A Look Into the Islands Made By Man

The world we live in is more unique than ever before, and this unprecedented level of individuality is emphasized by man’s ability to create anything and everything. One example of this extraordinary artistry is the Ocean Reef Islands, located of the coast of Panama City, Panama. The Ocean Reef Islands are a pair of man-made, artificial, real estate islands designed by real estate developer Grupo Los Pueblos. Grupo Los Pueblos has a thirty-year history focusing on innovation in architecture; their involvement in the construction of these islands ensures the highest degrees of excellence and luxury. The islands have a land area of 46 acres and are connected to Panama City by a 500 foot long bridge.

These anomalous islands have been under construction since 2009. The first island, which has already been completed, had astounding success in home sales. It’s One Of A Kind residences, Waterfront Residences, and Lot 65 are all completely full. The Garden Apartments, however, are only at 85% capacity; these apartments start at $1.3 million. Residents here have access to a swimming pool, a mini-golf course, and a rooftop infinity pool. The island’s close adjacency to the Panama Canal also highlights gorgeous views of ocean liners and sailing yachts as well as the connection of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The second island is still in construction, although it will feature 65 ocean front properties, starting at $3.7 million. These properties range anywhere from 9,000 to 13,000 square feet. Ocean front properties, condos, and penthouses (which range from $1 million to $2 million) are accented by 360 degree views of the ocean as well as the city skyline. The real estate developer is promising that you would be able to move in to all properties on both islands by 2019.

Living on these islands is not for the faint of heart, the amenities on the island certainly have a “go big or go home” attitude, so residents should be prepared to live and spend lavishly. The islands feature tennis courts, a private yacht club, full-service spas, and complete gym facilities- these are available to all residents of the islands. More information on the services and amenities offered by the islands, as well as residential opportunities, can be found on their website: Ocean Reef Islands.

Man’s ability to create islands from scratch opens up numerous possibilities for the future. These islands are designed to be the perfect place to live and are absolutely an incredible engineering feat. The Ocean Reef Islands were designed with only the best in mind, and, when they open for residency in 2019, the world is sure to appreciate this great level of innovation.

Gstaad, Switzerland – A Lavish Wonderland

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Nestled comfortably in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps is a lavish wonderland characterized by its soaring mountains and its village of luxury.

Gstaad, Switzerland has a population of 9,200 and rests at 1,050 meters (3,445 ft) in elevation. While it may seem quirky and comfortable at first, Gstaad is most notably characterized as the winter playground to high society and the international jet set. The village is nestled between two of the richest cities in the world, Zurich and Geneva, so it is no question why the visitors are only the best of the best. Some of Gstaad’s most renowned residents have included Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, and Sir Roger Moore. Other famous visitors include Madonna, Princess Diana, Elton John, and Paul McCartney.

During the Middle Ages, Gstaad was primarily characterized by agriculture and cattle farming. Around 1402, the St. Nicholas Chapel was built here, although the murals are from the later part of the 15th century. Devastatingly, in 1898, a large portion of Gstaad was destroyed in a great fire. The people of Gstaad, however, took this devastation in a positive light, deciding to rebuild their village with the growing tourism industry in mind.

Following the construction of the Montreux-Oberland Bernois railroad in 1905, Gstaad opened its first ski club, the Ski Club of Saanen. Gstaad was no longer isolated from the rest of Switzerland. Gstaad thrived under the constant tourist attention. It’s first ski lifts were opened between the late 1930s and early 1940s. Gondolas and chair lifts followed these openings, and in 1942, an airlift was constructed for use by both civilians and the military population.

Gstaad now has more than 137 miles of ski slopes, as well as many miles of hiking and walking trails- with varying ranges of difficulty. For those not as interested in hiking or skiing, the downtown section of the village is overflowing with designer label stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Cartier. A few smaller boutiques also offer selections of Burberry, Dior, and Marc Jacobs.

