Exclusive Travel 02

Exclusive Magazine is delighted tohave award winning travel writerPaul Knowles as our in-house TravelEditor. Each season, Paul ensuresthat Exclusive readers remain at theforefront of the hottest destinations,emerging travel trends andundiscovered locations. In everyissue, he reviews a premium choiceof destinations to suit everybody,which span across the globe.

Paul hand-picks a selection of hotels,resorts and exciting places whichwill capture the imagination andtake you on a journey of discovery.Whether you want a relaxing beachholiday in a far flung location, or anexciting city break with plenty ofsightseeing to do, the choices on

offer in our Travel Section will givekeen travellers plenty of insight. The readership of Exclusive is over 1 million people due to ourdistribution across top hotels andbusinesses, and we know that ourreaders want to be at the forefront ofcurrent travel trends. Paul deliversyou in-depth reviews of the bestplaces to go, and look out for hisExclusive Recommendations at theend of each review, where he givesyou the hottest tips on what to do ateach destination.With the Exclusive Travel Section,you will never again be stuck for anidea of where to go on holiday,instead you will be spoilt for choiceas to where to visit first!

Exclusive Travel

2

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

The MandarinOrientalSingapOrE

From the moment you walk in to the five starMandarin Oriental, it is clear to see why this isregarded as one of the most opulent hotels inSingapore. e hotel entrance is adorned by a

beautiful sculpture by Antoine Poncet titled Fleur Marine,and an antique Mandarin fan made circa 1860 which

3

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

depicts a court scene makes another focal point. e hotel ischic and modern with a stylish interior design aesthetic andfacilities which offer unparalleled luxury.

is is the perfect place to stay when you wish to soak upthe local culture and experience the delights of South-EastAsia. Situated in the heart of Marina Bay just minutes fromthe business district, this hotel is the ideal base whether thepurpose of your visit is business or leisure. is is a haven ofrelaxation where your every need is taken care of by thehotel team who are on hand at all times to help with everyrequest. Should you wish to relax by looking at some art, thethird floor of the hotel boasts a collection of artworks,known as “e Art of the Orient”.

e hotel has everything guests could possibly need, such asa selection of premium restaurants, a luxurious spa and Wi-Fi throughout so that keeping up with business whilst youare away is easy. ere is a variety of accommodation onoffer in the hotel to suit the needs of every guest fromcomfortable rooms to spacious suites with sea or city views.e rooms are decorated with guest comfort as the utmostpriority, with spacious bathrooms, comfortable beds andpleasing views and the interiors combine modern comfortwith signature touches of oriental style. Each room isfurnished with every possible amenity guests could wish forincluding flat screen televisions and desk area.

When you are ready to explore the local area, there is somuch to do; a stroll around Marina Bay is a lovely way torelax and enjoy the beautiful views. If you enjoy shopping,there are many places to purchase something nice fromdesigner boutiques to high street stores. ere are plenty ofcafés in the area where you can stop for a coffee and at nightthere are many bars where you can sip an iconic SingaporeSling. e hotel is located in Marina Square, with thefamous fan shaped design which was created by esteemedAmerican architect John Portman. e hotel affords guestsstunning views of the Singapore skyline, which isparticularly striking at night when illuminated.

Fine dining is paramount at the Mandarin Oriental andthere is a selection of delicious dining options on offer and ifyou are feeling indulgent there is of course an extensiveroom service menu so that you can relax in your room forthe evening. e stunning pool area is the ideal place to soakup the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip before retiring to thespa for a few relaxing treatments. From meetings and eventsto sightseeing trips, the hotel can help to arrange everyelement of your visit with the utmost courtesy andefficiency. is really is a home away from home and youwill not want to leave!

EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens to see incredible plants andflowers.

Take high tea in the Tiffin Room at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Visit the Tiger Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free standing observationtower, for unparalleled views.

5 Raffles Avenue

Marina Square, 039797

Singapore

+65 6338 0066

www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore

autumn 2015

4

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

The United Arab Emirates are famous all over theworld for their luxurious and decadent hotels.One such hotel is undoubtedly the Yas Viceroy inAbu Dhabi which boasts 499 rooms and spacious

suites, decorated with stunning design features such as floorto ceiling windows and suites fitted with surround sound.

autumn 2015

The YasViceroyabu Dhabi

5

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

is is without a doubt a luxurious hotel to stay in duringyour trip to Abu Dhabi, there is everything you couldpossibly need to facilitate a relaxing trip and every request isaccommodated by the hotel concierge team. You can spenda day relaxing on the beach or for those in need ofrestorative treatments and some time away from the stress ofdaily life, the hotel has an ESPA spa which offers a host ofhealing and rejuvenating treatments. e spa includes theViceroy Presidential Treatment Suite which offers a fullhammam, rain showers, steam room and fitness equipment.is is a world away from the ordinary, where you can relaxand enjoy restorative treatments in the comfort of the hotel.

