Travel

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. 

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 The Maldives Edition: 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. 

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.

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.

Esin Gural Argat, the Entrepreneur Behind Joali Maldives

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. 

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.

Meet Daniel and Davia Koetse of Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad

After meeting and eventually getting married at Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad in 2003, 10 years later in 2013, the couple bought the hotel where their romance first began. Since then, they have transformed the icon of Gstaad into a relaxed yet refined hotel, removing some of the historical formalities and redefining the casual elegance that Le Grand Bellevue now stands for. The Sybarite speaks to Daniel and Davia on their love for Gstaad and how the pandemic has and will affect their industry. 

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?