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WELCOME
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here are few things better than travelling well — and this issue is an invitation to do precisely that.
We begin with the pleasures of the table. First, the legendary Singapore Sling at Raffles; then London’s Dorchester and the rituals of a proper Sunday lunch. Both destinations have very different expressions of indulgence, and make irresistible reading for the serious gourmand. Our regular style pages make an appearance before we set off, with travel taking centre stage from here on in. We begin closer to home with Destination Matakana and Destination Arrowtown, before casting our gaze further afield. Because whether the journey is a weekend away or halfway around the world, there is always somewhere worth discovering. And then, of course, there is cruising. Our cruise section is the most comprehensive we have produced, with profiles of the major cruise lines, a look at the new ships and restoration projects shaping the future of cruising, and two very different voyages experienced first-hand. We step aboard Oceania Vista for 25 days from Singapore to Cape Town, and then experience a seven-night Mitsui Ocean Cruise from Tokyo to Tokyo, with a day in South Korea along the way. Two journeys, two distinct interpretations of cruising — and ample evidence that there has never been a more interesting time to see the world by sea. Elsewhere, my personal favourite is the Maybourne Riviera, with Rwanda's Akagera National Park Safari a very close second. Both have immediately found their way onto my must-visit list. And that, perhaps, is the real pleasure of a travel issue: the places you discover, the places you remember, and the places you immediately add to the list. I have a feeling this may be our best issue yet. That is a rather big call. I hope you agree.
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WORLD
CONTENTS
23 34 36 48 58
THE SINGAPORE SLING
MARTYN NAIL CAPTAIN OF THE KITCHENS
SANCTUARY OF ARTS & CULTURE
No visit to Raffles Hotel Singapore is ever complete without exploring its celebrated Long Bar to indulge in the iconic Singapore Sling.
Clive Weston catches up with The Dorchester's executive chef and chair of the Dorchester Collection.
Beyond the bright lights of Tokyo, the timber and tradition of Kyoto and quirky, foodinfatuated Osaka is an idyllic region known as Setouchi.
THE SOCIAL KITCHEN
Poliform's Artex and Artex Pro treat the kitchen as one of the home’s most expressive rooms. A place where preparation, storage, display and seating are shaped around the way people gather.
HOI AN’S HEALING HEART
Namia River Retreat on Vietnam’s central coast is the region’s first all-pool-villa resort, offering a distinctly different approach to luxury wellbeing.
26
ANOTHER WORLD
Almost 100 years after opening, the Dorchester Hotel on London’s Park Lane has undergone major upgrades that respect its heritage while meeting every demand of a modern five-star hotel in the heart of the capital.
B E L O N G
T O
T H E
L E G E N D
LONDON THE DORCHESTER o 45 PARK L ANE MIL AN HOTEL PRINCIPE DI SAVOIA
ASCOT COWORTH PARK
ROME HOTEL EDEN
LOS ANGELES HOTEL BEL-AIR
PARIS HÔTEL PL A Z A ATHÉNÉE o LE MEURICE
DUBAI THE L ANA
TOKYO (OPENING 2028)
BE VERLY HILLS THE BE VERLY HILLS HOTEL
DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM
WORLD
CONTENTS
82
BEAUTIES OF PEBBLE BEACH Master Photographer Michael Furman presents a gallery of past and present winners of the famous Concours D'Elegance.
67 72 80 93 102
THE GOLDEN PUTTER
RIVA UNRIVALLED
At PING’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, a wonderful tradition unfolds each time a golfer captures a Major championship with a PING putter.
Every September, the yachting fraternity heads to the Cannes and Monaco yacht shows, where a classic Italian boat brand is always a major drawcard.
16 | WORLD
ASTON MARTIN HONOURING HISTORY
ARROWTOWN A SUMMER ROMANCE
A quarter of a century on from its debut, Aston Martin unveils the limited edition Vanquish 25.
Tempting boutiques, great food and wine, a table in the garden and a flourishing creative scene: this charming village sparkles in the Central Otago sun.
A MAGICAL DESTINATION MATAKANA COAST
In an age where many destinations may feel overcrowded and commercial, the Matakana Coast is refreshingly authentic.
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WORLD
CONTENTS
118
GRAND TOURING
Luxury cruising has surged in popularity as discerning guests choose the freedom of destination-rich journeys and the romance of travel on the move, leaving the planning to experts, unpacking once, and leaning into joy.
162
NEW SHIPS AND GRAND REFURBS Here's a sneak peak at the latest happenings in the cruise industry, with new ships and refurbishments on the way.
168 174 186 194 201
A JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN'S SOUL
CRUISING ANCIENT SPICE ROUTES
Angela Stone cruises through Japan and parts of Korea on a voyage blending culture, wellness, cuisine, spirituality and refined luxury.
WORLD's Don and Debra Hope sample a 25-day segment of Oceania Vista’s 2026 world cruise, sailing from Singapore to Cape Town.
18 | WORLD
BETWEEN SEA & SKY
RWANDAN SAFARI
The stunning Maybourne Riviera Hotel is often called the jewel of the French Riviera. Tricia Welsh discovers why.
Brett Atkinson discovers the wild beauty of Akagera National Park from the comfort of exclusive Magashi Peninsula Lodge.
CONCIERGE FIVE-STAR ITALY
Tricia Welsh finds a world of luxury, history and elegance in some of Italy’s most unique and exclusive small hotels.
THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR A GOLFER
IAN BAKERFINCH To Hell and Back by Geoff Saunders “The book is fantastic. I loved the details of his equipment struggles. The book made me an even bigger fan of Ian” – Guy Yocom, Golf Digest
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NO VISIT TO RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE IS EVER COMPLETE WITHOUT EXPLORING ITS CELEBRATED LONG BAR TO INDULGE IN THE ICONIC SINGAPORE SLING. WORDS: CLIVE WESTON.
I
n 1915, Ngiam Tong Boon, head barman of Raffles’ Long Bar, found his 'eureka!' moment when he created the Singapore Sling. He had experimented for many hours, mixing traditional gin slings with pink and ruby red ingredients, thus ensuring his concoction would have cross-gender appeal. He succeeded in his aim, creating an attractive, innocuouslooking drink for both sexes, but one with a memorable kick for all!. While the Long Bar in Singapore remains its spiritual home, today the Singapore Sling features on the lists of celebrated bars and hotels across the globe. As new Raffles hotels are opened, Ngiam’s sling is reimagined with new recipes that incorporate locally produced ingredients, whilst never deviating too far from the essence of the 111-year-old original. Ideal on a warm spring or hot summer’s day, expect a nicely chilled cocktail marrying the perfect balance of sweetness from the liqueurs with mouthpuckering tanginess from the dry gin, the bitters and grenadine, which is derived from pomegranate juice, giving a crisp, refreshing finish.
‘‘
Note that the Singapore Sling must be gin based — no vodka or rum in sight!
ANOTHER ROUND, SIR?
THAT’LL DO NICELY, THANK YOU BARMAN!”
SINGAPORE SLING INGREDIENTS 30mls Gin 15mls Cherry liqueur 120mls Fresh pineapple juice 15mls Fresh lime juice 7.5mls Cointreau or Curaçao 7.5mls Benedictine DOM 10mls Grenadine Dash of Angostura bitters
METHOD Take a long glass, fill with ice and place aside. Shake the gin, Cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Benedictine, Grenadine and lime juice. Pour into the glass and top up with pineapple juice. Add a dash of Angostura bitters. Stir and garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Makes two generous pours.
ANOTHER WORLD ALMOST 100 YEARS AFTER OPENING, THE DORCHESTER HOTEL ON LONDON’S PARK LANE HAS UNDERGONE MAJOR UPGRADES THAT RESPECT ITS HERITAGE WHILE MEETING EVERY DEMAND OF A MODERN FIVE-STAR HOTEL IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL. WORDS: CLIVE WESTON.
S
martly costumed and smiling doormen greet us and point us towards the substantial and very elegant hotel foyer.
At reception, Patronalla, a 17 year Dorchester veteran, greets us by name. Check-in is welcoming, seamless and prompt, which is much appreciated after 30 hours’ non-stop travel from Auckland. After leading us to the fabulous, spacious Dorchester Suite, Patronalla introduced us to our butler, Richard, who explained the lighting scheme and bade us a restful stay, adding, “I’m only a phone call away if you need anything at all.” Afternoon tea was trolleyed in: sandwiches of smoked salmon, cucumber, chicken, egg with house-made mayonnaise, and a selection of four varied and sublime sweet treats.
After a sound night’s sleep in the comfiest of beds in our large, quiet bedroom overlooking Hyde Park, we were keen to investigate the food and beverage options at The Dorchester. Walking between show-stopping flower displays, our first stop on Sunday morning was breakfast in The Promenade. Despite its scale, booth seating creates a sense of intimacy and privacy; you own your space. The ambience is tranquil, a piano providing soft background music. Looking up, we admire the classic Wedgewood-inspired ceiling, a masterpiece. Immaculately dressed staff attend tables, which are swathed in crisp white linen cloths and napkins and adorned with more fresh flowers. A medley of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, loganberries and blueberries was followed by home-baked pastries and The Dorchester butter. Mushroom and herb omelette for her and eggs Benedict for him wrapped up breakfast very nicely. Having booked Sunday lunch at noon, a stroll through Hyde Park was perfect post-breakfast exercise and relaxation. Sunday lunch was served in the recently upgraded flagship restaurant, The Grill at The Dorchester. This renovated dining space is timelessly elegant, with plenty of space between tables. The Grill’s general manager, Alexander Sumerauer, took control. Ruinart Champagne was poured with a flourish into gorgeous tulip stemware, while still and sparkling spring waters stood to attention on the table. We were keenly attentive as Alexander explained the menu and highlighted The Grill’s signature dishes. Seabass and lobster with a mango and lime dressing paired perfectly with the sommelier’s recommended 2023 Mosel.
28 | TRAVEL
Perfectly cooked beef Wellington at The Grill at The Dorchester.
Creamy meringue with rhubarb and strawberry coulis in The Promenade.
Easing into the day: Sunday morning breakfast in The Promenade restaurant is accompanied by soft background music from a resident pianist.
TRAVEL | 31
Vesper bar's adventurous cocktails honour the planets.
Subtle lighting and supreme comfort create an elegant, relaxing mood at Vesper bar.
Our alternate starter was the steak tartare, served by Alexander from the tableside trolley. A spoonful was presented as a sampler to ensure we were happy with the balance of flavours; more spice was added to pep it up. The steak tartare was paired with a 2021 Barolo, the firm tannins of this classic Piedmont red, matching the dish’s richness, texture and flavours. As a special and unexpected treat and privilege, Alexander took us back-of-house to meet Chef and then down the escalator to the basement kitchens, “the size of two football fields”, as he said. This is a massive operation in culinary logistics, confirmed not least by the fact that the hotel employs 250 chefs. There’s a private room seating up to 12 people and chef’s table beside the kitchen. The fine-wine cellar houses an array of rare and fine Champagnes and predominantly European classics — think Romanée Conti and first growth Bordeaux! We took the escalator back up to the dining room for our main course. Carved on the trolley at our table, the signature Beef Wellington was perfectly cooked, medium rare, with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings, including red wine jus, bearnaise sauce, peppercorn sauce, horseradish cream and English mustard. Château La Fleur Gazin 2017, a Merlot-dominant red Bordeaux was our sommelier’s recommended pairing. We heeded his advice, which proved spot on again. For dessert, house-made apple and rhubarb crumble with soft vanilla ice cream was irresistible. A glass of lusciously sweet Royal Tokaji Five Puttonyos Furmint, also from the 2017 vintage, proved yet another perfect pairing by The Grill.
At this juncture, one might assume that our 'Culinary Tasting' journey at The Dorchester was over. That was not to be, for on Sunday evening we returned to the Promenade, where a glass of Champagne kicked off proceedings. Piping hot ciabatta sticks with The Dorchester signature butter landed on our table. A quail egg crowned our Mary Rose-topped prawn, lobster, crab and lettuce starter. Mains comprised a chicken and langoustine pie and Aberdeen Angus tournedos flambéed table-side, where our waiter patiently combined and reduced the sauce to a perfect, creamy texture. We felt Vesper bar calling us for after-dinner cocktails. In 2023, Vesper underwent major renovations. It was refurbished with a distinctly art deco feel, in keeping with the hotel’s 1930s origins. Subtle lighting and supremely comfortable furnishings create a relaxing space. Expertly mixed cocktails top off an outstanding bar experience. The imaginative new cocktail list honours the planets and provides plenty for the adventurous. A more conservative approach might lead one to a classic Negroni or Espresso Martini. Long-serving Vesper manager Jacopo showed us through the two-tier space, which incorporates a delightfully sumptuous and cosy 'snug' away from prying eyes. Vesper is a difficult bar to leave, but, needless to say, a good night’s sleep followed. Leaving our beautiful Dorchester Suite was not easy either, but the following morning we bade it farewell. Fond memories of a special place linger and we’ll raise a glass to this best-in-class hotel in 2031, when it celebrates its 100th birthday. ▪
As we wrapped up lunch, we were left with the fond impression that not only had we been looked after very professionally but also entertained in appropriately calm, self-assured style from a proud, well-drilled team. Unsurprisingly, The Grill at The Dorchester has qualified as a semi-finalist in the UK Culinary Awards 2026. We wish Alexander and his team well, and on current form we expect they will progress to the finals and perhaps be crowned Master of Culinary Arts.
www.dorchestercollection.com
TRAVEL | 33
CAPTAIN OF THE KITCHENS
Martyn Nail EXECUTIVE CHEF
After 36 years at Claridges, another landmark London hotel, Martyn Nail transferred to The Dorchester in 2022. It seemed a natural shift for Martyn, who had previously worked with Chris Cowdray, who's been with The Dorchester since 1996 and now chairs The Dorchester Collection. Chef Nail heads up a brigade of 250 chefs in the hotel’s basement kitchens, the size of eight tennis courts. My interview with him earlier this year confirmed that he is at the top of his game. Hailing from Winchester, Martyn attended South Coast Catering College in Highbury with Gary Meegan, who went to The Connaught, another fivestar London hotel. Other chefs he acknowledges as having had a significant influence on his career include Jacob Keen Downs, head chef at Gold; the Roux Brothers; and Alain Bourdain. Martyn was also number two under Michelin-star chef John Williams, MBE. These pioneering chefs have helped elevate and shape the quality of cuisine in the UK like never before, Martyn says. “We live on an island, we have great produce, great scampi, wonderful cheeses, so let’s proudly show them off to the world.” Martyn is a firm believer that baking fresh is a key part of an enjoyable and successful dining
34 | TRAVEL
experience. “Great pastry is the foundation to many varied dishes,” he says, “so I work with the night bakers and the day bakers to ensure that everything is made as close to serving time as possible”. The chef likes to work with his team on a collaborative basis as they design and refine a dish; every dish must be viable and earn its place on the menu. It must be a truly great dish, but a commonsense approach to cost must apply too. “When it all comes together, we have a winner.” When not working in the hotel, Martyn finds inspiration “everywhere”. For example, “While the Harrods food hall is beautiful, Waitrose supermarkets also do a great job with produce”. Martyn cites Japanese as a favourite cuisine, because it is “layered and so interesting”. Fusion cuisine not so much. “Fusion was confusion,” he quips. Favourite restaurants to visit? Benu Asian and Saison in San Francisco, Noma in Hawaii. Martyn is looking forward to sinking his teeth into his next project at The Dorchester. He can’t give the game away just yet but confided that having recently developed the expansive, super-luxurious Royal Suite on the eighth floor, an as-yet unnamed rooftop restaurant will open in 2027. Mirroring Martyn’s successes thus far, it’s sure to be a winner. ▪
SANCTUARY OF ARTS&CULTURE
BEYOND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF TOKYO, THE TIMBER AND TRADITION OF KYOTO AND QUIRKY, FOOD-INFATUATED OSAKA IS AN IDYLLIC REGION KNOWN AS SETOUCHI. WORDS: JENI BONE.
B
ordered by the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, Setouchi spans seven prefectures and 700 islands. This diverse and bountiful region surrounds the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its sheltered waters, mild weather, fertile soil and profound connection with art, crafts, culture and cuisine. Much of the Seto Inland Sea lies within Setonaikai National Park, protecting its abundant natural beauty. Its perceived remoteness has guarded Setouchi’s traditions and landscapes from over-tourism, but the good news is, travellers straying from the ‘Golden Route’ can easily access this island paradise via Japan’s superb train, road and ferry network. Once home to fishing villages, subsistence living and enduring artisan traditions such as carved lacquerware, ceramics, soy sauce, sake, swords and Somen noodles, Setouchi is home to unique landmarks and a vibrant calendar of events. The iconic Shimanami Kaido cycling route is popular with enthusiasts from all over the world. Its 70-kilometre, island-hopping course covers six islands connected by seven giant suspension bridges. The route delivers geographic and cultural thrills for cyclists, who are encouraged to deviate from the path and explore. By bike, bus tour or rental car, the delights are plentiful: breathtaking ocean vistas; shrines and temples; hidden coves with a pirate past; citrus orchards that specialise in refreshing gelato or a tangy liqueur made from the ‘mikan’ mandarin orange; feudal-era castles; and Matsuyama’s iconic Dogo Onsen — the oldest in Japan — its bathhouse constructed in 1894 above hot springs that have revitalised pilgrims for 3,000 years. Then there’s the globally renowned Setouchi Triennale art festival, which every three years transforms the islands and coastal towns into a massive open-air museum. The entire event lasts about 100 to 107 days, split into spring, summer and autumn sessions, showcasing more than 260 works by artists from 37 countries. In 2025, the sixth Setouchi Triennale attracted some 1.1 million visitors to enjoy site-specific artworks spread over 17 locations. Art installations interacted with the sea, sky and structures of each venue, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape. “The Setouchi Triennale is rooted in a desire to revive, through the power of art, the fulfilling lifestyles that people once led here in coexistence with the sea,” states Fram Kitagawa, event art director. “That’s why its overall theme is ‘Restoration of the Sea.’
38 | ART
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Art enthusiasts disembarke the ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima Triennale.
