QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Travel

For a town as saturated with culture and history as Cambridge, it is surprisingly lacking in top-end hotels. There are, to be sure, some characterful B&Bs, and some outposts of well-regarded groups, but up until now, the discerning visitor has looked in vain for a truly luxurious experience. Now, at last, that search has come to an end. The newly opened Varsity Hotel – privately owned by a group of former Cambridge students – has seen that there is a clear gap in the market for somewhere to stay that will accommodate people looking for something more than the usual identikit experience, and intends to fill that gap.

Based on a recent visit, it will do so admirably. The hotel is situated in an enviable location next to the river, just off Magdalen St., meaning that it’s literally a couple of minutes from the main areas of the town, and yet is both quiet and peaceful.  Upon entering, the first impressions – from the 360 degree photographic panoramas in the entrance hall and pictures of famous Cambridge (and occasional Oxford) alumni on every floor and in every room – are that this is somewhere that has managed to offer what a premier 21st Century hotel should, and yet still remaining true to older traditions of hospitality at the same time.

There’s nothing old fashioned about the exceptionally well appointed rooms, however. Some have stunning views over the dreaming spires of Cambridge from floor to ceiling windows, particularly on the higher floors, while others have walk-in rainforest showers. The high end suites even come with such amenities as i-Pads and Nintendo Wiis to hire on request; flat screen TVs and DVD players come as standard. The beds – Hypnos, naturally – offer the weary traveller the perfect opportunity to relax after a hard day’s punting or touring the hostelries of Cambridge.

This would all count for little were it not for the genuinely helpful and keen staff, whose dedication to making your stay a welcome and happy one is a delight. Nothing is too much trouble, and you will leave feeling that you have been less a unit processed for profit and more an honoured and popular guest in an exceptionally well-appointed private house. After you’ve been here once, you’re more than likely to want to return.

Varsity Hotel
Thompson’s Lane
Cambridge
CB5
+44 (0)1223 306 030

www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

Natural lava and Palimanan stone make up the garden and interior walls, refined Bangkiray hardwood and hand-cut volcanic stones for the interior and exteriors of the villas; green-colored Subakumi stone clad the outdoor showers, plunge and swimming pools. Local artists and designers fashioned the furniture and accessories in collaboration with BVLGARI and Antonio Citterio & Partners.

The BVLGARI Resort in Bali is nestled majestically 150 metres above the shore of the Jimbaran Peninsula, close to the Temple of Uluwatu. The resort bears the resemblance to a charming hilltop village. Well, perhaps I should rephrase: an extremely chic and flawlessly designed hilltop village with 59 private villas, restaurants, a seaside bar, spacious spa and a sublime curving infinity pool – all crafted of indigenously sourced materials, lovingly transformed into a resort that is contemporary, inspired, secluded and sophisticated.

An inclined glass elevator descends the cliff face transporting guests to the white sands of the 1.5 kilometre long beach below. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d stumbled into a parallel universe (call it heaven if you like) where the visual perfection of mother nature’s sheer magnificence offers any manner of painterly evening skies, an eternity of sea, rich green foliage, and stretches and ribbons of sand.

Each villa is decorated with Balinese antique pieces of art and features Bang and Olufsen audio and visual systems. Every single detail reflects and celebrates the splendour of blending modern innovation with organic resourcefulness.

All accommodation at the BVLGARI Resort offers an extensive range of amenities and butler services to cater to their guest’s every need.

For further information, please visit: www.bulgarihotels.com

Le Cercle brings the best of Club Gascon’s French cooking to West London at a prime location just off Sloane Square. Set underground, Le Cercle manages to create a surprisingly airy, open plan dinning space that still achieves understated intimacy. The monthly wine pairing menu caught my eye and I had to experience an evening here for myself.

This month, the tasting compares two estates from the Gaillac district in South West France. It was Domaine Rotier vs. Domaine Causse Marines – two producers with contrasting views on winemaking. I’ve been informed that one uses only natural elements in the vineyards to develop and heighten the flavours (whilst the grape is still on the vine) whilst the other experiments in the cellar. It must be said, whatever the technique, both created exceptional vintages.

