Travel
Q&A with Finolhu’s GM Marc reader
In this intimate Q&A session we spoke to Finolhu's General Manager Marc Reader who joined Finolhu six months after opening in 2016, gaining further insight into the resort, how they dealt with the pandemic and more importantly what's in store for 2021 and beyond.
Since the Seaside Management took over, what were some of the changes made to the resort?
Interesting point is that Finolhu has always been colorful in personality and I think when we opened, the management company that was involved then never wanted it to be known as a party island but they opened with a huge party and then six months later, Cara Delevigne took over the whole resort, I think for...
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Featuring The iconic Marbella Club launches a clubhouse just in...
Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s bohemian beginnings in the Fifties as a purposefully low-key hangout for Prince Alfonso and his glittering A-list friends, from Brigitte Bardot to Cary Grant, this reimagining of the hotel’s original Clubhouse champions the best things in life – food and drink, fun, nature, friendship and family. Guests can take advantage of several new additions: El Patio restaurant, the beating heart of the resort, overseen by the Marbella Club’s newly appointed head chef, Sergio Arconada; Rudi’s bar, a fitting tribute to Count Rudi, the hotel’s first GM – who, at eighty-odd years old, still casts a watchful eye over proceedings; La Bodega, scene of wine tastings with head sommelier, Ángel González; bespoke private dining spaces; and an inviting central patio flanked by a hair & beauty salon, hair spa, barber, florist, gift shop, and flexible spaces for art exhibitions and pop up collaborations.
Vakkaru - A Luxurious Maldivian Paradise
As most parents know, children grow up so quickly and that time together when they are young is something that should be treasured. Long haul flights aren’t fun with two children under the age of four in tow, but for me it’s 10 hours worth enduring for the end results. Pristine beaches, tropical temperatures and a top class resort.
Review of The Maldives edition – Paradise of your dreams at JOALI
“The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express” - Francis Bacon. Like it has taken our imagination for a ride and brought us to a destination one can only dream of - a true paradise located in the Raa Atoll, the northern part of the Maldives. One has to see it to truly understand how such beauty is able to captivate the heart so much so that even we have to admit, we’ve left our hearts in JOALI. We are certain that if you come here, that same feeling will apply to you. It is the best combination of contemporary art, absolute attention to design and detail, that feminine touch, aesthetic uniformity with of course the lush tropical vegetation and blossoming flowers and the stunning crystal clear waters at your immediate reach that you’re here and you know it’s worth it. It is not something which you need to think twice about - you’ll be catered for and looked after here, but more than that you won’t tire of the beauty and the absolute comfort you receive during your stay.
Review of Globe Trotter - Luxury travel essentials
What you have by your side and what you choose to trundle is vital for the image and if you want to give the right impression. ''Travelware-upmanship'' is a game all travellers play. Travellers are brand conscious. They are as loyal to their luggage brand as the car they choose to drive and airline they choose to fly by. It matters what wheels they choose to have under them. “My seat in Business Class on a plane to a very important meeting is waiting”, “I am on my way to an extended and very luxurious vacation that few people could ever afford” and “ I buy my carry on in Mayfair” are impressions we all like to create. It starts in the airport car park when we take longer than necessary unpacking so everyone can admire our super lightweight, bought from London’s Burlington Arcade Globe Trotter four-wheel spinner grey/caramel new check-in case which screams “ Just out!”
Women who launch – Sylvia Wong of The Roundtree
—let alone for a first-time entrepreneur—and if you throw in the fact that this new business is in the hospitality industry, well, it almost sounds like an impossible feat. But none of those obstacles stopped Sylvia Wong, founder of The Roundtree, from following her dreams of opening the luxury boutique hotel. “When I set out on this journey, I had no idea that we would be dealing with a pandemic. The purchase took several months, and that was the easy part!” explains Wong. The East Hampton hotel is situated by the beach over two acres of sprawling land. Wong envisioned an elegant hideaway that kept the historic features of the property but with modernised interiors. The result is a home-away-from-home luxury escape with five cottages, ten additional rooms and suites, and a newly-renovated three-bedroom beach house set just a short walk from the water.