TOP RIGHT: Two 8m-high pillars stand at Takamatsu Port. Partly covered with mirrors, the colourful pillars reflect the views of the surrounding port, the sea, and the buildings, altering their appearance depending on where the viewer stands, the time of day, and other circumstances. The pillars visualize the Takamatsu environment and, at the same time, they also reflect the person looking at them. – Shinji Ohmaki
BOTTOM RIGHT: Found in the Valley Gallery designed by architect Tadao Ando, hundreds of silver balls form Narcissus Garden, an outdoor art installation by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
BOTTOM LEFT: The late Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin. The yellow pumpkin-shaped sculpture is recognised as an iconic symbol of Benesse Art Site and the entire island of Naoshima. The installation was created for the 1994 exhibition Open Air ‘94 ‘Out of Bounds’, which saw art works exhibited in the environs of Benesse House Museum.
“It was the Setouchi Triennale that decided to enhance the existing appeal of the region by embedding the artworks in natural environments instead of sealing them away inside museums,” he explains. “When visitors travel from island to island to see various works, they’re also encountering the region’s many charms. The festival is a space for experiences that cannot be had anywhere else… and certainly not via smartphone!” True to its objectives, the festival has spurred a marked community revitalisation, luring Japanese families and 'seachangers' from the cities in search of sustainable, nature-connected lifestyles. Another phenomenon is the influx of volunteers known as the Koebi-tai or 'Little Shrimp Squad', who help in constructing venues, information desks and assembling artworks. In 2025, there were around 50,000 sign-ups and, according to event data, 20 per cent were international visitors. Naoshima Island is a prime example of rehabilitation through art. A pleasant ferry ride from the port city of Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa prefecture, Naoshima is home to the Mitsubishi Materials copper refinery and smelter. Since the late 1980s, the island has benefitted from the considerable vision and investment by billionaire publishing heir Soichiro Fukutake, who is revered as the pioneer of art on the islands. Creator of the Setouchi Triennale and the Benesse Art Site, Fukutake champions the concept of “finding happiness in good communities” by reviving “the diverse, rich, cultural tapestry of regional areas”. The word Benesse is derived from the Latin for wellbeing. In his foundation’s rationale, Fukutake states, “I became convinced that the region could be
40 | ART
transformed by establishing attractive contemporary art museums bearing a critical message towards modern society on the very islands where Japan’s primeval landscape still survives. “I acted based on my convictions. I found that young people started to visit Naoshima in large numbers to see contemporary art. During their visits, they sometimes noticed that rural areas have qualities
Three somen noodle-making machines once used on Teshima are integrated into the space through a web of red threads. The islanders showed the artist the machines, telling her that although they were no longer needed, they were too precious to discard. The artist weaves together Teshima's way of life and its memories, the voices of the islanders and the things they have kept, preserving them for the future. ART | 41
Kankakei Gorge, which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, is a national park and Japanese heritage site where visitors can observe the island's endemic plants and unusual rock formations. Aoki is creating a lookout composed of an iron sphere approximately 4m in diameter. The work will gradually blend into the surroundings as the metal rusts over time.
The venue is the Higashi Kagawa Glove Gallery, a facility that conveys the history of the glove industry that was launched in this area in the Meiji period by Tatsukichi Tanatsugu. The interior of the old wooden building has been renovated to house installations by two artists: Leonid Tishkov and Marina Moskvina. Moskvina writes stories while Tishkov creates paintings and sculptures. Together, they tell the tale of the birth of gloves. One of the installations, entitled Everyone's Hands: Let's Knit Gloves that Reach to the Moon!, was knitted from old clothes by the local people. The artists explain that old clothes represent the lives and memories of the people who wore them.
ART | 43
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: An aerial view shows the striking geometry of Chichu Art Museum, constructed in 2004 as “a site rethinking the relationship between nature and people”. BOTTOM: Chichu Art Museum showcases international artists including Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria.
that cities do not. I was astonished and delighted to see that local residents, especially the elderly, became increasingly vibrant and healthy as they interacted with visitors.” The self-proclaimed regional entrepreneur asserts that the economy should serve culture in the name of “public-interest capitalism”. “People cannot attain spiritual fulfilment through economic activity alone,” he says. “I believe that if economic prosperity is made the only objective, then people will ultimately become unhappy. I believe that the economy exists to create good communities where people can find happiness and a society filled with smiling, happy seniors.” Under his nurturing, Naoshima’s villages, steep hills and idyllic beaches have become the backdrop for inspiring installations and world-class permanent museums like Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Naoshima New Museum of Art — massive geometric concrete forms designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando. Chichu (Japanese for 'underground') Art Museum is a subterranean gallery housing site-specific works by artists of the calibre of Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria. Benesse House Museum opened in 1992 as a facility integrating a contemporary art museum with a 65room hotel complex, based on the philosophy of the 'coexistence of nature, art and architecture'. The most recent Benesse project, Naoshima New Museum of Art, opened in May 2025. Set on a hill and surrounded by greenery, it comprises three floors of
modern art representing artists from all parts of Asia. But it’s not just the monumental that houses artistic expression. At street level, in the Honmura district — characterised by traditional wooden buildings with yakisugi (burnt-cedar walls) — shrines, temples, offices and vacant houses have been repurposed as Art House Project, a series of installations by artists like Hiroshi Sugimoto and Miyajima Tatsuo. Then there are Naoshima’s mesmerising waterfront works, including Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin at Miyanoura Port, Yellow Pumpkin on its own pier, and Cultural Melting Bath by artist Cai Guo-Qiang, a Chinese Taihu rock sculpture park nestled in a tranquil, beachfront grove, complete with outdoor Jacuzzi for the exclusive use of guests of Benesse House. For travellers year-round, there is no shortage of accommodation on Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, or the small islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea. You can step back in time and experience the charm and mindful design of ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with hot-spring onsen or assume the status of Lord of Ozu Castle for one night — complete with Samurai welcome, banquet and futon beds in the castle keep — or opt for the mod-cons of wellness retreats that blend the best of East and West. So successful is the region’s renaissance, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group plans three distinctive boutique properties strategically located around the Seto Inland Sea. Scheduled for launch between 2027 and 2030, the three resorts draw on the talents of Japanese artisans to set a new benchmark in bespoke hospitality.
ART | 45
This work brings together a wooden hull form sitting abandoned in a shipyard in Uwajima for the last 30 years with a disused latch needle factory. The corrugated slate that covered the walls and roof of the factory has been removed to reveal the building’s skeleton, with the hull form sitting upside down on the floor. – Shinro Ohtake
Opening in 2027, Mandarin Oriental Setouchi at Takamatsu will be a 92-room urban resort situated on the waterfront of Takamatsu, known as the gateway to Setouchi. With panoramic views over the port and to the islands beyond, the resort is ideally positioned for visitors wishing to explore the Seto Inland Sea. Mandarin Oriental Setouchi at Naoshima will also open in 2027. This 22-room contemporary Japanese ryokan is set in a picturesque fishing village on a site that has been the residence of the established Miyake clan for over 800 years. Traditional ryokan-style guest suites and villas evoking simple, elegant Japanese design, will occupy a central building and three village houses, while private terraces and gardens will endow the resort with authentic ambience.
the luxury motor yacht will transport guests to the islands, tailoring each journey to the varied itineraries, events and seasonal specialties. There is so much to savour in Setouchi, where the collaboration of culture and corporations has created a blueprint for regional renewal. Surrounded by sea, Setouchi offers us the rare opportunity to slow our pace, take the scenic route, witness time-honoured traditions and delve into a richly-layered destination where art, landscape and hospitality exist in harmony. ▪ The 2028 Setouchi Triennale will be held in three sessions: Spring (18 April-25 May), Summer (1-13 August), and Autumn (3 October-9 November).
The third property, scheduled for 2030 on a yet-tobe-named island, will feature 50 guest rooms and a plethora of wellness experiences. To link the three properties and elevate the on-water experience, a private yacht will form part of the offering. The first of its kind for Mandarin Oriental,
46 | ART
www.setouchi-artfest.jp/en
CHUAN SPA
CORDIS, AUCKL AND
STEP INTO CHUAN SPA AT CORDIS AUCKLAND AND THE PACE OF THE CITY QUIETLY FALLS AWAY. AN AWARD-WINNING SANCTUARY OF CALM, CHUAN SPA INVITES GUESTS ON A DEEPLY IMMERSIVE JOURNEY OF RESTORATION, WHERE TIME SLOWS AND WELLBEING TAKES CENTRE STAGE. Guided by the ancient philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each experience begins with intention. A personalised consultation allows expert therapists to understand your individual balance, tailoring treatments that flow intuitively and respond to the needs of your body and mind. Signature Chuan massages, facials and rituals are designed around the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water — gently restoring harmony through touch, breath and energy.
Recognised internationally for excellence, Chuan Spa is not simply a place to be pampered — it is a destination for intentional wellbeing. The experience extends well beyond the treatment room. Slip into the warmth of the outdoor heated pool and spa, where steam rises softly into the open air, inviting deep relaxation in every season. Move between the sauna and steam room, allowing heat to soothe muscles, encourage circulation and release tension, before resting in moments of quiet stillness. Every space has been designed to calm the senses, from muted tones and gentle aromas to the hushed rhythm of water and warmth. Recognised internationally for excellence, Chuan Spa is not simply a place to be pampered — it is a destination for intentional wellbeing. Whether enjoyed as a restorative spa day, a prelude to a luxurious stay or a dedicated wellness escape, each visit encourages reconnection with self. At Chuan Spa at Cordis Auckland, wellness is experienced slowly, deeply and meaningfully — an award-winning ritual of balance, serenity and renewal in the heart of the city.
RESERVE YOUR SPA VISIT: LEVEL 2, CORDIS, AUCKLAND +64 (9) 300 2960 | CDAKL.INFO@CHUANSPA.COM
THE SOCIAL KITCHEN POLIFORM'S ARTEX AND ARTEX PRO TREAT THE KITCHEN AS ONE OF THE HOME’S MOST EXPRESSIVE ROOMS. A PLACE WHERE PREPARATION, STORAGE, DISPLAY AND SEATING ARE SHAPED AROUND THE WAY PEOPLE GATHER.
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Artex Pro brings the working island, illuminated storage, sideboard and adjoining dining area into one continuous composition.
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he contemporary kitchen has outgrown its old role as a room devoted solely to preparation. It is where the day begins, where friends pause before dinner and where the practical work of a home meets its social life. In summer, that role becomes even more apparent: doors are open, meals stretch into the evening and the boundary between cooking, dining and conversation feels less fixed. ARTEX PRO: ARCHITECTURE AND MATERIAL
MADE LIGHTER THROUGH DETAIL
Artex Pro reinterprets the historic Artex model through sharper, deeper tapering and a stronger sense of visual lightness. Its 26-millimetre doors have a chamfered upper edge and channel opening, keeping the elevations free of applied handles. A recessed support frame beneath the thicker worktop creates the impression that the surface is floating above the base units. The system is designed to bring the operational area into direct conversation with dining, storage and display. Deep Shaker Move can integrate extraction and organisation behind the worktop, while the Artex Pro sideboard and Open cabinetry allow the same materials to continue beyond the island. Clear glass, thermotreated Canaletto walnut, moka-anodised metal and integrated LED light give utility areas the depth of a furnished interior. ARTEX: AN ICONIC POLIFORM KITCHEN
ONE IDEA, ANOTHER EXPRESSION
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Artex shares the same 26mm door, chamfered upper edge, channel opening and tapered worktop language as Artex Pro, but places even greater emphasis on the character of the material itself. Smooth or slatted fronts can be specified across an unusually wide finish range, including solid Canaletto walnut, solid swamp oak, Corian, scotch-brite steel and glass.
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: The Open system gives storage the warmth and presence of furniture through glass, timber and integrated light.
The steel composition shown here demonstrates the model’s ability to move from warm residential timber to a more precise, architectural palette. Fossena stone softens the reflectivity of the island, while smoked glass cabinetry and black elm wall panelling add depth around the perimeter. The result feels exacting rather than austere.
BOTTOM: In this Artex composition, scotchbrite steel, stone, smoked glass and black elm create a darker, more technical expression.
RIGHT: Pull-out storage combines brown-painted drawers with Canaletto walnut and moka-anodised aluminium fittings. BOTTOM RIGHT: Timber boxes organise pantry items within the modular back system. BELOW: Artex opens naturally to the outdoors, with Ventura stools defining an informal place to pause.
ARTEX: DETAIL AND CONSTRUCTION
THE INTELLIGENCE IS IN THE JUNCTIONS The distinction between a refined kitchen and a merely expensive one is often found at the edges: where a worktop meets a door, how an opening is resolved and what appears when a drawer is pulled forward. Artex uses tapering across the opening, side and top to create a precise meeting between elements, while the concealed channel keeps the gesture of opening simple. Inside, the same care continues through full-extension storage, fitted organisers and contrasting materials. Timber brings warmth to cutlery and tableware storage; anodised metal gives the compartments definition; integrated handles and support frames preserve the clean external lines. These are details that may not announce themselves immediately, but they shape how the kitchen feels every day. ARTEX: MATERIAL, STORAGE AND DISPLAY
A WARMER LANGUAGE FOR DAILY LIFE In its warmer composition, Artex pairs solid Canaletto walnut base units with matt Calacatta Oro marble, metallic ottone lacquer and moka-anodised storage. The large surfaces give each material enough space to register, while the kitchen’s streamlined geometry prevents the combination from becoming decorative.
Ventura is available in high and low versions, with a solid-wood structure, moulded flexible polyurethane seat, non-removable fabric or leather cover and a wood footrest protected by a stainless-steel insert.
The Deep Shaker modular back turns the wall behind the worktop into a useful layer of open storage. Drawers, containers, rails, timber boxes and integrated light keep ingredients and equipment accessible, while PR21 glass tall units allow ceramics and glassware to remain visible. Closed cabinetry, open shelves and display are balanced according to what should disappear and what deserves to remain in view. VENTURA: AT THE COUNTER
THE INFORMAL PLACE TO GATHER People often gather at the island before they reach the dining table. It is a place for coffee, a quick meal or conversation while someone else cooks, so the seating must feel integrated into the room rather than added afterwards. Artex addresses this with the Blade snack top in solid Canaletto walnut, extending the kitchen into a comfortable place to sit. Ventura is the natural companion. Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, the stool combines a solid-wood structure with a moulded, padded seat and supportive backrest. A stainless-steel insert protects the footrest, while the black elm frame and olive-coloured Kitami upholstery shown here connect with the timber, metal and stone palette of the kitchen. Its significance within the story is not only practical; the same designer is responsible for the Kensington table and Leopold chair that follow, creating a quiet continuity from informal counter seating to the more settled dining area.
STYLE | 53
KENSINGTON DINING SETTING
FROM ISLAND TO TABLE
If the island is where people pause, the dining table is where they settle. Kensington brings a distinctly sculptural presence to that transition. Its base is formed from circular structural modules that overlap beneath the top, creating a composition that changes as it is seen from different angles. The effect is substantial at a distance and unexpectedly fluid at close range. The new Studio Italia showroom setting pairs the table, in its rectangular form with a black elm top and an iron spatula-finished metal base, with Leopold chairs. The dark timber continues the material language established in the kitchen, while the worked surface of the base catches light across its curved forms. It is a confident piece, but its strength lies in the balance between visual weight and movement. Leopold completes the setting. Also by Jean-Marie Massaud, the chair pairs a slender solid-wood frame with a padded seat and a softly curved, enveloping backrest. It is light enough to move easily and comfortable enough for the evenings the room is designed for, and its timber legs and upholstered shell carry the same warmth from the Ventura stool at the counter to the chair at the table. ▪
LEFT: Kensington dining table. Its overlapping structural modules create a base that changes as it is viewed from different angles. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Phoenix kitchen with Leopold chairs, where the dining setting sits within reach of the island. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: Leopold chairs around a formal dining setting. The padded seat and curved backrest are built for lingering.
www.studioitalia.co.nz
54 | STYLE
A Weekend Above Auckland Celebrating in the Chairman Suite at Cordis Auckland
From the moment we opened the door, the Chairman Suite at Cordis Auckland felt less like a hotel suite and more like a magnificent private residence. Spanning an extraordinary 248.8 square metres, it is spacious, glamorous and beautifully welcoming, with elegant living areas, an enormous bathroom, a separate bedroom and a fabulous walk-in wardrobe. High above Auckland, the private terrace offers wonderful views across the city and towards the harbour. As evening approaches, sunlight streams through the windows and the sky turns shades of pink, orange and gold. It is the perfect setting to pause, take photographs and enjoy the excitement of a special night ahead. Getting ready becomes part of the occasion. There is space to unpack, arrange evening clothes and take time in the luxurious bathroom before heading out to dinner. Later, returning to the signature Cordis Dream Bed feels indulgent. The following morning brings another highlight: a delicious breakfast in bed. With fresh coffee, a generous breakfast spread and the Auckland skyline beyond the windows, there is nowhere else you need to be. For an anniversary, milestone celebration or Auckland escape, the Chairman Suite turns a weekend away into a story worth remembering for years to come.
HOI AN’S HEALING HEART NAMIA RIVER RETREAT ON VIETNAM’S CENTRAL COAST IS THE REGION’S FIRST ALL-POOL-VILLA RESORT, OFFERING A DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT APPROACH TO LUXURY WELLBEING. WORDS: JENI BONE.
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WELLBEING | 59
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escribed as ‘wellness-inclusive’, the resort occupies its own islet in the Thu Bon River. Here, wellbeing is woven throughout the guest experience, drawing on Vietnamese healing traditions and preparations created in the resort’s herbal apothecary.
Each stay includes a complimentary 90-minute 'wellness journey' per person for every night booked.
Lumina Wellbeing & Spa, included in Vogue’s 2026 guide to 100 of the world’s best spas, brings together traditional Vietnamese practices and contemporary wellbeing therapies. Overlooking the river, the spa comprises two traditional apothecaries, eight herbal steam rooms, relaxation lounges, four single and eight double treatment rooms, two movement studios for yoga and fitness, and a riverfront sauna and cold plunge pool. Outdoor salas surrounded by tropical greenery provide peaceful settings for meditation and yoga. Treatments begin with a personalised consultation, followed by a traditional Vietnamese herbal hamam, Vichy shower and therapies such as Dien Chan facial reflexology. Developed by Vietnamese practitioner Professor Bùi Quoc Châu, the technique uses specialised tools to apply pressure to points on the face and is intended to support balance and relaxation.
‘‘
Wellness pathways are tailored around either Deep Rest or Body Balance, offering guests an immersive introduction to healing practices that remain closely connected to Vietnamese culture.
