Lifestyle and Adventure
Q&A With Patina’s General Manager Anthony Gill
In this exclusive Q&A with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what sets Patina Maldives apart in the competitive Maldivian hospitality scene, its dedication to sustainability, and the personalised experiences that make it a standout destination.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands offers an extraordinary blend of modern luxury, innovative design, and sustainability. The resort is renowned for its sophisticated architecture, eco-conscious approach, and its commitment to creating a unique and unforgettable experience for each guest. From wellness retreats to curated adventures, we’ll uncover what makes Patina Maldives a true sanctuary in the Maldives.
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Portella Palma: A Mediterranean Haven of Elegance and...
17th October 2024
Offering a serene escape for discerning travellers who seek both elegance and tranquility, Portella is a peaceful oasis, offering a home away from home experience.
The Best Destinations For Winter Sun
17th October 2024
Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, vibrant cultures, or indulgent luxury, the perfect winter sun getaway awaits you. From the idyllic shores of the Mediterranean to the exotic landscapes of Southeast Asia, we’ve curated a list of the best hotels that promise a blissful retreat from the cold.
Women Who Launch: Jen Fuller from Etta Loves
17th October 2024
For Jen Fuller, founder of the award-winning baby sensory company Etta Loves, that little spark of inspiration came from her daughter, Etta. Back in 2016, Jen was working in the corporate world, forging ahead with a career in marketing. It was whilst 6-week-old Etta was feeding that Jen noticed her daughter had become spellbound by the black and white pattern of the jumper she was wearing. “[I realised] there was nothing that combined baby essentials and sensory support, nor was there anything that employed the science of sight into the design of baby items,” she explains. “I’d seen first-hand with my daughter Etta how valuable visual stimulation could be to support both her development and help make moments across my day as a new mum that bit easier. So I took a leap and invented sensory muslins and launched the business 6 months later.”
Zulal Wellness Resort —The Pinnacle Of Health and Family
15th October 2024
This retreat doesn’t just cater to adults looking for relaxation and rejuvenation but also embraces family wellness, an increasingly sought-after concept in high-end travel. When it comes to family vacations, finding a destination that caters to both wellness and family- friendly experiences is no easy feat. The balance between relaxation, luxury, and family bonding can be tricky. Enter Zulal Wellness Resort, nestled on the serene northern tip of Qatar. This was not only our first experience in Qatar but also a unique journey where wellness and family bonding merged seamlessly. Our family was immediately drawn to Zulal Wellness Resort’s approach—focused on offering holistic, personalised wellness experiences while ensuring that every member of the family is catered to. From the moment we arrived, it became clear that this was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to reconnect as a family in an environment designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Featuring Christmas Markets In The UK That You Have To Visit This...
9th October 2024
As the temperature drops and the festive spirit fills the air, winter markets across the UK come alive with twinkling lights, artisanal goods, and the warm aroma of seasonal treats. These charming markets offer a delightful escape from the cold, inviting visitors to explore handcrafted gifts, indulge in festive food and drink, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. All of our choices have a few things in common, great food and drink and stunning locations. Because really, why go to one of the many Christmas markets if the food isn't sensational and the scenery not instagrammable?
Top Travel Destinations for the Seasoned Adventurer
16th October 2023
In a world that seems increasingly explored, where can the modern adventurer turn to seek the thrill of discovery and the allure of the unknown? While iconic destinations like the Faroe Islands and Patagonia still beckon with their undeniable charm, we invite you to journey off the beaten path. From the uncharted terrains of Bhutan's Snowman Trek to the mystical beauty of Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha, prepare to embark on extraordinary journeys that redefine the very essence of adventure.
The World's Most Luxurious Railway Journeys
13th October 2023
In a world of fast-paced travel and instant connections, there's something inherently romantic and nostalgic about embarking on a luxury railway journey. These incredible train adventures offer not only a mode of transportation but an immersive travel experience like no other. From opulent carriages to breathtaking landscapes, let's explore the world's most luxurious railway journeys that seamlessly blend opulence with adventure.
