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Ironsbottom, Sidlow
RH2 8PP
European & Mediterranean News
Castel Monastero – The Tuscan hilltop
village and monastery, now a stunning hotel
Discreet retreat on the Riviera’s favourite
summer playground - Muse, a YTL hotel
Dating back to the eleventh century, Castel Monastero is
surrounded by one of the most beautiful countrysides, the
Chianti region. Today, this small medieval hamlet is
dedicated to the art of Italian hospitality. Located in a
strategic position, just 23 km from Siena and 90 km from
Florence, this perfectly restored hotel offers the pleasure of
discovering and experiencing an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Muse is your chic retreat ideally located close to the
Ramatuelle “route des plages” road and nestled within
an ecological landscape of terraced gardens.
For true indulgence why not head for a short break to
the nearby North African countries of Tunisia and
Morocco. Each promises a rich history, splendid sights,
exotic cuisine and warm winter sunshine.
...to the latest issue of our travel magazine, which aims
to blow the cobwebs out of the economic downturn
and generate a positive desire to have a well-earned
weekend break, an exotic adventure, a sporting
excursion, a pampering package or a simple soak in the
sun. We hope we can give you a bit of inspiration!
As European cities go, Paris is the jewel that was made
for easy pedestrian exploration. The compact centre
offers a wonderful excuse to escape for the weekend
coupled with the rapid rail links of Eurostar. Meanwhile
the winter season blossoms reminding us that the Alps
is open for snowbound exercise.
If you are looking for safari adventure, but want to be
guaranteed of the finest levels of comfort, then OrientExpress have the ideal circuit in Botswana - an excellent
cocktail of camps especially if mixed with some downtime
in Cape Town and Johannesburg before and after.
Take a journey of discovery in Indochina following the
course of the mighty Mekong visiting countries that are
still fresh on the tourist map.
Finally, our review of sun-soaked retreats includes a
glance at the islands of the Indian Ocean, a welcome
return of an old favourite in the Caribbean and a
tantalising introduction to a splendid new venture on
the south coast of Zanzibar.
Tel: 01737 226522
The buildings of this historic noble residence, divided into
“contrade”, house 75 rooms and suites of various sizes, as well
as an independent villa. Two restaurants and extensive SPA
facilities make this the ideal week-end escape – why not
choose Castel Monastero for an early spring celebration and
for your Easter break! Closed from 21 Nov to 31 March.
Good timekeeping is essential at any hotel, but Le Richemond has the advantage of
having the world's finest watchmakers on its doorstep.
www.qualitytraveluk.com
“A world of difference for the discerning traveller”
To celebrate this centuries-old tradition, the new Perfect Timing package will provide
guests with their own, exclusive Watch Butler who will arrange one-to-one viewings of
current Collection models, give expert advice on buying watches, and ensure
everything runs like clockwork. Guests will also be taken to view historic timepieces at
the Patek Philippe Museum, founded by the renowned Geneva brand. To complete this
21-carat experience, guests will be served a complimentary glass of Champagne on
arrival, and enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel's Le Jardin restaurant.
Published by Travelspeak Limited - 020 8944 6050
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Guests will have priviledged access to the most
exclusive restaurants and beach clubs in the area due
to the exceptionally connected concierge team.
Running like clockwork at Le Richemond, Geneva
Fax: 01737 222535
Issue 2, 2010
Comprised of 15 suites, 10 with pools, most
overlooking the terraced gardens created by Sophie
Agata Ambroise, Muse is minutes from the centre of
swinging St. Tropez. Each suite is named after show
business and historical muses such as “Edith”, after
Edith Piaf, “Catherine”, after Catherine Deneuve and
“Lauren” after Lauren Bacall.
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3
European News
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On safari in Botswana
4
Parisian Treasures
16
Zanzibar with finesse
6
Gourmet Ski
18
Indochina and the Mighty Mekong
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Royal Mansour, Marrakech
20
A Welcome Return to Nevis
10
The Residence in Tunis
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Africa & Indian Ocean News
12
Four Seasons in the Indian Ocean
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Adult Pleasures - Asimina Suites, Paphos
Cover image: Spa at the Residence, courtesy of The Residence Mauritius
The Canny Traveller - Essential air travel aids
Noise-cancelling
Headphones
Discreet earphones can now be purchased that have
effective noise-cancelling capabilities. They will both enhance
on-board entertainment systems and/or block out unwanted
noise from within the cabin. An eye mask is also a good idea!
Optrex eye drops
...for during and post-flight hydration of red-eye.
