Tạp chí du lịch KANOO du lịch đến Trung Đông tháng 2 năm 2013

Tạp chí du lịch KANOO du lịch đến trung đông tháng 2 năm 2013

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Produced in International Media Production Zone

THE MIDDLE EAST’S BIGGEST TRAVEL MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2013

W IN

!

A weekend stay a

t the Grand

Millennium Dubai

Animal Charm Why your kids would love a Kenyan safari

Düsseldorf Germany’s go-to city for culture

Puerto Rico The Latin flavour well

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February 2013 Kanoo World Traveller 3

Kanoo World Traveller

Welcome to the issue

As we all accustom ourselves to 2013 and prepare to bid farewell to the cold weather, I would like to welcome you all to our February issue As always, my team and I look forward to helping you experience the most memorable journey

In this issue we take you from Germany’s bourgeoning city of Düsseldorf, also known as the ‘Knightsbridge of the Rhine’, to the must-visit city of Kosice, this year’s European City of Culture And from the beauty of Bali to the plains of Kenya, for a novel idea of where you can take the kids this half term holiday As always, we’re giving you the chance to win yourself a luxury weekend away, this time in Dubai at the Grand Millennium hotel

I take this opportunity to announce that January has been a particularly special month for Kanoo Travel as we celebrated the success of 2012, and I thank every associate in the company for their hard work and dedication I also extend my thanks to our valued customers who have remained loyal and supported us through difficult times I congratulate our Divisional Travel Management team and the Kanoo Travel UAE team for the successful launch of Kanoo’s newest and finest Corporate Contact Center in Karama last month, the customer feedback received has been extremely encouraging

Enjoy the issue

nabeel Kanoo

Director Kanoo Travel

St Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates

a legacy of luxury

now at over 30 of the world’s finest hotels & resorts.

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stregis.com

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or take a dip in the inviting blue waters of the Arabian Gulf

Revel in water sports that excite or soothe, arranged by a

St Regis Butler Savor flavors from ten extraordinary restaurants including Gordon Ramsay, the master chef’s signature ode

to Qatar The joy of leisure redefined by The St Regis Doha

Come, explore.

al gassar resort at west bay stregisdoha.com 974.4446.0000

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Kanoo World Traveller

Welcome to the issue

As we all accustom ourselves to 2013 and prepare to bid farewell to the cold weather, I would like to welcome you all to our February issue As always, my team and I look forward to helping you experience the most memorable journey

In this issue we take you from Germany’s bourgeoning city of Düsseldorf, also known as the ‘Knightsbridge of the Rhine’, to the must-visit city of Kosice, this year’s European City of Culture And from the beauty of Bali to the plains of Kenya, for a novel idea of where you can take the kids this half term holiday As always, we’re giving you the chance to win yourself a luxury weekend away, this time in Dubai at the Grand Millennium hotel

I take this opportunity to announce that January has been a particularly special month for Kanoo Travel as we celebrated the success of 2012, and I thank every associate in the company for their hard work and dedication I also extend my thanks to our valued customers who have remained loyal and supported us through difficult times I congratulate our Divisional Travel Management team and the Kanoo Travel UAE team for the successful launch of Kanoo’s newest and finest Corporate Contact Center in Karama last month, the customer feedback received has been extremely encouraging

Enjoy the issue

nabeel Kanoo

Director Kanoo Travel

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07 check in

We look at the GCC’s most romantic

destinations and marvel at the history

of The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

18 competition

Win a weekend break for two at the

Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel

20 Where to stay

Head to Barcelona for hip hotels and

architectural wonders galore

26 picture this

Feast your eyes on these unbelievable

destinations, guaranteed to tempt

66 Visit: rio De Janeiro

Rio’s incredible landscape and carnival

spirit are irresistible, says Leah Oatway

68 Visit: carDiFF

Wales’ capital is a city destination to be

reckoned with, as KWT discovers

72 suite Dreams

Blissful seclusion and high-end Arabian

luxury await guests of the Royal Villa at

Doha’s Sharq Village and Spa

33 kenya

A family safari to hidden game park

Laikipia dispels security preconceptions

40 kosice

This year’s co-capital of European

culture has an intriguing history

44 bali

Sophie Lam unravels the traditional

Balinese code for living

52 puerto rico

Fran Yeoman explores the cultural

tug-of-war taking place across the island

60 DüsselDorF

Germany’s business hub has a host of

luxurious treats for weekend visitors

TRAVEL BiTES

FEATuRES

Managing Director: Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director: John Thatcher Advertisement Director: Chris Capstick chris@hotmediapublishing.com +971 4 369 0917

Editor: Leah Oatway leah@hotmediapublishing.com Designers: Adam Sneade, Vanessa Arnaud Production Manager: Haneef Abdul

Senior Advertisement Manager:

Stefanie Morgner stefanie@hotmediapublishing.com +971 4 446 1558

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited All prices mentioned are

correct at time of press but may change HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Kanoo World Traveller

Jan-Jun 2012 22,953 BPA Consumer Audit Produced by: HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Woman in clothing, carrying fodder, through rice terraces

