Avista Travel3 Castle Street, Clitheroe,

Lancashire BB7 2BT

Tel: 01200 422 975

As an Independently owned travel agent Avista Traveltake great pride in offering the best value holiday andtravel arrangements. Our Customers choose usbecause of our service and knowledge. Ourexperienced travel agent team covering Clitheroe,Burnley, Blackburn and east Lancashire are committedin providing the very best value for money holidayarrangements.

Now that winter seems to be finally giving way it is anexcellent time to review plans for short breaks andlonger holidays over the coming months. After therecent deluges and glum economic conditions we aresure that many of our readers will be pining for sunnierskies and we hope that our magazine will give yousome inspiration on a broad range of holiday types.

Our experienced travel team covering The Ribble Valleyand surrounding areas, have over an amazing 100 yearstravel experience between us and with this wealth ofknowledge you can be sure one of us will know or havevisited the destination you are interested in.

Discover exciting new destinations and cultures withtwo fascinating “Off the beaten Track” features on Safariin East Africa and the mountain kingdom of Bhutan.

Marvel at the spectacle of the Great Migration across themighty plains of the Serengeti Mara Ecosystem. Step outof the modern world into a land locked in colourfultradition and rugged mountain vistas often referred toas “The Last Shangri-La”.

Keeping all the family entertained this summer shouldbe a breeze if you are lucky enough to book into theElounda resorts in Crete. Indulgent romantics andsophisticated sun worshippers should check out thenewly refurbished Banyan Tree Seychelles or, if youprefer the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, we reviewthe British Virgin Islands.

Whether you are looking for a “trip of a lifetime”, aluxury cruise, a gastronomic experience, a luxury citybreak or just news on some of the world’s finest hotelsand resorts we are sure you will agree that there aremany options in this issue from which to plan a greatescape, so sit back, have a good read then give us a callto discuss your perfect holiday.

Welcome...

Email: info@avistatravel.comIssue 1

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3 European News

4 Czech in with Mandarin Oriental

6 A Kick Start for all the Family

8 A Taste of Relais & Châteaux

10 Raffles Singapore

14 Back to Eden

16 The Last Shangri-La

18 Safari East Africa

20 Quintessentially NYC

22 World News

12 The British Virgin Islands

Views from Castello del Nero across its private Estate are asauthentically Tuscan as can be, with olive groves and vineyardspeppered with cypress trees basking in the warm glow of the sun.The exquisitely restored 12th century Castello is a five star hotel andspa boasting a private position overlooking a beautiful valley only30 minutes from Florence. The property offers 50 guest rooms,many with original frescoes and each appointed to the higheststandards. The Executive Chef prepares Tuscan delicacies daily,served with the best wines – including local Chianti – to the delightof guests enjoying the outdoor pool, tennis courts and ESPA spa.

In the heart of Tuscany at Castello del Nero

European & Mediterranean News

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ has an unrivalled selectionof some of the world’s finest small independent hotels.Comprising over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, eachoffering diverse and unique experiences. SLH is constantlyadding exciting new hotels and destinations to its portfolio.Grand Hotel Angiolieri, Sorrento, Italy is one of the new hotelsadded in 2013. This elegant villa overlooks the Bay of Naples,with an inviting infinity pool facing the sea. An array of spatreatments, a Roman arcade, an amphitheatreand a gourmet restaurant, awarded a Michelinstar in 2010, are some of its many highlights.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ 520 small independent hotels in 70 countries

The charm of the Provence countrysideon the doorstep of the chic Côte D’Azur

Subtly combining the charm and character of Provencewith the chic of the Côte d’Azur, Terre Blanche Hotel SpaGolf Resort, a member of Leading Hotels of the World,boasts an all Suite & Villa 5-Star Hotel, a renowned35,000 sq ft Spa and two championship Golf Courseswithin the confines of a 750-acre Provence estate.Nestled in lush nature, Terre Blanche is nonethelessonly 35 minutes away from Cannes. Well integrated intothe landscape, set like a Provençal village and built withthe respect of its local environment, the property is alsoinspired by modern art and contemporary architecture.

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The Canny TravellerKeeping children happy, relaxed and entertained are crucial considerations to avoid travel stress:

Sleep: If you are travelling with a younger child, try and plan travelling around their sleeping patterns. If you can book a flight that begins just before a child is due for a nap this can reduce the stress of travelling enormously.