Digital luggage scales
The digital luggage scale is a light, portable and extremely
useful device which effortlessly helps you weigh your bags.
Available in stores and online at a number of websites.
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Parisian Treasures
Palatial Style or Chic Boutique in the City of Lights
F
ew cities around the world squeeze so much into their
centre or deliver such a fascinating melange of
classical and modern. As the famous 20th century
American publicist, Mary Anderson once said:
“Paris is the city in which one loves to live. Sometimes I think
this is because it is the only city in the world where you can
step out of a railway station - the Gare D’Orsay - and see,
simultaneously, the chief enchantments: the Seine with its
bridges and bookstalls, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries
Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the beginning of the
Champs Elysees - nearly everything except the Luxembourg
Gardens and the Palais Royal. But what other city offers as
much as you leave a train?”
These days the beautiful Beaux Arts Gare D’Orsay
has itself become another notable landmark, a
museum housing French art between 1845 and
1915, but the principal of easy and fast rail travel
from the UK to the “City of Lights” has made it our
most convenient and nearby European city
break destination. By day Paris promises
great discoveries and by night she
tempts us with an enthralling
playground full of light
and sound.
Le Bristol
Located in the heart of historical Paris on the fashionable Rue du
Faubourg Saint Honoré, within walking distance of the Champs
Elysees and the Louvre, Hotel Le Bristol embodies the luxurious side
of Parisian way of life. With 187 rooms and suites, Hotel Le Bristol is
often described as an intimate palace, a combination of refined
elegance, life and culture, and an extraordinarily attentive service with
a great attention to details and flexibility. Interiors are adorned with
Gobelin tapestries and stunning original works of arts, all adding to
the regal ambience of one of Paris’ legendary ‘Palace’ Hotels.
The three-star Michelin Chef, Eric Frechon, offers gastronomic brilliance
that guarantees to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Opened
in September 2009, the new restaurant, 114 Faubourg, offers a cuisine
that blends French classicism with world flavours. The beautiful French
manicured garden, the rooftop swimming pool and the Spa, ensure
comfort and relaxation after a day of shopping and touring the City of
Lights. Hotel Le Bristol Paris also features five banqueting rooms, a
business centre, 24 hour room-service and all the facilities that providie
a unique setting for guests around the world to gather.
Banke Hotel
With architecture reminiscent of the Belle Epoch and flamboyant
interior design, Banke Hotel makes a striking impression in the
heart of the Opera quarter. Housing a superb collection of world
art, wonderfully comfortable rooms and a gastronomic
restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine, it is the
perfect hotel from which to enjoy the best of Paris.
From the minute you enter the lobby, you are struck by the
magnificent crystal-domed ceiling that illuminates a large floor
mosaic. A dramatic spiral staircase leads to beautifully decorated
rooms that bring Hausmann styling into the 21st century while
display cases on each floor exhibit a fabulous collection of
treasures from various world civilisations.
Just a few minutes from Place Vendôme, the Galleries La Fayette
and Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Banke Hotel is ideally placed for
a serious shopping trip or a visit to the Louvre which is nearby.
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Hotel Alpaga
Megève
Overlooking the Arly Valley and onwards to Mont
Blanc, Alpaga is an elegant hotel just a five-minute
walk from the centre of Megève. With a bar, a spa
with an indoor pool, steam room, treatment rooms
and a gastronomic restaurant, this is a fabulous allseason bolthole. The spa was recently selected as one
of the 101 best spas in the world by Tatler.
Pale, sandblasted pine and sophisticated shades of
brown, grey and white create an undeniably
contemporary feel. All 22 rooms, four apartments and
six chalets have amazing mountain views and all with
balconies.
Gourmet Ski
Lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix and Megève.
Les Granges d’en Haut Resort & Spa
T
he alpine resorts of Megève
and Chamonix offer winter
sports enthusiasts some of the
most dramatic terrain in the Alps
dominated by the Mont Blanc Massif.
Both resorts lie in close proximity to
each other and within a 60/90
minute transfer from Geneva and
Chambery airports making them
ideal contenders for weekenders as
well as those wishing to stay for
longer.
They also offer tantalising apres-ski,
or should we say, alternatives, as they
are most definitely year-round
destinations. They differ quite
dramatically in atmosphere with
Chamonix presenting more of a
cosmopolitan buzz whilst Megève
delivers a more genteel, rustic chic.
Fine dining and top marque
shopping establishments abound.
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Megève
Megève is the essence of rustic chic. It has an authentic heart, but it
was, in a way, the original purpose-built French ski resort - conceived
in the 1950’s as a French alternative to Switzerland's St. Moritz.
