Stone House - Luxury Villa in Portugal

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Beautiful views of the coast of Portugal and stone features are the highlights of this wonderful property on sale. For more information of to request a brochure contact Chartwell Estates at: michael@chartwellestates.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7409 0533.

Lime Wood Wins the Employer of the Year

At the House of Commons on Thursday 6th December Lime Wood Hotel was awarded Employer of the Year at the Hospitality Guild Apprenticeship Awards and Head Chef Luke Holder shortlisted as Mentor of the Year.  The Awards were opened by Minister for Skills, Matthew Hancock, who said, “since the Guild’s foundation they have been a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, bringing the industry together.” 

Luke Holder and his team have nurtured apprentices throughout 2012.  They arrive with a blank piece of paper after which the team then shows them what they want and how they want it, guiding and nurturing these fledgling chefs every step of the way.  Dan Humphries, an apprentice who hadn’t even touched a fish before arriving in Lime Wood’s kitchens, says, “Luke Holder is full of knowledge and really shows those on the scheme the very best way to do something.” 

Throughout the scheme apprentices get a real awareness of what it takes to be a good chef.  Lime Wood will be welcoming Angela Hartnett in February 2013 when the hotel’s new restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, will open.  

Johnnie Walker House Beijing

December 7^th 2012, Beijing, China JOHNNIE WALKER, the world’s number one Blended Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the grand opening of ‘Johnnie Walker House Beijing’, the world’s largest embassy for luxury Scotch Whisky outside of Scotland.

Following the success of the first Johnnie Walker House in Shanghai last year and continuing the brand’s mantra of ‘Keep Walking’, the Johnnie Walker House Beijing is located at the prestigious Ch’ien Men and creates a highly contemporary space, rich in authentic whisky story-telling for the discerning consumer along with the opportunity to participate in the art of blending.

As the global Scotch whisky industry leader with nearly two centuries of whisky craftsmanship, Johnnie Walker House Beijing provides an unprecedented exclusive luxury whisky experience for consumers.

Visitors are immediately immersed in the JOHNNIE WALKER culture and can select and buy rare whisky as well as participate in the personalised blending sessions. By invitation only VIP patrons are given the opportunity to meet personally with John Walker and Son’s master blender, the soul of JOHNNIE WALKER whisky, to create bespoke blends according to their individual flavour preferences. 

For true exclusivity, 200 by-invitation memberships will be available for members to access exclusive lifestyle experiences as well as private sections of the House such as the Odyssey Lounge and Striding Man Bar. 

Excellence in blending is considered an art form amongst whisky connoisseurs. At Johnnie Walker House Beijing blending goes beyond the glass. The Distillery Bar, open to the public, nearly 10,000 copper pipes have been used to simulate a working distillery.  In selective areas of the House, guests are encouraged to create their own whiskey-inspired art, with the chance of being displayed as part of temporary exhibition.

Lake House - Luxury Villa in Portugal

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This stunning property in Portugal is now on the market. For more information or to request a brochure, contact Chartwell Estates: michael@chartwellestates.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7409 0533.

Women's Day with the Dorchester Collection

Behind every great wine list is an even greater woman. At least that is the case for three of Dorchester Collection’s properties: 45 Park Lane, Le Meurice, and Hotel Principe di Savoia, whose head sommeliers are Vanessa Cinti, Estelle Touzet and Alessandra Veronesi respectively. Not only do these leading ladies provide expert wine advice but their charm and passion for all things oenological, bring an added dimension to every dining experience at their hotels.

To celebrate women behind the grape, Dorchester Collection is delighted to announce that, for International Women’s Day 2013, these three sommeliers will join together to embark on a wine road trip where they will host three successive wine events in London, Paris and Milan commencing the celebrations on a fitting  #WineWednesday:

-        Wednesday, 6 March, London

-        Thursday, 7 March, Paris

-        Friday, 8 March, Milan (International Womens Day)

These events will toast female achievements in wine, and no doubt inspire lively discussions on female wine makers, next generation wine families, the female palate and simply being a woman in the sommelier world. The sommeliers will compare Old World and New World wines with two wine selections from American, French and Italian wines.

Female guests staying at the hotels during this time in respective cities will also receive a 10% discount on selected spa treatments and complimentary glass of champagne at lunch. An event not to be missed and to be penciled in in every 2013 planner. 