Trang 7

07 check in

We look at the GCC’s most romantic

destinations and marvel at the history

of The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

18 competition

Win a weekend break for two at the

Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel

20 Where to stay

Head to Barcelona for hip hotels and

architectural wonders galore

26 picture this

Feast your eyes on these unbelievable

destinations, guaranteed to tempt

66 Visit: rio De Janeiro

Rio’s incredible landscape and carnival

spirit are irresistible, says Leah Oatway

68 Visit: carDiFF

Wales’ capital is a city destination to be

reckoned with, as KWT discovers

72 suite Dreams

Blissful seclusion and high-end Arabian

luxury await guests of the Royal Villa at

Doha’s Sharq Village and Spa

33 kenya

A family safari to hidden game park

Laikipia dispels security preconceptions

40 kosice

This year’s co-capital of European

culture has an intriguing history

44 bali

Sophie Lam unravels the traditional

Balinese code for living

52 puerto rico

Fran Yeoman explores the cultural

tug-of-war taking place across the island

60 DüsselDorF

Germany’s business hub has a host of

luxurious treats for weekend visitors

TRAVEL BiTES

FEATuRES

Managing Director: Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director: John Thatcher Advertisement Director: Chris Capstick chris@hotmediapublishing.com +971 4 369 0917

Editor: Leah Oatway leah@hotmediapublishing.com Designers: Adam Sneade, Vanessa Arnaud Production Manager: Haneef Abdul

Senior Advertisement Manager:

Stefanie Morgner stefanie@hotmediapublishing.com +971 4 446 1558

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited All prices mentioned are

correct at time of press but may change HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Kanoo World Traveller

Jan-Jun 2012 22,953 BPA Consumer Audit Produced by: HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Woman in clothing, carrying fodder, through rice terraces

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CHECK IN

BE INformEd, BE INspIrEd, BE tHErE

GET A ROOM

The GCC region is ripe with

romantic destinations to suit

all tastes this Valentine’s…

global

CheCk in | news

February 2013 Kanoo World traveller 7

sIX sENsEs ZIGHY BAY, omAN

It has never been difficult to find romance in this secluded Omani paradise, with its sandy white beaches, dramatic mountain backdrop, private villas and award-winning spa But this Valentine’s Day, Six Senses Zighy Bay is pulling out all the stops to ensure couples feel the love Having washed away city stress with a dip in the private plunge pool of your luxury villa, any lingering aches or stress knots will melt away following an hour-long rose-oil and hot stone massage, and 30-minute rose-infused facial End the night with an aphrodisiac course-by-course dining experience, at sunset, overlooking Zighy Bay

Irresistable Sixsenses.com

AtLANtIs, tHE pALm, dUBAI

Those looking for an intimate and magical place to hide away this Valentine’s would

be hard pressed to find a more secluded spot than an underwater suite Descend into the three-storey Neptune or Poseidon suite at Atlantis, The Palm, and you will find yourself immersed in a fairytale Floor-to-wall windows in the bathroom and bedroom reveal the imagined underwater ruins of a lost and ancient city along with its spellbinding inhabitants: tens of thousands of brightly coloured fish, including piranhas, as well as sharks, eels and seahorses With a butler on hand to cater to your every need, you may

never want to resurface Atlantisthepalm.com

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CHECK IN

BE INformEd, BE INspIrEd, BE tHErE

GET A ROOM

The GCC region is ripe with

romantic destinations to suit

all tastes this Valentine’s…

global

CheCk in | news

February 2013 Kanoo World traveller 7

sIX sENsEs ZIGHY BAY, omAN

It has never been difficult to find romance in this secluded Omani paradise, with its sandy white beaches, dramatic mountain backdrop, private villas and award-winning spa But this Valentine’s Day, Six Senses Zighy Bay is pulling out all the stops to ensure couples feel the love Having washed away city stress with a dip in the private plunge pool of your luxury villa, any lingering aches or stress knots will melt away following an hour-long rose-oil and hot stone massage, and 30-minute rose-infused facial End the night with an aphrodisiac course-by-course dining experience, at sunset, overlooking Zighy Bay

Irresistable Sixsenses.com

AtLANtIs, tHE pALm, dUBAI

Those looking for an intimate and magical place to hide away this Valentine’s would

be hard pressed to find a more secluded spot than an underwater suite Descend into the three-storey Neptune or Poseidon suite at Atlantis, The Palm, and you will find yourself immersed in a fairytale Floor-to-wall windows in the bathroom and bedroom reveal the imagined underwater ruins of a lost and ancient city along with its spellbinding inhabitants: tens of thousands of brightly coloured fish, including piranhas, as well as sharks, eels and seahorses With a butler on hand to cater to your every need, you may

never want to resurface Atlantisthepalm.com

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8 February 2013 Kanoo World Traveller