There is a very healthy, gastronomic side to Megève with over 90
restaurants, some of which have attained the highest culinary
accolades. With such temptations it would be fair to say that the
excellent skiing plays second fiddle to breakfast and lunch!
Chamonix
Lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of Europe’s
oldest alpine resorts and gateway to some of the world’s finest
year-round high altitude recreation. With a ski area extending to
3,800 metres the winter season lasts from December to May.
Chamonix (Les Houches)
On the mountainside above the village of Les
Houches, Les Granges d’en Haut has one of the
finest views of the Chamonix valley. The resort is
spread out across a charming, private hamlet of
fourteen luxury chalets, stunning restaurant,
elegant lounge and an exquisite spa oozing with
simple elegance.
Each fully catered, private chalet offers style,
comfort and high-end guest services. If guests
seek more privacy, self-catered chalet rentals are
also available. Each of the 14 chalets sleeps eight
guests in four en suite bedrooms
There are five separate ski areas along the Chamonix Valley
between Les Houches and Argentière. The Mont Blanc Unlimited
Ski Pass unites these areas with unlimited access to the Grands
Montets, plus one day on the Italian side of Mont Blanc in
Courmayeur as well.
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Royal Mansour
In the heart of Marrakech, a new medina offers a most
exclusive retreat in the grand, Moorish tradition.
E
nclosed by its own, burnt ochre-orange 10foot-high walls and two 2.5-ton entry doors
finished in sculpted bronze, the Royal
Mansour is a new, but private “medina” (district) in
the very heart of the hectic, Berber city of Marrakech.
3½ years in the making, Royal Mansour is without
doubt Morocco’s most inspired and unique hotel
development of recent years comprising 53
individual three-storey riads (traditional Moroccan
open-courtyard residences) ranging in size from
one to four bedrooms spread across an intricate
maze of gardens and water-lined pathways
covering an area of over nine acres.
The sense of achievement is apparent from the
moment guests enter past the grand gates. This sets
the measure for the ensuing experience where a
small army of staff come and go unseen through an
elaborate, ground-breaking system of underground
tunnels that ensures that life on the surface remains
uncluttered by the passage of hotel’s immaculately
trained labour force. Indeed, each riad is assigned
its own butler ensuring that the smallest detail of
guest comfort is guaranteed 24/7.
Over 1000 craftsmen have toiled over the elaborate
decorations and furnishings to achieve an ornate,
hand-crafted look akin to the style of the original
Almoravid palaces and mosques with intricate
zellige tilework, carved cedarwood and silk-smooth
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tadelakt plaster prevalent throughout all the
buildings. Modern refinements ensure that comfort
is always maintained. For instance, each of the
open-air courtyards has a canopy, which will close
automatically should sensors detect rain.
Sumptuous bedrooms with live-in marble
bathrooms, living rooms with open fires and roof
terraces with plunge pools, dining area and
Bedouin style seating tent all attest to a standard of
accommodation fit for royalty.
The two gastronomic restaurants are under the
consultancy of Yannick Alléno, who brought three
Michelin stars to Le Meurice in Paris. La Grande
Table Marocaine serves local cuisine while La
Grande Table Française is probably already the best
French restaurant in Morocco. There is also a lobby
dining area, a salon de thé in the Spa, a cocktail
lounge and a Piano Bar overlooking the gardens.
However, if guests prefer, they may dine in the
privacy of their riad, either inside or under a star lit
sky on their roof terrace.
A magnificent spa sprawls over 27,000 square feet
offering blissful treatments. Those fortunate to
experience Royal Mansour would do well to visit the
Hammam, complete with hot rooms, mild rooms
and cold rooms, created with combinations of light,
steam and water.
A lifestyle experience awaits at Royal Mansour.
www.theresidence.com
Ancient & Modern
Sophisticated pampering and year round delights at The Residence Tunis
A
n ideal climate and a long and gentle
seacoast on this northernmost African
country has attracted visitors to Tunisia for
over 3000 years. Not all of them friendly! This
welcoming nation, often referred to as the
Switzerland of North Africa for their peaceful nature,
has witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans,
Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. They
came as fugitives or adventurers, to conquer or to
claim, warriors and missionaries, traders and farmers
each leaving a part of their story in stone or mosaics,
on the hills of Carthage and the threshold of the
Sahara.
Often overlooked by it’s more favoured neighbours,
Tunisia is easily accessible by scheduled flights from
London and offers an easy, relaxed and fascinating
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cultural escape from the British winter, for a week or
a weekend, and being outside the Euro-zone, offers
excellent value for money.