Toys: On longer flights take a few toys with you to keep children entertained. Toys that do not contain small pieces or involve using a lot of room are best, and a good option is to buy a couple of new presents beforehand which are then saved for the plane.

Unclutter: Family holidays always involve a lot of packing. Travel with less baggage by sending luggage ahead using a specialist luggage delivery service.

Food: Many airlines offer children's meals and this is worth booking beforehand.Fluids: Make sure that children drink regularly throughout the flight to avoid dehydration.

A bottle prepared for take-off and landing will ease ear pain for infants.

...air travel with younger children and all that STUFF

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ocated within a short walk from historicCharles Bridge and Prague Castle, MandarinOriental, Prague offers a sophisticated retreat

in the quiet cobbled streets of the West Bank districtof Mala Strana (Little Side).

An intriguing collection of historical buildings makeup the fabric of the hotel, variously dating from theGothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Thesehave been wondrously remodelled to house amasterwork in contemporary hospitality. Opened in2006, the property, which once housed a Dominicanmonastery, retains elements of the past includingarched and vaulted ceilings.

Like all Mandarin Oriental properties, it elegantlyblends local culture with an Asian sensibility tocreate a serene, discreet, and sensual space. Thereare only 99 guest rooms including 20 suites so thefeel is very much boutique but with all thetrimmings one would expect from a 5 star hotelincluding gourmet cuisine at Essensia Restaurant.

Set inside a former Renaissance chapel, the Spa isconsidered the finest in the Czech Republic. It spanstwo floors and the glass floor on the ground levelreveals the remains of an ancient 14th centurychurch below. Two of the seven treatment roomsare set up for couples, which may hint at the hotel’spopularity with honeymooners.

Czech in with Mandarin Oriental The perfect base from which to explore Prague, one of Europe’s finest cities.

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View over the rooftops to Prague Castle

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Mandarin Oriental hotels are to be found, or will shortly open,in many of Europe’s most popular destinations. The nextaddition will be Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum; a 107 room resortwith panoramic views of the Aegean Sea is planned to openin 2014. Always located in prime locations, each property is aperfect proponent of the group’s global objective ofdelivering 21st century luxury with oriental charm:

With the world class shopping of Knightsbridge and leafyHyde Park on its doorstep, the iconic five star MandarinOriental Hyde Park boasts London’s most fashionable location.

Mandarin Oriental, Munich, a nineteenth-century neo-Renaissance stucco building near Maximilianstrasse, is theideal base for walking around this historic, Bavarian city.

With Michelin-starred dining and a spectacular spa, MandarinOriental, Barcelona is a luxurious hideaway located on theprestigious Passeig de Gràcia in the cool Catalan capital.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris is a thoroughly modern andfashionable residence located on the discreet and smart rueSaint-Honoré, just south of Opéra - a “fashionista” paradise!

Overlooking the River Rhône in the heart of the city, thereare few hotels that can compete with all that MandarinOriental, Geneva has to offer.

Mandarin Oriental, Prague Top panel from left to right : Barego Bar - Oriental Suite Bedroom - Spa Lobby - Essensia Restaurant

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Mandarin Oriental, Paris

FANtastic Hotels Across Europe

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A kick start for all the family this summerFun and games at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel

ids always seem to have boundless energyjust at the times when their parents areprobably contemplating a well-earned

period of rest and relaxation - this paradox is mostprevalent over the months of July and August butdon’t despair ...help is at hand!

At Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and EloundaPeninsula All Suite Hotel, two of threeinterconnected luxury resorts* located at the edgeof Mirabello Bay in Northern Crete, the resort hasfine-tuned its high season activities to offer a rangeof child and teenager programs to train and shapethese stars of the future.

Started in 2012, this summer sees the return of theArsenal Soccer Schools coaching program, the bestof its kind in the world, with a camp for children aged5 to 16, played on the hotel’s own 5x5 football pitch.

Alternatively, dancing lessons by the internationally-acclaimed choreographer Fokas Evaggelinos and his

dance school will be offered from mid-June anduntil the end of September. Fokas was praised forhis work on the opening ceremony of the Athens2011 Special Olympics and leads the judge panel ofthe Greek edition of "Dancing with the Stars".

Of course the heart of children’s activities is centredaround the specially constructed Children’s club,"The Ark", an area covering 7000m2 with award-winning architecture, waterslides and morechallenging children's programs including golf,swimming, yoga and tennis.

