Because travels also mean discover & new art of living,
here, we have made a selection of best cultural events, fashion stylists, design & architecture, shops, art and experiences in places from across the globe
Relais Signature World
News from Here & There
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LIFESTYLE TIPS, NEWS & EVENTS
SWITZERLAND - PARK GSTAAD
Relais Signature | Europe’s most luxurious ski resorts
Gstaad village, located at 1,050 metres, is an alpine jewel situated in the Bernese Oberland. Internationally acclaimed, it is known as a prestigious holiday destination synonymous with stylish charm and discreet understated luxury.
The Park Gstaad offers picturesque mountain views and a location near the charming main street of Gstaad, with its quaint boutiques, tea rooms and cafes. Exclusive private suites decorated like modern Swiss chalets feature multiple bedrooms, plus a bar, dining room, spa, balconies and butler service. You can also choose from several on-site restaurants including four run by Chef Axel Rüdlin, who combines traditional and contemporary dishes using regional ingredients.
PERU - PÃa León, Kjolle and Central, Lima
Relais Signature | The Peruvian powerhouse behind Central, Kjolle and Mil
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Central in Lima has earned a reputation as one of the finest restaurants not just in South America but in the world, an achievement most commonly attributed to its founder and chef-owner, Virgilio Martínez. But behind the scenes, driving the restaurant alongside Martínez for the last decade, is Pía León, one of the most talented, albeit under-rated, chefs in the industry. Now, after opening her first solo restaurant, León is ready for the spotlight, and is about to get the recognition she deserves.
SHANGHAI MINHANG HOTEL by ANANTARA
Relais Signature | NEW / Just opened in 2018
Anantara’s first luxury city property in China will offer a prestigious urban address in southwest Shanghai – easily accessible from two airports. Located in Minhang District, renowned as an important residential hub with a science and technology centre, Anantara Shanghai Minhang Hotel will be part of a mixed-use development, comprising office towers and commercial areas, providing an exceptional base for business guests.
NEW YORK - ELEVEN MADISON PARK
Relais Signature | 2017 Best Restaurant of the World
Daniel Humm, in the kitchen and Will Guidara indoors, is the duo of Eleven Madison Park in New York: 3 Michelin stars, 4 stars in the New York Times and voted best restaurant in the world at World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2017.
The best restaurant in New York and on the planet. At least according to the Restaurant magazine list “World’s 50 Best Restaurants“- is New York’s Eleven Madison Park, which reopened on November to debut a $2 million gut renovation of its 20-year-old kitchen.
ALBERTA - POST HOTEL & SPA LAKE LOUISE
Relais Signature | One of the World's 10 Most Beautiful Ski Lodges
Nestled in the Bow River Valley, with the spectacular Canadian Rockies as a backdrop, the Post Hotel offers one of the most picturesque locations imaginable: the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s first.This is a protected region, designated as a World Heritage Site – unspoiled natural beauty, pristine wilderness and a safe haven for the bountiful wildlife. Imagine skiing or hiking in this breathtaking landscape. Just two hours west of Calgary International airport and you are there: spacious suites, crackling fireplaces, Temple Mountain spa, award winning fresh market cuisine and one of Canada’s largest wine cellars, with over 25,000 bottles and more than 2,200 labels.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Relais Signature | Luxury first-class suites coming to A380
Starting December 2017, Luxury suites are coming to Singapore Airlines' fleet of A380s. Carrier will offer passengers the option of flying in six suites configured on the plane's upper deck.
"Intimate privacy" Suites - Each will feature a lie-flat bed and a leather chair, upholstered by Italy's Poltrona Frau, that reclines too.
Amenities include a 32-inch monitor, a private closet, an amenity box to stow your small items, mood lighting and two lavatories, one with a vanity. The suites will debut on five new aircraft. Enjoy your flight!
TANZANIA - THE MANTA RESORT
Relais Signature | Africa's first & only Underwater Hotel Room
This is the heart-stopping experience that awaits you in the underwater room. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those above the water clad in local hardwood, and each an experience in itself.
The magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing – watching the shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen individuals visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which affords them some protection from predation.
​By night, the underwater spotlights on all sides of the room attract the shyer and more unusual, for instance squid. Coral has established itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can simply not resist attraction, which makes for exciting watching and a truly unique experience!
LOUVRE ABU DHABI . The first universal museum in the Arab world
Relais Signature | A FLOATING DOME OF LIGHT & SHADE
The architect Jean Nouvel designed the domed building on Saadiyat Island, a cultural district off the coast of the United Arab Emirates capital, and highlighted its surrounding water, with promenades overlooking the sea.