Close to the gates of Carthage, lies The Residence
Tunis, a graceful palace of domed ceilings and
arched alcoves, drawing its inspiration from the
country’s Arab-Andalucian heritage. This cool oasis
of ivory coloured marble welcomes sophisticated
travellers with the signature scent of Neroli, a
calming fragrance made from Orange Blossom.
Guestrooms are decorated in nuanced tones and
bathed in filtered light with views over the lush
gardens or the 16,000 square foot pool and the
ocean beyond. For those craving total relaxation, Les
Thermes Marins de Carthage, reminiscent of the
thermal baths of ancient Rome, boasts 30 treatment
rooms, a Darphin spa and oriental hammam. The six
restaurants take you on a gastronomic tour in this
land of flavours and aromas: savour fresh seafood,
Mediterranean specialities, authentic Chinese
cuisine or dine al fresco at Néroli salad bar.
Just two minutes away, in the heart of a natural
reserve where migrating birds and wildlife abound,
the golf course, created by Robert Trent Jones II,
provides an enjoyable distraction from the beach
with free green fees for all guests staying 2 nights or
longer, and is home to a chic club house with it’s
own pool, restaurant and uber-cool bar.
The Residence Tunis offers the perfect base for
investigating this country of mystery and legend.
Clockwise from top left :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The Outdoor pool
The Thalassotherapy pool
L’Olivier’s Restaurant
The Robert Trent Jones II golf course
A romantic dinner for two, Bedouin style.
A multitude of spa treatments
Guestroom
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5
Tropical Island Bonanza
Four Seasons offers the definitive collection in the Indian Ocean
1. Beach Bungalow, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
2. 'Four Seasons Kuda Huraa'
3. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
4. Tree-house villa perched above the bay at Four Seasons
Resort Seychelles
he irresistible lure of The Indian Ocean
affirms our most reclusive desires - to
discover that strip of powder white sand, an
idyllic island washed by crystal clear waters where
tropical palms and coconut trees stand guard along
untouched shorelines. Indeed, the choices now
available offer variations on this theme to suit the
most active or passive sun worshiper.
T
By example, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has
developed a collection of resorts offering superlative
standards of accommodation, exceptional locations
and a tremendous commitment to the varying needs
and desires of different holiday types like families,
couples and lifestyle junkies.
The most cosmopolitan destination of their Indian
Ocean collection is the island of Mauritius to the east
of Madagascar, a large island framed by dramatic
mountains and circled by a necklace of reefs and
lagoons. The east coast offers a more detached
environment and the Four Seasons Resort
Mauritius at Anahita occupies a prime position
along a six mile private stretch of coastline including
the nearby Isle des Cerfs. The resort will appeal to all
types, but is a particular favourite for families offering
a host of exciting activities including extensive water
and land-based sports including an Ernie Els
designed, 18-hole championship golf course.
The archipelago of picture perfect islands that
comprise the Seychelles lies to the north adjacent to
Kenya and Tanzania. Although Mauritian beaches are
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beautiful, there is no mistaking that Seychelles
beaches are better. In fact, beaches in Seychelles
often make it into top beaches of the world surveys.
The location of the new, Four Seasons Resort
Seychelles, is a fine example. A collection of
luxurious villas each with a private pool dot the dense
hills overlooking one of the very finest private, white
sand bays on Mahe Island. This is a truly exclusive
retreat and should be a hot favourite for adventurous
honeymooners, although the extensive facilities
offered does makes this one of the few resorts on the
Seychelles to cater for families.
Of course, the ultimate expression of the tropical,
barefoot idyll is to be found eastwards across the
Indian Ocean on the low-lying atolls of the
Maldives. This is the domain of private island
resorts, each with its distinct character and appeal.
Four Seasons operates two private island resorts:
the colourful garden island of Four Seasons
Resort Kuda Huraa, just half an hour speedboat
ride from Male airport, and the remote natural
wonderland of Four Seasons Resort Landaa
Giraavaru, a scenic seaplane ride from the airport.
Kuda Huraa reflects all the charm and intimacy of a
traditional Maldivian village. It has excellent dive
and surf schools, and a spa that occupies its own
tropical island. Landaa Giraavaru is flanked by
pristine, white beaches and a two kilometre lagoon.
It is home to secluded restaurants, pioneering
marine projects and an award-winning Spa &
Ayurvedic Retreat.