WELLNESS PATHWAYS ARE TAILORED AROUND EITHER DEEP REST OR BODY BALANCE, OFFERING GUESTS AN IMMERSIVE INTRODUCTION TO HEALING PRACTICES”
Surrounded by lush foliage, guests can embrace slow, mindful cycling through the countryside at sunrise; Vietnamese Duong Sinh movement sessions; excursions among Hoi An’s distinctive nipa palms; sunset river cruises; floatinglantern rituals and twilight herbal-bath ceremonies. Hoi An Ancient Town can be reached by bicycle, on foot or aboard the resort’s river shuttle. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading
port active from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Its architecture and street plan reflect the blend of local and international influences that shaped its history. The resort’s culinary philosophy is grounded in wellbeing, with seasonal, plant-forward Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing local herbs and responsibly sourced ingredients, under the direction of Hoi Anborn executive chef Thu Lê. As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, Namia River Retreat also demonstrates a broader commitment to regenerative tourism through environmentally conscious operations, community partnerships and the preservation of local cultural traditions. ▪
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www.namiariverretreat.com
SERVICING MATAKANA , OMAHA , WARKWORTH & SURROUNDS Online booking: avrylkinnon.co.nz or call 021 554 594 26a Alnwick Street, Warkworth, Auckland @avryl_kinnon_aesthetics
DISTANCE WITHOUT LIMITS.
EVERY GREEN A GREEN LIGHT. The new i540 iron gives you the distance and precision to take on any green. Tungsten weighting in the sole combines with a flexible face to produce the highlaunching, fast-stopping results that make every green a green light. InR-Air technology (an air bag inside the club) improves feel in the speed-focused design. See and feel for yourself how far the i540 iron can take your game.
InR-AIR TECHNOLOGY
MARAGING STEEL FACE
TUNGSTEN SOLE WEIGHT
Air pocket attenuates frequencies for improved sound and feel.
Forged, flexible face for more distance and stopping power.
Lowers CG in 4-7 irons for higher ball speeds.
©PING 2026 | P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071
SPORTS NETWORK LTD – 0508 776786
THE
GOLDEN PUTTER AT PING’S HEADQUARTERS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, A WONDERFUL TRADITION UNFOLDS EACH TIME A GOLFER CAPTURES A MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A PING PUTTER. WORDS: GEOFF SAUNDERS.
T
‘‘ o celebrate the occasion, PING produces two putters to commemorate each Major victory.
One putter is a gold-plated replica, which lives permanently in the vault at PING HQ. The other head is cast in solid gold, mounted on a decorative wooden base and presented to the player. The solid-gold putter presentation to each PING Major winner was introduced by John Solheim after he became company president in 1995. The origin of the Gold Putter Vault can be traced back to PING founder Karsten Solheim, who began the tradition in the early 1970s as way to recognise professional golfers who won with a PING putter. The first win came in 1962 when 51-year-old John Barnum won the Cajun classic wielding a PING 69 model. There are now more than 3,300 gold-plated clubs held in the highly
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THE RYAN FOX ANSER REPLICA WILL SIT SIDE-BYSIDE AT PING HQ WITH PUTTERS USED BY THE MULTIPLE MAJOR GREATS: JACKLIN, BALLESTEROS, TOM WATSON, FALDO AND NORMAN.”
Ryan Fox wields his PING ANSER putter after victory at The Open Championship.
GOLF | 69
THE PING ROLL OF HONOUR OF THE MEN’S WINNERS OF THE OPEN 1969 TONY JACKLIN
A-BLADE
1975 TOM WATSON
A-BLADE
1977 TOM WATSON
A-BLADE
1979 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER 1980 TOM WATSON
PAL
1982 TOM WATSON
PAL
1983 TOM WATSON
PAL
1984 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER 1985 SANDY LYLE
B60
1987 NICK FALDO
PAL 2
1988 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER
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1989 MARK CALCAVECCHIA
ANSER
1991 IAN BAKER-FINCH
ANSER 2
1992 NICK FALDO
B60
1993 GREG NORMAN
ANSER 2
1998 MARK O'MEARA
ANSER 2
2004 TODD HAMILTON
B60
2010 LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN
ANSER
2026 RYAN FOX
ANSER 2D
After Bubba Watson won the Masters in 2014, his solid-gold Tour-W 52-degree PING wedge was valued at $30,000.
secured PING vault. Wins from around the world by men and women are commemorated in the vault. Seve Ballesteros has the most total wins (47) in the vault. There are clubs other than putters kept in the PING vault. The unconventional 2012 Masters winner, Jerry (Bubba) Watson Jr, used a 52° PING wedge for his famous hooked wedge shot on the second playoff hole (the 10th at Augusta). Somehow, from deep in the pine straw, he fashioned a 160-yard recovery with 40 yards of draw on it to the green, 11 feet from the hole for a victory over Louis Oosthuizen. Bubba requested a solid-gold version of his wedge, so PING agreed to his request — using approximately US$30,000-worth of gold. Oosthuizen made a double eagle (Albatross) that same year on No. 2 at Augusta and PING has a replica of his 4-iron in the vault in memory of the shot. The Ryan Fox ANSER replica will sit side-by-side at PING HQ with putters used by the multiple Major greats: Jacklin, Ballesteros, Tom Watson, Faldo and Norman. ▪
SIX OTHER GOLDEN MOMENTS JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WE FOUND IN PING’S PUTTER VAULT
SUZANN PETTERSEN
BUBBA WATSON
The most expensive putter in the vault is the Doc 15 that Pettersen used to win the LPGA Championship in 2007... it’s worth $30,000.
Ping plated the 52° Tour-W wedge Watson used to hit a miraculous 140-yard (128m) hook from the pine straw to win his first Masters in 2012.
SEVE BALLESTEROS
JOHN DALY
He’s got 47 putters in the vault for tour, Major and Ryder Cup victories. The ANSER is the most common model, with 33 Majors to its name.
One legend, along with Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart and Lee Trevino, in the vault with at least one major title.
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN
TIGER WOODS
His albatross with this S56 4-iron on the second hole at the 2012 Masters (from 253 yards!) was one of the best shots ever at Augusta.
Tiger won his third US Amateur Championship in 1995 using an ANSER 2. Ping saw the title as important enough to deserve a gold putter.
GOLF | 71
The Riva 54Metri
Riva UNRIVALLED EVERY SEPTEMBER, THE YACHTING FRATERNITY HEADS TO THE CANNES AND MONACO YACHT SHOWS, WHERE A CLASSIC ITALIAN BOAT BRAND IS ALWAYS A MAJOR DRAWCARD. WORDS: JENI BONE.
I
nternational boat builders, their representatives from all corners of the world, devotees, connoisseurs, and aspiring owners, are drawn by the heady mix of late-summer sunshine, the most innovative vessels afloat and the chance to promenade among the jet set. First up, the Cannes Yachting Festival across three venues on La Croissette: Vieux Port, Port Canto and the Palais des Festivals, renowned as the backdrop of the annual Cannes Film Festival. This year, around 700 boats were on display, in Cannes, ranging from a radical, 12-metre foiling sailboat to floating palaces up to 55m, and everything in between — 150 of them making their world premieres. The first event in the European boat show circuit and considered among the most important on-water show, the Cannes Yachting Festival attracts around 55,000 visitors, and 60 per cent of those are international guests from 130 countries. They flock to this glamorous pocket of the French Riviera to see the latest and most luxurious vessels. Among the heaviest hitters in the yachting realm is the Ferretti Group, whose brands include Pershing, Custom Line, Wally, CRN, Itama and Riva. Founded in 1842 by Pietro Riva, on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, the iconic Italian luxury boat brand, Riva is a major drawcard at both the Cannes and Monaco shows. Crafting a reputation for building and repairing traditional wooden boats, Riva gained international fame in the 1950s and 1960s under Carlo Riva, who designed and built the svelte mahogany speedboats beloved of celebrities and film stars. Over the decades, Riva has evolved its offering into high-tech motor yachts, while preserving its distinctive Italian design and commitment to craftsmanship. In Cannes this year, among its phenomenal 26-boat line-up, Ferretti Group debuted six new models, including the Riva 96’ Argo Super. The 29m flybridge represents the evolution of the 90’ Argo series, featuring a redesigned stern and beach area with an integrated sun lounger on the garage door; upgraded natural lighting in the full-beam master cabin; and advanced onboard technology, including Seakeeper stabilisers and a Watchit collision prevention system. This new model introduces a series of major design innovations from Officina Italiana Design, such as a more efficient onboard layout, flexible indoor-outdoor connection and what it hails as “outstanding liveability” across decks. As premium leisure space, the beach club has been redesigned to include a large sunpad incorporated into the garage door and a versatile swim platform.
Riva 96’ Argo Super
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Riva 96’ Argo Super
Following Cannes, the Monaco Yacht Show endowed picturesque Port Hercules with 120 superyachts, including 43 launches — among them the highly anticipated Riva 54Metri, which commanded attention as the shipyard’s new flagship and largest Riva ever built. “The Riva 54Metri is much more than the largest Riva ever built,” said Stassi Anastassov, Ferretti Group global chief executive officer. “It is the expression of over 180 years of craftsmanship, innovation and an uncompromising pursuit of beauty. What makes Riva unique is its ability to respect its extraordinary heritage without ever becoming captive to it. We are proud of the icons that have shaped our history, but our responsibility is to create the icons of the future. “This yacht embodies that philosophy. It carries the timeless elegance that has defined Riva for generations, while setting new standards in design, technology, comfort and the onboard experience. Every great brand
The Riva 54Metri
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BOATS | 77
must honour its past. The very best brands use that past as a foundation to build an even greater future. “The Riva 54Metri is a powerful reminder that the best chapters of this remarkable story are still being written.” Described by Officina Italiana Design as “a masterful next evolutionary step for the brand’s classic styling cues”, the Riva 54Metri boasts a wealth of contemporary elements. “The Riva flagship, built entirely from aluminium and under 500 GT, is a masterpiece of design, innovation and craftsmanship that elevates the legend to a new level,” commented chief designer Mauro Micheli. Sergio Beretta, CEO at Officina Italiana Design, added, “Defining choices include the delicate facets on hull surfaces, enhanced by the metallic paintwork, which lend it a contemporary character without excess. The exterior appears almost sculpted, like a unique piece of contemporary art.” Spanning four decks connected by a central lift, the Riva 54Metri comprises accommodation for up to 10 guests in four cabins and a magnificent master suite at the bow on the main deck, while the crew quarters consist of five double cabins and a captain’s cabin next to the helm station. One of the most innovative features is the stern, which opens with two large doors, joined by two more in the cockpit, greatly expanding the living space of the entire beach club — ideal for launching tenders and watertoys or simply sunbathing at water level. The sundeck, covering over 100 square metres and one of the most spectacular spaces on board, is split into three large functional areas. The stern area features two full-custom sun lounges and a Jacuzzi equipped with the same system used for the pool in the beach area, allowing it to remain filled with water even when the yacht is underway.
The central lounge area is furnished with two large, custom-made L-shaped sofas, plus two coffee tables and armchairs. The dining area forward, shaded by the hard top and with a large dining table, is framed between storage units aft and a large bar forward. Among its myriad features is the onboard network that underpins the entire home automation and entertainment system, developed by superyacht tech specialists VideoWorks. Using intuitive interfaces and dedicated devices including iPads, guests can seamlessly control the lighting, personal mood settings, audio-visual systems and a wide range of onboard functions through a hightech, intuitive user interface. On board, TV screens display real-time images from the outdoor cameras and nautical charts, all designed to keep owners and guests connected. More than 180 years after Pietro Riva began building boats on Lake Iseo, the marque continues to evolve without losing the elegance and craftsmanship that forged its fame. From the mahogany runabouts that defined cinema’s golden era to contemporary masterpieces such as the Riva 96’ Argo Super and the magnificent Riva 54Metri flagship, Riva continues to demonstrate that innovation need never ignore the enduring hallmarks of a classic. ▪
www.riva-yacht.com | www.raywhitemarine.com
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25 HONOURING HISTORY
A QUARTER OF A CENTURY ON FROM ITS DEBUT, ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS THE LIMITED EDITION VANQUISH 25.
T
aking inspiration from the original Vanquish detailing and adding new handcrafted techniques and treatments to inject modern flare and style, Vanquish 25 represents a fresh take on its previous three iterations. No more than 50 examples of the new Vanquish 25 will be produced worldwide, with this special edition offered in either Coupe (25 examples) or Volante (25) body styles and in 2+0 or 2+2 seating configurations. From the outside, the new Vanquish is identified by its exclusive Skye Silver paintwork, foil detailing on the side sills and the shield vanes; bespoke Aston Martin script foil detailing, and the addition of exhaust finisher, along with stainless steel side strakes; unique ‘Vanquish 25’ badging; and a new subtle ‘V’ highlighting of the 21-inch forged alloy wheels. On the inside, the Vanquish 25 gains unique trim patterns and trim splits, seatbacks embroidered with the exclusive ‘Vanquish 25’ logo, laser-etched Aston Martin trim inlays, and a black Alcantara headlining. Three interior trim colours are available: Onyx Black, Oxford Tan, or Phantom Grey. The Vanquish sits at the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s fabled front-engined sports car range. Powered by a 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 producing an astonishing 835hp, it has a bespoke chassis and carbonfibre bodywork. Capable of a top speed of 344km/h, and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, the Vanquish 25 is as ballistic as it is beautiful. Welcoming the unveiling of the new Vanquish 25, Vittorio Gabba, head of Q by Aston Martin, said: “Anyone familiar with this iconic British brand knows the provenance of the name ‘Vanquish’ in our modern history.” ▪
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s e i t u a BOFePEBBLE BEACH
MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL FURMAN PRESENTS A GALLERY OF PAST AND PRESENT WINNERS OF THE FAMOUS CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE.
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1937 Alfa Romeo 8C-2900
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F
or the past 75 years, the collector car community comes to California's Monterey Peninsula in August for a week-long celebration of events. The granddaddy of them all, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been the high note of the concours year for as long as anyone can remember. The standard that it has set is emulated around the world — followed but never surpassed. I have had the great honour of photographing almost half of the past 75 winners and I’d like to present a selection of those automotive masterpieces here.
1954 Ferrari 375MM Coupe
1930 Mercedes SSK - Count Trossi CARS | 85
86 | CARS
1938 Bugatti 57S Atlantic
CARS | 87
1928 Mercedes-Benz S
88 | CARS
1936 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic
1937 Delahaye 135M Torpedo
1938 Delage D8-120 De Villars
CARS | 89
1938 Talbot-Lago T-150C SS
1934 Bugatti T59 Sports
90 | CARS
1938 Delage D8-120 Aero Coupe CARS | 91
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ARROWTOWN e c n a m o R r e m m u S A TEMPTING BOUTIQUES, GREAT FOOD AND WINE, A TABLE IN THE GARDEN AND A FLOURISHING CREATIVE SCENE: THIS CHARMING VILLAGE SPARKLES IN THE CENTRAL OTAGO SUN.
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here is something wonderfully unhurried about summer in Arrowtown. Amid a golden Central landscape, this historic gold-rush village — twice named New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town — invites you to slow down. Wander. Browse. Order another glass of Pinot. Stay for dinner. Arrowtown may be lined with beautifully preserved heritage buildings, but behind their facades is a decidedly contemporary shopping scene. Independent boutiques and tucked-away stores make this one of the region’s most rewarding places for browsing, with an emphasis on design, craftsmanship and creations you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Footwear designed by Kathryn Wilson.
At Seletti Concept Store, international fashion, jewellery, beauty and design come together with a distinctly creative eye — think, The Attico, Coperni, Courrèges, MM6 Maison Margiela and Bottega Veneta — while Muse Boutique offers a collection of local and international designers, with names like KHAITE, Chloé, Victoria Beckham, Magda Butrym and Paris Georgia. Te Huia Arrowtown, meanwhile, brings its own mix of fashion, including its exclusive Kapua Cashmere collection, Canadian Goose and the beautifully crafted merino garments of Untouched World. Or you might like to check out celebrated Kiwi footwear designer Kathryn Wilson.
Muse Boutique.
Seletti Concept Store.
‘‘
Provisions of Arrowtown.
And for something unmistakably 'of this place', Wilson & Dorset Arrowtown in Buckingham Street turn New Zealand sheepskin into tactile pieces for contemporary homes. Shopping here is best punctuated by lunch — and if we’re talking summer, preferably somewhere outside. At Provisions of Arrowtown, tables spill into the garden of a restored historic cottage surrounded by roses and fruit trees. Dishery occupies another of the village’s heritage precincts beside the Arrow River, where brunch can easily segue into a long lunch; perhaps even afternoon cocktails in the garden.
SHOPPING HERE IS BEST PUNCTUATED BY LUNCH — AND IF WE’RE TALKING SUMMER, PREFERABLY SOMEWHERE OUTSIDE.” TRAVEL | 97
For a different perspective, perched above Buckingham Green, Swiftsure by Man O’ War pairs relaxed bistro dining with sunny terraces and mountain views. On a warm summer afternoon there are few reasons to hurry away. As evening stretches out, another tempting reason to linger might include Bianca by Giovi, which brings an authentic taste of Italy to Buckingham Street with handmade pasta, pizza — and a relaxed outdoor patio. Its inclusion in the Michelin Guide adds to Arrowtown’s increasingly sophisticated dining credentials.
Bianca by Giovi. Swiftsure by Man O’ War.
Swiftsure by Man O' War.
Off Balance by Fiona Garlick.
Birdwoods Gallery.
Little Hut Gallery.
Jenny Mehrtens Gallery.
Arts and creativity run through the village, too. The Arrowtown Arts Trail links galleries, studios and artists across town and surrounds. Start at one end with local artist Jenny Mehrtens in her working studio, where she uses bold colours and metal leaf to create richly layered works that are held in private collections around the world. A few doors down is Birdwoods Gallery, with an eclectic collection of New Zealand and African art. The Arts Trail also rewards anyone who ventures further afield, to find Fiona Garlick’s unique bronze sculptures and the lovely woven works of Jasmine Clark in the Little Hut Gallery. In and around the village, everything is close enough to explore on foot, yet there’s plenty to keep you looking around the next corner: a beautiful dress, a work of art, a shaded garden table, a bottle of Central Otago wine… Come for an afternoon. But don’t be surprised if you’re still here when the sun slips behind the mountains. ▪
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The shortest distance from Arrowtown to Italy. giovifinefood.co.nz/bianca
4/14 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, 9302 03 409 8423 bianca@giovifinefood.co.nz
n o li a in l s e d al c A magi
MATAKANA COAST
IN AN AGE WHERE MANY DESTINATIONS MAY FEEL OVERCROWDED AND COMMERCIAL, THE MATAKANA COAST IS REFRESHINGLY AUTHENTIC. WORDS: GEOFF SAUNDERS.