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI

FESTIVAL CITY, DUBAI

Nothing says romance quite like a candlelit

dinner and nowhere offers a romantic dinner

quite like Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire With

its waterfront setting, opulent décor - think

pink chandeliers, mother-of-pearl walls and

plush fuschia seating - and a three-Michelin

star chef overseeing the menu, this ultra chic

restaurant is the perfect place to show the

foodie in your life you care, with a five-course

dinner guaranteed to fill hearts as well as

stomachs Walk off dinner with a late night

stroll along the banks of the historic creek,

before retiring to the palatial comfort of the

Royal Suite Intercontinental.com

PARK HYATT, JEDDAH

With breathtaking views of the Red Sea and

the world’s tallest fountain (King Fahd’s

fountain) dancing in the moonlight, the Royal

Suite of Jeddah’s Park Hyatt hotel is the

perfect city escape this Valentine’s Ask the

ever hospitable staff to add an extra touch

of romance to your stay and you’ll arrive to a

room adorned with roses, candles,

chocolate-dipped strawberries and more Add to that

a delicious room service menu and there’s no

reason to leave the blissful cocoon of your

suite For those able to tear themselves away,

indulge in hydrotherapy at the hotel’s spa or

shower your loved ones with gifts at the

on-site shopping mall Jeddah.park.hyatt.com

MADINAT JUMEIRAH, DUBAI

Picture the scene: you arrive at the Madinat Jumeirah, check in and find yourself being whisked away in a Rolls Royce to the nearby Burj al Arab, where a helicopter is waiting for you on its rooftop You depart on an enchanting sky tour Back at the Madinat,

a team of top chefs has prepared a private dinner for you on a terrace adorned with your favourite flower A classic trio sets the mood and the evening is captured by a professional photographer When dinner is over, you retire

to the Presidential or Royal Suite Madinat Jumeirah is offering Dubai residents this exclusive Valentine’s date: grand gestures

don’t come much grander Jumeirah.com

QASR AL SARAB, ABU DHABI

As dreamy Arabian landscapes go, few can rival the unspoilt majesty of Liwa desert, with its rolling golden dunes and starry night sky The former home of the ruling Al Nayan family, Liwa is also home to one of the country’s most luxurious resorts: Qasr Al Sarab Which is good news for those looking

to enjoy an Arabian adventure this Valentine’s Day Unwind with a dip in the free-form pool

or take a romantic camel ride across the dunes before dining amidst the amber dunes, with your own private butler to serve you, as the sun sets on this postcard-perfect setting

Qasralsarab.anantara.com

ST REGIS, DOHA

From the airport greeting service that ensures a swift and trouble-free arrival to the 24-hour butler service on hand to cater

to your every whim, everything about the

St Regis’ Presidential Suite promises a truly A-list Valentine’s experience Reserve an exclusive cabana and unwind on your private sundeck before retiring to your three-room, two-storey suite After a soak in one of the super deep bathtubs, you can toast your relationship from the private rooftop terrace overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf

A stay at this plush Middle Eastern gem is sure to leave you with that loving feeling

Stregisdoha.com

HOTEL MISSONI, KUWAIT

The style lover in your life is guaranteed to fall head over heels at this glamorous and uplifting designer abode With its warm Italian hospitality, trademark multicoloured stripes, geometric patterns and florals, Missoni’s Kuwait hotel provides the perfect setting for a playful and luxurious Valentine’s weekend Drink in the ocean views over a mocktail from the comfort of the daybed

on the vast terrace of the Suite d’Oro After

a sumptuous dinner at the ultra chic Luna restaurant, slip into a comfortable and much-coveted Missoni robe and slippers and relax with a film from the complimentary

collection Perfection Hotelmissoni.com

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Standing at just over 1,000 feet, The Shard is now the tallest building in Western Europe KWT looks at how it measures up to the best of the rest around the world…

Reaching new heights

The wait is over The must-see landmark of 2013, London’s The Shard, is finally open to the public KWT takes a look…

uK

More than a decade after plans for The

Shard were first announced, the building

that has redefined London’s famous skyline

forever is finally open to the general public

Standing at 310 metres, the colossal

light-reflecting tower is now Western Europe’s

tallest building In a city filled with historical

architecture and internationally renowned landmarks, it would take something pretty special

to capture the imagination of its spoilt-for-choice inhabitants So the fact that The Shard is already considered a must-see landmark

of 2013 speaks volumes for the success of Italian Master Architect Renzo Piano’s ‘vertical city’ Towering above the city’s London Bridge Quarter in the swanky South Bank district, the razor-sharp structure boasts offices, restaurants and residences And, at twice the height of any other viewing platform in the city, the views

are spectacular Take a “kaleidoscopic” lift

to the 69th floor and you will be treated

to a 360-degree view that extends more than 64 kilometres out to the coast and Windsor Castle on a clear day Draw your eyes closer in and you will spot a plethora

of London icons – including Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster

Those brave enough to venture even further skyward, to The Shard’s highest habitable point on level 72, can stand in the open air above ground While not for the faint hearted, from here, through the gaps, you can hear London’s streets Wait until next month and you could improve your chance

of experiencing the building’s spectacular views by opting to stay there The fabulously luxurious Shangri-La Hotel opens its doors in March and, with 202 rooms occupying floors

34 to 53 of the tower, it will boast some

of the best views of the city What better location for the British debut of one of the world’s most opulent hotel brands?

