Tag Archives: luxury travel

The 1,700 sq.ft. Nayara Tent is Central America’s First Luxury Camp

As one of the first luxury camps in Central America inspired by the luxury canvas lodges of Africa and Asia, the Nayara Tented Camp lies in the Arenal Volcano National Park of Costa Rica. Spanning 1,700 square-feet these palatial tents are built at higher altitudes on the hillside to provide unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano.

The 1,700 sq.ft. Nayara Tent is Central America’s First Luxury Camp

Attracting multigenerational travellers and like-minded groups, the area currently accommodates up to 21 individual yet connectable tents, promising optimal privacy and adventure. Said to expand, the area will soon include 11 additional tents including additional two-storey alternatives capable of housing 10 guests at a time.

Balanced on stilts, the Nayara Tented Camp is accessible through an elevated private bridge-like walkway, connected to a steep, sloped sidewalk. Complete with an infinity-edged plunge pool with jets fed by natural hot springs, a private outdoor shower open to the sky and a standalone soaking tub within a bathroom area that’s nearly as large as the bedroom itself, the camp also features private terraces which loom over a lush rainforest thick with Kapok and Cecropia trees.

Blending contemporary, barefoot-luxe touches and an unique-to-location design, each suite is crafted in a traditional African safari style fused with a Costa Rican sense of place. Fully furnished with canopy beds adorned by botanical headboard murals, and oversized leather trunks which double up as an in-room minibar for complimentary beverages.

As intimate spas and a handful of treatment rooms line both the Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, the Nayara Tented Camp facilitates enhanced spiritual wellbeing and a thrill for adventure through a self-guided wellness circuit, a guided visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a lava field trekking excursion, and a series of six spring-fed pools, bordered by pathways of blossoms and cascading lily pads.

Imported directly from Africa and designed by Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, Ferrari, each tent incorporates Nicaragua’s iconic Italian and Guatemalan marble and wood flooring, with a variety of local Costa Rican cuisine available nearby. Thanks to the country’s supremely fertile soil, and the Nayara Tented Camp’s affiliation to the Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, guests are not only provided with the freshest ingredients, at all times of the year, but are awarded priority access to the area’s Spanish wine bars, Asian-Latin fusion restaurants, as well as, its South African-and Argentinean-inspired barbecue restaurant.

By Julia Roxan

Body, Mind And Spirit: A retreat at Thann Wellness Destination, Bangkok

An hour and 20-minute drive north from Bangkok to the tree-shaded rural district of Bang Sai leads you to a luxurious resort and wellness retreat spanning across 10 acres of lush landscape, which boasts architectural design with discreet influences from ancient Ayutthaya elements.

Situated in Thailand’s old capital, Ayutthaya, Thann Wellness Destination offers a complete wellness experience and artistic lifestyle for a healthy body, mind and spirit.

The resort has 46 spacious guest accommodations ranging from suites to pool villas set in a tranquil location on the banks of the Noi River, amid the lush rice fields.

A nod to the rich history of the district, the rooms carry discreet Ayutthaya influences in the form of artworks, statutes and motifs emblazoned on the walls. In addition, Thann botanical-based skincare and aromatherapy products can be found in all the rooms while the complimentary minibar is stocked with healthy drinks such as fruit juices and fruit-infused water, in glass bottles to promote sustainability.

As its name suggests, promoting healthy lives and well-being is the main focus at Thann Wellness Destination. The 1,500 sqm spa complex has 15 treatment rooms with two double aroma rooms, nine single aroma rooms, two double Thao massage rooms and two single Thai massage rooms, aromatherapy baths, an aromatherapy steam room, three all-purpose studios and a fitness centre.

Here, the treatments are performed by certified professionals and therapists with extensive knowledge on anatomy, aromatherapy and massage techniques. The three different temperature (25 ̊C, 30 ̊C and 39 ̊C) aromatherapy baths help stimulate lymphatic, soothe tired muscles and improve blood circulations. The wellness activities at the centre range from yoga sessions to aromatherapy workshops and Muay Thai classes.

Dining at Thann Wellness Destination is lavish and sophisticated. Guests can choose from the three dining concepts: a river restaurant, a modern-oriental café and a casual street food eatery – with each of them offering a different, nutritious menu with carefully curated natural flavours.

Many of the ingredients are sourced from local community markets as well as the resort’s residue-free farm and garden – especially the fruits, vegetables, river prawn and fishes, and free-range eggs and chicken.

