Make a reservation at Mamounia

La Mamounia as a tranquil haven in the heart of Marrakech.  Located on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech, La Mamounia is named after its legendary 200-year-old gardens, originally given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun.  Today the gardens at La Mamounia cover almost 20 acres with an enviable variety of flora and fauna. The hotel originally opened in 1923 and since has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.�
For more than 85 years, La Mamounia has been a  destination for travelers from around the globe, including royals, heads of state, film makers, musicians, actors and fashion designers like  Sir Winston Churchill,Franklin D. Roosevelt Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Princess Caroline of Monaco Nelson Mandela, Jacques Chirac, The Rolling Stones,  Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Yves Saint Laurent.  Alfred Hitchcock chose La Mamounia as the site to film The Man Who Knew Too Much with James Stewart and Doris Day.

After years long extensive restoration  led by  interior designer, Jacques Garcia La Mamounia,  re-opened its doors in 2009.  This legendary hotel,  has expanded with 136 stylish guest rooms, 71 Suites and three Riads each with three bedrooms, private terraces, Moroccan salons and a private swimming pool.   Strong use of light and color, marble columns,  vivid fabrics, soft furnishings and colorful wood, combined with theatrical perspectives.  Two 2-Michelin Star chefs, Alfonso Iaccarino and Jean-Pierre Vigato leading two of its signature restaurants.  L’Italien by Alfonso Iaccarino features modern Italian specialties, while Le Francais by Jean-Pierre Vigato specializes in French contemporary cuisine.  In addition, the 27,000 sq ft La Mamounia Spa is a must visit place.

Wake up early and stroll in the gardens before the city starts its busy day..

Make a reservation at Mamounia

Make a reservation at Seven one Seven

Seven one Seven situated in the heart of Amsterdam, on the Prinsengracht canal.

The house was inhabited for many years by a prosperous sugar trader. The rear part of the house, served as a ‘sugar mill’,  was built first and dates from the 17th century, but in 1810 the property was extended towards the Prinsengracht  to demonstrate the owner’s wealth to his fellow citizens. During the 20th century the property fulfilled a social purpose, after which in 1996 it was completely restored in 1997 the Exclusive Private Guesthouse Seven One Seven was opened.

Each of the 8 deluxe rooms and suites have been designed individually in a specific style by mixing antiques with modern accents. All suites are decorated with colorful walls and windows in combination with contrasting fabrics. The suites have been furnished with selected antique. Hotels  patio is an elegantly styled garden with a rustic atmosphere. Here you can enjoy breakfast, a drink or afternoon tea,under an old maple tree.

Make a reservation at Seven one Seven

Make a reservation at Browns

Set in the heart of Mayfair on Albemarle Street, Brown’s is one of the most historic hotels as it was the first ever hotel to open in London in 1837 by former gentleman’s servant, James Brown, when he acquired four adjacent houses in Dover Street.  Composed of 11 Georgian town houses, all 117 bedrooms (including 29 luxurious suites) have been individually designed in traditional English style and elegance.

The hotel is also known with historical events: Alexander Graham Bell made Europe”’s first telephone call from the hotel in 1876; it was the first hotel to have a lift installed; Rudyard Kipling wrote many of his works there, having first visited in 1892; Theodore Roosevelt stayed there prior to his second marriage in 1886, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt later spent part of their honeymoon there in 1905. Queen Victoria visited the hotel as did other members of European royalty including King George of the Hellenes, whilst he waited for the monarchy to be restored in Greece in 1935, and the Queen of the Netherlands.

During the Second World War – in room 36 – the Dutch government in exile declared war on Japan, an event that soon led to the occupation of the Dutch East Indies.  Brown’s Hotel joined The Rocco Forte Collection in 2003. The hotel has many amenities, like The Donovan Bar, which will be lined with iconic images taken by celebrated British photographer Terence Donovan; The English Tea Room, serving the most famous afternoon tea in London and a spa.