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail.
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f you are looking for a short luxury escape combining food, wine, golf and relaxation, few destinations in New Zealand have more to offer. And when it comes to dress style in the village, anything goes — from the very casual to very stylish and chic. Less than an hour north of Auckland, Matakana has gradually evolved into a sophisticated short-stay destination. The once sleepy rural settlement now offers a refined blend of boutique accommodation, vineyards, artisan food and coastal scenery. Matakana is ideal for a short two- or three-day stay, delivering an experience that feels distinctly international while remaining unmistakably Kiwi. The village itself is compact, stylish and effortlessly welcoming.
Boutique shopping in Matakana Village — the Saturday morning Farmers' Market is legendary. CHARLIES GELATO Over 40 flavours of award-winning artisan gelato and sorbetto in a beautiful garden setting.
The Matakana Pub
Pub classics, local beverages and extensive menu and beer selections. In summer, the out-front beer garden is a must-drop-by venue. Tip: the Pub Burger!
At its centre lies the famous Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning beside the river. The market is a magnet for visitors from Auckland and beyond for its gourmet breads, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheeses, fresh oysters and organic produce. Live music drifts through the air as visitors wander between stalls carrying flat whites and pastries. Matakana boasts excellent cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the village and featuring local ingredients and wines from the region’s vineyards. Long lunches are almost compulsory here. The nearby wineries provide elegant cellardoor experiences where visitors can enjoy tastings overlooking rolling countryside that, in summer, resembles parts of southern Europe. The village has a vibrant culture. The Matakana Cinemas offer boutique movie experiences with comfortable lounges, wine service and an atmosphere far removed from the multiplex feel of larger cities. For many visitors, an afternoon film followed by dinner and local wine has become a Matakana ritual.
Sculptureum Matakana is a museum and art park a few minutes inland from the village and has become a must for followers of art. The park combines sculpture gardens, galleries and an eclectic private collection displaying art for all tastes, from works by local artists to international pieces by the likes of Picasso, Rodin and Cezanne. The Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail includes the spectacular Glass House Restaurant, designed by award winning architect Noel Lane. The light and airy restaurant is cantilevered over a lake, a wonderful place to try the specialty of the house, Pinot Gris, harvested from 25-year-old vines. Nearby galleries and artist studios add further depth to the area’s creative personality.
A visit to Sculptureum Matakana is one of the easiest ways to turn a free day into something memorable.
Seasonal dishes and boutique wines feature at the Brick Bay Glass House Restaurant. The Brick Bay Sculpture trail is a 2 km journey through native bush.
‘‘
BLUESTONE ESTATE – WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE.” – IAN BAKER-FINCH
Bluestone Estate Bluestone Estate is the private base for a New Zealand golf journey. Forty minutes drive from Te Arai Links, with the vineyards, beaches and long lunches of the Matakana Coast for the days between rounds, and for the companions who came for everything but the golf. Every stay is sole occupancy: your residence, your pool, your long table, and no timetable to keep to. The golf is arranged and the dinners are cooked, but service is yours to dial up or leave alone entirely. Qualmark Gold. Barefoot luxury, beautifully hosted.
Another special feature of Matakana is its proximity to some of New Zealand’s finest coastal scenery. The formerly underrated Omaha Beach lies a short 10-minute drive away and offers a spectacular stretch of white sand ideal for morning walks, swimming or simply unwinding beside the Pacific Ocean. Tāwharanui Regional Park, with its protected native bush and secluded beaches, provides a more rugged natural experience where visitors can encounter native birdlife in an unspoiled environment. For the ultimate in luxury accommodation Matakana's Bluestone Estate offers six beautifully furnished, residences, all within minutes of Matakana Village and the pristine coastline. Ranging from boutique accommodation for two, to estate accommodation for 18, these residences have stunning views and each boast a unique character. Think safari tents, cozy cabins, a rustic boathouse, a gorgeous farmhouse, and a ‘Hamptons meets New Zealand’ architectural home as the anchor residence. Unlike a traditional lodge, these residences are entirely private, catering to guests who want the luxury of setting their own pace. Bluestone guests can self-cater or take advantage of exceptional concierge services for everything from an awardwinning private chef long-table dinner to curated, authentic local Kiwi experiences.
Bluestone Estate: Elevated coastal charm with views to Mt Tamahunga.
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Bluestone Estate – a luxury homestead that can accommodate up to 14 people. Your private tennis court and pool await.
Relax with stunning views from the Bluestone Farmhouse deck over looking the pool out to the bay.
The Bluestone Estate Skywork Helicopter experience – just 14 minutes to Te Arai or 45 minutes to Kauri Cliffs.
Skywork Helicopter Service What better way to experience the Matakana Coast and beyond than from a scenic flight or a fast, efficient golf transfer to Te Arai or Kauri Cliffs — arriving at the golf course of your choice in style, relaxed and first-tee ready. SEE THE BEST FROM THE SKY! SKYWORK Matakana, conveniently located on the Tawharanui Peninsula, was established in 1997.
Bluestone guests (L-R) Ben Lynch, Geoff Saunders and Ian Baker-Finch heading for a tee time at Te Arai South Course, courtesy of Skywork Helicopters.
Te Arai: North course.
Te Arai: South course. Tara Iti golf course.
For golfers, the region has much to offer. Omaha Beach Golf Club is bordered by the sea on one side and a natural estuary on the other. The course is undergoing a careful programme of improvement overseen by its visionary administration team and highly skilled greens staff. Aside from the quality of the links course, visiting golfers will receive a friendly welcome underpinned by a choice of great food and beverages. Within a scenic 40-minute drive, three world-class courses beckon the golfer looking for genuinely world-class challenges. Te Arai (North and South courses) and members-only Tara Iti await. Visitors to the Matakana Coast can sample coastal golf at different price points, complemented by vineyard dining and boutique accommodation. Matakana offers a very balanced experience to visitors — stylish and sophisticated, yet charmingly unpretentious. ▪
‘‘
OMAHA BEACH GOLF CLUB NOW CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY.”
MATAKANA HOSPO HOTSPOTS COAST
Matakana Market Kitchen
Savour fresh local produce from a relaxed river-view restaurant — the ideal location for breakfast/lunch/ dinner — next to the Farmers ' Market.
Rusty Pelican
Serving the Matakana Coast since 1998, a relaxed restaurant destination famous for its extensive pizza menu (dine in or take home).
Jin Jin
Experience authentic Asian-inspired cuisine with the signature Red Seafood Curry. Open for lunch and dinner (with take-out options).
Vintry Wine Bar
Conveniently sits within the cinema complex and open from 3 pm. Try some local wines and order a 'cinema pour' glass for taking into a movie.
OBV Winery
OBV Winery located on the stunning Tawharanui Peninsula. Savour their premium wines at an organised tasting or simply drop in for a glass or two and an antipasto platter.
Village Kitchen
Chef Simon Hope will tempt you with a delicious selection of ready-to-go meals, including his award-winning Chicken and Leek pies and Braised beef lasagna.
Goose Bakery & Café
Sit back and relax in style — Goose is a family run artisanal bakery & café known for its hand-crafted sourdough and Polish-inspired pastries and cakes.
Ringawera Bakery
This is a one-stop venue in the heart of the village for sensational coffee, plus classical, simple and tasty take-out food with zero fuss! TRAVEL | 115
A Rare Te Arai Golf Escape 34 Aroha Road, Te Arai
ARCHITECTURE. PANORAMIC HORIZONS. ABSOLUTE PRIVACY. Set within 2.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, this exceptional private retreat offers a rare sense of space, serenity and possibility. An architecturally designed home unfolds across four sumptuous en-suited bedrooms, with sweeping views that extend across the surrounding landscape. Beyond, an elegant outdoor pool and pool house create an effortless setting for long summer days and slow afternoons. With boutique accommodation potential, the property offers an enviable opportunity to create a refined private haven or an exclusive lifestyle destination. Tucked within a secure gated community and just 12 minutes from the celebrated Te Arai and Tara Iti golf links, this is a property defined by its proximity to some of the region’s most coveted experiences — yet wonderfully removed from it all. A private world. A rare address. A life beautifully considered.
$3,279,000 Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. NZSIR North Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.
4
4
2
288 sq m 2.6 ha (more or less) Debra Hope M +64 21 930 717 debra.hope@nzsir.com Sue Harden M +64 21 926 920 sue.harden@nzsir.com
CRUISE SPECIAL
GRAND TOURING
LUXURY CRUISING HAS SURGED IN POPULARITY AS DISCERNING GUESTS CHOOSE THE FREEDOM OF DESTINATION-RICH JOURNEYS AND THE ROMANCE OF TRAVEL ON THE MOVE, LEAVING THE PLANNING TO EXPERTS, UNPACKING ONCE, AND LEANING INTO JOY. WORDS: ERICA CASSIDY.
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EXPERIENCE
3 Decades in the making For over 30 years Cruise World have been curating amazing contemporary, luxury, expedition and boutique small ship experiences to exotic destinations around the globe. Let us chart a course to your next travel adventure. With our experienced team, you’re in safe hands.
PERSONAL
It’s Personal, because how You travel matters We enjoy promoting our wonderful products but more importantly we love finding you the experience that suits you best. Our personal touch ensures we deliver on our motto ‘right guest, right voyage’.
PASSIONATE
Best Ideas, Best Deals Cruise World travels the world in search of the best products available and our team are here to help navigate a world of experiences. Let our passion fuel your excitement.
BY DESIGN
Enjoy You deserve to enjoy your entire travel experience, right from the booking and planning through to your departure date. Travel is one of life’s great adventures and we believe the lead up to and anticipation of your holiday should almost be as much fun as the holiday itself.
MADE IN NZ
Support Local We sell travel all over the world but we are proudly a New Zealand owned and operated family business. We support and work closely with our New Zealand based travel agent par tners.
EXPEDITION • ULTRA LUXURY • PREMIUM • RIVER CRUISE EUROPE • RIVER CRUISE ASIA • BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE • SPECIALTY • CONTEMPORARY • CANAL BOATING & BARGING • SAILING SHIPS • PRIVATE CHARTERS • TAUCK • CANADA TRAVELLER • NEW ZEALAND TRAVELLER
For more information contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or info@cruiseworld.co.nz
TAUCK
FOLLOW THE YELLOW ROAD
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n The Wizard of Oz, the yellow brick road represents the path to enlightenment and self-discovery, and the same could be said for the yellow routes of Europe’s Michelin maps. These peripheral roads wind away from the tourist path through the countryside, connecting villages and vineyards for the denizens, and this sense of the untouched is precisely what makes them captivating. For over three decades, Tauck has curated small-group land journeys along Europe’s slower-paced ‘yellow roads’, cultivating deep and longstanding connections with the locals. For Tauck guests, this means a warm welcome, early-opening access at landmarks like Versailles, timed-entry access to the Louvre, exclusive estate dinners, hands-on experiences that you wouldn’t find on your own, and guided encounters that are difficult to replicate independently. Tauck has opened bookings for their 2027 portfolio of European land journeys, including a gorgeous new small group itinerary that immerses guests in the French way of life – the Champagne way. With deep roots in royal luxury, life in this beautiful region revolves around the vines and their gold elixir. A Week In Champagne & Alsace begins in the storybook village of Kaysersberg, with a 3-night stay at the Le Chambard Hotel & Spa, private dinner with a chef, and time to explore the nearby wine villages of Ribeauvillé and Colmar. The journey continues to the Champagne region for a 3-night stay at the stunning La Caserne Chanzy, overlooking la Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Guests can explore the vineyards of Épernay by vintage car with a picnic lunch among the vines, and an exclusive dinner at Moët & Chandon. A final overnight stay at the Château de Chantilly and farewell dinner at Château Mont Royal bring this truly special journey to an end. Tauck is expanding their river cruising inventory with the addition of five new riverboats between now and 2028, more journeys that illuminate the charming, slowerpaced shoulder season, and innovative six-day itineraries for guests that are shorter on time. Their 2027 season also includes an expanded programme of women-only departures, the addition of shorter safaris to complement their existing portfolio of African safaris, and seven Tauck Bridges itineraries designed specifically for families. With Tauck experts handling the tricky parts, guests can relax with freedom and intention, and lean into the joy of enlightenment through travel. ▪
Europe’s Rivers, The Tauck Way WHERE RIVER CRUISING MEETS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS Tauck brings more than a century of guided travel expertise to Europe’s waterways, offering a river cruising experience that focuses as much on the destination as the ship itself. From expertly guided sightseeing and all shore excursions, to gratuities, premium beverages, and exclusive cultural experiences, virtually every detail is included. Tauck’s hallmark is its ability to open doors not available to most travellers, delivering a more immersive connection to Europe’s history, culture, and traditions. Guests enjoy unique access to private wine tastings, historic landmarks, gala evenings, and authentic local encounters, all complemented by personalised service onboard intimate riverboats. Tauck delivers exceptional included value and a seamless destination-rich journey.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking. Payment and booking conditions apply. General terms and conditions of carriage apply. Contact Tauck’s NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.
RIVER CRUISING
Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris v.v. 14 Days - April, May, June, September 2027 Prague to Paris, Onboard Ms Joy/Ms Savor
Between Prague and Paris flows a Europe shaped by rivers. Along the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube, this journey reveals castles, vineyards, and medieval towns where romance lives not only in great capitals, but in the quiet bends of the river between them. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS 2 nights Prague, 2 nights Paris, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Trier, Nürnberg, Bamberg, Luxembourg, Rothenburg, Regensburg. UNIQUELY TAUCK • Private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg featuring a reception, dinner and music performance • Enjoy a private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg featuring a reception and dinner • Stay in iconic city-center hotels, in the heart of Prague and Paris, with a two-night stay in each • Take a private boat ride on the Seine River in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower • Cruise four main rivers in Europe: the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube
See your cruise agent or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.tauck.co.nz
RIVER CRUISING
The Rhine & Swiss Alps 10 Days - May, June, July, August, September 2027 Zurich to Amsterdam, Onboard Ms Inspire/Ms Grace From two nights immersed in Switzerland’s ethereal Alpine beauty – savouring mountaineer views and a private lake cruise – to a river cruise that reveals the character of a French Alsatian town, medieval German villages, and the Middle Rhine Valley, culminating in the Netherlands. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Amsterdam, Zürich, Basel, Köln, Rüdesheim, Colmar, Baden-Bad en, Engelskirchen, Jungraujoch, Lucerne. UNIQUELY TAUCK • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner and entertainment at Schloss Ehreshoven, a German castle dating back to the 15th century • Journey to the highest railway station in Europe at the Jungfraujoch by cogwheel train for amazing views of the snow-clad Bernese Alps • Spend a private evening with dinner and a tour at Schloss Ehreshoven, a grand Baroque estate in Engelskirchen • Enjoy panoramic views when you cruise picturesque Lake Lucerne and on an orientation walk introducing you to key Lucerne sites
ARMSTRONG COLLECTIVE
FRONT ROW FRONTIER
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now-capped peaks, rugged pines. Hollow cliffs, canyon depths. Glacial lakes, rushing streams. Gourmet food, vintage wine. When you dream of the perfect holiday, do you imagine the dramatic, untamed wilderness of the western frontier? Maybe a luxurious train journey where the landscapes are framed by expansive windows, with regionally inspired gourmet meals, fine wines and the meditative rhythm of the tracks below? Rockies Refined is a 10-day Canadian escape that pairs the romance of train travel with iconic scenery, private airport transfers and sightseeing, and
premium hotel stays. The journey begins with a private guided tour, and a night in the Fairmont Gold, Vancouver; then guests board Rocky Mountaineer for two unforgettable days through British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Overnights in Kamloops,
Lake Louise and Banff Springs allow for unhurried immersion into some of Canada’s most storied landscapes. The majestic Icefields Parkway, flanked by more than 100 ancient glaciers, is a prime spot for Canadian wildlife, or visit the Glacier Skywalk, a dramatic glass-floor observatory. The final stop is a night at the historic Fairmont Palliser in Calgary. Also coming in 2027 is GoldLeaf Grand, an evolution of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf experience, with redesigned interiors, fewer guests, enhanced service and greater dining flexibility. Travellers wishing to roam the American West can join the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer aboard Canyon Spirit. This immersive 8-day journey takes in geothermal wonders, charming townships and natural beauty, with iconic sites like Old Faithful,
Grand Prismatic Spring, and Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Journey through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, stopping for views across the Teton Range, Snake River and Bear Lake. Guests board Canyon Spirit in Salt Lake City for three scenic days through Utah and Colorado, before descending through Price River Canyon and the Book Cliffs. An overnight in Moab creates time to experience the desert landscape, before following the Colorado River to Denver. Perhaps you want to marvel at snow-capped mountains in Western Canada. Maybe your heart calls you to the soaring canyons of the American Southwest, or you might want to cap off your Alaskan cruise or Heber Valley golf holiday with an unhurried adventure. Whichever part of the continent’s storied West you seek, train travel is a natural way to connect with this glorious part of the world. ▪
Discover the American Southwest
Premier upgrade
Signature experience
From the visionaries behind Rocky Mountaineer comes Canyon Spirit, an elevated rail experience shaped by over 35 years of world-class hospitality. CONTACT YOUR CRUISE WORLD ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS
ALL ABOARD AMAZING STARTS HERE.
GoldLeaf Service
SilverLeaf Service
A journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride through the Canadian Rockies. It’s the key to a hidden world of shifting landscapes and unparalleled beauty.