Gstaad is also known for a few of its regular events held by its residents, such as the “New Year Festival of Gstaad”, which is held by Princess Caroline Murat, also known as Caroline Haffner, the musical performer. There is a biking event held in the winter snow, the “Snow Bike Festival”. There are also a few classical music series, such as the “Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad” and the “Menuhin Festival Gstaad”. The residents also take part in the tennis tournaments, the “Swiss Open Gstaad” and the “Ladies Championship Gstaad”. Gstaad hosts over a thousand cultural and/or sporting events every year for its residents and visitors. Of course, if a visitor is coming to experience the prestigious ambiance of Gstaad, the places they can choose from to stay at are nothing short of extraordinary.

Gstaad’s restaurant of choice is as distinguished as one would expect from such a village of affluence. Founded in 1957, the ultra exclusive, private members only, Eagle Ski Club is the restaurant of choice for royal visitors and international jetsetters, boasting a three-year, invitation-only, waiting list and a £25,000 (approximately $34,600) bill just to gain access to the restaurant. The Eagle Ski Club is supposedly the main source of flirting and social endeavors throughout Gstaad, since the village is not known for its nightlife or excessive debauchery as its rich counterparts may be (the Hamptons, St Barts, St Moritz, etc).

The Gstaad Palace opened in 1913 as the village’s first luxury hotel, boasting over two hundred beds. Today, it is one of the only family owned and operated hotels in Switzerland, and its accommodations are superb. Apart from live music, afternoon tea, late-night champagne, and its high dining at Le Restaurant, Le Grill Rôtisserie, and Italian Gildo’s Ristorante, the hotel also has a rich history. During World War II, the Swiss government stashed a large portion of the country’s gold reserves in the two-story bunker beneath the hotel. The Gstaad Palace is open, on average, from December to March, and June to September every year. In 2013, the hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Another excellent place to stay in Gstaad is the Alpina Gstaad, which, in their own words has “single-handedly defined luxury and Alpine chic”. The hotel claims to be buried in Swiss and Alpine authenticity, and is highly regarded in the travel world, granted awards by Tripadvisor, Travel + Leisure and Tatler Travel Guide 2017. The Alpina Gstaad offers character as well as prestige, boasting numerous private and luxurious suites, as well as a “living art room” in which the residents can add their own voice and art to the walls with provided art supplies and canvases.

While the Gstaad region has more than 40 hotels, the alternative option for booking a place to stay in Gstaad is the exceptionally extraordinary ski chalet rentals. In 2015, Gstaad was awarded the Holiday Home Award for its chalet and apartment rentals, perfect for families, couples, singles, and groups. Potential visitors can research the region’s dozens of chalet rentals through the tourism website, Gstaad, as well as using Airbnb if that method is preferable.

Gstaad is nothing short of a luxurious, lavish, winter wonderland. While it is a prime destination for high society and the international jet set, it is also an Alpine marvel hidden from the masses.

Top Luxury Ski Destinations for this Winter

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You are probably wondering where to go to spend a unique and pampering weekend/vacation in order to enjoy and release all the stress that has accumulated from this overwhelming world of responsibilities and boring routine work. If you are not sure of where to go and you are also a risk-taking person, skiing is your best choice! But the question would be “Where to ski?” Leave this job to me, as I introduce you to the best ski destinations where you can fully immerse yourself in this interesting seasonal sport that works on elevating your self-esteem to a higher level in addition to triggering a super active metabolism. With an incredible amount of skiing destinations to choose from, these top three resorts in particular are the best ski havens that boast the most adventuresome experience possible while also giving guests an adrenaline-rush like never before on the slopes.

1. Courchevel, France:

Existing in the “bourgeois” country of France, Courchevel embodies attractive ski spots for tourism where ultimate, luxurious chalets are found. The destination is rich and diverse in terms of restaurants and high-ranking hotels. It is literally a place for the wealthy to gather, spending delightful time with their children who are able to discover and improve their ski skills through proper guidance provided upon request. Courchevel offers a ski experience that is completely safe for beginners in specific zones (half of the area is easy runs), which means that there’s no need to worry or fear this unique chance of learning. However, the advancement of the ski level elevates for experienced skiers where they put their skills into examination.

