Review of The Four Seasons Langkawi - Malaysia

The island of Langkawi (officially Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah) is home to some of the most spectacular beaches where you are sure to be in awe as you gaze upon the soft, white, iridescent sand. We were lucky enough stay at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi on this beautiful island and even though we had experienced Four Seasons stays before we are always so pleasantly surprised as to how accommodating and incredible our stay always is. Surrounded by bold blue skies, lovely teal oceans and an abundance of Malay jungle, nature lovers are sure to feel as though they’ve gone to heaven at the Four Seasons. The property also boasts a 1.4 km long immaculate beach surrounded by beamingly green rainforests.

Watch the Sunset and enjoy a drink at Rhu Bar

Langkawi was our first introduction to the country of Malaysia, drawing us in as it was very easy to travel to by plane from Australia and as we soon found out is honestly just as much of a paradise island as the Maldives or any other island you may have on your bucket list. We spent our time enjoying all the experiences the resort had to offer and sipping on cocktails made by their very own mixologist Surinder while watching the sunset on the striking beach at Rhu Bar.

Even though we were in Langkawi during the so-called rainy season (between May and September), we can tell you that there was hardly any rain during our stay. On the days that it did rain it would happen very early in the morning and completely clear up in an hour or two with no signs of it ever having rained at all. We were told that this was quite common in Langkawi and that it very rarely rains for a whole day straight.   

The Four Seasons gave us the pleasure of spending a few nights in two different rooms on their property which were both equally as exquisite as each other. Our first room was perched up on the second floor, the stairs and the façade of the room had a very rustic and bungalow-like feel which matched its surroundings fantastically. As we reached our room we saw that the walls were glass doors which looked out onto the impeccably trimmed green field which led to the adult quiet pool. The view of the greenery on this property was breathtaking as each hedge was trimmed and each flower pruned to perfection. The interior of the room was enormous with extremely high ceilings to match making you feel as though you were outside even though you weren’t. With dark stained flooring and furniture to match we felt very luxurious while also being able to enjoy a jungle inspired theme.

The second room was on the ground floor with the same exquisite glass walls which looked out onto the ocean in the distance. The interiors of both rooms were consistent in décor but this time we had a large outdoor jacuzzi/bath in the backyard. This was such a unique experience as the tall trees surrounded our jacuzzi tub from all angles. We sat there gazing onto the forested hills above while relaxing in our oasis of bubbles.

Our second lower level Villa at the Four Seasons Langkawi

Wherever we went on the resort we could hear the gorgeous chirping of many species of birds, monkeys and other fascinating creatures. However, if you think you can hear monkeys you may want to check twice as the drongos birds have a talent of imitating them quite well. If you are in an adventurous mood you can also take hikes into the dense rainforests and experience these creatures in their natural habitats.

Dine on the Beach at Kapala Grill, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Morning Yoga at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

One of our favourite activities on the island was the complimentary morning yoga class held at the Four Seasons green field which had a view of a large lily pond and of course the glorious ocean in the background. It was just the most ideal way to start the day with the most unreal view accompanying it. We also thoroughly enjoyed the mangroves tour we took with the Four Seasons’ resident and most experienced naturalist Aidi Abdullah. It was a leisurely 3-hour tour through the mangroves of Langkawi taking the best stops along the way to gaze upon hundreds of soaring eagles, getting up close and personal with the monkeys, vipers, crabs and gliding through narrowly gaping caves which many bats call home. It was an experience we will never forget and we learnt so many amazing things along the way. Aidi’s passion for the mangroves is inspiring and contagious, we would recommend this activity to everyone.

We spent our evenings exploring our enormous resort and dining at the incredible Malay restaurant called Ikan-Ikan as well as the beautiful ocean front restaurant Kelapa Grill where you can let your hair down and feel the soft ocean sand nestled underneath your feet while you dine. There are also activities outside the property you can do if you want to venture out and visit the local town center where they host the night markets or go to the cable cars and Sky Bridge.

Whether you’re a beach bum or an occasional stroller by the sea, the waters are perfectly warm and inviting making each dip a most pleasant experience. We advise you to roll out your towel on the soft sand and have a dip in the ocean at least once. If you are not interested, there are many pools which cater to non-beach goers. The quiet adult pool was a very relaxing and indulgent experience but there is also a family pool which is just a beautiful and kid friendly. The property also offers archery classes for their guests, rock climbing, sailing, surfing, canoeing and much more if you are so inclined.

The adult quiet pool at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi features private enclaves for couples to enjoy the uninhibited infinity pool views of the perfect sunset.

It is safe to say that we look forward to exploring more of Malaysia in the near future and cannot wait for another opportunity to return to the Four Seasons Langkawi and bask in its glorious beauty once again.  

Applying for a Drone Permit in Fiji

Is a permit required to fly your drone in Fiji? Yes. Both recreational drones and commercial drone pilots require authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). In the lead up to our trip to Fiji we came across a lot of misinformation. This is not assisted by the complete silence by the CAAF on their website.

For Recreational drone you need to fill out form OP137. It is a declaration that, on approval, doubles as the permit. You will need your flight and passport details handy as well as your drone’s serial number. Once you have completed the form, you may email it to CAAF.

I emailed info @ caaf. org . fj and Captain Marshall on Treasure.Marshall @ Caaf . org . fj

A few days later I followed up on my email and received a reply that said nothing more than “That is fine...fly safe and enjoy your holiday”

I have read that you can complete the form at the Airport on arrivial. I have not verified this in person.

The form can be downloaded here.

1. Can I fly my drone in Fiji?

Yes. For whatever reason, a number of drone forums say that it is banned.

2. Do I need a permit?
Yes. Recreational and Commercial drone pilots are required to fill out the permit. Read above for more information.

3. Do I need to pay someone to apply on my behalf?

No. In fact, no fee is payable at all for a recreational drone. Although a number of services charge from $49.99 to apply on your behalf. I have no idea how they can apply on your behalf when the form requires a personal declaration.

Commercial drone permits will require an undisclosed fee be paid.

4. How long is the process?

5 minutes to print, complete the form and email. 1 minute to follow up if no email is received.

5. Are there rules on flying drones in Fiji?

Of course but I ain’t yo lawyer.

Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa | Luxury accommodation in the Centre of Queenstown - New Zealand

New Zealand. Australia’s little cousin to the east. What’s the appeal? We recently discovered it after our stay at the elegant and re-imagined Sofitel Queenstown.

Queenstown is a visually beautiful resort town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island. The city and its natural surrounds are a mecca for adrenaline junkies year round with beautiful snow making it one of the best ski spots this side of the World.

Following a scenic 2 hour something flight from Sydney, we were collected and whisked away in a hotel supplied luxury transfer. Within 10 minutes we arrived at our destination. The Sofitel Queenstown. One of the few hotels right in the centre of Queenstown and, in our view, the leading traditional luxury property in the region.

We were greeted at the door and escorted directly to our room - Penthouse No.10 - with an in-room check-in. I am unsure whether in-room check-in is standard at the property, but it is one of the little benefits that kicks any stay off on a great note.

But what is Penthouse No.10? It’s not the 10th penthouse. The property only has 2 penthouse type rooms. The other, being the junior penthouse so to speak, is Penthouse No.5. While it’s on the top level, that’s only level 6 and not level 10. My best guess at solving the riddle of the name is that it is a 10 out of 10 room.

General Manager Jeremy Samuels explained that the room was recently renovated to make it a true catered penthouse. And the team behind it did an incredible job. Without exaggeration, Penthouse No 10 at the Sofitel Queenstown is one of, if not, the best designed and appointed rooms in the classical luxury style we have stayed in.

