MYANMAR'S ANCIENT CAPITAL AWARDED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
BY SARA DARLING Visit Myanmar and you will be astounded by it's natural beauty. It's no wonder that this historical city has been recognised as an outstanding destination. With the largest concentration of Buddhist sites and landmarks in the world, the scenery is littered with religious artefacts and monuments, including more than 3,500 stupas, temples, monasteries and pagodas dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, which are still in use today. For visitors wishing to explore this friendly region, bespoke travel specialists, Hayes & Jarvis, are offering a 9-day 'Highlights of Myanmar' tour, where guests can join others in a small group and experience the 'Land of the Golden Pagoda' up close and personal. Beginning in the country's largest city and Burma's former capital, Yangon, the journey continues inland, taking in local villages, markets, culture and food, which make up the extraordinary Buddhist heritage. With every day showcasing the country’s spectacular landscape, guests will have the opportunity to explore the unique monasteries of Mandalay, the floating villages on Inle Lake, temples of Bagan and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which are breath-taking and almost surreal. For an unforgettable adventure, Myanmar is a must see. Hayes & Jarvis offer a 9 night Highlights of Myanmar Tour, starting from £2,799 per person. Return flights from the London Heathrow to Yangon with Malaysia Airlines, accommodation throughout, internal flights in Myanmar, meals, entrance fees for attractions and English-speaking guide are all included. For further information please visit: www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/holidays/myanmar/tours/highlights-myanmar Tel: 01293 762456
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SINGAPORE IS CELEBRATING ITS 200'TH ANNIVERSARY, AND YOU ARE INVITED! BY SARA DARLING With 2019 commemorating the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ landing in Singapore in 1819, Singapore has landed in London with an immersive, multi-sensorial experience in Finsbury Square. Join the meticulously recreated mini city at an event curated by In The Wild and Bompas & Parr, and enjoy a hands on adventure, which will show visitors the wider possibilities of Singapore and its culture. Singapore in central London is built in a unique garden in Finsbury Square, and integrates great food and nature with the modern world-which are some of Singapore's selling points. Local food including Old Chang Kee's 'curry puffs', Chef Malcom Lee's ‘Buah Keluak ice cream’, which combines savoury black nuts & chocolate, ‘crab curry with blue pea flower rice’ and hi 'Ye Ye Chicken Curry’ that was featured on ITV's Saturday Morning with James Martin earlier this year. Botanical cocktails will be available from a creative collaboration between Native, and of course the classic Singapore Sling, which hails from Raffles Hotel in central Singapore will be on offer. Having been shut for a refit, this will reopen its doors in August this year. Offering possibilities for inquisitive minds, the garden in Singapore’s City of Possibilities is an interactive experience which will allow visitors to virtually visit eight landmarks via an avatar, to have a 360° video tour to find out more about this amazing country. From art to nature, explorers can see the diversity of Singapore's culture, in a tropical imaginarium created by leading Singaporean botanical designers, Humid House. There is a photographic exhibition from NY-based Singaporean photographer, Lenne Chai, who presents an exploration of the faces and stories that have been part of Singapore’s transformation over the past 200 years. And visitors will also get the chance to experience the Kaleidoscope - an artwork installation by Singapore-based artists Esther Goh, in collaboration with OuterEdit. Singapore is truly magical- go and experience it for yourself
Singapore: Where Explorers Meet Finsbury Avenue Square, Broadgate, EC2 13 – 15 June 2019 IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW LA, THINK AGAIN... BY SARA DARLING The brainchild of American contemporary artist, photographer and publisher James Stanford's coffee table book, 'Street Art Las Vegas' documents the unseen talent of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. . Featuring works by well-known streets artists, including Shepard Fairey, Tristan Eaton, D*face and Retna, it epitomises the underground art of LA. The image of Motel Las Vegas (above) is by photographer and art historian Dr Fred Sigman; Showcasing the rise and fall of Las Vegas’ iconic roadside motels, which are integral part of American history and a reflection on America’s love of travelling by car. It also celebrates the architectural skyline of LA, which has influenced today's mega-resorts. Compass of the Ephemeral is from a series of photographs by Will Roger, cultural co-founder of Burning Man; One of the most iconic places on earth, this image showcases his aerial and drone photography for the first time. Roger’s photographs chronicle the ever-changing cityscape and transformation of Black Rock City, home to Burning Man and one of the harshest climates in the continental US. The docu-photography books trace the history of Black Rock City from a few thousand people to the growing metropolis of over 70,000 citizens today, and how varied and eclectic it actually is.
