P U L S E T h e inside

track on mu have watches

ì d jewel lery

HO AIRLINES A Ri TO OWN THE

T R A V E L OURME1 LUXURY FASHION

REGULARS 12

Viewpoint Intriguing places, people and

products across the globe

20 48 Hours of Luxury

Venice is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds,

discovers Casey Gillespie

22 The Beauty of Travel

The best international spas and seasonal beauty buys

26 Most Wanted

Fashion and accessories for style-savvy travellers

30 World In Your Hands

How one idea is helping to save the next generation

of A f r ican children

88 Property

Glomands are leading property investors to the

next big thing

98 Global Guides

Hotspots in London, Hong Kong and the

Seychelles

106 The Last Word

Dom Pérignon's chef de cave, Richard Geoffroy

A Line in the Sand Gulf airlines are looking to

the future — and in the future they own the skies

National Service Italy's luxury brands are

investing in the country's future by restoring the past,

Simon Brooke reports

Family Values Thailand's most dynamic businesswoman, Kamala

Sukosol, is also a grandmother and a jazz

legend, finds Duncan Forgan

right: Edward Gutnn's

images on display in

Hamburg; D-Hotel

Maris, Turkey; a Nardi

Moretto from Venice;

Rembrandt's art on

view in London 98

Auto Focus Vintage cars and motorbikes are the ideal investment for

hungry venturists, says Simon Hepinstall

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FRONT COVER: WALTER CHIN/TRUN* ARCHIVES

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spherelife.com | autumn 2014

48 hours OFLUXURY It's notso much a case ofwhat to do in Venice buthow tofind the time to do it ali, discovers Casey Gillespie, as the magic ofLa Serenissima claimsyet another heart

S L E E P T h e B e l m o n d Hotel Cipriani (www.belmond.com)

is almost as famous as Venice itself. Nestled within lush private gardens on the island of Giudecca (a short boat ride from Piazza San Marco), the hotel has been welcoming guests since 1958. And, while the times have certainly changed, the warmth, hospitality and sophisticated romance of the hotel remains firmly intact. However, if you prefer the nonstop activity of Venice right on your doorstep, then The Gritti Palace (www.thegrittipalace.com) is an excellent choice. A recent multimillion euro renovation has elevated this enchanting hotel to new glory, with each suite retaining the sumptuous period style of a 15th-century Venetian palazzo. Or perhaps a smaller, boutique hotel is more your style? The elegant and decidedlybaroque C a ' Maria A d e l e (www.camariaadele.it) sits right on the Grand Canal and, with only 12 rooms, each with its own unique décor and atmosphere, it is intimate enough to feel like a home away from home.

E A T Regardless of how long you are goingtobe in Venice, sunset cocktails and dinner as the moon rises over the lagoon are an absolute must, and Bauer L'Hotel's restuarant De Pisis (www.ilpalazzovenezia.com) is a picture perfect setting for both. This is one of the few venues situated directly on the Grand Canal and the chef 's mouthwatering creations are as

Left: Beìmond Hotel Cipriani offers classic accommodation and a variety of dining options, ali with spectacular views. Beiow: feast on modem Medtterranean cuisine while gaslng out over the sights at Bauer L'Hotet's restaurant, De Pisis

20 spherelife.com | autumn2014

48 H O U R S O F L U X U R Y

mesmerising as the view. Escape the chaos of San Marco's at its only flne-diningvenue, Ristorante Quadr i (www.alajmo.it); this one Michelin-star restaurant prides itself on its contemporary Italian cuisine and deliciously fresh ingredients sourced daily from the Rialto market. Venture out of Venice proper and you will discover quieter islands where the charm of family-run eateries is worth the taxi fare alone. Thoroughly modem with its own fabled winery and kitchen gardens on the island of Mazzorbo, Venissa's (www.venissa.it) tastingmenus are nothing less than a culinary revolution of art and flavour. Over the foot bridge in Burano, Riva Rosa 's (www.rivarosa.it) menu brims with tempting Venetian specialities and dreamy vistas from the cosy, multi-level dining room. A night in Venice never feels complete without a nightcap and the A m a n Canal Grande Venice (www.amanresorts.com) is the perfect place for one last tipple. Watch the boats go by in the tranquil garden or relax in one of the opulent sitting rooms upstairs.

S H O P One of the real treasures in Venice is its artisans and, with many of these centuries-old traditions disappearing, it is well worth seeking out the family-owned businesses where handcrafted items are the last word in luxury. Situated directly on Piazza San Marco, Nardi (www.nardi-venezia.com) is known for exquisitely designed fine jewellery in authentic Venetian style. Most creations are one-of-a-kind and a Nardi Moretto (or Moor) is a token to be passed down for generations to come. Burano is the home of lace-making and there are no more beautiful pieces than at Emilia (www.emiliaburano.it); from tableware to bed linen to wedding veils and clothing, everything is lovingly made by a team of locai women. The most prolific purveyor of handblown glass is A R S Cenedese Murano (www.arscenedese.com) and a private tour of its rooms of archived pieces is an unforgettable experience.

D O The problem with Venice is not fmding something to do, but making time to do everything. A private guide is practically a necessity and travel experts Abercrombie and Kent (www.abercrombiekent.co.uk) can arrange bespoke trips and exclusive tours, including visits to some of the surrounding islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello, Lido and San Lazzaro degli Armeni. The museums and galleries deserve a separate trip, but visiting the Guggenhe im, Palazzo Grassi or Punta della Dogana (the lattertwo are owned by luxury goods magnate Francois Pinault) is a fine way to spend a chilly autumn afternoon. And for those looking to hone their Italian cookingskills,The Gritti Palace's Epicurean School , complete with a shopping trip to the Rialto market, is a favourite with locals and visitare, so book early.

GETTING THERE: Travel from London to Venice (or vice versa) on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express Cwww.belmond.com), a iegendary two-day journey that allows passengers to step back in time, travelling through five countries with a possible connection in Paris.

spherelife.com | autumn 2014 21