|
Welcome to the February 2007 issue of WOWconfidential, Kiwi Collection's exclusive insider's newsletter by Mary Gostelow, editor-in-chief of WOW.travel, our online luxury magazine for discerning global travellers.
Please enjoy this issue of WOW.travel. This month our Insider is hotel boss David Stein, and we feature Seven Sensational hotels for babies. Our new series, both found in the Around The World section feature Michael Anderson (My Place) and Susanne Hatje (My Style). Around The World also includes A Wine Tasting at The World Economic Forum in Davos, Peter Greenberg on how not to lose your luggage, John Nielsen on wine storage, François-Henri Pinault on ultra luxury, and destination portraits on the Bridge Over the River Kwai, Florence, Indian trains, Mandalay, Nicaragua and Palm Springs. Away-Night is Wynn Macau.
  | |
Watch your all-time favorite films in luxury at Las Ventanas al Paraiso’s Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso, on the Sea of Cortez beach in front of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort east of Los Cabos, is sheer brilliance (yes some other resorts have beach-set outdoor cinemas but this one is pretty versatile). As well as having general showings, on a big screen, there are three customized areas. You get a double or a pair of single linen-clad lounge chairs, with a large LCD screen for your chosen DVD. You walk along a candle-flanked path, your name inscribed in the sand, to be greeted by chilled flutes of rosé Moët - though if you are super-savvy, you will pre-order Dom Pérignon, or Cristal. A table can also be set up, with butler service, for a private dinner for two. www.lasventanas.com
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico
See other hotels in Los Cabos (8)
|
  | |
Esperanza Resort in Los Cabos offers an unforgettable welcome
My four nights in the Los Cabos area, all in Leading Hotels, were - as always in my life - action-packed. I had a memorable pedicure at Auberge's Esperanza. Cecilia, my therapist, offered a choice of complimentary drinks on arrival - I chose a basil and lime detoxicant, which was actually surprisingly good. I had had a welcome margarita poured on arrival in my suite the previous evening (it is this kind of friendly place, and since it was Wednesday I coincided with the weekly fireworks at 8pm). I really enjoyed the 1.5-mile hiking route back to the main road, with side tracks off to the bush. www.esperanzaresort.com
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
See other hotels in Los Cabos (8)
|
 | |
The art and architectural designs throughout Marquis Los Cabos are true masterpieces
The modern Mexican art at the Marquis Los Cabos is sensational. The 'lobby', by architect Jacobo Micha, is really a big wind-tunnel (photo), which acts as setting for flying angel sculptures by Jorge Marin. There are four times life-size sculptures by Ana Mercedes Hoyos and all 237 bedrooms have a unique Cubist oil by Agustin Castro Lopez. One of the main highest-level incentives was there during my stay - while they had their final gala, barefoot on the beach below, I swam in one of the three curvilear public pools (next time, I think I would choose, by the way, one of the more exclusive casita upstairs suites, with private rooftop pools). www.marquisloscabos.com
Marquis Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Mexico
See other hotels in Los Cabos (8)
|
 | |
One&Only Palmilla, a serenely private and elegant resort, is the definition of luxury
Finally, to One&Only Palmilla, which does have a swim-able beach, San Jose Bay, and fortunately my suite and terrace (photo) faced that way. Apparently there should soon be an additional two or three luxury villas, with pools, and pools will be added to at least eight existing suites. Meanwhile, most guests eschew the beach for the two resort pools, Agua, ideal for kids, and the adults' urban-chic pool, with sit-up bar. I arrived in a silver Hummer-3, always good for the ego, as was, later, dining in Charlie Trotter's onsite restaurant, C, designed by the fabulous Adam Tihany. Charlie Trotter personally visits every six weeks, the place had a Manhattan-like buzz, the short ribs were memorable and I was surrounded by top stars but for the life of me I could not recognize a single one. There was a wedding during my visit, at the white Spanish-style church on the top of the resort's hill, and the bride was driven up by horse and open carriage (I am told that One&Only will, company-wide, soon launch an integrated wedding programme, with gift registry). www.oneandonlyresorts.com
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
See other hotels in Los Cabos (8)
|
 | |
British Airways offers exceptional seating and gourmet meals upon take-off
