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Kolbe Hotel Rome; an enchanting experience from the city of Rome.

The city of Rome, Italy is an enchanting experience. Rome is a vibrant and decadent destination. It is filled with passionate Italian locals and rich history. Rome has played an important role as a political and religious capital during centuries of human civilization and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Walking amongst the historic ruins of the Roman Forum is an experience that will leave you with goosebumps, not to mention a tour of the Colosseum where one can imagine gladiators having a brutal battle.

What made my Roman tourist experience truly special was the fact that our hotel was located right in the middle of all the important historic sites. Just a brief walk from Kolbe Hotel Rome brings you to the centre of it all.

“Surrounded by the magnificence of ancient Rome, only a few steps from the Circus Maximus and the Imperial Roman Forum, the building is located in an evocative and prestigious area right in the heart of the city.”

Kolbe Hotel Rome is a blend of modern and ancient décor; the furniture and finishing are modern and comfortable, yet the hallways are decorated with examples of ancient Roman clothing which is fascinating and really gives you an idea of what was worn back in the day

       

Upon entering the lobby guests are met with extremely friendly staff welcoming you to the hotel. The lobby leads into a contemporary bar lounge as well as the Garden Restaurant – Al Palatino. Guests can choose to sit inside or outside to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal. The garden outside is breathtaking.

“Keeping Mediterranean traditions alive, the courtyard reflects calmness, tranquility and peace. Guests can drink, dine or simply relax in this private sanctuary that is unique in all of Rome.”

The Kolbe Hotel Rome offers a variety of rooms. This includes double rooms, deluxe suites as well as family rooms. Rooms are generally decorated with maroon and light pastel colors and guests can enjoy bathroom amenities from Roberto Cavalli. One of the great features of the rooms are the big windows which open with a view of the surrounding area.

The hotel also offers great meeting and function facilities. During my stay at the Kolbe Hotel Rome, the hotel hosted a large corporate group with ease and professionalism.

Breakfast is served as an informal affair and leaves guests to help themselves to coffee and snacks from the buffet. This provides a relaxed environment for families or businessmen that want to grab a quick snack before heading to the next meeting.

Overall it was a wonderful stay that provided me quick access to the best that Rome has to offer.

Reviewed By Michelle Snyman

Brand Manager World Luxury Awards

To see more of this hotel click here

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Paris InterContinental Le Grand, a spectacular stay in the city of love and light…

This superbly renovated luxury hotel is at the heart of Parisian society. Opened in 1862, it defines historical grandeur, from Café de la Paix to La Verriere Restaurant, set in an 800 square metre winter garden.

Arriving at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand , I was taken aback by the sheer magnificence of the Hotel. It is an absolute jewel in the city of Light.

Fresh fruit and champagne in our room on arrival.

After a quick check in we were shown to our room where a bottle of champagne and fresh fruit awaited us. Our elegantly designed room overlooked the Paris Opera museum and I certainly spent some time simply enjoying the views over Paris. I love how the historic detail is still apparent in all the décor.

Our elegantly designed room

Breakfast at Café de la Paix was a phenomenal experience. The buffet breakfast was the largest I have ever experienced and sitting in the café with my fresh chocolate croissant I really did feel like a Parisian.

Cafe De Le Paix

Although I was only there for one evening, the service from every staff member from beginning to end was impeccable and I truly enjoyed my stay at this magnificent hotel.

Winter indoor garden.

I hope to return one day soon for a longer visit at this jewel of a hotel.

To view more click here

Reviewed By Tanique Echardt- Executive Manager World Luxury Hotel Awards

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Hotel Papadopoli Venezia – MGallery by Sofitel

Travelling to the city of Venice in Italy is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I suggest taking a private water taxi from the airport and entering the hotel via the water canals with style.  If you are lucky enough to enter Venice just before sunset, the experience will be even more romantic. Imagine sailing into a city filled with beautiful historic buildings, arched staircases and the suns’ reflection on the water streets. The water taxi takes you directly to the hotel entrance and kicks off your love affair with the city of Venice forever.

Arriving at Hotel Papadopoli Venezia – MGallery by Sofitel is an exciting experience. Once you enter the lobby of the hotel the glamour and elegance of this intimate boutique hotel is overwhelming. Close to the reception desk is a display case fill with shoes and handbags decorated with Swarovski crystals. The lounge is decorated with vintage furniture that includes throne chairs, carved giltwood tables and mirror frames, 18th century Italian style sofas as well as breathtaking chandeliers that provide just enough light to feel cozy and relaxed.

 

 

The stairway to the GIARDINO D’INVERNO (Winter Garden) restaurant is framed by two fashion mannequins, each dressed in a ball gown skirt and colorful ladies jacket. One soon discovers that the skirts actually consist of a tree and flower decoration. The beautiful artistry of this hotel is mesmerizing and the use of pastel colors is calming and poetic. Once you reach the Winter Garden one is transported to a scene from the magical Shakespearean play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The hotel has 96 rooms and suites that are finished with furnishings reflecting the elegance and splendor of the 18th century, and views of the Tolentini Canal and Papadopoli Gardens. Each of the rooms are themed and I was fortunate to be accommodated in the Marco Polo room.