5. The Sandspit - a private stretch of “heaven” at Four Seasons
Landaa Giraavaru
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Aboard Four Seasons Explorer
The atolls of The Maldives stretch for
hundreds of miles offering tremendous
opportunities for exploration.
Four Seasons Explorer is an 11-cabin, three
deck catamaran that sails between Kuda
Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru on 3, 4 and 7day itineraries. With the chance to snorkel,
dive, fish, kayak, spa and visit remote
islands for cultural and castaway
experiences, guests are guaranteed a
private cruise experience that goes far
beyond the normal beach escape.
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Savute Elephant Camp
Eagle Island Camp
Khwai River Lodge
Maun
Cape Town / Johannesburg
Orient-Express
Safaris circuit
in Botswana
Ideal for a 9-night tour
preceded and/or
finished with stays in
Cape Town and
Johannesburg
Eagle Island Camp
Situated on the remote island of Xaxaba, shaded
by a canopy of indigenous trees and Ilala Palms,
the camp overlooks a surrounding lagoon fed by
the tranquil waterways of the Delta. The area
offers prolific birdlife and mammal gameviewing
by boat and on foot. Also included in your stay at
Eagle Island Camp is a spectacular and mindblowing game-viewing helicopter flight, the
open sides of the helicopter allowing you to take
the most fantastic photographs, to capture this
experience forever.
Botswana
Khwai River Lodge
On safari with Orient-Express
U
ntarnished, expansive and exquisite.
Botswana is greatly respected by its people
and one of the few African countries to
realise the importance of ecological preservation
and low impact tourism.
Unique in its diversity of regions – green wetlands,
forested islands tapering into riverbanks and rivers
that eventually run dry into the parched sands of the
Kalahari Desert – to see Botswana is to experience
the Real Africa. Wild, unexpected and beautiful.
Roughly the size of France it is extraordinary to think
that over 17% of the land is designated as protected
wildlife areas. Orient-Express have created a unique
group of safari camps that in combination offer a
comprehensive safari circuit to three of the most
popular wildlife environments within the lush
Okavango Delta and northwards to the more
rugged Chobe National Park.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest
inland water systems, the only inland delta of its
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kind and a unique oasis of life in the centre of the
Kalahari Desert. It stretches over 16,000 square km
and supports a staggering variety of animal, plant,
fish and birdlife. The water was once thought to
have reached the sea, but this is no longer the
case. After a series of tectonic uplifts and
earthquakes running along geological fault lines,
the land at the edge of the Delta now lies lower
than that of the surrounding area. Hence the
water very rarely flows further south than Maun.
In contrast, Chobe National Park is a dynamic
wilderness, a sweeping expanse of savannah
brooded over by several rocky outcrops which
guard a relic marsh and the Savute channel.
Mysterious wet and dry cycles mould this
landscape and dictate the nature of its wild
inhabitants. The Savute Channel, one of the
greatest mysteries and fascinations of Northern
Botswana, is flowing again after nearly 30 years of
lying dormant.
Nestled on the edge of a leadwood forest,
overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains
and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve,
lies Khwai River Lodge. Located in the one of
Africa’s most sought after locations for viewing
wildlife it is renowned for its large
concentrations of big mammals such as the
elephant, buffalo and hippo in addition to lion,
leopard and wild dog. Day and night game
drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles and is
excellent all year round.
Savute Elephant Camp
Perched on the banks of the now flowing Savute
Channel, Savute Elephant Camp is a spectacular
base from which to explore the area. Drama
unfolds here daily with interactions between the
high concentrations of elephant, the large lion
prides and the many hyenas that inhabit the
area. Savute is also unrivaled for its sightings of
excellent predator / prey interaction during the
drier months of August through October and is
a ‘must stay’ on any Southern Africa safari.
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Zanzibar with finesse
White sand, a private pool and a butler by The Residence Zanzibar
pening April 2011, The Residence
Zanzibar will sit in isolated splendour
on the south west coast of the island,
close to the village of Kizimkazi, home to the
wild dolphins who populate these waters, and
the rare colobus monkey.
O
The architecture and interiors draw their
inspiration from the many influences in
Zanzibar’s rich cultural history, where Africa,
India and Arabia meet. Simple, airy and
contemporary, the feel will be casual elegance;
sumptuous and sophisticated.
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, it will
open with 65 one and two bedroom villas and
an impressive Presidential Villa. This romantic
honeymoon hideaway and post-safari retreat is
set in 80 acres of tropical gardens along a one
mile stretch of soft white sand flanked by tall
coconut palms. Each spacious villa will have a
private pool, personal butler service and views
over the beautiful gardens or beach.