Buy your copy at SmallWorksPress here THE ITALIANS KNOW A THING OR TWO ABOUT FOOD - WHAT MORE EXCUSE TO HEAD TO VENICE? BY SARA DARLING With the five-star Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, living up to its chic Italian reputation of class and sophistication, there is a new pop up summer menu and a room revamp to entice you this summer. Ever since the hotel opened in 1908, it has attracted the in-crowd who love the old school elegance and charm, so why not join them? The Bistrot del Mare Lionello Cera, is a hidden treasure and provides a tranquil atmosphere away from the hectic streets of the city; With a reputation as one of the exclusive resorts for celebrities, actors, models and A listers who flock to Venice for the Film Festival in September, the hotel's terrace is lined with white cabanas, and is one of the most exclusive bathing establishments in the world. The new summer menu specialises in traditional local cuisine including which errs on the fishy side- using products from the lagoon; Expect Risotto di Gò, Lemon, Sea Bream Carpaccio, Steamed Sea Bass and Venetian dish Fritto Misto; The Award winning chef will also offer a ‘meaty’ option on the menu to include a refined selection of local organic cuts. Along with a fresh menu, the hotel has launched a range of renovated rooms which have merged modern design with Gothic and Renaissance inspiration. With stunning views, and a choice of pools, the terrace is the ideal spot to watch the sunset enjoying an aperitivo and Venetian cicchetti - the typical local finger food, if you like a relaxed and classy break, the Hotel Excelsior Venezia is a must.
For further information visit: www.hotelexcelsiorvenezia.com Room rates in July/August start from €370 based on two people sharing a standard double and including breakfast. BY SARA DARLING IF YOU'RE A FAN OF RENAISSANCE ART, join the whole of Italy in celebrating the 500th anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci's death on the May 2nd 2019. Italy is the perfect place for a cultural break, and Sardatur Holidays, has created a special 'Leonardo 500 Italy' package, to encompass its three most prominent Renaissance cities (Florence, Venice and Milan) to remember the genius in an educational and engaging seven night break. Over the week, guests will visit Florence, where Leonardo studied as an apprentice of the artist Andrea del Verrocchio and visit the Uffizi, home to the unfinished Adoration of the Magi, plus two early works. There will also be access to The Museo Galileo to see Leonardo da Vinci: Visions. Technological challenges of the Universal Genius; And the Palazzo Strozzi will unveil a retrospective (March to July) of 120 paintings, sculptures and drawings devoted to the Renaissance maestro Andrea del Verrocchio, as well as work from Leonardo and other pupils. Enjoy two nights in chic Venice and visit the 'Vitruvian Man' which will be on public display in 2019 for the first time in years at the Gallerie dell’Accademia, along with 24 other works. Then head north, to Milan, where da Vinci called home for seventeen years, and visit his vineyard, and the world's largest statue of the genius outside La Scala opera house. The Maria delle Grazie convent is home to one of da Vinci’s most famous works, The Last Supper; And Sforza Castle’s Sala delle Asse, which was decorated by da Vinci, will re-open on his anniversary, after six years restoration. The Leonardo3 Museum is also holding a special retrospective, showing working models of his machines including the submarine, time machine and rapid-fire cross bow. Sardatur Holidays ‘Leonardo 500’ seven-night package starts from £1,748 per person, including British Airways flights from London to Pisa and Milan to London. Accommodation comprises three nights in Florence, two nights in Venice and two nights in Milan at four star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. Private airport and train station transfers and train transport between the three cities are included. The package includes one Da Vinci-themed tour in each city: a private tour of The Accademia and Uffizi in Florence, entrance to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Venice, and The Truth About Leonardo da Vinci tour in Milan.
