Can there be a reader who hasn’t heard of the infamous chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay? Well, how many of you knew that he can now add hotelier to his cv?
Overlooking Regents Park (at the northern end, in Camden), Ramsay Holdings riginally bought the previously derelict pub for another eaterie, but decided that the building could be turned into something more. The York and Albany London (not to be confused with the New York hotel) has only just opened (21st September 2008) after an estimated £4million spend, but will it be a success?
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Many people are aware of The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, but did you know there is now one in Macau, South China? With China’s huge population, their national interest in gambling, belief in luck and the fact that Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal it was a pretty obvious place for Las Vegas Sands to locate the largest casino in the world. It opened in August 2007 (on a Chinese ‘auspicious’ date), and the developers state that the building is the second largest building in the world; others say it’s the third largest. But whatever – you get the idea….its big! A helpful comparison might be that you should be able to fit 90 747 jets inside.
Like its sister hotel in Vegas – no expense has been spared in the $2.4 billion project. Walls and ceilings are adorned with golf leaf, fresco’s and murals, floors are marble, there are countless statues and the ceiling above the shopping mall and canals is painted with a realistic sky effect that even darkens towards the evening. You can catch a Cirque du Soleil show while there or a concert or two.
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Unless you have been a hermit for the past week it probably hasn’t escaped your notice that Atlantis (the hotel on the Palm in Dubai) opened last week on the 24th September. Newspapers, magazines and supplements have been awash with articles and reviews about the themed spa resort hotel.
Aimed strongly at the family market the hotel does stretch its theme’ing’ to the limit, even suggesting that it is an educational experience for children regarding the (fictional) Atlantis.
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This has to be one of the best boutique hotels around, partly because the design director was none other than the renowned milliner Philip Treacy (my all time favorite milliner). His aim was to make it feel like a film set – looking at the photo’s I’d say he’s achieved it. In 2006 the spa received an award for ‘The Best Spa, Health and Leisure Interiors’.
The hotel’s web site claims that their pink salon is destined to become their signature room. It is certainly distinctive with its black and white vortex carpet, but a little busy for me. For me I prefer the Grand Salon – a calm oasis in oyster and silver with stunning mirrors and a light installation by Tom Dixon. The blue lounge is a more masculine public room adorned with gilded mirrors and sumptuous furniture. Shells, glass tables and ammonites seem to be a pervading theme and all add to the tranquil atmosphere.
The Grand Salon
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Situated a couple of hours by ferry from Singapore (see things to do in Singapore) Bintan Island, and especially the Banyan Tree Resort, is a little piece of heaven, and a popular week-end escape for Singaporeans who can afford to visit. The resort is situated at the north western tip of the Island.
The hotel has a great spa - I indulged in a lovely ‘Lomi Lomi’ (Hawaiian) massage which was extremely relaxing rather than the more ‘sports style’ massage. The Banyan Tree also has an outdoor yoga pavilion overlooking the sea – well worth a visit. You can join in group sessions or book a private yoga lesson for up to 2 people. The hotel has 2 beautiful pools, one is circular on the ‘middle level’ near where the spa is and the other is down by the beach – a few minutes walk from the central areas.
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