This ski resort offers the widest ski area worldwide, enhanced with lifts which makes the journey all the more exciting. Courchevel is divided into areas that were recently united, however their names were based on their length and Courchevel 1850 is known for being the biggest as well as the heart of the huge paradise “Les Trois Vallées”.  To start planning your holiday visit the following link and have a look on its breath-taking ski chalets and prices:  scottdunn.com

2. Mzaar Ski Resort, Lebanon:

Lebanon is a multi-seasonal land, so Mzaar Kfardebian ski resort can only be visited on winter seasons (December to March). It’s a source of pride for Lebanon, with it being the largest ski area in all of the Middle East. Essentially, the area is formed of hills which is what makes skiing easier for beginners by giving them room to test their abilities and re-build familiarity with the slopes after a long time off the snow. However, the highest peak “Mzaar” is for professional skiers to challenge and bring out their true skiing prowess.

What makes this resort special is that it’s not only for the incredibly wealthy, it’s also there to serve everyone from any class, where prices are more economical in contrast to other destinations. Mzaar offers extremely comfortable hotels and chalets for those with low budgets. Furthermore, there are many other activities than typical skiing to enjoy. Visitors have the opportunity to practice ski-doo, night skiing, and snow boarding, in addition to witnessing live ski shows. As soon as the resort opens, winter sports enthusiasts and people who want to enjoy the fresh snow start racing to book their spots, thereby forming unbearable traffic. For more information visit the following link:  skimzaar.com

3. Gstaad, Switzerland:

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It is no wonder why Paris Hilton described Gstaad as”an oasis of calm”. The charming alpine village is truly a piece of heaven, perfectly dropped in the Swiss Alps. Gstaad is well regarded as being one of the finest ski destinations as well as one of the most prestigious in Europe. Consisting of 9 ski areas, it will take you at-least 7 days with the help of a vehicle to cover all of Gstaad’s ski area and seize the time to tour around for shopping and après ski in the village.

The destination offers an old world village atmosphere that embraces deluxe 5-star hotels and restaurants, which suit a wide variety of budgets. So, if you are planning to spend a fancy night, then Greengo Nightclub at the 5 star Palace Hotel would be the perfect choice. There are tremendous amounts of other things to do in this splendid resort such as bowling, cinema, watching live musical performances and cabaret fun.  The town’s elevation raises beyond 3,000 metres, however it’s well equipped with snow making facilities if needed, otherwise skiing is guaranteed throughout the season. Skiing in Gstaad favors all levels especially intermediate level where eight ski schools with over 200 ski teachers are there to help.

Floating Venice: an Authentic Venetian Experience Brought to the Middle East

Dubai, famous for it’s luxurious infrastructure from large miraculous parks and roads to the world’s highest buildings, added to it’s grandeur a unique vessel resort that represents a floating miniature version of Venice. In September of 2017, Kleindienst Group launched their “Floating Venice” project worth 680 million US dollars at Cityscape Global. The inspiration behind this so-called “boat” was generated by the success of “The Floating Seahorse” that was the first underwater experience and received a large number of visitors.

Floating Venice will start construction in 2018 and luckily will be finalized by 2020, serving the interests of people for over 100 years and will push the underwater experience to a higher level. 3,000 people can visit the resort daily, consisting of 4 decks, in which one is undersea. The decks consist of 414 cabins, 180 of which are underwater.

As guests arrive to the main Piazza San Marco by boat, seaplane or helicopter, the underwater lobby will greet them warmly and introduce them to the most exceptional journey they may ever experience. In order to reach their targeted cabins, guests will have to pass through canals by gondolas brought from Venice.