Price is based on travel dates, 4th to 11th May 2019. To request a quote for alternative dates please contact Sardatur Holidays. Book with Sardatur Holidays by calling 0208 973 2292 or visit sardatur-holidays.co.uk STARTING WITH THE LENNOX HOTEL BY SARA DARLING Miami might be famed for its Art Deco architecture, but the latest arrival on the hotel scene is taking inspiration from Europe, to create an eclectic, homely offering, which would not be out of place in Italy. The meticulously considered, Lennox Hotel Miami, is set to open this summer in the heart of the city; Taking up residence on iconic Collins Avenue, it is just a few footsteps from the beach, which means it offers the perfect location for culture and relaxation. Bypassing a flashy decor and larger than life presence like some of its neighbours, the boutique hotel will offer just 119 rooms, in four interconnecting buildings; Along with one gourmet restaurant, an interior courtyard with swimming pool, and poolside bar offering al fresco dining and cocktails, which enhances the laid back Mediterranean vibe. Designed by Argentinian interior designer Juan Ciavarella, the guest rooms blend the 1920s architecture with eco-friendly and up-cycled materials, to give each a personal, beachside feel.
With an intimate and discreet atmosphere, the rooms are listed as Terrace Poolside (with direct pool access), or Balcony King which has a private balcony overlooking the colourful streets of Miami Beach, and every room has it's own personality- from four posted beds to plants and artwork. If you're looking for a chilled out stay in Miami, this should be top of your picks! Lennox Hotel Miami Beach is scheduled to open its doors this summer. Prices range from $199 - $400 USD For more information visit https://miami.lennoxhotels.com/. HOW TO WATCH A GAME IN STYLE... BY SARA DARLING Football fans will have 1 June 2019 in their diary, with a big 'do not disturb' beside it! For those who aren't quite so in the know, this is the date of the UEFA Champions League final, which is taking place Madrid's Estadio Metropolitano (Wanda Metropolitano), home of Atletico Madrid. For the first time, the five star VP Plaza España Design Hotel, is offering an exclusive three day VIP package, which includes 2 VIP tickets to the Campions League Final, three nights in the Presidential Suite , luxury car transfers (airport-hotel-stadium-hotel-airport) and a welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon in your room. Guests will also enjoy meals at Casa Lucio and the double Michelin star DSTAgE restaurant and exclusive access to the post-match Champions League party hosted at Ginkgo Sky Bar on 1 June. Situated in the heart of Madrid, the Hotel is also the perfect base to enjoy the city. The package is priced at €30,000 per day (or €90,000 total) based on two people sharing, over a three night stay. Packages are also available in VP Plaza España Design’s 62m2 executive or romantic suites from €14,500 per day (or €43,500 total) based on two people sharing, over a three night stay. For more information or to book, please visit www.plazaespana-hotel.com/en/champions-league-hotels-accommodation or contact the reservations department reservasplaza@vphoteles.com / +34 91 595 55 10.
