Make a reservation at Flaknuma Palace

The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace has been leased by the Royal Family of Hyderabad to the Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Guest can now experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality which was once the sole preserve of royalty.2000 feet above Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace’s 60 beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored rooms allow you to journey into the clouds and into the glided ages, where grandeur and excess is celebrated and savored in equal measure.Falaknuma Palace is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ because at 2000 feet, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres of land and spread over 19400 square meters, the Palace was commissioned by Sir Nawab Vikar-Ul Umra, a Hyderabadi nobleman from the Paigah family.

The palace-hotel has large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountains, priceless statues, and objects d’art, stained-glass windows, unique sketches and murals encased in ornate frames, a world-class collection of crystal as well as the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam. The Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, is a collector’s envy as it is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country, all of which were selected and brought back by the Nizam himself.

Make a reservation at Flaknuma Palace

Pera Palace Hotel opened again its doors in 2010 after an extensive renovation. Pera was once the heart of Istanbul, a cosmopolitan hub – where people of many nations lived, where many languages and dialects were spoken. And at the heart of Pera was Pera Palace Hotel. With its stunning views from Galata to the Golden Horn, from the slopes of Eyüp to Tepebasi, Pera Palace Hotel fascinated its guests then as it fascinates them today, more than a hundred years after its first opening. When the worldwide famous Orient Express chose Istanbul as its last stop in the East, Istanbul began to attract not only adventurers, but also the more elite and noble classes of Europe.  Pera Palace  in Tepebasi, which was founded in 1892 and celebrated with its grand opening ball in 1895, was home to many.  Apart from the Ottoman Palaces, it was the first building to have electricity as well as the first electric elevator.

Pera Palace Hotel was designed by Levantine architect Alexander Vallaury  in neo-classical, art nouveau and oriental styles, giving Pera Palace its timeless look . Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Queen Elizabeth II, Sarah Bernhardt, Alfred Hitchcock,  Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis and Agatha Christie were among the guests of the hotel. Pera Palace also holds the secret to the mystery of the 11 days missing in the life of world famous thriller writer Agatha Christie within its walls – the Pera Palace Hotel is said to be where she got the inspiration for her famous novel Murder on the Orient Express and a small key, probably the key to her diary was found in her favourite room 411… Original 19th Century features, including precious “White Carrara” marbles and “Murano-glass” chandeliers make Pera Palace  suites the ideal place to experience century – old heritage. To go a journey back in time, visit to Room 411, now renamed the Agatha Christie Room.

 

Make a reservation at Four Seasons Florence

Four Seasons Florence, one of the most beautiful hotels in the world is located on the edge of the Florence and occupies two protected Renaissance palaces, the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Conventino, a 16th century Palazzo, which was once a convent. Between them lie Florence’s largest private garden – the 11 acre Giardino della Gherardesca – one of the most beautiful and undiscovered green spaces.

The palace’s ornately painted and crafted interiors offer to view 15th – 19th century artworks in their original context. Frescoes, bas-reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers have been carefully restored to reveal vivid detail. Original Florentine art and craftsmanship can also be found in several of the Hotel’s 117 bedrooms and suites.

Make a reservation at Four Seasons Florence

Hotels main restaurant Il Palagio,offering traditional Tuscan cooking with local  ingredients. The two-storey spa features  natural products created by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, which continues to use natural ingredients and follow the traditional recipes of monks from the 13th century. The Hotel also has an outdoor pool..This is a dream hotel in a fairy tale city where you can also find traditional  Four Seasons service, what else do you want?

Make a reservation at Four Seasons Florence

In order to apprecaite The Collection one must know Peggy’s life mission.  She was the chief patron of the world’s foremost collections of modern art of 20th century. Peggy used to say that it was her duty to protect the art of her own time, and she dedicated half of her life to this mission, as well as to the creation of the museum that still carries her name.

Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was designed in the 1750s by architect Lorenzo Boschetti. From 1910 to c. 1924 the house was owned by  Marchesa Luisa Casati, hostess to the Ballets Russes, and the subject of numerous portraits by artists as various as Boldini, Troubetzkoy, Man Ray and Augustus John. In 1949, Peggy Guggenheim purchased Palazzo Venier from the heirs of Viscountes Castlerosse and made it her home for the following thirty years. Early in 1951, Peggy Guggenheim opened her home and collection to the public and continued to do so every year until her death in 1979.
In 1950 Peggy organized the first exhibition of Jackson Pollock in Italy, in the Ala Napoleonica of the Museo Correr in Venice. Her collection was in the meantime exhibited in Florence and Milan, and later in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. From 1951 Peggy opened her house and her collection to the public annually in the summer months. During her 30-year Venetian life, Peggy Guggenheim continued to collect works of art and to support artists, such as Edmondo Bacci and Tancredi Parmeggiani. In 1962 Peggy Guggenheim was nominated Honorary Citizen of Venice. 

Peggy died aged 81 on 23 December 1979. Her ashes are placed in a corner of the garden of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, next to the place where she customarily buried her beloved dogs. Since this time, the Guggenheim Foundation has converted and expanded Peggy Guggenheim’s private house into one of the finest small museums of modern art in the world.

by Andrea Sarti

by Andrea Sarti

by Ozlem Avcioglu

by Andrea Sarti

Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Lake Palace is a dream hotel : A white marble palace that seems to float on the still waters of Lake Pichola located in the middle of Lake Pichola.  The palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar as a summer palace andafter a great renovation has trasformed to Tja hotel.  Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers descendents of the original palace retainers look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty.

The Palace has luxury 83 rooms including 17 suites with colored murals, ornately carved wood furniture and  Lily Pond or terrace views.  Guests can enjoy royal Mewar fare at the Lily Pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the Palace. Or sail into the middle of a purple sunset for a feast on The Ganguar – a hundred and fifty year old ceremonial imperial barge that recreates the stately splendor of royal cruises with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen. Dinner on the Mewar Terrace makes for an extremely scenic and romantic experience, with spectacular views of the surrounding palaces and Lake Pichola, and a lilting serenade of contemporary music. And for the eternal romantic experience, an intimate table for two floated on a pontoon in the moon kissed waters of the Pichola is a must do. Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

Esma Sultan Palace was built approximately 200 years ago for Esma Sultan, an Ottoman Sultan’s wife as a summer palace. Destroyed by fire over a century ago, the exterior brick walls are all that remain of the building. Commissioned to renovate and redesign the space, Gokhan Avcioglu and GAD designed a thin but strong stainless steel and glass box that is suspended within the brick structure. Esma sultan is now a multi-purpose event space in Ortakoy, Istanbul, in the center of the city in a busy entertainment district on the banks of the Bosphorus.
Planting a glass and steel box inside the ruins of a palace to create a covered venue that constantly reminds us of the multiple histories innate in the new design.
 

Photos: courtesy of GAD

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Built in 1903, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai across the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous monument  built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The hotel has panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the perfect location in Mumbai. Being close to the most important landmarks and the most beautiful shops the hotels lobby is always busy with people, visiting the shopping arcade and the restaurants and bars inside the hotel.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, was born out of Jamsetji N. Tata’s dream. Mr. Tata believed that Bombay (now Mumbai), the commercial capital of India, required a grand hotel, one that would enhance its reputation amongst the great cities of the world. In 1970  the Tower block has been added  which nearly doubled the Hotel’s room. The Palace part –heritage wing- is an architectural marvel which brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles and full of a magnificent collection of Indian art.

Taj Mahal has the most impressive restaurants and bars of Mumbai .. One of them is Wasabi by Japanese celebrity chef Morimoto .. The Souk on the rooftop has the most beautiful view of Mumbai and introduces fresh flavors of dishes from Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece and Morocco. Masala Kraft blends
aromatic Indian spices with modern cooking techniques, and produces flavors that are fresh and delicious. The historic Harbor Bar: is India’s first licensed bar and it is a very nice place to have a drink after a day in busy streets of Mumbai.
Choose a room in heritage wing with views of the Arabian See and feel like maharaja..