Sightseeing trips can easily be arranged by the front desk atthe hotel reception, and if you work up an appetite afteryour daily activities there are many restaurants to please you.e local produce in the area is all of an exceptional qualityand the hotel has eleven restaurants offering exceptionalcuisine from around the world, choose from Italian, Indian,sushi and more all cooked and prepared in the mostexquisite way. If you are in the mood for a lighter bite, youcan relax poolside and enjoy something delicious as yourecline. ere are several bars and lounges to relax in at thehotel and guests can enjoy the amazing LED canopy whichradiates colours, or watch high-speed races or practices atthe Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. is is a hotel whichoffers something for everyone and I highly recommend it asthe perfect base for your stay in Abu Dhabi.


Try colour therapy at the hotel spa to feel awakened andrestored.

Indulge in cuisine from many countries during your stay, withMediterranean, Asian and Far-Eastern cuisine all on the menuin the hotel restaurants.

Ask the hotel concierge for shopping recommendations, there aremany stores nearby offering everything from luxury goods toaffordable souvenirs.

6

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

hilton bomotihoteliSTanbul, TurkEY

Istanbul is renowned as one of the most vibrant cities inthe world, where visitors can enjoy a wealth ofsightseeing and cultural activities whilst marvelling atthe magnificent views and the buzzing ambience of the

city. e Hilton Bomoti Hotel has an excellent reputationand it is an ideal place to stay during your visit to Istanbul.

7

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

e 34 storey hotel has a stylish and contemporary interiordesign throughout; it is centrally located in Sisli whichmakes an ideal starting point to explore the city and enjoy awealth of activities.

e shopping in the area is superb, with an enormousselection of boutiques and traditional markets in the city andthere are plenty of bars and coffee shops nearby to rest inafter a long day of sightseeing.

e hotel staff are ready to oblige your every request andthey could not be more helpful, the host of facilities on offerat the hotel is very impressive with everything from a 24hour gym to a traditional Turkish bath on offer. ere areboth indoor and outdoor swimming pools where you cantake a refreshing dip and then relax poolside with a book. Inthe evening, I suggest unwinding in the rooftop bar whichcommands a spectacular view of the city and theBosphorous, before retiring to the hotel restaurant to enjoy aleisurely dinner.


For a taste of history, visit the Museum of Archaeology.

Visit the Topkapi Palace, to marvel at one of the most beautifulOttoman buildings in Istanbul.

Make a trip to the Hagia Sophia, a former basilica and mosquewhich is now a museum, to be amazed by the stunningarchitecture such as the great marble courtyard and the domedgallery.

Ask the concierge for recommendations where to dine locally;there is every imaginable cuisine on offer in the city includingthe famous traditional Turkish flatbreads and exceptionalseafood restaurants.

8

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

The Cunard Line has a formidable history and fansacross the globe who follow the every move of theCunard ships avidly. e MS Queen Victoria isan awe-inspiring ship of elegance and grace, with

12 passenger decks and sumptuous facilities. e £290mship is an incredible 90,000t and it was the first Cunard shipto have been built in Italy, constructed near Venice. It made

The CunardMS QueenVictoria

9

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

its maiden voyage in December 2007 from its home port ofSouthampton. Travelling on the Queen Victoria 2 is anexperience like no other, with a selection of amazing onboard features to make your holiday truly unforgettable.ere are seven on board restaurants, thirteen bars, a theatre,a ballroom, three swimming pools and four whirlpools.

Life on board is never dull with so many wonderful activitieson offer every day, the Royal Court eatre hosts amazingproductions and there are activities as varied as book clubs,watercolour art lessons and sporting pursuits all on offer. Asyou would imagine on a Cunard ship, dining options onboard are astounding and there is food to accommodateevery possible taste inspired by every corner of the globe.

e fine dining on offer at the Todd English à la carterestaurant is renowned and the 450 seater Lido restaurantoffers a more casual style of dining. ere is a casino and theHemispheres nightclub on board for evening entertainmentas well as a selection of bars. For those in the mood for alittle culture you can visit the Cunardia museum withcompany memorabilia and a souvenir shop. When it comesto relaxation, there are many places on board to unwind;relax in e Golden Lion Pub over a few drinks or visit theexceptional on board spa. A voyage on a Cunard ship is aholiday like no other and it is an unforgettable experiencewith so much to see and do on board as well as duringexcursions when the ship docks. A world of refinement andelegance, the Queen Victoria is like a floating palace witheverything you need to make your voyage truly special.