Editer: Christopher George This boutique luxury art hotel features an impressive and unique collection of over one hundred art works by world-renowned artists from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany and France, as well as bespoke art installations created specifically for the hotel. Inspired by local art and the hotel’s 100 year heritage, the re-design has transformed the hotel into a central meeting point for art lovers, involving a complete new contemporary look with enlarged guest rooms, adding another star to the property. A number of visual artists were hand-picked by specialist art curator Vanja Žanko to create the art installations for the hotel, which each offer their own interpretation of the hotel’s historical layers, whilst bringing the hotel’s interior into the 21st century. Vanja Žanko, art curator for Hotel Adriatic comments; “Guests will discover works of art with each step they make; they will stand closer to those works of art that intrigue and attract them, study some in detail and glance over others, or simply enjoy the ambiance as a whole. Particularly interesting are works of art featuring different aspects of light, an important artistic matter in this hotel. The light is key to forming black hallways, which turn into light corridors with the help of the works of art.” Whilst the exterior keeps its early 20th century feel, the visually rich interior is contemporary, classic and elegant with a myriad of textures, tones and colours. Along with the guestrooms, Hotel Adriatic comprises a chic French brasserie style restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel bar, offering one of Croatia’s largest selection and whiskeys. The menu at Adriatic Brasserie incorporates local flavours and ingredients, whilst playing homage to the legacy of the rich history of the hotel. The hotel offers spectacular views of the island of St. Katarina on one side, and Rovinj’s main square and old city on the other. The central square is edged with lively cafés and restaurants spreading out on to a charming harbour, whilst traditional taverns such as Kantinon, are only a few steps from the hotel. FACT BOX
EVERYONE NEEDS SOME ME TIME, AND THIS IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO GET SOME R&R
By Sara Darling Surrounded by stunning views over the coast and the mountains, Monchique Resort & Spa boasts an enviable location in Serra de Monchique, in Portugal's picturesque Algarve. Close enough to the city centre, you can easily jump in a cab and experience the Portuguese nightlife, but you don’t have to leave the grounds and you can still soak up traditional gastronomy. Prepared by Chef Luís Batalha uses local ingredients, to produce healthy cuisine, and at only 70 kms from Faro airport, you can be poolside by lunch. The hotel has recently changed ownership, and focuses on Wellness, Sport, Nature and sustainability, and there are plenty of things to tempt you away from the pools and spa should you be feeling energetic! Personally I'd be happy on a sunbed with a healthy cocktail! For 2019 summer specials, check out www.monchiqueresort.com Monchique Resort & Spa Lugar do Montinho, 8550 – 232 Monchique, Algarve, Portugal +351 282 240 130 Article: Christina Harnois Photography: Christian Wilmes On the one hand Saint Lucia is very predictable as it ticks all the boxes one would expect from an exotic Caribbean island… sunshine, beaches, tropical jungle and lively and welcoming local population. However, there is more to this small island than just a picture perfect holiday destination. I was lucky enough to be visiting during their 40th anniversary of independence. The national pride was a joy to behold with almost everyone in the streets was wearing cerulean blue, white, black and yellow, the national flag colours. Parades in the capital Castries kicked of the 4-day long celebrations, calypso and soca blasted from makeshift sound systems and people danced in the streets. The vestiges of colonial past, a sort of ping-pong between France and England, make for an interesting combination. As part of the commonwealth, English is the official language but the langue spoken by locals is a creole of French patois. Incomprehensible to a French speaker except for a few words here and there. It developed during early French colonization as a way to communicate without the ruling classes being able to understand. Legend has it that French sailors shipwrecked on the island on 13 December 1502, the feast day of St. Lucy. It does not take much to imagine why they wanted to stick around; the island has all the natural assets one could ask for, packed into only 617 km2. Exploring the island is in itself an adventure, with winding mountain roads that form a ring around the periphery of the island, the hairpin curves will take your breath away but thankfully so will the scenery.
Saint Lucia is a mountainous volcanic island with thick dense rainforest covering the center of the island and beautiful beaches dotting the coastline. The most iconic sight would have to be the Pitons rising out of the ocean into impressive peaks of green. I do love a pampering spa day and even more so when it is in a volcano, preferably a dormant one like the world’s only ‘drive through’ volcano in Soufrier (meaning sulphur in French) on the western side of the island. A weak spot in the crust caused the collapse, which formed a crater exposing mineral rich hot bubbling mud baths. The high mineral and sulphur content is not necessarily pleasing to the nose but it does wonders for the skin. What could be more fun that slathering oneself in hot mud, rinsing off under a powerful waterfall, and emerging with baby soft skin. This lesser known Caribbean destination has a lot to offer so explore at your leisure… So edited So travel |
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