OPENINGNOTES 3 Autumn 2007 Welcome... Contents ...to a distinctly far-reaching first edition of our new Opening Notes: Cape Kidnappers travel magazine. Our eyes turn especially towards the east as we chart a course by land and sea all UK & Europe the way to the Pacific by way of India, the Far Von Essen Hotels East and Australasia. The meteoric rise of von Essen Let us not dwell on the soaking we have received this Luxury Family Hotels summer, but perhaps it will usher in more clement Country hotels with a reputation conditions this autumn to stir our readers into for looking after families planning a weekend break to one of our country’s fine Château de Bagnols hotels or for a truly classical city break we showcase ...truly a very fine vineyard hotel the very best hotels in Italy’s finest cities. The Grand Tour of Italy The classic tour of Italy’s finest India has become an increasingly popular cities - Venice, Florence & destination in recent years. Many airlines now fly to Rome the major Indian cities and fares have nose-dived making this immense country of intense colours, Islands in the Sun e are pleased to announce that Kauri unexpected treasures. Comfort and ease are at a smells and sights one of the most alluring Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean Cliffs’ sister lodge will be opening in premium with each room taking on a character of its destinations on the long-haul radar. Our issue takes Grace Bay Club - a sophisticated W November 2007. Located on the North own while harkening back to the rural feeling of a a broad look at what’s available from palaces to Caribbean destination Island in Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s traditional New Zealand sheep station. Spacious small but stylish boutique hotels. Shanti Ananda Maurice loveliest and most important wine districts, Cape cottages, each with magnificent views, open to large A spa of impressive measure on the Kidnappers has a rich history beginning with its porches overlooking a stunning Pacific panorama. The We also feature stories from both Australia sunshine island of Mauritius discovery by Captain James Cook in 1769. cottages feature calm colours and materials that (Bamurru) and New Zealand (Cape Kidnappers) as suggest a traditional rural farm yet contain all of the well as Myanmar and The Maldives. For the classic Special Feature: India & Beyond The new lodge, or “The Farm” as it is called, modern amenities one could wish for. sea adventure we review the ultimate cruise under promises to be a five star experience. Cape sail - Clipper - and note Star Flyer’s new home in Ananda in the Himalayas Kidnappers is set on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle Critics and golf devotees alike have already fallen in exotic Polynesia. The original spa retreat in the misty foothills of the Himalayas farm, with breathtaking scenery and land that love with Cape Kidnappers’ links-style golf course - plunges 800 feet straight in to the sea. it has been voted the 27th best golf course in the Whatever your particular passion I hope that our Palace Hotels of India world. Now golfers and non-golfers alike will have a magazine offers some interesting holiday options Devi Garh and Umaid Bhawan On the exterior, the lodge resembles a cluster of farm luxurious place to stay while exploring the wonders and we look forward to assisting you with your Mahout’s India buildings. Local materials are incorporated into of Hawke’s Bay. travel plans. www.capekidnappers.com The personal way of visiting India graciously scaled rooms full of natural light and Beverley Hyams staying in boutique hotels The Coco Collection ABOUT HAWKE’S BAY, New Zealand Two private islands in the Maldives Hawke's Bay Wine Country is a holiday destination where the sun seems to forever shine. Famed for being one of the three major A Meander through Myanmar winemaking regions in New Zealand, Hawke's Bay is home to internationally acclaimed wines and is the premier New Zealand A voyage up the Irrawaddy on board the Road to Mandalay. destination for food, wine and lifestyle. Supported by a Mediterranean climate and a varied landscape from dramatic sea Tales from the Top-End cliffs, to fertile plains and crystal clear rivers that meander down to the Pacific Safari-style in the tropical Ocean, the region has a diverse range of things to see and do and hosts a northern territory of Australia number of iconic events throughout the year. Sunidol Travel Adventure on the High Seas The thrill of the elements under For families who enjoy the sun there are golden sand beaches, water theme Pipers Barn, 55 Copperkins Lane full sail with Clipper. parks, and crystal clear rivers. Swim with dolphins, visit the National Aquarium of Amersham, Buckinghamshire New Zealand or see the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. For the thrill HP6 5RA And finally... seeker there's plenty to fuel