More than a country, a sultanate

More than a country, a sultanate

by | Dec 17, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 What am I?

My first is overflowing with ancient forts
My second has perfumes of incense
My third possesses a fabulous desert of dunes
My fourth welcomed Sinbad the Sailor and the Queen of Sheba
My whole is a Gulf State. Perhaps the most beautiful and the most authentic.…

I am the Sultanate of Oman!

Discover it by walking around Muscat. You will fall for the look of the capital at first sight. There are no skyscrapers, but instead you will find white houses, gardens, a souk, a sumptuous opera house, a fish market and a port where several old teak dhows still sail.

The bling of Dubai is nowhere to be seen; instead, you find the scents of Africa and India blended together, mountains surrounded by sand and water, cool wadis, craggy djebels and sand dunes that marry ochre and gold. Oman, which has long languished in its neighbours’ shadows, has undergone extraordinary development thanks to its oil reserves and the will of its sultan, but has never given in to the siren song of unfettered modernity.

The proof lies in the Musandam peninsula with its jagged fjords, Malala the country’s second city and point of departure for exploring the ruins of Al-Badid, Nizwa and its 17th century fort, the Batina coast and Sohar, Sinbad’s home port. And you can’t forget the red desert of Wahiba where Bedouins still live amongst the dunes.

Oman with its rich history worthy of a tale in the One Thousand and One Nights is today one of the most beautiful destinations. Here you will discover the stuff that dreams are made of.

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Addresses:

– THE CHEDI / Mascate – 

A European minimalist touch mixed with authentic local architecture. A place imbued with a zen Arab atmosphere that takes you through arches and past sparkling pools. Spacious rooms in absolute quiet and an ideal location offering views of the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean and the rugged terrain of Muscat.

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– SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY / Musandam –

Located at the heart of a breath-taking site that is majestic yet simple, where the red mountains are only separated from the turquoise sea by narrow white beaches.
Taking subtle inspiration from indigenous villages but assuming a resolutely modern style, the stone houses are arranged in tiers with wooded terraces covered with woven branches, private Prussian blue-tiled swimming pools, solid walls covered in light plaster, dark rustic furniture, oil lamps and copper bath tubs.
Bury your feet in the sand or plant them on the nearest hills, the choice is yours! Arrive by boat, or why not paraglide in?

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– ALILA JABAL AKHDAR/ Al Hajar –

A veritable oasis in spectacular landscape, the Alila Jabal Akhdar is perched in Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but that is part of its charm. At sundown, the surrounding mountains are set ablaze and the atmosphere becomes truly surreal.
LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) and constructed using local materials, this Alila simply breathes serenity, greenery and style. Its suites are spacious, kitted out with furniture made of sculpted wood, juniper partition walls hand painted by local artists and stone balconies looking out onto the horizon.
Not forgetting the sublime infinity swimming pool and its rather romantic stone huts.And, to take you to the heights of bliss, enjoy the sophisticated tagines served by lantern light.

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– LUXURY PRIVATE CAMP/  In the location of your choice… 

Just imagine…
A unique, exclusive experience in surroundings that will take your breath away.
A traditional luxurious private tented camp at the heart of the landscape of your choice:a desert of ochre dunes, a white sandy beach looking out onto the Indian Ocean or the foothills of a mountain.
A cosy tent, fine and comfortable bedding, an en-suite bathroom and exquisite interior design in the Arab style.
Candles, oil lamps and a large conical tent create the ambiance of One Thousand and One Nights.
A chef creating gourmet meals made using local specialities.
You can take part in daytime activities to explore the surroundings or make the most of free time in this special place – the choice is yours.
It is ideal for one or more romantic nights for two or for a great family experience.Away from everything, and just for you!

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Israel, a spiritual journey

Israel, a spiritual journey

by | Nov 12, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 Travelling shapes your youth, and fashions a certain spirituality!

In particular when Israel is your destination. This blessed land is a destination your traveller’s spirit will remember. Here you will come face to face with history and culture. Whatever your religion, Israel will stir your spirit..

The very first stage has to be Jerusalem.