Review of Relax at Minos Beach
25th October 2022
Beach holidays can be very undifferentiated. It could easily be filled with endless sun-bed reading and tick-box buffet food. Minos Beach Art Hotel in Crete offers a unique, inspiring experience on the other hand. Culture plays an important role in this 5-star resort. The hotel opened in 1963 but you will struggle to find any remote hint of the 60s anywhere on its grounds. The hotel is constantly renovating and if anything, the resemblance is more towards Tate Modern galleries rather than a retro Greek resort. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels and you feel it's most deserving the moment you step into the lobby. There's Giorgos Gyparakis' 1-sec art installation by the reception wall with intricate waveforms highlighting the increasing digitalisation of society.
Review of Luxury Hotel Stays in Barcelona: Hotel Arts Barcelona
13th October 2022
Tipping is always tricky. Discretionary is hard too. No one wants to tip too much or too little. What do you leave for the charming waitress at a two-star Michelin restaurant, or the devoted bodyguard that helps keep pigeons from stealing your food? Harry is the hotel’s hawk-in-residence. Working as a security guard, he is (of course) employed by one of the most luxurious hotels in the world to guard its guests against the local pigeon community. His job (albeit an extremely important one) is to protect you, and your food, from the locals stealing the blinis off your plate, dipping their beaks into your quince jam, pecking at your Iberian loin, mobbing your matured manchego and making off with your croissant, raisin roll or other bollería pastries. Breakfast is also served inside at the safer although a little vertiginous Club Lounge forty floors above. Exclusive access is reserved to high fliers, enjoying the good life in the $2000-a-night penthouse suites and superior deluxe rooms with a, “tailored menu of exclusive benefits”. On the rooftop is a spa with a sauna/steam room boasting arguably one of the best views in the world.
Featuring Our Luxury Lifestyle Expert reviews Hilton Lake Como
10th October 2022
Lake Como has always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to visit. For centuries it’s been famed for its dramatic setting, fairy-tale villages and international high-profile visitors, with many movies, including ‘Casino Royale’, ‘Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones’, and ‘A Month by the Lake’ filmed there. Therefore, when I was given the opportunity to enjoy the city for a few days, I jumped at the chance, inviting a close friend to share the experience.
Wellness Destinations for the Elite Traveller’s Radar
7th October 2022
No matter your personal style of self-care or level of yogic knowledge, there’s a wellness destination to suit you. Explore further to see which unexpected but life-changing wellness destinations make the Sybarite edit.
Featuring Grand Hotel Kronenhof: Winter Luxury Staycation
6th October 2022
Except you are not in Budapest, but in the scenic, tranquil alpine escape that is Pontresina. Think neighbouring St Moritz but without the Prada shop pretensions. This is a mountain village lined with iconic Belle Epoque hotels and authentic Engadine stone houses with ornate facades. This grande dame of Engadine hotels is the heart and soul of the village and has been welcoming guests since 1848. The personalised service means they've been getting repeat guests for decades; some came as children and then returned with their children. They've had an extensive renovation in 2021 with the award-winning French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The reception, lobby lounge, bar and reading room have all been rejuvenated to tranquil shades of blue that reflect the Engadine sky during various times of the day. You have to applaud their attention to every minutia as even the coffee table books are in hues of blue. The focal point here isn't the regal chandelier or the antique furniture, it's the lush majestic mountains of the Engadine Alps that take centre stage through the almost floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The Sybarite speaks to SHA Wellness's VP Alejandro Bataller
28th October 2020
The inspiration behind SHA Wellness Clinic came when my father, Founder of SHA - Alfredo Bataller Parietti, was dealing with his own critical health issues. He was lucky enough to see a doctor who had a great understanding of nutrition and natural therapies, who enabled him to regain his health. Since then, the need and commitment to share it with as many people as possible arose, creating an establishment that combined the most effective and proven natural therapies with highly therapeutic nutrition, without neglecting the latest advances in Western medicine, especially with respect to preventive medicine, genetics, and anti-aging.
