.

Corinthia is much more than just a 5 star London hotel, however. Its Jazz Sunday brunches are legendary and Londoners love the Meet the Winemaker evenings, post-dinner cocktails and Dinner Safaris that allow them to restaurant and bar hop for each different course.

Corinthia Hotel London Whitehall Place London SW1A 2BD UNITED KINGDOM Tel : +44 (0) 20 7930 8181 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7321 3001 Website: www.corinthia.com Email address: london@corinthia.com

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BBEYOND TRAVEL

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The Kristiania Lech Austria

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he rather sophisticated skiers who head for Lech every winter know The Kristiania well – how could they not?

It is, by all accounts, one of the most personable and interesting Alpine hotels, with a definitive touch or artistry in everything it does.

With 21 suites and 8 rooms (notice the ratio, which speaks volumes in itself ), this is a boutique hotel in the sense of being still relatively small, but mostly because of the way it serves its clientele.

“Subtle, matter of course perfection”, used on the hotel’s website to describe the food there, could apply across the board (in particular the service), except there is nothing subtle about the Kristiania’s interiors.

Each suite (or room) is its occupant’s castle for the duration of their stay and what a castle it is!

Deep warm colours, wood panelling, rich textiles, tartans and florals, brocades, quirky detail, artefacts, day

loungers, embroidered cushions, bed throws, Oriental rugs, gilded wall sconces, scented candles…. your senses will be delighted with it all.

Personal service takes another dimension here: not only are wishes pre-emptied, guests are actively encouraged to suggest ideas and make requests – from the most prosaic to the most idiosyncratic.

They are also encouraged to entertain in one of the three restaurants of the hotel. It may seem extravagant to have 3 eateries in a 29 room hotel, but there you have it: the Kristiania invites you to start the evening at the lounge bar with its Steinway grand piano and warm red wall, then continue at either the Otto Wagner (fine and elegant), the Classic (French) or the Austrian (as the name suggest, local cuisine and relaxed atmosphere).

The hotel has a small but very well-appointed, comfortable spa where guests can relax after a day’s skiing as

well as a super cosy fireplace room and an outdoor sun terrace with fabulous views, of course, across the Alps.

The owners have introduced an imaginative program of activities to complement the skiing, much to their credit. Full marks for the snow picnics – another inspired idea that comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect (the now familiar oriental rug, cushions and throws, as well as fruit baskets and silverware galore) - as well as for running an aromatic bath just before you return from the slopes or finding a nanny to take care of the kids for the night. And if you feel up to it and fancy a helicopter ride over those slopes, the hotel can arrange that too.

In fact, if you do fancy skiing in the Austrian Alps, Lech is your top bet and in Lech, the Kristiania is, hands down, your best.

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"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.

The great affair is to move."

Robert Louis Stevenson

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Bobby Genovese the consummate networker and his collection of ‘working assets’

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he ability to identify opportunities is a quality all successful people share. Turning your own qualities into an opportunity, however, is something Bobby Genovese could claim a patent on.

A natural people connector with an engaging personality, easy charm and formidable marketing nous, he parlayed all of these into a business, introducing players in the financial industry to one another. He would have understood the value of mutually beneficial, peer to peer networking before the word was even coined. As his clients prospered, so did he and somewhere along the line, the BG Capital Group was born.

BG Capital is an evolved version of the “turn your qualities into an opportunity” concept – it is a “turn your interests into working assets” proposition and works spectacularly well because of Genovese’s unique skill of relating to people in general and utilising the relationships he creates to cross-fertilise the BG brand.

The BG brand itself comprises several divisions: a private equity capital group identifying new investment opportunities, a capital management multi-national business

and asset consolidator, and a privately held real estate investment and development trust that actively acquires properties in the US, Canada and the Caribbean.

One of the ways his business has evolved is through his personal interests and it’s a measure of the man’s acumen and shrewdness that virtually everything he’s fallen in love with has become a working asset.

Over time he fell in love with beautiful locations and bought homes there, played polo around the world, went yachting in the Bahamas, flew planes and of course, kept making friends everywhere.

The homes, 14 of them, became the BG Luxury Retreats Luxury Portfolio; BG Parks is an ecotourism and land conservation project; BG Polo is two polo clubs in Florida and a polo ranch in Argentina; BG Yachts is not just a reflection of his love of boats (he bought Paul Allen’s former yacht, Charade), but an expanding business that charters yachts in Miami.

“It’s a new industry I fell into”, says Genovese casually, but there is nothing casual about it – not only does he pretty

much own the FL charter market, he has plans to expand and grow it on the Med, so stay tuned.

When it comes to philanthropy, Genovese has followed a similar business-like approach and rather than donate to a spade of charities (too many causes to choose from), he bought a company whose model of giving he liked, Solutions with Impact.

The company raises funds through events and the Genovese-inspired car and boat rallies are hugely enjoyable as well as successful in contributing to paediatric cancer research (they have raised $17m to date).