Photos are courtesy of Taj Hotels

Make a reservation at Palais Coburg

Six centuries of Viennese architectural history can be experienced in Hotel Palais Coburg, which is in the city center and only a couple minutes from Stephansplatz.
The Palais was built between 1840 and 1845 in a classicist style, commissioned by Ferdinand von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha. The grand palace was constructed atop a former bastion, the Braunbastei, whose foundations include sections of the city’s fortifications dating from the sixteenth century.In 1997, a private foundation, POK acquired the building. From2000 to 2003, after several years of planning, they renovated, revitalized, and rebuilt the structure taking into account all available historical information. In November 2003, the “new” Palais Coburg opened to the public. With the new additions and carvings the entry of the hotel is very impressive The other impressive aspect of the hotel is its Wine Cellar and owns finest wine collection of Austria.  The building’s unique historical fabric is also the base of the Palais’ current use, with its total area of more than 16,000 square meters.. 35 Hotel Suites are over two floors and each is individually designed, and named after historic personalities..

Chef Silvio Nickol and his team are synonymous with creative cuisine of the highest level. The gourmet restaurant at the Palais Coburg is a place of comprehensive, contemporary dining culture. Creative interpretation of classic dishes and exceptionally composed innovations as well as subtly arranged interaction of food and wine are the main topics. In the wine list more than five thousand positions are listedThe hotel has also a rooftop pool and spa.. To enjoy history, luxury, excellent wine and gourmet food in the city center of Vienna is really amazing..

Make a reservation at Palais Coburg

Make a reservation at Rambagh Palace

If you want to taste the royal living, luxury and extravagance in Jaipur, a city with a history of royalty and legendary tales Rambagh Palace is the place to stay.
For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen’s favorite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
The palace, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins.
Located close to the Pink City, the Palace spread over 47 acres gardens, and is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell.

Make a reservation at Rambagh Palace

Rambagh Palace offers 79 rooms including aesthetically restored suites, which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. Every room and suite reflects a world of royalty with its exquisite antiques, rich tapestry and paintings from an era gone by.
The most amazing dining place of this Palace is theSuvarana Mahal restaurant, which literally means the Palace of gold will take one through a culinary voyage of delectable Palace cuisines of Shekhawati and Marwar, Patiala and North Punjab, the Princely Avadh and Hyderabad. – accompanied by the lilting melody of classical music, and vintage wines from the Palace cellars.24 carat gold plated flatware and cutlery, high ceilings, gilded mirrors, magnificent gold hues and Florentine frescoes,  provide the perfect ambience for an evening of royal dining

Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, Taj Spa within the hotel offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honored Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps.
In this magical city of Rajasthan the Rambagh Palace experience is part of the magic..

Make reservation at Rambagh Palace

Make a reservation at Cipriani
Hotel Cipriani is the most famous hotel in Venice because of its name… Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice, opened the hotel in 1958 on the island of Giudecca and immediately attracted celebrities and royalty, in much the same way that Harry’s Bar drew Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

In the 18th century, Giudecca served as a retreat for both nobles and common city dwellers, who came here for the fresh air. By the late 1950s, when Cipriani built the hotel, it was still a secluded destination, reachable only by water. The exclusive complex that includes the main hotel, two “palaces”—the Palazzo Vendramin and Palazzetto Nani Barbaro—and lavish Cazanova gardens. The Palazzo Vendramin and connecting Palazzetto are two 15th-century buildings linked to the Hotel Cipriani through an ancient courtyard and flowered passage-way, with magnificent views overlooking the lagoon and St. Mark’s square.
The Palazzo Vendramin, formerly a 15th-century aristocratic residence, consists of seven luxury suites and three double bedrooms with private butler service, and of course the incredible views of St. Mark’s Square.

Hotels elegant restaurant  Cip’s Club was originally created for the two Palazzi of the Cipriani, the Vendramin and the Palazzetto Nani Barbaro. The Restaurant has a splendid view of St. Mark’s Square and is within easy reach of hotels private pier in the Piazza San Marco, just opposite the Doge’s Palace. Just in front of the Cip’s Club there is a wonderful wooden terrace for outdoor dinners and luncheons, decorated in the style of the deck of a private yacht.

