Travel

A Sojourn to the Enchanting Heart of France

Nestled within the bucolic embrace of southwestern France, the captivating region of Dordogne beckons discerning travellers with its idyllic landscapes, rich heritage, and unwavering commitment to preserving its mediaeval charm. Enveloped in an aura of antiquity and grandeur, this hidden gem unfolds like a sumptuous tapestry, inviting the most discerning of connoisseurs to embark on a remarkable journey through time. Join us as we explore the breathtaking allure of Dordogne, a destination that seamlessly intertwines luxury, history, and natural beauty.

Welcome to the Mövenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island

There's more to the United Arab Emirates than the glamour and dazzle of Dubai. A mere 45-minute drive from Dubai's bustling metropolis, the lesser-known Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah offers a respite from the glitz, serving as a delightful antidote to the neon-lit skyline of its extravagant cousin. Framed by the imposing Yanis and Jais mountains and kissed by the cerulean waters of the Arabian Gulf, this destination is a refreshing blend of culture, nature, and luxury. Leading this revival is the new addition to the scene, the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. Luxuriating in the tranquil setting of Al Marjan Island, Mövenpick Resort distinguishes itself as a haven for those seeking a balance between serenity and indulgence. At the heart of the property are 418 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and beachfront chalets, all boasting balconies with unobstructed vistas of the Arabian Gulf. The family-friendly resort doesn't just pay lip service to the term - its spacious rooms come furnished with sofa beds to provide a true home-from-home experience. And for a dash of the extravagant, the beachfront chalets - complete with private swimming pools and terraces - provide the perfect setting for an exclusive, intimate getaway.

In talks with Sheena Bhattessa, Founder of Citizen Femme

For the women of 2023, there’s never been a more exciting time to go on an adventure. Be it long or short, some time away opens doors to new experiences and gives much needed resets from the familiarity of daily grind. Whilst travelling can be extremely fulfilling, it can also be daunting, particularly for women who’ve yet to take a first leap and book that trip they’ve always dreamed of, and, of course, on a practical level, since there are typically added safety concerns. Following a successful ten-year career in media, the British-Indian Sheena Bhattessa founded Citizen Femme in 2017, after spotting a gap in the market for a trusted and stylish guide dedicated to the female traveller.

The Upper House: An Upwards Journey

It is by far one of our top favorite and conveniently located hotels to retreat to in Hong Kong, particularly as a family. The most striking feature and the reason it is a hotel that we highly recommend is really that luxury residential character, almost as if you’re coming to stay at your own apartment for a couple of nights. Service is great but it is also discreet so unless you ask, you won’t be disturbed. Unlike many of the hotel’s in Hong Kong, the Upper House distinctness lies in its ability to masquerade as a luxury residential getaway whilst operating as a five-star luxury hotel. The subtlety, the minimalism in terms of design and architecture coupled with the room layouts are what makes this abode so special, you won’t find anything similar to it in Hong Kong.

The Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide

Famed for its sandy beaches, spectacular harbour and active lifestyle of its inhabitants, it's no surprise that Sydney is often a bucket list destination for any nomad. And now, with the new visa rules, journeying to Australia has never been easier. Follow our guide for the best restaurants, hotels and attractions for you to visit whilst you’re down under.

Staying at The Murray, Hong Kong

Despite its close proximity to the city center, it's positioned rather strategically that it's far enough to stay away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough to get from point A to B in a matter of minutes. Its geographic location coupled with its architectural design, luxury interiors and 336 sophisticated spacious suites and guest rooms make for an ideal choice of accommodation when traveling to Hong Kong.

Review of The Grande Dame of The Far East

Each touch point is carefully thought through to ensure each feels as though they’re receiving a personalized and attentive experience. With a proud heritage that has been implemented across Peninsula’s other hotels internationally, it is here in Hong Kong where you’ll find the original signature hotel experience and we’re delighted and honoured to share our experience through this editorial review.

Women Who Launch: Juliana Chies of Lets GoDo

“When people travel, they typically stay at the same location for 3-5 days. It can take up to three days to meet a local that will give you the best tips or even offer to show you around,” exclaims Juliana Chies, Founder and CEO of experiential travel company Let’s GoDo. “If you don’t know a local in the place you’re visiting, it’s very hard to find the best things to see and do, so I thought why not create a platform where locals are the one creating the experiences,” shares Chies. She planned to launch Let’s GoDo back in 2020, but the pandemic put a halt to her plans. A veteran of the music industry and a Notting Hill resident, she quickly pivoted and leveraged the platform she had already built to support a digital version of Notting Hill Carnival that ensured an engaging experience for online attendees. Chies is familiar with having to roll with the punches and credits being surrounded by entreprenreurs, including her father, as a means to learn and grow from the best in the business. Originally from Brazil, Chies travelled extensively throughout South America before setting roots in London, and her love for connecting with locals on her travels sparked the idea for Let’s GoDo. “Our experiences are authentic and accessible, and our booking platform is designed to be simple and easy. Guests trust us and enjoy the fact that we create a community, which is key to standing out in the travel space. Whether a traditional dinner at someone’s house or a trek to a hidden beach, Let’s GoDo connects travellers with people to discover the very best of a destination,” she says. On this edition of Women Who Launch, The Sybarite speaks with Chies about how she stands out in a crowded market and where her dream destination is.

Featuring History, mystery and a reawakening in Cornwall: The Lost...

Imagine the excitement Tim Smit and John Willis must have felt discovering the overgrown gardens of Heligan in 1990, over 70 years since they were abandoned when WW1 broke out and the 22 gardeners that tended them were sent off to fight. Picking their way through decades of untamed brambles and ivy, the pair found vineries and greenhouses, replete with rusting scissors, teakettles and half-filled coal buckets. On the wall of the gardeners’ toilet, still visible in pencil, the gardeners had written their names in 1914 just before they left for the trenches. Only a fraction of them returned.

Puente Romano: 5-star luxury on the Golden Mile

The resort is a heavenly paradise in miniature with immaculately manicured verdant gardens, powdery soft sand beaches and world-class facilities that attract celebrities and sports stars alike.

The Ultimate Dublin Itinerary

All great cities have a distinctive vibe but none more so, perhaps, than Dublin. With a tourist trade based on its famous pub-dominated nightlife, Ireland’s capital has always had a reputation for being a fun, friendly city. But in the last few years Dublin’s star has risen even further. It was recently ranked at 19 by the World’s Best Cities committee – above all British cities bar London – who described it as ‘safe, gregarious and increasingly wealthy’. And of course celebrating St Patrick’s Day at the source is a bucket-list experience – although in Dublin, the festivities last for five days, not just one. For the week around Friday 17th March, Dublin will be even busier, merrier and more entertaining than usual. As is tradition, the St Patrick’s Day parade will kick off in the city centre on the 17th itself and after a two-year break due to the pandemic, this year’s is shaping up to be the biggest ever. New for 2023, the National Museum of Ireland is hosting a ‘day-to-night urban festival’ in the grounds of the Museum of Decorative Arts and History from the 16th to the 20th, with comedy, dance, music and ‘spectacle’. And throughout the city, venues will be entertaining the crowds with a curated programme of events.

A Q&A with Soori Balis GM