“Giving back is a privilege”, he says, echoing major philanthropists around the globe, but you can bet that Bobby Genovese and everyone involved also have enormous fun doing it.

Investing in relationships that pay dividends and turning personal assets and interests into businesses, not to mention impact philanthropy, is what most of us endeavour to do either or both purposefully and on a subliminal level. Genovese has turned it into an art form.

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Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

aradiva Villas Resort & Spa, a much awarded 5 star resort in Mauritius, is privately owned and managed which, given its size (65 individual villas built on a 27 acre estate skirting the island’s west coast shoreline), is already something of a rarity.

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa is, above all, a testament to one man’s life-long pursuit of excellence.

Sir Kailash Ramdanee, knighted by the Queen for services to trade and industry, is a pioneer of tourism on the island and by all accounts, a remarkable visionary. He opened the first traditional Mauritius restaurant on the island and went on to build a hospitality empire, of which Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa is the crown jewel.

When a resort is not just another branded group managed hotel, it is usually because the owners have very specific ideas and strongly-held views about the very concept of quality. And so it is with Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa…

Sanjiv Ramdanee, who now runs the estate together with his sister, is a softlyspoken, cultured man whose exacting standards are drawing visitors who expect sophistication in quality, as opposed to just clichéd luxury.

The one-bedroom villas are much larger than the average city apartment and designed in a spare, contemporary chic style with that subtle colonial touch conveyed by hard wood floors, noble materials, fabulous private gardens and pools, and of course beach views and access. Guests do not have to leave the private paradise of their villa and often don’t - for the duration.

Once they have arrived at the resort - the only resort to have a Rolls Royce Phantom on the island - there is little reason to go elsewhere as the culinary and spa experience, added to the spectacular beach keeps them captivated. A 24 hour in-villa service is available to guests who prefer dining in private.

Exceptionally well-equipped in the spa and fitness department, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa has a number of utterly irresistible Indian philosophy-inspired treatments, a tennis court and a variety of activities such as aqua gym and yoga.

And as the owners are beginning the construction of 16 new 2 and 3-bedroom villas in 2016, guests can even buy their own property on the estate.

They would appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the uncompromising choice of design partners, cementing Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa’s tellar reputation as a resort of unparalleled quality on Mauritius – set on a stretch of beach of breathtaking beauty.

They would be buying into a lifestyle of distinction. The Ramdanees have not only formed a considerable pedigree, but have ambitious plans for both Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa and Mauritius that will add the unmistakeable touch of Hollywood to both.

MAURITIUS Phone: (+230) 403 15 00

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Address: Wolmar, Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius, 90519 Fax: (+230) 453 55 55 Email: info@maradiva.com Website: http://www.maradiva.com/ The road less travelled

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Frangipani Beach Resort anguilla

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nguilla is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands and hardly lacking in luxury accommodation, but there is one place there that ticks every single box: fabulous beachfront location, intimacy, exceptional service and complimentary water sports.

The Frangipani Beach Resort is privatelyowned and its motto, “Come as a guest, leave as a friend”, is not just a cliché-d invitation, but a virtual guarantee.

The owners fell in love with the island in 1987 and decided to buy a family home there. By 2005, they had found their dream property, but rather than a villa, this was a small hotel - the then Frangipani Beach Club (named so after the eponymous fragrant tree found in abundance on the property).

Undaunted, they proceeded to buy and update it, embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.

Frangipani remains to this day a family business in the truest sense: managed by the family who seem to have weathered and risen to all the challenges of providing unique and much celebrated hospitality on a small island.

Phone: +1 264-497-6442

The resort consists of 19 rooms and a private villa, bringing the total to 23. It is small enough to book in its totality and intimate enough to either indulge in relaxed solitude or make friends with other visitors, whichever your preference.

One thing is a certainty: not only will the couple managing Frangipani make it their business to give you exactly the amount of privacy or activity you wish for, they will remember everything about you next time you visit and welcome you as a close friend.

The weekly cocktail party is hosted precisely so that the couple managing the resort can get to know the guests – and the guests to meet each other.

Frangipani is, in this sense, almost a private club of repeat clients who, by all accounts, cannot get enough of it. Whether you choose to stay in a simple room, in one of the eight suites (with their own kitchen facilities) or in the 4-bedroom villa, you would never feel crowded, but you will enjoy the infinity pool, the private beach access, the Straw Hat restaurant (tipped by Conde

Nast as one of the 50 Hot New Restaurants of the World) with its own resident chef, the fitness room overlooking fabulous Meads Bay, the tennis court and the variety of water sports, including Frangpipani’s own Hobie catamaran available to explore and island hop or simply enjoy a sunset cruise.

It is a nice touch that all water sports are complimentary, including boat trips to sightsee around the island, kayaking, stand up paddle boards, tubing, water skiing, and wake boarding.

This mini-resort has recently been refurbished in an upscale eco Caribbean chic style, using drift wood sculptures and local art throughout.