Browse some art whilst on board at e Clarendon Fine ArtGallery

Pick up some reading material at the on board book shop,which also sells souvenirs

Enjoy fascinating talks by guest speakers on board, covering awide range of topics.

www.cunard.co.uk

10

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

Ideally located close to the stunning Ornos Bay withthe glittering azure blue water stretching in front ofyou, the five star Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel is atranquil haven where you can enjoy a relaxing stay. e

hotel has played host to many illustrious guests and famousfaces, who are attracted by the feeling of secluded luxuryand sophistication and there is a private beach which further

kivotos luxuryboutique hotelMYkOnOS, grEECE

11

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

adds to the sense of escapism. e beautiful architecture ofthe hotel is second to none, and it is situated on a rockyslope enabling guests to enjoy elevated views of thephenomenal scenery. e climate in Mykonos is warm andsunny, so guests can wake up to blue skies most morningsbefore enjoying a delicious breakfast and setting off in tonearby Mykonos Town for a day of sightseeing. e 39rooms and suites at the hotel all offer every amenity youcould desire during your stay and the Deluxe Jacuzzi Roomsfeature a bedroom and an opulent bathroom with a personalJacuzzi to make your stay even more luxurious.

e hotel spa can cater to your every need with a variety oftreatments. e hotel is lavishly furnished with art andantiques and it even has its own private yacht, e PrinceNeufchatal, with full crew and skipper which is anchored inthe tranquil waters of Ornos bay, and available for daycruises and private dining. e luxurious spa has a hammamdecorated with beautiful mosaic tiles, where guests can enjoyan array of deluxe spa treatments including massages. Forover twenty years, this hotel has been at the forefront of thescene in Mykonos due to its unrivalled service and emphasison guest satisfaction which is paramount. e concierge isavailable to arrange tailor made trips and excursions aroundMykonos Town and beyond. e hotel exudes elegance andsophistication and for those seeking seclusion there is aprivate villa with its own private beach area and swimmingpool which you can reserve for the course of your stay priorto arrival. e facilities at the Kivotos Boutique Hotel areexcellent with four restaurants and bars, two swimmingpools, a well-equipped gym and a boutique. is is a luxuryretreat which offers world class accommodation andfacilities, and it is an amazing place to stay during yourholiday in Mykonos.


Take a sightseeing boat tour whilst on the island.

Look out for local artisan crafts on sale in town.

Take an evening stroll through the pretty streets of Mykonos andstop for some traditional Greek food in one of the manyrestaurants.

Kivotos Boutique Hotel

Ornos Bay

84600

Mykonos

Greece

www.kivotosmykonos.com

12

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

Located in Santa Ponsa Bay on Costa de la Calma,the Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites is one of the fewfour star hotels in Majorca. is designer style hotelhas a pleasingly contemporary aesthetic, focusing

on cool colours and stylish interiors. e hotel prides itselfon providing guests with an optimal experience from thesecond they check-in to the moment they leave, and many

Fergus StyleSuitesMallOrCa, Spain

13

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

guests return year after year to enjoy the exceptional locationand superior service.

is is a place which offers a beautiful seaside escape righton the Mediterranean coast; all rooms are comfortable andwell-equipped, with free WIFI to make your stay evenbetter. e hotel can arrange several interesting trips andactivities nearby and there are many sporting activities onoffer for those feeling more energetic, with cycling and watersports amongst the many pursuits available.

e nearby Santa Ponsa golf club is only a five minute driveaway from the hotel, making this an ideal place to stay forgolf enthusiasts. ere is a variety of accommodation onoffer to suit every budget at this hotel, from guest roomswith sea views to the extravagant suites which offer luxuriousaccommodation with pretty verandas affording views of thesea. is is a lovely hotel to stay at when you want a breakfrom the stress of everyday life as it allows guests theopportunity to relax and unwind in the lap of luxury.Recline and top up your tan at the swimming pool area orvisit the Cala Blanca beach or one of the many picturesquecoves nearby to take dip in the blissful sea and enjoy arelaxing beachside stroll.

What makes the Fergus Suites even more superior is itscentral location; you can reach the centre of the busy SantaPonsa resort after just a short walk, allowing you to explorethe local shops, restaurants and cafés in the thriving resorttown.

