Property

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...

Banyan Tree’s Renyung Ho on sustainability in the resort...

We're living in a world where every industry has a part to play and a responsibility to uphold when it comes to preserving our environment as well as our social impact, the hotel industry being one of the largest players on this subject matter. Banyan Tree is known to spearhead the sustainability movement and support humanitarian initiatives quite strongly. Could you tell us a bit more about how Banyan Tree embodies these values, the steps taken to achieve this and what the future holds for Banyan Tree and even for yourself. What would you like to see happen in the next few years? Banyan Tree’s story is one of transformation, an idea that defines not only the journey of Banyan Tree as a company from our beginnings 26 years ago, but also our own values and beliefs. To put it simply, we believe that travel can be transformative – for the environment, and for people. This is reflected in our corporate ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People”. We apply this in the way we blend nature into the design of our properties, and how our experiences and programmes enable guests to connect with themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community. Besides environmental impact, we also design, build and hire with consideration of our impact on local communities.

Review of Timeless luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we’ve hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times.  You’ll be surprised to know that Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru was the first international resort that opened in the Maldives in 1995. This gem of a paradise is unique in its own right and is the ideal resort if what you’re looking for is originality, preservation of lush flora and fauna and of course in keeping with the Banyan Tree spirit which is a focus on the senses, body and mind.  From Male Airport, Banyan Tree offers its own private transfer by speedboat to its island on the North Malé Atoll, which takes about 20 minutes to reach. Upon arrival at the jetty one is mesmerized by the long boardwalk and absolutely beautiful tropical trees that line the resort welcoming its guests.

Review of The Maldives edition – barefoot luxury at Finolhu resort

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we've hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times. If there’s one way to sum up Finolhu it has to be that it is the epitome of a truly family-friendly luxury resort where parents can finally take a breather and children can roam free all the while taking in the extraordinary blue waters that the Baa Atoll has to offer. For honeymooners, the absolute ideal destination to get lost in and fall in love with. With so many resorts to choose from, Finolhu has to be at the top of your list whether coming as a newlywed, couple or as a family. This is a resort that welcomes anyone wanting and needing that freedom to relax and enjoy as they please whilst being taken care of with such friendliness and sheer hospitality, it almost feels natural. A 100% care-free and worry-free holiday resort bundle exceeding one's expectations, tied up with a big red bow is how we like to think of Finolhu, which in Dhivehi means sandbank.

Royal Mansours Spa Director Malika Rojhani on their...

First on that list is the iconic Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech.  Royal Mansour Marrakech is an institution that has become synonymous with Moroccan luxury. Known to defy expectations and excellence, this royal hotel and its exceptional private riads are a must stay location when visiting Marrakech. But Royal Mansour Marrakech does not simply rely on its laurels, it continually stays updated in every aspect of the hotel. Using lockdown and lack of travel due to covid to regroup, Royal Mansour Marrakech have refreshed and expanded their wellness offering in their incredible Spa, as well as extending their gardens and introducing an Artist in Residence program. To learn a little more about what is going on at Royal Mansour Marrakech, The Sybarite speaks to the Director of the Royal Mansour Spa, Malika Rojhani.

Melissa Perlman, founder of wellness retreat Amansala...

When she took the plunge and moved to Tulum, she followed her dream to open her own beachfront resort, and hasn’t looked back since. The Sybarite speaks to Melissa about her extraordinary story, the success of Amansala, how Covid has affected her business and what she is hoping to do post-pandemic.

Esin Gural argat, the female entrepreneur behind Joali...

After working for her family business, Esin began searching for the perfect island in the Maldives to start a beautiful art-focused resort, and thus her five star resort JOALI was born. JOALI’s concept clearly emanates both the female touch and the incredible nature by which it is surrounded. The Sybarite speaks to Esin about JOALI and her dedication to sustainability, her focus on female empowerment and what we can hope to see from her in the future.  You're a true business woman that comes from a family of glassware makers and it's fascinating to see how you've managed to turn JOALI into a truly beautiful and mesmerizing destination, unlike the rest. How did you go about finding this piece of island and what was your vision for it? How much of your own personality and style is reflected in JOALI?

Devtraco expand their reach in Ghana – an interview

They offer a wide variety of property options, so whatever it is you may be looking for in Ghana, you’ll find it with Devtraco. From affordable apartments to luxury, high-end homes in all shapes and sizes, Devtraco strive to fulfil property dreams.  Knowing their level of expertise and dedication in this area of industry, and learning that Devtraco has recently ventured into the world of hospitality by opening Landmark Restaurants, we couldn’t wait to learn more.  We sat down with some of the dedicated, experienced and wonderful people who make up the Devtraco team to discover more about how they came to be part of this team and how the project has developed.