Whilst the kids develop their skills and let off energy,parents can return to the pressing matter of relaxation,perhaps by the edge of their private villa pool, a longlunch or a quiet dinner at one of the many restaurantsdotted around the three resorts or a spot ofpampering at the state-of-the-art Six Senses Spa at theElounda Peninsula.

*Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel andElounda Mare Hotel are sister properties and offer shared facilities.

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Royal Grand Suite at the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel

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f your palette will be the decision maker whenchoosing your next hotel break or longer holidaythen you will certainly highly value the “Fleur de

Lys” plaque that adorns the entrance of over 520hotels and restaurants worldwide. For this denotesmembership of Relais & Châteaux, an association oflike-minded restauranteurs and hoteliers who placethe highest importance on having an excellentrestaurant as a key component in a mutualcelebration of the art of living.

At the pinnacle of culinary recognition are thesuper chefs, 160 men and women from 5continents who have received the title of “GrandsChefs” Relais & Châteaux. Amazingly, 45 of thesewizards will have come together in April 2013 tocook for guests at the charity event “Diner desGrands Chefs” at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

Whether your travel plans take you across toEurope or further afield there are many excellentestablishments waiting to be discovered...

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Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm, and Cuisine

A Taste of Relais & Châteaux The art of fine cuisine and the “Grand Chef”.

The Château Saint-Martin & Spa is renownedand celebrated for gastronomic excellence. Itsrestaurants, including the two Michelin-starredLe Saint-Martin, present a variety of delicateflavours and memorable ambiences under theaward-winning guidance of Relais & ChâteauxGrand Chef Yannick Franques.

Château St Martin & Spa, France

Gastronomic heaven on the Côte D’Azur

Oeuf Caviar at Château Saint-Martin & Spa

A manor house hotel located two hours from Siena and Rome, IlPellicano lies on the southeastern tip of the Tuscan peninsula of MonteArgentario, close to the pretty seaside town of Porto Ercole. MonteArgentario is close to the two famous islands of Giglio and Giannutri.

Spend languid days relaxing by the heated clifftop saltwater pool orset out on forays into the Tuscan countryside before returning for themain event, dinner at the two-Michelin-star Il Pellicano restaurant ofGrand Chef Antonio Guida.

Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole, Italy

An indulgent Tuscan hideaway

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Just a few steps from the enchanting Lake Orta and ideally positioned toexplore nearby Lake Maggiore, Villa Crespi is a spectacular Moorish villa builtin 1879. The villa’s arabesque architecture, stunning gardens and thehospitality of Grand Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinziamingle to make a stay here magical.

Villa Crespi, Lake Orta, Italy

A unique property in a tranquil location with unforgettable cuisine

The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français inFranschhoek is South Africa's most lauded fine-dining restaurant. It is the stage to award-winningRelais & Châteaux Grande Chef, Margot Janse, andher unique African Inspired Surprise Tasting Menu.

Here, in this intimate setting, serious diners havethe opportunity to experience a true journey oftaste. With a menu that continues to evolve andastonish The Tasting Room, and its AfricanInspired cuisine, creates a dining experienceunlike any other.

Le Quartier Français, South Africa

A journey of taste with Margot Janse

Located on fashionable St. Barts,Hôtel Le Toiny’s Restaurant LeGaïac has long been regarded asone of the finest restaurants inthe Caribbean.

Under the leadership of GrandChef Stéphane Mazières, age 33,since 2006, the demure Frenchchef presents a refined andsophisticated menu that featuresan innovative blend of Frenchand Creole influences.

Hôtel Le Toiny, St Barts, Caribbean

Cordon Bleu Creole

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here are a few hotels in the world whosenames have become virtually synonymouswith the cities in which they are located –

and none more so than Raffles Singapore.

Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder ofSingapore, Raffles Singapore was built 125 yearsago, more than a decade before the turn of thenineteenth century. It soon became the haunt ofbusiness tycoons, the great and good, rogues andadventurers, politicians, movie stars, authors andjournalists.

Visiting writers included Rudyard Kipling,Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward, a host offoreign correspondents – all of whom fed in thestories and legends, fact and fiction, which haveclung to the hotel ever since. Through their stories,the Long Bar, the Palm Court and the Bar & BilliardRoom with its tiger, became familiar to peoplewho had never even been to Singapore. Today

these stories remain and are relished – but timehas not been allowed to stand still at Raffles.