Food and drink is always an important part of any holidayand the Fergus Suites does not disappoint, with a variety ofdelicious dining options available including both an à lacarte restaurant and a buffet style restaurant serving cuisineinspired by places all over the world.

e Fergus Suites is a pleasant place to stay during yourMajorcan holiday, where you can rest assured that you willbe well looked after.


Request a sea view room for an even better stay.

Try the vast array of fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Take an evening stroll on the beach to enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites

Huguet de’s Far, 27

07180

Santa Ponça

Balearic Islands

Spain

www.fergushotels.com

14

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

There are so many hotels all over the world, butfew can aspire to achieve iconic status. e NewYork Plaza Hotel is however one hotel which candefinitely claim to have achieved such status,

regarded worldwide as a landmark and an integral part ofNew York City.

The plazahotelnEw YOrk

15

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

e grand five star hotel has played host to numerouscelebrity guests over the decades and it has played a part inseveral movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost In New York.ere is arguably not a hotel in New York which can surpasse Plaza in terms of luxury, opulence and service. Indeed,guests can even enjoy the services of a personal butler duringtheir stay if they wish and the accommodation on offer atthe Plaza is a world of elegance with luxurious rooms andvast suites on offer.

Dining at the hotel is an amazing experience, a dream cometrue for gourmets with several places to dine including therenowned Todd English Food Hall which offers a variedmenu inspired by Pan-European influences. ere areseveral different stations on offer in the Food Hall whichserve a diverse selection of epicurean delights such as sushi,pizza, pasta, charcuterie and patisserie. You could easilyspend hours sampling all of the delights on offer, but ofcourse there is so much to explore in New York itself. Whilstin the city, don’t forget to explore Central Park, to take aride on the world famous Staten Island Ferry, spend a daybrowsing the magnificent collections at e Guggenheim orMOMA and stop off at Serendipity III, which is famedworldwide for its frozen hot chocolate and cakes (not tomention its role in the eponymous film starring KateBeckinsale and John Cusack). No visit to New York wouldbe complete without a visit to the Empire State Buildingand of course the shopping on offer in the city is incredible,with famous department stores such as Bloomingdales andMacy’s to be found, along with more quirky vintage storesin Soho and e Meat Packing District where you can easilyfind one of a kind items. After so much shopping and sightseeing, you can unwindback at e Plaza Hotel with a trip to the spa followed by adrink in e Champagne Bar which overlooks Fifth Avenueand the Pulitzer Fountain. e Plaza Hotel is a hotel whichredefines luxury and there is so much to do, you will notwant to leave at the end of your stay!


Visit the Plaza Food Court where you can find every type offood from chocolate to noodles.

Enjoy live jazz in e Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club everyWednesday.Visit the Warren Tricomi salon located within the hotel, to giveyour locks some pampering.

e PlazaFifth Avenue at Central Park SouthNew York NY 10019www.theplazany.com

16

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

Paris is always a good idea, so they say, and there isso much to see and do in this cosmopolitanwhirlwind of a city. Art, architecture, shopping andfine food are just some of the highlights of any trip

to the city and ideally you would need several months tosoak up everything this incredible place has to offer. ere isno doubt that a trip to Paris can be made even better by

prince degalles hotel pariS

17

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

staying in a lavish hotel. Although staying somewhereluxurious may be more expensive, it is worth it for a specialoccasion or when you just need to treat yourself. Located onthe iconic Avenue George V, just a short walk from e Arcde Triomphe and e Eiffel Tower, e Prince de Galles is afive star hotel dating back to 1928 and furnished in an ArtDeco style with marble floors, mosaics and bespokewallpaper. It is renowned as a sumptuous hotel with stylishinteriors and excellent facilities and its location close totourist attractions and the legendary Champs Elysées makesit a superb central place to stay during your sojourn in thecity of love. e hotel has 115 well-appointed rooms as wellas 44 luxurious suites if you really want to experiencedecadence.

e hotel exudes sophistication and glamour and there is awellness spa offering personalized treatments using UniqueElixir Paris products, soothing massages and a hammam forwhen you need to relax. e spa is a tranquil space decoratedwith white accents and green mosaic tiles, but for that extra

touch of pampering you can even request in-room spatreatments, enabling you to luxuriate as you unwind in totalseclusion.