The penthouse in its single bedroom layout is 225sqm (or 2,422sqft). It features a perfectly appointed and spacious dining and lounge room with mountain views, opening up onto balcony some 25metres in length. From the balcony you can enjoy unihibi

ted views through Queenstown, the nearby mountains, or the iconic Lake Wakatipu. But if you want to take the experience to the next level, you would notice the full sized hot tub/jacuzzi. We noticed it and had a hard time leaving.

For the cold nights, we made the cinema room our sanctuary. For ambience, it featured a beautiful gas fireplace. For entertainment, the impressive flat screen had Netflix (with a Sofitel Queenstown account), an Xbox Live and AppleTV. But there was more on offer with a sound system fitte throughout, controllable via provided iPads.

The master bathroom was decked out floor to ceiling in elegant stone, with a stylish freestanding bathtub, large double shower, twin vanities for him and her, and bathroom amenities by Parisian fashion house Hermes.

What we love

• Lake and Mountain Views.

• Centre of Queenstown.

• Huge Penthouse

• Balcony with 6 seater Jacuzzi.

• Breakfasts at Left Bank Cafe
  
  

Ajman Saray - Luxury Waterfront in the Emirate of Ajman, UAE

We all know Dubai - a part of the United Arab Emirates oozing with luxury in every niche. But the United Arab Emirates is more than just Dubai. A short drive north from Dubai (and through the emirate of Sharjah) is the Emirate of Ajman.

After an incredible stay at the newly opened Renaissance Downtown Hotel (with incredible views of the Burj Khalifa) we had plans to extend our journey to the UAE’s smallest Emirate. We booked an Uber (which in Dubai means a licensed private limousine service) and after only 40 minutes found ourselves at Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort on the pristine coast of Ajman.

Ajman Saray is located on an absolute waterfront resort strip in good company, with the 5 star Fairmont Ajman, Ajman Hotel and Ajman Palace as neighbours. On arrival you are greeted by a beautiful traditional grand Arabic designed driveway.

The public spaces of the property are similarly adorned in the traditional Arabic style. While the lobby does not match the granduer of the neighbouring Fairmont, it doesn’t disappoint.

Lounging on the beach by the sea, or by the pool, was clearly a favourite for guests at Ajman Saray. The pool area was beautifully designed with sufficient privacy provided through a range of lounges and cabanas. Unlike at the neighbouring Fairmont which catered to families, the primary guests at Ajman Saray were couples. This gave it a more peaceful and sophisticated feel to the pool and beach area.

View from the Room

Our westward facing room overlooked the pool which provided us with uninhibited views of an every changing sunset. These could be enjoyed from the balcony, through the oversized windows or from the comfort of the full-sized bathtub.

What We Loved

• Waterfront rooms.

• Beautiful Pool area and Public Spaces;

• Arabic Restaurant on site (seriously - this is rare in the UAE).

• Affordable luxury a stone throw away from Dubai.

Three Worlds in One City - New York's Top Luxury Hotels

The Conrad:

The rooms are quite spacious by any standard but for NYC they are enormous…

The Conrad has most definitely secured itself a prime slice of Lower Manhattan real estate being positioned by the scenic Battery Park. It presents close access to NYC’s iconic landmarks on a silver platter for travellers to devour. The hotel's rooftop bar has become quite a landmark of its own, with flattering views smiling down upon the Hudson River and containing glimpses of the Statue of Liberty. Loopy Doopy will have you drooling over the view just as much as you will be drooling over their signature Loppy Doopy cocktail.

These delicious cocktails brought out our inner mixologists as we got to “pick the base” of our drinks. Once we did this the true fun began, the next part was an utterly aching task of having to choose just one of the many tantalising popsicles they had on offer. We recommend the “Blackberry Sour” which contains whiskey, blackberries, rhubarb and tarragon (to name just one we loved). If you’re impatient like us you’ll want to bite off sneaky chunks from your popsicle while waiting for the rest to melt into a glorious concoction with your base. Let us tell you these Loopy Doopy cocktails are not for the faint hearted, one glass was bigger than our head!

If you fancy more of a sit down Mediterranean inspired dinner then Conrad’s restaurant ATRIO will hit just the spot (we highly recommend it). With exciting and playful fusions of flavours we were left inspired and satisfied by our meals. The ambiance compliments the food quite pleasantly with kind, dim lighting accompanied by an elegant but modern feel. You are sure to ease into your leisurely meal as you listen to the soft playing jazz in the background. This was one of the most splendid meals we have had the pleasure of eating and it had a magnificent wine list to match. ATRIO is a jack of all trades as it also transforms itself into a very popular breakfast hotspot each morning. This is where we had the fluffiest pancakes of all time, not to mention the most succulent lobster infused eggs benedict

The rooms at the Conrad are just as inviting and incredible as everything else at the Conrad. Spacious and cosy, we basked in the subtle play on luxury and contemporary style. We were also lucky enough to have had an incredible view of the Hudson from our suite which brilliantly complimented the entire room. All in all, our room was exceedingly clean and exceptionally comfortable.

The Lotte Palace:

The Palace definitely lives up to its history and hype…

Recognised for its unique attribute of being a mansion that turned into a hotel, The Palace is the place where many influential people have chosen to stay over countless years. In recent times the Palace was enlivened back into the modern scene as it playing a fundamental role in the popular series Gossip Girl, the place where adored character Serena van der Woodsen and her family called home. (It is safe to say that we were very excited about staying where Serena van der Woodsen stayed).

The hotel has exquisite views which show off the mesmerising St. Patrick's Cathedral located just across the road from the Palace. Staying at the Palace we were immediately struck, first and foremost, by its mansion-like characteristics as classic open spaces surrounded us from all corners.

The suites are the very epitome of luxury with their high ceilings, classic furniture and grand drapery. This grandeur is topped off by the Tiffany stained windows stretching as far as the eye can see. Don’t let this classic façade fool you as The Palace has the most up-to-date technology from flat screen TVs to smart phone docks in all of the rooms.

Located in a very exciting part of Midtown, The Palace allowed us to be a mere walking distance from 5th Ave, the Rockefeller Center, Magnolia Bakery and Central Park. However, if you don’t feel like venturing out, the Palace also has some great fine-dining restaurants that tend to incorporate French influence in their cooking.

We only tried the breakfast at The Palace but were absolutely thrilled to find salted caramel beignets on the menu. We eagerly awaited for our beignets to arrive grabbing the chubby balls of powdered sugar heaven into our greedy little hands and drowning them in the generous pool of salted caramel sauce they arrived with. We were happily transported to New Orleans without ever having left NYC.

A stay at the Palace would not be complete without spending some time in the iconic and incredible Palace courtyard. Take a seat and relax as the courtyard’s very talented mixologist stirs up something absolutely fabulous for you to sip on while you take in the grandeur of this amazing space. Again, the incredible St Patrick’s Cathedral views will be right in front of you as you gaze out past the majestic and spellbinding Palace gates. Sitting in the courtyard you will be sure to feel as though you just entered into an old Hollywood film.

The Andaz:

This lower Manhattan hotel combines elements of contemporary décor with comfortable accents to create a beautifully sleek aesthetic…

Walking into our room we were immediately struck by the sleek interior. With high ceilings and contemporary white walls paired with black accents and black feature walled bathrooms you will feel as though you have acquired your very own Wolf of Wall Street apartment.

What we found quite interesting about this modern hotel is how the Rockwell Group design scheme remains sleek while avoiding a need to be showy or overly rigid in trend following. The hotel has achieved the perfect balance of tastefully furnished rooms containing accents of marble, wood and contemporary mirrored spaces. The rooms also all include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, extremely comfortable linen and quite large open spaces with generous natural lighting. The Andaz is in the very heart of the Financial District which makes it a nice addition if you are traveling for both business and pleasure.

