Sadler&co Blog

It glides towards me from across the terrace – huge, iridescent and blue. The juicy wedge of pineapple straddling its rim screams to be picked off and savoured. Our waiter beams proudly as he sets it before me, having insisted that he personally tailor it to my preferences.

“Pineapple, blue Curaçao and ‘something special’” he announces.

I never asked what the mystery ingredient was, but the devilishly sweet yet refreshing concoction has made me eternally thankful that my intended order of a Coca-Cola found its way out of my mouth as “Coc…ktail.”

This is just one example of the kind of individualised consideration and attention to detail that sets The Leela Kempinski, Goa apart from other luxury hotels and resorts.

The second property to be established by the Leela group, the resort enjoys an exceptional and rare location sandwiched between a river and a sea, giving easy access to both Mobor Beach and the banks of the River Sal. Sprawling across 75 acres of lush, South Goan landscape, The Leela feels more like its own Kingdom than a hotel, providing everything you could possibly want for while still offering every guest a feeling of escape and seclusion.

Following my lunchtime buffet of curry and Curaçao at The Leela’s stylish and recently opened The Restaurant, my enthusiastic guide Qammar leads me through theimmaculately tended hotel grounds. I am treated to a visual feast more suited to a Disney film than the real world as palm trees embrace over luminescent-green lawns and manicured bushes jostle for position alongside lily-padded ponds. In the midst of this gleams the par3 golf course, boasting 12-holes and the reputation as one of the best amateur courses in the state.

Tell us the latest news from the hotel?
We are delighted to report that after extensive restoration and refurbishment we have reopened our legendary bar, known as the Champagne Room. It is exciting to know that over Christmas when our guests come to celebrate with us and see in the New Year they’ll be enjoying and socialising in this gorgeous new space for the first time.

What can we expect from the design?
The bar design is inspired by the illustrious character of the hotel and the legendary stories behind the Champagne Room. Jean-Pierre Martel has been central in bringing to life its past and present in a contemporary style that will appeal to all ages. Martel describes the design as a blend of modern luxury and the golden ages.

A look at the new Champagne Room

One of the first things you’ll notice as you enter the bar is the striking black and white photo montage on the wall that celebrates the many royal, film, musical and sports stars who have visited over the years. There are also a number of design details that make the bar feel welcoming and inviting – the gold leaf ceilings, art deco inspired sculptures and handcrafted bespoke furnishings. One of my favourite elements of the new bar is the Grand Piano which sits centre stage and acts as the real focal point of our shows and cabarets.

What makes the Champagne Room special?
For half a century the Champagne Room has provided our jet-set guests a place to enjoy evening cocktails, experience sensational events and watch world class entertainment. The new bar has all the modern touches and comforts you would expect from a leading luxury hotel but because of its history there is an incredible sense of warmth and hospitality that sets it apart from its contemporaries. It’s not often that a hotel bar has seen such famous faces as, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, the Kennedys, Lionel Richie and Enrique Iglesias dance the night away within its four walls. Our aim is to make the bar a destination in its own right – whether visitors are staying at the hotel or staying in Marbella a visit to the Champagne Room is top of their list of things to experience.

Grace Kelly enjoying life at Marbella Club

 What drink should I order?
Of course being the Champagne Room we have an extensive selection of Champagnes selected by our sommelier Ángel González. A good champagne to enjoy by the glass is Krug Grande Cuvée Brut. If you are a connoisseur and money is no object, we would recommend a bottle of Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1995. This is a rare champagne, with only 2,000 bottles produced, and we are delighted to be able to offer it to our customers exclusively.  

For those people who prefer something zesty and different, we suggest our famous SauSau cocktail. The drink is an original recipe of the hotel’s and is a blend of chopped fresh mint, vodka, lemon juice and sugar – it is wonderfully refreshing and the perfect tonic when the sunshine’s out.

The hotel's pier flooded with sunshine - a typical day in Marbella

Why do you think that Rwanda is now becoming a luxury travel destination?
It offers a unique activity that can only be found in a handful of places world wide – the Silverback Mountain Gorillas inhabit Volcanoes National Park and a large percentage of the population live on the Rwandan side.

How do you think Rwanda differs from other African destinations?
It is a small, spotlessly clean country with a wildlife experience that most other African countries can’t offer. It has also emerged from a terrible past with a great sense of pride.

Why do you think that Carrier are featuring this particular trip?
Our African clients enjoy adventurous holidays and authentic wildlife experiences -trekking to the gorillas fulfils this.

Which aspect of the trip would you recommend most highly?
The gorilla trek

What was your initial reaction on sighting the gorillas?
Complete awe, it was overwhelming.