Today, Raffles Singapore is the proud flagship ofthe nine strong Raffles Hotels & Resorts, with sisterhotels in Paris, Dubai, Cambodia, Seychelles,Beijing, Manila and Makkah. The company isembarking on a new phase of expansion, withopenings in Istanbul, Jakarta and Hainan in China,over the next two years.

With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, everyhotel in the Raffles family has its own individualpersonality, with its own story to tell and its ownsense of place. However, each one is proud todraw on that timeless essence of Raffles – todeliver thoughtful, personal and discrete serviceto well-travelled guests – whether it is one of thelegendary Raffles butlers, a brilliant sommelier, agifted spa therapist, or a beach attendant with awonderful big genuine smile.

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Raffles SingaporeA legend inspires a growing family of unique hotels and resorts worldwide.

One of the world’s most iconic hotels, Raffles Singapore

Chic, sophisticated, surprising, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris representsthe new generation of luxury hotels in the heart of Paris. Within walkingdistance of the iconic sights, streets and monuments of the City of Light,it is now, as it has always been, one of the essential spots in which toexperience the beauty, style and social buzz of this extraordinary city.

As a result of a recent refurbishment, the exquisite interiors of this landmark1920’s Art Deco hotel have been refreshed and embellished by leadingFrench designer, Phillipe Stark. One of the highlights is the My Blend byClarins Spa, a paradise of pure white spread over 1,500 sq. metres thatincludes a 23 metre infinity pool, the longest ever built in a Paris luxury hotel.

Le Royal Monceau, Raffles ParisThe art of luxury. The romance of Paris. The legend that is Raffles.

Cradled at the heart of the Indian Ocean on the island of Praslin, areeighty-six architecturally exquisite villas with private plunge poolstouched by the sublime beauty of white powdered sands, opal-huedoceans and lush green hills. The ideal place to rediscover the luxury ofspontaneity, Raffles Praslin, Seychelles is infused with Seychelloisspirit and traditional Raffles service.

Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, sail, wind surf, walk...or just do nothing atall. With outdoor pavilions and the very best pampering experience, theaward-winning Raffles Spa is a destination in itself, famous the world over.

Raffles Praslin, SeychellesDo it all, or do nothing at all, in stylish, stunning Seychelles.

An elegant cage elevator adorns the lobby, gracefully carrying guestsupwards as if it was 1932 all over again. Overhead, ceiling fans gently beat arhythm and move the still air. From a cool uncluttered lobby, Art Deco black-and-white tiled halls lead you to rooms of perfect luxury. Welcome to RafflesGrand Hotel d'Angkor, once the home of royalty, now the King of Hotels.

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, in the Old French Quarter only 8kilometres from the extraordinary Angkor Wat temple complex and a shortriverside stroll from the main markets, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is theideal place to explore the spiritual and archaeological masterwork - to shopin style, or to just relax and revitalize beside a pool inspired by the spiritualarchitecture.

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, CambodiaOne of the greatest hotels of the legendary Grand Tour of Indochina.

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The British Virgin Islands60 Islands, 1 Unforgettable Experience

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ost people have heard of The BritishVirgin Islands and believe it is analmost crime free, luxury destination,

an exclusive holiday for the fortunate few andthey’re not wrong. And whilst BVI most certainlyhas its share of lavish hotels you will besurprised to know that it also has a range ofbeautiful, reasonably priced properties whichmakes these special islands affordable for mostbudgets.

Whether you are looking for some of the bestbeaches in the West Indies, a destinationwedding, honeymoon, family holiday, diving,spas, fine dining, an unspoilt, traditionalCaribbean experience without global brand fastfood outlets, no irksome street vendors pushing

their wares or world class sailing on azure, nontidal waters you can easily plan anunforgettable holiday in a destination you mayhave believed was out of your reach.

With 60 small islands we recommend all visitorsday charter boats or use the regular ferries toexplore them. There are many choices but someof the favourites are the island of Anegada,where you choose a lobster from the sea andit’s cooked fresh on the barbecue while youenjoy 16 miles of glorious, white sandy beaches;The pirate trail through The Baths volcanicboulders to Devils Bay or The Soggy Dollar Baron Jost Van Dyke with no dock, so you swim toshore and hang your dollars to dry on the linewhile drinking “Painkillers” in a hammock!