One of the most notable features of The Andaz is the sincerely welcoming staff which separates them from many other hotels. We were warmly welcomed and immediately introduced to the “wine hour” which is hosted daily at the lobby free of charge to guests. We were also pleasantly surprised by our delicious cheese and jam board welcome gift which was delivered to our room and consumed by us immediately. These little touches are what we found so refreshing while staying at The Andaz, they even go so far as to have complimentary barista style coffee waiting for guests in the lobby every morning.

The Andaz also has many dining options such as the Dina Rata restaurant and a recently opened Beer Garden. Unfortunately this time around we did not get the chance to try any of the dining experiences at The Andaz but we look forward to visiting again very soon.

Review of Scoot's Business Class on the Boeing Dreamliner - ScootBiz Sydney to Singapore

Scoot is the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, with destinations including Sydney, Singapore and even Athens in Greece. We flew aboard Scoot's signature Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) to Singapore Changi, scheduled to depart at 12:00pm. Unfortunately, things went to a rocky start- receiving an email at 10pm the night before advising that the flight was to be delayed 4 hours. Approximately 10 days later, we received a Singapore $50 voucher per passenger.

Our Scoot Boeing Dreamliner

ScootBiz / Business Class

ScootBiz is the premium class available on Scoot flights, located at the front of the cabin. On our Dreamliner, ScootBiz comprised 5 rows in a 2 3 2 formation (35 passengers) although on our flight occupancy was about 50%.

The perks of ScootBiz include priority check-in (probably the most significant pre-flight benefit), 30kg of check-in luggage, inlfight meal and drink and priority boarding.

The complimentary infight meal (chargeable for Economy Class on Scoot)

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On boarding, we were presented with a tidy cabin in excellent condition, featuring large leather seats. These spacious reclinable seats are why you spend to upgrade. The technical details are at least 38” (96cm) of legroom, 22” (56cm) of width, 6” (15cm) of recline and fully adjustable headrests and legrests. To be clear, these are not flat beds. They are akin to ultra-premium economy on international long-haul or domestic business class. Each seat features a power point, however, absent a USB port.

A drawback for some may be the lack of an entertainment system. I brought my Surface which I loaded up with some iTunes Rentals. With the power point at each seat, this was more than adequate. Scoot provides ScootBiz passengers with free access to ScooTV which features a limited range of movies and shows.

The crew are friendly and efficient but will quickly vanish from the cabin. Despite the benefits, do not expect business class style attention. 

For the 8 hour flight to Changi Aiport, they were a pleasure. Considering the tickets are priced similarly to an economy ticket on a regular airline ScootBiz is recommended. For the right price, we would fly ScootBiz again.

UPDATE: We will be travellling ScootBiz to Maldives in 2019

Hole in One with Rovos Rail - African Golf Collage Tour

What would you do if you were offered a trip on a luxurious train while travelling through one of the most stunning countries in the world? Now imagine if while on that journey you were free to play on some of the most iconic golf courses in the world, between excursions to the world's most amazing game reserves. You would be packing your bags instantly, right?! Well, Rovos Rail offers just that, with their African Golf Collage tour which will take golfers and non-golfers around South Africa on a 10 days extravaganza to experience the most amazing trip in this rainbow nation. And I had to experience it.

Last year I travelled on Rovos Rail for the very first time, and instantly fell in love with it. It’s by far the most relaxed and luxurious way to travel south of the equator. Back then I did the Pretoria to Capetown route and those three days were the perfect way to get hooked to this kind of travel.

As said, this time I opted for the African Golf Collage tour, a 10 day trip from Capetown to Pretoria (you can also do it the other way around) stopping at all the famous golf courses along the way. If you don’t like to be on the green all day, you can enjoy several excursions in some of the most iconic game parks or coastal destinations in South Africa, which you will visit along the way.

As usual, the journey starts with a reception at the train station, where Rohan Vos, the owner and founder of the Rovos Rail welcomes all the guests with the first of many glasses of bubbly while live musicians make your red carpet entrance even more grand. After this we all board the train. On this trip there were around 40 guests and most of them were return guests which doesn’t come as a big surprise once you experienced a trip onboard the Rovos Rail. After we were assigned to our suite, we quickly made our way to the last carriage, which is home to the bar and wonderful open air terrace. During this trip it felt more like the 19th hole, as golf surely was one of the favorite topics to talk about while enjoying a nice drink.

For the ones that didn’t read the review of my first trip on Rovos Rail, or don’t know what to expect when travelling on this epic train, I’ll give a short recap. The train has a maximum of 78 passengers, and all of them stay in one of the restored suites. There are three types; pullman, deluxe and royal. They all have their own bathroom with private toilet, sink and shower. The royal suites even have their own free-standing bath.

During the trip the guests are pampered all the way, but maybe most of all in the dining car where the most delicious plates are served. Mostly South African inspired and through the use of local produce they are just pure perfection. And what about the drinks? Well, Rovos has an extensive wine list which is made up solely from the best South African wines. You’ll find names like Meerlust, Rustenberg, Thelema just to name a few. And yes, all the food and drinks are included in this trip so no nasty surprise at the end of the journey.

Soon we pulled out of the station and left the Mothercity behind us, to start enjoying the ever changing landscapes. It is crazy to think you drive through wide open plains, gorgeous mountain ranges, vineyards, thick bush, amazing coastlines and many other types of landscapes, while never leaving South Africa (besides a small part of Swaziland). It is so diverse that it’s hard to keep your focus anywhere else but outside. Though lucky enough you’re travelling on the equally beautiful  Rovos Rail, where you can let your eyes feast on amazing staterooms, inviting public areas, mouthwatering food and an endless list of drinks to enjoy while taking all of these impression in. And the master ingredient to make it all come together is the crew who are always on hand to make sure you have everything you need.

As mentioned, the emphasis on this trip is playing golf all around the country. South Africa has always been a golf nation and during this journey you’ll get to play some of the most iconic courses like Fancourt, Leopard Creek, Ernie Els Oubaai,… There is even a professional golfer on board who will guide you to all these courses, but also makes sure your clubs are waiting for you when you arrive at the practice range.

There is of course also a program for the guests who don’t play golf, and it is as impressive as any other of the Rovos Rail itineraries. During these 10 days you’ll have the chance to visit places like Oudshoorn, Durban, Port Elisabeth to name a few. But also go on several safaris in world renowned parks like Kruger, Hluhluwe, Addo Elephant park,… You’ll even visit one of the battlefields of the Boer War in which Churchill and Ghandi were involved.

I’ll highlight some of my personal favorites along the way and first up is a stop at George, a small town in the Western Cape. From here, Rovos takes you to Knysna to enjoy a boat trip on the beautiful estuary, and afterwards to Wildernes where you can a stroll on one of the most amazing beaches South Africa has to offer. But what was even more impressive for me during one of those first days, was the railway you ride on which is located right next to the water. It is an amazing sight, waking up and looking outside to see and smell the ocean, while the sun comes up and covers everything with a soft and warm glow. When leaving George, the train must climb over the Montagu Pass to reach Oudshoorn, and this is probably the most spectacular part during the whole trip as the train slowly moves up the mountains, through the wonderful fynbos, canyons, tunnels,… Everybody on the train stopped what they were doing, and just enjoyed the magnificent landscape that passed by.

Another excursion that was perfectly organized by Rovos, which left a deep impression on me, was the visit to the battlefield of Spioenkop. It was here that in 1900 the British troops fought against the Boers in an epic battle on top of the Spioenkop. While visiting the battleground, you can still see the trenches and the graves from the ones who lost their lives. It’s an important part of South African history and one that will surely leave a lasting impression on you. It was also in this battle that Churchill and Ghandi fought together on the British side.

When crossing South Africa for 10 days, it is only a given that you’ll be able to visit several different game parks and reserves. On this journey we explored 5. Always making sure we were treated like vip’s, Rovos had the whole organization done perfectly. My favorites? Hluhluwe and Kruger National Park without a doubt. We had some amazing game drives, and the guides were very knowledgeable. Even the golfers joined us at Hluhluwe as there was no golf planned that day. And after being together on this journey for several days, guests become friends so it was a really nice day where we all enjoyed our time in the magnificent South African nature. It also resulted in some very memorable evenings in the bar where the crew will pull all the stops to make it even more special.

