The Lisbon light is truly magical. For centuries, it has attracted artists and poets who have tried to capture its enchanting beauty. Perhaps it’s the long hours of sunshine or the clean air from the sweeping winds, or maybe it’s just a fortunate coincidence. Whatever the reason, the light in Lisbon frames the city in […]
Alluring Anantara Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
A well-thumbed, Wall and Piece, the 2005 autobiographical art exhibit book by anonymous English graffiti artist, Banksy rests subtly on a walnut wooden table. A giant among the other works on display, notably a solid bronze statue flanked by a wrought iron partition, wall art made from wine bottles and a gigantic sculpture of a […]
Zannier Hotels, Phum Baitang, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Chamroeun and Sok love nothing more than lounging under straw parasols, taking the weight off weary feet while sleepily paying very little attention to the world as it slowly passes by. A cool drink interjects the snoozing, that, and meandering to other parts of the resort at various times of the day. They work hard. […]
Avani + Hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos
Moonshine. A word with two meanings. Often felt to be clandestine and bewitching, the reflection of the sun’s rays in the darkness of night, pouring a hazy, translucent coating of brilliance over the earth. Or, a distilled white whiskey that was once, and probably still is, made illegally in the dead of night. With a […]
Alluring Anantara, Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam
Excitingly, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS, the brands first electric vehicle, has switched gears from concept to test. Throughout 2022, the ultra-luxury electric prototype was being moulded into a car that you are driven in, not one that you drive. With 24-inch wheels, extravagant styling, a deluxe cabin layered with faux fur carpeting, a flower vase and […]
Revolutionary, The Reverie, Saigon
Liberace never designed hotels. Perhaps he should have. His glitzy costumes, giant candelabra and extravagant showmanship made him almost as famous as his piano playing. His ferocious style could easily have created the marvel that is The Reverie Saigon. Although the design curtseys to Italian craftsmanship, the gilded gold features, deliciously deep colour palette and […]
Astonishing Anantara Hoi An Resort, Vietnam
The soothing melodic grunt is hard to place at first. The bass tones tickle your senses. It feels like it is being piped from every angle, rolling over the lush blades of grass, tumbling along the cobbled pathways, bubbling through the pond laced with waterlilies and lily pads. This isn’t a well-placed soundtrack by the […]
Striking Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
The first indication that you are not alone comes via the gentle shaking of branches, followed by a flurry of falling leaves and a flash of brilliant white. Muted chattering halts, hearts beat wildly, sweat floods from foreheads. Could we have just spotted the illusive Langur monkey? Another flash of white and suddenly a tail […]
Sweet Shangri-La, Paris
With its black and gold stripes, translucent wings and furry body, there is no mistaking the bee. Its hum can strike fear into the hearts of many, provoking a disproportionate fight or flight response often resulting in flailing limbs and a racing heart. I am sure that’s not it’s intention. Unlike the intentions of Napoleon […]
Remarkable Hotel de Russie, Rome
Cats. They divide opinion the world over. Are they lucky or not? In Japanese culture cats are said to bring wealth and good fortune. In England it is considered good luck to present a bride with a black cat on her wedding day. Mind you in Wales, if a young woman steps on a cat’s […]