France's most famous museum agreed to attach its name to a new space in the UAE, and to loan it artwork and special exhibitions, as well as offer management advice. Ten years later, the soft curves and fresh white façade of the Louvre Abu Dhabi elegantly thrust into the glistening emerald waters of the Persian Gulf.
The museum features 23 permanent galleries, styled like medinas and low-lying Arab settlements, and featuring over 600 exhibits.
In the opening year, the museum will display 300 artworks from 13 key French institutions, such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou in Paris. Notable works will include Leonardo da Vinci's "La Belle Ferroniere", Claude Monet's "Saint-Lazare" and Henri Matisse's "Still Life With Magnolia."
UNIQUE! " THE HEART OF EUROPE" IN DUBAI
Relais Signature | The first of its kind, out-of-this-world island holiday resort off the coast of Dubai.
The Arabian Gulf / New project of Hotels & Resorts
The Heart of Europe is a cluster of six islands on The World in Dubai. A global landmark, made up of 300 islands reclaimed from the sea in the shape of the world map, this engineering wonder is an iconic collection of private and resort islands, located 20 minutes from the coast of Dubai.
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The Heart of Europe in Dubai is made up of six islands: Main Europe, Monaco, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and St. Petersburg. The islands span six million square feet and will be able to accommodate up to 16,000 people at any one time. All six islands will be connected via bridges and will be accessible by boat, seaplane and helicopter. There will be no traditional fuel vehicles permitted on the islands to create the perfect island experience.
CHAMPAGNE by MOET & CHANDON
Relais Signature | WHERE LUXURY MATURES: THE MOËT & CHANDON CELLARS
To walk through our wine cellars in Epernay is to enter the very heart of Moët & Chandon. Located 10 to 30-meters under the chalky soil, Moët & Chandon’s cellars are the largest within the Champagne region, spanning 28km (aprox 17.4 miles). In this legendary subterranean labyrinth, the forces of nature have come together to create a uniquely ideal setting for the metamorphosis of choice fruit into the House’s luxurious wine. Select grapes undergo their transformation into champagne in conditions where temperature and humidity levels are constant and unchanging.
Regularly scheduled tours of the cellars followed by a tasting can be enjoyed throughout the season and bespoke tastings and tours can be arranged at your convenience.
"ROOM WITH A VIEW"
Relais Signature | ASSOULINE: THE FIRST LUXURY BRAND ON CULTURE
The Luxury Collection®: Room With A View
Like a theatrical backdrop, a breathtaking view sets the stage for an uplifting journey of the spirit. Featuring a room or suite in each of The Luxury Collection’s more than ninety-five properties that frames an exceptional panorama, The Luxury Collection Room with a View showcases the world’s most beautiful and inspiring destinations. Notable tastemakers, including Valentino global brand ambassador Carlos Souza, art director Sofia Sanchez de Betak, and designer Margherita Missoni, reflect on their favorite views and relate their unforgettable travel experiences. From the pristine sands of Aegean Riviera in Bodrum, Turkey, to the bustle of San Francisco to the verdant Sacred Valley of Peru, at the base of Machu Picchu, this volume is a virtual adventure around the world that will leave readers dreaming of their next escape.
The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than ninety-five of the world’s finest hotels and resorts, each noteworthy for its architecture, art, furnishings, and amenities. Sharing a dedication to immaculate service and comfort, each property has a unique heritage inextricably tied to its destination. Curated for their spirit of diversity and genre, each Luxury Collection property has a story to tell.
Relais Signature
A travel interview with...
Nadia Sawalha talks JORDAN
TV presenter shares with Kuoni, her passion for the history, sites & flavours found in Jordan
You have so many programmes under your TV belt, what would you say you are best known for?
These days people probably think of me as a TV presenter who cooks a bit, too! I was, at one time, a TV presenter that was always in the sun; and before that an actress in Eastenders.
Have you been able to travel as part of your career?
For years I did lots of shows in Spain and Australia. The best programme I ever did was called Eating in the Sun and I travelled all over the shop. Lucky girl, eh?
What’s your oddest travel moment?
Trekking across the Kaisut Desert in Kenya, the driest, hottest and most remote desert in the world. I was there to help raise money for Comic Relief and it was probably one of the oddest experiences I’ve ever had. In fact, sometimes I’m not so sure it happened at all.
After winning Celebrity Masterchef, you’ve become an in-demand foodie and TV chef. What’s the best dish you’ve discovered during your travels?
Ah, there are too many to say what was the best dish but I loved almost everything I ate in Sydney. There are so many fabulous restaurants there, whether you’re paying the equivalent of £100 or just £5 a head. Everything was heavenly. The produce was great, with incredible flavours, and dishes were always beautifully light and energising.