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do well to check out the world’s largest lection of orchids in its Botanic Garden Come nightfall, go on a safari at the award-winning, cage-free rainforest zoo

col-From here, it’s on to the bright lights and architectural delights of Kuala Lumpur Not only is this city a shopper’s paradise, it also has its fair share of attractions – from the landmark Petronas Towers to the old British colonial buildings Those looking to get out

of the city for a day will find respite on the Genting Highlands tour Just an hour out of the city, at 2,000 metres below sea level, this Malaysian hill resort nestled within the Titiwangsa Mountains offers a cooler climate than the often hot and humid city Take a cable car ride to the resort, soaring through lush, green-forested highlands to the vast resort Indulge your inner child at its outdoor theme park before returning to the comfort

of your city hotel

Enthusiastic explorers of culture will love this week-long immersion in Nepal’s diverse culture and topography – which starts the moment you touch down in Kath-mandu After checking in, you’ll head for dinner at Utsav restaurant, an authentic Nepalese restaurant filled with live music and dance

What Nepal lacks in size it more than makes up for

in heritage You’ll experience the best of the country’s attractions – starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the ancient palace at the heart

of the city And then there’s the incredible landscape:

take an optional flight over Nepal’s breathtaking tain range to enjoy Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Himalayan range Prepare to lose a day mesmerised by the monuments within the ancient city of Patan, known

moun-as the city of arts, before taking a short flight to Pokhara

At Lake Side, you can marvel at the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre on the freshwater Phewa Lake over a leisurely lunch and boat ride, before heading to Tiger Mountain Lodge for the night After a morning at this tranquil haven, set above the Pokhara Valley, you’ll head

to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave Scramble through a low tunnel and you’ll find yourself behind the deafening waters of Devi’s Falls

Back in Kathmandu, there is just time to marvel at Nagarkot’s famous Himalayan views before heading to the ancient Newar town of Bhaktapur, filled with elabo-rately carved monuments, palaces and temples: a fitting end to an unforgettable Nepalese experience

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do well to check out the world’s largest lection of orchids in its Botanic Garden Come nightfall, go on a safari at the award-winning, cage-free rainforest zoo

col-From here, it’s on to the bright lights and architectural delights of Kuala Lumpur Not only is this city a shopper’s paradise, it also has its fair share of attractions – from the landmark Petronas Towers to the old British colonial buildings Those looking to get out

of the city for a day will find respite on the Genting Highlands tour Just an hour out of the city, at 2,000 metres below sea level, this Malaysian hill resort nestled within the Titiwangsa Mountains offers a cooler climate than the often hot and humid city Take a cable car ride to the resort, soaring through lush, green-forested highlands to the vast resort Indulge your inner child at its outdoor theme park before returning to the comfort

of your city hotel

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CheCk in | news

The Pearl of the Orient

This month, we head to Hong Kong to take a closer look at the illustrious history of The Peninsula Hotel, which has been at the top of its game for 85 years…

Historic Hotels

Hong Kong’s Grande Dame has seen some things in her time A bastion of style and lux-ury since she opened in 1928, The Peninsula has survived war and military occupation, rubbed shoulders with royalty and welcomed Hollywood’s finest, past and present, into her ever hospitable fold Eighty-five years and a stunning makeover later, Hong Kong’s only surviving historical hotel is still regarded as the best in the land

The Peninsula’s fascinating story begins

in the 1880s, when two members of the wealthy Kadoorie family – Ellis and Elly - left Bombay and travelled East to Hong Kong and Shanghai, respectively A decade later, having experienced considerable success, Elly purchased shares in The Hong Kong Hotels Company Limited It was to be the start of the Kadoorie family’s long-standing relationship with The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, which continues to this day

In the early 1920s, they decided to build a new hotel at the edge of Hong Kong’s Victo-ria Harbour, or Kowloon Perfectly located at the busy junction, where increasing numbers

of wealthy ocean liner passengers and lers on the trans-Siberian rail link disem-barked, the Kadoories had one aim: to create the finest hotel east of Suez In fact, it was to become one of the finest in the world

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CheCk in | news

The Pearl of the Orient

This month, we head to Hong Kong to take a closer look at the illustrious

history of The Peninsula Hotel, which has been at the top of its game for 85 years…

Historic Hotels

Hong Kong’s Grande Dame has seen some things in her time A bastion of style and lux-ury since she opened in 1928, The Peninsula has survived war and military occupation, rubbed shoulders with royalty and welcomed Hollywood’s finest, past and present, into her ever hospitable fold Eighty-five years and a stunning makeover later, Hong Kong’s only surviving historical hotel is still regarded as the best in the land

The Peninsula’s fascinating story begins

in the 1880s, when two members of the wealthy Kadoorie family – Ellis and Elly - left Bombay and travelled East to Hong Kong and Shanghai, respectively A decade later, having experienced considerable success, Elly purchased shares in The Hong Kong Hotels Company Limited It was to be the start of the Kadoorie family’s long-standing relationship with The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, which continues to this day

