Mark Weingard’s hotel venture, the Iniala, is more than a stylish hideaway. Part architectural playground, part art collector’s home complete with butler service and Michelin-starred chef, it’s a sensual, visually compelling and extraordinary experience. Sometimes, as we grow older, only something really powerful, like falling in love or experiencing a…
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Victor Vasarely, Henry Moore, and Joan Miró, are names not normally associated with Jeddah, but they should be. Sculptures by these world renowned artists line the recently revamped Al Hamra Open Air Museum along the corniche leading to the culturally cool five star Park Hyatt Jeddah. Centrally located, about a…
The Colombian city of Medellín may have a chequered past. It might even have a patchy future. But right now, it is also one of the most interesting, if occasionally unsettling, places to be. I know about cities with bad reputations. Cities associated with war or gang violence. I know…
First things first, most Middle Eastern visitors to the Shangri-La at the Shard – yes, that mouthful really is its proper name – won’t give a hoot that the hotel is a half hour’s drive from Harrods because, let’s not beat around the bush here, they’re not in Southwark to…
Sheltered bays, steeply terraced gardens and tiny, stucco houses that seem to ascend straight from the deep blue sea, the Amalfi coast is a startlingly beautiful place. A visit to Franco Zeffirelli’s former private estate-turned boutique hotel, Villa Tre Ville, casts it in the light of its splendid past. I…
LA’s Hotel Bel-Air boasts a devoted and publicity-shy clientele who appreciate the grand, exclusive sanctuary’s determination to fly under the radar. But following the hotel’s spectacular two-year, 100 million USD renovation, we just couldn’t resist blowing the historic hideaway’s cover. Nestled in the canyons of Los Angeles, the Hotel Bel-Air…
The traditional Swiss mountain resort of Gstaad is as renowned for its rich-and-famous residents as it is for its enduring and picturesque surroundings. Now, for the first time in over a century, there’s a new hotel in town. Let’s just say the bar has been raised. French speakers call it…
Having just opened at the end of May 2012, the Bvlgari was readied just in time for London’s Olympic rush. With a two-floor spa, its own cinema, a ballroom, 85 rooms and suites, this shimmering gem isn’t cheap. But then the best things in life never are. I must confess,…
May I begin by saying something patronising? I feel sorry for you. I don’t mean to be insulting and I don’t feel sorry for all of you. Just those who were born with a silver spoon. Let me explain. You likely take it for granted that your life will be…
There are few lifestyle experiences more unique or memorable than a stay at an Aman resort. The elegant, stylish hotels never have more than 50 keys, each location is unique, the architecture is always in keeping with its surroundings, and the service is beyond comparison. In fact, Amans are so…