BOOK WITH US AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE www.cruiseworld.co.nz
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
T
MODERN ODYSSEY
he romance of yachting has captured human imagination for millennia. Setting out across the open water in a small group of kindred adventurers, with a destination in mind and the journey there yet to unfold; ocean exploration is a transformative experience that leaves voyagers changed for the better. But unlike the nautes (sailors) of Greek mythology who roughed it at the whim of Mother Nature and her mercurial winds, guests aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages have all the exhilaration and adventure, savoured in beautiful comfort. Atlas Adventurer is the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, a forward-thinking ship that marks the next evolution of wind-assisted global exploration and expands the reach of the Atlas fleet. A game-changer for cruising, she combines purpose-built technology with the comfort and grace of modern yachting. Three carbon masts and solid sails enable high speed, zero-emission sailing when conditions at sea permit, allowing for a soundless presence on the water. This masterful fusion of cutting-edge electric propulsion with classical wind innovation from the 15th-century Age of Sail means that Atlas Adventurer can glide into some of the world’s most exclusive ports. Spacious, light-filled all-suite accommodations are fitted with beautiful details, including marble spa bathrooms, L’Occitane amenities, and sweeping sea views, most with
private verandas or Juliet balconies. Guests can choose from expansive Reserve suites with their own private butler, to elegant Concierge or Signature suites that invite connection with the world outside, and effortless living at sea. Atlas Adventurer’s enhanced culinary offering embodies her spirit of exploration, with an everchanging global menu curated by well-travelled chefs. Guests can swap stories with fellow adventurers over Champagne and gourmet canapes, savour an exquisite meal of epicurean delights at one of seven dining venues, or learn new techniques in the culinary studio. Along with expansive social spaces and a large outdoor pool, the yacht offers Zodiacs, luxury motorboats, open-air decks, and a marina platform with an ocean pool for waterbased exploration. Atlas Adventurer embarks on her inaugural voyage in November 2028. The Grand Odyssey Expedition sails from Asia to Africa over 128 nights. Far from being just passengers, Atlas guests are part of a shared adventure with the officers, crew and local guides, united by insatiable curiosity about the world. ▪
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
Intimate Ships. Extraordinary Experiences. From Antarctica to the Mediterranean, explore more with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Discover Atlas Ocean Voyages, where luxury meets adventure in a style perfectly suited to New Zealand travellers - casual elegance with immersive destination experiences. Atlas offers intimate yacht-style voyages that focus on authentic exploration, and guests enjoy personalised service, thoughtfully included experiences, and access to remarkable destinations. Whether exploring remote polar regions, picturesque European coastlines, or hidden cultural gems around the world, Atlas Ocean Voyages delivers a relaxed, sophisticated expedition style cruise for travellers who value enriching experiences, and genuine discovery while travelling in comfort and style.
Why Atlas Ocean Voyages Adventure Meets Luxury •
All-inclusive lifestyle of relaxed, refined luxury
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Spacious accommodations
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Stylish social spaces, and open-air decks with panoramic views
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Sleek exteriors and cutting-edge engineering to navigate fjords to • secluded tropical coves •
Enrichment programs tailored to each destination
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Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B hardware for uncharted exploration
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Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Expeditions small-group excursions ashore
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Hybrid power and dynamic positioning systems to protect delicate ecosystems
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Opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing or other adventures directly from the yacht
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Quiet hydro-jet or wind propulsion for wildlife viewing without disturbing environments
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World-class expedition teams - in-depth, firsthand knowledge Zodiac safaris and shore landings included on Polar Expeditions
Greece & Turkish Isles
Ring of Iceland
Drake Express
Athens (Piraeus) Roundtrip Epicurean Expedition
Reykjavík Roundtrip Cultural Expedition
King George Island Roundtrip Polar Expedition
Onboard World Traveller
Onboard World Voyager
Onboard World Traveller or World Navigator
27 June – 08 July 2027 11 Nights / 12 Days
04 – 14 September 2027 10 Nights / 11 Days
28 November 2027, 05 December 2027, 12 February 2028, 19 February 2028 7 Nights / 8 Days
For more information contact your travel adviser or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and/or promotions at the time of booking. Booking/payment conditions apply. General conditions of carriage apply. Contact Atlas Ocean Voyages NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
THE MOST
EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS
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aybe you’re one of those connoisseurs whose own home is so exquisite that your standards are extraordinarily high. You don’t covet luxury, you live it, and when you leave home to see the world, you only stay at the very best sanctuaries. Serene, spacious and light-filled suites, with underfloor heating, walk-in wardrobes and private sun terraces where you can breakfast al fresco. Rooftop fine dining in the ocean breeze, with sunset views and culinary works of art. Intuitive, personalised service and immersive local expertise that opens doors to the hidden elite. If these are the touchstones that define a truly exceptional journey, then maybe the very best accommodation isn’t a hotel. Maybe it’s a showstopper ship that draws on deep European roots and generations of seafaring expertise. And maybe Explora III will be more than your luxury transport across the open sea, but an elegant third space that you come to love as your own. A place of calm where you check in, just once, then relax deep into an ocean state of mind, and let the world unfold between you and the horizon. Maybe this is how you travel from now on, transformed by the sea. Explora III is the third luxury ship from Explora Journeys, and it represents the brand’s future-ready commitment to environmental design that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. Chopard debuts their first onboard boutique alongside Cartier, Piaget,
and Rolex, and the ship has an elevated offering of culinary concepts. The Cellar is an intimate curation of wines, paired with lobster, fine cheese and cured meats, sliced tableside. For gourmands celebrating a special milestone, The Chef’s Table takes inspiration from its guests to create a private, one of a kind meal. “Explora III is European in style and sensibility,” says Joe O’Sullivan of Cruise World. “These are discerning, affluent travellers who voyage as a means of enrichment and connection.” Explora Journeys blend the exclusivity and relaxed elegance of a private yacht with the amenities of a luxury resort, longer stays in port, and the luxury of choice. “It’s hard for land-based resorts to compete. If you’re someone who wants absolute luxury, value, ease and flexibility when you travel, and you thought you never wanted to try a cruise, then this is the place to start.” ▪
Celtic Isles, Arctic Passages & Canadian Charm
Alluring Mediterranean – Beauty and Timeless Intrigue
Explora IV Hamburg, Germany to Quebec City, Canada 21 nights: 25 Aug – 15 Sep 2027
Explora II Fusina (Venice) Return 19 nights: 14 Apr – 03 May 2027
Maybe the best hotel isn’t a hotel. EXPLORE THE OCEAN STATE OF MIND. Discover a new style of ocean travel with Explora Journeys. Thoughtfully designed itineraries showcase both celebrated ports and hidden gems, with longer stays, immersive experiences and effortless luxury, every journey is crafted to inspire deeper connections and lasting memories. With refined dining and expansive suites to holistic wellness experiences and attentive service, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to elevate your time at sea.
INCLUDED ONBOARD EXPERIENCES: Luxury ocean-front suites • Fine dining and culinary experiences • Premium beverages • Wi-Fi • Gratuities • Wellness experiences • In-suite dining • Exceptional service.
See your cruise agent, or call Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and promotions at the time of booking. General terms and conditions of carriage for Explora Journeys apply.
From Lisbon to the Vibrant Streets of Copenhagen
Lively Medinas, Baroque Beauty & Roman Legends
Explora V Lisbon to Copenhagen 14 nights: 29 Apr – 13 May 2028
Explora I Barcelona return 14 nights: 06 Sep – 20 Sep 2027
FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
FIVE CONTINENTS, ONE HOME T
here’s a Norwegian saying, ‘I det beste selskap’ which translates to ‘in the best of company’ and it perfectly encapsulates the welcome feeling onboard a Fred. Olsen Cruise as you sail the world. Warm, charming, and art-rich in their signature lively style, Fred. Olsen ships are a true home away from home for guests who crave something unique. Their pretty fleet of smaller ships are perfectly designed for cruising to ports that are out of reach for the larger cruise lines, with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and unhurried pace. When it comes to the journey of a lifetime, there is no better feeling than waking somewhere new, rested and well-fed, with time to
settle in and delight in the unique character of each destination. In January 2028, Fred. Olsen’s stylish adults-only ship the Borealis will depart from Southampton on an 87-night round-trip Grand Voyage, calling at 28 ports across five continents, including Antarctica and the Amazon. This extraordinary voyage offers a rare opportunity to unpack once and relax, knowing that every detail is taken care of as you explore far-flung destinations across the globe. Sailing deep into lush Amazonian rainforest, the open sea narrows to sweeping river and days unfold at
leisure. Vibrant wildlife become passing guests on the journey, from the chattering monkeys, kaleidoscopic butterflies and noisy tree parties of playful toucan, to revered flamingo-pink river dolphins that duck and dive alongside the ship. A captivating natural phenomenon is the Meeting of the Waters, where the inky Rio Negro and cafè latte hued Solimões collide. Fred. Olsen’s Grand Voyage also takes in the vibrant dance pulse, dramatic coastlines and historic landmarks of South America, island-hopping and whale-watching in the Caribbean, before sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula. Beloved by intrepid travellers, Antarctica is remote and untouched, with vast
skyscraper icebergs and abundant wildlife. A bucketlist destination that changes its visitors forever. Whether sunbathing poolside with a cocktail or making new friends in the poetically named Morning Light Pub & Lounge, Borealis guests can be part of something truly special as they explore everything the world has to offer, from the comfort and warmth of their home at sea. ▪
Grand Voyage
T&Cs: Cruise is subject to availability at time of booking. Some cabin categories may be limited. Freedom Fare is subject to availability at time of booking; is inventory controlled and can change or be removed without notice. Cruise is subject to general terms and conditions for booking and payments or amendments, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Conditions of Carriage.
A hand-crafted grand voyage across five continents bringing together some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruises to the Amazon and Antarctica with an extraordinary itinerary offering guests immersive exploration of rainforest waterways and rich wildlife, from toucans to pink river dolphins. Enjoy scenic cruising of the Antarctic Peninsula, showcasing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, penguins, and whales. Experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity, the cultural energy of Buenos Aires, Rio’s iconic landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, and Caribbean islandhopping, complemented by whale-watching opportunities in Samaná Bay and Dominica.
INCLUSIONS
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED • Full board dining • Five course à la carte dinners • Daily casual dining options • Late night Supper Club • Afternoon tea • Self-service tea & coffee
5 JAN 2028 TO
1 APRIL 2028
SOUTHAMPTON RETURN
87 NIGHTS
BOREALIS
LEISURE
• Evening shows • Live music, dancing & dance classes • Enrichment lectures and expert talks • A variety of on-board activities • Swimming pools & Jacuzzis • Fitness centre & classes
FREEDOM FARES ALSO INCLUDE
• Free shuttle service (for ports over one mile from the ship) • Selected drinks with lunch and dinner • Gratuities • Pre-book fitness classes
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Canary Islands, Antigua, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, Curacao, Granada, Barbados, Amazon River, Brazil (8 ports of call), Argentina, Cruise by Cape Horn, Cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Cape Verde, Spain.
See your travel agent or contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz
OCEANIA CRUISES
CRUISE FOR JOY M
odern connoisseurs have a new standard when it comes to luxury travel, and Oceania Cruises® have risen to the occasion with their commitment to the Joy of Travelling Well. Intimate, luxurious ships, warm and intentional service, immersive itineraries, and the Finest Cuisine at Sea® have always been the signature of Oceania Cruises, but like the sea, their brand is everchanging. As they sail into a new era with a growing fleet of adult-only ships, every detail has been polished for a joyful celebration of travel at its best. Each intimate ship is designed to provide utmost comfort and delight for discerning travellers who value craftsmanship and meaningful connection with the world around them. Genuine, thoughtful hospitality takes care of every detail so that guests feel cared for, with space and time to explore, socialise or switch off completely. The centrepiece of every voyage is a mouth-watering abundance of gourmet food, whether joining an exclusive excursion, learning local techniques in the Culinary Centre or dining onboard. Heralded as the gourmand’s gateway to culture and connection, their talented chefs create magic with artisanal ingredients. Oceania continues to elevate the luxury cruise experience with its highly anticipated 2027-2028 Collection of
Voyages, featuring more than 230 destination-rich itineraries across seven elegant small ships. Designed for discerning travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences and extended time ashore, highlights include the line's first-ever Quiet Mediterranean winter season, an expansive Europe programme, Alaska sailings, and epic Grand Voyages including a 96-day journey from Auckland to Rome. Immersive itineraries sweep guests deep into the unique charm of each destination, fostering local connections that go far beyond the traditional tourist route. Oceania Cruises have expanded and elevated their programme of Wellness Discovery Tours as part of their broader wellness strategy. These tours offer exclusive shore excursions, exploring indigenous therapies around the world. Guests can try reflexology aboard an historical, wooden rice barge in Bangkok; soak in a curative thermal spring at Terme deiPapi estate, beloved by Medieval popes; or bathe in warm, mineral-rich Vietnamese mud before rinsing off under a waterfall. With more than 50 options across multiple cruises, these unique tours offer new learnings and reach the deeper, more holistic soul of each destination, in keeping with the Oceania Cruises promise to infuse every journey with joy. ▪
The
OCEANIA CRUISES ® difference
IMMERSIVE ITINERARIES -------�
Port-rich and diverse voyages that give guests the freedom to discover at their own pace and connect more deeply with places that inspire them.
Castles ofIce & Stone
LONDON TO COPENHAGEN 14 Days I 22 June 20271 Oceania Marina
GENUINE HOSPITALITY -------�
Scrabster
I
Thoughtful service and enriching experiences
Bergen Stavanger
Aberdeen
delivered with sincerity, care and a personal touch.
Kristiansan Londonderry
burgh
Lysekil .__ Gothenburg
Copenhagen
INTIMATE, LUXURIOUS SHIPS � Smaller ships and a relaxed luxury atmosphere ensure guests enjoy a tranquil and refined adults-only environment.
THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA® � Culinary experiences designed to delight
DAY
PORT
Jun 22 Tue
London (Southampton), UK
Jun 23 Wed
At Sea
Jun 24 Thu Jun 25 Fri
ARRIVE DEPART
1pm
5pm
Glasgow (Greenock), UK
9am
10pm
Londonderry, UK
7am
5pm
Jun 26 Sat
Stornoway (Hebrides), UK
11am
8pm
Jun 27 Sun
Scrabster, United Kingdom
8am
6pm
Jun 28 Mon
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
9am
6pm
Jun 29 Tue
Edinburgh (Newhaven), UK
8am
8pm
Embark
Jun 30 Wed
At Sea
Jul 1 Thu
Bergen, Norway
7am
7pm
Jul 2 Fri
Stavanger, Norway
8am
6pm
Jul 3 Sat
Kristiansand, Norway
7am
5pm
Jul 4 Sun
Lysekil, Sweden
8am
6pm
Jul 5 Mon
Gothenburg, Sweden
8am
6pm
Jul 6 Tue
Copenhagen, Denmark
Disembark
8am
those who see cuisine as a window into culture, creativity and connection. ALWAYS INCLUDES ALL SPECIALITY DINING, SHIPBOARD GRATUITIES & COMPLIMENTARY WIFI PLUS CHOICE OF WINE & BEER BY THE GLASS OR SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT
CRUISE
WORLD�
SEE YOUR CRUISE AGENT OR CONTACT CRUISE WORLD ON 0800 500 732; WWW.CRUISEWORLD.CO.NZ
Fares and itineraries are subject to change or withdrawal. Airfares are additional. Cruise fares are per person, twin share {except fares for Solo category, which are for single travellers), in NZD and include all taxes, port fees and onboard gratuities. For full terms and conditions
visit OceaniaCruises.comnerms. All rights reserved. Oceania Cruises is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' Registry: Marshall Islands. NCL Australia Ply Ltd ABN 8060 7578 781.
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES
JAPAN BEYOND WORDS
T
he Japanese have a beautiful expression that perfectly describes the pleasure of a luxury cruise: ukiyo, the floating world. When you let go of modern terrestrial worries and delight in the moment, you can drift in the serene, sensorial rhythms of life onboard. Like so many evocative Japanese words that have no English equivalent, it is impossible to capture the wonder of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Mitsui Ocean Sakura in black and white. To understand it, you must feel it for yourself. From the moment you step aboard these elegant, Japanese-owned and -operated ships, you’re enveloped in a wonderful sense of calm. Sincere and thoughtful care goes into every detail, woven deep with omotenashi, an ancient Japanese custom that honours the guest experience above all else. Food is treated as an art form, with an elevated offering of local and Western cuisine. Experience a Japanese French fusion finedining degustation at Hokusai, four perfectly balanced, exquisite courses of sushi at Omakase, or a traditional tea ceremony at Tamatebako. Bringing you joy and comfort in their country is the genuine delight of every crew member, so you can surrender to the transformative power of ocean travel. Mitsui operates all-season cruises that explore Japan’s coastal diversity, ranging from three nights to give an
ichibetsu – a vignette -- or nine nights of meaningful exploration through smaller ports and lesser-known anaba – hidden gems that are beyond the access of larger international ships. From the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms to the flaming Autumn foliage, the basalt cliffs of Taiwan to the spectacular fireworks festivals of South Korea and the crystal waters of Sadogashima Island, each voyage is curated for travel the Japanese way. Departing in February 2027, South Pacific Paradise Cruise will be the first Mitsui voyage to sail further afield. The itinerary calls at 13 destinations across Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa and Micronesia, with an opportunity for guests to join the cruise for smaller chapters of the grand voyage. “One of the things that makes Mitsui so special is the opportunity to travel alongside Japanese guests,” says Julia Miles-Cassin of Cruise World. “This creates a natural cultural exchange and adds another layer of authenticity to the journey. It feels less like simply travelling through Japan and more like travelling with Japan.” ▪
EXCLUSIVE
Seasons of Discovery Authentic, and immersive Japan encounters await... Discover a new style of luxury cruising with Mitsui Ocean Cruises, where every voyage is designed to connect you with Japan’s rich culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and timeless traditions. Sail through Japan’s ever-changing seasons, from spring cherry blossoms and vibrant summer festivals to the fiery colours of autumn and the serenity of winter. Aboard Mitsui Ocean Cruises ultra-luxury, all-suite small cruise ships, you’ll enjoy beautifully appointed spaces, exceptional cuisine, engaging entertainment, and unique access to ports rarely visited. Every detail is enhanced by sincere Japanese omotenashi hospitality, anticipating your needs and creating unforgettable journeys.
inclusion for NZ guests
One complimentary half day shore excursion in each port with English speaking guides.