Frangipani offers a mix of intimacy and luxury hard to replicate anywhere and is also quite unique on Anguilla itself, making it hands down one of the absolute top, must go to destinations in the Eastern Caribbeans.

Address: West End Village, Meads Bay, Anguilla Email: info@frangipaniresort.com Website: http://www.frangipaniresort.com/ The road less travelled

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"To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted."

BILL BRYSON

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Hacienda Ucazanaztacua LAKE Patzcuaro, Michoacan, MEXICO

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way from kitsch seaside resorts, ingeniously conceived and tastefully executed is a Mexican Hacienda-style hotel that would enchant lovers of stylish authenticity, elegance and comfort.

Hacienda Ucazanaztacua is named after the locally grown ucaz fruit that has wonderful body-cleansing properties. It is the brain child of Rafael Pereznares García, its owner-manager who built it from scratch after he fell in love with the area. This is the heartland of Purepecha country, in the state of Michoacan, a region of rich and distinctive heritage, indigenous culture and craftsmanship.

The property itself, built on 1 ha of landscaped gardens, on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, has seven large (royal) suites overlooking the lake and offering visitors a splendid vista across (The Reina Ireri suite has panoramic views of the islands and mountains).

Constructed of some 30 000 sun-dried adobe bricks and hand-cut timber, this is an impressive interpretation of the traditional Mexican hacienda, with its wood-panelled ceilings, terracotta floors (hand-waxed every

fortnight), fireplace-heated rooms and an array of regional artisanal crafts throughout.

To enhance the atmosphere of authenticity, the owner has resolved to forgo TV sets, although wifi is provided so that guests wouldn’t feel cut out from the world.

It would be easy to forget the world there, in fact, and many go for this very purpose.

There are no fewer than four islands on the lake where guests of the Hacienda can choose to have their wedding/engagement or wedding anniversary, complete with local purrepechas walking the bride to the altar.

The ceremony is followed by a veritable fiesta with dancing and music.

One of the reasons all visitors fall in love with this property is that it has the unmistakable hallmark of a very personal project – it is a labour of love.

Not only is service of the highest standard, with specially trained locals to look after the guests, the owner has also taken very particular care in creating a state of the art, exceptional facilities kitchen (all equipment has been imported from Europe and is of the latest and highest standard).

It would come as no surprise that he is also the resident chef, again with the help of privately trained locals.

The in-house catering, using fresh local produce, and the outdoor kitchen, have even impressed professional chefs staying at the Hacienda – an endorsement of the owner’s taste and dedication. As for the menu, it’s a mixture of international and indigenous dishes, including the muchloved “purepecha lasagne”.

Should the vast suites, fabulous views, infinity pool, gardens and great food not suffice – or if you are staying for a longer period of time – try the varied activities on offer: from boat rides and island hopping, to exploring the area and its history and handicrafts, to horse riding. In-house massage is also very popular.

Hacienda Ucazanaztacua is a destination in its own right because it will give you a rare glimpse of authenticity, culture and natural beauty – as well as genuine hospitality - in a country that has so much more to offer than beaches and Margaritas (a drink that the hotel excels at).

Address: Camino a Sanabria-Ucazanaztacua Km.10.5 Sin Número, Lago de Pátzcuaro, 58440 Tzintzuntzan, Mich., Mexico Phone: +52 443 204 1457 Email: contacto@haciendaucazanaztacua.com Website: http://haciendaucazanaztacua.com/

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Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa south africa

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elaire Graff is the most stylish estate in the Stellenbosch Valley and, quite possibly, in the whole of South Africa. It is then apt that it should be referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Cape Winelands’.

Nestled at the foothills of dramatic peaks amidst rolling wine groves and elegant gardens noted for their serenity and astounding bio-diversity, Delaire Graff Estate is owned by the man whose family name has become synonymous with the exceptional quality and beauty of their gems, Laurence Graff.

It is easy to fall in love with Africa and Graff has a well-established relationship with the alluring continent. “ I have a personal affinity with Africa and have done so for many years. It is the source of many of our diamonds, and a number of our most historically significant and important diamond discoveries, including the Lesotho Promise, Letšeng Legacy, Letšeng Star and the Golden Empress to name but a few. Most recently we acquired the Letšeng

Destiny a 314 carat rough diamond from the Letšeng Mine in Lesotho, which we have cut and polished into an extraordinary 105.07 carat pear shape diamond.

Through our foundation, FACET, we also work with three charities located in Botswana, Lesotho and the Cape Winelands, providing targeted outreach programmes designed to improve the health, education and well-being for adults and children living in these communities. - Laurence Graff Delaire Graff Estate features architecturally clean lines with the Lodges designed in a Cape Dutch style furnished with African artefacts. Each private lodge is in perfect harmony with the striking landscape. Unusually, the Estate has a permanent display of original art from Laurence Graff ’s personal collection. The aesthetic of the Estate is one of timeless elegance, effortless in the astonishing attention to detail.

