Travels: Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura, a rare interlude where art de vivre meets sporting elegance

                           

 

Just steps away from the legendary Jemâa el-Fna Square, shielded from the bustle of the medina, Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura reveals a luxurious haven in the heart of the Red City. Conceived as an oasis of serenity, the property seamlessly blends French art de vivre with the richness of Moroccan hospitality, offering a rare experience where intimacy, elegance, and a passion for sport converge. 

 Exceptional Ryads — a home in Marrakech Beyond its 78 rooms and 7 suites, Le Naoura features 26 spectacular ryads, true architectural jewels at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Designed to offer complete freedom, these private residences ranging from 240 to 450 sqm include 3 to 6 bedrooms, spacious Moroccan and European lounges, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private pool to experience Marrakech at its finest. Each ryad comes with the attentive service of a dedicated butler, available 24/7, ensuring a tailor-made stay where every detail is meticulously curated. Whether for a family getaway, a stay with friends or an exclusive golf retreat, these ryads embody the promise of an authentic, intimate, and generous luxury. 

Marrakech, a world-class golf destination For several years, Marrakech has established itself as one of the world’s most remarkable golfing destinations. Ideally located, Le Naoura partners with ten prestigious courses, all just minutes away from the hotel. Palmeraies, desert landscapes, panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, bougainvillea and hibiscus — each course offers breathtaking scenery and a unique playing experience for golfers of all levels. The hotel’s concierge team provides seamless, bespoke support: tee time reservations, private transfers, equipment care and storage, and tailored recommendations — allowing guests to indulge their passion for golf with effortless elegance.  

   

 The Barrière experience: a celebration of art de vivre and excellence Staying at Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura means embracing a rare interlude where every moment embodies French art de vivre and Moroccan warmth. After a round on Marrakech’s most beautiful greens, guests return to an oasis of refinement: inventive, locavore cuisine signed by Hamza Afquir at Fouquet’s Marrakech, the Spa Diane Barrière, a true sanctuary of well-being inspired by ancestral Moroccan rituals, a heated outdoor pool nestled in lush gardens, and a sunlit fitness center. Every detail reflects the same promise — elegance, generosity, and the Barrière signature — for an unforgettable luxury experience. 

**About Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura Marrakech Opened in 2009, Le Naoura is an emblematic Barrière address in Morocco. Nestled in a lush oasis just steps from the medina, the property combines discreet luxury, exceptional service, and French art de vivre. With 78 rooms, 7 suites, 26 private ryads, two restaurants, a spa, a heated outdoor pool and partnerships with 10 prestigious golf courses, Le Naoura offers an exclusive escape designed for discerning travelers seeking serenity and unforgettable moments.   

     

MÖVENPICK RESORT AL MARJAN ISLAND IS NOW OPEN TO WELCOME GUESTS TO THE ULTIMATE ISLAND GETAWAY

  

 

The five-star resort boasts 418 suites overlooking a 300m private beach, floating water park and an all-year-round kids club in Ras Al Khaimah

 

Making its debut, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island brings world-renowned levels of hospitality as the premium destination resort for families, couples and adventurers to Ras Al Khaimah. The five-star resort features 418 rooms, suites and chalets, each boasting a balcony and uninterrupted sea views of the Arabian Gulf. Thoughtfully designed for families, it offers spacious rooms equipped with sofa beds for extra comfort. Providing the complete island experience, the upscale accommodation also includes stylish beachfront chalets with their own private swimming pools and terraces.

Complete with six exceptional restaurant and bars, dining at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan showcases a variety of cuisines that caters to all palates. Visitors can indulge in a lively and vibrant international market buffet at The Market, or relax by the beachside Mediterranean restaurant and bar Ula, an all-encompassing dynamic space inspired by the earth, sun and passion of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can also feast with their feet in the sand and sample rich Californian flavours at the Beach House or share special moments at Boons, a modern twist on a neighbourhood brasserie and bar. Sweet-toothed foodies can catch up over delicious treats including pastries, all-day refreshments, Mövenpick ice creams and the signature “Chocolate Hour” at the boutique Möca Lobby Lounge.

Set to impress with its opening in September, Neo Sky Bar will be the island’s only rooftop lounge, where diners can spend a stylish yet classic evening under the stars, enjoying flowing cocktails and sweeping views of Ras Al Khaimah’s twinkling skyline.

The resort extends unrivalled kids’ facilities with an exclusive year-round Starfish Adventure Kids Club and tailored programs for three different age groups. It also houses a 200 sqm of indoor Kids Zone, a specially constructed outdoor playground, a dedicated kids pool, and a fun filled Wibit floating waterpark in Ras Al Khaimah. Thrill seekers, young and old, can frolic in the glistening beach with extreme motorized and non-motorized water sports also available, the best the city has to offer.