Besides the distinctive menus, the ambience of each concept is equally idiosyncratic. Enjoy a multi-course meal that is meticulously prepared to deliver the best Thai culinary experience in an opulent setting at the Riverfront Restaurant, or mind-blowing international dishes where an Asian antique collection of tableware and cooking utensil is displayed at the Tea Room.

Or walk through the Thai Street Foods – a food hall that offers a vast array of Thai street foods and snacks such as pounded papaya, grilled meat skewers with sticky rice and Thai noodles, just to name a few.

With a minimum of two-night stay, Thann Wellness Destination promises a peaceful, restful and rejuvenating experience for burnt-out travellers yearning to get away from the madding crowd. “Here at Thann Wellness Destination, we want to create the most Zen experience and stress-free lifestyle for our visitors.

Guests do not have to worry about what to wear, eat or activities to enjoy at the resort because everything is well-prepared for them by the team,” said Tony Suppattranont, founder of Thann Wellness Destination.

Discover more and book a stay at www.thannwellness.com.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

H.O.M.E By Martell is set to open at Penang Rendezvous 2018

A coveted luxury experience loved by all connoisseurs, H.O.M.E by Martell 2018 is set to take place at Penang Rendezvous this July 2018.

Set to open its doors to their guests between 26th to 29th July 2018 at the Promenade of Straits Quay Marina, H.O.M.E by Martell wants to bring you on an intriguing voyage to explore Cognac and the heritage behind the Martel brand.

This year, H.O.M.E by Martell is picking off from where they left off last year with the same “Be Curious” theme surrounding the pop-up.

And this year will see a rewarding experience unlike any other as the pop-up will set against an emerald sea speckled with lavish sailboats and yachts.

An Exclusive Gastronomy Experience and Tasting Workshop by Martell

Aside to the pop-up space, which is open to our Penang Rendezvous guests, Martell will also host two special paid sessions: the Martell ‘Be Curious’ cocktail mentoring workshop and a special gastronomic experience.

As a treat to your taste buds, the Martell “Be Curious” dinner will have locally acclaimed Chef Nathalie from Nathalie Gourmet Studio serve up French cuisine to savour with Martell cognac, which will only be held on the first three days of the event (26th to 28th July 2018), 7 pm to 11 pm.

Both the cocktail mentoring session and the dinner are available to early birds packages. For others who just wish to discover the trove of delights within H.O.M.E by Martell can enjoy free admission where you will be entitled to two Martell cocktails for the price of one.

You can also now score your own invitation to this luxurious experience via email at [email protected].

More information on the paid sessions at the Facebook Event Page.

Interview: John Tan, World of Rewards Founder

In anticipation of the coming Penang Rendezvous, happening from 26 to 29 July 2018, we caught up with its partners, John Tan, the founder of World of Rewards, John Tan to talk about his business and what he is bringing to the table for the coming event.

For those unfamiliar, World of Rewards is an innovative and progressive organization specializing in B2B and B2C rewards programs.

This year, they are bringing their networks and expertise to Straits Quay Retail Marina in Penang, Malaysia for the luxury exclusive event. From concepts of luxury travel to some of his favourite travel destinations, find out more about John Tan in the interview below:

You are the founder of World of Rewards, tell us about how this concept came to life?

Having been in the travel industry for many years, I have observed the significant changes and growth driven by technology and diversity, especially over the last decade. It is an environment where avid travellers and vacation goers are spoilt with choices and constantly looking out for value-added benefits.

The concept of World of Rewards is to combine the benefits of travel and carefully selected gifts and rewards through the use of technology and delivery of excellent services to our partners and clientele.

How bespoke can you design a trip? Can your clients ask for any destination they want?

Through strategic partnerships with over 200,000 established resorts and hotels as well as international cruise lines and ground operators, we are able to custom design a trip for our clients in over 80 countries.

Tell us what are the top 3 favourite holiday destinations amongst your clientele in Malaysia?

While the trend for favourite destinations may vary over the years for our Malaysian clientele, the most consistent top 3 would be Oceania, Far East and the Mediterranean.

What is your personal favourite country when looking at a week-long escape?

My personal favourites would be Thailand and Switzerland. But I would always enjoy a local week-long escape back to Penang island and the east coast of Malaysia.

You are originally from Penang, and you will be exhibiting at the Penang RendezVous 2018. What will you be presenting at this upscale event staged July 26 to 29 at Straits Quay marina?

It always feels good to be back ‘home’ and I am indeed very excited about the Penang Rendezvous 2018. We take pride in being able to participate and will be presenting a wide range of niche products with our program partners. Luxury yacht charters, international cruises and exotic water chalets just to name a few.