Make a reservation at Browns

If it is “‘breakfast at The Tiffany’s ” for New York, it is absolutely “‘breakfast at Wolseley”‘ for  London. Serving everyday not only breakfast, but also all-day snacks, coffees, afternoon teas, sandwiches, platters of crustacea, ice-cream coupes, patisserie and cakes, and a full à la carte, with a daily changing plat du jour in a very European Grand Café tradition. Favorites include mittel-European classics such as Wiener Holstein and Kaiserschmarren or very French brasserie dishes such as Escargots à la Bourguignonne and Coq au Vin to British staples such as Deep-fried Whitebait, Grilled Dover Sole and Lancashire Hot Pot. The short wine list is derived entirely from Europe.

The Wolseley is located on one of London’s most famous boulevards, Piccadilly, adjacent to The Ritz in an 1921 designed Wolseley Motors Limited building which was used as  a prestigious car showroom. The Wolseley cars were displayed on the marble floor. Unfortunately, the cars did not sell well enough and by 1926 the Company was bankrupt. Barclays Bank acquired the building and the branch opened for the first time in April 1927. William Curtis Green, the architect  was recalled to install managers’ offices (now the bar and tea salon) and a banking counter. He also designed specialized furniture including a post box and stamp machine, which is on display today. Barclays remained until 1999. 160 Piccadilly is now a Grade II Listed Building. Chris Corbin and Jeremy King secured the site in July 2003 and its restoration and renovation was overseen by David Collins Architects. The Wolseley opened in November 2003.

The Inn’s address indicates its location. Its name its not even posted on the townhouse. The location is great being  in the heart of New York’s historical Gramercy Park.  The townhouses are originally built in 1834 as three single family brownstones.  Over the years, the corner brownstone was torn down and a small apartment building was built in its place. The two remaining brownstones have stood the test of time, and they now create The Inn. While once combined as a single family home, the brownstones also housed everything from apartments, The Ingersol Men’s Club, a Speak Easy, and a Beauty Parlor and Day Spa. After completion of a three year renovation, The Inn at Irving Place opened its door in December of 1994.

The Inn has only  twelve guest rooms, junior suites and residences each of them with their own names and  every one of them has furnished with exquisite antiques reminiscent of the New York of Edith Wharton. After the lobby there is the traditional chick Mendl’s Tea Salon, where you can have your breakfast or five o”clock tea..Inn is a very interesting place to experience the life of 19th century New York.

Make a reservation at Bab Al Shams

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is an elegant retreat in a traditional Arabic setting. Only 45 minutes from Dubai the resort is rising among the desert sand dunes like a mirage.

For an authentic desert experience, the resort is the best choice for a romantic experience with its  unimaginable peace of the dunes and magnificent night skies.

All 113 rooms and suites are delightfully decorated in traditional Gulf decor and offer both authenticity and all modern comfort. The authentic open-air Arabic restaurant and a superb range of recreational facilities makes Bab Al Shams very attractive.

Make a reservation at Bab Al Shams

Make a reservation at One&Only Royal Mirage

As the most stylish resort on Jumeirah Beach, One&Only Royal Mirage pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality. It comprises three equally distinctive properties – The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa.

The Palace featuring 250 guest rooms sits on a private beach offering rich leisure facilities. Temperature-controlled swimming pools, water-sports center, tennis courts, golf putting green, children’s care center and most importantly, a tranquil haven for rest and relaxation. With four restaurants, The Palace offers an array of stylish dining venues.

Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage is illusive and mysterious, an ancient dwelling that is distinguished behind a sheltered oasis..The property is crafted in the spirit of the orient with dramatic architecture creating symmetry, amidst a landscape of fountains, walkways and lush gardens.  The entrance leads to the impressive grand gallery, the vertebrae of the hotel that links the two wings of the property and guides guests towards the 162 charismatic guest rooms and 10 elaborately-styled suites, all of which have a sea-facing, private balcony or terrace.

The three restaurants include a journey from the grand kitchens of the past, to a modern voyage through the eclectics and vibrancy of the Near East and beyond.