The Spa, featuring Carita products, housed in six
individual pavilions in the verdant gardens, is a
tranquil oasis and will showcase the world
renowned “Ohashiatsu” from New York.
The two restaurants will provide a heady mix of
Zanzibar “spice” and European expertise, while
the two bars take guests on a nostalgic journey
through Africa to trace the path of Dr Livingstone.
www.theresidence.com
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Indochina
The mighty Mekong and the wonders of Siem Reap
La Résidence D’Angkor, Siem Reap
Make your base when visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of
Angkor Wat the Residence D’Angkor, an intimate Orient-Express
hotel on the banks of Siem Reap’s tree-lined river.
Located in the town centre there is easy access to the busy craft
markets, restaurants and galleries as well as fascinating Tonle Sap
Lake with its "floating village". This delightful hotel’s quiet
gardens, refreshing salt water swimming pool and soothing spa
are the perfect place to relax at the end of a thrilling day.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
T
he mighty Mekong provides an ideal partner
for a trip through South East Asia. Following
much of the lower reaches of its 4,880 km
meanderings you can easily combine Laos,
Cambodia and Vietnam into one trip. This gives a
great snapshot of the rich natural, cultural and
historical heritage bordering its banks.
Hidden Laos, the ‘forgotten country’ of South East
Asia, is slowly emerging as a tourist destination,
and, before it becomes a major hot spot, visit and
savour the ancient way of life. The mighty Mekong
River is the pulse of the land. Life on the river carries
on much as it did hundreds of years ago and holds a
myriad of sights and experiences for the traveller. A
good start might be a short but leisurely cruise in
the north of the country down river to Luang
Prabang.
The sleepy town of Luang Prabang, set amongst
beautiful hills on the banks of the Mekong, is one the
region’s treasures. With its historic temples, this UNESCO
world heritage town is an inspiring place to visit.
On travelling southwards one encounters a most
stunning section of the river known as the “Four
Thousand Islands” region, where the Mekong
shatters into a mosaic of small islands just before it
crosses into neighbouring Cambodia.
Heading downstream into Cambodia one should
make a significant detour away from the Mekong to
visit the extraordinary temples of Angkor. This
magnificent complex represents the high point of
the mighty Khmer civilisation, which dominated
South East Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Its
200 monuments are scattered over a huge area, but
the temples near Siem Reap are the most popular.
South of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh
the Mekong opens out into the wide
basin of its delta, entering Vietnam. This
area, called the “rice basket” of Vietnam,
yields enough rice to feed the nation
and a sizeable surplus. Such fertility also
supports a highly dense population with
nearly every hectare intensively farmed.
To the east of the delta lies the capital
city of Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh
City (formerly Saigon).
The lower reaches of the Mekong form
the basis of 3, 7 and 10-night luxury
cruises between Kampong Cham in
Central Cambodia and My Tho close to
Ho Chi Minh City aboard the well
equipped and popular river boats of
Pandaw River Cruises.
Positioned atop a hill, with stunning
mountain views, La Résidence Phou Vao
is an unforgettable place to stay.
Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that
of the sleepy World Heritage town of
Luang Prabang - former royal capital of
Laos - spread out below.
This Orient-Express hotel is known for its
wonderful French-influenced local cuisine
and an open-air spa beside a water lily pool.
Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy
stepping back into a more gracious era.
Soneva Kiri,
Koh Kood
A superb way to include
some downtime on the
coast after a tour of
Indochina.
Remote but accessible aptly describes the Thai island of Kood, on
which Soneva Kiri is set amidst the lush tropical rainforest, off the
south-east coast of the Gulf of Siam. International guests are
personally met on arrival at Bangkok’s airport and transferred to
the resort’s own airplane for the one-hour flight to the Soneva Kiri
airfield. From the air, the beauty of untouched Thailand and Koh
Kood, with its white sandy beaches is immediately evident.
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A Return to Form
Back to business for Four Season Resort Nevis
he re-opening of the Four Seasons Resort
on the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis
has marked the end of a long wait since
Hurricane Omar stormed past the island in
October 2008.
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Two years is a long time to keep devotees waiting
but it is also a reflection of the painstaking high
standards that are synonymous with Four Seasons
Resorts worldwide. Naturally, a wise man would
get their reservation in early to take advantage of
the generous discounts being offered in the early
months after re-opening.
To understand the enduring loyalty of past guests
you need also to appreciate the gentle philosophy
of the island’s inhabitants. Their relaxed and
welcoming attitude makes Nevis one of the
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friendliest islands of the Caribbean where crime is
negligible.
