Lifestyle and Adventure

Basel - Switzerlands Perfect Romantic Getaway

You might be thinking of cosy chalets with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. However, I would recommend the hidden gem that is Basel instead. It is far away from the Swiss Alps, but in fact, it is the third-most populous city in Switzerland. With its proximity to France and Germany, it's always been more multicultural than other parts of the country. It is a city that effortlessly intertwines history with modernity. It is a fabulous city for lovers because you have so much to talk about whether it's their cultural, architectural, or gastronomical excellence. With around 40 museums, it is the museum capital of Switzerland. Despite opening around 25 years ago only and being privately funded, Foundation Beyeler is the most visited museum in the whole country. And it's hardly surprising considering the blockbuster exhibitions they keep securing like the recent Goya retrospective. In their anniversary year, this year, they've secured spectacular exclusives like their current Georgia O'Keeffe exhibition with her unique take on capturing the beauty of flowers. Her works rarely leave the United States, so it's a real coup for the local community.

Review of The Luxury Insider Reviews Hotel nhow - Londons boldest...

This isn’t the sort of hotel I would normally check into, but its interiors fascinated me and so, I was intrigued about how much luxury this uber-cool hotel could provide.  Just 10 minutes from Angel and Old Street stations, the nhow is incredibly convenient for anyone exploring this side of the city. The outside is quite unremarkable, but once you walk through the doors you're greeted by a bold and playful British theme which looks like it could have been created by Lewis Carroll and Banksy - think graffiti, a 30ft rocket ship Big Ben and House of Hackney seating that wouldn't look out of place at the Mad Hatter's tea party. If nothing else, it oozes fun and fits with it’s east London location.

Featuring Our lifestyle expert Christmas luxury gift guide

As the clocks go back and the night sky casts a dark shadow overhead in the blink of an eye, your warm and cosy evening under the duvet is ruined by the harsh realisation that you haven’t sorted any presents for your nearest and dearest. Whether travel restrictions will prevent you from going home or you’re still deciding on who makes the cut this year, it’s not too late to find that perfect gift to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them. From the most exclusive skincare products to a luxurious travel bag ready for new adventures, our Lifestyle Expert has picked out the best products for everyone on your nice list.

Modern fitness, an interview with owners of E-Pulsive and...

Time-efficient, low-impact workouts that will help you improve strength and body composition in just 20 minutes. Eladio de Leon and Mario Kaspers started both EMS studio E-Pulsive, as well as alternative therapy haven Repose, alongside the expertise of Daria Ivanova to create optimal results for their clients in their beautiful location in South Kensington. The Sybarite spoke with them on how they started their business, the benefits of EMS and Repose and what the future holds for them. What are both of your backgrounds? Daria - I was brought up by a very supportive family. Most of my relatives are from a professional sporting background, which always directed me into this arena. Finally, I decided to pursue a career in this industry and began working for 6 years with E-Pulsive as an EMS trainer, gaining a lot of experience. After a while I decided to join forces and create the best wellness space in London, if not in the world. Mario has a master in Master Chemical Engineering at Imperial Colleague, then did his PT qualifications in London. Eladio has a degree in International business management, he has studied in different countries and love to explore different cultures. Naturally a connector and an entrepreneur.

Featuring James Bond’s favourite spots; and now they can be yours too

Since creating the character in 1953, Ian Fleming has taken us round the world through an array of adventures, car chases, romances and incredible locations. For the last 15 years Daniel Craig has been the embodiment of the British secret service agent and although he wasn’t the first, nor the last, his departure is the perfect time to reflect on a film franchise - and more importantly, filming locations - that have had audiences captivated since 1962. Want to live like James Bond? Let us show you exactly where to go.

Eleni Andreadis, the director of sustainability at Sani...

Thus proves Eleni Andreadis, the Director of Sustainability at Sani Resort, who has recently achieved a zero carbon footprint for her family’s luxury resort. The Sybarite speaks to Eleni about the importance of educating children on sustainability through reading, the beautiful biodiversity at Sani and what we can all do to be a little more ‘green’.

Featuring Upgrade your summer garden party, as we return to...

We’re emerging back into social gatherings with joy and optimism this summer. While we’re undeniably excited to revisit old favourites and discover new culinary hideaways, we’re also very aware that not all of us are going to want to head straight back into busy restaurants and bars right away. Al fresco dining, getting back to nature and surrounding ourselves with the company and conversation of friends; there’s no better antidote to the solitude of a year of lockdowns and consequential effects to our mental health. Rushing back into social gatherings may not be easy, but we’re sure that a slow introduction, surrounded by nature is an ideal way to start.   From the 17th of May, although restrictions are due to ease, if we’re looking to socialise indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will still apply here in the UK  So, as we enjoy ever so gradually warmer evenings, The Sybarite is breathing new life into the evergreen soiree of the garden party, where you can socialise with the ones you love in comfort, a relaxed setting and in the very style you want to create.

Featuring The Dylan Amsterdam: A hidden boutique hotel

Tell our readers a bit about The Dylan, it has a really interesting history.  The Dylan is located in the Nine Streets area of Amsterdam, close to the Anne Frank House, right on the Keizersgracht. The building dates back partially to the 17th Century, when the canal was first excavated and it was actually the location of the first theatre in Amsterdam. And we still have the original stone gate from that time.  The famous painter Rembrandt was a production assistant at the theatre back then. So we have some sketches that he made while he was working here. A lot of the building was lost in a fire in the 1800s. Upon rebuilding, it was turned into a Catholic institution for the elderly and poor. We took over in the 90s as the first real boutique hotel in continental Europe.  We opened initially as Blake's, a sister property to the famous Blake's in London, known for its very iconic interior designer. In the early 2000s, the hotel became the The Dylan Amsterdam that we know and love today. 

Review of The Sybarite Maldives Edition - ESPA spa at JOALI Resort...

Besides its tailor made treatments, it’s the environment at which the spa has been built upon. Stepping into this wellness sanctuary, you get an immediate sense of calm and an immediate ability to set your mind at a lower pace. As you enter the circular shaped reception area, it’s that wide open space and nude tones that envelope you into another place, another time. After all that scorching island sun and the plentiful of culinary delights that whet your appetite at JOALI, it’s bliss to have ESPA as a cool and calm oasis to let go in and get lost in.

Rachael Palumbo Nobu VP of sales and marketing, on Nobu’s...

The Sybarite speaks to Rachael Palumbo, the VP of Marketing and Sales for the Nobu brand. We chat to her about what exactly ‘lifestyle luxury’ is, the highly anticipated Nobu opening in Marrakech and how Nobu’s ethos ‘Kokoro’ runs through all the Nobu restaurants and hotels. 

Featuring The best hidden cultural hotspots in the UK and US

Each year, the Awards shine a light on the most impactful cultural activations from those institutions and organisations shaping tomorrow’s world. Today, we are witnessing a new trend in culture. Governments, tourism ministries and companies involved in customised tourism offerings have identified ‘culture’ as one of the key drivers for tourism. Culture not only offers a unique experience in terms of highlighting a city or country’s touristic assets, it is also a way for emerging economies to position themselves in the service sector. Culture works for him, her, the kids, and it offers people the opportunity to discover the unique DNA of a place. It’s a sustainable form of tourism since the travellers learn–and not just consume.

The Maldives edition – a Q&A with Joali general manager...