Deals of the day
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Switching off the engine and sailing, no music at the restaurant, the gentle sound of wind and waves. Pole Pole “different time” is governed by natural elements: the moon, the tides, the sun, the seasons. Adjusting to a different rhythm that is dictated entirely by nature.
Discard the pre-conceived notions of your typical beach holiday, and open yourself to something completely different… Pole Pole is seamlessly integrated with its surrounding environment – cultural as well as natural. There is no distinction between the hotel and its surrounds.
Seven bungalow suites, perfectly blended with the surrounding tropical garden, overlook the infinite hues of blue of Chole Bay, the core of Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania.
Pole Pole, considered one of the most exclusive eco-resorts in the world, is renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, and warm but discrete hospitality.
Balancing luxury with respect for local culture and environment, it is the perfect place to relax after a safari, and the ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of Mafia Island. With a touch of style.
ROOMS
Five luxurious bungalow suites, elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking Chole Bay. The rooms are tastefully furnished with carved and antique pieces. Both twin and double configurations are available.
An additional two Asali Suites contain an extra room furnished with a massage bed, which is separated from the bedroom by a bathroom and short corridor. The extra room can be converted into a second bedroom, hosting a maximum total of 4 people per suite.
The large private verandahs are furnished with a Zanzibari bed, chairs, table and an armchair. Each bungalow is self-contained, the bathroom is spacious and comfortable. There are two ceiling fans, one on the verandah and one in the bedroom above the bed.
We are a low environmental impact resort with a state-of-the-art phyto-purification plant which is a special process of treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution.
CUISINE
The cuisine is a combination of diverse culinary traditions and cultures, with an Italian style touch of class. Swahili dinners are served once a week or on request. The resort caters for special dietary requirements whenever possible.
Most of the food we serve is organically grown and bought on the island to help fishermen and farmers benefit from tourism development.
WELLNESS
POOL AND MASSAGE AREA
Set apart in the sunniest stretch of Pole Pole and surrounded by gently swaying palm trees, the swimming pool is shaped by a series of circles and set in a beautiful locally-sourced coconut wood deck.
Its design is reminiscent of a traditional Arabic sailing dhow, with weathered parts of old sailing boats integrated into its features.
It is partially shaded by a dramatic dhow sail rigged up on old masts, and a bar area and shaded seating area are also incorporated into the surrounding garden for your comfort and convenience.
The pool is set in Pole Pole’s Alasiri Garden, an idyllic location to bask in the golden afternoon light… Alasiri in Kiswahili means afternoon, but another delightful fact is that ‘siri’ means secret, and this makes the name doubly appropriate for this peaceful, hidden-away corner.
Furthermore, the garden’s lazy tranquility is perfectly complemented by the soothing luxury of The Alasiri Spa, which is set in the surrounds of the pool area, offering a variety of massages that are guaranteed to ease you into holiday-mode.
MAFIA ISLAND
Discover Mafia Island – Tanzania
The name Mafia is probably derived from the Arabic “morfiyeh”, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili “mahali pa afya” meaning “a healthy dwelling place”.
Its history goes back to the 8th century where it played a key role in the East African trading routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar.
Mafia has so far escaped the invasion of mass tourism as building has been restricted to few tourist lodges.
The lodges are like “bush resorts” in that everything is quiet, thus offering the perfect alternative safari experience. Major tourist activities are scuba diving, snorkelling, beach and offshore island excursions.
The places to visit are: Chole Bay, the Lighthouse, Kua ruins, Kinasi Pass Islets, Mange reef, Kitutia, Jibondo Pass, Ras Kisimani. Diving safaris around Chole Bay, within Mafia Island’s Marine Park are outstanding.
THE MARINE PARK
The Mafia Archipelago and the delta of the Rufiji River form one of the most interesting marine ecosystems and coral reefs in the world. The area has a high bio-diversity and is considered an important habitat for endangered species.
There are over 400 species of fish. On land the rich vegetation is dominated by large palm groves, baobabs, mangroves and fruit trees. The wildlife is extremely varied; monkeys, small antelopes, wild pigs, bushbabies as well as a small colony of elusive hippos. There are also countless types of birds.
The warm, safe waters of the inland bays and lagoons are a paradise for both expert and beginner scuba divers as well as those simply wishing to snorkel.
Mafia Island Marine Park was established as the first Marine Park in Tanzania and covers a surface of 821 km2.