Cipriani has the perfect location, it is within easy reach of St Mark’s Square (only a 3 minute boat drive which operates 24 hours) and yet far enough away to ensure peace and privacy. Its heated 600 square meter salt water pool is the only one in Venice and can be used all year long.  The fact that not much has changed since its opening in 1958, Cipriani attracts many celebrities especially during Venice film festival, who come here to drink the best Bellinis in town (invented by Giuseppe Cipriani).
Stay either in one of the suites in Palazzo Vendramin or in the hotels garden suite with a private terrace overlooking to the pool, having in mind that Cipriani is not about in room amenities..

Make a reservation at Cipriani

Make a reservation at Bauer

Make a reservation at Il Palazzo

Bauer Palazzo and Hotel is one of the best places to expereince the magic and and romance of the city Venice. An intimate hotel within the heart of Venice, Bauer Il Palazzo is a truly authentic, Venetian-style palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. More like a sophisticated home than a hotel, it is both elegant and luxurious, with its stunning Gothic facade.  With its own private boat dock on the Grand Canal, guests arriving at Il Palazzo are greeted by the hotel’s sumptuous lobby, decorated in wood panelling and antique Venetian panels. Behind the arched lancet windows and Gothic facade are the 82 rooms of the privileged. These rooms preside over the heart of the city overlooking the flow of the Grand Canal as it combines with the Giudecca Canal and St. Mark’s Basin offering unsurpassed views and the ultimate in refined relaxation.

The Hotel has 109 rooms some overlooking to the Grand Canal.and its main enterance  is on Campo San Moisè, just two-minute walk from St Mark’s Square and the most elegant shops. Since first opening its doors in 1880, the Bauer Hotel has always been at the centre of Venetian life. The hotel has been lovingly revitalized as a living link between ancient art and the innovative blend of contemporary European art from the past and present.  The blend of both new and old, Venetian-crafted flourishes create a passion and spirit alive with the romance and style of a grand and noble Venetian experience.

 The Bauer’s 1940’s facade was added to emulate a docking ship in both a tribute to Venice’s renowned maritime history as well as a contemporary contrast to the Baroque architecture of S. Moisè Church. The tale continues as you enter its hallowed halls, walked by royalty, legends and luminaries, and see for yourself an intriguing mix of interior dècor. Ancient Venetian art in the form of a wall sketching, Murano glass chandeliers, sconces and sculpture, world-famous Venetian fabrics from the houses of Rubelli and Bevilacqua are all blended with European-style Art Deco furniture and accents as well as contemporary art by both local and international artists for a fresh atmosphere to engage in the culture, intellect, and glamour of Venice.

Make a reservation at Bauer

Make a reservation at Il Palazzo

Ca Maria Adele is one of the most charming and romantic hotels  in Venice, the city of romance..The hotel is within the walls of an historic 16th Century palazzo, now completely renovated by its owners Alessio and Nicola Campa.  Separated from magnificent  Santa Maria della Salute church by a narrow canal Ca Maria Adele is in Venice’s one of the most exclusive, charming and tranquil quarter Dorsoduro.

Majestic chandeliers in Murano glass, shads of lights, essential and minimalist lines combine to complement furnishings from diverse period of history presenting new design combinations, unique within the lagoon city

The hotel, decorated and run by Campa’s and combines the fusion of diverse styles combining the typical style of the fabrics called ‘damaschi’ with the linearity of the African wood furnishings cetacean harmonious effect. Out of the 12, 5 are special concept rooms each is different from the other. Especially the Moorish room is very romantic and has the best view.

The hotel has no restaurant but serves a great breakfast in the room with a gian Murano chandelier or in its terrace, decorated like a Moroccon house.

You feel in the hotel that the Campana’s paid attention to every detail. Even the room service is a ceremony…The hotel ensures that each guest is attended with great service. If you really want to spend very romantic time in the most romantic city in the world, Ca Maria Adele is the perfect spot

Make a reservation at Ca Maria Adele