“I acquired the Estate in 2003 and what followed was six years of construction,

renovation, design and landscaping - under the guidance of many of the world’s finest craftsmen, designs and architects. Delaire Graff Estate was officially opened to the public in 2009.

My decision to purchase the Estate was immediate. I’d never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I took one look at the landscape, the vista, the mountains - and I remember thinking that I had the opportunity to buy this piece of paradise. Of course at the time, I knew nothing about wineries - but the place was so magnificent, that within five minutes I’d made an offer. The rest as they say is history.”

Art lovers will appreciate the museum quality pieces both in the gardens and interiors which make visiting this Estate the most exceptional of experiences and an art destination in its own right.

Says Laurence Graff: “I have personally handpicked all the artwork that adorns both the walls and gardens at the Estate. I’m passionate about BBEYOND TRAVEL

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each and every piece, many of which have been created by local South African artists, including Anton Smit, Deborah Bell, Dylan Lewis, Lionel Smit, Cecil Skotnes, Kendell Geers, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi and William Kentridge.”

There are 10 lodges on the Estate offering thoughtfully conceived interiors and everything a discerning global traveller may need. They have been designed with great respect for the natural landscape which dominates the panoramic views and sculpted gardens blend in seamlessly.

Natural beauty, award winning wines, warm hospitality, exquisite cuisine, art and luxury boutiques are enriched with an environmental consciousness and entwined at Delaire Graff Estate to create a unique DNA. Graff ’s dream has been masterfully interpreted and brought to fruition.

“My vision has always been to position the Estate as South Africa’s most desirable wine, hospitality and art destination.

I truly believe this is something the team has achieved, and they work tirelessly to uphold these high standards each and every day.

That was our intention from the outset, although certainly ideas evolved and developed over time. I wanted the Estate to delight and surprise our guests. When you work with the best people in the industry you can achieve fantastic results - and Delaire Graff Estate is testimony to this.

With interiors designed by David Collins’ Studio, each Lodge enhances the beauty of our natural setting with double height ceilings and light-filled interiors, decorated in neutral contemporary colours featuring floor to ceiling windows which open to reveal a private terrace and heated plunge pool.”

Delaire Graff Estate is a fully serviced 5 star destination that employs a world-class team in an unrivalled setting to create the ultimate winelands experience.

Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, South Africa Phone: +27 21 885 8160 Email: lodge.reservations@delaire.co.za Website: http://www.delaire.co.za/

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Rumours Rarotonga cook islands

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he Cook Islands archipelago lies half way between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific and is one of the most exotic, unspoilt and enchanting destinations in the world.

Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 Cook Islands, is home to volcanic peaks, ridges, rainforests and a spectacular coastal lagoon, as well as the capital city, Avarua, known for its white-coral churches.

The aptly named Rumours resort (this is, after all, one of the best kept destination secrets) is a barefoot paradise, made of a number of private villas and a waterfall spa amid lush tropical gardens.

The villas are very spacious, decorated in traditional Polynesian style, and built directly on the beach. Each has its own private pool fed by a waterfall (a signature feature of the resort) and extensive outdoor living space. Personal kayaks and snorkeling gear are supplied for water sports lovers.

The shallow coral lagoon fronting Rumours has the bluest, clearest water, and the feeling that you’ve landed on a picture postcard will be with you every minute of every day.

Rumours is raved about for many things, one of which is the service.

Polynesians are a notoriously friendly people in any case, but at Rumours this is taken on a whole new level and while there, Andrew and Belinda, the resident management owners, will become your best friends.

The spa, unquestioningly number 1 on Rarotonga and the whole of the Cook Islands, is a must have experience. You can take your pick from Ayurda facials to hydrotherapy treatments and a selection of body scrubs and massages.

Rumours is the perfect getaway for those of us who are explorers at heart, but is also immensely popular for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Of the

countless beachfront locations to have a private ceremony, this probably trumps all because of its remoteness and sheer barefoot romanticism. And if you can’t wait to get there by conventional means, the resort has teamed with a couple of private jet companies to deliver you and your party directly on Rarotonga.

Rumours has a very tangible appeal, in fact - the combination of overwhelming hospitality, intense beauty and that feeling of being “lost” in the middle of the Pacific, away from the daily grind, if only for a short while, makes for a captivating experience.

Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa Resort, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Email: info@rumours-rarotonga.com Phone:+ 682 22551 www.rumours-rarotonga.com

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c Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp kenya

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ottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp is the original safari camp in Kenya and today, synonymous with wildlife conservation, as well as unrivalled authenticity.

Established and designed by Louise and Calvin Cottar in the 1990s, the camp is remarkable for its location (it is set on its own 6,000 acre private conservancy, 1 km from the Maasai Mara game reserve), continued family ownership, and creative energy.

For the Cottar family, operating the camp is a lifestyle choice and a desire to provide guests with a transformative and unforgettable experience that would inspire continued exploration of Africa.