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It takes a bit more time to get to the BritishVirgin Islands from the UK, involving aneasy flight change from nearby Antigua,but the extra effort brings rich rewards; theweather is divine, the islands unspoilt andthe BV Islanders are friendly. Add to this thevariety of activities and the promise of trueCaribbean hospitality then it is clear thatthis beautiful, corner of the world isluxurious in many more ways than just thesumptuous hotels.

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Main picture left: Above the Baths in Virgin Gorda

Clockwise from top: Family fun in the sun, Virgin Gorda

BVI Emancipation Festival, Tortola

Romance on the boulders of The Baths

Chill out time at One Love Bar and Grill, Jost Van Dyke

Pristine, white sand beaches, Anegada

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hen George Harrison said “"Everyoneshould have themselves regularlyoverwhelmed by Nature" he could well

have been referring to the magical corner of the islandof Mahe in the Seychelles, his former island hideaway,and now the site of Banyan Tree Seychelles, one of theleading luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean.

Renowned for being romantic and exclusive, theresort consists of a collection of Colonial style villasthat cascade down a lush and green hillside toembrace the white sands of Intendance Bay, one ofthe best beaches on the island.

There is an extraordinary variety of accommodationavailable among the 60 recently-refurbished villasranging from those perched high on the hillside withsweeping views to those at sea level with direct accessto the beach. Every villa is beautifully furnished inCreole style complemented by a private pool, and forthe ultimate in luxury, exclusivity and privacy, stay inthe exquisite Presidential Villa, which occupies its veryown private cove by the water’s edge.

Food connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice at each ofthe resort’s fine dining establishments. Banyan Tree’s

signature Saffron restaurant tantalizes with award-winning Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialities.Au Jardin D’Epices serves international favourites in acasual setting overlooking the bay whilst Chez Lamaroffers an exhilarating journey of Creole cuisine filledwith an irresistible blend of spices and flavours. Mostguests never leave their villas, so a comprehensive ala carte menu is available for in-villa dining.

Private dining experiences are perfect forhoneymooners and romantic couples – these includedinner for two on the beach, the cliff-side orsurrounded by dense forest such as the Sea & Starsexperience in the Presidential Villa, Grill on the sand,Moonlight Gazebo and Champagne on the Rocks.

It is only natural that with all the epicurean delightson offer that there should also be the opportunity tosoothe the senses in a lush tropical forest setting - atthe award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Seychelles.

Perfectly located on the main island of Mahe, BanyanTree Seychelles is only a 30 minute transfer from theInternational Airport.

www.banyantree.com

Back to EdenA romantic interlude at Banyan Tree Seychelles

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he Kingdom of Bhutan offers a refreshingopportunity to step out of our digitalised andfast moving world into a deeply entrenched

Buddhist country that, like its land-locked geographybetween India and Tibet, refuses to cast aside age oldtraditions and values.

Against a backdrop of the towering Himalayas andsurrounded by thick forested hills and fertile rivervalleys, there could not be a better location for a specialtype of adventure retreat - the Uma hotels by COMO.

In keeping with the Uma philosophy – immersingguests in the local culture and landscape to appreciateit more fully – Uma by COMO, Paro and its smaller sister,Uma by COMO, Punakha provide intelligent access tothe different layers that make up Bhutanese life,including monastery and festival visits. More physicalexcursions include day walks in the company of English

speaking guides, full service camping treks andmountain biking in the Himalayan countryside.

With the two properties in two separate valleys about5 hours driving distance there is a superb infrastructurefor combination adventure tours that allows thetraveller to explore a wide section of the kingdom. Arange of tours lasting between 5 and 10 nights splitstime between both properties. One of the 7-night toursalso includes a half-day tour to the Taktsang Goemba orTiger’s Nest Monastery*, which includes an option tospend a night in a luxury, wilderness camp high in theHimalaya. There are also opportunities for adventurewith the option to include thrilling bike descents,white-water rafting and hiking.

Those seeking more than just luxury accommodationin Bhutan will not be disappointed by the Uma byCOMO hotels. Each property is an integral part of the

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The Last Shangri-La Adventure retreats in Bhutan with COMO Hotels & Resorts

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landscape with an architecture that combines localartisanship with COMO’s contemporary style. Guests canchoose from a selection of guest rooms or individualvillas. Families are welcomed.

Authentic Bhutan cuisine is a fundamental element of theexperience and each of the hotel’s “Bukhari” restaurantsoffer seasonal menus that take a contemporary approachto traditional national dishes, with a selection ofinternational dishes offered alongside.