In the early 1920s, they decided to build a new hotel at the edge of Hong Kong’s Victo-ria Harbour, or Kowloon Perfectly located at the busy junction, where increasing numbers

of wealthy ocean liner passengers and lers on the trans-Siberian rail link disem-barked, the Kadoories had one aim: to create the finest hotel east of Suez In fact, it was to become one of the finest in the world

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Untitled-5 1 1/27/13 5:56 PM

The hotel was officially opened, amid much

excitement, in December 1928

Unsurpris-ingly, its opulence and grandeur created a

stir among Hong Kong’s wealthy visitors,

including the famous and titled, and the

1930s were a magical time for a thriving and

modern Hong Kong and for The Peninsula, at

the heart of this exciting destination

This ended abruptly on December 8, 1941,

when, mid-way through the Second World

War, the Japanese attacked Hong Kong

Volunteer Hong Kong Defence Forces,

sup-ported by British, Canadian and India forces,

tried to resist the onslaught but were severely

outnumbered After ferocious fighting, British

colonial officials, led by the governor of Hong

Kong, Sir Mark Aitchison Young, surrendered

to the Japanese on the third floor of the

hotel on December 25, 1941 The capitulation,

or surrender treaty, was signed the

follow-ing day and the governor was reportedly

confined for two months in one of the hotel’s

suites before being deported to a Shanghai

prison

For the next four years, the Japanese ruled

Hong Kong with an iron fist from the grand

interior of the harbourfront hotel Rooms and

corridors once filled with affluent and

excit-able travellers were now home to Japanese

officers and high-ranking dignitaries Once

targeted by well-dressed ladies looking to

indulge in afternoon tea, for the duration of

the war the hotel’s colonial façade became a

prime target for allied attacks

In April 1942, when the Japanese removed

street and building signs and renamed them

in Japanese, The Peninsula Hotel became the

“Tōa Hotel” (meaning ‘East Asia Hotel’)

Finally, on August 15, 1945, six days after the United States dropped the atomic bomb

on Nagasaki, Japanese forces surrendered

British sovereignty was restored in Hong Kong and The Peninsula Hotel took back its original name

In the years that followed, Hong Kong’s Grande Dame was restored to her former glory Signature style and grandeur in tact, she welcomed back the world’s finest digni-taries and celebrities Among a heady list of

guests, which continues to grow, were former United States’ Presidents, Nepalese royals and Hollywood icons: from Marlon Brando to Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant to Elizabeth Taylor

In 1970, the hotel bought its first fleet of seven Rolls Royce Silver Shadows It was the largest single order for the esteemed car marque – a tradition that continues today with The Peninsula’s fleet of 14 Phantoms

This partnership with the iconic British brand was to lead to another: four years later, in

“The Man with the Golden Gun”, James Bond (played by Roger Moore) followed Scaraman-ga’s mistress Andrea Anders to The Peninsula Hotel to confront her His assistant, Mary Goodnight, tells an impressed Bond about the hotel’s fleet of green Rolls Royces

This was not to be the hotel’s last foray into film Some 30 years later, in 2007, its helipad featured in the Batman blockbuster “The Dark Knight” The helipad had been added

to the hotel in 1994 as part of an expansion project that saw a 28-storey tower almost double the hotel’s capacity Despite this modern addition, the colonial façade and decadent lobby and reception area remained untouched Last year, to celebrate the hotel’s 85th birthday, a HK$450 million makeover

of the hotel’s interior began The redesign reflects Hong Kong’s passion for innova-tion and technology, while maintaining the classic elegance and style that has kept The Peninsula at the top of its game for almost a century peninsula.com/hongkong

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Hot offers

Whether you choose to spend it trawling the aisles of the city malls looking for bargains,

chilling poolside with a soft drink and your favourite book or indulging in some much-needed

pampering; everyone could benefit from a weekend break at a luxury hotel And there are

few better bases from which to do so than the Grand Millennium Dubai hotel (home to 343

rooms and suites) Rejuvenate the senses with a dip in the five-star hotel’s outdoor pool before

indulging in some well earned rest and relaxation at the Jasmine Spa: a Moroccon hammam

will get your skin tingling, or opt for a massage in one of the spa’s nine treatment rooms And,

when night falls, there are several first-rate restaurants in which to dine - including Dante,

where charming Italian fare is served with flair Delicious

THE PRIZE

A weekend stay for two people, including breakfast To enter, email your answer to easywin@

hotmediapublishing.com before February 28, 2013

Q What is the name of the Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel’s spa?

a) Roseb) Jasminec) Daisy

Terms and conditions:

Offer is valid for three months from March 1, 2013 Prior reservation is required Not applicable during public holidays, special festivities, and promo- tions and not combined with any offers.