We commenced the evening with a well blended dirty martini whetting my appetite for the meal to come. The menu at Le Cercle was created to educate guests on Galliac wines meanwhile enjoying brilliantly matched cuisine. We start with a superb crab bisque topped with verbena Chantilly cream; wondrously light, a theme that would run throughout the meal. A slight change of direction on the second course: cured organic salmon, celery sorbet and cress. Undeniably the standout dish of the evening, the fish was as fresh as you can find anywhere in London while the sorbet just captured the celery; the cress was tucked away inside the salmon as not to overwhelm. It was served on a bed of delicate fennel with a dash of beetroot ketchup. The dish was served with my favourite of the two whites, the Domaine Rotier, Renaissance Blanc 2008.

Shredded leg of lamb on a bed of warm aubergine caviar and liquorice for our main course. The lamb was tender and the liquorice subtle, making its presence noted in the sauce, a lamb jus infused with Chinese five-spice. My preference of the reds was served at this point, the Domaine Causse Marines, Les Peyrouzelle 2008. The cheese course showcased a fine slice of Ossau Iraty and the dessert, listed as White Chocolate Delight, was an unimaginably victorious white chocolate foam which evaporated in the mouth. The Delight was accompanied by summer berries and a divine Domaine Causse Marines dessert wine.

My guest and I departed with new found knowledge on the previously unfamiliar Galliac wines, satisfied appetites and approving taste buds. Le Cercle runs a wine tasting dinner service the last Tuesday of the month focusing on a different wine producing region.

Le Cercle
1 Wilbraham Place
London
SW1X 9AE

Tel: 020 7901 9999

Opening Times
Lunch – 12:00 noon until 3.00 pm Tue – Sat
Dinner – 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm, Tue – Sat

Neil Wager, Executive Chef of North Island in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles, claims he has the best chef job in the world. With 20 years of experience working in 6 out of 7 continents, in some of the top kitchens around the globe, he recently returned to paradise.

“I feel I’ve come home. As soon as I stepped off the boat, I knew I had come back to where I should be cooking and creating. Since my departure to the UK in 2008, I became more involved in the business side of the culinary world and I can’t say enough how delighted I am to be back in the kitchen.

The most amazing thing about North Island is the tranquility it brings out of you and the way it gently suggests you use what you find around you in your cooking. I’ve been building a repertoire of ideas and experiences, like opening a Pintxo bar and thinking on my feet what dishes to make out of the abundance of fresh local ingredients.

The purity of the sea here is unique to this region, which has inspired us to create our own sea salts that we use for flavouring in the cooking process. We smoke our own fish and use vegetables from our garden; the chefs here nurture and care for their produce every day. We consider Creole history and utilise spicy island ingredients – of course that includes any number of chills varieties!

In line with our Island’s ethos of a refined experience balanced with nature, I am looking to reflect this philosophy by balancing the natural gifts of sea, land, flora, smell, beauty and calmness with hints of fusion.

We want guests to leave North Island with the memory of walking with either myself or Vincent (our gardener), discovering the true beauty of what nature has so generously provided. Join us as we walk to West Beach and pick Indian Mulberries; grab a Natchi from the tree and eat as we walk and discuss your culinary interests, likes and dislikes.

Our ‘any menu, any venue, any time’ concept is progressing to the next level of development. I sit and engage with the guests to draw upon their individual preferences, incorporating them into each dish. This is a unique concept in food preparation and we hope North Island will set the precedent for this type of culinary experience, inspiring the rest of the world.

We aim to achieve the highest standards and quality equal to those of internationally acclaimed restaurants. My aim is not only to be the best kitchen in the Seychelles, but recognised globally for our Island food philosophy.

We are in the conservation business and the Island is a gift to us all. We make every effort to minimise our energy use in the kitchen, reducing our carbon footprint by utilising all we have here – this means relying on few non-indigenous ingredients as possible. Not only can we feel good about we do as far as sustainability – it pushes us to test the boundaries of creativity in our cooking.”

(Another Chef comes in and whispers something to Chef Neil)

“Apologies, I hope you will excuse me! I’ve just been asked to head back to the garden and pick some fruits for a special honeymoon couple. Lots of passion fruit!”

North Island recently introduced a Chef Exchange program bringing in chefs from Melbourne Australia, London, St. Lucia, Spain, Tokyo Japan and Argentina, to name a few.