“We see we can be an agent for change in how wildlife conservation is practised, particularly through the ‘leasing of land for wildlife’ concept that we and other members of the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association are implementing.”

Guests are welcome to get involved in community projects. They can volunteer for the Cottars Wildlife Conservation Trust Headquarters (10km away from Cottar’s 1920’s

Safari Camp) and help the trust carry out work on wildlife counts, game scouting, or helping out at the local school and health projects.

The Camp The camp has 11 large tents - 4 luxury family tents, 6 luxury double tents and a Honeymoon tent - built of white canvas with large verandas and beautiful bathrooms. All are furnished in the 1920s style of colonial elegance.

The camp is known for its first class service including superb food, wifi, a spa and a beautiful swimming pool, but above all, for its great atmosphere enhanced by the extended family spirit (many staff have been there for years and a few for as long as 40 years).

The Cottar’s Bush Villa itself is a single building comprising 5 ensuite bedrooms of superb design, ideal for single groups of up to 12 people who treasure their privacy. The villa has its own 25 m swimming pool, a kitchen that comes with its own chef, as well as dedicated staff and guides.

Cottar’s offers a number of different activities, both standard and tailored:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Day & Night Game Drives Guided Bush Walks Running with Maasai Bush Meals & Sundowners Cultural Visits Maasai Warrior School River Swimming & Fishing Swimming Pool (Main Camp & Private Bush Villa) Massage & Spa treatments Gift Shop Balloon & Helicopter Flights Fly camp

Cottar’s Global Ecosphere Retreat Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp follows the family tradition of authenticity and individualized safari service while promoting true wilderness, great wildlife, comfort and security.

“The Cottar Safari tradition began in 1919.

Nearly 100 years on, we continue to provide an unparalleled and award winning safari experience to our clients in Africa. Extending an era of luxury and quality, we return to the The road less travelled

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original spirit and essence of the ‘safari’, reminiscent of a golden era – an era of romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance. We are committed to biodiversity and sustainable commerce, and work hand in hand with the Maasai community. For wildlife to survive, people must be economically empowered because of wildlife, not in spite of it. We all love nature, wilderness, and wildlife, but hardly any of us ‘account’ for it. Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp and the Cottars Wildlife Conservation Trust are working towards annual environmental profit and loss accounts and having a net-positive impact over the next five years, meaning we put back more than we take out.”

http://www.cottars.com e: bookings@cottarsafaris.com t: +254733773377 (Nairobi office) t: +254733773378 (Bookings & Reservations)

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Responsible Tourism • The area where Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp is located belongs to the Maasai community.

Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp, through Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust provide revenues to the Maasai community for use of their land for wildlife and towards development initiatives.

• Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp is a Global Ecosphere Retreat and advocates sustainable actions in the areas of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce (the 4Cs), and supports the shared ethical foundation of being Fair, Honest,

Positive and Creative.

• Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp is currently gold ecorated by the Ecotourism Society of Kenya • Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Campp has been approved by the National Environment Management Authority • Cottar’s strive to recruit staff that are representative of the national and local communities.

• Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp utilizes wind, solar and other forms of power generation.

• Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp bottles it’s own drinking water to minimize its carbon footprint.

• The Cottar family have a trust ‘Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust’ (CWCT) which supports various initiatives (please see the trust brochure for more information).

• The camp also operates repeater VHF station and radios for community scouts for liaison on ambulance and medical needs, security issues and wildlife poaching.

• Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp has an organic vegetable garden.

We believe in being net positive whereby we put back more into the environment and into the community than we take out.

"We strive to be sustainable for the next 100 years and promote a balance between conservation, commerce, and community needs as well as the cultural heritage of safaris, and the proud Maasai on whose land we live."

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"People don’t take trips, trips take people."

John Steinbeck

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Sebastian Blakeley Practical art

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ebastian Blakeley is articulate, engaging and knowledgeable yet not easy to define in a single catchy mission statement (“tomorrow’s inheritance” on his website, true as it sounds, does not fully do justice to the versatility of his work). Blakeley is a product designer who is also an accomplished craftsman with skills ranging from restoration to wood and metal working, and whose aesthetics have been heavily influenced and shaped by his years in Italy.

He creates eminently tactile signature pieces, characterised by a combination of traditional wood and semi-industrial elements in hand-cast metal.

This translates into edgy, contemporary chic pieces such as the drum desk, that illustrate Blakeley’s seemingly effortless ability to combine great style with well thought out functionality. The nontraditional storage space – the drum – is clearly designed to accommodate USB sticks and cables rather than paper files, opening up amazing undercarriage and desk top space.

Perhaps best known for his stylised chairs, Blakeley is at his most eloquent when he deconstructs them in narrative.

He says they represent the distillation of years of experience, trying out different things, and living in different countries – as well as, for him personally, focusing this experience and energy into a well-defined and distinct point of reference.