Tomakomai
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sendai
09 February – 15 February 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 6 Nights / 7 Days
Oarai
Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura
Yokohama
Iwanai Hakodate Oga Ryotsu Wajima
Busan
Tottori
Yokohama
Northern Japan in Bloom 18 April – 30 April 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 12 Nights / 13 Days
Onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji
Sasebo
Yokohama Kure
Koshikijima
Miyazaki Nishinoomote
Yokohama Shodoshima Takamatsu Matsuyama Kochi
Golden Week 28 April – 06 May 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 8 Nights / 9 Days
Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura
Shodoshima Autumn Colours 26 November – 03 December 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 7 Nights / 8 Days Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura
For more information see your cruise specialist or contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and/or promotions at the time of booking. Cruise fares include Luxury all-suite accommodation, most beverages including specialty coffees, wifi, gratuities, included dining in a range of dining venues. General terms and conditions of carriage for Mitsui Ocean Cruises apply. Contact Mitsui Ocean Voyages NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
LATE SEASON LUXURY
H
ave you ever watched the winter sun gleam over your favourite Mediterranean village, or warmed your hands with mulled wine at a twinkling, snow-dusted Christmas market? Known as the shoulder season, November through February in Europe is slower-paced than the sunbaked summer, and utterly charming. Regent Seven Seas Cruises® captures the seasonal poetry of these lesser-known months with all-inclusive journeys aboard the newly refurbished Seven Seas Voyager®. Serene, light-filled ocean-view suites, palatial shared spaces decorated in wreaths and mistletoe, and exquisite finishing details such as Versace dinnerware create a sophisticated home away from home as guests explore the world. Their journey is further elevated with warm, heartfelt hospitality and unlimited access to all onboard speciality dining, fine-wines and premium beverages, spa facilities and festive shore excursions created to reach the heart of the late season. Made possible by Regent’s intimate-sized ships, guests can venture into unique corners of the Mediterranean that are beyond the scope of larger vessels. Here, iconic sights and verdant vineyards seem gilded in dramatic golden sun. Local culture and language blossom as the denizens return to their natural rhythms. Museums, ruins and art galleries are spacious and cool. Churches and markets come alive with Christmas lights, ice skating and carol singers, and scrumptious winter fare wafts from glowing restaurants. Turkish Treasures is a 10-night voyage through Turkey, Cyprus and Greece, and this yuletide itinerary is rich with shore excursions that celebrate Christmas the local way. In Limassol, Cyprus, the optional shore excursion, Christmas Lights and Coastal Charm, spotlights the city’s illuminated landmarks. Walk through Heroes’ Square, glowing with Christmas lights and seasonal decorations, before passing the Limassol Town Hall. Guests continue to the serene Agia Napa Cathedral, and along Agiou Andreou street for twinkling lights, shops and cosy cafés, while a visit to Limassol Castle offers an insight into the city’s history. The excursion concludes at Limassol Marina, with free time to sightsee the 12-metre Christmas tree, enjoy live music at the Trakasol Cultural Centre, and wander Christmas markets overflowing with festive treats. Travelling outside of the traditional peak months, you have time to discover the unique seasonal charm of each destination, with every day made effortless by Regent’s all-inclusive experience and the utmost comfort and delight of their ultra-luxurious ships. ▪
SEABOURN
MASTERPIECE AT SEA A great piece of art inspires imagination, captures a moment in time, and holds space for the stories yet untold. Trusted with the honour of sailing guests into the open sea on their voyage of discovery, the same is true for the beautiful Seabourn Quest. With panoramic windows that frame the ocean in every direction, this intimate, private-yacht style vessel is a living canvas for the art of ocean travel.
Already a beloved favourite in the fleet, she returns to service following the most extensive interior refurbishment in Seabourn history. Quietly committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practice from ship to shore, Seabourn went to extraordinary lengths to reduce waste during the dry dock refurbishment. All mattresses and furnishings were recycled where possible. Carpet was upgraded with premium biodegradable wool that supports a closed-loop lifecycle approach, and the removed material will be repurposed into new carpet padding for a future Seabourn renovation. Every element has been meticulously designed for atmosphere and flow, inspired by the organic beauty of the sea. Seabourn Quest will visit the South Pacific this summer as part of a 126-day world cruise, spanning the dramatic landscapes, vivid coral reefs and coastal towns of New Zealand, Australia, and the surrounding islands.
Leveraging her small-ship design, she can anchor at remote bays and shallow ports that are out of reach of larger ships. Guests can witness the incredible jumping saltwater crocodiles in Adelaide, followed by a cold beer in a Northern Aussie pub, hand feed black-tip reef sharks in Bora Bora, or join an optional aerial odyssey over the stunning Southern Alps in New Zealand. Seabourn Quest will spend the European summer cruising north, with extended journeys from Britain, Scandinavia and the Baltic states, as far as Honningsvag in the Arctic Circle. Midnight Sun Midsummer & the British Isles sails a sweeping 28-day arc through pristine natural beauty and chocolate-box villages. From the lunar landscapes of Nordkapp at the very tip of the European continent, to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and galleries, and exploring the craggy castles of remote Scotland, this is just one of many exceptional itineraries. From there, she crosses the Atlantic for the autumn foliage, through South America and Antarctica, then on to Africa. ▪
Your Antarctic adventure awaits... Discover the last great wilderness on Earth with a voyage to Antarctica. Once hidden beyond the edges of the known world and accessible only to the boldest explorers, this extraordinary continent remains a place of timeless beauty and wonder. Witness towering icebergs, vast penguin colonies, breaching whales, and breathtaking mountain landscapes in their
®
Seabourn’s Expedition Difference •
Purpose-built luxury expedition ships, PC6 icestrengthened
•
Luxury suites with private veranda
•
Intuitive, personalised service
•
Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines
•
World class complimentary dining and culinary experiences
•
Tipping is neither required nor expected
•
Complimentary SpaceX Starlink Wifi package
•
Complimentary “Two-in-One” hooded parka and backpack
•
World-class 19-person Expedition Team
•
Daily guided onshore, and Zodiac excursions*
•
Optional guided kayaking**
•
Spacious open deck areas for optimal nature and wildlife viewing
•
4K GSS Cineflex camera for long-range wildlife viewing
•
Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more
•
Open bridge – at Captains discretion
•
Enrichment activity and talks
pristine natural state. With Seabourn’s expert Expedition Team guiding every step, experience the magic, adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters that make Antarctica unlike anywhere else on Earth.
21–Day Ultimate Antarctica Falklands & South Georgia
11–Day The Great White Continent
25–Day Scotia Arc
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn Venture
18 November 2027
18 December 2027
25 October 2027
Depart Buenos Aires (EZE) Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE)
Depart Buenos Aires (EZE) Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE)
Depart Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE)
Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia
For more information contact your travel adviser or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and promotions at the time of booking. * Weather permitting **Additional charge. General terms and conditions of carriage for Seabourn apply.
AmaWATERWAYS
WILDLIFE UP CLOSE, IN COMFORT
I
magine waking in your elegant stateroom, rested and cool, to see hippos bathing in the dazzling Chobe River just metres away. Sipping ice-cold cocktails within ear shot of rainbow-hued birdlife and grazing buffalo. Soaking away the evening in an open-air pool as crocodiles slink into the river nearby. Joining a 4x4 safari in search of cheetah and stopping to watch a family of elephants cross the road as you journey back to your ship. Following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with a guided tour of Soweto, then counting stars from the serenity of your private terrace. AmaWaterways have curated new journeys to highlight the wondrous diversity Africa has to offer, seamlessly weaving river cruising, safaris, hotels, and guided touring for truly experiential travel. Thundering waterfalls and wide rivers bursting with sunbaked wildlife. The scent of water lilies one day and lion musk the next. Searing desert days and crisp, cool nights. Vibrant cities, majestic cathedral-like mopane forests and archaeological sites. Each itinerary combines immersive land programmes with a luxurious three-night Chobe River cruise aboard Zambezi Queen. With floor-to-ceiling windows, generous shared spaces and private balconies in every room, their 14-stateroom ship is designed for intimate connection with the world outside. Iconic Africa journeys from Cape Town and along the Chobe River, with a full day safari in Chobe National Park, lunch at Sanctuary Mandela, and morning and sunset safaris to experience cheetah, lions, giraffes, and zebra in the wild at Kruger National Park. Guests can add an optional Rwanda extension to see the famed Silverback Gorillas. African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast showcases the landscapes of Namibia and the dramatic Skeleton Coast. Classic Kenya & Southern Africa combines the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves, with an optional Zanzibar extension. Secrets of Egypt & the Nile takes guests deep into Egypt with a luxury Nile River cruise, hotel stay in Cairo and guided archaeological excursions led by Egyptologists. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Philae, sail a traditional wooden felucca, and more. AmaWaterways’ unique journeys promise authentic, sensorial travel that unfolds in comfort and style. ▪
amawaterways.com/nz Terms and conditions apply. Prices quoted are in NZD and are accurate as of 31 August 2026
Roam far, wander wide Enjoy our Cruise Savings offer across Amawaterways Africa River Cruises
DISCOVER AFRICA
From $19,983pp
WILDLIFE & THE FALLS
From $25,773pp
ICONIC AFRICA
From $28,957pp
9 Nights | Cape Town > Johannesburg
12 Nights | Johannesburg > Johannesburg
14 Nights | Cape Town > Johannesburg Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa
To reserve your next river journey see your cruise specialist or contact Cruise World - 0800 500 732 | www.cruiseworld.co.nz
NEW SHIPS AND G ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
SHIP: Atlas Adventurer GROSS TONNAGE: 26,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 400 LAUNCHING: November, 2028
Atlas Adventurer® is the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht and expands the line’s reach to new destinations while offering guests an elevated, immersive experience at sea. Atlas Adventurer embodies exceptional innovation in this new era of luxury expedition cruising. Rated Ice Class 1B (Polar Category C), the ship has wind-assisted sailing, with three carbon-fibre masts, to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent under favourable conditions. Her hybrid power combines Wartsila dual-fuel engines with a large 9-megawatt marine battery system for quiet, eco-friendly operation.
AMAWATERWAYS
SHIP: AmaRudi LENGTH: 135 metres GUEST CAPACITY: 196 LAUNCHING: April, 2027
AmaRudi is a double-width, next-generation river cruise ship on the Danube. The innovative design incorporates eco-friendly technology, including Stage V engines, solar panels, shore-power connectivity and lightweight materials. Sister ship to the AmaMagna and named after AmaWaterways’ cofounder and chairman, AmaRudi will be one of the largest river cruise ships in Europe, with spacious public areas; suites with full balconies; four dining options for greater choice; an expansive wellness and fitness studio; and heated sundeck pool and whirlpool. A new entertainment concept features cinema, karaoke, billiards and jukebox. The larger range of facilities and space will satisfy ocean cruisers wanting to try a river cruise.
GRAND REFURBS MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES
SHIP: Mitsui Ocean Sakura GROSS TONNAGE: 32,477 GUEST CAPACITY: 458 REFURBISHED AND RE-BRANDED: September, 2026
Mitsui Ocean Sakura is the newest addition to Japan’s Mitsui Ocean Cruises fleet. Previously Seabourn Sojourn, she underwent a major dry-dock refurbishment prior to joining the fleet. She maintains the luxury, intimate, small-ship experience, all-oceanview suites — most with veranda — and five dining venues. The refurbishment features understated Japanese elegance and Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Funatabi (beautiful encounters with Japan) ethos. The upgrade saw the main pool deck modified to integrate a traditional Japanese ashiyu (hot-water foot bath) alongside the standard whirlpools. Combining Japanese hospitality, cuisine and design, Sakura can access Japan’s smaller ports and less-visited destinations in comfort and style.
SEABOURN
SHIP: Seabourn Quest GROSS TONNAGE: Approx. 32,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 458 REFURBISHED: June, 2026 Seabourn's award-winning Seabourn Quest has emerged from drydock with reimagined spaces in the most comprehensive interior investment and update in the cruise line's history. Enhancements across suites, public spaces, dining venues and the spa create a more relaxed and refined onboard experience, further elevating the comfort and understated luxury Seabourn guests know and value. The evolved design approach draws from textures and tones of the places Seabourn explores, incorporating layered materials and finishes and improving how guests move through and experience each space. Sustainable practices were incorporated to reduce waste and extend the life of materials on board. The scope of work also included updates to crew areas, amenities and accommodations.
TAUCK RIVER CRUISING
SHIP: ms Harmonie LENGTH: 135m GUEST CAPACITY: 130 LAUNCHING: April, 2028
Custom-designed to Tauck’s specifications to accommodate no more than 130 guests within an innovative deck plan that prioritises personal space. There are 22 premium suites, each 91sq m, and 34 69sq m Tauck Suites. Two full cabin decks feature floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open directly onto real French balconies. Like her sister ship Tauck ms Lumiere, Harmonie is purpose-built for cruising France’s Rhone River and is part of a larger multi-year renewal programme that will introduce five new riverboats by 2028, expanding overall capacity by 50 per cent while retiring older vessels.
OCEANIA CRUISES
SHIP: Oceania Sonata GROSS TONNAGE: 86,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 1,390 LAUNCHING: August, 2027
Oceania Sonata introduces an entirely new class of ship. As the ninth vessel in the fleet, this is a fresh expression of Oceania’s intimate and luxurious onboard experience, with increased passenger-tospace ratio. The residential design and Oceania’s commitment to 'The Finest Cuisine at Sea,' has Oceania Sonata featuring 10 culinary venues, debuting new concepts like the 18-seat French chef's table La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and the Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant Nikkei Kitchen. Accommodation is all-veranda — with roughly 30 per cent high-end suites, including the brand-new Horizon Suite and Deluxe Penthouse Suite categories.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
SHIP: Seven Seas Prestige GROSS TONNAGE: 76,550 GUEST CAPACITY: 822 LAUNCHING: December, 2026
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
SHIP: Explora III GROSS TONNAGE: 72,800 GUEST CAPACITY: 926 LAUNCHED: August, 2026
Explora III is the newest addition to Explora Journeys’ fleet of six ultra-luxury ships scheduled for delivery by 2028. Building on the brand's distinctive design philosophy, the ship further advances Explora's residential-style 'Home at Sea' concept, creating an environment of effortless elegance, spaciousness, and connection. Larger than its predecessors by 19.2m, Explora III incorporates advanced LNG propulsion, shore power capability and enhanced energy-efficiency systems. Guest experience has been further refined through reimagined public spaces, the introduction of new venues and expanded accommodation styles, including a second Owner’s Suite. Every suite is ocean-facing, delivering an exceptional sense of space and connection to the sea.
Seven Seas Prestige™ embodies Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ vision for the future of ocean travel. With brand-new architectural language by Studio DADO, every aspect of her elevated design blends classical Renaissance elegance with modern sophistication. Architectural highlights include The Starlight Atrium, a two-storey central space with glass-enclosed skylight, twin sweeping spiral staircases with a large continuation extending up to deck 11, plus an arc chandelier that shifts with the setting sun. With one of the highest space-toguest ratios in the industry, her footprint allows for wide outdoor promenades, expansive restaurants and quiet social spaces.
FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
SHIP: Bolette GROSS TONNAGE: 62,735 GUEST CAPACITY: 1,338 REFURBISHED: February, 2026 Bolette completed a 16-day drydock for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections to enhance performance, and guest-focused enhancements. Refreshed public spaces, 50+ cabin bathrooms updated, and a transformed Colours & Taste restaurant, have given Bolette a fresh new feel. During the dry-dock, interior refurbishments carried out across guest spaces included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. The Neptune Lounge has a new LED wall and aerial performance structures.
ARMSTRONG COLLECTIVE
(Luxury train) TRAIN: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Grand PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: 2027 An evolution of Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service features a more spacious bi-level dome coach with just 56 seats in the carriage, compared with 72 seats in standard GoldLeaf coaches. Dining is a more intimate experience too, the dining room accommodating 26-28 guests, while an expanded onboard team delivers an extra level of personalised service. Guests can expect the panoramic views, more flexible dining options and renowned GoldLeaf Service they know and love, with more space and an even more elevated onboard experience. ▪
Discover
the Mekong in Timeless Luxury
Vietnam & Cambodia in one seamless holiday. A unique, authentic cruising experience on the Mekong River, and tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Petite and beautiful, Mekong Princess is one of the smallest river boats on the Mekong with only 28 guests, designed in a luxurious French Colonial style, with exceptional onboard service, cuisine, and included shore excursions.
Cruise & Land Journey
Vietnam & Cambodia Onboard Mekong Princess 12 / 13 nights Jan – April, Jul – Dec 2027 Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap v.v.
PACKAGE INCLUDES • • • •
7-night Mekong Princess cruise upstream or downstream Hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap Sightseeing and guided touring throughout Transfers and shore excursions
Signature Experiences •
Navigate smaller waterways and hidden tributaries of the Mekong Delta
•
Exclusive access to authentic villages, and local communities of the Delta
•
Genuine cultural encounters and immersive shore excursions with local guides
•
Sightseeing with guide in Ho Chi Minh City including Cu Chi Tunnels
•
Siem Reap – Sunrise Angkor Wat
•
Choice of Siem Reap Tour - Khmer cooking class; City & Artisans tour; or Floating Village excursion Contact your cruise specialist or Cruise World on 0800 500 732, info@cruiseworld.co.nz or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz
Terms & Conditions: ‘From’ fares are NZD, per person, share twin for cruise and land package based on shoulder season in a Junior Suite. Package fares are based on current promotional fares for cruise and land, subject to availability at time of booking, are inventory controlled and can be changed or removed without notice. Siem Reap excursion choice (one) to be advised at time of booking subject to availability. Fares are subject to availability and foreign currency exchange rates at time of booking and payment. Other package conditions apply. Booking, payment, cancellation and other special conditions apply.
ANGELA STONE CRUISES THROUGH JAPAN AND PARTS OF KOREA ON A VOYAGE BLENDING CULTURE, WELLNESS, CUISINE, SPIRITUALITY AND REFINED LUXURY.
168 | TRAVEL
T
here are cruises that show you a destination and then there are voyages that allow you to truly feel it from the inside. My recent journey aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji was exactly that.