An integral element of life that is added to this resort, which makes it more desirable to visit, is it’s numerous water features. People do not perceive water as only an elixir for life, but also as a source of luxury. So instead of a typical visit to the sea or any resort, Floating Venice embraces our relationship with water, offering spas, cabins and restaurants located underwater that will pamper guests by its charming seascapes, giving them immense choices concerning activities. The world’s first floating spa and gym are constructed underwater in the Arsenale Piazza. In addition, nightlife and dinning can be enjoyed in any restaurant chosen from a collection of 12, in which 3 are underwater giving breath-taking panoramas. One could pleasurably also stare at the passing gondolas above.

Chairman, Josef Kleindienst sees this correlation between Kleindienst group’s vision and Dubai’s progression as interconnected, where both seek the pioneering position for innovation. Being optimistic and proud, Kleindienst has a strong level of optimism to “enhance the landscape of real estate and hospitality and deliver a new iconic experience.”

Floating Venice is a piece of art that combines different cultures, hosting many traditional festivals such as Carnivale di Venezia, Binnale di Venezia and Festa del Rendentore. In addition, there are several shops that embody the Venetian style which thus adds to the taste a concentrated Venetian portion.

Using technology, Dubai was able to create its own Venice. Not only Venice, but even Dubai is working on other replicas of famous wonders from around the world such as the Eiffel Tower and the Egyptian Pyramids, all under a project dubbed ‘Falcon City of Wonders’. This brings forth the curiosity of discovering Dubai’s future projects, and also raises the question whether Dubai will become a pure fake replica of other wonders with no natural home treasures?

For more information visit: www.TheFloatingVenice.com

Park Hyatt Opens Their First Hotel in The Caribbean

Expanding their reach to the Caribbean, Park Hyatt has built it’s first ever hotel in the southeastern coast of St. Kitts.  The new hotel is located on a stretch of Banana Bay, which has been known as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches due to its livid-golden sands and sparkling-clear waters.  Featuring 126 rooms, the St. Kitts Park Hyatt introduces a decor design that abandons conventional Caribbean-motifs for a rather minimalistic impression inspired by the picturesque surroundings.

The hotel’s minimalistic feel is further demonstrated by its setting of sturdy palm trees and glistening turquoise waters.  Because of how the hotel stretches to form a circular-shaped outline, it puts an even greater emphasis on the view of the sea as well as the nearby summit of Mount Nevis, thereby creating a very tranquil yet exhilarating atmosphere for hotel guests.  In addition, Kittitian artwork discreetly encompasses each room, giving all guests a little taste of the island’s local colors.

This new Park Hyatt fully embraces the St. Kitts lifestyle as evidenced by the hotel’s two restaurants, which both offer menus inspired by the indigenous ingredients and flavors unique to the island.  Presenting calm white interiors along turquoise accents, The Great House boasts a very serene ambiance that includes an excellent afternoon tea service together with an all-day dining experience and its own all-day rum bar.  As for the other restaurant, Fisherman’s Village, it offers a rustic vibe with slatted walls and an interior design that garnered inspiration from traditional fishing huts, serving an assortment of classic seafood fare.

The hotel also features a multitude of outdoor and indoor amenities like family and adult swimming pools, a yoga & meditation open pavilion, full beach access, and the Miraval Life in Balance Spa.  The spa in particular is quite expansive as it offers a wide-range of unique and innovative treatments from hot lava rock massages to Vasudhara therapeutics.

For more information visit:  StKitts.Park.Hyatt.com

Bvlgari Opens new Resort and Hotel in Iconic Dubai

Bvlgari has recently opened a new resort and hotel located at the scenic Daria Island in Dubai, which is just off the coast of the Jumeirah residence strip, a popular hotspot.

This new Bvlgari Resort & Residence accommodates a total of 101 hotel rooms and suites with each their own expansive balcony, as well as 20 one-to-three bedroom hotel villas.  The Bvlgari Villa, which is the only villa that spans 540 sqm, features an enormous living area, a sunken bath tub and a private verdant garden that harbors a large outdoor swimming pool.