Chairs are communication pieces, with a strong interaction between design and sitter, as well as functional structures that have not changed much since Egyptian times. Their traditional geometry is based on a rectangle or a square and contemporary design is merely a redressing of this same structure.

The structure is fallible, however, explains Blakeley, because leaning backwards shifts the center of gravity, stressing the jointing.

By triangulating the chair design, he eliminates the weak point in the structure.

“The triangle strengthens the structure and the dynamic”, he says, and you only need to observe the streamlined elegance of his design to agree with this assertion.

In profile, the Toro and Antelope look ready to spring, whereas the Mantide (praying mantis) is slightly more sedate, inspired by the dynamic of the eponymous insect.

The Parlare, of triangular construction originally, is experimentation in unsuspended form – it has no support on the back of the seat, rather, the center point of gravity is where the aluminium leg cuts through the seat. The weight of the sitter comes down on the joint. In this sense, Parlare is an evolution as well as an experimentation

piece. Seen sideways, the chair reminds one of a ballerina in repose.

All the chairs in the series are made of American Black Walnut, cast, polished and powder-coated aluminium, upholstered variously in cow hide, linen velvet, leather or fabric, and come in limited editions.

Blakeley is looking to introduce more elaborate pieces of furniture as he builds up his portfolio: chaiselongues, armchairs, sofas… One thing is certain, though – they will be the heirlooms of tomorrow, not just because of their understated and streamlined elegance, but also because they are structurally accomplished and inherently distinctive.

www. sebastianblakeley.com contact@sebastianblakeley.com +44(0)7437118407

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Namibia Exclusive namibia

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f Africa has cast a spell on you and you simply need a dose of it every so often, read on. If you have yet to discover its magic, this is where you should start. At the border of Namibia and Botswana, in the deepest heart of the continent, lies the Khaudum National Park, an area of breathtaking beauty, forgotten by modern civilisation as we understand it, and barely accessible to travellers.

There is just one person to meaningfully organise trips into the park’s wilderness - Vitor Azevedo, whose company Namibia Exclusive, has secured the only concession in the area. His lodge sits on a massive 500 000 acres site of incomparable natural beauty and represent the most inspired in African bush architecture.

Azevedo is a true original, the likes of whom one seldom gets to meet in real life. His family moved to Namibia from Angola when he was still a young child and although he did a spell in South Africa, first to go to school and later to open two restaurants, his heart remained in the Namibian bush.

And while most safari camp operators try to engage the local communities, Azevedo’s relationship with them goes so deep, it could be the stuff of a Hollywood movie.

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Sorris Sorris Lodge deck area Sorris Sorris Lodge pool

Sorris Sorris Lodge interior

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Vitor Azevedo

To begin with, the concession was granted to him by the local king (and make no mistake, in deepest Africa, these relationships matter even more than in the highest corporate corridors of power). Not only do the lodges help generate revenues for the population through profit share and hospitality training, the entire operations are geared to preserving the complex and very dynamic eco-systems of the areas where the lodges are located.

Azevedo is well aware that any incursion into it is by its nature invasive, so he has kept his operation on the firmest conservation footing. His guests can observe, in glorious authenticity, some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, including black rhino, desert elephant and the iconic green acacia trees.

The lodges are built (using local labour only) to perfectly blend into the spectacular landscapes. The first lodge to open is Sorris Sorris Lodge, which is set against the

Sorris Sorris Lodge exterior

backdrop of the Brandberg mountain, home to countless pre-historic rock paintings.

It has nine individual rooms, rising from the mountain ridges, literally in the middle of nowhere, their very remoteness a virtue.

Azevedo made the inspired decision of hiring a specialist architect for this and the results speak for themselves: huge outdoor deck and uninterrupted views; majestic boulders providing the natural canvass; camouflage colours making the units virtually undetectable and causing minimal disruption to the outside; uncompromising comfort inside.

The high drama of the African landscape plays itself out in front of your very eyes and the sense of solitude and oneness with nature, such as you have never imagined, is both healing and aweinspiring.

The lodges offer unmatched authenticity and, given Azevedo’s former life as a restaurateur, an amazing culinary experience.

Luxury is a different concept in Africa, of course, but it comes very close to matching the universal one in the lodges, because the emphasis is on great food and great accommodation. Sampling the bush life close up and personal is on a whole different level here and makes Azevedo’s a very slick operation - precisely because it is being run with such exceptionally high respect for Africa’s most precious resources – its nature and its people, their culture and livelihood.

Tel: +264 81 1006677 E: reservations@namibia-exclusive.com http://www.namibia-exclusive.com The road less travelled

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Ranawara

The Essence of Sri Lanka sri lanka

ased on a series of beautiful watercolours painted by a Sri Lankan architect, Ranawara is a coastal retreat set on the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Nestled in verdant gardens and shaded by leafy coconut palms, this meticulously designed private beachfront villa is the artist’s rendering brought to life. The villa’s palette of subtle colours and intricate local woodcarvings blend traditional Sri Lankan architecture with modern South Asian design.