Featuring Sha Wellness health and safety precautions
14th October 2020
However, pioneers such as SHA Wellness, have made it their ultimate promise, that they will look after your wellness coming in and coming out of their unique location in Alicante, Spain. With their new Immune System Boost program, restoring your wellness for the long term is at the core of what SHA Wellness does. By using the knowledge and experience of their medical team, they apply the most exacting standards and offer the highest medical hygiene guaranteed to keep both guests and teams healthy and safe while at the facilities. While keeping to these precautions, the SHA Wellness team ensures that the SHA experience is in no way compromised. SHA Wellness have introduced their series of 10 important measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. These include a medical check up on arrival, the use of the newly built SHA App, extensive disinfection and constant check ups for the staff. Guests will have a private airport transfer and luggage will be disinfected upon arrival.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
17th October 2019
Penshurst Place is the current and ancestral home of the Sidney family; King Edward VI granted the 2,500-acre Penshurst Estate to Sir William Sidney in 1552 and Sidneys have lived there ever since. The manor house is fascinating to explore. The medieval Baron’s Hall, built in 1341, has a 60ft high chestnut-beamed roof and has been used for many royal feasts. At one point Penshurst Place was owned by Henry VIII, who used it as a hunting lodge. The house has since been used as a film location for productions such as Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Secret Garden. Apparently, sound recordists from the Harry Potter film series recorded floor creaks from the Long Gallery to use in the productions. The Elizabethan formal walled gardens are delightful and surprising. They cover 11 acres and contain a patchwork of trimmed yew hedges which create a variety of separate garden rooms. One section is an orchard, another contains flower beds in the form of the union flag, another has a kind of stage (ideal for impromptu performances by children) and so on. The earliest records for the Grade I listed gardens date from 1346.
Featuring The ultimate indoor outdoor living luxury
18th October 2016
Mud, musty tents, cold weather, cooking on rusty gas stoves, sweaty sleeping bags...needless to say, camping has never held much appeal here at The Sybarite. Until that is, we became acquainted with the Autonomous Tent - a stunning semi-permanent structure designed by fabulous architects such as Patricia DiMario and Harry Gesner (whose famous Cooper Wave House design inspired the Sydney Opera House). The exquisitely-designed yet sustainable solar powered tent (although to call it a tent is akin to calling champagne a fizzy drink - a major understatement) can be enjoyed anywhere, all year round without detriment to our planet's ecosystems. The tent comes in two sizes: $100,000 for the smaller, 700-square-foot Cocoon version and $200,000 for the 1,000-square-foot, two bedroom Tipi. The latter is more able to withstand heavy winds and snow, owing to it being constructed from either sturdy steel/aluminium tubes or laminated beams that are made out of hi-tech, rot, and mildew-resistant fabrics.
Featuring Reserve a luxurious dinner at Royal Albert Hall’s Coda...
27th October 2015
This time, the theme is ‘Amaluna’, ‘an island ruled by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon’. The plot: ‘Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honours femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next. ‘In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.’
Cars in the making: An exclusive experience for Lotus...
19th October 2015
It is offered subject to availability, due to unsurprisingly high demand. The experience, known as ‘Handmade in Hethel’, is self-explanatory, as Lotus cars are handmade in Hethel. Lotus customers will have the opportunity to witness Lotus sports cars in the making at the company’s Hethel headquarters, which is also where they will excitedly receive their brand new vehicle straight from the factory. Customers may choose from two Delivery Experience options.
Featuring Create your own Swiss timepiece
15th October 2015
But what if you had all the quality components in front of you, a Swiss watchmaker beside you to guide you in creating your own genuine Swiss timepiece? Not only will you have made it yourself, but the learning experience will certainly enhance your knowledge in watchmaking technique, beauty and tradition.