Five Hundred at the Saxon

The Saxon has turned the heads of foodies across the globe with the recent launch of its brand new and highly exclusive fine dining restaurant; Five Hundred.

The restaurant is undoubtedly Johannesburg’s “it” place to visit and be seen, and with Chef David Higgs’ culinary genius the driving force in the kitchen – visitors to South Africa’s sleepless city are definitely in for a treat when visiting the Saxon. 

Five Hundred, complementing the Saxon’s variety of individually inspired venues privatized for guests’ exclusive use and pleasure, is a stylish and graceful restaurant complete with private entrance and 90 degree window views over the Saxon’s beautifully crafted gardens and the Johannesburg cityscape.

Having introduced a whole new culinary culture to the hotel, Executive Chef David Higgs has injected huge amounts of energy and a 20/20 vision for the hotel’s cuisine and as such has raised its profile to among the best in the world.

   

Diners are guaranteed the finest cuisine, wines and ambience at this exclusive evening restaurant that accommodates a maximum of only 30 guests.  For an extraordinary gastronomic experience, book a Chef’s Table for 8 people which allows for a personalised menu choice, interaction with Chef - and all the trimmings!

Guerlain Spa at The Caledonian

Following a significant programme of investment, the recently re-branded The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Edinburgh is pleased to announce the final stage of its upgrade, as the UK’s first Guerlain Spa, will start welcoming guests on the 1^st January 2013. 

Beginning with a systematic analysis and precise skin diagnosis, each treatment will be individually tailored using signature Guerlain touches. A journey of tranquillity will begin as guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy a gently soothing, fragrant foot bath designed to envelop the senses; a ritual that will allow even the most time pressed guests to unwind before their choice of treatment.

The treatment menu at the Guerlain spa will reflect luxury, emotion and refinement with a collection of indulgent treatments created using Guerlain products and respecting the origins of the signature massage, dating back to when the brand opened its first ‘Institut de Beauté’ in Paris in 1939. 

Alongside the exquisite treatments offered at the Guerlain Spa, guests wishing to simply relax will have the opportunity to take a dip in the swimming pool or unwind in the spa’s sauna, steam room or jacuzzi. 

The Guerlain Spa at The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel will be a gem in the heart of the city and an intimate sanctuary for guests and locals alike to experience true luxury and absolute pampering.

Gaya Island Resort Borneo

YTL Hotels’ Gaya Island Resort located in Sabah, Borneo, is the latest gem in its collection of fine hotels and resorts. Within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, the 121-villa resort rests along the coast of Malohom Bay, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.

In its commitment to craft unusual and authentic experiences, the resort offers a myriad of specially designed activities through PURE, the resort's activities programme that vivifies the senses; immersing guests in the vibrancy, scents, textures, sounds and tastes of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region. With the introduction of PURE, brings two extraordinary people who will play vital roles in ensuring guests bring home with them unforgettable memories of their visit to Gaya Island Resort and Borneo. 

Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort offers the perfect launching pad to discover Borneo and all that it has to offer; idyllic golden sand beaches, diving sites of spectacular underwater havens and untouched tropical rainforests, offering a home to many rare species, including the orangutan, the proboscis monkey and the pygmy elephant.

A Unique Mixology Set

One of the world's leading brands of luxury travel bags, Tumi, has gone a step further and announced the launch of Mixology Set as a part of their holiday collection.

The stupendous set was co-designed by Diageo and Ketel One Vodka. It consists of a range of bar accessories - from martini glasses to shakers, from zester to a wooden cutting board. There is also an ince bucket and a built-in bottle space, and all this masked in an elegant suitcase. Who doesn't want to have this!

Shopaholic Treat Package

This year is all about great British Institutions and The Stafford London by Kempinski is continuing the trend. Teaming up with Liberty London and the Burlington Arcade, guests booking the 'Shopaholic Treat Package' can take advantage of 10% discount when hitting the shops, which definitely will make Christmas even merrier. 

Galvin Brothers at The Caledonian

The Pompadour by Galvin

Since opening in September, the two new restaurants run by the celebrated Galvin brothers at the recently launched The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Edinburgh have been hugely popular with both hotel guests and locals alike. 

Originally named The Pompadour by Galvin Restaurant, this elegant dining venue first opened in 1925 during the heyday of Victorian railway travel, serving the rich and famous of the time for whom The Caledonian was the hotel of choice in Scotland.