The villa includes five spacious kingsize suites, in addition to two secluded, self-contained garden cabanas tucked away in the grounds. The elegant suites and airy living areas were designed to integrate the natural setting, creating a sense of spaciousness and simplicity. These are further accentuated and complemented by the water motifs: the large reflection ponds in the inner courtyard draw the eye towards the 100-foot infinity pool, which in turn offers unobscured views of the Indian Ocean.

From the villa a footpath meanders through the garden leading down to the pristine beaches. Here the golden

sands remain largely untouched and undiscovered by the outside world.

The 23 acres of landscaped gardens are home to thriving native vegetation and animals: vibrant peacocks regularly roost in the trees; grey langur monkeys swing through the branches to take the odd fruit; and five species of turtles come home to lay their eggs on the uninhabited shoreline.

The menu at Ranawara showcases the resident chef ’s passion for locally sourced and sustainable produce. Every care is taken to ensure the freshest ingredients for the refined mix of local Sri Lankan and fusion cuisine, and wherever possible fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown in the Ranawara gardens. The chef offers cooking demonstrations to those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the local flavours, spices, curries and sambols, and for those seeking a more hands-on experience, an offer to help pull in the fishing nets on the beach will be rewarded with a taste of the catch.

Guests seeking a touch of tranquility can find indulgence in the quiet spa pavilion, which sits on the edge of

the coconut grove. Let the masseuses purify the soul with a range of ancient Ayurvedic therapeutic treatments whilst the gentle lapping of the ocean adds to the feeling of escapism and serenity.

Ranawara is located in a quiet traditional fishing village, and is ideally situated to explore the island’s rich wildlife. It is a short tuk-tuk ride from the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, where a lagoon safari offers unrivalled birdwatching. Less than two hours by car, Yala and Udawalawe, the country’s premier national parks, offer the perfect adventure for spying Sri Lanka’s famous elephants, the shy spotted deer, playful monkeys, and even the elusive leopard.

Seafarers can easily journey to Mirissa to watch blue whales, spinner dolphins and sperm whales on their migration.

Ranawara and its dedicated team strive to deliver the best in traditional service: attentive yet unobtrusive. This getaway will offer the discerning traveller the foremost in relaxation and privacy in unparalleled comfort. Ranawara truly encapsulates the magic of Sri Lanka.

Tel: +94 (0) 77 136 3441 Email: bookings@ranawara.com www.ranawara.com

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"One of the gladdest moments of human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of routine, the cloak of many cares and the slavery of home, man feels once more happy." richard BUrTon

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Pulo Cinta Eco Resort indonesia

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ulo Cinta (or Love Island), in the North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is as private, exotic, ecologically pure and intensely beautiful as they come.

The heart-shaped resort there consists of 15 one to three bedroom villas built quite literally on the water.

Your island adventure starts at Gorontalo, a larger island, where you’d have mostly likely flown to and then, after a couple of hour drive, a short speedboat ride to Pulo Cinta itself.

All worth the trip if you are a Robinson Crusoe at heart, but enjoy your living comforts.

Inveterate romantics, honeymooners, divers and travellers who appreciate unspoilt natural beauty would feel in paradise there.

All timber villas have their own deck from which you can dive directly into crystal clear waters, large comfortable beds, built-in audio systems, fresh water showers, and are 100% solar energy powered.

Staff are trained to near perfection and the food is as you would expect it: local, organic, justcaught-on-the-line fresh and plentiful.

Pulo Cinta lets you enjoy your stay at the pace you choose. If you stay long enough to start taking the awesome setting as granted, and if daily snorkelling has worn off somewhat, you would still not run out of things to do. Exploring Boalemo, jungle trecking, island hopping, getting to know the indigenous population and becoming involved in conservation programs are just some of the activities on offer.

Or you can simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this remote spot, and the simple pleasures of life on the water as the purest form of escapism, but fully serviced and catered.

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort Boalemo, Gorontalo - Indonesia Google Earth 0,4503 N/ 122.293 E phone : +62 85888211121 email : heaven@pulocinta.com

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Kaya Mawa malawi “Maybe tomorrow” …. But definitely this year

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aya Mawa is a new generation African retreat in the sense that it doesn’t trade in old clichés – it has been rebuilt by the current owners with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability, integrating the accommodation chalets (each has been designed individually in partnership with Katundu, a communityrun textiles project) into the perfectly spectacular beauty of Malawi’s Likoma Island. Allowing nature to dictate architectural parameters is a very African concept.

The island has everything you ever imagined Africa to be: massive Methuselah-old baobab trees, mangos groves, untouched coves and beaches, dirt roads leading to cassava farms and small fishing settlements. Swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi are year-round activities.

At Kaya you will be transported into a world of simple pleasures. Embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the enchanting Malawian staff you will

enjoy timeless luxury and only the best of modern conveniences.You may find yourself showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your suite’s private plunge pool or simply walking hand in hand across the bridge to your very own island after a moonlit supper on the beach.