I am writing this flying from Mexico (Baja California) to England, via the USA, which means going through full US immigration. From San Jose to Los Angeles, a two-hour flight, American Airlines offered one half-cup of water and then you have to buy bottled water for $2: no wonder at least 30 percent of all guests at all the above resorts arrive by private plane, and generally the percentage is far far higher. The only good thing about the flight was that I was the only non-American on it and when we got to immigration there were four agents waiting for me, alone. Out of Los Angeles, I took British Airways on to London Heathrow. I adore its completely-flat beds, in both First and Club (Business) - in Club, upstairs, the window seats give you the best privacy in the air, with the exception of Emirates' First, and a private jet. British Airways' dinner was one of the best-ever airline meals, a carpaccio of marinated portobello followed by artichoke-filled ravioli in a red pepper sauce. www.britishairways.com
|
 | |
The newly opened National Arts Centre features the “Living in the Material World” exhibit
Tokyo's long-awaited National Arts Centre (photo), in Roppongi, opened January 21st - it has been in the planning stage, says director Hideki Hayashida, since the mid-70s. The Nagoya-born architect, Kisho Kurokawa, won the 2006 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award for this S-shaped building, which occupies six floors plus two basements: Kurokawa's many other works include office buildings throughout Asia, airport terminals at Astana, Kuala Lumpur and Kunming and a cancer centre, initiated by the Charles and Maggie Keswick Jencks charity, in Swansea, Wales. The Centre's first exhibition, Living in the Material World – 'Things' in Art of the 20th Century and Beyond, runs until March 19th. www.nact.jp
|
 | |
Luxury hotels and cruises are stepping up to the plate when it comes to health
Everyone is into keeping fit longer. In London, One Aldwych, the Campbell Gray hotel for discerning internationalistas, the health club has introduced Le Roi Solomon male skincare range. Try a traditional hammam ritual with crushed black olive and eucalyptus oil paste. www.onealdwych.com. And at Crystal Cruises, VP Food & Beverage Toni Neumeister has removed all trans fats from all ships' menus. Chefs now use more sesame seed, pumpkin seed, walnut seed, corn oil, and several olive oils for everything from French fries to dressings. www.crystalcruises.com
One Aldwych London, London, United Kingdom
See other hotels in London (29)
|
 | |
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago presents "You: On a Diet"
Every fit person in the Chicago area will be rushing to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago on February 9th, for a lunchtime presentation, You: On a Diet, by distinguished clinician, academician and author Dr Michael Roizen. (Hotel GM Hans Willimann, incidentally, has just announced a total new, and younger look, as well, for - the 19-year old hotel.) www.fourseasons.com
|
 | |
Six Senses Resorts & Spas offer lifestyle programs to improve the health of their guests
Six Senses Resorts & Spas launches its spa book this month (I have seen a prototype and it is gorgeous). Jamie Waring, who heads Six Senses spas, has, by the way, devised four, five-day, lifestyle programs to evaluate and improve personal growth and life-balance. You work on a one-on-one basis with a holistic health consultant and leave with take-home advice. Choose between Discover True Vitality, De-stress & Balance Your Life, Meditation De-mystified or Harmonize with a Healthier Lifestyle. www.sixsenses.com
|
 | |
Peninsula Hotels has published a collection of recipes from its award-winning properties
Naturally Peninsula - Flavours is the latest publication of Peninsula Merchandising Limited. The book is absolutely gorgeous, with fabulous photos by Edmond Ho (shown is the book's cover shot, vegetable filo with saffron turmeric sauce). The book, introduced by Singapore's beloved culinarian Violet Oon and with a foreword by Australian restaurateur and television personality Kylie Kwong, has 70 recipes emphasising wellness and balance. www.peninsulaboutique.com
|
 | |
Michelin-starred recipes from Poletto restaurant can now be found on Lufthansa Airlines
Cornelia Poletto, who runs Poletto restaurant in Hamburg with her Italian husband Romigio, has, until the end of February, some of her Michelin-starred recipes copied in First and Business Class cabins of Lufthansa. She also runs regular cooking lessons (photo) at Poletto: coming up are classes using olive oil, fish and polenta. Cornelia Poletto trained under the great Heinz Winkler and she is the author of Alles POLETTO. www.poletto.de
|
 | |
Amandari, in the cultural heart of Bali, offers unique cooking classes with a twist
I also look forward to taking cooking classes at Amandari, next time I am on Bali. Liv Gussing, GM of Amandari - seen here with some of her team - arranges for you to go to market with her chefs, and then you cook and eat in a typical village house, which conveniently happens to be the home of her head driver. At Amandari, one of Amanresort's most physically enhancing luxury resorts, I would choose one of the 11 suites with private pools, hike across the winding Ayung River gorge, and take yoga classes. www.amanresorts.com
Amandari, Ubud, Indonesia
See other hotels in Ubud (9)
|
 | |
WOW.travel and Kiwi Collection to be co-sponsors of the Masters of Food & Wine