One of the special qualities of Hotel Papadopoli Venezia is the spectacular view the rooms provide.  I would suggest starting your day with breakfast on your balcony and a wonderful view of the city rooftops.

The location of the hotel is great and within walking distance of most of the tourist attractions. It is a real treat to explore the busy allies of Venice and stumble upon unique gift shops and restaurants. If you have a lot of luggage the hotel will organize you a city porter in no time to assist you with the heavy load.

Overall, I can recommend Hotel Papadopoli Venezia to any traveller visiting Venice. Personally, the comfortable stay and attentive service contributed to a wonderful experience and many cherished memories.

Hotel Reviewed by Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager of World Luxury Hotel Awards.

To view this hotel click here

To phone +39 041 710400

 

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Furama Resort Danang, a culinary and style experience not to forget…

The beauty and charm of Furama Resort Danang is held in its adherence to its beautiful, traditional Vietnamese style architecture, mixed with French-colonial influences. Being the first resort of its kind to be built in the Da Nang area 20 years ago, it has been extremely well maintained and offers all the amenities and comforts of some of its modern neighbours, yet with far more warmth and character.

The welcome drink, a cold, delicious fruit cocktail served in a hollowed-out dragon fruit is definitely a sight to behold for the hot and weary traveller. The rooms have every conceivable requirement, along with traditional Vietnamese hats, stylish umbrellas, and beach flip flops for use during your stay.

The resort offers plenty of activities such as diving, a range of water sports, Tai Chi on the beach, cooking classes and more, there is also a Fitness Centre and there are a number of excursions in the area to choose from. One can always spend the day relaxing by the pool-side or beach with a thatch umbrella to shade you. The Furama Spa is open until 11pm, and also offers treatments at the pool-side.

Furama Resort is known for its culinary excellence and there is certainly plenty of choice when it comes to meal times, The Fan steakhouse restaurant on the beachfront offers the perfect position for romantic dining with the most scenic setting, especially at sunset as the lanterns light up around the beach and all over the resort. There is an Italian restaurant, Don Cipriani’s, which has a touch of fine dining elegance and offers a range of traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh local seafood. The signature restaurant, Café Indochine offers a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine on the al la carte menu, along with some Western favourites. There is a sumptuous seafood buffet here in the evenings and there is a full range of choice with many international options at the morning breakfast buffet.

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Each and every member of staff is so friendly and genuinely helpful, this makes one feel totally at home, which in turn makes it very hard when it is time to leave.

Linda Cooper – Executive Manager Luxury Restaurant Awards

for more information visit www.furamavietnam.com
or Book: reservation@furamavietnam.com

To view more reviews click here 

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Architectural Wonder In Ubud Bali

The Hanging Gardens of Bali is an architectural wonder, located in the heart of the Balinese jungle. The property and location can be described as sacred, as it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful regions in the world. Nestled on top on a hill and surrounded by natural forest, the Hanging Gardens of Bali provides the essence of luxury, while still preserving Balinese history and protecting the natural environment.

With 700 local craftsmen using traditional materials and adapting indigenous ideas, the resort took shape in the heart of Ubud. A winding path of 88 steps leads from the reception to the restaurant; built with Feng Shui principles to mean infinity and stability of energy: an important factor when building on a 45-degree angle

The creation of Hanging Gardens of Bali also resulted in providing the first telephone lines and electricity to the local villagers.

Getting to the property is an exciting experience as you travel, away from the busy Denpasar centre, you enter the rural area which is decorated with an abundance of beautiful green rice lands and local villages.

While dodging a few local villagers on scooters, you will get to view village life, beautiful temples and Hindu offerings. Arriving guests will travel a narrow road the top of a hill to reach the reception of the hotel. Guests can then look forward to taking an outdoor tram to the different levels of the property. It is a unique and exciting experience.

The resort features a private boutique, a magnificent restaurant and deck that overlooks the legendary pool, 44 private villas as well as an out-of-this-world spa.

The property overlooks the ancient holy Dalem Segara Temple. The resort offers guests the option of a personal chef to serve an exclusive and private gourmet dinner at the temple or you can experience one of the 6 dining areas in the resort.

The luxurious Spa Collection combines natural, local ingredients and ancient techniques, to create beauty therapies and treatments that soothe the mind, rejuvenate the body and energise the soul.

The property offers a variety if authentic Balinese experiences, from private cooking classes to a picnic by the river and even embarking on a spiritual journey and teaching of the Balinese Blessing.

“The owner and staff of The Hanging Gardens create a once in a lifetime experience. I consider it a privilege to have visited a place of such beauty and spiritual wellness”

 

Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager at World Luxury Hotel Awards

Contact Hanging Gardens of Bali

To book contact reservations@hanginggardensofbali.com

Or view this beautiful award winning hotel online via www.hanginggardensofbali.com