Featuring The Brando: a world apart
Unbelievably less half the price of one South London garage which recently sold for £550,000. But economics aside, this was an investment that would give Brando peace and fulfillment in his later years and is now seen as the ultimate holiday destination for the world’s rich and famous. Tetiaroa is a stunning atoll (for those not au fait with tropical island terminology, an atoll is a ring shaped coral reef or series of islands) located 30 miles north of Tahiti in the South Pacific. Tetiaroa has always been seen as a mystical place, with stars guiding people there from Southeast Asia 4,000 years ago. It was also a favored retreat for the Tahitian royalty who would take part in archery tournaments as their wives were fanned under nearby coconut trees. And then came Brando. Having first visited Tetiaroa while filming Mutiny on the Bounty, the actor fell hard for its natural beauty, tranquility, cultural richness as well as for his Tahitian leading lady Tarita, with whom he later had children. It became his personal sanctuary and then his home when he bought Onetahi, one of the 12 smaller islands that make up Tetiaroa, and named it Brando.
Review of The Unbeatable Ritz Carlton Fari Islands
After a long flight and feeling the weight of it, especially after travelling with two small children, it was a relief to see the Ritz Carlton team waiting for us at the arrivals hall. We were warmly greeted by Lana, who led us to their luxurious air-conditioned speed boat. The process was pretty instant - in under 15 minutes we were on our way to the Fari Islands and it felt like we could finally relax.
Q&A with The Ritz Carlton Fari Islands GM Renato De Olivera
This exceptional paradise in the Maldives comes with stellar service and design-led villas. We find out how Renato and his staff embrace The Ritz Carlton ethos here in the Fari Islands.
Q&A with Ritz Carlton Marine Biologist
From glass bottled waters for all guests which are refilled on-site, bamboo packaged amenities to their Ambassadors of the Environment Program, we asked the resorts Marine Biologist, Katherine Mason to provide more insight into their initiatives.
The Doldergrand – the finest place to stay in Zurich
Swerving up onto the hill where The Doldergrand is perched up on, it was the panoramic mountain views against the backdrop of the hotel that made it stand out for us. Art is a major feature throughout the hotel with original works from Takashi Muramaki and Salvador Dali as well as other prominent artists whose works feature in various places. With a history spanning since 1899, The Doldergrand has without a doubt become a prominent address not just for overnight guests but a true social hub where guests come together to wine and dine, to see and be seen, and to just enjoy the act of socialising in style. Though it may seem like an enormous hotel, which it is, given there are 175 rooms and suites on site, the service is impeccable as is the discretion. What drew us to the hotel and what made it even more pleasant for us especially as we were travelling with our children, was the convenience and location of The Doldergrand.
Featuring Sustainable sybarite announces luxury eco suites in Antigua
That is why we've partnered with these unique, eco luxury suites available for sale in Antigua; offering you the chance to have your very own, boutique eco luxury resort and spa on Cherry Hill, Antigua. The property is a sanctuary for the soul, perfect for romance, and ideal for rejuvenation, this resort is the ultimate destination for a luxurious, one-of-a-kind escape. Each suite is available for a lease or ownership period of 10 years. The owner would receive naming rights, guaranteed first 10% of investment from income over 10 years, 30 days complimentary stay per annum, discounts for days beyond the first 30, plus an additional 10% from income after expenses. https://thesybarite.co/experiences/several-remaining-eco-luxury-suites-available-for-sale-in-antigua/
Review of Reinventing Kaunas - European Capital of Culture 2022
This year the honour goes to Kaunas in Lithuania. It used to be the capital of the country from 1843 to 1915 and is often seen as a rival to the current capital, Vilnius. The city has a rich architectural history embracing modernism, and gothic designs and has a medieval fortress. With such a cultural tapestry, it was particularly befitting for the city to be bestowed with such an accolade.