Both the interior as well as the exterior of every hotel room reflects the same sense of style that Bvlgari is known for.  Whether it be the color, quality, or impression the rooms give off, each room perfectly mirrors the true essence of the Italian Jeweler and luxury goods brand.  With a European design, Bvlgari’s Dubai Resort & Residence not only features Italian styled furniture, but also elegant furnishings such as marble bathtubs and exquisitely sculptured door handles.

The hotel boasts inclusive amenities such as the 1,700 sqm BVLGARI Spa, an ultramodern 24-hour fitness centre with Workshop Gymnasium fitness studio, Italian barbershop, beauty salon, 8 treatment rooms, and a 25 m indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows that offers guest a panoramic full sea view, albeit giving them an ‘on the beach’ sort of feeling.  Not in the mood for staying indoors?  Well how about taking a stroll down to the resort’s secret lemon-tree garden, La Limonaia.

Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts’ Michelin starred Italian chef, Niko Romito, curated a variety of dishes exclusive to their hotels to satiate the palate of its guests with the taste of classical Italian cuisine.  Their Dubai location includes several fine dining establishments such as Il Bar, Il Café,  Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, La Spiaggia, and the Yacht Club Restaurant.  In particular, Il Bar is a highly recommended choice to try out for not only its social ambiance, but also because it offers countless savory, signature drinks and a broad view of the Arabian Gulf from their outdoor terrace.

The resort’s 360 sqm BVLGARI Ballroom that is located in the Yacht Club and boasts breathtaking sea views can also be used to host private parties, corporate gatherings, weddings, and other celebratory events.  Furthermore, hotel guests are given access to shop for gifts like the Bvlgari Le Gemme perfume collection as well as other products by renowned, international designers at the resort’s BVLGARI Il Cioccolato boutique.

For more information visit:  BvlgariHotels.com/en_US/Dubai

The Phenomenal Soho House Istanbul

Founded by Nick Jones in 1995, Soho House is best known as a private club of members who are mainly professionals from the creative industries. Their 13th club, Soho House Istanbul, has continued to provide many extended, privileged services in the glamorous 19th-century building ‘Palazzo Corpi’ of Beyoglu in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey.

“Palazzo Corpi Building”

The hotel has eighty-seven rooms varying in sizes. Standout accommodations include the 282 m2 sized “The Apartment” and “The Playroom” with double-high ceiling, aim providing ‘house comfort’ by Cowshed products, super king-size beds covered by Egyptian cotton, rain-forest showers and fireplaces.

“The Apartment”

“The Playroom”

Soho House Istanbul offers various options for organizations; ranging from wedding ceremonies to private parties. “Big Room” or “the rooftop” of the Glass Building is a magnificent choice for events catering to over 200 guests. Big Room extends its offers with live music performances. Open-air cinema is a good escape point in advancing warm summer evenings in the rooftop with the ravishing Bosphorus view.

“Big Room”

“The Rooftop”

The cinema theater and Cowshed Active Gym is available for the use of the club members. Of course, the hotel guests can enjoy the gym as well. The nostalgic atmosphere here is designed in order to serve as both inspiration and motivation.

Soho House Istanbul has two restaurants, The Allis and Cecconi’s, serving various specials that are oriented to taste the harmony of the city, the culture and the style. The menus are arranged in order to achieve the ‘feeling of home comfort’; a policy that Soho House is well known for. It is possible to organize private parties or events in The Allis and Cecconi’s for up to 140 guests. Cecconi’s is a famous Italian restaurant in Istanbul, both for club members and non-member guests.

“We are trying to remain loyal to Italian kitchen. That’s why we order the ingredients from Italy but, of course, we consider the advantage of fresh vegetables and fruits of Turkey and seasonal delicious fish meats. The sauces, the cookery garnishes and the cooking techniques are all adapted to Italian traditions with the presence of Head Chief Alessio Biangini” said Asli Ergun, Marketing & Communications Manager of Soho House Istanbul.