The listed interior décor reflects the sumptuousness of the royal court of the Louis XV era, and the restaurant has long enjoyed the reputation of having "the best tables" in Edinburgh, with impressive views looking out onto Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle through the panoramic arched windows. An excellent collection of French regional wines has been specially selected by the highly experienced sommelier to complement each of the menu selections. 

The chic but informal Galvin Brasserie de Luxe brings Parisian style to the heart of Edinburgh and the design theme pays homage to the grand urban French bistros of Paris and Lyon, with its highly polished surfaces, ceramic tiles, archetypal lighting, and reflective mirrors. 

The Galvins have appointed Craig Sandle as executive chef at both restaurants, who joins from the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.

Alice Tait's Map of London

Fresh from designing the personal invitations for Chanel’s Little Black Jacket Exhibition, British artist and illustrator Alice Tait is pleased to announce her Illustrated London Map: the perfect gift idea for anyone looking for a unique gift this Christmas. 

The map contains sketches of some of London’s best-known landmarks and attractions. Alice’s joyful design was initially inspired by the life of the bustling streets in her beloved Portobello Road neighbourhood and you can even spot Alice and her sausage dog in many of the London pictures. 

The Alice Tait Illustrated London Map could complement any room in the home, brighten up a workspace, or make a memorably thoughtful gift. The Map range is also available in a Paris and New York Map and works beautifully as a set of three. All three versions of the map are available from The Alice Tait Shop on Not On the High Street.

Run to Monaco Supercar Adventure

Run To Monaco, the luxury supercar adventure, is delighted to announce its route for 2013. With a fully vetted fleet of 30 super cars, The Run To will host the most exclusive rally from London to Monaco ending with a once in a lifetime opportunity to race the Monaco Grand Prix circuit with an F1 driver. With years of involvement within the F1 industry, Run To Monaco was born to create the ultimate Grand Prix experience, inviting entrepreneurs, business luminaries, stars from music and film, and individuals at the top of their game to take part in the finest of supercar fleets. Run to Monaco’s itinerary far surpasses any other supercar rally’s programme with each entrant experiencing the very best in hospitality, access to exclusive luxury events, the finest in wine and gastronomy and the adventure of a lifetime. 

Main highlights of the itinerary are a private Eurostar to Calais, Michelin starred restaurant lunch, exclusive hotels with stupendous views of French landscape, test-drive of the ultimate race car Radical SR8 RX, picnic in the Alps, helicopter ride over Monaco, private beach party, Monaco Grand Prix seats at "The Champions Lounge" and evening spent on a super yacht and at VIP tables at Amber lounge. 

Probably the most exciting part of the Run to Monaco is, that the applicants have the enviable chance to lap the closed Monte Carlo Street Circuit just moments before the serious action begins in a £250,000 supercar driven by a former F1 star, hurtling past super yachts, spectators and RasCasse.

Post Run To Monaco, all cars will be transported home whilst guests will be flown back to the UK by private jet. For further information please contact the Run to Monaco team on +44 (0)207 706 8502 or email info@therunto.com.

ESPA Metropole Monte-Carlo

On 15^th November 2012, Métropole ESPA Monte-Carlo, the only ESPA in France, will reopen its doors to guests and non-residents. The spa has been closed whilst the pool area and the new Joël Robuchon restaurant are being renovated by the world’s most renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The spa below the first floor will reopen with a new selection of bespoke treatments inspired by the Ancient Greek Mythology theme chosen by Karl Lagerfeld to renovate the above premises.

The Métropole ESPA Monte-Carlo, designed by Jacques Garcia, will introduce in addition to the existing selection, a variety of treatments from a new Grecian inspired menu aimed at both men and women and designed to relax and rejuvenate. Using luxurious ingredients the range will present the perfect combination of personalisation, relaxation and long-lasting results. All treatments will be carried out within the spa’s beautifully appointed rooms, each designed to create a peaceful environment whilst ensuring guests’ absolute privacy.  

Four signature treatment packages await guests at Métropole ESPA Monte-Carlo: Eros, Hercules, Neptune, Hera (see their website for details).