The 12 private, thatched-roof chalets, have been built by hand and exquisitely decorated with sunken bathtubs, serene and secret decks for sunbathing or a romantic dinner for two, and secluded lakeside chalets with private al fresco lounges lapped by the water. The largest of them is Ndomo house, fully staffed, and boasting no fewer than four bedrooms, kitchen/dining room, study/media room, three large terraces, courtyard, outside dining area, swimming pool and secluded beach.

For an intimate retreat, Kaya Mawa also has a spa, offering a range of aromatherapy treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures.

But, if all the relaxation is just too much, the lodge offers a number of water sports activities, including kayaks, sailing, stand up paddle board, kite surfing and water-skiing, as well as locally built wooden skiffs for sailing trips around the Island. It has its own PADI accredited resort school offering anything from a quick trial dive to full PADI courses.

With award nominated food using local produce, meal times are always a time to look forward to.

Staff are hands-on and service is much commented upon by everyone who has ever had the good fortune to discover Kaya Mawa.

Accessing the lodge via light aircraft takes 50 minutes, connecting to all inbound international flights.

Phone: +44 7453 326398/ + 265 9993 18360 Email: enquiries@kayamawa.com Website: http://www.kayamawa.com/ The road less travelled

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Selong Selo BALI, indonesia

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elong Selo started as a “love at first surf ” with Southern Lombok and has since been developed as a greener, more sustainable, less crowded, and altogether better investment value destination alternative to nearby Bali.

The ambitious project is the brainchild of two Australian investment banking entrepreneurs now based in Hong Kong and Singapore, who acquired 50 ha of prime land in the untouched Selong Belanak area 30 minutes from the new international airport. Their first project Selong Selo Residences is situated on 12 ha 120-200 m above sea level, overlooking Selong Belanak Bay, which is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia.

The duo have since built a 50+ strong on the ground team and western quality infrastructure with a view to developing a 5 star lifestyle resort with a strong community ethos and firm

commitment to CSR. Their first three villas will be completed in 2016 and will be followed by 15 more in 2017, making a total of 80 units by 2019. The residence owners and guests will enjoy privileged access to the Club House featuring Aura bar & lounge, reception and concierge, infinity swimming pool, childcare and playground, conference facilities, destination wedding facilities, 24 hour security, Gym, Yoga, Tennis court, Spa, Private Chef & cooking classes, In Villa Dining Experiences, Surfing concierge featuring private guides and lessons, and an extensive range of activities and services at the SSR Beach Club located via a private road access to a pristine stretch of Selong Belanak Beach. To mark its first function, James had his own wedding there in June this year.

Such is the appeal of the Kayu collection villas that 80% of the residences sold at concept stage.

The all-timber villas are built to the highest specification (but can be bespoke too), offering open plan living, incredible and uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Selong Belanak Bay, from every room.

The international team behind the resort includes Warren Law with over 25 years experience and projects such as Semara Seminyak, Uluwatu, Wisfin and Cangu club under his belt. Resort management and villa rentals & marketing is handled by Greg Williams (GM) who has over 30 years experience in operating hotels.

The architects, Mitchel Squires (MSA Architects) and Vincent Mclldulf (Alt-254), are working with an established master plan

by Sala Design and green plan by Dr Lounette Dyer and Nigel Grier that will ensure the resort will eventually be completely off grid and utilise

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some of the most up-to-date technology in solar, waste to energy and micro grid for power and water management. All buildings will harvest rainwater, produce electricity and send no waste landfill. To ensure the local community benefit from the project and subsequent visitor arrival the company employ and train a large number of locals across their business, representing true sustainability from multiple angles. Further they have already implemented a number of initiatives to give back to the area they love so much.

Why buy there?

The owners have fully aligned their reputation to the project and are not just commercially but personally committed with all key stakeholders and family members having their own lots.

From an investment point of view, Lombok trades at up to 90% discount from Bali and experiencing strong capital appreciation annually.

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The government remains firmly committed to developing the area with further improvement to infrastructure since the opening of the international airport in 2012 This is the first high end concept in south Lombok and prices are expected to re-rate once there are multiple villas completed to illustrate a proof of concept and the nearby “Mandalika project� breaks ground. This ambitious project is being developed by BTDC, who created the extremely successful area - Nusa Dua in Bali.

Lombok, with its untouched beaches, vastly different flora and fauna, distinct landscape, waterfalls, hiking, diving, surfing and other outdoor activities, is an up and coming destination of unmatched beauty.

If the above is not enough, the sheer enthusiasm of the owners, and their professional approach, are a compelling enough reason to check this out for yourself.

Selong Selo Mangkung Jl. Batu Jangkih Sepi Phone Enquiries:+62 812-3724-438 Sales: sales@selongselo.com General Enquiries: Email : info@selongselo.com Website: http://selongselo.com/ The road less travelled

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"You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."

Dr. Seuss

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www.beyondblack.org