There is the Cowshed SPA located in the Glass Building for pleasing self-care and beauty needs in high comfort standards. The Cowshed SPA offers an exclusive arousing with 5 therapy rooms, 2 Turkish baths, Neville Barbershop for men, various massages, and 4 manicure rooms.

It is available for both club members and non-member guests. In the sense of birthday parties or bachelor parties, delightful moments can be designed by the organizers’ preferences with massages, champagne, and sweets in the Cowshed SPA.

Soho House Istanbul is located in Palazzo Corpi, which was constructed in 1830 by a Genoese merchant.  For many years the building even housed the U.S. Consulate.  All of this plays host to an architectural jewel that reflects Istanbul’s culture and history.  Today, Soho House Istanbul is becoming the quintessential inspiration for its creative club members who enjoy pristine comfort in the city which bridges Eastern culture with Western.

For more information visit:  SohoHouseIstanbul.com

A Guide to Krakow Art Galleries

With a rich cultural history and a budding abundance of contemporary art, Poland is rife with diverse artistic venues sure to please any visitor. The ideals of cultural diversity, innovation, inclusivity, and preservation are especially embodied in the plurality of museums, galleries and even Krakow’s street art.  

The cultural experience in this historic city is akin to an artistic feast, filling travelers to the brim. Art lovers seeking ancient, international, contemporary, or any other art genre can take part in the cornucopia which Krakow has to offer. We prepared for you a guide to the artistic, both traditional and progressive, side of this medieval city.

Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Art

National Museum in Krakow

The National Museum in Krakow is both the oldest and largest national museum in the country. It includes ten branches and about 900,000 exhibits in its collection, spanning across 12 buildings.

Recently, in a move particularly noteworthy to admirers of Renaissance art, the museum subsumed the Princes Czartoryski Museum, including such works as da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”. The National Museum also hosts a multitude of other ancient, medieval, and early modern works in its permanent and temporary exhibits.

Global Art

Manggha Center of Japanese Art and Technology

Functioning as both a museum and cultural center, the Manggha Center of Japanese Art and Technology seeks to promote an interdisciplinary approach to art.

Although it focuses on the visual arts, the museum’s scope also includes theater, philosophy, film, literature, and many other aspects of Japanese culture. From ukiyo-e woodblock prints to robotic workshops for children, one can expect an eclectic experience with depth and diversity sure to enrich any visitor. The center’s interactive emphasis makes it a popular site even for those new to Japanese art.

International Culture Center (MCK)

The International Culture Center seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and broadly protect cultural heritage, predominantly that of Central Europe.

Currently, the center is exhibiting the works of Croatian sculptor and architect, Ivan Meštrović. His works have been integral for communicating Croatian cultural diversity to Europe and the United States, embodying the values of the MCK.

In the center, visitors can expect an intimate and powerful global perspective.

Contemporary

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK)

Though only active since 2010, MOCAK has emerged as a stronghold of contemporary art. Emphasizing post-war avant-garde and conceptual art, the museum seeks to educate visitors on the cultural and ethical value of contemporary works.

Featuring such artists as Marina Abramovic, Ai WeiWei, Reza Aramesh and Polish art personalities: Jonasz Stern, Leon Tarasewicz and Pawel Althamer, MOCAK hosts a range of exhibits confronting a wide range of topics such as gender, intercultural communication between Israel and Poland, and the role of art in society.

Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s cafe and bookshop between visiting exhibits and interactive art pieces.

Bunkier Sztuki

Located right at the edge of Krakow’s Old Town the Bunker of Arts is known as Krakow’s bastion of contemporary works. The collection includes video media, photography, and interactive exhibits.

The museum also holds the international art project “Trauma & Revival,” a years-long project which expresses both Eastern and Western European post-war artistic experiences. Also featured are the works of Ines Doujak, Rupali Patil, and Justyna Medrala, among others.

Polish Cultural Heritage

The Palace of Arts

Seating the oldest Fine Arts Society in Central Europe within its Art Nouveau walls, Palace of Arts began with the intention of promoting Polish artists. Since its inauguration in 1901, the Palace of Arts has come to also house temporary exhibits of contemporary art from both Polish and international artists and one of the most vibrant Krakow’s museums.