Completing the immersive experience each property has aCOMO Shambhala Retreat, the famous signature Spa ofCOMO Hotels & Resorts. At Uma by COMO, Paro facilitiesinclude two private Bhutanese hot stone bathhouses, a largeindoor pool with alfresco sundeck, steam rooms for men andwomen, a gym and yoga studio with Paro Valley views. Eachof the nine villas even has its own private therapy suite.

*The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a 40 minute drive from Uma by COMO, Paro

Legend has it that Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan fromTibet by Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the back of a flyingtigress on the craggy cliff face that now houses the gravitydefying Taksang Goemba Monastery. On key datesthroughout the year this story and the birth of the GreatSaint is commemorated at large and colourful festivals(known locally as Tsechu’s) played out by masked dancersthat take place in the huge Dzongs (Monastery/Fortress) ofthe towns of Bhutan. People’s deep faith and devotion makethese festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is alsoan opportunity to join hundreds, and even thousands, ofBhutanese in taking part in an important religious and socialoccasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.

The Tsechu (Festival)1. The mist shrouds the landscape at Uma by COMO, Paro

2. The indoor pool at Uma by COMO, Paro

3. Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

4. The main terrace at Uma by COMO, Punakha

5. View from bedroom at Uma by COMO, Panakha

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ir Richard Branson's new, state of the art safari campis a truly innovative project that will compliment hisestablished luxury safari lodge Ulusaba Private Game

Reserve in South Africa. Mahali Mzuri, is within the MotorogiConservancy in Kenya, which lies within the ecosystem ofone of Africa's most famous game reserves that stretchesfrom southern Kenya into Tanzania.

Every July, around a million wildebeest migrate north fromthe Serengeti further south and into the Maasai Mara. Oneway to see this amazing spectacle close up will be from theterraces of the new tented accommodations that formMahali Mzuri safari camp, opening this summer.

The futuristic 12 tented suites and main living and diningareas, will be luxuriously appointed (some suites areespecially fitted for families) and all promise to have a greatview of the phenomenal wildlife passing by. Daily activitieswill include twice-daily safari drives, night drives, earlymorning hot air balloon trips, and on-foot treksthrough the wild as well as the opportunity to visitlocal Maasai communities. After all that activityguests can relax with a dip in the infinity pool orwith an Africology spa treatment.

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Mahali MzuriSir Richard Branson’s Kenyan safari camp

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Safari East Africa

The unforgettable sight ofover 1 million wildebeeston their annual migrationaround the vast plains ofthe Serengeti Maraecosystem, an area thattraverses Kenya andTanzania, is the ultimategame viewing spectacleof Africa. Where the herdsroam the predators followor lie in wait on the riverbeds...

The GREATMigration of theSerengeti MaraEcosystem

Opening1st August

2013

View of Mahali Mzuri

Lion cubs at Mahali Mzuri

Stalking cheetah at Mahali Mzuri

Nature’s great spectacle

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The OmniaModern designs in the shadow of the Matterhorn

ingita Grumeti Reserves offers an unparalleled eco-safari teeming with magnificent wildlife encounters onthe western corridor of the Serengeti. This vast private

concession comprises an exclusive trio of luxury lodges andthe newly opened Singita Serengeti House.

Each of Singita’s three Grumeti Reserve lodges command aview of the renowned migratory route traversed annually bymore than a million wildebeest, and the predators that lie inwait… The area is home to large herds of game that provideworld-class photo opportunities all year round. Each of theproperties offer a unique experience: Singita Sasakwa Lodgepositioned on Sasakwa Hill, presents dramatic, elevatedviews across the endless plains, Sabora Tented Campcelebrates flat open space as far as the eye can see and FaruFaru Lodge is tucked away in a diverse habitat.

Singita Serengeti House is an exclusive-use retreat designedfor families and friends. Located on the slopes of SasakwaHill with breathtaking vistas of the endless, open plains ofthe Serengeti, the house is Singita’s response to a growingdemand from discerning travellers for privacy and flexibility.