And while all these experiences were leaving lasting impressions on all of us, it was the crew that always made sure we were happy to return to the train which soon began to feel like a home you really didn’t want to leave. Sometimes we boarded the train in the middle of nowhere (to avoid long transfers for the guests), but still the crew would pull all the stops to make sure we could freshen up with some cold towels while handing us our favorite pre-departure drinks to have a friendly chit chat among the guests and staff, before boarding the train once again to continue the journey to the next adventure or golf course.

The feeling you get while travelling on this train is like no other, cause it’s not only about the endless dinners and matching wine lists, or the awesome landscapes you cross, or even the exceptional excursions outside the train. What this really is all about is the people and the fact that you shift your life in a lower gear to take time and really start talking with each other. Not only with the guests, but also with the staff. Having the luxury to experience such a journey together, you build real friendships and even though it’s back to reality upon return, it has something magical to be able to escape from it all and just enjoy the moment. And that’s what Rovos is all about, and what they do best.

So, is this a once in a lifetime experience? Yes and no. Yes, because this is a journey you have to experience, and no, because you will never just do it once! This was my second time on Rovos Rail and I can’t wait to go and enjoy one of the other journeys they have on offer. Cause every trip is different, and as there is so much beauty to discover in this part of the world, Rovos is the most suitable way to explore it all.

The Peninsula Hotel x Tiffany & Co New York Spirit Afternoon Tea

With over 300 years of collective experience, it is difficult to fathom what better collaboration could be formed than that of The Peninsula and Tiffany & Co which resulted in the creation of an elegant and enchanting afternoon tea in the spectacular ambiance of The Peninsula Lobby. 
The Tiffany & Co legacy as the world knows it, has always managed to maintain and envelop a sense of intrinsically inspirational pieces which capture simplicity and elegance. Throughout the ages it is undeniably evident that Tiffany & Co is extraordinarily skilled in the art of adapting to the ever-changing desires of different eras. When combining these skills with the equally impressive tradition and grandeur of The Peninsula, the concoction which results is quite spectacular. 

Held in the iconic Peninsula Lobby and open since 1928, will not disappoint visitors with its incredible ambiance. If you wish to experience the New York Spirit Afternoon Tea, expect to bask in the countless rows of monumental columns that stretch as high as the eyes can see. The interior of the Lobby is a brilliantly formulated interaction of all that is held sacred to traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously introducing many modern attributes. The difficult task of balancing simple yet intricate creations appears to be one which The Peninsula and Tiffany & Co both achieve quite effortlessly. 

The New York Spirit Afternoon Tea will continue to tantelise your palettes while perfectly complementing the charismatic surroundings of The Peninsula. With many divine treats available, both savory and sweet, such as fresh fluffy scones and a range of sophisticated high tea sandwiches, the anticipation is definitely most devoted to the cakes and assortment of sweets found on the top tier of your afternoon tea tray.

Created in the shape of many recognisable Tiffany & Co trinkets, these adorable sweet temptations will have you achingly awaiting the opportunity to taste the dessert portion of your afternoon tea. We suggest you start with the macarons which are created with Madagascar vanilla, coupled with a smooth and soothing texture of white chocolate which works in perfect unison with the sweet crunch of the generous ‘Tiffany blue’ macaron exterior. They are almost too beautiful to eat....Almost! One of The Luxury Life’s personal favourites has to be the ‘’New York Cheesecake” which consists of a shortbread exterior filled with a blueberry and cream cheesecake. The zesty tang of blueberry contrasted by the sweet gush of delicate cream makes each bite exceptionally enjoyable. Of course no ‘Tiffany inspired’ afternoon tea would be complete without a treat made in the very image of Tiffany & Co.’s distinguished ‘blue box’ layered with vanilla mouse, strawberry marmalade and almond sponge cake. 

However, above all of the wonderfully indulgent sweets, what is most remarkable about this experience is that each detail of the New York Spirit Afternoon Tea has been carefully contemplated in order to take you on a journey into the wonderous and glamorous world of luxury living and exquisite taste. 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s anyone? I think not…I rather have Afternoon tea at The Peninsula!

Villa Bayuh Sabbha - Bali, Indonesia

Perched on a cliff top, 50 metres above the dazzling azure sea, with spectacular bird’s eye views from the dramatic Bukit Peninsula to Bali’s southern coastline and beyond to Java, five-bedroomed Bayuh Sabbha languishes over three sprawling acres of glorious tropical gardens. This elegant, classic Balinese villa, which includes a self-contained two-bedroom guesthouse, is fully staffed and boasts exceptional facilities, including two pools, a gym, a tennis court and a children’s play area. 

10 Incredible Luxury Homes of Instagram

Via @the_luxury_life and @megacribs we share some of the most incredible luxury homes. Checkout our list of 10 Incredible Luxury Homes of Instagram

Incredible Modern Home in the Hollywood Hills | St Ives Project by Gaskin Development | @the_luxury_life

A post shared by Mega Cribs (@megacribs) on May 18, 2018 at 3:29pm PDT

Tag someone who would live here👇 By @megacribs

A post shared by The Luxury Life (Official) (@the_luxury_life) on Apr 13, 2018 at 12:16am PDT

The Arc House - San Diego | by @the_luxury_life

A post shared by Mega Cribs (@megacribs) on May 5, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT

A post shared by The Luxury Life (Official) (@the_luxury_life) on Mar 9, 2018 at 7:00am PST

Luxury Waterfront Home (and super yacht) by @the_luxury_life

A post shared by Mega Cribs (@megacribs) on Apr 19, 2018 at 4:42am PDT

Modern Luxury Home by @megacribs | Tag someone who would love this 👇

A post shared by The Luxury Life (Official) (@the_luxury_life) on Nov 9, 2017 at 11:30am PST

👍or 👎 By @the_luxury_life

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Cape Grace - Luxury on Cape Town's Waterfront

Capetown has an endless array of hotels and it’s tough to stand out. Being located on a private quay in between the yacht marina and the famous V&A Waterfront surely helps, and it is hard to find a better location than the one Cape Grace has. And while it is not uncommon for hotels to use a nautical theme in order to blend in with the surrounding area, the Cape Grace surely sets the example.

Arriving at the hotel feels like you’re arriving at your private yacht, and the staff seems like it has been waiting just for you. While you are swiftly whisked to your room, you’ll notice the interior design matches the nautical theme of the exterior. The hotel is shaped as a ship, with the pool in the front, and the spa all the way in the back. It’s a little bit like going on a cruise, but without getting seasick.  

The rooms are all very spacious and the views on either the marina or Table mountain are simply stunning. My room had views of both the marina and Table Mountain and it feels like you’re a millionaire when you open your windows and enjoy the sight. The bed was massive and I like the fact that they took the nautical theme all the way through to even their bathrooms.

Even though it is tough to leave your room, you surely don’t want to stay in there all the time as the hotel has lots to offer. To start off with, there’s the small, but cozy pool area, where you can unwind from the buzzling city madness. Rather looking for something else? The spa might be your answer and the views you get from the terrace at the back of the hotel aren’t too shabby either. Their Kalahari signature treatments will get you out of this world, while their relaxation area will peacefully pull you back into it. Having your kids with you? Not a problem, the spa has specific treatments for little ones (under 11 years old) and teens (12 to 18 years old) to make sure you can have a relaxed family day. For the ones who prefer working out there is fitness on site too, but do you really want to break a sweat when you’re enjoying this amazing hotel?

