food and drink Archives

A hip hotel with a vegan vibe just opened in Istanbul

July 8, 2022 No Comments

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district.

The beautifully designed 82-room property is housed in an elegant building in the heart of Nisantasi and joins the established collection of luxurious and culturally connected properties.

the new hotel meets The Stay Hotels’ standards of excellence for sustainability, as part of Turkey’s first carbon-neutral independent hotel group. Recently awarded carbon-neutral status by the internationally recognised sustainability specialist Bureau Veritas, the brand plans to be zero waste by the end of 2022. The new hotel has vegan leather headboards graced with European Down and Feather Association-certified pillows, recycled room key cards and menus brimming with local producing including vegan and vegetarian dishes accompanied by Turkish wines.

A hip hideaway

In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi will offer guests a unique blend of heritage, arts, culture, and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites guests will struggle to leave, from view-giving terraces to walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large family groups – and for all-out indulgence, The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace just made for sipping sundowners as the sun sinks down over Istanbul.

After a day among the historical sights, buzzy bazaars and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor opening in the autumn for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam. If the gym is their thing, guests can work out in the sleek fitness suite or book a personal trainer. Wellness experiences including indulgent couples’ massages in a dedicated treatment room will relax and renew our guests ready for their next adventure in Istanbul. Plants and foliage will be in abundance to add to the relaxing feel, including a zen garden within our hotel fed by a customized drip irrigation system.

Eat and drink

For now, the ground-floor Saint Pâtissier patisserie will offer guests French fancies, freshly baked bread, and Turkish treats. From the autumn, foodies will flock to the entertaining Italian rooftop restaurant, Marcello E Matteo, to dine on the signature focaccia di recco al formaggio or sip well-crafted cocktails as the chefs break into an operetta. Proud to promote local and international artists, The Stay Hotels will reveal a curated art collection hung in rooms and public spaces, including an AI video-mapping installation by the world-renowned duo OUCHHH. The icing on the cake for lovers of culture, will be a bookshop while fresh flowers will be on sale at Misk flower shop.

Fashion forward

The Nisantasi location puts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan, within easy reach, as well as the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan cafe, restaurant, and gallery scene. True to The Stay Hotels’ sustainability pledge, they recently launched an eco-friendly fashion label, The Stay Line, which guests can buy at the hotel’s dedicated retail space, the Stay Line Corner. In addition, staff will wear uniforms designed by Turkish designer Begüm Yunusoğlu, who also has her own haute couture collection.

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is the group’s fourth Istanbul property. It sits alongside The Stay Nisantasi, which is also set in the heart of the Fashion Quarter, The Stay Bosphorus, a revamped 19th-century waterside mansion, and Bebek Hotel by The Stay Collection, a glamorous and storied hotel by the Bosphorus. The collection also includes The Stay Warehouse, a cool former industrial space close to the coast in Alacati.

An all-female team of chefs and artisans are bringing their talent to this luxury Mexico hotel

April 11, 2022 No Comments

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, the redefined, adults only all-inclusive hotel located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, has announced the women-powered line-up for its fourth annual gastronomy series, Superbia Summer.

From July 11 to Aug. 21, the hotel’s multi-sensory experience will feature an all women roster of chefs, mixologists, and local artisans all coming together to showcase their talent from different regions of Mexico. Each week will feature one chef, one mixologist, and one artisan implementing their unique twist to transform the hotel’s experiences.

Additionally, this year’s event will also include a variety of pool activations, live entertainment and more. Superbia Summer invites guests to indulge in paradise and embark on a journey through the senses alongside the following talent:

July 11-17: Chef Marcela Bolaño, Mixologist Rocio Frias, Artisan Carina Barbachano
July 18-24: Chef Regina Escalante, Mixologist Mafer Tejeda, Artisan Cristina Arnedo
July 25-31: Chef Lupita Vidal, Mixologist (not confirmed), Artisan Juana Gomez
August 1-7: Chef Marta Zapata, Mixologist Fatima Leon, Artisan Claudia Ponce De Leon
August 8-14: Chef Adria Montano, Mixologist Claudia Cabrera, Artisan Paloma Santa Cruz
August 15-21: Chef Celia Florian, Mixologist Majo Cruz, Artisan Gaston Gallardo

“Women have always been at the forefront of UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya’s identity. From ideation to execution, the hotel would not be what it is today without the powerful women-led team behind it. This year, on the heels of its fifth anniversary, we wanted to pay homage to our roots and bring in a number of exceptional women across the food, beverage and arts industries to showcase their talents,” said Irma Yeo, Director of Sales at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. “Incorporating a memorable multi-sensory event into a culturally immersive, all-inclusive experience while highlighting outstanding women demonstrates our commitment to offering our guests a curated, one-of-a-kind vacation.”