How would you describe the gorillas?
Gentle, loving, fascinating, a close knit family group with some absolutely adorable youngsters who are funny and entertaining. Their behaviour is so close to our own, it is incredible to watch.

What were the highlights of both lodges?
Sabyinyo – the staff, food, gathering around a roaring fire in the lounge with other guests.
Virunga – location – the most amazing views of the volcanoes and lakes below.

What type of holiday-maker do you think this trip would be most suitable for?
People with a genuine interest in the gorillas, those seeking a truly unique and moving experience. People looking for something truly special, that will stay with them forever.

What did you learn from this trip?
Just how emotional an hour with gorillas can be – and what an incredible place Rwanda is now.

On a recent holiday to Switzerland, my father and I were invited to visit the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, the flagship hotel of the Victoria-Jungfrau Collection and one of our newest clients. Following a picturesque drive from Gstaad to Interlaken we arrived at the opulent hotel. I was stunned by the vast lobby area, which I was later informed was originally a road, transformed into a magnificent entrance hall in order to join two hotels together.

We met with Ina Bauspiess, Director of Communications, Victoria-Jungfrau Collection,  who took us on a tour of the house. We started with the beautiful Duplex Suite, spaciously layered over two floors; sitting room downstairs and bedroom area above, with double doors leading out onto a balcony with magnificent views of the Jungfrau Mountain. Dragging us away from the captivating view, Ina took us to the Victoria-Jungfrau Spa, which we investigated fully after lunch. The Sensai Select Spa is very minimalist and as a haven of peace and calm we had to keep our voices to a whisper- quite hard for my father who has a habit of expressing himself rather loudly! The spa is surrounded by silk hangings; silk being the main ingredient and inspiration for the products used in the exclusive treatments. Sensai treatments are available only at the hotel, a reason in itself to visit and sample therapies that were once solely reserved for the Japanese Imperial family.

After our spa visit, Ina had to shoot off to Zurich but not before settling us on the beautiful tree lined outdoor terrace at La Pastateca restaurant, an Italian affair with a fabulous buffet and delicious Prosecco…

Looking out from the terrace across the sweeping green lawns, paragliders swooping down from the skies (an easily arranged excursion for all guests), there in all its glory was the statuesque snow capped Jungfrau Mountain. A scene that stayed with us both, long after we left our view point.

After a delicious lunch of antipasti and seafood we headed to the main spa. The wellness area is vast and the indoor pool is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains. ESPA has its own spa area which offers separate male and female treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas to fully unwind and enjoy some privacy. It was a real treat relaxing and swimming in such a scenic spa.

The rooms and suites above the spa, used mainly for weekend breaks, are a great concept. This concept inspires guests to truly switch off. Relaxation is key here, and that is certainly helped by the friendly and accomodating staff that are quiet yet ever-present. These spacious sleek rooms provide the perfect place to chill and retreat from daily life.

After a morning spent with me as ‘chief navigator’, my father was ready to check-in for just such a retreat. Unfortunately but not surprisingly all 212 rooms were fully booked…

It would be a mistake to assume Switzerland is simply a Winter destination. The view of snow glistening on the Jungfrau Mountain top whilst pleasantly basking in summer sun on the restaurant terrace is simply heavenly.

http://www.victoria-jungfrau.ch/meta/home/

Author: Izzy Falcon with thanks to Ina Bauspiess, Director of Communications, Victoria-Jungfrau Collection

At the moment my alarm went off at 3am, I wished I was the typical Porto Zante Villas and Spa guest – being picked up by chauffeur and flown by private jet to the Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante). Sadly that was not to be the case and Ann and I took an early flight from London Gatwick direct to Zante, the majority of guests travel via Athens with British Airways at a rather more civilised hour. However, after a much needed espresso at the airport the beautiful, sun drenched spot in the Ionian Sea seemed within reach.   

Famously described by Edgar Allan Poe as the flower of the Levant, Zante itself is an interesting island having seen occupation by the Ottomans, Neapolitans and the Venetians; their cultural influence was considerable and still visible today in local architecture. Although, John Sotirakos, the charming Development Manager of Porto Zante, tells us that most of his guests barely leave their villas and after a short walk around the resort it was not hard to see why.