Penang has changed tremendously over the past 15 years. What are your views on the development of the island over the next 10 years?

I am very much looking forward to a sustainable and responsible development for my beloved island in the years to come. Penang Island has always been a place where development, technology and nature can coexist harmoniously and I hope it remains that way.

Your view on the concept of luxury travel: more privacy, more bespoke experiences or simply being able to head to faraway and untouched lands?

My view on the concept of luxury travel is the freedom and ability to travel wherever you want to, whether alone or with your loved ones. There is a rising trend of being as far away as possible from society and to be disconnected. But it’s the experience and journey that counts for me.

You can now RSVP for your tickets to Penang Rendezvous at [email protected].

For more information, click visit penangrendezvous.com.

Find out more about World of Rewards here.

Discover Lucerne, the city of art, nature and music

Named the “gateway to Central Switzerland”, Lucerne is lake city within the mecca of fine Swiss watchmaking Switzerland and Swiss chocolates.

And it is known for its many natural wonders, medieval architecture and unique love for art and music, a prominent city in Switzerland quite unlike any other.

So, we’ve decided to fly across the region to take a look what makes Lucerne the city to be when travelling to Europe.

The Natural Wonders of Lucerne

It goes without saying that Switzerland is the place to be for snow-capped mountains and Lucerne is the city that marks the starting point of the Swiss Alps with a long list of amazing snow-capped wonders.

And a must on our the list is Mount Titlis that peaks at 3,020 metres above sea level in the quaint alpine town of Engelberg, it is the perfect place for extreme sports enthusiasts as it even offers mountain biking and devil biking in the summer months.

For winter months and skiing aside, you can opt for to walk deep inside the glacier caves in Titlis, which is a wondrous nature’s spectacle. Maybe take a ride on its Ice Flyer to see the winter wonderland on bird’s eye view or be adventurous and sign up for the Titlis cliff walk!

And Mount Titlis also has the Titlis Rotair, which is the world’s first revolving cable car that you can use to ascend to the winter wonderland.

The Lucerne Old Town

Within Lucerne itself, the place you need to spend at least a day or two in, is the Old Town area, where the most historical landmarks of the city lie, alongside various retail shops and dining spots.

In Lucerne’s Old Town, one of the things to feast your eyes on are the various wall paintings on the architecture scattered in the area, where some even date back to the 17th-century.

And contrasting these medieval murals are the many international and local retailers that found home within the structures and, of course, souvenir shops where you can pick up some gifts for friends and family.

While in the area, remember to take a short hike up the hills to the Zyt CLock Tower, one of the three towers left on a stretch of medieval wall. Here, you can even go inside the tower to marvel at the inner clockwork mechanism!

The Iconic Architectures of Lucerne

When in Lucerne, there are a few important monuments and architectures you absolutely need to see and the first is definitely the Kapellbrücke (or the Chapel Bridge), which is a wooden footbridge that dates back to the 14th century.

A bridge that connects the Old Town and the New Town neighbourhoods, the Kapellbrücke is also an important historical landmark that houses over 150 17th century paintings that depict the history and culture of Lucerne.

And right next to the bridge in the New Town side is the Jesuit Church, an iconic architecture that features a 17th-century Baroque interior that will blow your mind away with its arched ceilings, murals and decor.

Last but certainly not least is the Lion Monument, a legendary landmark that is famed across the globe that is sculpted to commemorate the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution.

Lucerne, The Swiss City of Music

And wrapping up our guide to Lucerne, let’s look at the love for music in this city. If Basel is the city known for its watch-making conventions, then Lucerne is definitely the hub of music in Switzerland, all thanks to the Lucerne Festival, a month-long celebration of all things music.

Comparable to Salzburg in Germany, Lucerne Festival highlights some of the best orchestras, conductors and soloists from around the world including the Vienna Philharmonic and they are all held inside the contemporary landmark of the city, Culture and Convention Center Lucerne (KKL).

Classic music aside, the Lucerne festival also celebrates contemporary and modern music with its many featured events during the festival. A must if you’re in the city in August.

Mercedes-Maybach S650 now has a matching luggage collection

Officially showcased in the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S650 has been on every car-lovers lips and now there’s more to hype about the coming release in 2019.

Now Mercedes has launched a luxury travel collection to let you have a piece of the Maybach S650 wherever you go.

Featuring a travel bag set, garment carrier, shoe bag, key ring and matching key wallet, the Mercedes Maybach S650 travel collection comes in several colour combinations: satin red, titanium grey, deep blue, and silk-beige.