your adrenaline from jet-boating, hot air ballooning, surfing, caving and paragliding to sailing and windsurfing. The Canny Traveller Tel: 01494 431208 & Breaking News Aside from wonderful golf on the 27th best golf course in the world, scenic walks, Fax: 01494 431208 excellent fly fishing and hunting are popular pastimes. Email: [email protected] 4 5 6 Italy Italy 7 Venezia Where to stay in Venice Venice Hotel Danieli Steps away from Piazza San Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, city Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the of canals and palaces...or tawdry sewer alive with Bridge of Sighs, Hotel Danieli was crowds and charlatans? Venice's nature is dual: named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2005 Gold List Reserve and is a water and land, long history and doubtful future, airy fine example of world-class luxury delicacy and dim melancholy. If this precious place and personal service. Magnificently does sink, the world will be the poorer. restored to it's former glory. For a thousand years the city was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on the face of the Gritti Palace The Grand Tour earth. Today the brilliance and influence have long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out Directly overlooking the Grand Experiencing Italy’s Finest Cities in Style of time and out of place, so achingly beautiful it's Canal, with an incomparable view hard not to look for the back of the set. of Venice, the Palace of the Doge Gritti is now one of the most celebrated hotels in the world. Ernest Hemingway once here are few more mouth-watering holiday character, and we thoroughly recommend booking a Journey times: Rome to Florence 1hr 40mins; appreciated the hotel "as the best propositions than a short break to one of the longer short break where you combine two cities in Florence to Venice 2hrs 55mins; Rome to Venice hotel in a city of great hotels." Dine Tgreat Italian cities of Venice, Florence and one itinerary. Somehow, the opportunity to see two 4hrs 40mins. “al fresco” at the Bar Longhi for the Rome. They offer visitors that sublime mix of breath- contrasting cities in one carefully crafted itinerary best table on the Grand Canal. taking architecture with classical Roman temples and helps to highlight the unique elements of both Whatever your priorities, we would always The Westin Europa & Regina beautiful Baroque churches combined with art destinations and offers a better insight into the recommend using a tour operator where they take galleries and museums – and sophisticated people fascinating history of how each has evolved to responsibility for the smooth running of your An architectural landmark on the watching as elegant ladies dressed in the latest become one of the great cities of the world. holiday and help you to choose the hotels that Grand Canal just steps from Piazza Ferragamo glide by. Last but by no means least, Italy best suit your needs. With specialists such as San Marco, The Europa & Regina boasts some outstanding restaurants – where you Travelling between the cities could not be easier: the Kirker, the Kirker Concierge will include offers an ideal combination of can relax and enjoy excellent cooking with a glass of fast and efficient inter-city rail service is relaxing and complimentary tickets to museums such as the traditional elegance and modern chilled Pinot Grigio or delicious Chianti. hassle free, and if you book with a specialist tour Uffizi Gallery and book private walking tours with technology. New rooms in the magnificently restored centuries-old operator such as Kirker Holidays, your seats are pre- expert local guides and tables at recommended hotel feature Grand Canal views Each of these great cities has its own unique booked and transfers are included at no extra cost. restaurants. that inspired Monet, who painted the city while visiting. Roma Where to stay in Rome Firenze Where to stay in Florence Rome St.Regis Grand Hotel, Rome Florence Grand Hotel It's hard to say what you'll find Built in 1894 as the first deluxe hotel in Rome, the The cultural and historical impact of Overlooking a beautiful historical square by the most breathtaking about the St. Regis Grand Hote, Romel is within walking Florence is overwhelming. Close up, Arno River, Grand Hotel is a charming 18th century Eternal City - the arrogant distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain however, the city is one of Italy's palace, and an important Florentine historical opulence of the Vatican, the and Via Veneto. Upon reopening in mid-December most atmospheric and pleasant, landmark. It has been listed as “Top 75 Hotels in timelessness of the Forum, the top 1999, after an extensive restoration and renovation, retaining a strong resemblance to Europe” Condè Nast Traveller in 2005, a Gold List speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory the St.