Holidays

Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts unveils Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina

Opening its doors during Easter week 1-7 April 2012, the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina hotel is located in the centre of the city by the Tiber River and one of the most exclusive areas in the Eternal City. The hotel will be surrounded by shops and monuments such as the Coliseum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona and the Oratorio del Gonfalone, all within easy walking distance. This paradise in the heart of the Eternal City will offer visitors a sanctuary away from the urban hustle and bustle, yet in the centre of it all.

The hotel will provide a unique destination for travellers with its impeccable architecture, impressive gardens and exclusive facilities. It is a place where art, hospitality and well-being will come together. The Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina promises to be the brand’s most luxurious hotel to date.

Guests staying at the Gran Meliá Rome will be immersed in the local art, history and culture of Rome. The hotel embraces the rich local history and stands on the site of what was once the Villa of Agrippina, named in honor of the mother of famous Roman emperor Nero. The archaeological remains unearthed during its construction will be on display throughout the elegant galleries and communal areas of the building.

Gran Meliá Rome emerges from the magnificent Orti Domiziani gardens, the original and first botanical gardens built in the city, named in honour of Domitia, Nero’s paternal aunt. The hotel is a modern day Garden of Eden in the heart of the capital featuring native plants, a variety of beautiful indigenous flowers and surrounded by ancient orange trees. The hotel’s expert botanical guides will provide tours along Orti Domiziani allowing guests insight into both the local history and impressive flora.

In the midst of this unparalleled 10,000 square-metre setting are the hotel’s 116 rooms and suites, each with a unique story, elegantly arranged across eight floors. Acting as a museum within the city, each thematic floor acts as an art gallery boasting pieces inspired by well-known pieces on display in the city’s museums. Guests staying on the RedLevel, all suite area, have a wide range of exclusive services at their disposal such as private check-in and an exclusive lounge.

Gran Meliá Rome hotel will offer an extensive choice of outstanding restaurants specializing in Italian, Mediterranean and international haute cuisine, such as the Roman-inspired VIVAVOCE restaurant, in addition to elegant bars and lounges that will provide guests with la dolce vita experience without the need to leave the hotel. Two of the hotel’s most distinctive venues will consist of a Pool lounge perfect for light meals and canapés as well as a Roof Garden with 360-degree vistas of the city, ideal for cocktails and wine.

Gran Meliá Rome will allow guests to enjoy an unparalleled experience in unique surroundings. As the brand’s new flagship hotel, Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina will serve as a platform to enjoy the core values that define Gran Meliá hotels: exceptional service based on traditional luxury and avant-garde style.

Rivington Bar & Grill To Open in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Jumeirah Restaurants LLC and Caprice Holdings have announced their plans to open a third restaurant in Dubai. Rivington Bar & Grill will open in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, following three years of success with the original restaurant in Souk Al Bahar.

The second Rivington Grill, due to open in Spring 2012 will occupy a prime position in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah beside The Agency. It will be spread over three floors with the ground floor housing the main dining space, and featuring the signature wooden panelling, whitewashed walls, traditional dark wood bar and modern artwork that is the very essence of the Rivington Grill. The restaurant also boasts a terrace space which can seat up to 54 people in the cooler months.

The mezzanine floor will offer a bustling bar complete with an extensive outdoor terrace overlooking the Madinat Jumeirah waterways, Al Qasr and Burj Al Arab hotels with fabulous views over the Arabian Gulf. The third floor offers an intimate space with unrivalled views that can be utilised for a host of different events and is sure to attract the art, fashion and media worlds.

The menu at Rivington Bar & Grill is resolutely British and the strength of the food is on our insistence that only the freshest ingredients are sourced from both local and international artisan suppliers, practitioners and farmers. Dishes will include favourites such as the Rivington burger, the smoked haddock fishcake, the eggs Benedict and the legendary sticky toffee pudding.

Phil Broad, Managing Director of Jumeirah Restaurants LLC said, “The success of the Rivington Grill at Souk Al Bahar over the past three years has laid the foundation for the brand and we are now very excited to announce that we will be opening another Rivington Grill on the beach side at Madinat Jumeirah. The back-to-basics British cuisine, using only the highest quality seasonal ingredients at reasonable prices has really hit a chord with both the local, expatriate and tourist communities and I have every confidence in my team to deliver another wonderful restaurant to Dubai’s eating-out market. As soon as we have a confirmed the opening date we will share that information.”

James Worthington, the newly appointed General Manager of Rivington Bar & Grill added, “We are fortunate to have the loyalty of our regulars in Dubai, which has allowed for us to establish a sister restaurant in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Rivington Bar & Grill will offer the same level of unrivalled service and the freshest quality produce available on the market. With the addition of a bar and lounge we are confident that our guests will be delighted with the new Rivington.”