Win a weekend break at the Grand

Millennium Dubai hotel

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luxury doha

Experience Qatar’s most lavish hotel offerings

kwt promotion

OR

Hotel Casa Fuster

hotelescenter.es

Steeped in architectural history

and close to La Sagrada Família,

you’ll find artists and intellectuals

galore here People watch over

tea at the legendary Café Vienés

Gran Hotel La Florida

hotellaflorida.com

Perched on Mount Tibidado,

this 88-year-old hotel remains

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Just outside the city centre, this

lovingly restored and historic

hotel offers a peaceful and

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good enough for Rock Hudson

and Ernest Hemingway

Grand Hotel Central

grandhotelcentral.com

The rooftop infinity pool of this hip hotel, set in Barcelona’s fashionable Born district, offers magical views of the city’s Gothic area With the most interesting places a short walk away, refuel after a busy day sightseeing by dining at the hotel restaurant run by award-winning chef Ramón Freixa

Hotel Omm

hotelomm.es

Its Asian-inspired lines, natural light and understated modern elegance provide an oasis

of calm in a buzzing city

Rejuvenate at the Spacciom spa

El Palace

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Filled with the decadent glamour

of a bygone era, this hotel is perfectly positioned to explore Las Ramblas and the most prestigious shopping area

START

OR

Modernist marvel OR Decadent delight

Vintage beauty OR Historic treasure

Period charm OR City style

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OR

Hipster chic Sleek

WheRe To STAy

BARCeLoNA

With festivals galore, February in Spain’s second largest city is perfect for shaking

off the last of those winter blues Check out these stylish abodes

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kwt promotion

The ritz-Carlton, doha

ritzcarlton.com/doha

Those seeking all of the warmth and comfort

of home, with all of the luxurious trappings

of a five-star resort, need look no further than the Club and Suite experience at Ritz-Carlton’s stunning Doha property Much like its home city, the hotel offers an alluring blend of the cultural and contemporary

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, the hotel’s Club Level, on the 23rd floor, offers an exclusive, tranquil hideaway to retreat to After a busy day, take the weight

off tired feet, sink into the plush surrounds

of the Club Lounge and refuel in style with the Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s delicious afternoon tea - including signature scones, sandwiches, French pastries and the finest of teas Here, sumptuous fabrics in warm inviting colours fuse with elegant touches of gold, creating the perfect ambience from which to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf’s glistening turquoise waters and the property’s exclusive marina

Retreat to your suite, reached only by keyed elevator access, and find yourself amid a secluded, opulent Middle Eastern haven rich in texture and colour: think silk wall coverings, handcrafted furnishings and regional artwork hanging on walls Those able to muster the resolve to leave their suite should take advantage of the culinary presentations available throughout the day

at the Club Lounge or venture to one of eight on-site restaurants for a meal to remember

The St regis doha

stregisdoha.com

Whether it’s a club sandwich lovingly sprinkled with herbs and spices from Doha’s souk or an avant-garde dining experience at Gordon Ramsay’s eponymous restaurant, The

St Regis Doha is the ultimate destination for foodies With 10 very different dining options, heed advice from the hotel’s butler before delving into the delights on offer to ensure your meal choice satisfies your mood; rest assured there is something for everyone

Dark and decadent, with modern furnishings and moody lighting, Hakkasan is on a mission to elevate authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese, to the echelons of fine contemporary dining And it is likely

to achieve it: just indulge at its special Dim Sum Lunch on a Friday to see for yourself

For an understated and elegant fine dining experience, head to Gordon Ramsay, headed

by Michelin-starred, Ramsay-trained chef Gilles Bosquet A more relaxed, but no less special, evening can be found at Ramsay’s sister restaurant Opal: think bistro-style dining complete with two live gourmet pizza and raw stations

Incredible steak and seafood is served with more than a pinch of retro New York dining at the Astor Grill The restaurant is a tribute to John Jacob Astor IV, who founded the first St Regis Hotel in New York more than a century ago And then there’s the best Lebanese restaurant in Doha – Al Sultan Brahim The original restaurant, legendary for its fish dishes, was founded in Jnah, Beirut, in 1968

by the El-Ramy brother and now they have brought their unique culinary talent to Doha with this second restaurant

A stay in Doha has never looked so appetising…

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kwt promotion

The ritz-Carlton, doha

ritzcarlton.com/doha

Those seeking all of the warmth and comfort

of home, with all of the luxurious trappings

of a five-star resort, need look no further

than the Club and Suite experience at

Ritz-Carlton’s stunning Doha property Much

like its home city, the hotel offers an alluring

blend of the cultural and contemporary

Whether travelling for business or pleasure,

the hotel’s Club Level, on the 23rd floor,

offers an exclusive, tranquil hideaway to

retreat to After a busy day, take the weight

off tired feet, sink into the plush surrounds

of the Club Lounge and refuel in style with the Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s delicious afternoon tea - including signature scones, sandwiches, French pastries and the finest of teas Here, sumptuous fabrics in warm inviting colours fuse with elegant touches of gold, creating the perfect ambience from which to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf’s glistening turquoise waters and the property’s exclusive marina

Retreat to your suite, reached only by keyed elevator access, and find yourself amid a secluded, opulent Middle Eastern haven rich in texture and colour: think silk wall coverings, handcrafted furnishings and regional artwork hanging on walls Those able to muster the resolve to leave their suite should take advantage of the culinary presentations available throughout the day

at the Club Lounge or venture to one of eight on-site restaurants for a meal to remember

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kwt promotion

Four villages dedicated to cocooning guests in blissful relaxation make Sharq Village and Spa the ideal escape when worldly woes become too much to bear