DIVING
Pole Pole’s affiliated dive center, Mafia Island Diving, offers diving courses in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French and Swahili. With a highly experienced team of both local and expatriate instructors and dive masters, it is a PADI 5 star dive centre, the only PADI dive centre on the island who has this rating.
The snorkeling on the shallow reefs surrounding the many islands in and around Chole Bay is a great attraction for non-divers and divers alike.
Almost all Mafia’s best diving is at depths of less than 30m so it is a sport diver’s paradise.
The reefs of the archipelago offer a staggeringly beautiful and varied display of marine life. The excellent condition and high diversity of the reefs stimulated the creation of Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania’s first marine park.
Examples of most kinds of tropical marine habitat occur here, including exposed fringing reefs, rock walls, soft coral and algae-dominated reefs. The diversity of animal and plant life is hard to match, with over 48 genera of coral and 400 species of fish so far identified.
There are excellent examples of giant table coral, delicate seafans, whip coral, and huge stands of blue-tipped staghorn coral. Last but not least, it is possible to swim with whale sharks, one of the most exciting encounters sea lovers can dream of.
EXCURSIONS
WHALE SHARKS
One of the most exciting encounters sea lovers can dream of. A short trip by car will take you from Pole Pole to Kilindoni harbour, buzzing with daily activities in a kaleidoscope of colours.
From here Kitu Kiblu, a responsible whale shark encounter operator in Mafia, runs half-day encounter trips allowing visitors to interact with whale sharks in a safe, relaxed and respectful way.
In spite nobody can assure that they will be seen, in the period between October and March the chances are extremely high. Swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, requires no special skills but even looking at these beautiful creatures from the boat is an unforgettable experience.
MAWENI – SNORKELING
Coral rocks emerging from the bay surrounded by an extremely interesting reef which can be reached even by less expert swimmers.
MARIMBANI SAND BANK
A strip of dazzling white sand which appears during low tide, surrounded by crystal-clear water.
CHOLE ISLAND
The oldest, still inhabited settlement in the archipelago, with the ruins of old Arab buildings used by the Germans during the World War I. The island is covered by extremely varied lush vegetation.
JUANI ISLAND – KUA RUINS
On Juani Island, one of the largest and most characteristic islands in the archipelago, are the ruins of the ancient city of Kua, whose decline, as yet unexplained by archaeologists and historians, is the object of many legends. The island’s fauna is quite unusual and includes wild pigs, monkeys and small antelopes (blue duiker).
JUANI ISLAND – BLUE LAGOON
The southern point of Juani Island is divided in two by a long channel linking the big inland bay with the open sea. At the end of the channel is an enormous natural swimming pool whose water level varies according to the tide. After a short walk you can enjoy its clear waters.
JIBONDO ISLAND
The island of Jibondo is about an hour boat trip from Utende village and is characterised by the unique conformation of the western tip and the surrounding emerald green waters.
The village is mainly inhabited by fishermen whose fish and octopus drying and net mending activities are of great interest to tourists together with the traditional shipyard, one of the most famous in Tanzania.
KITUTIA REEF
Kitutia Reef is one of the archipelago’s most beautiful coral reefs with two strips of fine white sand which stay above the water during the low tide.
The trip includes snorkeling and diving activities and allows time for walking along the reef, sunbathing or swimming in the natural pools formed around the sandbanks. Depending on the tides, lunch is served on Kitutia Reef or on another beach en route to the reef.
BWEJUU ISLAND
Considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the archipelago thanks to its position and its sandy banks, Bwejuu Island is less than 2 kms long and no more than 200 meters wide at its widest point.
Its position, halfway between the main island of Mafia and the delta of the Rufiji river, makes it a handy base for diving and snorkelling on the nearby Mange Reef as well as for trips along the Rufiji River.
CHUWIA BEACH
An hour by 4×4 car along a track passing through one of the most characteristic landscapes of the island and an easy trek though a stretch of virgin forest take you to one of Chole Bay’s most inaccessible beaches.
You will be able to admire wildlife and vegetation untouched by human settlement and cultivation. Those taking part in the trip may decide to eat lunch on the beach or in one of the cool clearings along the route.
RAS MKUMBI – THE LIGHTHOUSE
Situated on the northernmost point of the island of Mafia, the lighthouse can be reached by car. It is an exciting journey that takes you right across the island and its changing landscapes.
Wide stretches of savannah studded by baobab trees, small seaside villages, bush populated by monkeys and birds climax in a unique view of the open sea.