PO Box 1176
Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles

Telephone: +248 293 100
Facsimile: +248 293 150

email: info@north-island.com
http://www.north-island.com/

Hidden away in the Himalayas at over 8,000 feet, Leti 360°, India is strictly for those looking to get away from it all. It takes a good hour’s walk from the closest town to get there, a minimum three-night stay applies, and forget about mobile phone reception and internet; but if you’re in need a total escape, there’s no better place to turn off your Blackberry and get closer to the real India.

The ultimate retreat, quite literally on top of the world, Leti boasts four cottages made from locally sourced materials; a blend of colonial-luxury-modern with brass fittings and solid teak furniture. In the evenings, you’re free to relax in your own sit-out complete with an open bonfire, or snuggle up inside. The bedrooms have sheer glass walls which mean you needn’t get out of bed to take in the all-inspiring views.

In October and November, the wild cherry trees blossom, bringing the mountains to life. Visit in March through May, however, and experience an entirely different side of the country as the rhododendrons bloom, painting the mountains with splashes of colour.

Given the exclusive nature of the camp, it often seems like you have the Himalayas all to yourself. No matter if you decide to explore the mountains, nearby villages and temples, fish, picnic and hike the days away; there’s plenty to do for the active and equally for the not so active. Yoga and meditation are also on offer, and if you don’t attain a state of enlightenment with the Himalayas as your backdrop, there’s a good chance you never will!

All meals and beverages are included, with the friendly local chefs serving sumptuous pan-Asian cuisine alongside a good variety of wines. You most certainly won’t leave hungry.

And after dinner every night, what better way to wile away the moonlit hours than by snuggling up with a loved one in your lovely cottage living room high above the world.

Three nights, four days from USD 1,825 per adult based on two people sharing a private cottage on a fully inclusive basis (travel within Kumaon only so you’ll need to add flights).

The Landmark, London, is a regal, provocative, architecturally beautiful abode that many Londoners (like myself) walk past, and mistakenly, keep on walking. A great mistake – great because such a gorgeous hotel, with such fabulous restaurants, that pays such close attention to ones health and wellbeing, is not easy to come by.

This illusive Marylebone retreat was once a less plush affair, housing 19th century offices for British Rail staff. Many years later, the internal courtyard was glassed over, and it became something new altogether. Beneath the shimmering glass – a stunning central feature – afternoon tea is taken by the Landmark faithful, quick to catch on, to stay on and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the tranquil yet elegant confines that this five star hotel affords.

I was given a gorgeous suite for a night which, despite being on the bustling Marylebone Road, was a silent and sumptuous place of rest. The room ticked every box you need worry about: the bed was blissful, the bath almost swimming pool in size and the linens felt like cashmere and probably were.

Dinner was enjoyed in the unassuming nonchalance of restaurant Two Twenty Two (The Winter Garden is for those who want to dress up a notch or two). Wood-beamed and lit with hypnotic, jellyfish-shaped chandeliers, this hip little hangout is loved by guests, and those knowing locals who breeze in with a burgeoning need for good wholesome food. The beef Carpaccio with rocket and freshly shaved Parmesan had the makings of an iconic dish, sharing its beat with black truffle oil. The Thai green curry with jasmine sticky rice was as good as anything I’ve had in Thailand, with just as much spice and a dash more savoir-faire. The restaurant is fringed with one of those sleek, very tempting bars, so once the foods done, you might want to get lost here for the rest of the evening.

If you want a change of scenery without a change of venue, head to the upstairs Mirror Bar, a small but intimate cocktail lounge run by someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things alcoholic. I had a perfect Mojito and then something that, though carefully, even beautifully concocted, was so strong I just couldn’t really do anything by it.

This heady combination, and that lissome bottle of 2006 Stonemason Shiraz I sloshed at dinner left the next morning a little blurry, and so my trip to the Landmark spa couldn’t have been better timed. Stocking the organic and utterly heavenly range of Voya products, the Anti-Ageing Reviver facial and Seaweed Oil massage will revive even the most fragile of figures. There’s a very fresh pool, and the peaceful treatment rooms, and the complete isolation from the rest of the world makes it just the sort of place to spend the whole day.