And this collection also features a sleek pair of aviators to complete that luxe travel look, which you can get your hands on in the coming June 2018.

The collection will be available at Maybach – Icons of Luxury boutiques in Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Abu Dhabi as well as online at www.maybach-luxury.com.

7 Incredible Yacht Charters That Cruise Asia Pacific Waters

With sailing activities in Indonesia, Langkawi and Myanmar ramping up in recent years, more yacht owners are discovering the joys of exploring this part of the world, say industry experts. Yacht Style looks nine of Asia-Pacific’s top charter vessels and their itineraries.

Silver Fast

Australian-built Silver Fast enters the charter market for the first time this year. Her metallic silver livery and sleek profile stamp her as one of the most striking superyachts on the water today.

A shallow draft and average cruising speed of 25 kts endow her with unique advantages for exploring the atolls of the Maldives and the islands of the Andaman Sea. Epitomising stylish contemporary luxury, Silver Fast provides an expansive owner’s apartment on a private deck and her array of amenities include a comprehensive water toy chest and a beach club with full spa amenities.

LOA: 77m (253 ft) • Guests: 12 guests in 8 cabins • Crew: 19
Build: SilverYachts, Australia
Cruising areas: Indian Ocean and South East
Charter rate: From US$650,000 per week

Joy

Joy presents a rare opportunity to charter a brand new Feadship in the glorious waters of the Maldives or the Andaman Sea. Studio Indigo’s interior design exudes elegance, richness and individuality, executed with over 250 different finishes, textures and materials.

The uninterrupted flow between interior and exterior areas offers tremendous appeal for indoor-outdoor living. The sea level beach club transforms into a party zone and the sun deck features a large jacuzzi with bar, barbecue and sun loungers.

Full massage and beauty treatments are offered by the trained on board therapist and a spa area is located on the lower deck. The very impressive and professionally equipped gym displays a striking skylight feature into the jacuzzi above.

LOA: 70m (230 ft) • Guests: 12 guests in 8 cabins • Crew: 17
Build: Feadship, Royal Van Lent, The Netherlands
Cruising areas: Indian Ocean and South East Asia
Charter rate: From US$700,000 per week

Titania

This impressive yacht has returned to the Indian Ocean and South East Asia for her second winter season and is available for charters in the Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.

With a fabulous range of leisure options on offer, guests can indulge in a massage and treatments from the on board therapist, cool off in the huge pool with swim-up bar and work out with the fitness instructor in the fully equipped glass-panelled gym on the sun deck.

Titania also has a wonderful beach club with sauna, bar and easy access to the extensive water park and array of water toys. Unusually, the yacht offers two large master suites of comparable size.

LOA: 73m (239.6ft) • Guests: 12 guests in 7 cabins • Crew: 20
Build: Lürssen-Werft, Germany, 2006 (refit 2012)
Cruising areas: Indian Ocean and South East Asia
Charter rate: From US$420,000 per week

Saluzi

The unique Saluzi is a vast eye catching display of colour that slices through the water with an imposing presence. With an extensive array of facilities on board, Saluzi lends herself well to cruising in remoter regions.

Expect a sumptuous spa with on board masseuse, two deck jacuzzis, an open air cinema and well-equipped gym. For exploration, Saluzi masterfully cruises into small coves and anchorages thanks to her shallow draft.

Licensed to charter legally in the floating garden islands of Palau (a top rated dive destination) and Indonesia, this is a special opportunity to discover some of the world’s most untouched cruising grounds.

LOA: 69m (227 ft) • Guests: 32 guests in 16 cabins • Crew: 32
Build: Austal, Australia, 2003 (refit 2014)
Cruising areas: Palau and Indonesia
Charter rate: From US$480,000 per week

Meamina

With her bold and sophisticated interior by Studio Massari, Meamina exemplifies Italian style and elegance, accommodating 12 guests in six luxurious cabins.

The split-level master suite includes a lounge and relaxation area, with steps up to a forward-facing semi-circular study offering spectacular views and direct access to a private foredeck area.

For relaxation, the large sun deck comes complete with jacuzzi, sunpads and loungers, while the comprehensive inventory of water toys will keep all the family entertained. Wellbeing services include an on board massage therapist and a personal trainer for workouts in the gym.

Meamina is available for charters in the Maldives and Seychelles this winter.