Guests can experience complete relaxation with access to a 300m pristine private beach and wellness hub, with four treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym. For social gatherings, the resort’s modern and flexible event spaces include two large meeting rooms ideal for product launches, corporate team-building retreats, or conferences for up to 300 delegates, in addition to interactive activities such as table tennis and a pool table located in the break-out room. A 530 sqm. pillar-free ballroom bathed in natural light, is also available making it the perfect setting for grand weddings and special occasions.

Commenting on the launch, General Manager, Fabien Chesnais said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors to Ras Al Khaimah’s first Mövenpick Resort in the region. The much-awaited Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers an unbeatable beachfront location and unique offerings, including an exceptional kids' program and a floating water park, in addition to a variety of dining options and an incredible private beach”.

Nestled amidst the tranquil blue waters of Al Marjan island, the resort is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula and surrounded by the majestic Yanis and Jais Mountains. Easily accessible for travellers, it is a 45-min drive from Dubai International Airport, 40-min drive from Sharjah International Airport and a 30-min drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

As an opening offer, guests can avail from up to 30% off on stays throughout the summer until September 30th for those who are part of Accor’s loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless. The loyalty programme allows guests to join free of charge and gain points towards a number of perks and benefits, including free hotels stays.   

For more information, please visit: www.movenpick.com/marjanisland

Acetaia del Cristo: Ancient Techniques of Balsamic Vinegar Making at the Service of Your Taste

Sometimes the pursuit of perfection teaches us patience. Knowing the laws of nature, we can use natural processes to create culinary masterpieces of the highest quality. Like did the ancient inhabitants of Modena, who have developed techniques to create the perfect balsamic vinegar for generations. And today, their passionate inheritors follow these traditions and spend decades to make precious products that delight gourmets all over the world. This year the renowned manufacturer Acetaia del Cristo has once again been recognized at the world level and has become the winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards in the category of The Best Luxury Balsamic Vinegars in the World.

Acetaia del Cristo was founded in 1849, and today this company proudly bears the status of the biggest producer of traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). The story of the famous brand started when Barbieri and Bonfatti families decided to unite their experience and craftsmanship to establish acetaia – the attic where balsamic vinegar is being kept for several years. And now, it is the oldest acetaia in the region of Modena with 2000 casks exclusively used to produce Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO. The oldest and most precious barrels in the acetaia date back to 1848.

Four generations of the owners’ families have been working on the secrets of the production of PDO balsamic vinegar to bring it to perfection. One of the most striking aspects of the production process is its duration. For example, the time of ageing the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO is at least 12 years, and this is just the first step of the experience. As for the Extra-Old balsamic vinegar, the threshold of over 25 years of ageing gives the delicious taste that is definitely worth waiting for. Acetaia del Cristo offers selections from barrels over 50 years old and others very limited from over one hundred years old barrels. Every year precious numbered collections of 20-30 pieces are sold for €350 per 100ml bottle.

"We are proud and happy to be recognized by the demanding Luxury Lifestyle Awards experts. It is a great honor for us to glorify the generous land of Modena and the work of our talented ancestors and contemporaries at the world level through our premium Traditional Balsamic Vinegar," said Gilberto Barbieri and Daniele Bonfatti, owners of Acetaia del Cristo.

Acetaia del Cristo offers guided tours among the long corridors and shelves of hundreds of barrels, casks, and ancient vats in the attics of Acetaia. The unique experience of an inspired sommelier is waiting for everyone in this microcosm of real aromas.

About Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world.
The goal of the company is to connect people with the best of luxury. LLA has evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and exposure to an entirely new market of customers.

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Travel: The Best Luxury Hotels in Bali by Luxury Lifestyle Awards