The Palace of Arts is currently exhibiting the paintings of Juliusz Joniak, as well as a collection of photography from General Wladyslaw Klimczak, who played a prominent role in the independence of Poland.

Poster Gallery

The Poster Gallery in Krakow is a space for visitors to encounter some of Poland’s rich tradition in poster art. It is home to thousands of posters for film, music, literature, and more; further, it hosts exhibitions, organizes theme poster competitions, and produces a catalogue.

This is the perfect site for graphic art lovers looking to see rare and fascinating designs. Additionally, any visitor is sure to find a previously-unknown poster for their favorite film, book, and/or album.

Le Grand Spa in Gstaad is simply Spectacular

High within Switzerland’s ancient Alps, is Le Grand Spa located within the prestigious resort-town of Gstaad.  Le Grand Spa is set inside of the palatial 57 room Le Grand Bellevue hotel, which was founded in 1912, making the property one of the oldest resorts in the town.  The Hotel & Spa’s mission has never ceased to offer the finest experiences for complete wellness in body, mind and soul.

With the recent add on of several new areas, Le Grand Spa is now in excess of 2,800 square meters (30,000 square feet), making this spa one of the very largest & most opulent in the world.  Some of the recent add ons to the spa include two new relaxation areas as well as a private alpine suite, where couples are able to enjoy a private Rasul chamber, among other more common offerings.  Le Grand Spa gives guests the option to custom build rejuvenation programs to suit their own specific desires; whether that be de-stressing rituals, hot & cold therapy pools or yoga classes, their team will ensure that you leave this alpine retreat perfectly rejuvenated.

The entire motif of the spa is that of an updated swiss chalet, light colors and wood accents make for a spectacularly calming environment.  Highlight treatments include a Himalayan salt grotto, turkish steam bath, ice grotto, and Finnish & infrared saunas.  Overall the property offers a total of over ten treatment rooms for nearly 20 different wellness experiences.  Regardless of which treatments you select during your time at Le Grand Spa, we are sure that your time in this Alpine Spa will leave you refreshed & renewed.  And even if you decide to spend some time outside of the spa, you will be instantly captivated by the quaint town of Gstaad and the shopping, dining, wildlife, hiking and or skiing, which the locale has come to be known and loved for.

Southeast Asian Escape: The Magnificent Sisindu T Villa in South Sri Lanka

Offered among Red Savannah’s properties is the stunning “Sisindu T” villa in Sri Lanka.  Located on a promontory hill near the city of Galle, Sri Lanka sits a new six bedroom villa named Sisindu T, the villa offers a relaxing and tranquil environment which proves to be a perfect retreat for a large group or family.  The villa offers all of the creature comforts of a large resort within the privacy of your own villa, whether an infinity pool with a view, spa or your very own chef, Sisindu T provides.  Special care was taken by the British owners who have an eye for design in the selection of furnishings in the villa to ensure a seamless blend of style to match the locale’s natural elements.  High vaulted ceilings provide an airy feel in the villa’s rooms, and a Master bedroom that features an indoor/outdoor bathroom.

The villa is situated 800 feet above sea level on an 8 acre tea, cinnamon, pepper and fruit plantation named Pokkuluwa Kanda, and showcases brilliant views of both the jungle and the Laccadive sea.  Accommodation at the residence offers five inherently unique bedroom suites, as well as a “Jungle Room” which can be converted into an additional bedroom with two beds with en suite shower and a massage room.

The well proportioned villa was designed by one of Sri Lanka’s finest architects, and offers close proximity to many stunning sites, which include the town of Galle that was settled by Europeans in the 16th century.  Other highlights of the area include tranquil beaches and the Sri Lankan jungles that are lush with abundant wildlife including both exotic birds and monkeys.

Weekly rates start from $12,600 USD, for more information please visit:  www.redsavannah.com