The five luxurious private pool villas of which this boutique hotel currently consists (two have just opened and there are more in the making), sit quite literally on the sea edge. All boast phenomenal views towards Kefalonia, made famous as the island on which Louis De Bernieres’ novel and later film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is set. Completely off the beaten track, the privacy of this resort spot is unsurpassable. I suddenly understood why high profile politicians and celebrities come here to escape their harried public facing lives. Blissfully peaceful, the surrounding gardens are extravagantly lush, filled with bougainvillea, hibiscus and roses amongst which a huge variety of colourful butterflies dart.  Sleek, stylish and clean lined with hints at local Greek culture, the Armani Casa interiors are refreshingly contemporary. The Royal Spa Villa – which we were lucky enough to call home for the weekend –is sensational.  Vastly spacious yet incredibly comfortable, it has a huge swimming pool in the garden, just steps away from the villa and overlooking the deep blue sea.  

Royal Spa Villa by night

I have never seen such crystalline waters, reminiscent of the Maldives, yet a more accessible paradise. Cobalt blue and lapping against the haphazardly jagged coastline whilst interspersed with blond patches of sand, the nearby Blue Caves (the location of the famous Dolce and Gabbana advert) are not to be missed. These can be accessed by private boat tour and are just one of the many activities that can be organized by PZ if adventure calls. 

Cystal clear waters surrounding the property

The massage that I had later in the privacy of our villa’s garden at sunset to the sound of ocean waves took me to new levels of relaxation.  The fresh and local Greek style cuisine, created by the in house chef and delivered by the friendly staff in villa was superb; from the thick creamy Greek yoghurt mixed with local honey and fruit served in the morning to the fresh dill infused tzatziki and Lobster spaghetti enjoyed in the Clubhouse at night. We savoured every last bite of the delicious food and loved the local organic wines which accompanied each course. A particular mention must be given to Stavroula, the welcoming Guest Relations Manager who is truly exceptional and exudes Greek hospitality.

I can’t wait to return to the idyllic shores of Porto Zante, only next time I think I will opt for the later British Airways flight.

John and Teresa

Written by: Teresa Towner

With thanks to John Sotirakos and Porto Zante Villas & Spa

June 21st

-        Yesterday marked the end of Seabourn’s biggest ever growth period with the launch of Seabourn Quest – how you do feel?

• The delivery and naming of Quest in Barcelona marks the end of a long and hugely exciting journey for Seabourn. To deliver three ships in two years (representing a capacity increase of over 200%) whilst not just maintaining the on board service levels but actually improving them – is nothing short of incredible. Seabourn is ‘the best of the best’ and I am extremely proud of the part that my team and I have played in bringing Seabourn to this point.

-        What has been the highlight for you over the past three years with the introduction of the three new vessels?

• Unquestionably – sailing Seabourn Sojourn up the Thames and into the heart of London last summer for her introduction and glittering naming ceremony was/is the highlight. The weather was perfect, the ship even better and having ‘Twiggy’ as Sojourn’s Godmother was really great. Bringing one of the best ultra luxury cruise ships to the best city in the world and showing her off to all … it doesn’t get any better that !

-        If you could take off on a cruise tomorrow – where would you go and why?

• I would cruise on a Seabourn ship. I would travel with close friends and choose the Caribbean. Cruising this part of the world with Seabourn is very different to cruising with just any cruise line. Island hopping, a truly relaxed atmosphere, caviar in the surf and azure blue waters in small ports often unvisited by other ships are some of the numerous reasons…. there are many others!!



-       Tell us about your favourite Seabourn experience

• My favourite experience on Seabourn – is our famous ‘caviar in the surf’ day in the Caribbean. An amazing gourmet BBQ is set up on a deserted beach exclusively for Seabourn guests. Proceedings commence with the arrival of uniformed waiters (complete with caviar and chilled champagne) who wade into the warm waters and serve you whilst you swim. Lunch and a choice of wines and/or more champagne (still on the beach) follows and then you dance to the soothing sounds of a steel band – it’s not a bad way to spend a week day in November!! Great fun, memorable and real.

-        How do you explain Seabourn’s style of cruising to ‘non-believers’ – how does it differ from most people’s pre-conceived ideas of cruising?

• Seabourn is very, very different to cruising with other lines. It is simply is ‘as good as it gets’. It is fully inclusive, hassle free, very luxurious and importantly, very informal. We leave dinner jackets and captain’s cocktail parties to others – we have fun whilst experiencing an unparalleled level of relaxed and anticipatory personal service. Fine wines served on a complimentary basis and travelling with like minded people is also important. At Seabourn we don’t talk about ‘cruising’ we talk about an ultra luxurious yachting life style. It is simply outstanding.

-        Plan B – if you couldn’t cruise with Seabourn what would be your alternative ultimate holiday experience?

• A beautiful and remote villa or chateaux in Southern France. Good books, good food, sunshine and great wine. Truly switching off and hiding with family and friends.