LOA: 59.3m (195 ft)
Guests: 12 guests in 6 cabins
Crew: 15
Build: Benetti, Italy
Cruising area: Indian Ocean and South East Asia
Charter rate: From US$371,000 per week

Northern Sun

Based year round in Phuket, the midnight blue hull of very popular Northern Sun is instantly recognisable as she cuts through her home waters of Thailand. A distinctly Asian influence in her interior décor instils an aura of calm, providing expansive comfort for parties of 12.

An entertainment saloon with games table and piano as well as an arsenal of water toys are popular with guests of all ages. The yacht is available for charter throughout the Andaman Sea and is licensed to legally charter in Myanmar.

LOA: 50.9m (167ft) • Guests: 12 guests in 6 cabins • Crew: 12
Build: Narasaki Shipyard, Japan, 1976 (refit 2007)
Cruising areas: South East Asia and Indian Ocean
Charter rate: From US$133,000 per week

Hemisphere

The largest luxury sailing catamaran in the world, Hemisphere is close to completing a multi-year circumnavigation, and is the perfect platform for off-the-beaten-track cruising.

She boasts a sophisticated interior designed by Michael Leach, vast deck spaces for al fresco dining and relaxation, and offers exceptional facilities for diving and fishing.

Full scuba gear for 12 guests including Nitrox air is provided and the yacht is a certified PADI dive training centre with two dive masters as crew members, enabling guests to attain PADI certification while on board.

Hemisphere is accompanied by a 16m (54ft) sports fisher tender which is ideal for game fishing, diving and guest excursions. The yacht is starting the year in Thailand before moving onto the Maldives.

LOA: 44.2m (145ft)
Guests: 10/12 guests in 5 cabins • Crew: 10
Build: Pendennis Shipyard, England, 2011
Cruising areas: Thailand and Maldives
Charter rate: From US$260,000 per week

And a helpful tip for getting the most out of your luxury charter from Burgess Yachts:

Chartering big boats in Asia has gradually taken off, and in 2017 Burgess is Central Agent for a record collection of seven diverse vessels available in the Indian Ocean, South East Asia and Pacific. On offer is the opportunity to explore the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Indonesian archipelago and as far as Palau in the North Pacific.

Says a spokeswoman for Burgess Asia, which now has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo: “Charterers looking for a taste of the exotic on their next superyacht holiday can expect Robinson Crusoe beaches, ancient temples, soaring karsts, golden pagodas, high-end exclusive resorts and a wonderful underwater world”.

Such charters are not for everyone, as the going rate runs to US$700,000 a week for Joy and US$650,000 for Silver Fast, but even in this stable there are some relative bargains, for example the world’s largest luxury sailing cat Hemisphere at only US$260,000 a week, and the more traditional but eminently comfortable and popular Northern Sun at a mere US$133,000 a week.

If this is still a bit steep – remember a few like-minded couples or families can share costs – we offer a wide spectrum of other suggestions later on, including Sunsail and The Moorings bareboat charters.

Charter enquiries: Burgess, London • Tel: +44 20 7766 4300 – Email: [email protected] • Web: www.burgessyachts.com

From: Yacht Style #38.

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Zagreb, Croatia Named Lonely Planet’s Best Destination in Europe for 2017

Travel experts at Lonely Planet have named Zagreb, Croatia the top destination in Europe for 2017, in a list that aims to highlight emerging, up-and-coming hotspots that are poised to become “the next traveller find.” While Croatia has become wildly popular as a travel destination in recent years, most visitors are headed to the country’s coastline in search of beaches and island getaways.

But Zagreb is also worthy of a stopover, editors say, with its Austro-Hungarian coffee squares, cafes, street art, Neo-Gothic architecture and an urban regeneration that has created a cosmopolitan and edgy capital. A new airport terminal is also expected to make air travel cheaper and easier to the city.

“Zagreb tops our list because it ticks all of these boxes,” said LP’s editorial director Tom Hall. “Croatia is one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now but many people head straight to the coast, meaning they miss out on visiting a city that has a dynamic cultural offering, a thriving food and drink scene.” After Zagreb, the travel guide spotlights Gotland, Sweden’s largest island and home to the medieval walled town of Visby, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Other notable destinations include Moldova, for its cliff-perched monasteries and wine cellars; Le Havre, France for celebrating its 500th anniversary this year; and Pafos, Cyprus, this year’s European Capital of Culture.

Here are the top 10 destinations in Europe for 2017, according to Lonely Planet:

1. Zagreb, Croatia
2. Gotland, Sweden
3. Galicia, Spain
4. Northern Montenegro
5. Leeds, UK
6. Alentejo, Portugal
7. Northern Germany
8. Moldova
9. Pafos, Cyprus
10. Le Havre, France

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