Nevis, along with sister island, St. Kitts, lies on the
northern fringe of the leeward islands. It is a small,
volcanic island dominated by a central mountain
that rises over 3000 feet above palm fringed, fine
sand beaches. Christopher Columbus mistakenly
named the island after the Spanish word “nieve” on
admiring the invariably cloud obscured peak that
he could see as he approached. Interestingly,
subsequent construction on the island has always
been low rise with a strict policy that no building
can rise higher than two storeys so the palm trees
always dominate the shoreline.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis is the only full service,
international standard hotel on Nevis. It has 196
rooms in low-lying tropical blocks set back slightly
from the sand among the tangle of tall palms of 3 km
Pinney's Beach, Nevis's loveliest beach. There is a
busy core to the resort, around the foyer,
restaurants and the main pool, but it is laid out over
large grounds so the rooms, and the villas, which
are set inland on higher ground, have a delightful
tropical tranquillity.
The view from the beach itself, along the length of
St Kitts, is simply fantastic. Facilities on the front,
mainly in the centre of the resort, include three
pools (one a ‘quiet’ pool) and a watersports centre
that offers a full range of sports, from snorkelling
and kayaking to waterskiing, sailing school and
scuba diving.
The Four Seasons in Nevis also has excellent landbased sports facilities. Most of them are located on
the other side of the rooms, looking towards the
mountains. Leaving the foyer you pass through the
tennis courts and come to the golf pro shop and
golf course, which is one of the finest in the
Caribbean. Next to it is the fitness centre and the
extensive spa.
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Africa and Indian Ocean News
Caribbean News
South Africa - The stunning Villa at
Grootbos Nature Reserve
Barbados - The Atlantis, a historic bolthole
on the wilder east coast of Barbados
Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges
is a jewel of Cape ecotourism and luxury
accommodation. The reserve is spectacularly
situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills that
overlook the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. It
is a unique place where conservation, relaxation &
luxury have found the perfect home.
The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve accommodation
is connected via winding pathways through some of
the last Milkwood Forests in the world.
Complimenting the lodges but offering a far more
exclusive experience, the reserve has built a
fabulous villa offering 6 elegant suites with private
butler, chef and guide. Spread over an impressive
1000 sq. metres this property must rank at the top of
the league of exclusive use villas in Southern Africa.
Maldives - Constance Moofushi Resort
opens this winter with early bird offers
Opening in November 2010, Constance Moofushi Resort
is situated on the South Ari Atoll and is widely regarded
as one of the best diving spots in the world. The 5* all
inclusive Resort combines the Crusoe Chic Barefoot
elegance of a deluxe resort with the highest standards of
Constance Hotels service. The accommodation consists
of Beach Villas, Water Villas and Senior Water Villas, which
all feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hairdryers,
sitting areas and complimentary WIFI, LCD, TV, Mac mini
(iPod connection CD & DVD).
Manta is the main buffet restaurant and Alizee offers a la
carte fine dining. There are also three Bars offering clients
a varied choice of atmosphere to soak up this delightful
island. With 8 over water treatment rooms in the Spa de
Constance as well as a Yoga Pavilion there is a chance to
relax and unwind. For those who prefer a more active
holiday there is the Diving School within the Water Sports
Centre as well as a Gym and Aerobic Centre.
The newest, chicest and most talked about boutique hotel on
Barbados located on the island’s less developed, and
scenically beautiful east coast. The Atlantis Hotel is one of
Barbados’ oldest original hotels dating back to the 19th
century when the island’s railway dropped off passengers
from Kingston at its doorstep in Tent Bay for a ‘seaside’ holiday.
After falling into disrepair, Andrew and Patricia Warden
acquired the property and restored the building to its former
splendour with an appealing, unpretentious luxury that many
people now seek for their holiday. With just 10 rooms and
suites and a fabulous and already sought after restaurant
smack bang on the Atlantic, it’s the ideal escape for many
visitors to the island who wish to incorporate a few days away
from the glitzy west coast.
Turks & Caicos - The privacy of the Beach
Houses at Parrot Cay
South Africa - A magical family holiday at the
Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town
Mount Nelson Hotel is the ideal family
resort destination. Situated in the
heart of Cape Town’s cultural centre,
the hotel’s nine acre garden setting
provides the ideal environment for
children to run free, while parents
unwind with complete peace of mind;
with superb leisure facilities and
luxurious seclusion for little ones who
need a secure and spacious place in
which to play and explore.
Now, in addition to upgrading the
very popular indoor children’s
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playroom, the hotel has introduced a
chill-out lounge and games room
specially for teenagers.