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Singita Serengeti ReservesA vast private reserve on the western corridor

Sasakwa Lodge

Sabora Tented Camp

Faru Faru Lodge

Serengeti House

ew York is a place apart. Urbane andaudacious, whimsical and wild, New York Cityis matchless the world over. The myriad of

people to meet, food to eat, and streets to exploreoffers endless opportunities for adventure. Here,flavours, fashions, and artifacts from around theglobe bravely come together to create an essencethat is uniquely New York. With so many options forvirtually everything, navigating these innumerableofferings is an overwhelming endeavour. There is,however, only one place where culturedconnoisseurs curate the very best quintessentialNew York experiences: the Quin

The Quintessential Attaché are the Quin’s expert teamof lifestyle managers, who distill Manhattan into pureand approachable moments. The boundlessness ofthe city is made simple by presenting onlypreeminent pieces of art, music, fashion, and finedining. Special itineraries, replete with well-informedrecommendations and exclusive access to eliteevents, boutiques, and tables, are customised to eachguest’s needs. It is a refreshing articulation of trulypersonal service.

The Quin is the prism through which the electricspectrum of New York’s untamable lights is filtered.

Once home to some of the world’s most reveredartists, the hotel’s masterful approach to hospitalityis seemingly inherited from a tradition of excellence,imagination, and intuition. Situated in the heart ofthe city, it is a landmark that reaches into its storiedpast while touching the pulse of prevailing trendsand puts guests in the epicentre of culture,commerce, and haute couture.

The Quin presents 205 guest rooms and 27 luxurioussuites that inspire rest in “the city that never sleeps”.Speciality suites honour the hotel’s illustriousoccupants, including artist, Georgia O’Keeffe andcomposer, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. A breathtakingthree-bedroom triplex Penthouse perched above57th Street and Sixth Avenue features a 1,200 sq ftprivate terrace overlooking Central Park. Plushfabrics complement textured metals and handsomepolished woods, evoking a feeling of serenity abovethe bustling streets below.

Its bi-level fine dining signature restaurant and bar, 24-hour Technogym fitness center, 10-seat executiveboardroom, Apple-equipped drawing room, and artgallery are dynamic notes in the sensorial concerto thatis the Quin. Tout ensemble, it is brilliance embodied.

New York, CuratedThe Quin presents a masterful collection

of all things quintessentially New York

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Opening15th June

2013

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World News

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Hidden in Turtle Bay, on the North West coast of Mauritius,there is no doubt that the new Angsana Balaclava Mauritiusoffers the ideal boutique retreat for a romantic celebration,whether it be a wedding, honeymoon or an escape a deux.Couples will appreciate the intimate surroundings of just 52exclusive suites and villa, framing a pristine private beachwith spectacular sunsets. Designed with a traditionalMauritian feel, this is the perfect getaway for two.

The Resort is endowed with various dining venues, and anoutstanding array of recreational facilities including theaward-winning Angsana Spa Balaclava.

www.angsana.com

Dazzling sunsets across the bay set themood at Angsana Balaclava Mauritius

Grace Hotels are spreading their wings into LatinAmerica with a very exciting hotel & spa resortwithin the prestigious Estancia de Cafayate in NorthWest Argentina. This impressive country estate ishome to a championship golf course and vineyardsproducing some of the country’s finest Malbec andTorrontes wines. The stunning Calchaqui valley offersan ideal year round destination, with indigenousculture and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes.

Guests at the new Grace Cafayate will enjoy fullaccess to all the facilities of the Estancia includingequestrian sports. The resort will have a fine diningrestaurant Muse by Jonathan Cartwright, servingdishes sympathetic to Argentinian cuisine, a wineand cigar bar, a swimming pool and a luxurious spa.

Grace Cafayate - in the Heart ofArgentina’s Undiscovered Wine Country

A Star is Born again after seven years ofdedicated restoration by Orient-Express

It is a recipe for a California Classic: Take one hotel with astar-studded Hollywood past, add stylish American Rivieradécor with one knock-out ocean view, and combine witha sprinkling of art created with diamond dust, Californiacoastal dining at its very best (with the help from one verypampered cow) and seven years dedicated restoration.The result? Orient-Express’ latest creation, and first hotelon the US West Coast, El Encanto, in relaxing Santa Barbara(90 miles up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles).

A glamorous hideaway for almost 100 years, El Encanto’s 92bungalow rooms and suites sit in seven acres of beautifullypreserved landscaped gardens and is an integral part ofSanta Barbara's social, cultural and architectural heritage. Aswith all Orient-Express hotels, El Encanto has pushedboundaries when it comes to its gastronomy, and has itsvery own Holstein cow, Ellie, whose milk will be solelyused to produce handmade cheese for the hotel.