The luxurious desert resort is steeped in Qatari tradition and history White stone walls, candlelight, tranquil outdoor retreats with traditional Arabian furnishings and rippling water features make it all but impossible to leave its Six Senses Spa feeling anything but rejuvenated and utterly spoiled

Take advantage of Six Senses’ commitment to SLOW LIFE (Sustainable Local Organic Wholesome Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences) by choosing a treatment that uses plants and herbs indigenous to the local area

For a natural and authentic experience, try the ‘local journey experience’ and emerge with baby-smooth skin and a clear mind, having been scrubbed, cocooned and massaged back to life

Soul uplifted and body cleansed, treat yourself to something sparkly at the village souq, recline on an outdoor majlis, take afternoon tea in the stylish surrounds

of Al Jalsa, or do all three - it’s your holiday

Watch the sun go down to the rhythmic soundtrack of waves lapping the private shoreline at the Sea Lounge before feasting on seafood at Al Dana restaurant, where fresh catches are cooked to your liking and served al fresco, under starry skies, with views of Doha bay

Finally, retire to the stylish splendour of the Royal Villa with family or friends and talk into the night on its vast

outdoor terrace ritzcarlton.com

Sharq Village and Spa, doha

Operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Mövenpick Tower and Suites doha

moevenpick-hotels.com

For a room with a view, the discerning

business traveller could ask for no better than

those offered by the plush West Bay Suite at

Mövenpick Tower and Suites Doha Thanks to

the five-star hotel’s enviable location at the

heart of the prestigious and bustling business

district, West Bay, an upper-floor suite of this

futuristic-looking 26-storey tower commands

spectacular views of Doha’s fast-growing

urban landscape and the still waters of the

Arabian Gulf beyond

After a tough day of business in the city,

a short journey sees you back within the sumptuous folds of the hotel, where the ever-hospitable staff are ready to serve you Those feeling energetic, or with pent-up frustration

to burn off, can take advantage of the hotel’s fully-equipped gym before unwinding in the sauna steam bath Or, simply unwind with

a facial treatment or massage at the Spa,

or a calming dip in the indoor pool, before heading for a chic eat at West Bay’s popular

Wok Mee Noodle House Satisfy a sweet tooth with cake and a refreshing drink at the Lime Café before walking off any excess with

a gentle stroll along the Corniche

Back in the luxurious confines of your suite, those with more work to do can take advantage of the state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, video conferencing facilities and ISDN/IP connections in each room before collapsing in your king size bed for the night Perfect

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kwt promotion

Four villages dedicated to cocooning guests in blissful relaxation make Sharq Village and Spa the ideal escape when worldly woes become too much to bear

The luxurious desert resort is steeped in Qatari tradition and history White stone walls, candlelight, tranquil outdoor retreats with traditional Arabian furnishings and rippling water features make it all but impossible to leave its Six Senses Spa feeling anything but rejuvenated and utterly spoiled

Take advantage of Six Senses’ commitment to SLOW LIFE (Sustainable Local Organic Wholesome Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences) by choosing a treatment that uses plants and herbs indigenous to the local area

For a natural and authentic experience, try the ‘local journey experience’ and emerge with baby-smooth skin and a clear mind, having been scrubbed, cocooned and massaged back to life

Soul uplifted and body cleansed, treat yourself to something sparkly at the village souq, recline on an outdoor majlis, take afternoon tea in the stylish surrounds

of Al Jalsa, or do all three - it’s your holiday

Watch the sun go down to the rhythmic soundtrack of waves lapping the private shoreline at the Sea Lounge before feasting on seafood at Al Dana restaurant, where fresh catches are cooked to your liking and served al fresco, under starry skies, with views of Doha bay

Finally, retire to the stylish splendour of the Royal Villa with family or friends and talk into the night on its vast

outdoor terrace ritzcarlton.com

Sharq Village and Spa, doha

Operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

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KWT Picture this_ Feb copy.indd 27 1/27/13 3:39 PM