UNICO 20°87º Hotel Riviera Maya redefines the all-inclusive vacation experience and offers an unfiltered view of modern Mexico. From the concept, to the rustic-meets-modern design, and even the cultural art displayed around the property, UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is completely ideated by women.

Born out of a desire to create an unparalleled journey within the region while encompassing relaxed luxury and cultural immersion, UNICO 20°87° celebrates five years as the new standard for the sophisticated travellers looking for an all-inclusive vacation. Located south of Playa del Carmen in Mexico, this exceptional, adults only, all-inclusive hotel features 448 lavishly appointed guest rooms boasting predominantly ocean-views with semi-private swim-up pools on all ground floor rooms and outdoor double-hydro spa tubs on all remaining rooms, an in-room mini bar stocked by guest preferences, three expansive pools, a state-of-the-art wellness gym, a full-service spa, five globally-infused gourmet restaurants, six bars and lounges, and two swim-up bars.

Switzerland Dreaming

July 7, 2021 No Comments

Insider tips from local experts

It only took one glance out across the heated infinity pool overlooking Lake Lucerne to understand why this spot lives up to its reputation as a highly Instagrammable location. Here, the water blends into the sky, giving way to a captivating bird’s eye view of the entire scenic region below.

In its glory days the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren frequented this mountain-side locale. Today, it’s been reborn as Bürgenstock Resort, a destination in and of itself, home to multiple high-end resorts, mouthwatering restaurants, and the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, an indoor and outdoor retreat featuring one-of-a-kind mountain and lake views.

More than $500 million and nine years in the making, Bürgenstock is just one example of how to soak up a memorable time in Switzerland. For anyone dreaming of visiting the European nation soon, here are some inspiring ideas, all chosen by locals.

RAISE A TOAST FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Like the name suggests, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe – offers sweeping views of the Swiss Alps from high above — 3,454 metres above sea level to be precise. But the highest train station in Europe, which is connected by rail to the scenic villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengenis, is also home to some ice-cold experiences. In the middle of the glacier, there’s an Ice Bar to discover, where everything, even the bar, is made of ice.

“The Ice Bar is an exclusive experience in the Swiss glacier on Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe,” says Dario Gross, Sales Manager for Jungfrau Railways. “Be sure to taste some Swiss single malt whiskey, which is stored in the glaciers!”

Insider tip: If you’re short on time, it’s now possible to reach the Top of Europe in 15 minutes — 47 minutes faster than before — on the new Eiger Express tricable aerial cableway.

TRAVERSE AN ENTIRE COUNTRY BY FOOT

Switzerland borders Liechtenstein, one of the smallest countries in the world.the world at a mere 25 kilometres in length. Matthias Kramer, Head of Tourism & Economy, Liechtenstein Marketing, suggests those looking for a bucket-list–worthy adventure consider “crossing a whole country by foot.” Packages are available along the Liechtenstein Trail to arrange luggage transfers, overnight stays, and meals along the route.

“The unique Principality of Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world. It is easily accessible from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria and lies about a two-hour drive from the Italian border,” he says. “It is easy to discover several experiences during your visit, since distances are close: looking at artwork by Picasso or Monet at the Museum of Fine Arts in the capitol, Vaduz, and then heading up to the mountain resort of Malbun in only 20 minutes by car, where hiking trails, and pristine Alpine nature are waiting and a chairlift brings you up to the panoramic restaurant of Sareis.”

Insider tip: Wine enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery, where travellers can walk through the vineyards and sample excellent wines.

TAKE YOUR GOLF GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Those who have their sights set on visiting the UNESCO-recognized Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region, known for being the most glaciated part of the European Alps, can also play a round of golf at Europe’s highest 9-hole golf course.

“Aletsch Arena is the home of the highest 9-hole golf course in Europe — 2,000 metres above sea level,” says Jasmine Noti, Product and Market Management, Aletsch Arena AG, home of the 14 miles-long Aletsch Glacier. “The idyllic golf course with its breathtaking panorama of the Valais peaks is a joy for beginners and experienced golfers alike.”

Insider tip: First-time visitors should embark on a guided glacier tour of the 23-km Aletsch Glacier. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can feel the effects global warming will have and how it will change our world as the guides also tell fascinating facts about glaciers, the ice ages, and the flora and fauna of the Aletsch Arena,” she says. “For me, it was like walking on the moon. Something magical.”

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JULIE ANDREWS

Acting legend Julie Andrews, who notably starred in The Sound of Music, once said: “Gstaad is the last paradise in a crazy world.”

This charming town has as many residents as it has cows — 7,000 — and is known for producing some top-quality cheese.

“It’s true, the number of people and cows are the same in the destination Gstaad,” muses Thomas Schetty, Head of Markets and Sales at Destination Gstaad. “And we have no traffic lights in the whole destination. Furthermore, we have only chalet-style architecture, because it’s a law since the 1960s that every construction has to be made in a very strict way and form. It feels like a fairy tale!”