Rather have drinks and food on your mind, you’re surely in the right place. Bascule bar is known far beyond the city borders and it boosts one of the biggest whisky collections in the world. Over 400 different whiskies are on offer, and some are very rare. Like the Glenfiddich 50 year old whisky which you can taste for 18.000 ZAR a glass. Only a few places around the globe are able to offer such a rare gem. Of course there’s more than just whisky to drink, after all, Cape town is located just minutes away from prime wine country. Hence why Cape Grace offers their guests the cape wine experience, a daily introduction to the local wines and the perfect way to taste some of the most amazing wines South Africa has to offer.

All those drinks might make you hungry too, so lucky enough the hotel has an amazing restaurant, called Signal. Here you’ll find some of the best food on offer in Capetown, and the setting just tops everything off. The staff are attentive and very friendly while making sure you have the best time enjoying your breakfast, lunch or dinner. I would recommend making a reservation if you would like to have dinner at the Signal restaurant as a lot of locals love to book a spot over here. And I can’t blame them, the food is simply superb. I tried the 6 course tasting menu including wine and it was very close to perfection. Knowing quite a bit about South African wines, they still were able to surprise me with a few hidden gems which they paired beautifully with the food. And don’t worry if you have any dietary requirements, they also have a vegetarian tasting menu or you can order a la carte.

One of the massive advantages of staying at the Cape Grace is their free transfer service within a 10 km radius. This means you can order a fancy BMW 7 series ride from the hotel to anywhere within the city center, or even some of the amazing beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay. It’s a level of service which is hard to find these days, and it just makes you appreciate it even more.

So by now you’ll probably be planning to stay at the Cape Grace hotel, but you just can’t figure out what you are going to do with the kids? Well, you’ll be happy to know that the hotel is doing everything they can to make the little ones feel as welcome as you. They even call them VIK’s (Very Important Kids) and rightfully so. Upon arrival there will be gifts waiting for them in the room. They organize daily all kinds of fun stuff like story-time or gingerbread decorating. You can use one of the game consoles or board games, request baby monitors, socket covers,…. You name it, they’ll take care of it.

As a result of this level of hospitality and luxury service, the hotel received countless awards throughout the years. It’s been consistently rated as one of the top hotels in South Africa, and was even chosen as one of the best hotels in Africa by Conde Nast.

So if you are looking for a place in Capetown where you can either stay with your family, or just relax as a couple, the Cape Grace should certainly be on your shortlist.

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Kristofy Eyckmans was kindly hosted by Cape Grace in January 2018

The Ultra Luxury SUV by Rolls Royce

Cullinan. So far, it was clear who or what is meant by this name: The Cullinan diamond, found in 1905 by Thomas Cullinan in its own South African mine, is the largest of its kind with a gross weight of 3106.75 carats.

Rolls-Royce has never been known to understate its case. But when the British BMW subsidiary gives such a big name to their youngest baby, it really has to hide great, amazing things behind it.

Imagine going back to the Cullinan Mine.

If you wanted to sell a car to a wealthy mine owner like Thomas Cullinan today, it would have to be as befitting as all-terrain, after all, no diamond mine in the world has its own motorway exit. So, Cullinan would choose a comfortable SUV. The fact that Rolls-Royce out of all things feels addressed, sounds like a contradiction in itself. Although the cars of the British luxury brand have always been known for a certain robustness – an SUV or SUV was not there yet. So far, mind you.

The Cullinan: A Revolution in the House of Rolls-Royce.

Already Sir Henry Rolls set the direction: “Strive for perfection in everything we do. Take the best and make it better. If it does not exist, design it. ”

Since there was not yet an SUV from Rolls-Royce, the bar was so high that the name Cullinan appeared exactly fitting. The now released SUV was, if you believe the British carmakers, out of customer wishes. Especially the young customers are increasingly asking for vehicles that not only offer the typical Rolls-Royce luxury, but are really suitable for every terrain. It is also known that the customers of the British do not allow compromises. The fact that an SUV nevertheless requires extremely high flexibility was no obstacle for the vehicle manufacturer but a challenge.

The result is an SUV that offers space for three passengers in the rear. The individually folding seats are as revolutionary for a Rolls-Royce as the electrically opening tailgate. Of course, the backs of the seats are covered with non-slip cladding to avoid nicks from items being transported in the back. Incidentally, these items can be really big: The 2

Cullinan has a trunk volume of 560 liters which can be extended to a full 600 liters without the rear shelf. Folded rear-seat backrests create a loading area of 2.245 meters.

The fact that the trunk floor can be raised electrically at the push of a button is an additional help during loading. Under normal load, a glass wall separates the luggage compartment from the passenger cabin so you can enjoy all the comfort of the vehicle undisturbed. In addition to USB ports for each passenger, comfort comes in the form of a glass panorama roof and the drinks compartment with whiskey and sparkling wine and matching glasses. The fact that they do not break even on rough terrain is due to the special suspension that is individually accessible to each wheel.

A Dream. Also for the driver.

The technical characteristics in the Rolls-Royce are actually an understatement. Nevertheless, the driver can not only enjoy the latest driver assistance systems including night vision and cross traffic warning, as well as a 7 × 3inch head-up display. The 6.75-liter V12 engine with 571 horsepower and a maximum torque of 850 Nm should inspire every chauffeur.

The Silo Cape Town, A Royal Affair

Few hotel openings cause a bigger stir than the one from the iconic Silo hotel in Capetown. The recipe sounded promising, taking an old building with a great location and transform it into something modern and luxurious, while still keeping the boutique atmosphere. Did they pull it off?

The old grain silo complex which is located at the famous Victoria & Alfred waterfront was a thorn in the side for everyone who visited this amazing place. The Royal Portfolio, a family owned and run group of luxury hotels had been looking for a Capetown property for several years and this was the ideal opportunity, though it would be a massive challenge to pull it off. They started working with Thomas Heatherwick to transform the exterior into something contemporary and unique. Besides that, they kept as much of the industrial fixtures as possible on the inside, while only keeping the skeleton of the building on the outside to replace the walls with massive pillowed window bays. This instantly brought all the light inside, while giving the future guests the best views of the city. The interior design was done by Liz Biden, one of the owners of The Royal Portfolio, as she has the amazing gift to decorate their properties like no one else can! Lavish colors, wonderful fabrics, amazing art,… She made sure her eclectic style would give the Silo that edge which people would talk about and remember.

The result is simply stunning and not only is the Silo a new landmark on the Capetonian horizon, it’s also a landmark for the African hotel industry. It might only be open for a year now, but it has already won several awards and it will surely continue doing so. Holding only 28 rooms (8 Silo rooms, 6 superior suites, 7 deluxe superior suites, 4 family suites, 2 royal suites and 1 penthouse) which are spread across the 6 floors, it never feels like staying in a hotel, but more like staying in your private luxury condo in one of the global hotspots.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll straight away get an idea of what’s to come. The small reception area downstairs boosts some amazing artwork, while going hand in hand with some of the architectural remains of the former granary. You’re soon whisked upstairs to be greeted at the main reception area by the friendly staff and a glass of bubbly. Perfect way to start your Silo experience.

We stayed in one of the superior suites and pink was the main color dominating the room. Normally I would avoid such rooms, though in The Silo it just works. The room is divided in two levels, with the lounge, balcony, guest toilet and dining room downstairs, and the bedroom, dressing and bathroom upstairs. The steel beams from the old silo are still visible in the room, though all the luxury and attention to detail makes them almost fade away. And of course, the rooms are covered in natural light thanks to the massive windows which also provides amazing views. From our room we had Table mountain, the Victoria & Alfred waterfront and Signal Hill to greet us every time we looked outside. I’ve stayed countless times at Capetown, but you can’t find better views than these.