I left the Landmark London feeling pampered inside and out. It was a little odd as a London resident, stepping out from an unfamiliar palace of bliss onto the ever-so familiar Marylebone Road. Whether you’re in London for a night or need domestic escape as a resident, this is the kind of luxury hotel you want to take a chance on. Just don’t forget the compulsory Voya seaweed massage…

222 Marylebone Road
London NW1 6JQ

www.thelandmarklondon.co.uk.

There has been something of a recent Renaissance for Venetian cuisine in London, with Soho’s much hyped Polpo and its new sibling Polpetto offering tapas-sized portions of popular dishes. However if you’re looking for something altogether more substantial, 2 Veneti is the place to head.

Already well established in the top rank of what can be a highly competitive field, the cuisine at the restaurant belies the somewhat neutral decor. A range of succulent antipasti might include decadently creamy mozzarella or cucumber and crab salad, and the lamb ravioli should not be missed as a pasta course. There’s an excellent variety of both fish and meat for the secondi or main, with particular highlights including tender calves’ liver and fresh, vibrant sea bass – a particular house specialty, we are proudly informed.

As you might expect, the restaurant offers a great range of Venetian wines by both the glass and bottle, and a rich and full-bodied Chianti was the highlight of what we tried. A decadent glass of dessert wine to accompany moreish puddings such as chocolate salami is the perfect end to a lovely meal, and one that represents outrageously good value at £35 for 4 delicious courses.

One of the things that makes visiting 2 Veneti such a pleasure is the attention paid to all the little touches that normally get neglected in restaurants. The service, from natives of the Veneto region, finds just the right balance between friendly and familiar. The basket of Italian bread, an obligatory and often unnecessary addition to a meal, is here a genuine pleasure due to the impeccable quality of the focaccia; practically a meal in itself. And, if you’ve still got capacity at the end of the meal, a glass of the excellent Venetian grappa will round off a splendid evening more than pleasantly.

2 Veneti
10 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 2RD

Telephone: +44 (0)207 637 0789

Opening Times:

Lunch (Mon to Fri): 12.00 to 15.00
Dinner (Mon to Fri): 18.00 to 22.30 (Saturday ) lunch closed /Dinner 18:00 to 23:00

Closed Sundays

The highly respected Malmaison group of hotels are synonymous with interesting and quirky buildings, such as a former Episcopal church in Glasgow and a converted bus and tram office in Leeds. However, the hotel in Oxford is in another class altogether, being set in a converted prison. While this leads to lots of jokes about a stay here being a sentence rather than a holiday, there’s no doubt that this is an excellent place to head to if you’re spending any time in Oxford. Situated in the new Castle development, it’s a short walk from the station or centre of town, making it a great base to explore the historic city.

From the striking architecture – skilfully integrating the original prison building into a modern luxury hotel – to droll touches such as recordings of Porridge playing in the public loos, it offers a simultaneous treat for lovers of quirky and unusual places to stay, and for anyone who just wants to ensure that they are going to have a nice time in a luxurious setting. The usual high-end features that you’d expect – decadent and exquisitely comfortable bedrooms, high-end rainfall showers and flatscreen TVs and DVD players – are all present and correct, whether you choose to stay in the converted cells in the House Of Correction (somewhat more sophisticated than they would have been when this was still a functioning jail, which it was up until 1996) or the more conventional newer rooms. There are also some lavish suites to be found in the so-called Governor’s House, suggesting at least one former inhabitant didn’t have it too bad.

Obviously one of the highlights of the Malmaison group are their much-acclaimed restaurants and bars, and the brasserie here, located in the former solitary confinement area, offers a good selection of British cuisine, which might include Valley smoke house smoked salmon or rabbit and baby leek terrine to start, followed by loin of lamb or Donald Russell 28-day aged steak for a main course, and then perfectly complemented by a decadent dessert such as the moreish chocolate and Muscavardo cake. A fine range of wines by the glass or bottle are on offer to suit the meal perfectly. There are also some extremely good value set meals, the costs of which depend on how many courses you have and whether they include wine or not.

It’s very hard to discuss this place without giving into bad puns, so I’ll leave out the ones about this being a captivating or arresting experience. Suffice it to say that the excellent setting, great accommodation and wonderful food make this one of the nicest hotel experiences you’re likely to enjoy in Oxford, or anywhere else for that matter.