The whole world knows Bali as the Island of the Gods. This marvelous land proudly carries such an eloquent nickname for a reason. It may refer to hand-carved temples, Hindu rituals, aromas of incense, and heavenly beautiful surroundings. But what is more important for the tourists is that the Island of the Gods is a perfect place for people to stay. This paradisiacal land seems to be created for the joyous celebration of life and nature's beauty. And still, there is something that makes Bali even more attractive for the seekers of quality rest and relaxation. These are the special spa treatments that you get in the best Balinese hotels. Pampering is an entire culture in Bali, and the island is well known for its wellness hospitality. There are plenty of hotels offering luxury spa experiences, and it may be difficult to choose the right destination. The experts of Luxury Lifestyle Awards conducted thorough research of the best hotels in Bali with outstanding spa services. You are welcome to check out the list of the island’s spa hotels that will make you feel like Gods with their special care. Alaya Resort Ubud This luxurious hotel created by the most talented designers in Bali is a part of the developing hospitality scene of the village of Ubud. Alya Resort Ubud features 106 substantial and comfortable rooms, peaceful lagoon-shaped pools, magnetic rice terrace views, and fine dining experience. The hotel’s DaLa Spa is a perfect way to enjoy the Balinese traditional healing and beauty practices in harmony with the surrounding environment. The sensory journey for the guests leads through 6 rooms, each of which carries the name of a certain exotic flower and has a unique ambience, décor, and color palette. Accompanied by subtle lighting, atmospheric music, and soothing blends of essential oils, you will feel relaxed and completely refreshed at the end of the treatment. The procedures represented in the DaLa Spa’s menu were designed to take the experience of the Balinese beauty and health rituals to the next level. Alila Seminyak On the west coast of Bali lies the perfect getaway and one of the most attractive scenes on the island – Seminyak. This is where the architectural gem of Alila Seminyak is located. The luxury resort is a part of the breathtaking beachfront setting, elegantly blending the contemporary design trends with green elements and incorporating the building into the surrounding landscapes. The combination of ancient beauty rituals with classical healing techniques of Asia is the essence of the all-natural approaches taken by Spa Alila at Alila Seminyak. The experts of the spa use locally grown spices and essential oils with a wide range of fragrances. The connoisseurs of opulent spa treatments will appreciate the contemporary environment and the little but significant details like cool mineral water in the glass, warm ambient lighting, dry sleepers replaced when got wet, and always fresh fluffy towels. The magnificent spa procedures provide the guests of Alila Seminyak with a feeling of complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Maya Sanur Resort & Spa The chic boutique hotel Maya Sanur is located on the beach in the cozy resort town of Sanur. Combining the unique touch of the Balinese spirit with tropical finesse and state-of-the-art facilities, this relatively small hotel makes a natural part of the surrounding environment. The resort features spacious and tastefully designed rooms overlooking the lagoon-shaped pool. The spa treatments at Maya Sanur Resort & Spa offer a wide selection of beauty procedures inspired by the healing properties of the island’s tropical serenity. Every guest of the hotel can choose his or her own way of healing the mind and body to reach the desired balance between the inner and outer world. The resort’s experienced staff uses premium-quality natural products based on the cold-pressed soy. Six treatment rooms offer an exotic menu featuring traditional body massage, rejuvenating facials, and personalized beauty packages. Wellness options at Maya Sanur include basic workout opportunities at the modern fitness center and complimentary yoga morning sessions. Six Senses Uluwatu Bali Nestled on the cliff-top south-western tip of Bali, the elegant and luxury Six Senses Uluwatu makes you forget about time providing you with a pure sense of serenity. The resort shares magical views over the Indian Ocean and overlooks the famed Uluwatu Temple. 75 opulent cliff pool villas and 28 suites represent the island’s interpretation of rest and relaxation and offer the guests experience the privacy in surroundings of lush landscapes. The whole resort is laced with environmentally friendly awareness and responsibility. Six Senses Spa and Wellness is an ideal way for the guests to reach the inner and outer peace and calm. 10 treatment rooms offer Balinese-inspired treatments and signature therapies. They feature holistic, detox, and deep-tissue massages, sports massages, facials, Balinese Boreh Wrap. Royal Lulur, one of the ancient beauty rituals dating back to the 17th century, combines a massage with the Lulur body scrub, an application of cooling yogurt, and a herbal bath. Sleep Upgrade program helps to improve the sleep quality with the help of sleep aids, moisture-wicking linens, humidifier, sound machine, and specialty pillows. The fitness center at Six Senses Uluwatu is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines. The resort offers a wide range of programs for achieving optimum wellness. The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa Located in one of the most vibrant and bustling areas in Bali, The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa has been setting the high standards for hospitality for the last three decades. The neighborhood’s diverse culture and busy atmosphere combined with beautiful natural landscapes of the island create ideal scenery for the hotel’s guests to enjoy. A comprehensive selection of spacious rooms, suites, and private villas let you choose the best accommodation for a peaceful and relaxing romantic getaway or family vacation. Two restaurants offer a vast selection of sophisticated Asian and European cuisine to enhance your stay at the hotel. At The Seminyak Resort, you will find a natural source of wellness, peace, and relaxation for your mind and body. The stylishly designed Kahyangan Spa offers exclusive pampering services blending Balinese and Indonesian therapeutic traditions, distinctive philosophy for wellbeing, and special treatments. They feature a wide range of body treatments, massage, facials, and flower baths. At Kahyangan Spa you can try the signature “JUARA” product exfoliating and softening your skin and follow this procedure by relaxing massage to relieve tension. The well-equipped Fitness Centre provides you with everything you need to work on your body and make your way to a healthy lifestyle. InterContinental Bali Resort This award-winning hotel occupies a vast territory of 14 hectares along the shores of Jimbaran Bay. InterContinental Bali Resort represents the traditional architecture of Bali mixed with modern convenience. The guests can choose between 417 rooms, suites, and private villas meeting expectations of all travelers to Bali, be it business travelers, families, or couples. InterContinental Bali Resort invites you to indulge, unwind, and relax at Spa Uluwatu – an expansive spa complex offering a wide range of treatments that are rarely found elsewhere. Spa Uluwatu is separated into two sections for male and female, each featuring sauna, steam room, jetted tub, pool, showers, and locker rooms. In the center of the complex is positioned an elegant relaxation area providing a sunken Jacuzzi, water fountains, sunbeds, and marble statues. The guests at the resort don’t need to book any spa treatment to experience the benefits of the sauna, steam room, and jetted tub. Double-Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak Reconnect your inner self with the beauty of nature in the stunning waterfront of the Seminyak setting provided to you by the avant-garde Double-Six Luxury Hotel. The hedonistic spirit of luxury embodied in this award-winning hotel has consistently attracted the most discerning guests of Bali. The chic property featuring 146 suits obviously aims to strike you with creative design solutions – and the hotel succeeds in it. Another striking option at Double-Six Luxury Hotel is Acqua Perla Spa – the fashionable spa complex designed to help each guest find his or her personal options for optimal health and wellbeing. Here you find yourself in a relaxing environment providing you with premium quality spa and beauty products. The carefully trained specialists develop individual spa treatments for every guest including detox, revivify, sensorial hydro trail, Vichy revival, variety of massage, beauty care, traditional therapies, workout in the gym, and yoga practices.