The rooms are full of art and beautiful furniture and in every room you’ll find a catalogue telling you the story behind all the art which is mainly sourced locally. The mini-bar is fully stocked and everything is included. Besides a large selection of soft drinks, juices and water, there’s also a bottle of red, white and rosé wine which you can take home, or enjoy during your stay. On one of the side tables there’s a crystal decanter filled with sherry for the ones who enjoy a nightcap.

And while all the furniture, decorations and lovely little details grasp your attention, the “pièce de résistance” has to be the bathroom with its massive free standing bath next to the unique window. There’s a sense of ultimate luxury when entering this part of the room, and you instantly feel transported into a celebrity lifestyle. The opulence just draws you in and it’s going to be a hard task to drag yourself out of that bathroom.

But, the Royal Portfolio always has a trick up their sleeve and this time they know exactly how to get you out of that amazing room. You want to know how? By building a lavish rooftop terrace where you can relax, eat, drink and swim the day away. Most of the terrace is for hotel guest only, though there is smaller section where walk-in guests can also enjoy the views and food. But they have to make a reservation, so it never gets too crowded. The stylish pool is strictly hotel guest only and it’s a real treat cause the views from here are just jaw dropping. The whole city is right in from of you and it feels surreal to be swimming at the top of The Silo while looking over this bustling metropolis.

Rather wind down and relax indoors? No problem, The Silo Spa will make sure you’ll do just that. Located on the 4th floor of the hotel, with views over the Zeitz Mocaa (more on that later) it’s the perfect escape from the city. Not only accessible for guest, but also for people staying elsewhere in the city. The treatment rooms are warm and cozy, and the 24k gold signature treatments will rejuvenate you instantly. Rather break a sweat in the sauna or the gym? It’s at the same location, just a different door.

Of course we need to fuel that body too, so which options would a boutique hotel with only 28 rooms offer? Well, besides The Silo rooftop bar where you can enjoy smaller, though equally tasty dishes, there’s the Willaston bar. Its plush sofas, massive chandeliers and views over the city and Table Mountain are the perfect setting for one of the many amazing cocktails. You can also enjoy an a la carte breakfast here. The main dining experience though can be found in the Granary Café. It’s where the hotel guests enjoy their sumptuous breakfast, but also the place where executive chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert lights up all your taste buds. Reservation is needed cause this place is in high demand. During the weekends there’s the Sunday roast which is already became a favorite among Capetonians. Afternoon tea and the royal tea are my personal favorites at the Granary Café. Nothing beats an afternoon indulgence like this. Contemplating on all of these food options I think it is rather impressive, especially knowing The Silo is located only footsteps away from a vast array of restaurants and even a famous food market.

As mentioned, art is a very important part for The Royal Portfolio family, and not only does The Silo hold many art works in their rooms, they also promote emerging African artists in their own special exhibition space called The Vault. It is located at the lower level and boosts the exposure of the local artists.

If this isn’t enough to satisfy your artistic craving, you might want to check out the Zeitz MOCAA which stands for Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa. It’s the African answer to the Tate Modern in London or the MoMa in New York and it’s located in the former grain silos underneath the hotel. The Silo even includes entrance to the museum for all its guests.

So, looking back at my stay at The Silo, what do I remember most and why would I go back? Well, I will always remember waking up and looking straight onto Lions Head and Table Mountain from my bed. Few thing can beat those views. I’ll remember the interior (room and public areas) even though it might look completely bonkers, it just works and makes sure the past blends perfectly into the present. The Silo promised to be impressive and it absolutely delivered. This new icon just added another star at the Capetown hotel scene, and I’m sure it’s going to shine for a very long time.

Kristof Eyckmans was hosted by The Silo Hotel in January 2018.

Floral Afternoon Tea at Raffles Dubai - UAE

It has always been quite an adventure to travel the world in search of the next High Tea experience that is waiting for us. On our way to the Raffles Floral Afternoon Tea we reminisced about all the High Tea experiences we’ve had since the birth of The Luxury Life satisfyingly crossing the countries off one by one by the high tea memories we collected. Reeling off our tea achievements, we were excited to welcome what the Raffles experience had in store for us. We felt quite confident that nothing could surprise us at this point in our travel diary of Afternoon Teas.

The whole process of a high tea is a kind of ritual, every detail heightening the overall satisfaction of the diner. Something as simple as reclining into the comfortable gold coloured chairs at Raffles and admiring the almost supernaturally bright colours of the delectable delicacies creates an experience one cannot forget. By merely walking into the space we instantly felt like royalty, everything around us was so indulgent in the most spectacular way. With high ceilings supported by huge hieroglyphic pillars and an endless row of Forever Rose flowers blooming a brilliant red through their glass-encased homes you are sure to feel like a cross between a British royal and an Egyptian princess or prince (boys can fancy high tea too).

We began our Raffles journey by selecting the tea that was going to accompany our treats for the day.  For us it was a no brainer, being inspired by our surroundings we had to try the rose infused tea. The menu itself was filled with new and inventive goodies that you wouldn’t find at your average high tea places. What we appreciated most was that many old high tea favourites were dusted off and given a bright new perspective.

We were absolutely blown away by the “Chilled Herb Poached Prawn Salad”. This ‘prawn salad’ came with its very own mason jar half-filled with chunky grains of salt. Snuggled in this salty foundation was the tip of a perfectly rounded miniature ice-cream cone boasting inside it a poached prawn with an orange slice next to it. We had no clue that anything could have tasted as good as the simple combination of prawn and orange paired as one.

After talking to the very talented pastry chef Wolfgang Wagenleitner we soon realised that this dynamic duo of prawn and orange consisted of more complexities than we thought. The entire treat actually consisted of elderflower Jelly, creamy avocado, red chilli, celery, prawn and orange segments. We were informed that the wonderfully crunchy cone takes a lot of skill to make and is the trickiest aspect of this delicious little puzzle. (Maybe we won’t be attempting it at home just yet!) This was an insanely luxurious twist on a traditional salad and one we would try again and again…and again.  

Another inventive and incredibly enjoyable savoury treat was the “Wagyu beef slider”. This was very unique for an afternoon tea and it was this type of ‘outside the box’ thinking that made this experience exciting. The wagyu beef sliders consisted of chipotle sauce but don’t let that scare you if you’re not a chilli fan. This adorably sized burger was perfectly balanced in all its flavours and the chilli did not overpower anything else in the burger. The “Jasmine Tea Infused Chicken Roulade” was also scrumptious, playing around with a combination of sweet and savoury flavours.  

Our desserts entitled “sweet temptations” were just that, all very tempting in aesthetic and taste. Gleaming with vibrant and cheerful pops of colour each treat was more intricate than the last. A personal style tied all the treats together and you could immediately see that they were made with great skill and confidence. There was such an overflow of sweets to choose from that it was hard to decide where to begin.  One thing was for sure, we were eager to dig in especially after Wolfgang Wagenleitner let us in on his secret to staying young…a daily dose of sugar!

An immediate standout dessert for us was the “Golden Chocolate Pyramid” which blended in perfectly with the whole theme and ambiance of Raffles Dubai. Chocolate lovers you will be in paradise with one taste of this particular treat. The “Orange Lollipops” were a fun addition to the table, they were sizeable cake tops and did everything you’d want a good cake top to do. If you’re like us (a macaroon enthusiast) you’ll be delighted to try the two different types on offer and spoil yourself with the “Lavender Honey Macaroon” and the “Pistachio Macaroon”. Both macaroons were decadently sweet and satisfying just as a good macaroon should be. We preferred the pistachio option and sat there enjoying each pistachio filled bite thoroughly.  

What happened next was a rookie mistake on our part when we decided to give the treats a break and attack the scones for the time being. Grand in size, even one scone will make you feel so fantastically full and you get both the “Dry Rose Petal Scones” and the “Scones with Raisins!” The dry rose petal scones were the more alluring of the two but both had the flawless dough consistency you’d wish all scones in the world would possess. After this, it was a losing battle to try and finish all the desserts sitting in front of us perfectly perched on their golden tiers.