Cruise The Galapagos aboard Sanctuary Retreat’s new ship – Athala M.C. II

Type the words ‘cruise ship’ into any search engine at the moment and before you know it you’re met with the word ‘disaster’.

Some may therefore, see Sanctuary Retreat’s announcement of a new luxury boutique catamaran cruise in the Galapagos Islands as unfortunate timing. However, when ‘disaster’ strikes the most respected action to take is (I quote) ‘keep calm and carry on’. So if you want to set an example – step aboard Athala M.C. II.

The boutique ship sails guests of up to sixteen around archipelago’s most sought after sights anchoring at two places each day to allow plenty of time to explore, with experienced naturalist guides. You can choose between two seven night itineraries, with five night options for both.

The boat offers air-conditioned accommodation in eight spacious cabins located on two decks. Elegant sustainably sourced teak features throughout the catamaran and Alcabins include large picture windows, with the option of private balconies on the main deck. The deck has an open - air bar, jacuzzi al fresco dining area and sundeck, offering the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting without moving a muscle.

The Galapagos Islands offer an abundance of natural wonder and it’s where Charles Darwin created ‘The Origin of Species’. Full of beauty, sunlight and inspiration – this is a destination with a difference.

For more information visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/cruises/galapagos

Written by Poppy Cross - 23/1/12

Luxurious Family Villas Now Available At Daios Cove, Crete

Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas is now offering two and three bedroom family villas with a private pool, so the entire family can enjoy the fabulous facilities the resort has to offer. Located on a hillside overlooking its own private beach with turquoise waters near Aghios Nikolaos, Daios Cove is a 5 star luxury resort, ideal for a family holiday.

Whether you are on holiday with a newborn or energetic youngsters, the Daios Cove family villas are equip for all parent and child needs, offering complimentary welcoming gifts for children, baby monitors, bottle warmers, stair gates, and there is a specialised kids menu to please even the pickiest of eaters. The crystal-clear waters of the private pools can be heated up to 25 degrees for the whole family to enjoy and a children’s poolside fence is provided. Cove Club services such as: daily newspaper delivery, personalised air freshener with essential oils, access to the ‘Villas section’ at the private Daios Cove beach and preferential bookings for the à la carte restaurants, spa, and daily excursions are all exclusively offered to Villa guests. Parents can relax and pamper themselves in the Spa by Germaine De Capuccini as children play in the Daios Cove Miniclub and Kids crèche. Both of which are supervised by dedicated and enthusiastic Daios Cove nannies.

The island of Crete is blessed with year-round sunshine, mild weather, and flawless beaches; making it the perfect holiday destination for families any time of year. Whether it’s the stunning landscape, delicious food at the resorts three gourmet restaurants, or the numerous activities on offer for the whole family, a trip to Daios Cove will provide happy memories for all.

Daios Cove Family 2 Bedroom Villas start at
€960/villa/night on B&B basis for two adults and two children.

To book or for further information please call
Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas on (+30) 28410 62600.
Visit their website here: www.daioscove.com

*To receive a 30% discount book before 28th of February 2012

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Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotel Tours

For those visiting Rome for the first time, a trip to the world famous Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Square are all a must, however, for a more unique and luxurious sightseeing experience, Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has the answer with a series of exclusive tours to experience the true essence of Rome and gain an understanding of Italian art and culture, without the hustle and bustle of sightseers and tour groups.

Exclusively for guests of the luxury hotel and available for both private and corporate parties, the exclusive selection of tours will enable Rome Cavalieri’s guests to unlock the door to some of Rome’s best kept secrets, from private palaces still lived in by historic Roman families, to hidden churches used only by active fraternities. With Rome Cavalieri’s knowledgeable team at the helm, guests can go behind the scenes of the luxurious workshop of world famous, fine jewellery brand, Bulgari, exclusively viewing one of a kind archive pieces as well as watching some of the industry’s top artisans at work.

For further information or to make a reservation at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please call +39 06 3509 1 or visit www.romecavalieri.com

The Royal Mirage. True to old Arabia?

The romantic glow of candlelight warms the palatial domes and towers, whilst majestic palms intersperse their sharp silhouettes through the intricate arches and courtyards.
The delicate glimmering of lantern patterns dance on the walls, making the oasis waters twinkle with allure.
The neighbouring cosmopolitan charms of the coast, seemingly engulfed in the timeless beauty of deep-blue desert skies.

“The Royal Mirage truly epitomises the romance of old Arabia”

Posted by: S A Bryan-Merrett