Viajes: Crowning of Al Wasl dome

Expo 2020 Dubai has unveiled the UAE’s latest architectural marvel as the final piece of the Al Wasl dome – an iconic structure at the centre of the next World Expo – was lifted into place. The crowning moment came as the dome’s 550-tonne moulded steel crown was positioned on top of the vertical trellis, an inspiring feat of precision engineering with a margin of error of only three millimetres. The dome, the jewel of the Expo 2020 site, and venue for a string of A-list entertainers, will form the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world, providing an unparalleled experience for millions of visitors expected to attend the first World Expo ever to be staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. The operation was a unique engineering challenge, according to the man responsible for its completion, Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai. “It was the most exhilarating day of my entire career. We had one chance to get this right,” he said. Using GPS indicators throughout to ensure perfect alignment, 800 engineers and construction experts worked in shifts, night and day, carefully monitoring every millimetre of the process. Including the structures and equipment required to lift the dome during this process, the total weight was 830 tonnes – equivalent to 600 saloon cars. The 130-metre-wide Al Wasl dome stands 67.5 metres tall – higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and encloses a space of 724,000 cubic metres. It encircles Al Wasl Plaza, a structure that will be the heart of the Expo 2020 when the six-month celebration opens in October 2020. The crowning marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the event, with all permanent Expo-led construction on track to be completed by the end of 2019.

Viajes: Carpe Diem Boutique Resort: A Santorini Hideaway For Ultimate Relaxation

                                

With a heavenly zen spa, ultra secluded suites and service that’s second to none, it’s no wonder Carpe Diem has been named both Europe’s AND World’s Best Relaxation Retreat at the World Boutique Hotel Awards.

A Harmonious Spa Sanctuary

A one-of-a-kind sanctuary that fills you with total relaxation and wellbeing awaits at Carpe Diem’s Althea Spa. It has been specifically designed for couples seeking seclusion and romantic relaxation.

The private boutique spa is complete with sauna, steam room and beautiful jacuzzi emulating the Ying Yang. This design creates a powerful harmony allowing you to completely re-energise mind, body and soul.

Treatments have been inspired by nature and exclusively Hellenic herbs, plants and fruits are used. Experience all senses of Santorini with a Caldera Hot Stones Massage, from the native volcanic stones of the island.

Only completely natural Apivita products are used. Greece’s leading cosmetics company utilises the country’s rich flora in these cosmetics meaning each therapeutic massage, facial treatment, body scrub and face mask are of the highest local quality.

Secluded Relaxation Retreat

A sense of relaxation runs through all parts of the hotel. Carpe Diem has just 10 suites, the largest and most secluded on Santorini, guaranteeing an ultra private and peaceful stay. All suites are uniquely designed and come with private pools.

Carpe Diem’s team takes service to the next level. The VIP butler service extends to each and every guest with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1-1. Sit back and let the team take the best care of you. You won’t even have to lift a finger.

Even Carpe Diem’s location has been strategically chosen for the ultimate zen stay. Nestled into the edge of Pyrgos Hill, in Santorini’s highest village, Carpe Diem is perfectly located away from the island’s hustle and bustle but close to all the renowned sights.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVk07FlXrNI&feature=youtu.be