Having a solid attempt to finish everything we reluctantly left the Afternoon Tea feeling stuffed and content. What we learnt is to make sure you ask for some desserts to be taken home or to be taken to your hotel room for some light snacking later on. Even though we didn’t quite manage to finish everything we remember a strong awareness that we’d order it all again in a heartbeat. Maybe next time we’ll be able to eat it all in one sitting!  

If you’d like more information about what we tasted at Raffles that afternoon please go to our images below where the full menu is set out.

Details

Daily, 2 PM - 7 PM
Raffles Salon, Raffles Hotel
The Floral Afternoon Tea by Raffles is priced at AED 290 for two people and AED 490 for two people including a flute of bubbly each.

The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri

Nestled on Level 5 of the Burj Daman Building in Dubai’s DIFC is a very unexpected and exciting hotspot called “The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri”. Most of you would have heard of this name before as its reputation precedes it. Coming all the way from Florence, the renowned owner of 3 Michelin stars already had big shoes to fill in our eyes. Little did we know that from the moment we arrived to the very last bite of dessert and the inevitable last sip of the Pinot Grigio, our expectations would not only be met but would be exceeded in every respect.

Looking from the outside in you wouldn’t have a clue that you were about to walk into an incredibly fun, thrilling and sophisticated soiree of what appeared to be the social elite of Dubai. The ambiance oozed with bold fashion statements, brilliant eclectic décor and interesting characters chatting enthusiastically between tables. There was an electricity in the air that enlivened anticipation and creativity within us and we had not felt this type of electricity since we attended New York Fashion week last September. Without limiting guests’ creative freedom by having a particular dress code, there was an evidently unspoken rule that you were to put forward your best efforts in how you dressed.  Regardless of what everyone was wearing, there was one thing that they all had in common, an immaculate feast that was about to come their way.

From the moment we were escorted to our table we felt warm, welcomed and comfortable as though we had dined here many times before. We felt readier than ever for a night of great food and lively conversation. We started our dining adventure off with the antipasti selecting first the “Toscano Fried stuffed zucchini flowers with buffalo mozzarella and Tuscan pesto”. With a suggestion from our waiter we also eagerly ordered the “San Marzano slow-cooked octopus in extra virgin olive oil, served with fresh green beans, lemon- flavoured potato cream, Taggiasca olives and San Marzano tomato sauce” and finally pushing our comfort level a little with our last order of “marinated prawn carpaccio with fried capers, sundried cherry tomatoes, burrata, fresh basil”.

A post shared by The ArtisanByEnotecaPinchiorri (@theartisandubai) on May 19, 2017 at 1:00am PDT

When the dishes arrived each one was beautifully presented and each had an individuality which was intriguing to the eye. Once we had a taste of the dishes we realised that they were just as intriguing to the palette as they were to the eye. The zucchini flowers burst with the flavour of soft and ever melting buffalo mozzarella cheese fighting to come out from every crevice of the generously stuffed flower. The contrasting textures were inviting and delightful as the softness of the cheese worked in perfect unison to the crunch of the zucchini exterior. The octopus did not need to feel any envy as it equally matched this deliciousness and had us instantly transported to a sunny afternoon on the Mediterranean coast. The play on ocean flavours in the fresh octopus and the use of lemon was cleverly met by the green beans and the flavoursome olives leaving us satisfied and refreshed.

The last antipasti but definitely not the least, was the prawn carpaccio (which we must admit we had never tried before). Being big fans of tuna and beef carpaccio, we thought it only made sense to brave the prawn for a change. Unsure of what our taste buds would receive we were extremely pleased by the outcome. The mixture of capers, sundried cherry tomatoes and fresh basil made this a very pleasant dish to eat. Having devoured all three of our antipasti we waited with high expectations for our next courses. They had a tough act to follow after a most delicious start to the night.

Tempted by all the pasta on the menu while being mindful that this could equate to a heavy meal, we opted for two pasta dishes and two meat alternatives to be shared amongst the three of us. It was a very good thing that we did this because the pasta dishes were generously served and came with an abundance of sauce. After agonizing over it we finally settled on the “green tortelli filled with basil pesto, buffalo mozzarella cream, Taggiasca olives” and the “Ratte potato ravioli stuffed with Taleggio cheese, walnut pesto and black truffle”. Both tasted divine and were the very definition of treating yourself to a guilty pleasure. If we had to choose one over the other we would have to say that our favourite was the tortelli simply because it had an incredibly fresh basil flavour embodied in every bite while coated in a sinfully seductive cream sauce.

The two dishes that accompanied our pastas were the “Marinated organic salmon “tagliata”, potato leek cream, garlic-flavoured spinach, crispy leeks” and the “Roasted marinated lamb rack, Bronte pistachos, aubergine cream, fresh thyme and Taggiasca olives sauce”. The salmon was skillfully cooked retaining its moisture and melting in our mouths with the potato leek cream. The spinach and leek make you feel like you’re not being too naughty even though it tasted much better than any spinach we’ve tried. The roasted marinated lamb rack was our favourite dish of the entire night, it was the “piece de resistance”  in our already exquisite dining experience. The second our knife pierced effortlessly through the tender meat we could see it was cooked exactly to our liking – juicy and perfectly pink in the middle. Each bite of the lamb rack was utter heaven leaving us wanting more no matter how full we felt at that moment.

Just as we thought we could not possibly eat another bite and were ready to throw in our napkins, the dessert menu poked its head out. Placed in front of us and taunting us with its tasty descriptions we decided to give in and order dessert. After all you can’t go to a high dining Italian restaurant and not try the dessert! We selected three very different items from the menu and sat there wondering how we were ever going to find the space in our stomachs for these delicious sounding delicacies.

We went with the “Dark chocolate fondant with salted caramel and vanilla ice-cream”, the “white and milk chocolate cremino, salted crumble and hazelnut ice-cream” and the “Sorrento lemon tarte, Italian meringue”. Before we knew it all three desserts were placed on our table like three beautiful pieces of art almost too pretty to puncture with our forks. The dark chocolate fondant was the standout of the three for us, exuding this ideal consistency of soft, creamy and wonderfully warm chocolate lava. It was quite soothing to watch the melting chocolate flow like a river all over the pearly white plate. If you are a chocolate lover you should not even think about leaving until you’ve tried this incredibly indulgent dessert first!

The Details

Opens daily except for Saturdays from 12 PM till 11:30 PM (kitchen last call)
Business Lunch: Sunday to Thursday from 12 PM till 3:30 PM
www.theartisan.ae

Instagram: instagram.com/theartisandubai/

Palace of the Lost City

By Kristof Eyckmans, hosted by Palace of the Lost City

This iconic hotel is part of Sun City, a luxury playground for South Africans and international visitors. A mere 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg, this isolated retreat is the perfect place if you are looking for fun, luxury resort with and all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities.

There are 4 hotel options at Sun City. However,  there's one that stands out from the rest - The Palace of the Lost City. Ranked as a top 40 Best Reosrt in Africa by  Condé Nast top 40 Best Resorts in Africa we think it is a must visit when in South Africa.

Last year marked the 25th birthday of the palace and it was the ideal time to finally stay there and experience what all the buzz is about.

Your first impression of the property is when driving up the majestic entrance - on our entry we knew that this was going to be a phenomenal property. It deserved the title palace - as that is the look and feel from the moment you arrive. The massive entrance brings you straight into one of the highlights of the hotel, as above the reception area, there is a massive dome decorated with all kinds of African themed illustrations. Chairs are upholstered with zebra skin, gold gilded walls, palm trees that give you that instant holiday feeling,… Yup, welcome to African opulence.