The view of the city from the Mount of Olives is quite simply stunning. Looking over the rooftops, you are reminded that King David came here, barefoot with his head covered, crying after his son Absalom rebelled against him. A little lower down and it’s Jesus who comes to mind. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane with Peter, James and John.

Then there is the old town, its Wailing Wall, the Temple of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Way of the Cross. Between the ancient stones of the city, you feel overtaken by humility and contemplation. It certainly leaves an impression, in particular when the Tower of David is brought to life with sound and light.

But Jerusalem is not just a biblical site. The new town has a completely different atmosphere. It’s worth taking the time to visit its museums. Don’t miss the Israel Museum and its Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. The same goes for the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Moving away from Jerusalem, head to BETHLEHEM, a name loaded with significance for the entire history of the western world. For it is there that Jesus was born.

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The address: 

VILLA BROWN JERUSALEM
A stone’s throw from the old town, this is a private 19th century villa. Retaining elements of preserved architecture, this little gem has been renovated to become a charming luxury boutique hotel.

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Israel, the Holy Land, is also a land of surprises. Of all the things it is hiding, one is both funny and surprising:

THE DEAD SEA.

The lowest body of water on earth at 422 m below sea level, this expanse of water is home to lunar landscapes and hypersaline water. Floating for a few minutes gives you the funny feeling of being weightless. Our favourite spots? Kalia or Ein Gedi.

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TEL AVIV, the grand finale of the trip. 

A change of scene and ambiance. It’s a modern, hip city.
Volleyball games take place up and down the long beach. The country’s youth live life with gusto with their tops off and muscles bulging.
On one side, there is Yafo, one of the oldest ports on the Mediterranean. Coveted by every civilisation from the Egyptians to Napoleon, today it is a charming marina that plays host to small fishing boats and luxury yachts alike.
In the north of the city lies the neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek, a must-see. This small, very Mediterranean village has a singular atmosphere. Here you find the artists, artisans, potters and goldsmiths and you can delight in discovering the little labyrinthine streets littered with low ochre-coloured houses.

But Tel Aviv also has a unique Bauhaus neighbourhood that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To walk around it is to immerse yourself in one of the major architectural movements of the 20th century. Make sure you look up! Everywhere oriental or Art Deco features play with lines and concrete. And for another trip, with just as much architecture to admire… 

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The address: 

THE NORMAN TEL AVIV

A distinctive hotel from the 20s that has been reconverted into a very chic boutique hotel close to the Boulevard Rothschild, the vibrant centre of Tel Aviv’s White City.

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Nepal: A land of contrasts!

Nepal: A land of contrasts!

by | Oct 17, 2017 | Uncategorized

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We bring you some tips from Jean-Christophe who is currently travelling the world with his family

“It has been 20 years since I first visited Nepal and my passion for this tiny country has never waned.
Although most of the highest peaks in the world can be found there, it’s not just mountains that I love about Nepal. This small state that measures barely 1,000 km in length and less than 200 km in width is also home to an incredible concentration of ecosystems.”

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Nepal has a whole host of distinctive features and some beautiful gems

“In Nepal you can go on a safari to catch a glimpse of the Bengal tiger – my recommendation would be the former royal reserve of Bardia, you can take on white water sports, discover the high-altitude deserts of the Upper Mustang, play with the mountain slopes on a mountain bike or experience the country on the handlebars of a mythical Indian Royal Enfield. In spring there’s nothing like walking among the (giant) rhododendrons in full bloom.”..

And of course, there’s the unmissable treks through the heart of the mountains that can last for a few days or several weeks. They are accessible to walkers of all levels of experience, and their main attraction, apart from the spectacular views of the lofty summits, is the chance to meet local people and immerse yourself in Nepalese culture

Not forgetting Kathmandu and its valley, which is a UNESCO world heritage site containing many historical and religious places of note...

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And a place to stay?

“Travelling in Nepal is very intense, and the calm of the mountains and distant valleys is all the more welcome when you have spent a few days in the frantic capital. So if I could recommend one place to stay, it would be Namo Buddha Resort for a few days of rest and retreat in the midst of greenery.”