Our journey began and ended in Tokyo, Japan’s elegant and immaculate city of contrasts. We found breathtaking seasonal beauty and manicured Zen gardens among the futuristic skyscrapers; ultramodern trains and vibrant neon beside Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Palatial malls sit beside tiny teahouses steeped in tradition, with paper-filtered light and handmade cups serving matcha the way it has been served for centuries. I love everything a
A JOURNEY THROUGH Japan s Soul
'
modern city has to offer, but this sense of age-old ritual and sensory poetry is at the heart of what makes Japan so delightful to visit. It was with our senses awake and eyes wide open that we made our way to embarkation. From the moment we stepped aboard our ship, there was an unmistakable sense of calm sophistication. Operated by Mitsui Ocean Cruises, the Mitsui Ocean Fuji reflects the precision and grace synonymous with Japan. With only a few hundred guests onboard, the atmosphere felt intimate, polished and deeply personal, thanks to omotenashi — an age-old Japanese custom of wholehearted
hospitality that anticipates a guest’s every need before it is ever spoken. Sea days quickly became a highlight of the voyage. When we felt like quiet time, there were elegant spaces in which to relax in solitude and enjoy the passing beauty outside. Mornings began with wellness activities, stretching sessions, spa rituals and serene moments overlooking the endless ocean. Guests moved effortlessly between wine tastings, musical performances, cultural presentations, dance lessons and beautifully curated dining experiences. We spent one particularly memorable evening in Hokusai Fine Dining Restaurant, where exceptional cuisine and an
TRAVEL | 169
Mitsui Ocean Fuji heads for open waters.
Cocktail hour.
impressive French wine selection created one of the standout food experiences of the trip. Guests could try on a Japanese kimono and learn the history of this sophisticated wearable art, and it was an unexpected delight to find a boutique onboard offering a curated collection of vintage luxury bags,
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WE VISITED THE SPECTACULAR HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA TEMPLE, PERCHED DRAMATICALLY ABOVE THE SEA, WHERE COLOURFUL LANTERNS DANCED IN THE BREEZE.” 170 | TRAVEL
Angela Stone enjoys an in-room breakfast treat.
including timeless pieces from Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. More than just a retail experience, this was a meaningful way to honour the Japanese philosophy of preserving and passing down beautiful, exquisitely made items rather than always buying new. Our first port was Kobe, sophisticated, elegant, and effortlessly stylish. Wandering through its Europeaninspired streets, boutique-lined laneways, and charming cafés felt like stepping into another era of Japan. The city blends modern refinement with old-world charm, and after a beautiful dinner ashore, returning to the serenity of the ship felt wonderful and indulgent. In Busan, South Korea, the contrast was vibrant and energising. We visited the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched dramatically above the sea, where colourful lanterns danced in the breeze and the sound of monks chanting created a rare moment of stillness. Later, the bustling energy of Gukje Market delivered sensory overload in the best possible way. Sizzling street food, skincare stores, vibrant stalls and
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, South Korea.
The famous 'wedded rocks' of Bungo Futamigaura Meoto Iwa.
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the rhythm of everyday Korean life unfolded around us. As evening fell, the illuminated Gwangan Bridge sparkled across the coastline beside towering city lights. One of the most spiritual moments of the cruise came during our visit to Saiki. Travelling through lush green landscapes covered in moss and tall trees, we visited the famous 'wedded rocks' of Bungo Futamigaura Meoto Iwa. Bound together by a sacred shimenawa rope, the site symbolises connection and unity. Following local tradition, we cast three lucky stones into the sea for good fortune, a small yet meaningful ritual that beautifully captured the spirit of the journey.
The Great Pagoda at Koyasan in Wakayama.
Japanese artform - outdoor crayfish restaurant display.
Street decorations and outdoor advertising are next level in Japan.
SPRING WAKAYAMA & TOBA CRUISE ITINERARY
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM TOKYO Stepped aboard to a warm welcome and settled into a new rhythm of travel, energy and anticipation. DAY 2: KOBE, JAPAN First step ashore, where we caught the local train, explored elegant city streets and enjoyed a beautiful local dining experience.
The Laughing Buddha – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan.
DAY 3: AT SEA A full and vibrant day immersed in onboard experiences: wellness sessions, wine tasting, dining, activities and connection. DAY 4: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA Explored bustling markets and dramatic coastal scenery and had a deeply spiritual temple experience.
Wakayama offered another unforgettable glimpse into traditional Japan, with a special inclusion for international guests to visit Mount Koyasan. Surrounded by forest, this quiet mountain is the spiritual centre of Shingon Buddhism and is home to more than 100 temples. We relaxed in hot springs and enjoyed a traditional Buddhist lunch. Visiting temples, observing local customs and seeing communities quietly cycle through narrow streets reminded us how deeply connected Japan remains to simplicity and ritual. There was an authenticity here that felt grounding and incredibly moving. What made this voyage so special was not simply the destinations but the emotional rhythm of the experience itself. The Mitsui Ocean Fuji is more than a luxury cruise ship, it is a floating cultural journey, offering guests a rare opportunity to fall in love with the true soul of Japan through cuisine, music, wellness, spirituality and human connection. As the voyage came to an end, one thing became abundantly clear: this was not just a cruise — it was a beautiful reminder that travel at its finest has the power to transform us. ▪
DAY 5: SAIKI, JAPAN A journey through lush green landscapes, sacred coastal rituals and the timeless charm of historic streets. DAY 6: WAKAYAMA Visited Mount Koyasan, home to more than 100 Buddhist temples; enjoyed the waterfalls and hot springs and the beautiful whitesand beaches of Shirahama. DAY 7: TOBA Charming and pretty coastline, home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto site and the gateway to Ise Jingu. Dedicated to the sun goddess, this was a deeply spiritual experience that ended with a walk along the beautifully preserved Edo-period Okage Yokocho street. DAY 8: TOKYO Disembarked back in Tokyo with a heart full of gratitude.
CRUISING ANCIENT SPICE ROUTES
WITH 'WORLD CRUISE' THE NEW CRUISE INDUSTRY BUZZ WORDS, WORLD PUBLISHER DON HOPE AND HIS WIFE DEBRA SAMPLE A 25DAY SEGMENT OF OCEANIA VISTA’S 2026 WORLD CRUISE, SAILING FROM SINGAPORE TO CAPE TOWN.
O
ur check-in process is seamless. The guest reception is barely metres from our car drop-off point, where obliging porters take care of our luggage — not to be seen again until it magically appears a little later by our stateroom door.
After check-in, we select a drinks package from three options, have our phones synced to the ship’s network and head to our stateroom on Level 8. As serial cruisers, we know to unpack immediately and slide empty suitcases under the bed, not to be touched for the duration. With no hotel changes or airport dramas, we are locked, loaded and ready to cruise. Our Veranda Suite is most comfortable, with work desk, two-seater dining table, couch, furnished balcony and the best queen-size bed! There is generous storage and the well-equipped bathroom boasts the most enthusiastic shower we have ever experienced at sea. The 65-inch high-definition TV has more than 100 channels, including international news, movies and documentaries. Our personal attendant, Lerna, from the Philippines, visits with a smile and a welcome bottle of French Burgundy. She proves to be a real star and prepares our room twice daily, with turndown chocolates, plus daily copies of Currents, the onboard newsletter, which becomes our night-time reading for the next day’s activities.
YOUR WORLD — YOUR WAY Built in 2023, Oceania Vista still sparkles and is the pride of Oceania’s eight-ship fleet. Mid-size — a plus for us — it caters for just 1,200 guests. The crew of 800 comprise 47 different nationalities. Oceania’s new slogan, 'Your World — Your Way', resonates well with us, reflecting a change in attitude. It seems the cruise company has listened to passengers: dress code is now smart casual throughout; denim is allowed but the distressed style is a no-no, and there are no black-tie events. We also note a greater emphasis on health and really love the new Aquamar Kitchen and Aquamarine Spa + Vitality Center. Our eight-nation itinerary is most interesting to say the least, with ports such as Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Colombo and little-known Mahe in the Seychelles, Nosy Be in Madagascar, Mayotte in French Comoros and Maputo in Mozambique before reaching South Africa and stops in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, finally disembarking in Cape Town.
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The Oceania signature cocktail, the BIG O MARTINI. Start your cruise in style!
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OUR TYPICAL SEA DAY With 10 sea days, which we really enjoy, we soon create our own personal schedule: 7.00: Up and straight to the pool deck for a hot spa. 07.30: Relax poolside on sun loungers. It is tropically hot, 25-30°C. 08.30: We’re showered, dressed and ready for breakfast, choosing between The Terrace Café, Waves Grill or, if going healthy, Aquamar Kitchen. All three adjoining restaurants have merit, but Aquamar Kitchen soon becomes our favourite to kickstart the day. 10.30: Go duty-free shopping or, if feeling energetic, visit the gym with its state-of-the-art equipment, the
OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Vista pool and two spas, deck 12; Vista has best breakfast options at sea; mini golf; time to chill out, poolside. BELOW: Waves Grill, great for breakfast and lunch, at night turns into a pizzeria.
golf range and putting green, pickle ball or table tennis. Daily activities include bridge lessons, mahjong or art classes with ‘artist in residence’ Neal Kimball. Perhaps enjoy a cooking demonstration or enrol in a digital class. Line-dancing, anyone? 12-12.30: Back to the Pool Bar, with its mesmerising ocean views, for an ice-cold Grolsch beer or two. Some days, a mobile bar trolley glides poolside offering Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Why do drinks taste so sensational at sea? Is it one’s relaxed holiday mood? Lunch: I’m off to Waves Grill for a 7oz Matador burger, while Debra opts for lighter and healthier at Aquamar Kitchen. Following an afternoon kip and perhaps another dip in the pool, we freshen up for a pre-dinner drink at one of the two cocktail bars before dinner at one of the eight restaurants. Then we might catch an evening live show — perhaps a tribute to Elton John or a journey through the toe-tapping music of Billy Joel, Adele or Hall and Oates, before a nightcap to end a perfect day at sea.
DINING AT SEA The variety of restaurants onboard is impressive. The Grand Dining Room offers an extensive menu of European-inspired options, along with healthy choices from Aquamar Vitality Cuisine. The menu of classic French dishes at Jacques, named in honour of legendary Master Chef Jacques Pepin, are often prepared tableside, such as the hand-cut Tartare de boeuf au Couteau. Must-try: the lobster thermidor with mushroom cream sauce. At Red Ginger, the gustatory pleasures are as striking as the visual ones. Thai, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian specialties offer a mix of spicy and soothing, savoury and sweet to please the most discerning palate. Many rate Red Ginger the top specialty restaurant. Must try: Seven-spice crusted lamb rack. Polo Grill is a classic steakhouse, with crisp white linen, dark wood and comfy high-backed leather chairs. Musttry: the Polo Grill Signature Surf & Turf of lobster tail and filet mignon, or whole steamed Maine lobster. Italian Toscana features many dishes whose recipes originated from the mothers and grandmothers of the restaurant’s culinary staff. Must-try: pan-fried sea bass fillet.
Pre-dinner cocktails: try the Salted Caramel Martini — so good you'll want another.
The Matador Burger: simply world-class.
Located in a spacious poolside area, Waves Grill prepares laid-back American favourites such as ‘the best’ Matador Burger: a 7oz beef patty, cheddar, crispy bacon, pickles, shaved onion served with a BBQ sauce. Aquamar Kitchen offers an abundance of indulgence with none of the guilt: healthy dishes with a fresh perspective on dining and pursuit of wellness. We love the Pure Immunity Juice (orange, lime, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper) and the avocado toast with poached eggs or Mexican spiced shrimp. If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid the Terrace Cafe, where the buffet selection is lavish. Must-try: everything, especially on Chef’s Night when at a matching destination, such as the South African night. Outstanding!
COCKTAIL TIME The Martini Bar and Founders Bar are ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The more all-rounder Martini Bar is relaxed and comfortable, with live music; the Founders Bar more showtime, with mixology refined as an art. Order a Blaster Gun and be prepared for its unique smoke-filled bubbles with amazing aromatic flavours; even a hint of barbecue. With some 30-plus cocktails to choose from, we love the Big 'O', Negroni Bianco, Espresso Martini and the classic Manhattans.
Crayfish tastes even better at sea: available at all Vista specialty restaurants and the Grand Dining Room.
At Toscana Italian specialty restaurant, we feast off custom Rosenthal Versace dinnerware.
Colombo, Sri Lanka, was our favourite port, where we spent time exploring the bustling Pettah Street markets.
POPULAR GAME EXCURSIONS Shore excursion options are numerous: often up to 12 per location. By far the most exciting and popular day excursions are those to private African game reserves. Passengers return wide-eyed and bushy tailed; stories of animal encounters becoming the main topic of conversation for days. Interestingly, some passengers leave the ship to experience longer safaris — with a real chance of seeing the ‘Big Five’ — and rejoin the ship a few ports later. Some guests like mixing with the locals and opt to take Oceania’s regular free shuttle to downtown. We choose this option in Colombo, Mahe, Madagascar and French Comoros, topping up the experience with taxi tours — and just love it!
THE LURE OF A WORLD CRUISE Having not been on even part of a world cruise before, we are amazed to learn how many passengers are doing the full 180-day journey from Miami to Miami. One lady tells us she has done seven such world cruises; another has been a regular since 2016. Both
LEFT: Shopping for South African arts and crafts. CENTRE: The 1908 Jami-Ul -Alfar Mosque also found in Pettah Street. RIGHT: We arrive in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela shows a welcome hand.
confirm they would do it again in a heartbeat. Having felt thoroughly pampered and indulged during our much shorter cruise component, we can appreciate the lure of these longer journeys. But if you don’t have the time, take a shorter 'world' cruise like us. As we approach our destination port of Cape Town with the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain dressed in its cloud tablecloth, we realise why this port city — along with Sydney harbour — is often voted the most spectacular in the world for cruise-ship arrivals. Having now experienced both, we wholeheartedly agree.
ON THE HORIZON
Upcoming Oceania World Cruises: 2027, departing January 6, Miami to Southampton on Oceania Vista; 2028, departing January 18, Miami to New York on Oceania Aurelia; and 2029, departing January 6, Los Angeles to New York on Oceania Aurelia. ▪
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CRAFTED IN FIJI INSPIRED BY FIJI
For more than five decades, Jack’s of Fiji has been helping visitors take home more than a souvenir, but a genuine piece of Fiji. At the heart of this is our collection of authentic Fijian handicrafts, created by local artisans whose skills and knowledge have been passed down through generations. Many of our carvers come from families with a long tradition of craftsmanship, where carving is not simply a trade, but part of their cultural heritage and identity. Using locally sourced timbers such as native Vesi hardwood and locally grown mahogany, each piece is carefully handcrafted in Fiji. From traditional forms to contemporary interpretations, the natural character of the timber and the hands of the artisan make every creation distinctive. These are pieces that carry a connection to Fiji, its forests, its culture and its people. Our commitment to authentic Fijian craftsmanship also extends to our collection of Mabe Pearls. Grown sustainably in rural Fijian villages, Mabe Pearl farming provides an opportunity for local women to participate in a small-scale enterprise connected to the ocean and their communities. Jack’s of Fiji purchases these locally grown pearls, which are then transformed by Fijian craftspeople into distinctive jewellery and keepsakes.
For us, authenticity means more than simply selling a product made in Fiji. It means creating opportunities for local artisans, supporting rural communities and helping preserve skills and traditions that have been part of Fijian life for generations. So when you take home a piece from Jack’s, you are taking home a little more than a beautiful object. You are taking home a story, one shaped by Fijian hands, local materials, generations of knowledge and the unique spirit of Fiji.
BETWEEN SEA&SKY THE STUNNING MAYBOURNE RIVIERA HOTEL IS OFTEN CALLED THE JEWEL OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA. TRICIA WELSH DISCOVERS WHY.
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T
he Maybourne Riviera is truly an architectural marvel. Suspended precipitously on a rocky outcrop 333 metres above the Mediterranean, its views over the Principality of Monaco below (France to the right, Italy a few kilometres away to the left) are mesmerising. Architect Jean Michael Wilmotte and a team of leading global design creatives have melded architecture, art and the natural landscape to create this distinctive, contemporary hotel that, with its clean, modernist lines, pays homage to Le Corbusier. Located on the panoramic Route de la Turbie at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, it was once the site of a quaint 1870s tea salon. In 1920, the original wooden building was converted into a hotel, before industrialist Max Grundig took it over in 1950, restructuring it into a contemporary design with eagle’s-nest balconies and renaming it the Vista Palace Hotel — a famed haunt of the jetset in the 1960s. Joining the prestigious Maybourne Hotel Group, which also owns and operates Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Emory and The Berkeley in London, and the Maybourne Beverly Hills, it reopened as the Maybourne Riviera in 2021. Wilmotte’s design draws on the drama of the landscape: angular terraces echo the limestone cliffs, while sweeping glass facades pull the horizon indoors. The effect is almost hypnotic – every space is filled with light reflecting the soft shimmer of the Mediterranean, which constantly demands your attention. Throughout the hotel, dramatic spaces are curated with wonderful art, immersive projections and murals, curved walls and sculpture. Entrance is via the eighth floor, where a handful of parked luxury cars set the rarefied tone outside, while inside, impressive floral arrangements and a grand piano bedecked with myriad candles create an ambiance of calm in the foyer. The hotel offers 65 luxury suites and studios that appear to cling to the prominent rocky outcrop. Accommodation ranges from sleek, minimalist suites to a dramatic duplex, with its own infinity
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pool, alongside intimate studios where warm oak takes centre stage. Everywhere, interiors dissolve effortlessly into nature, with views drifting from rolling waves to pine-fringed gardens. The soaring Crystal Wing crowns the summit, as if suspended in mid-air as it looks out over an endless blue horizon. Below, the Azur Wing is carved directly into the rock face — an extraordinary feat of engineering — while the Corniche wing traces the natural curves of the landscape, its palette echoing sea, sky and stone. My Panorama Seaview Suite on the corner of 12th floor is vast and seems to be cantilevered over the coastline below. Together with entrance corridor, powder room, walk-in dressing room and bathroom, it comprises six rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows take in a wide, furnished, L-shaped balcony from every room of the suite. The bird’s-eye view overlooking the Camelot-like principality below is breathtakingly beautiful. Décor is in light neutrals and cool blues that seem to bring the outside indoors and gives you a feeling of floating in the sky. The hotel brings together an exceptional team of international design talent, including Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, André Fu and London-based Rigby & Rigby. Uniting these distinct voices is Maybourne’s artistic director, Michelle Wu, who orchestrates a refined harmony of materials, colours and textures complemented by a thoughtfully curated art collection. “What makes the Riviera unique is its spectacular setting and the views it offers,” Wu explains, citing the ever-changing Mediterranean light and sweeping vistas across the sea towards France and Italy as key inspirations. Art is integral throughout the hotel: while a Le Corbusier work anchors the lobby, pieces by contemporary artist JR appear across the floors and evocative photographs by Edward Quinn — chronicler of Picasso and the Riviera jet set — add layers of cultural resonance.