Featuring A different kind of escape in the Loire Valley
14th October 2015
An estate spanning 1400 acres takes you back in time to a place of complete serenity, nature and purity – even pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of Les Bordes. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the estate is made up of the 20th-century Château Bel Air featuring eight suites, a restaurant in a glass orangery and a cigar, whisky and wine bar. In addition to a cosy clubhouse, there is a spa and wellness centre under the canopy of trees, accompanied by swimming pools, tennis courts and a gym. Need more convincing? How about lighting up a fine cigar while sipping on some rare whisky complemented by a delectable meal in the Club du Baron? According to Les Bordes, ‘It’s the feeling of homecoming as you sink into an armchair beside grand, leaping fires. The way the outside world fades away – and all that matters are the people around your table.’ But if you would rather take refuge in a good book or a play a game, the clubhouse has a library and games room.
Featuring Luxuriously design your private jet
14th October 2015
Time to add those spectacular touches to make it feel like your very own, of course. The Sybarite recommends award-winning luxury interior studio AirJet Designs, based in Toulouse, France, with commercial presence across Miami, Hong Kong and Sao Paolo. The studio provides tailor-made design solutions or à la carte services to reflect their clients’ tastes. From design proposals, layout definition and 3D mock-up generation to completion and follow-up, just about every request can be catered to. Of course, safety comes first, which means every component must pass certain safety standards approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. AirJet Designs’ aesthetic approach leans toward the avant-garde. Its founder, Jean-Pierre Alfano, is also its Creative Director. The studio specializes in ‘corporate jet, VIP and Head of State aircraft interior design’. The company has won two prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Awards for its ‘Dolce Vita’ interior design concept, which incorporates neo-baroque elements and is a tribute to Jean-Pierre Alfano’s Italian and French background.
Featuring Experience the Trans-Siberian Railroad on this 15-day...
12th October 2015
The adventure lasts 15 days, departing from Beijing and Moscow, with expected stops including Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude and Ulaanbaatar, among others. The experience will be very unique, as guests will be able to travel the normally closed original route of the Trans-Siberian Railroad and be accommodated in one of Tsar Gold’s five cabin categories, ranging from four berth cabins to luxury cabins with en suite facilities. The views are, without question, spectacular. One example is the frontier between Mongolia and Russia, which also happens to be an immigration stop-point with a twist: Passengers can literally present their passports while in their sleepwear, as immigration officials board the train.
Featuring Experience spectacular views of planet Earth by Bloon
6th October 2015
It’s a near-space flight that takes you to the edge of the atmosphere, now bookable at a price tag of €110,000 and lifting off as early as 2016 (or 2017 at the latest). The journey takes approximately four hours, commencing with a countdown to vertical lift-off lasting about 10 minutes, as the bloon begins its ascent from the Earth’s surface to an altitude of 36km. At this point the bloon cruises at a constant altitude, providing spectacular views of the planet. Finally, there is the venting phase, which enables the bloon to descend onto its predefined landing area for sail separation. So, why use a balloon for this exciting flight experience? According to the company, there are three reasons: ‘Safety, experience and environmental impact. The oldest type of flying machine known, the balloon, is inherently safer than other forms of high-altitude flight. By using a pod with a balloon we create a softer and more pleasant journey.
Featuring Rio: The city with art and Jazz at heart
6th October 2015
Today, its international profile is rising with the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics games, and it’s not just sports fans who have their eye on this vibrant city. Art exhibitions put on here are among the world's most-attended, while both Rio and Sao Paolo have art fairs and talent strong enough to rival any emerging cultural hotspot. Last year, Brazillian artist Beatriz Milhazes' set a new record for Brazilian art, selling a piece for $2.1 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. A host of new international galleries single the city out as the must-see destination for any global art connoisseur: Emmanuel Hervé (Paris), Société (Berlin) and Thomas Brambilla (Milan,) are some who have made Rio their next home. A perfect time to experience this vibrant city can begin with ArtRio, Rio’s first contemporary international art fair launched in 2010. Every September, a week is packed with stimulating events and private dinners; those looking for a truly exclusive experience may want to brush shoulders with the most exciting creative minds and the glitterati of the city at the black-tie gala ball held at MAR, one of the city’s leading contemporary art museums.