Picture this

sVALBArD isLANDs

Norway, Europe

While this polar bear cuts a lonely figure on the

meringue-like broken ice, in fact, the Svalbard Islands are believed

to be home to one of the only expanding populations of

the species in the world As spring unfurls, the females

will gingerly emerge from hibernation with their young

cubs While the polar bears’ hunting grounds are shrinking,

Norway’s strict ban on the hunting of polar bears and

much of their prey is believed to have contributed greatly

to conservation efforts With its incredible wildlife, which

also includes the Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer, and

its breathtakingly beautiful, untouched arctic landscape,

there is little wonder that Svalbard’s enchanting wilderness

continues to spellbind all who venture into its midst

Image: Corbis / Arabian Eye

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Picture this

stePtOe Butte

Washington State, USA

To explore this luminous landscape, you will need to head

to the Palouse region of the United States A rich and

unspoilt tapestry of green and browns, this 150-acre park is

renowned for its stark, dramatic beauty and photographic

qualities – particularly as spring approaches On a clear

day, stand at the top of the area’s 3,610-foot high butte and

drink in the 200-mile panoramic view the natural monument

provides The Native Americans once referred to it as “the

power mountain”, believing the mountain’s guardian spirit

bestowed power on those who visited it Steeped in history,

keep an eye out for the hawthorne bushes they used to

make medicines and baskets, as well the local wildlife,

including deer, rabbits and hawks

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Picture this

BLue POND

Hokkaidō, Japan

The ethereal qualities of this brilliant blue pond and the

larches that grow from within it have, unsurprisingly,

earned it a cult tourist following in recent years Hidden

in the forest of Biei, Hokkaidō, the pond was created

when a dam was built to protect the area from potential

mudslides caused by nearby volcano Mount Tokachi

Water blocked by the dam accumulates in the lower area

of the forest The awe-inspiring hue is believed to be

caused by aluminium hydroxide present in the water that

flows in from the Shirogane Hot Spring, scattering light

But you’ll need to time a visit well: the pond is only this

mesmerising colour when bathed in sunlight and winter is

a no-go – it freezes over

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Child’s Play

With better security now in place, Kenya can still prove fertile ground for a family safari holiday

i f he ever goes on to become a serious

rugby player, my son can boast that he was first tackled by a cheetah at four years old There he was, running across the grass at the centre of our bush camp, when the cheetah cub appeared from nowhere and – flick – brought him down with one paw

For my wife and I, watching from 15 yards away, it was a heart-stopping moment For the cheetah, though, we realised quickly,

it was all part of a game, the kind of game played by a four-month-old, half-tame cat that has been rescued from the bush and sees

a man-cub as a potential playmate Our son was soon on his feet, without a scratch, the cheetah streaking off after some other moving

Child’s play | Kenya

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Trang 35

Child’s Play

With better security now in place, Kenya can

still prove fertile ground for a family safari holiday

i f he ever goes on to become a serious

rugby player, my son can boast that he was first tackled by a cheetah at four years old There he was, running across the grass at the centre of our bush camp, when

the cheetah cub appeared from nowhere and –

flick – brought him down with one paw

For my wife and I, watching from 15 yards

away, it was a heart-stopping moment For

the cheetah, though, we realised quickly,

it was all part of a game, the kind of game

played by a four-month-old, half-tame cat

that has been rescued from the bush and sees

a man-cub as a potential playmate Our son

was soon on his feet, without a scratch, the

cheetah streaking off after some other moving

Trang 36

‘We could also raft, fish and cycle, and then refuel with sumptuous meals under the spread of acacia trees’

left home, last April, the advice was to avoid travelling within 150km (about 90 miles) of the Somali border A week into our holiday, the advice was still to stay at least 60km (about 40 miles) from Manda, which is close to the better-known island of Lamu

Travelling by light aircraft across the northern Kenya bush after the first rains is like flying into the opening shot of a wildlife film

We were heading for Laikipia, a vast range of once-thriving private cattle ranches that have dropped their fences to turn the region into Kenya’s great hidden game park

Our first stop there, Sosian lodge, nestling in

a valley to the south of the park, set the tone, with relaxed safaris not only in vehicles but

on horseback or on foot We could also raft, fish and cycle, and then refuel with sumptuous meals under the spread of acacia trees It was refreshingly different from other national parks

I had visited, where I had been ticked off for stepping out of a vehicle

Michael Dyer, whose family has had a large influence on the establishment of the reserve and who owns the spectacular Borana Lodge, where we spent three days, told us: “We don’t want this to become the new [Maasai] Mara, with lines of vehicles crowding round a single lion Here the client is on his own; you are not tripping up on people.” The sense of seclusion has drawn Prince William back year after year – it was within Laikipia’s precincts on the slopes

of Mount Kenya that he proposed to Kate Middleton two years ago

“I have been on foot safaris for five or six days without seeing anyone at all – you really can disappear,” said Michael, whose family also runs the Manda Bay hotel close to where last year’s kidnappings took place on the coast

The hotel now has subtle but serious security in place, with radars to track incoming boats, plus infra-red cameras and armed security guards

We knew our first morning in Kenya was going to be different when our host at Sosian,

target We could readily imagine what our

friends would say when we told them what

had happened.“Kenya? Are you really going

to Kenya?” they had responded when we

announced our holiday plans “With two young

children? What about all the terrorists? And the

wild animals?”

I had last been to Kenya shortly after the 1991

Gulf War, flying in from Cairo after six glorious

weeks in an Egypt that was emptied of tourists

and where I had the pyramids and the Valley of

the Kings virtually to myself My experience in

Egypt had left me asking myself where danger

really lies It also set me thinking about the way

in which trouble in one region can drive tourists

away from a whole country

Kenya’s tourism industry has been suffering

badly since last year when Somalia’s pirates,

who had so far confined their attentions to

ships, began targeting holidaymakers on the

coast In September 2011 pirates killed the

Briton David Tebbutt and kidnapped his wife,

Judith, at the Kiwayu Safari Village, 30 miles

from the Somali border The next month

a disabled Frenchwoman was taken from

Manda Island and died in captivity Before we

Openning page: Cheetah cubs This page, clockwise from top left:

Local tribesmen; Sosian lodge; A safari stops under an Acacia tree;

Impalas.

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