Tried & Tested: Reviews Amirandes, Crete, Greece
author: Kathryn Liston
Genuine Picasso ceramics, a digital cosmetic cooler and chilled champagne on arrival – what more could a girl ask for? A mirrored jewellery box or, maybe, a choice of pillow? Anti-ageing cream treated with vitamin E – perfect – or what about a spelt or horse-hair option? Also waiting in the room was a
beach bag containing flip flops, sun cream and hat that enabled me to hit the beach running – tough as it was to make the move from my two- bedroom pool villa. On the beach, an attendant showed me to my reserved cabana with gifts of iced tea, ice, water melon, oranges and strawberries ramping up the pampering experience even more. Service at the hotel was seamless
throughout, from the replenishing of Nespresso coffee and fruit daily to the blankets and candle-lit lantern laid out on the squidgy day-bed and stone patio each evening for star- gazing soirees. Any niggles (email
and air conditioning briefly stopped working) were resolved swiftly and efficiently. The organic Eau de Grece beauty products, made by Grecotel’s own Agreco Farm, were a delightful touch too. Guests can visit the 40-hectare
organic farm, with its olive press, flour water mill and wine press, and become a farmer for the day or help out with the harvests of potatoes, wheat and grapes. Or they can just rock up at the farm’s Agreco Taverna and enjoy the fruits of others’ labours with a feast of sumptuous cheeses, home- grown artichokes,
delicious pastries and herbal teas, mostly produced at the farm. The 212-room hotel of suites,
bungalows and villas has plenty of wow factor – and one of the most stunning lobby views ever seen and inspired by the Minoan Palace of Knossos (1350 BC) nearby. Columns and buildings made of local grey and terracotta stone and floor-to-ceiling glass flanked infinity lagoons, while flaming cauldrons added a medieval feel at night. At the Minotaur Italian restaurant, Picasso ceramics were served alongside fettucelle with crayfish and a rich rose sauce. The Lago di Candia restaurant’s floating deck was a romantic setting – with the most
decadent chocolate dessert. Tel: 00 30 28970 41103,
amirandes.com
How to book it Elegant Resorts offers seven nights from £1,625pp. Price is based on two people sharing a sea-view Superior room and includes breakfast, economy flights from Gatwick with BA transfers and UK lounge passes. Based on a June 18, 2016 departure. Tel: 0124 897 538,
elegantresorts.co.uk
45 Park Lane, London, UK
author: April Hutchinson
Celebrating its fourth birthday, 45 Park Lane has made a sophisticated name for itself so far. It helps that its name is also the hotel’s prestigious address – and that it is a funkier little sibling for The Dorchester next door. It’s that connection that is one of the many highlights – being able to book in for a blow-dry at the excellent Carol Joy salon, or a treatment at the spa at The Dorchester means it doesn’t matter that 45 doesn’t have those things of its own. What it does have are 45 rooms designed by New York-based Thierry Despont and there is a definite 1920s Manhattan-meets-Mayfair vibe here. The rooms feel very residential, with plush fabrics,
squashy sofas, sink-in beds and elegant flourishes but nothing too overwhelming – that’s saved for the views of Hyde Park when you throw back the curtains. The hotel was also home to the first European outpost for Wolfgang Puck when he opened Cut at 45 Park Lane – the man is a
culinary and business genius, and one I have had the pleasure of taking breakfast with previously at the hotel. On this occasion though, I headed back across the road for dinner at The Grill, which reopened last November with Ducasse protege Christophe Marleix in charge. A nightcap can then easily be
taken back at 45 Park Lane, in its mezzanine Bar 45, or in the comfortable little library. Or even try a sake “flight” with three types of this Japanese spirit selected by expert and hotel sommelier Vanessa Cinti. But the big story here is really
the art – the hotel has set its flag in this camp, with permanent pieces by luminaries such as Sir Peter Blake and Damien Hirst, as well as a revolving array of interesting installations and partnerships. The current Discover Art in
London package (from £660pn with breakfast) includes a private tour with Alternative London (left) and a digital guide to London’s top exhibitions. Tel: 020 7493 4545,
dorchestercollection.com
How to book it Rooms from £523pn.
78
TTGLUXURY.COM WINTER 2015 TRIED & TESTED
Total pampering
Arty option
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