Barely an hour east of the capital, perched at the top of a verdant hill, this intimate little lodge is in the form of a Newari village, where each room is a house!
The external architecture is traditional while the interiors are comfortable and cosy. They are an invitation to spend some time resting in contemplation. The lush garden is a model of agritourism, as the eco-lodge is self-sufficient in terms of food and the meals it serves, which are mainly vegetarian, are a real treat!

The staff are both thoughtful and discrete, and it is easy to feel at home here.

If you feel your desire to explore returning, you can set off on the roads that link the local villages and share a puja at the Namo Buddha Monastery.

A stay here will leave you truly revitalised, so make the time to spend two or three nights and really appreciate the benefits before setting off again to discover Nepal!

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Vendimia Mendoza !

Vendimia Mendoza !

by | Sep 25, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 The biggest grape harvest festival in Latin America!

23 February 2018. Preparations are underway for a big party. In Mendoza, the Argentinian wine capital, the Vendimia de Mendoza starts with processions and dancing. The biggest wine festival in the whole of Latin America lasts for several weeks and, with its many highlights, is truly unmissable. Among the events are the Blessings of the Fruits, the parade of the Virgin of Carrodilla, the city’s patron saint, the routines of the candidates for the election of the Queen of the Grape Harvest and more. In short, it’s the ideal period to treat yourself to a break based around wine tasting and gastronomy.

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From one weekend to the next, the entire region gives itself up to an outpouring of colour and joy. Of all the parties on offer, don’t miss the Via Blanca de la Reinas. It is totally incredible! The beauty queens parade to music and lights in a huge unmissable show. The day after, it is the turn of figures from the wine world to present themselves on the floats that invade the squares and roads. Gauchos in traditional costume escort them, bedecked in leather and silver. Finally, the finale of all the festivities is the Acte Central, a grand show featuring sound and lights. It is unbelievable, featuring a thousand dancers and 4000 m2 of scenery to honour the vines and the land.

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Take advantage of the trip to stay at…

Entre Cielos. Unique. A hyper modern hotel that is audacious and surprising, its raw concrete exterior plays with lines cleverly decorated with vines. It has sixteen colourful guest rooms that are chic and full of light, elegant restaurants looking onto the high summits of the Andes and a spa where you can enjoy rituals featuring grapes.

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Vines Resort & Spa. A little gem. An hour and a half from Mendoza, located at the heart of 600 hectares of vines, this is the ideal location for those seeking calmness and gastronomy. Designed by Francis Mallmann who is known for his use of fire, the food complements the local wine perfectly. Try it before testing out the spa, taking a horse-riding lesson or taking part in a wine workshop.

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Cavas Wine Lodge. A Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel that will seduce you with its Spanish Colonial Villas equipped with private verandas, swimming pools and fireplaces. The 22 hectares of vines seem to stretch for miles. Treat both your palate and your appetite with the house wines and what the restaurant has to offer. It’s a hotel you wish you could keep all to yourself!. 

Kwande Uplands Homestead

Kwande Uplands Homestead

by | Sep 6, 2017 | Uncategorized

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Une nuit dans la brousse

In the midst of grasses scorched by the blazing sun is a private dwelling, the Kwandwe Uplands Homestead. The grand house divided into three lodges decorated in the colonial style is a throwback to the 19th century.

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Located at the heart of a private reserve.

The noise of the brush and the yowling of the wild animals. The scent of the dust and the taste of the scorching sun pervade. We are at the very heart of South Africa, two hours by road from Port Elisabeth, on the Garden Route in the Kwandwe Reserve.
A private reserve. 20,000 ha dedicated to conservation and repopulating nature. The rolling landscape is intersected by a river where giraffes, lions, elephants, white rhinos and impalas gather to slake their thirst.…

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There’s only one place to be: Kwandwe Uplands Homestead.

The private veranda is the perfect spot to take in the horizon sprinkled with shrub and covered in ochre soil. The ceilings are high, the floors beautiful and there is a large swimming pool for spending evenings under the stars. There is a butler and a chef to tend to your needs, as well as a personal ranger on hand to guide you through the tall grasses each day on safaris that are quite simply magical.
Would you like to go bird watching? Take a night-time trip?
Admire the African fish eagle? Come nose to nose with a kudu or springbok?

There’s only one place to be: Kwandwe Uplands Homestead.

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