Your father was born in Jordan and you have a real passion for the country. What is it you love so much?
Jordan has everything anyone could want from a holiday – an extraordinary history with friendly people; gorgeous food; the Red Sea for diving and the Dead Sea for floating; the desert; the hot springs; and incredible ancient sights like Petra and Jerash.
What must-sees would you suggest for a first-time visitor to Jordan?
All of the above! But a night in the desert in a Bedouin tent is a must. Do your research to make sure you get a good one.
Have you had a perfect travel moment in Jordan?
Taking my daughters, husband and friend to Petra last Easter for their first visit was wonderful. Awesome is the most overused word but it is the perfect one to describe the sheer power and beauty of this ancient city carved out of pink rock by the Nabateans centuries ago.
All of us spent a pretty fantastic day at the Dead Sea, too, slathering ourselves in mud and floating our worries away. It made for a great holiday experience.
We’re hitting the restaurant scene in Jordan. What local specialities should we try?
You have to go and have a mezze – an array of barbecued meats, salads, breads, olives and pastries. It should take you a whole afternoon to eat it as you sip on arak, a delicious aniseed flavoured liquor.
Are there any big adventures still to be ticked off your travel wish list?
I haven’t been to the Far East and India so I will definitely have to do that before I die! And, I can’t quite believe this, but I haven’t been to Egypt yet either!
INDIAN OCEAN with Simon Reeve
Explorer Simon Reeve talks about his latest TV series for the BBC, an epic journey aroud the Indian Ocean
Exotic and extreme
From dodging bullets in Mogadishu, Somalia, to swimming with dolphins off the coast of Australia, Simon’s epic six-part travel series for the BBC was dubbed his ‘most exotic and extreme adventure yet’. Indian Ocean aired on 22 April 2014 and wasn’t just a soft and sunny holiday programme or hard-core Panorama; it’s a unique blend of the two. “You don’t get more exotic than the Seychelles and more extreme than being on the frontline in Mogadishu. It’s extraordinary that such devastation exists so close to total paradise. It’s baffling really and a bit of a head screw. Indian Ocean is a journey where we go to both of these extremes.”
Simon’s passport is a multi-colour patchwork of immigration stamps as he’s travelled to over 100 destinations around the globe, notching up acclaim for BBC travel series including Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Equator – not bad for the boy from West London who hadn’t been on a plane until he started work.
Simon has a down-to-earth appeal and a real passion for the world, its people and wildlife. He’s clearly the type of person who can’t sit still on a sun-lounger and his hunger to get to the heart of his destination ensures he’s not afraid to take risks.
“We were in South Africa, looking into a new drug called Tik that’s causing chaos. Its connection to the sea is that it’s smuggled into the country as part of a two-way deal. People who poach a rare mollusc from the sea, at huge personal risk, sell them to Chinese crime syndicates in exchange for this drug called Tik. The mollusc is then sent to China and sold as a rare delicacy.
“Someone said, why don’t you go and talk to the crazy man down the road? Stupidly, we said OK. We walk into his house and it goes from sunny blue skies outside to depraved, dark drug den. As soon as we enter we see a young woman passed out. There’s a group of guys sitting around smoking crack with handguns next to them and we stroll in ‘Hello! We’re from the BBC. Is it OK to come and film?’
“The drugs leader is telling me that he has to protect his drug stash. His lieutenants start coming in, with names like Blade and Killer – and they look hardcore. They’re talking about taking Tik and their drug deals and I’m sitting there thinking, we’re not safe and sometime soon they’re going to want to be paid for this. They soon start asking how much the camera is worth, asking for our passports, so we’re up, backing out and making our excuses to leave. It was a situation that could have gone horribly, horribly wrong. That was a darker side of life in the Indian Ocean.”
A protective forcefield
Simon admits that when filming, he feels like there’s a protective forcefield around him so he can’t get hurt. This explains his first open water dive – dropping down into a cave full of sharks during Indian Ocean. “It was terrifying but it soon became obvious they weren’t interested in us. I was with a ‘shark angel’ called Gail. She campaigns for them, loves them and respects them. She pointed out that they are the most important fish in the sea and we need them to keep the eco-system in balance, as killings have resulted in jellyfish invasions in some parts of our ocean. I’d recommend diving with sharks if you get the chance.”
Simon also found himself hitching a ride on a containership from Durban in South Africa to Mozambique, heading for pirate waters. Simon said: “It was a giant orange ship containing a load of armoured vehicles from the United Nations and was heading towards pirate waters without any military support. It was mad and crazy. Their principle method of defence against the pirates was cardboard! They would put it over the windows at night so it would go from being a floating Christmas tree to a stealth ship.”