WOW.travel and www.kiwicollection.com are thrilled to be co-sponsors of the first annual Masters of Food & Wine, South America, to be held at the Park Hyatt, Mendoza, Argentina, February 15-18, www.hyatt.com. Other sponsors include American Airlines, Bang&Olufsen, MasterCard, S. Pellegrino and participating wineries. Talking of wine, head for Australia to join Penfolds' Make Your Own Blend Tour, in South Australia's Barossa Valley. You walk through the winery and cellars and visit the Winemakers’ Laboratory for a structured tasting through a range of the company's wines. It is then time to test your own skills and try your hand at making wine from such grapes as Grenache, Mourvedre and Shiraz. www.penfolds.com.auPark Hyatt Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
See other hotels in Mendoza (4)
|
 | |
Valencia is gearing up to host Spain's first America's Cup
Valencia - gearing up to host Spain's first America's Cup, which starts June 23rd - is the center for a myriad of events. This month Placido Domingo opens in Cyrano de Bergerac on February 15th. The opera, at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, is jointly produced by New York's Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House, London. Do not miss Valencia-born Santiago Calatrava's stunning Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex, which looks like a UFO waiting to take off. www.valencia.angloinfo.com
|
 | |
Celebrate Valentines Day at Lapa Palace in Lisbon
Lapa Palace, Lisbon, an Orient-Express luxury hotel, offers a Valentine's idea this month, or any time. Its two-night celebration includes airport transfers and a chauffeured city tour, a couple's massage, bathrobes personalised with your name and many other goodies. The palatial hotel, built for the Count of Valencas in 1890, is run by GM Sandro Fabris. Its Ristorante Hotel Cipriani is a favorite. www.lapapalace.com
Lapa Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
See other hotels in Lisbon (8)
|
 | |
Ritz-Carlton continues to enhance its luxury services - and not only for humans
Ritz-Carlton continues to enhance services, and not only for humans. Its Luggageless Travel policy allows guests who use any hotels four times a month to store cases, free, with clothes and the bottles that you can no longer fly with. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai offers PDAs linked to GPS receivers loaded with local information; weekdays only, and both its New York hotels offer eight-minute helicopter transfers to and from JFK, with TSA security right at the city helicopter pad to save yet more airport time. But the company is also looking at pets: the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (photo) has introduced dog massages, with add-ons that include a choice of canine nail buffing or nail polish and a souvenir photo. www.ritz-carlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Sarasota, United States
|
 | |
The Mandarin Oriental Miami now offers the use of Versace's Casa Casuarina facilities
The Mandarin Oriental Miami offers South Beach facilities through its partnership with the late Gianni Versace's Casa Casuarina on South Beach. This gloriously-ornate 10-bedroom private club is now owned by Raleigh NC-based telecoms magnate Peter Loftin, who loves the best (some club members will only stay in Casa Casuarina's Italian Suite, which has a 15-foot wide bed and a painted-cloud ceiling). Anyway, now Mandarin Oriental hotel guests can use the club, and its beach cabanas, where the butlers are Mandarin Oriental's best. Another USP introduced by hotel GM Jorge Gonzalez, by the way, is cooking classes for dads - at the hotel. www.mandarinoriental.comMandarin Oriental Miami, Miami, United States
See other hotels in Miami (26)
|
 | |
Alain Ducasse to supervise a gala dinner at Hôtel de Paris in honor of chef Paul Bocuse
Lastly, Alain Ducasse, who now surely leads the culinary world, supervises yet another great event (photo, ©Vanessa Von Zitzewitz). He will be cooking the gala dinner at the Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo, during a cook-a-thon to honor legendary chef Paul Bocuse, February 9-11. This will be a Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) superlative, as other guest chefs cooking along the way include the increasingly ubiquitous Raymond Blanc, and Luxembourg's most famous culinarian, Léa Linster, the only woman to have won the biennial Bocuse d'Or. Gualtiero Marchesi and Charlie Trotter are also on the roster. www.alain-ducasse.com www.montecarloresort.comHotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco
See other hotels in Monte Carlo (6)
|
 | |
Coming up in March
Coming next month, we have Insider Lyn Middlehurst of Gallivanter's Guide, Concierge tips from one of London’s top luxury hotels, Sir Rocco Forte’s Brown’s, and Seven Sensational two-floor suites. Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah, who opens his latest Villa Moda Fashion Emporium in Bahrain this month, shares secrets on style. Note: if you have not yet signed up for our complimentary emailed newsletter, I invite you to do so now. Have a great month!
| |
| | | | Sign up for the Free WOW Confidential Newsletter |  |
Advertisement | |
BACK
