REVIEWS
REVIEWS
ME MILAN IL DUCA • GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO • sOUTH AfRICAN AIRwAys DOMEs Of ELOUNDA • GRECOTEL CARAMEL • NH HOTEL EURObUILDING
1 2 3
ME MILAN IL DUCA Milan
From the outside, this property is just another smart-looking block, even a little bland compared with its grand neighbour the Principe di Savoia. Step inside, however, and it becomes clear why it’s the hottest new opening in Italy’s fashion capital. Like the city itself, the lobby is impossibly chic and sophisticated. Think gently curved sofas in neutral tones, shelves artfully stacked with books, and a spiral staircase lined with hurricane lamps. The hotel’s star attraction and cognoscenti-magnet is the rooftop Radio bar with its spectacular skyline views. The ME Milan Il Duca may not offer the opulence and history of its grande-dame rivals, but then it doesn’t aim to. For couples and business travellers who want ultra-modern style backed up with slick service, it is hard to beat.
Rooms start from ¤350 a night
MELIA.COM
GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO Lake Como
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo makes an imposing first impression, its stately art nouveau facade towering over the twisting coastal road. The lobby and a series of lounges are equally grand but with a sense of fun: an antique table groans with jars of sweets, while fuchsia, lime and purple sofas provide a modern contrast with old silk paintings. The floating swimming pool, fine rooftop suites and beautiful gardens do the hotel proud, but its best asset is a panoramic view of Lake Como. Wherever you are in the hotel, there’s a good chance you’ll have such heart-stopping views it can be hard to do anything else. Just give in and gaze over the tiny villages dotted among lush hills, palatial villas and glamorous Clooney-esque couples zipping up and down in speedboats.
From ¤708 a night
GRANDHOTELTREMEZZO.COM
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Business Class
OK, there is barely any time difference between London and South Africa, but you’re still looking at an 11-hour flight, which is always better approached from a 21-inch-wide, 73-degree-pitch business- class seat, with a vat of award-winning South African white in your hand. This is where South African Airways obliges, with double-daily Heathrow flights to Johannesburg, front-facing 2-2-2 seating in Business Class and cabin crew generous with the pour. It’s even more valuable if clients need a connecting flight – mine was the daily hop to Maun in Botswana. The Maple Leaf Lounge at Heathrow’s T2 and a huge lounge at Johannesburg further smooth the experience.
Heathrow to Maun, Botswana, from £3,354 return in Business Class
fLysAA.COM Joanna Booth
aspire september 2015 — 83
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96