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One to remember As the brains behind travel and lifestyle management company Nota Bene, 56 Anthony Lassman knows his way 57 VICTOR MAGAZINE VICTOR FLYVICTOR.COM NOTA BENE NOTA around the world. But no matter BENE NOTA where he goes, there’s one country that’s forever in his thoughts INDUSTRY INSIDERS formalities), I either go for a swim if and answer phones on time. Guests it’s a resort hotel or start driving the should not be disturbed any more than PACKING LIGHT – concierge mad if we’re in a city! And absolutely necessary. The operation ANTHONY’S ESSENTIALS then it’s usually a glass of champagne needs to be seamless and appear 1. My Canon G11 camera, and something to eat. effortless. And finally, fellow guests which I cannot be without are important too, since they help 2. Wash bag, underwear, What makes a good hotel a really create ambience and set the tone. swimwear/gym kit, shoes great one? 3. White shirts of different fabrics People make a great hotel. Obviously Which is the one country you keep for day/evening design, location and style are important going back to? 4. At least one jacket but it’s how you’re being looked after, Italy. I love hearing the language, 5. A pair of jeans, a pair of and the welcome, that really count. I love the food and wines, and I love trousers, a pair of shorts A beautiful hotel without the right team the sheer diversity of its cities, or service is like a beautiful person countryside and coast. I love “When you can jump on a plane or a boat without personality. It needs a great Venice in winter, Milan in October, and not have to worry about schedules or check-in, manager, top people in guest relations Rome almost anytime. For relaxing Previous spread: The Amalfi Coast you can pack two days into one” and restaurant managerial positions, I love Capri, Panarea, Positano as seen from Ravello. and each department functioning (ideally in June or early July); Milan Left: The Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino comes complete with a correctly. Food and beverage have to for shopping; Bologna, Liguria and heated saltwater infinity pool. be able to follow guest requirements the Venetia lagoon for food; Tuscany’s Below: Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is and deliver them in a timely way; Val d’Orcia as well as Tuscany for one of the most expensive places to housekeeping the same; the reception countryside; the Veneto for the unique buy real estate in Europe. and concierge desks must be efficient buildings of Palladio… Next spread: The gardens at the Villa Cimbrone. 58 59 VICTOR MAGAZINE VICTOR FLYVICTOR.COM NOTA BENE NOTA hat led you to set up We are also seeing a lot more top- BENE NOTA Nota Bene? end experiential travel to places like No better reason than a Argentina with Uruguay; Mexico with W challenge from my wife, Guatemala; and Hong Kong with the who knew how obsessed I was with Philippines. And, closer to home, the quality and details in travel, with great Dodecanese islands of Greece with the hotels, and with places possessing an Turkish Riviera, and mainland Sicily with X factor. It started, without a business the Aeolian Islands are also popular. plan or strategy, as a publishing company. We printed what are now What makes a great holiday? seen as iconic destination review Transportation is key. When you can books, which have almost become jump on a plane or a boat and not have to collectors’ items. worry about schedules or check-in, you can pack two days into one. For example, What qualities does a good travel and you could be breakfasting in Istanbul, fly lifestyle manager need? privately down to Bodrum for lunch, and A love of people, a passion for what take a powerboat to Patmos for dinner. they do, a sound travel knowledge, This is the kind of thing Nota Bene does and skill in coming up with a great idea. for its clientele: it’s what makes travel And above all, being able to deliver bespoke, exciting and indulgent. And superior client service. this is a trend among the higher-end demographic: shorter, faster-moving From a certain destination to a particular trips often booked at the last minute. type of holiday, what are the emerging trends in luxury travel right now? What’s the first thing you do when you The trends remain firstly for the arrive at a new destination? glamour spots and the world-class Check out the room and make sure VICTOR RECOMMENDS FAB hotels, villas, restaurants and beach I have the view and space I expected. Fly from London to Naples in 2h20m clubs – so, places like St Barths, Tulum, For me the right accommodation and a Bombardier Challenger 300 NAP the Seychelles, the Maldives, Capri, the right orientation are key. Once Ideal for 2 families of 4 Corsica, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. satisfied (and I hate any check-in Recreate Anthony’s perfect Italian weekend or plan another unforgettable travel experience with Nota Bene and Victor: call Nota Bene on +44 (0)20 7259 9911 or email [email protected] and turn your dream trip into real life today. Describe your perfect Italian long On Saturday morning, take in the colours, 60 61 weekend. the fragrant flowers, the sunshine. And VICTOR MAGAZINE VICTOR FLYVICTOR.COM NOTA BENE NOTA BENE NOTA Fly to Naples on Thursday, with a car then a relaxed lunch overlooking the bay waiting for the drive to Positano and and the island of Ischia in the distance, lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking followed by an afternoon massage and a the sea. Then up to Ravello, the most stroll through the piazzetta and down to beautiful hilltop village of the Amalfi the shopping streets. Then a late dinner, Coast, and the Villa Cimbrone’s Caprese-style. gardens to take in that unforgettable view with an aperitif overlooking the On Sunday morning I’d take the boat to bay of Minori down below. Then Recommone to see my favourite hostess dinner at my favourite restaurant, Anna, the proprietress of La Conca del Da Lorenzo in Scala across the hillside, Sogno. I will leave it all to Anna and before heading back to Positano for be confident of eating like a god at my a nightcap. regular table at the edge of the sea, before heading back by boat to Naples Spend Friday morning sunning and where the car will be waiting for the swimming. Stroll around town for a drive to the airport. I cannot think of a little shopping before lunching on the better way of spending a long weekend. freshest of seafood with a perfect bottle of Fiano d’Avelino and a nap at the edge Is there anywhere you haven’t been of the sea. As the afternoon sun starts that you’d like to visit? to cool, have your luggage placed on a I have several destinations on my waiting speedboat for the 40-minute 2016 agenda that I have not been crossing to Capri. A short nap followed to and really want to visit. These by dinner at a favourite restaurant in include Namibia, Sumba (Indonesia) town where the owners and hosts know and Norway. what you like and just bring the food. Not having to pore over menus or wine Anthony Lassman is the founder of Nota Bene. lists is a great luxury. notabeneglobal.com.