Styled in Chelsea

Guests of The Draycott, Chelsea’s most refined and charming boutique hotel, can now experience the world class boutique shopping of Chelsea and Sloane Square.  The full package is based on two nights’ stay and includes breakfast for two and afternoon tea.  When ready to start the day, our guests will meet with personal shopper and fashion stylist, Ghaz, who offers a unique experience for those in search of the most enviable wardrobe. This bespoke service features a four-hour VIP shopping experience taking in vintage, new designer and couture shopping throughout the boutiques of Chelsea, Sloan Square and Kings Road. 

Whether you need a complete wardrobe overhaul; advice on colours and figure-flattering styles that suit your lifestyle; or help with personal shopping either generally or for a special occasion, Ghaz will help you look great and add some flair to your image, saving time and getting the most out of your wardrobe and your budget.

More info at www.ghazstyle.com.

Andaz Hotel Amsterdam

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is opening Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, the first Hyatt hotel in the Netherlands and the ninth addition to the Andaz brand. Currently represented in world-class cities such as London, New York and Shanghai, Andaz is making its mark in the cultural heart of vibrant Amsterdam, signifying the first step in the expansion of the brand into continental Europe.

Set on the Prinsengracht (the site of the former Public Library), a part of the iconic ring of canals that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is centrally located in the bustling heart of the city. Surrounded by the creative scene and dynamic spirit of the Jordaan district, as well as the adjacent “Nine Streets,” the hotel is located in a charming neighborhood filled with Amsterdam’s main art galleries, unique specialty shops, trendy fashion boutiques, and stylish restaurants, all of which nourish the city’s free-spirited, rich and diverse cultural character. 

Based on the premise that the hotel should beat with the same heart as the city, the unique flavors of Amsterdam are embedded in the property’s adventurous design concept brought to life through the vision of local and legendary interior and product designer, Marcel Wanders. Reflecting a modern view of Dutch history and local culture, guests can delve into a piece of Amsterdam wherever they turn, whether it is through the artistic wallpaper in the guestrooms, the books on the shelves, or the innovative food and beverage offerings at Bluespoon, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht’s specialty restaurant. 

Part of the hotel’s overall design concept incorporates a unique video art collection that represents a diversion from “regular” art. The 40 unique works from various emerging and established local and international video artists, such as Ryan Gander, Erwin Olaf and Mark Titchner, make Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht the hotel with the largest video art collection in the world.

Andaz Amsterdam is accepting bookings from 3 November onwards.

MASH opens in London

Chartwell Magazine was lucky enough to fly to Copenhagen, Denmark, earlier this month to sample the world renowned MASH cuisine– otherwise known as Modern American Steak House - and view the company's impressive string of restaurants in the city. The MASH has seen rapid expansion in recent years, having only been established in 2009. Their burgers have been voted the best in Denmark ( we concur - they were probably the best Chartwell Magazine had ever come across.) The service, ambiance and most importantly the food and wine were all of exceptional standards. The danish steak had a distinctly delicious taste and the comfort food sides were fantastic accompaniments – the extra cheesy Mac N Cheese was our favourite. MASH places great emphasis on the vast selection of wines available, which have been personally selected by their award-winning team of sommeliers, the London site will boast one of the largest collections of wine in the capital. MASH regularly serves VIPs, royalty and even the worlds number 1 chef in its' Danish restaurants, we have no doubt it will be attracting a similar clientele in London.  MASH officially opens on 3rd November and is situated in the buzzing area of Brewer Street, Soho.

Martinis at The Draycott

The Draycott Hotel will be offering complimentary “Shaken, Not Stirred” martinis to guests, in celebration of the new James Bond movie, Skyfall. The cocktails will be served in the hotel lounge from October 25 through November 15, 2012 in honor of the highly anticipated film and the Draycott's distinctly British charm. The commemorative drink will capture the essence of the film, scenes of which were shot nearby the Draycott, one of London’s landmark hotels.

The “Shaken, Not Stirred” martinis will also serve to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of James Bond, who first appeared on screen in the 1962’s Dr. No. Many films later, the Bond name has developed into a $5 billion entity and the longest-running movie franchise of all time. Daniel Craig will once again take the leading role in Skyfall, the 23^rd James Bond film.

The martinis will be offered each evening, along with the Draycott’s signature nightly champagne service. This new martini takes its name from the catchphrase “shaken, not stirred,” which was first uttered by Sean Connery in the 1964 Bond movie Goldfinger, and has been a notable quote in the 007 series ever since.