The hotel hoses 335 suites, of which 3 are presidential suites. They all have amazing views of the surrounding area, endless amounts of space and a bathroom which is bigger than most New York city apartments. All of this makes you forget the real age of the hotel and it’s interior which sometimes could use a touch of TLC. Though still very luxurious and very much 5 star worthy, one can’t ask for more when you are visiting the palace as you are miles away from civilization.

And that is one of its major advantages. There are endless ways to entertain yourself when staying here, as the resort is so remote, it has the advantage to have a massive amount of space available to trans create into a massive playground. There is the famous Pilanesberg National Park bordering the resort, which means you can enjoy a real safari at any time of the day. Rather prefer to ride some quad bikes, go drifting or have fun at the maze? Not a problem. Though a lot of guests of the Palace  of the Lost City come over here to enjoy the two golf courses this resort has on offer. One is the Gary Player golf course which hosts some of the world’s best golfers every year as they play the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge which is part of the European Tour. A casino is also available in Sun City, but do you really want to go and play indoors when there is something called “The valley of the waves”?

This legendary water park is an amazing place where you feel like you are being transported to a tropical island. In the center of it all is the Roaring Lagoon, a 6500 square meter wave pool that generates huge waves every 90 seconds. If that isn’t what you are looking for, you might want to try  one of the several water rides and slides, or just sit back and relax in one of the bars and restaurants which are dotted all around the valley. Having the palace in the background sure gives the valley some extra flair.

All in all, this place is amazing and if all of the above mentioned doesn’t convince you, then surely the great restaurants, the super friendly staff or the amazing gardens will. It attracted the rich and famous from all over the world. Michael Jackson was one of the regulars who enjoyed the luxury and uniqueness of the Palace of the Lost City. It is the perfect way to start or end your holiday in Southern Africa.   

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi Landmark

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - colloquially the Grand Mosque - is an impressive architectural work of art situated in Abu Dhabi. The mosque, completed in 2007, features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. Reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are transformed at night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the moon.

White Pearl Resort - Mozambique

By Kristof Eyckmans, hosted by White Pearl Resort

While we all know the Black Pearl from the big screen, only few of us know the White Pearl, a hidden gem which is located on the deserted tropical beach of Ponto Mamoli in Mozambique. This exclusive resort is everything you could wish for when you are looking for something unique, diverse, exciting and luxurious.

Situated in the south of Mozambique, the resort has access to endless miles of deserted beach where you can wander for hours without noticing any signs of human presence. The abundance of natural wealth is just mind-blowing. Same goes for the resort, as it is simply amazing. It consists of a few main buildings and 21 stilted private suites which are all separately located in between the dense vegetation on a hill, overlooking the ocean. Besides the amazing views, all the suites have an expansive deck with a heated private pool and an outdoor shower while the interior design blends in perfectly with the ocean which is ever present. They make extensive use of shells, light wood and whites inside the suites and throughout the whole resort, and I wish my house would have the same style cause I just love it. 

Getting to White Pearl Resort is easy, even though its remote location. Once you arrive in Maputo, the capital and gateway into Mozambique, you can either choose for a transfer by 4x4 (no other option as the last few kilometers to the resort are impossible to drive with a normal road car), or you can take the helicopter which will fly you to your destination in only 30 to 40 minutes. Of course we took the heli, as it is convenient, fast and gives you a great view of southern Mozambique.

Upon arrival your personal butler is already waiting for you with a cocktail as you’ll get a sense of how your stay will be; relaxed, with top notch service and friendly smiles all around.

We stayed at one of the 6 superior beach pool suites, which are right in front of the Indian Ocean and have direct beach access. Apart from this extra, the suites are all the same. Your butler gives you a detailed tour of the room and explains all the amenities and possible activities which the White Pearl Resort has to offer. He will set a daily program for you for the following day, of course always according to your preferences and taking the weather into account as you don’t want to go diving when the water in the ocean isn’t clear, do you?

But I suggest you explore the resort first, before you indulge in the utter beauty of the nature which surrounds this amazing place. We started with a nice lunch at the beach bar and were treated to some delicious food. Do you rather keep it more private, even though the resort never feels crowded, you might want to ask for a beach picnic. Everything is possible and no question is too much for the friendly staff.

Breakfast and dinner is generally served in the gorgeous White Pearl restaurant. But if you prefer to have it on the deck, in the wine cellar, under the stars or in your room, the staff will gladly accommodate you. The quality of the food is second to none. Of course there is the fresh fish, but the local chefs often give dishes a Mozambican twist which elevates the flavors even more. The general setting also helps a hand of course.

To get rid of some of those calories you might want to do some of the activities the White Pearl Resort has to offer. They have a Dive Centre where you can get your PADI course or join a professional to one of the many  dive spots near the resort. An ocean safari is a must-do as it will give you a 90% chance to swim with the dolphins which are among the regulars in these waters. The resort has a special license to take guests out on the water and let them interact with these amazing creatures.

We visited the White Pearl Resort in November and this is at the end of the annual Humpback whale migration. But we were still lucky enough to see a few whales from the comfort of our own suite which makes it even more special.

If you missed the whale season, you might be happy to hear that Ponta Mamoli is one of the famous turtle nesting sites in Mozambique. There are several types of turtles that nest here between November and February, but the most common are the loggerhead and the massive leatherback turtles. We went out on the beach every evening, hoping to catch one of them though were never lucky. BUT…on our second morning we found the traces of one right in front of our suite! I never knew turtles liked playing games.

Rather engage more actively with animals, then you might want to do some horseback riding on the beach or inland.

Talking about the inland, recently White Pearl Resort became the first resort to offer beach and bush experiences in southern Mozambique! The fact that visitors can enjoy both, while staying at the same resort, is something very unique and personally I enjoyed it very much as I am a real fan of safaris, while spending time at the Indian Ocean will always get my blood pumping. The Maputo Special Reserve, where you can enjoy the game drives is a very scenic place with dense forests and wide open plains which change the scenery constantly. It is also one of only 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world which makes it even more special.

Maybe one of the biggest pro’s about this resort is the fact that it’s family friendly. The Kids Skipper Club will keep the little ones entertained while the adults can enjoy some quality time. Don’t worry though if you are planning your honeymoon or romantic getaway over here, as only certain areas are kept for family  dining. Again, the staff will do anything to make your experience unique and beyond your expectations.

All in all, the White Pearl Resort is a very bright star in the Mozambican hospitality galaxy. Rather look at other stars? No problem, as the White Pearl has you covered with that too as it has its own telescope.

Marina Bay Suites by Jannah - Hotel Apartments on Dubai's Marina

Our visit to Dubai was wonderfully exciting and interesting, our Dubai experience was further heightened by our stay at the Jannah Marina Bay Suites.  Admittedly less luxurious to Jannah Burj Al Sarab, Jannah Marina Bay Suites caters to clientele who require more of an apartment than a hotel. Our balcony view was a really pleasant one as we had serene and breathtaking views of the Dubai Marina.

The suite itself complimented the stunning view through the cool blue hints in the décor matching perfectly with the cool blue waters of the outside Marina. We loved our large windows that covered the whole wall from floor to ceiling allowing us to lounge in our bedroom while enjoying the water views as well.

Just as in Jannah Burj Al Sarab, the Jannah Marina Bay Suites had the famous Karim service, a very speedy WIFI connection for guests, a rooftop pool and most importantly a very convenient location, this time to the Dubai Marina and our personal favourite hangout JBR. We recommend taking a stroll down JBR with many stylish boutiques to explore, countless internationally branded dining options and various fun beach activities. Make sure you don’t miss out on the newly established shopping area rightfully titled “The Beach” along with an open air cinema.

Our Marina Bay suite came with an equipped kitchen, two spacious bedrooms and a charming living area. Overall we really appreciated the small details that made the room extra sentimental such as the wonderfully arranged towels made into two swans kissing. We especially liked the inspirational quotes and insightful messages painted on the walls leading up to our room.