Insider tip: One unique thing to do here is order a Fondue Backpack, which contains all the fixings to have a fondue in the wild, including crusty bread made fresh by local bakeries and a fondue pot to use on the go. Simply decide between a traditional thick fondue or a truffle fondue, and indulge wherever you desire. “It’s a unique and unforgettable experience out in the nature,” Schetty says. “You prepare your own fondue in summer or winter and enjoy the local sustainable products in incredible ambiance.”

Cheese, please!

Story by Ann Ruppenstein

The Riches of Rome

July 7, 2021 No Comments

When you think of Rome, art and history come to mind, sure, but the Eternal City is a hub of glamour, fashion, refinement, and sophistication, too. Rome offers even the most demanding travellers a rich panorama of high-quality lifestyle experiences, making a trip to the Italian capital truly unforgettable.

WHERE TO START

Start your trip at the top, Rome’s famous Terrazza del Pincio. Take in views of the city while strolling these magnificent gardens that retain much of their 16th-century appearance and character. Caffè Colbert deserves a stop among its ancient statues, coloured cushions, and wrought iron sofas. A little further on, Casina Valadier, the masterpiece designed by the neoclassical architect of the same name, houses a renowned restaurant.

CITY CENTRE

At the foot of the Spanish Steps – between Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina – is Rome’s luxury shopping destination. Here you will find a succession of elegant jewellers, ateliers, artisans, and boutiques, both Italian and international. Don’t miss Peppino Capuano jewellery or Atelier Maria Fiorello before taking a break at Caffè Greco, the second oldest Italian café and favourite meeting place of intellectuals and artists from the 18th century. Bespoke shoe brand Marini crafts each hand-made pair from personalized measurements. Find art galleries along Via Margutta before heading to Atelier Cristina Bomba with a knitwear collection designed in-house from a selection of noble natural yarns. Moving towards Via di Monserrato, you’ll find Maison Halaby, a fashion and accessories workshop, the Soledad Twombly atelier featuring mini kimono-style jackets and tunics of antique ikat, creative jewellery by Fabio Salini, and Chez Dede’s exclusive collections of accessories, fashion, and furnishings.

ANCIENT HISTORY

Rome abounds with ancient ruins around every corner, but along the Tiber River you’ll find two of the most important monuments celebrating the great Emperor Augustus. Under his rule, Rome was enriched with numerous new and splendid buildings that transformed the city into an imperial capital that can still be admired today. The Ara Pacis celebrates the Augustan peace with scenes carved into the marble depicting sacrifices of magistrates, priests, and vestal virgins. And the Mausoleum of Augustus, having just been brought back to life by an excellent restoration, bears witness to the Emperor’s desire to bind himself to the city and its people in perpetuity.

EXCLUSIVE DINING TERRACES

Set on seven hills, Rome is a city of panoramas, and you’ll find many of the most incredible vantage points at Rome’s famed hotels and their luxurious restaurants. Lunch and dinner options abound. Enjoy a dinner of seasonal Mediterranean cuisine at La Terrazza Restaurant at Hotel Eden. Or Hotel de la Ville welcomes guests throughout the day with a variety of delicious menus and one of the most spectacular views from their Cielo Terrace. Located on a quiet street in the epicenter of Rome, the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known monuments like the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici, and the Spanish Steps, but the pride of this hotel is Settimo, an elegant restaurant and bar and one of the highest rooftop restaurants in the city. For dinner, try La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the only three-star restaurant in the capital or the Michelin-starred Restaurant Imago, on the sixth floor of the Hotel Hassler, which guarantees impeccable service and views.

WHERE TO FINISH

No need to languish at the airport, instead, immerse yourself in the glossy world of famous Italian high fashion houses. The Tax Free Mall, located at International Boarding Area E of Fiumicino Airport, boasts more than 50 shops, from haute couture brands to exclusive perfumes to fine dining. For a personalized experience, let a personal shopper assist you, but be sure to book in advance.

DID SOMEONE SAY Aperitif?

Like so many southern Europeans, after a long day of work or shopping, Italians love to indulge in an aperitif before dinner. Here are a few favourites…

LUMEN COCKTAILS & CUISINE

is unmissable!

LUMEN COCKTAILS & CUISINE

When the St. Regis Rome Sabering ritual announces the arrival of the evening, this becomes the place to be for drinks and small snacks.

STRAVINSKIJ BAR

of the Hotel de Russie

STRAVINSKIJ BAR

is one of the most evocative meeting places in Rome for its unmistakable style and wonderful private garden located at the foot of the Terrazza del Pincio.

NH COLLECTION

NH COLLECTION ROMA PALAZZO CINQUECENTO

NH COLLECTION

offers regional cuisine surrounded by lush gardens that boast ancient ruins - a stretch of the Servian Walls dating back to the 6th century BC – or relax with a drink on the terrace while breathing in magical views of the city.