TTN

Rich Pickings

A round-up of the newest haunts of indulgence, hand-picked by TTN from the East and West
Share  
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in Muscat, Oman

Hoteliers are ramping up their offerings in Turkey, destination designers are creating new experiences in the deserts of Oman and India. Dubai is never going to be behind in the game of new, we understand that, ringing in new developments for music fans with an ear for brilliant notes. There’s an exciting new flavour in the heart of eternal city Rome. This selection is all about newly launched dazzlers lined up in emerging cities and all-time favourite locations that every travel counsellor should have jotted in their journals or e-diaries.


TURKISH DELIGHT

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus wears a stunning $70 million new look with the completion of a four-year renovation project that has transformed almost every aspect of the celebrated hotel. All 76 sumptuous suites and 553 luxury rooms, plus the restaurant, spa, swimming pool and lobby, have all been redesigned in a contemporary, lavish style. The lobby area features artworks by some of the best works of art of prominent Turkish painters, including Hüseyin Avni Lifij, Halil Paşa, Canan Tolon, and Faruk Cimok bringing the masterpieces back to life.

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus post a $70 million facelift

The hotel is centrally located in the vibrant Besiktas area of Istanbul, and offers panoramic views of the city, from the Bosphorus Bridge to the Old Town. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is surrounded by the perfect blend of the old and the new, the Besiktas neighborhood is well known for designer boutiques, beautiful mosques, historic palaces, and world-class dining.

The renovation has been focused on expanding the pool offerings, for example, guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a separate swimming pool for children gives them their own dedicated play space. The totally transformed outdoor pool is surrounded by greenery and is the perfect escape from the rush of the city. The hotel also boasts a new look spa offering treatments, three clay tennis courts and a fully-equipped gym. Atop the 14th floor, the Summit Bar and Terrace, offers an uber cool spot to enjoy creative cocktails and incredible vistas of the Istanbul.


PRINCELY PUSHKAR

Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan adds a jewel to its crown with recently launched The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer.

Enjoy Arabian tea with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Ajmer and Pushkar are two of the most sought after destinations in the beautiful state of Rajasthan in India, and The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer opens adds a new dimension to the royal desert experience.

The 81-room and suite resort hotel is built in the Rajasthani royal style, complete with beautiful gardens, and offers a tranquil oasis for leisure and business travellers in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains to the north of the city. The property bears the signature hallmarks of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, a part of Tata Group. For example, the hotel’s architecture and regal design is rendered in typical Rajasthani pink sandstone features, private balconies with sit outs and jhoolas (swings) in every room. Inside, Bani Thani art-the local style that has its origins in nearby Kishangarh-provides a window into the area’s cultural past while live performances of Langa folk singers bring Rajasthan to life for guests. The expansive courtyard features a swimming pool overseeing the mountains.

A visit to Rajasthan would not be complete without sampling the authentic regional home-style delicacies the state is famous for. At the all-day dining restaurant Aravali guests can indulge in specialties including Lal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, Ghewar, Bajre ki Khichdi, Rajasthani Pulao and Gatte ki Sabzi.


VIVACIOUS VERSACE

Palazzo Versace on Dubai Creek remains one of the most glamorous names that opened last year in the city’s already super impressive line-up. But now, with the worldwide debut of Q’s bar and lounge by Quincy Jones, Palazzo Versace becomes a must-go pod for Dubai’s party animals in the know.

Legendary rock and roll musician Quincy Jones will debut Q bar and lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai

Jones needs no formal introduction, with a career spanning six decades, collaborations with legendary music icons including Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan and most famously, Michael Jackson. The legend has to his name, 27 Grammys, seven Academy Award nominations and an induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Q’s presents an intimate living room space decked out with plush furniture and mahogany tables facing the vibrant stage where global talents hand-picked by QJ will entertain guests. The venue will be a destination for high-quality comfort food stirred by New York and New Orleans culinary culture and a wide selection of fine and rare beverages served to the backdrop of fine music and live performances.


REGAL ROME

For the second year in a row, Rome Cavalieri (a Waldorf hotel) has been awarded as both Italy and Europe’s Leading Luxury City Resort at the World Travel Awards, and with Christmas just around the corner, the hotel has a wealth of attractions and activities planned to celebrate the festive season.

Sitting amidst 15 acres of enchanting, Mediterranean park, just three kilometres from the Vatican City and five kilometres from the picturesque city centre, Rome Cavalieri is a quintessential luxury experience, as it is also home to some incredible works of art, including rare sculptures paintings and interiors, and boasting the prestigious Grand Spa Club with two glittering outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and separate children’s pool.

In the great tradition of Roman Baths, the Cavalieri Grand Spa is Rome’s most exclusive health and beauty centre and a jewel of contemporary architecture, boasting a beautifully bespoke and truly unique treatment menu to match. A luxury, holistic experience focused solely on well-being, the Cavalieri Grand Spa menu offers sensual indulgences for both face and body, the focus remains solely on beauty and rejuvenation, with primary access to La Prairie Swiss Treatments. Here’s a selection of exotic treatments: Champagne and rose petal massages, chocolate spa treatments, caviar facelifts and gold radiance facials.


FAIRMONT CHAMPIONS TEA ETIQUETTE

Fancy your cuppa a la British royalty? One brand has been celebrating the art of tea drinking for some time. The new Fairmont Royal Champagne Afternoon Tea menu was curated by Chef Darren McGrady, former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Princes’ William and Harry for 15 years.

The Arabic guide, particular to the traditions of tea drinking in the UAE has been created by the resident team at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The menu derives from the nuances and habits of tea consumption in the region after 150 years of popularity of tea in the Gulf, since the time Britain introduced the beverage.

The Gateway Pushkar by Taj Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont seeks to grow the popularity of afternoon tea, while it is well known that the Middle East has historic links to tea, a beverage that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, in both formal and social settings – the etiquette guide, therefore, is a good read for every fan. The etiquette guide explains the do’s and don’ts of tea drinking, specifically why the milk should be added before the tea, how to hold the cup and why you should never hold the body of the cup in the palm of your hand.

OMAN GLAMPING

Waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beachfront is now possible at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The iconic Muscat property is taking luxury travel to new heights, introducing a premier luxury tent experience on the shores of the sea of Oman.

Travellers seeking new off-the-beaten path travel experiences can now upgrade their stay at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, to an overnight in a luxury Canvas Club tent located on the remote beachfront of the hotel, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Al Hajjar mountains.

The experience includes an overnight in the fully equipped, well-appointed family tent located a stone’s throw from the hotel, complemented by the luxury service provided by the ladies and gentlemen at the Ritz-Carlton. An authentic Arabic setting awaits guests as they step into their tent, decorated with the finest traditional material and handicrafts.

Away from the hustle, guests can rediscover the essence of Arabia on the Al Bustan white sandy beach. From a panoramic sunset dinner served on the doorstep of the tent, to a night of stargazing, or spectacular front-row sunrise views, the luxury tent offers families and couples alike an unforgettable luxury camping adventure. Canvas Club Tent upgrade package include overnight in the tent, turndown service and breakfast at Al Khiran Terrace. Guests have the luxury of opting for a slice of destination dining with the traditional charcoal dinner and beachfront breakfast.


Staff reporter

Spacer