Residence & Spa  is an intimate sanctuary for those who wish to languish in the comfort of prosperity. Charming and enticing, this haven is linked to a discreet reception leading to a private dining room and bar lounge exclusive reserved for guests for the guest of the Residence. The Arabian-styled private residences, each cared for by a specifically-selected, dedicated team, house a retreat of 1 Garden Villa, 16 Suites and 32 Prestige Rooms. Spacious and created with the finest detailing, all are sea facing with private balcony or terrace, and the elegant Garden Villa also provides a luxurious and ornate environment within the most exclusive part of the resort.

Make a reservation at One&Only Royal Mirage

Make a reservation at Le Meurice

Hotel Le Meurice, has been around for over two centuries and in 2007 the hotel came to a new establishment phase with Philip Starck and his daughter Ara. Philip Starck created successfully a new atmosphere , one that would exalt Le Meurice’s rich past.

Known as ‘the hotel of kings and queens’, Le Meurice hosted Queen Victoria, Tchaikovsky, King of Spain, Roosevelt, Elizabeth Taylor and many others over the years. The hotel also became Salvador Dali’s home for over 30 years, who had demands like herd of sheep, horse, flies to his room from hotel staff. Picasso and his wife Olga selected  Meurice to host their wedding dinner.

Today, with its great location, overlooking the historic Tuileries Garden, great interiors, created by Philip Starck and impeccable service , Meurice successfully blends classic , history with contemporary. The open reception area affords views of the hotel’s three main public spaces: three Michelin starred restaurant le Meurice, restaurant le Dali and the Bar 228 all with clever touches of Starck. Bar 228 is a perfect place to discover Le Meurice. If you can not decide what to drink, William Oliveri at Bar 228 who is the master of ceremony for thirty year will advise you the best.

With its 160 rooms  Le Meurice offers a true ‘French palace’ with high technology and comfort. Each room is decorated with XVIIIth century style furniture. For those who want to live the ultimate French Experience!

Make a reservation at Le Meurice

Photos by Peter Hebeisen

Okura Tokyo is a traditional Japanese experience from the early 60’s japan. The hotel is one of the best examples of modernist architecture. Designed by celebrated architect Yoshiro Taniguchi in 1962 this hotel has the most elegant lobby in Tokyo.You feel here like you are in an old movie..

In the heart of downtown Tokyo Hotel Okura is just a short walk to the city’s business, embassies  and government offices and therefore it is the choice of visiting heads of states and Japanese families who visit Tokyo..

Although many rooms have been renovated over the years, the public spaces stay unchanged and everything remains as they were 40 years ago, including the service.. Recently Natura Court Spa on the ninth floor opened and it is a nice  place to relax..Even if you don’t stay here you have to go and enjoy the lobby and have a tea in the traditional tea Room or  a drink in the Orchid bar ..for the sense of history..

Dar Yacout is not a restaurant but a legend..an experience you have to live if you are visiting Marrakech.
Your journey begins through a dark narrow street in Medina to a giant nondescript door off an alley, which opens by Ibrahim…When you enter that door the world around you totally changes. Once inside, you are guided to the rooftop terrace with a great view of Medina, (or in a fireplace-warmed lounge when the weather’s chilly) to have your aperitifs..

The building has renovated 20 years ago by American architect Bill Willis who turned a cluster of mansions into a labyrinth of secret salons and patios, most sporting carved cedar ceilings, mosaic floors and fountains, exotic columns, and countless lanterns. Even the bathrooms have sculpted fireplaces. Guests are seated on two levels around a courtyard with a beautiful pool and entertained by Ghana musicians playing a trance-inducing Moroccan form of blues. The food just keeps on coming, course after course after course: pickled and spiced vegetable salads, lemon and almond chicken tajine, tender shoulder of lamb, vegetable couscous, and ultimately pastries, tiered trays of cookies, and mint tea. Don’t forget to make a reservation days ahead..