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
offers excellent family friendly outdoor
attractions throughout the South
African summer. most highly
recommended are walks up Table
Mountain or in the surrounding nature
reserves, whilst in the winter there are a
multitude of indoor activities to
entertain children for hours on end.
Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is the northern
Caribbean's pre-eminent private island. It combines
nature – 1000 unspoilt acres, including a mile-long
powdered beach – with understated style, cosseting
service and smiling staff together with an award winning
holistic spa and health-giving cuisine.
With an extensive range of accommodation those seeking
privacy should choose the roomy beach houses and villas,
which offer utter privacy and direct access to the beach.
Beach houses feature plunge pools and hardwood verandas
whilst the larger villas have private pools.
QUALITYEXPERIENCES
Recent
GAIL went to Tuscany in April and spent a few days at
the splendid new country house resort of Castel
Monastero, which is set amid the vines, chestnut
forests and Cypress trees of the Ombroni Valley. The
rooms and suites are located around the main square in
the heart of the resort. There are two restaurants, one
gastronomic and one serving typrical Tuscan
speciailities. Castel Monastero has a stunning Spa which
Gail thoroughly tested! She also spent a week in Egypt
– visiting the top hotels in Sharm El Sheikh. All very
impressive and great for families wanting plenty of
diving and activities or for couples who just want to
relax. The prefect destination to find some sun during
our Winter months at truly affordable prices.
SALLY has been exploring Croatia. She fell in love with
Hvar, a great place to sit with a glass of something and
‘people watch’. Dubrovnik is a fascinating town –
absolutely prefect for a weekend away. She also
managed to fit in Montenegro and stayed at the
fabulous new Aman property at Sveti Stefan which
was a real treat. Later on this year she is going to stay at
The Finca Cortesin in Andalucia and Richard Branson’s
hotel, Kasbah Tamadot in the foothills of the Atlas
Mountains just outside Marrakech.
CAROLINE had a driving holiday around Europe,
travelling through France staying in Puligny Montrachet
at the wonderful Le Montrachet hotel, a delightful
hotel in the Bordeaux area where she sampled some of
the best food and wine (and naturally bought a few
crates to bring home). She then continued south to the
Catalunyian Coast to spend a couple of nights at the
Mas de Torrent - a little treasure of a hotel close to the
unspoilt beaches of Aiguablava and Palafrugell - an area
which is totally off the main tourist map and still as
delightful as it was when she was last there more than
thirty years ago. Onwards to Valencia - Spain's third
city - an exciting blend of the old and the new with a
fine Cathedral and the modern CIty of Arts and Sciences.
She returned home travelling via Madrid, a wonderful
city, and then onwards through the Dordogne, the Loire
Valley and finally home.
DIANA has not been travelling at all this Summer, but will
make up for it next year and looks forward to sharing her
Quality Experiences with you in future issues.
KAREN visited the wonderful Greek island of Mykonos,
where she was treated like royalty at the delightful
Myconnian Ambassador Hotel. The people were so
friendly and the food and wine were superb. She would
highly recommend this destination; it really is so
accessible, with direct flights from Gatwick, it makes an
ideal destination for a long weekend break.
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Adult Pleasures
The Asimina Suites 5* Hotel opens in Paphos, Cyprus
he new 5 star Asimina Suites in Paphos, Cyprus opened its
doors in April of this year. The Asimina offers the unique
feature of all suite luxury hotel for adults only offering
guests spacious and well equipped accommodation, coupled
with superb hotel facilities in an impressive beach side setting.
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The boutique style all suite hotel offers 121 luxurious suites
ranging from junior suites to one and two bedroom suites and
Executive suites with private pool and Jacuzzi. The suites are
spacious and designed in a contemporary style with glorious
sea views.
The hotel is a discerning choice for couples as it has been
designed exclusively for adults only, who appreciate a luxurious
and tranquil environment with impeccable standards of service
and hospitality offering a range of leisure and spa facilities,
relaxing bars and a choice of four restaurants including a
gourmet a la carte restaurant and the ‘Kymata’ beach restaurant.
The hotel offers a range of leisure facilities including a large
lagoon style pool with Jacuzzis in spacious well tended gardens,
the Elixir Spa offering thalassotherapy and aromatherapy
treatments as well as gym, massage, steam room, sauna facilities
and an indoor pool.
The hotel is ideally situated on a stretch of sandy beach in the Kato
Paphos area and is conveniently located a short distance to the
local restaurants and bars and only 2km from Paphos resort centre.
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