For more information, please visit http://www.malmaison.com.

A welcome change from traditional Chinese junk boats and glamorous but soulless gin palaces, for a truly liberating experience this summer, take to the open seas on V1 – Hong Kong’s one and only Volvo 60 racing yacht.

V1 has a gold-star pedigree: It won the Volvo Round the World Ocean Race in 1998, held the trans-Atlantic and 24-hour speed record and is twice winner of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. So, not slow then, and it’s no secret that Volvo yachts are the sailing world’s equivalent of the F1 car and now set the benchmark for long-distance offshore sailing.

With not one pair of sea legs between us, it was with a certain sense of trepidation that we boarded V1. Sailing from Stanley on the south side of Hong Kong Island on a scorching and sunny day, it was clear that anything less than a sturdy pair of trainers wouldn’t cut it. Off with the sandals then and, barefoot on the open deck, we motored out of the harbour, slowed down to raise the sail before…

V1 is a family-run operation and the Harris’ have been sailing as a family for years. David and his team sailed her up from Australia (it took a month) and she was lovingly brought back into service in Hong Kong. No matter if you’re a tried and tested pro or something of a hack on the waves, you can get hands-on or just lie back and enjoy the ride. Choosing the latter, as we weren’t entirely sure if we’d grown sturdier legs yet, we let the experts show us how it’s done.

Any worries I may have had disappeared once the wind picked up and we started, well, sailing. Sitting on the edge, legs overboard, breeze in our hair and sun on our faces – it was perfect. No noisy engines, just the wind and the occasional refreshing splash of the waves as we cut through the churn upended by passing ships. I am a nervous sailor at the best of times but the V1 felt totally safe, stable and even…glamorous. Lying on the white decking, glass of wine in hand, we realised that the great thing about sailing is the complete and utter freedom of it – letting it all go to the wind as they say. As the breeze picked up, and the sun left its silvery imprint on the big swell, we got up to what felt like a speedy 11 knots, skimming headlong towards the Po Toi islands on the south-east of Hong Kong.

Under David’s watchful eye, I took to the helm and managed to steer V1 in a fairly straight line, avoiding calamities involving nearby islands and cargo ships, after which we tacked and headed back to the island to catch the sunset and reflect on a day well and truly spent.

The V1 can take 18 guests sailing or 24 for a wine tasting and cruise through Hong Kong harbour. As well as individual tickets at the weekends, she’s also available for half and full-day charters, teambuilding and custom-made itineraries.
Summer never left me feeling better.

For more information, please visit www.hongkongyachting.com.

Located along the infamous Costalegre Coast of Jalisco, Mexico – midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo – is the private luxury seaside resort of Las Alamandas. An oasis of vivid pinks, oranges and yellows, it appears to rise from the topography of pristine beach, manicured lawns and tropical foliage like a flowering hibiscus, lending the vibrancy of Mexico’s unique aesthetic tradition to its natural surroundings.

Founded by Parisian native, Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño, Las Alamandas’ ecologically sound 1500 acre paradise boasts six luxury villas, accommodating only 30 guests at any given time. It’s little wonder then that it has earned a lasting reputation for catering to the world’s most discerning travellers.

While some arrive at Las Alamandas seeking a quiet, solitary and meditative respite, others go in for intensive fitness training with A-list personal gurus like Jim Brasher and Rich Guzman; as a self-proclaimed ‘foodie in training’, I’m looking to further my knowledge of Mexican culinary traditions so have booked in for three nights to attend cooking classes with renowned chef Alejandro Aguilar.

For those looking to explore the seductive flavours of Mexico, Las Alamandas “Cooking Special” provides guests with three night’s stay in a Garden View Suite, transportation to and from either Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo Airport, daily continental breakfast in the Oasis or Palapa Beach Club Restaurants, or – for lovers and honeymooners – a romantic evening picnic setup on one of their secluded private beaches.

Amenities include (but not limited to): fully-equipped/air-conditioned gym with ocean views, lighted tennis courts, beach club, scuba diving, snorkelling, boar rides, car tours, beach volleyball, croquet, lawn chess, mountain bikes, horseback riding on the beach, kids’ club and a surprising art gallery.

For more information, please go to www.alamandas.com.