Paris is famed for its fine dining and there is of course anamazing array of excellent restaurants close to the hotel, butyou can enjoy exceptional dining within the hotel with achoice of options available. La Scène restaurant has beenawarded one Michelin Star with Chef Stéphanie Le Quellecat the helm, whilst the Les Heures bar is a tranquil escapewhich serves delicious cocktails and a selection of food. ehotel concierge can arrange transport around the city foryou, or of course you could make like the Parisians and usele métro. However you decide to travel, there are severalstops I suggest you make whilst in Paris. Visit the legendaryShakespeare and Co bookstore for a great selection ofreading material, browse the luxurious boutiques of the Ruedu Faubourg Saint-Honoré which is lined with designerboutiques and stop off at Ladurée for a delectable selectionof Macaron. I would recommend a trip to the Musée EugèneDelacroix which is located at the great artist’s formerapartment on Rue de Furstenberg. You can take a tour of hishome which is now the museum, including his studiolocated within the private gardens and marvel at the worksof art on display.

e Prince de Galles definitely offers a sense of old-worldParisian refinement and grandeur and every aspect of yourstay at the hotel is luxurious and pleasant. e hotel team ison hand to oblige your every request, from small things suchas delivering a newspaper to your room every morning orgreater requests such as arranging tailor-made sightseeingtrips. Everything about this hotel is decadent and it isdefinitely a super place to stay if you want to take Paris instyle!


Whilst in Paris take a sightseeing cruise along the Seine.

Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and patisserie at the legendaryAngelina tea rooms on Rue De Rivoli.

Make a trip to e Louvre to witness the staggering collection ofpriceless works of art including the world famous Mona Lisa.

Dine at the stylish and laid back Michelin Star awardedrestaurant Septime (80 rue de Charonne, 11th arrondissement)where you can discover the innovative cuisine of Chef BertrandGrébaut who is celebrated for his creative cookery style.

Prince de Galles 33 Avenue George V

Paris 75008 France

www.princedegallesparis.com

18

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

There is nowhere on earth which can rival theMaldives in terms of sheer mind-blowing beautyand tranquillity. Turquoise waters lap at the whitesandy shores of the archipelago of tiny islands or

atolls which are spread across the Indian Ocean. From themoment you arrive at the Lux Ari Atoll it is like you havebeen transported to a fantasy world, where picture perfect

luX* ari atollMalDiVES

19

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

autumn 2015

scenery is visible everywhere you turn. e Lux South AriAtoll is the only settlement on the stunning island ofDhidhoofinolhu and the resort offers a world of luxury withaccommodation ranging from suites to ocean side villaswhere you can wander on to the idyllic beaches at anymoment. ere are two swimming pools at the resort whereyou can have a dip or relax poolside beneath the shade ofcoconut palm trees and the waters of the Indian Ocean arenaturally warm and clear, so swimming in the sea here is anexperience not to be missed.

When you get tired of reclining on the stunning beaches,there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay whichcan be arranged by the resort. You can also book a whaleshark day whilst staying here, which comprises a snorkellingtrip, whale shark spotting, presentations and lunch on anearby island.

is is a true playground for diving enthusiasts, as there is alagoon on the island which is the ideal location for scubadiving where you can see many species such as manta rays,

turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. You are in safe hands asthe 5-Star PADI IDC Dive Centre offers a selection ofoptions which suit all abilities from novice to advanced level.

Gastronomes are well taken care of at the resort, with diningoptions which are many and varied. You can get everydelicious food you could imagine, from fine dining to streetfood inspired dishes encompassing a fusion of differentinfluences from traditional Maldivian to Japanese andItalian. e pizzas at the resort are said to be some of thebest available in the Indian Ocean and there are a total ofseven restaurants and bars to choose from so you can dineout every night with plenty of options!

ere are always surprises on offer at the resort and there areoften open air film screenings and live music to enjoy duringyour stay, whilst strolling along the unspoilt beaches nevergets tiresome as the views are simply astounding. Holidayingon the Lux Ari Atoll is an experience which you willremember for the rest of your life, with the blissful beachesand azure blue waters creating a dream world which you willnot want to leave. e service at the resort is impeccable andthe accommodation contemporary and stylish. is is theperfect place to while away your holiday and creatememories which last a lifetime, from scuba diving withwhale sharks to relaxing on the beach, every moment of yourstay is wonderful.


Try some of the locally caught fresh fish during your stay, whichis an experience not to be missed.

Explore some of the resorts ‘secret’ bars, ask your concierge forrecommendations which to visit first!

Take a relaxing stroll through the herb gardens to unwind andrelax.

LUX* South Ari AtollSouth Ari AtollMaldives www.luxresorts.com

Documents

Exclusive Travel 02