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THE AZUR WING IS CARVED DIRECTLY INTO THE ROCK FACE — AN EXTRAORDINARY FEAT OF ENGINEERING.”
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The hotel has several dining options. Celebrated Michelin-starred New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his iconic abc kitchens concept of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine from Manhattan to the Côte d’Azur in his 14th floor restaurant. Signature dishes include delicate crab linguine crafted with local crab and herbs, a show-stopping whole Mediterranean sea bass grilled in its skin with lemon butter, and turbot on the bone served with subtle, citrusy nuance. The menu also features squashblossom quesadilla and green chickpea hummus as light, elegant bites. Vongerichten also oversees the casual poolside eatery, La Piscine, with an elegant, relaxed menu perfect for sun lounging. Pizzas might be three-cheese with spinach and herb, black truffle and fontina or a classic Margherita with light Mediterranean salads such as kale or endive, and pear salads, lobster rolls, linguine with porcini and artichoke or crispy calamari. The main dining room for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner is La Riviera on the main lobby floor. Guests can choose to sit either inside or out on the veranda with their own ringside coastal views; it’s quite something to start the day like this. At night, overlooking the lights of Monaco, we enjoy a delicious carpaccio of prawns with green apple and citrus sauce, an elevated vitella tonnata unlike anything we’ve ever seen or tasted before, followed by an excellent beef Wellington. Next door, Le 300 Bar offers an exciting cocktail list and a substantial bar menu — perhaps truffle pizza, langoustine bonbon or Wagyu beef herb focaccia. La Môme Riviera, poised at the water’s edge of Cap Martin, channels the sun-soaked glamour of its iconic Cannes and Monte Carlo older siblings with its sunloungers and beachside dining. This open-air beach club/restaurant offers uninterrupted views of the sparkling Mediterranean, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience under canopies and orange-and-white-striped beach umbrellas. The menu celebrates the region’s finest produce, with signature dishes such as miso-glazed black cod, truffle gnocchi and Mediterranean lobster linguine, each artfully crafted with a contemporary twist. In the evening, sip on a pre-dinner Riviera Spritz, Sea Breeze
Martini or a La Môme Negroni while enjoying live music, DJ sets and the chic coastal sophistication with a touch of Italian Dolce Vita. Working on your tan? Relaxing beside the infinity pool on orange sun loungers, with signature beach towels, is the place to be. The adjacent Surrenne Spa — a smaller version of the fully-fledged sister spa at The Emory in London, offers massage treatments with vitality pool, steam room, sauna and ice bath. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness centre. This year, Surrenne offers a series of transformational retreats that raise wellness to an art form. These four-night retreats include full board and will be led by specialist guest practitioners, with one-on-one consultations, personalised treatments and therapies, movement and breathwork to encourage guests to ‘Ground, Recharge and Regenerate’. Guests staying in a Signature Suite are offered a personalised consultation at the Surrenne Spa followed by a 60-minute signature massage. It is just one of the exclusive privileges for such guests that also include meet-and-greet airport services, guaranteed early check-in and late check-out, plus a private sunset cruise aboard a Riva boat. Other exclusive activities include guided walks along the Cap-Martin coastal trails, dawn pilates or yoga sessions, pizza or cocktail workshops, watercolour classes, a gourmet tour of Menton’s market or a visit to the nearby medieval village of Roquebrune. Ideally located on the Côte d’Azur, the Maybourne Riviera is around 5km from the centre of Monte Carlo in the hotel’s complimentary shuttle and a swift halfhour transfer from Nice Airport. ▪
www.maybourne.com | www.surrenne.com
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RWANDAN
SAFARI BRETT ATKINSON DISCOVERS THE WILD BEAUTY OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK FROM THE COMFORT OF EXCLUSIVE MAGASHI PENINSULA LODGE. PHOTOS: CAROL PIPER & WILDERNESS DESTINATIONS.
U
nder cobalt East African skies in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, our bush breakfast is served with a side order of grazing zebra, skittish impala and hulking white rhinos. In the near distance, two lions prowl quietly across the savannah, ignoring both our alfresco buffet or the zebra and impala herds dotting the landscape around them. Already sated after a night of hunting on the Kilala Plains, they continue into scrubby forest just a few hundred metres away. Thanks to the earlier arrival of another Land Cruiser from Wilderness Destinations’ newest luxury safari lodge, Magashi Peninsula, we don't even have to wait for breakfast. After an early morning game drive, we’ve arrived to find camp already set up, with freshly brewed coffee, cinnamon breakfast buns and fruit kebabs. With zebras looking on and a background soundtrack of Rwandan birdlife, it’s a slightly surreal way to start the day. Remarkable experiences arrive with little warning in Akagera National Park, from the morning’s bush breakfast to the twilight spectacle of lions feasting
Guests at Magashi Peninsula can enjoy boat trips on the concession’s Lake Rwanyakazinga.
on a hippopotamus. Traditionally one of East Africa's lesser-known parks, with its combination of savannah plains, acacia woodlands and a labyrinth of lakes, Akagera is emerging as the most interesting new safari destination. With a strong focus on conservation, many species are being restocked within the more than 1,000 square kilometres of wilderness, including safari’s traditional 'Big Five' animals. And since annual visitor numbers here are a fraction of Kenya’s Masai Mara or South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the chances of seeing other 4WD traffic on a game drive are significantly less. When staying at Magashi Peninsula, the property’s exclusivity means game drives often pass without seeing another vehicle. And the park’s private 60sq km Magashi Concession can only be explored by guests staying at the ultra-exclusive lodge – opened in December 2025 and comprising two private lakeside villas and a larger house for families – or at Wilderness Destinations’ eight high-end safari tents at nearby Magashi Camp.
Magashi Peninsula’s super-spacious villas feature sumptuous bathrooms and rooftop 'Star Beds'.
Alfresco bush breakfast in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park as zebra graze nearby.
Magashi Peninsula’s super-spacious villas feature private plunge pools and rooftop ̌Star Beds’, and meals are enjoyed whenever it suits guests — either in their villa or on the deck at the property’s adjacent restaurant. It’s a flexible and relaxed arrangement recognising the unscripted spontaneity of a successful safari. Beyond having a dedicated safari guide and 4WD at their disposal, guests at Magashi Peninsula can also enjoy boat trips on the concession’s Lake Rwanyakazinga. You can fish (catch and release) from a sleek electric-powered pontoon as you cruise along the lake’s shores, while spiny reptiles slip into the water around Crocodile Point. You can also spot leopards, lions, giraffes and elephants in the concession’s private lakeside wilderness. Inevitably, dusk on Lake Rwanyakazinga is another opportunity for Rwandan hospitality, and our onwater version of a traditional safari sundowner includes chilled Prosecco, frosty G&Ts, and a twilight
picnic of biltong, samosas and chilli-spiced cashews. Replacing the morning's zebras and impalas, hippos are surfacing nearby in still waters illuminated by a golden Akagera sunset. ▪
Brett was a guest of World Journeys and Wilderness Destinations.
www.worldjourneys.co.nz
www.wildernessdestinations.com
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DRINK RESPONSIBLY
CONCIERGE
FIVE-STAR ITALY
TRICIA WELSH DISCOVERS A WORLD OF LUXURY, HISTORY AND ELEGANCE IN SOME OF ITALY’S MOST UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE SMALL HOTELS.
Londra Palace Venezia, Venice.
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LONDRA PALACE VENEZIA VENICE With its enviable location on the Giudecca Canal, mere metres from San Marco, the Londra Palace Venezia is quintessentially Venetian, offering guests one of the best private addresses and elegant retreats in the city, and away from the oft-crowded labyrinth of narrow streets and canals. This legendary hotel has been welcoming guests since 1853, including Russian composer Tchaikovsky, who worked on his Fourth Symphony while in residence, and French writer Jules Verne, whom the hotel commemorates with the fifth-floor Jules Verne Suite. Now a Relais & Chateaux property, the hotel has just 52 rooms and suites — all individually furnished to capture the essence of the historic city while maintaining a modern edge. Our deluxe suite on the third level enjoys a spectacular central position, with a private balcony overlooking the early summer crowds below and uninterrupted views across the lagoon. Rich fabric covers the walls with plush matching drapes, a feature bronze ceiling and antique furniture. The elegant marble bathroom is well appointed and peppered with monogrammed LPV amenities. Recent refurbishments include a chic new bar, reception area and indoor dining room.
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Dinner on the terrace might start with a Rossini cocktail comprising fresh strawberries and prosecco. Then tempura langoustine and sea bass tartare, followed by goby fish risotto and spaghetti with veal ragu and black truffles. We feel almost smug tucking into eggs Benedict for breakfast on the waterfront terrace while early tourists amble past. Two-thirds of the hotel’s rooms overlook the lagoon to the Island of San Giorgio; others enjoy a vista over the city’s rooftops. The hotel’s sixth-floor rooftop terrace, or altana, has a fabulous 360-degree view over the city’s roofs and the Venetian lagoon. Guests can reserve this romantic space for sunset aperitifs or an exclusive private lunch or dinner. ▪
www.londrapalace.com
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HOTEL ROMEO ROMA ROME One of Rome’s most talked-about new luxury addresses is the art-filled Hotel ROMEO Roma, which merges Renaissance heritage with ultra-modern design. Housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Capponi, the building’s original structure and frescoed interiors have been painstakingly restored, with the scala nobile now featuring suites showcasing restored frescoes and painted ceilings alongside contemporary architectural interventions. The hotel has 74 rooms and suites over five floors. All different, some feature private saunas and steam rooms, personal gyms, whirlpool tubs and integrated fireplaces. Others have private terraces with panoramic views over the city’s rooftops. A rear courtyard is designed as a contemporary urban piazza inviting guests to relax in a refreshing alfresco space. Standing tall in the middle is a strapping magnolia tree from the 15th century. Surrounded by vertical green gardens, the courtyard is dotted with eye-catching contemporary art installations. Cuisine? Think Michelinstarred chef Alain Ducasse’s first Rome restaurant and exclusive Krug rooftop garden bar. The hotel’s design was led by the much-celebrated Zaha Hadid Architects. It was one of the late Hadid’s final
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masterpieces, executed by her team to create dramatic contemporary interiors within the palazzo’s historic fabric. The result is one of striking contrasts: sweeping curves, rich materials like Carrara marble and Makassar ebony, and state-of-the-art hotel technology. However, two years into the project, while excavating the hotel garden and swimming pool, workmen uncovered a spacious building dating from 1 BC. Once excavations were completed, the site was declared architectural heritage of ancient Rome. Further construction was prohibited, but, cleverly, the pool was given a glass floor above the archaeological dig so guests can view the exposed dig as they swim. Some 20 metres from elegant Piazza del Popolo, the hotel is part of the ultra-luxury ROMEO Collection of hotels. It is also a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. ▪
www.theromeocollection.com
MASSERIA TRAPANA LECCE, PUGLIA Ten minutes from the Baroque city of Lecce and Puglia’s beaches, Masseria Trapanà is a 16th-century fortified farmhouse reborn as one of Puglia’s most enchanting hideaways. Surrounded by some 60 hectares of ancient olive trees and citrus orchards, the masseria’s origins trace back to a time when such estates were both home and fortress. In 2016, Australian hotelier Rob Potter-Sanders acquired and meticulously restored the structure, retaining its vaulted stone walls, frescoed chapel of Santa Barbara and sense of place while weaving in quiet touches of contemporary luxury. Today, the estate’s nine individually designed suites blur indoor and outdoor life, many opening to private courtyards or outdoor baths shaded by lemon and mandarin trees. My luxurious suite is very spacious with vaulted ceiling, wrought iron-framed four-poster bed, and doors that open on to a private tree-shaded courtyard with large sink-into cushioned chairs and outdoor bath. Across six themed gardens — from a tranquil yoga space to a playful games lawn — guests discover secret hammocks under fruit trees, a generous pool
nestling among plum trees and quiet nooks made for languid afternoons. The kitchen is the soul of the masseria and the resident chef draws deeply on local traditions and the estate’s own garden bounty to celebrate cucina povera — humble Pugliese cuisine elevated to unforgettable dishes. In summer, meals are enjoyed on the terrace beneath laden lemon trees with a glass of Salento wine. For guests seeking even more space and privacy, the property can be reserved as a private villa or enjoyed through immersive experiences such as cooking and yoga weeks scheduled throughout the year. Here, history isn’t just preserved, it’s lived, savoured and shared beneath the Pugliese sun. ▪
www.trapana.com
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PALAZZO MARESGALLO LECCE
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vaults and frescoed ceilings whisper centuries of stories while setting the stage for an immersive artlover’s retreat. Owners Miriam and Lionel Gazzola, an art-collecting visionary and architect duo, have infused every corner of the palazzo with their passion for culture with more than 100 pieces from their private art collection. Notably, the Salone Ruspoli features starshaped vaults adorned with hand-painted frescoes by Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli. Elsewhere, curated contemporary pieces breathe life into salons and lounges. At the heart of this refined sanctuary are just 12 individually curated suites, each melding creamy Lecce limestone, rare marble finishes, bespoke furnishings and original works of art. Some offer private terraces framing the terracotta rooftops of Lecce and iconic views of the Duomo and the adjacent Roman amphitheatre. Our garden suite comprises several rooms with vaulted walls, all magnificently refurbished and furnished with outstanding contemporary pieces and exceptional artwork. A secret citrus garden conceals a plunge pool hidden amid fragrant greenery. Ancient underground vaults now house a tranquil spa and heated indoor pool, while the rooftop terrace, dotted with palms, cacti and comfy day lounge invites golden-hour cocktails against Lecce’s Baroque skyline. In the sun-kissed heart of Lecce — the Baroque jewel of Italy’s Puglia region — is a sublime aristocratic masterpiece reborn for the modern connoisseur: Palazzo Maresgallo Suites & Spa. This 16th-century noble residence, once the proud home of the Maresgallo family, has been lovingly restored into one of Southern Italy’s most compelling luxury escapes. Last year it was named Best Palazzo Hotel in Puglia. From the moment you pass beneath its majestic stone portal you enter a world where some 500 years of history blend in splendid harmony with contemporary artistry. The palazzo’s original stellar
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Palazzo Maresgallo is more than a destination, it’s a living work of art where every stone, fresco and sunset-lit vista elevates the soul. ▪
www.palazzomaresgallo.com
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LA PESCHIERA HOTEL MONOPOLI La Peschiera is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel located in Capitolo, Monopoli, on the Adriatic coast of Puglia. Originally a Bourbon-era fishing reserve, the property has been transformed into an exclusive retreat featuring 13 elegant rooms, many with direct sea access. The hotel’s décor emphasises minimalism and natural materials, allowing the surrounding sea and sky to take centre stage. Possibly the largest swimming pool we have ever seen greets us on arrival. It is one of six pools, I am to discover — all originally aquaculture ponds — including a 25m lap pool and a cold plunge pool. We later enjoy one heated to 280C in this early spring weather. The resort stretches along the ocean’s edge with our own private beach and natural ocean pool, too. La Peschiera's private sandy beach is equipped with sunloungers and parasols, offering a serene spot by the sea. Breakfast comes delivered at a leisurely hour to our private courtyard right on the water’s edge: eggs Benedict, seasonal fruit cold cuts and delicious pastries. Fortified for the day, we set off touring this ancient and most photogenic region of Puglia, with its rugged chalky coastline dotted with caves, cliffs and private beaches.
Back at the hotel, we pull up a table on the expansive deck and sip cocktails as the sun sets over the sandy coastline. The adjacent Sale Blu restaurant serves refined seafood dishes on a terrace dining room overlooking the Adriatic. Resident chef Chef Vincenzo Montanaro treats us to an excellent dégustation dinner of local seafood that includes scallops, crispy-fried octopus, spaghetti in sea urchin roe sauce with red prawns, and more — all beautifully presented and paired with first-class local wines. Located just 10 minutes from the historic town of Monopoli, La Peschiera, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, offers guests a tranquil seaside escape with easy access to Puglia's cultural and culinary attractions. But why leave this enchanted spot? All’s well in the world as we slow to the rhythm of the gentle waters of the Adriatic Sea lapping the rocky shore. Il dolce far niente — at its best! ▪
www.peschierahotel.com
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THE FIRST ARTE ROME You don’t really expect to find a life-size cow in the foyer of your hotel — even though it’s Rome’s first dedicated ‘art’ hotel. Tucked down a little side street off Via Ripetta, The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions surprises with its artworks, each floor celebrating a different contemporary artist, with all works for sale — except the cow. Some 200 artworks are showcased throughout the five-star hotel’s 23 suites and five prestige rooms — all cleverly nestled inside an elegant 19th-century nobleman’s palace, which was completely renovated in 2024. An intimate foyer-cum-lounge bar welcomes guests, while an adjacent private art-filled gallery is a quiet space to perhaps work or meet with friends. Serious art-lovers can request the services of an art gallery consultant during their stay or enjoy meet-theartist experiences. My corner Arte Suite is on the fifth floor with rooftop views. It boasts a spacious well-furnished separate lounge, large king-size bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and marble bathroom with luxury Acqua di Parma toiletries. Artworks here are by local Roman artist Angelica Romeo, noted for her abstract work. Guests seeking total relaxation should consider one of four SPA suites — each with Jacuzzi, private sauna and terrace. For the energetic, there is a well-equipped
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fitness workout room by Technogym. All rooms are accessed via an internal courtyard bathed in natural light. Guests can start the day with a hearty breakfast in the open-air AquaRoof Terrazza, where dishes are prepared in an open kitchen as you gaze over nearby rooftops in the Eternal City. In the evening the terrace morphs into the exclusive AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari Lounge, Bar and Restaurant — the perfect spot for an aperitivo before perhaps dining in the hotel’s ground-floor twoMichelin-star restaurant, Acquolina. The First Arte, one of three hotels in The First Hotels group by Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, is well positioned for easy, affordable shopping and an abundance of nearby trattorias and restaurants. It’s also literally metres from Ponte Regina Margherita (bridge) over the Tiber River, where you can discover colourful, lively and restaurant-rich Trastevere precinct. ▪
www.pavilionshotels.com
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