Middle East
The Thanos Hotels in Cyprus are individual in style, but share a commitment to make every guest feel at home. Surround yourself with acres of cool marble in the palatial Anassa or enjoy the simple, elegant comfort at the Almyra. You can luxuriate all day long, or visit some of the many heritage sites close by. There is an unbeatable choice of restaurants and many recreational facilities for families and couples alike.
The timeless splendour of Arabia and hospitality on a regal scale are captured at One&Only Royal Mirage, comprising three distinctive properties; The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa. All rooms are beautifully appointed with ocean views and are designed to reflect the ‘Magic of Arabia’. The spectacular Health & Beauty Institute features an Oriental Hammam & Givenchy Spa which is 2,000 square metres of self-indulgence, complete with 12 treatment rooms, a fitness room and two Jacuzzis set within a serene resting area. Children are catered for at Al Koufa, the magic fortress home of the KidsOnly club that boasts indoor and outdoor activities. The highlight of the eight restaurants is Tagine, a fine Moroccan dining experience with the seductive ambience of a Marrakesh house.
Kitron Galilee resort in Israel now offers a helicopter shuttle service to and from Ben Gurion International Airport. This traffic-beating service allows guests to relax and enjoy the scenic ride from the airport to the resort. Combining the rustic beauty of the lower Galilee, with the modern comforts of luxury hotels in Israel, Kitron offers its guests a very private hideaway – now made even more accessible.
Topaz, the new restaurant in the heart of Istanbul is the city’s latest place to be and to be seen while it indulges its guests culinarily and visually. The atmosphere of the restaurant as well as the subtle décor designed by Koray Ozgen reflects the calming and relaxation effects of the Topaz stone. It is therefore, the perfect backdrop for lunch or dinner after the hustle and bustle of the city. With a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus and its unique floor to ceiling glass windows, Topaz offers changing renowned guest chefs who indulge their guests with a unique menu, combining traditional Ottoman recipes with modern day Mediterranean influences. Topaz’s cuisine in combination with one of the most extensive wine cellars to be found in Istanbul makes it one of the most exciting new restaurants in the city.
Joseph Amissah is the founder of Blue Cube Aviation and decided to set up the company to meet the growing demand for International private jet travel, for clients seeking an alternative form of transportation other than commercial airlines. Recently, the company has seen a sharp rise in the number of charter request due to the increasing number of clients wishing to escape the inconvenience of flight delays, and the hassle factor of increased security checks. They want to fly direct, do their business, and be back at the earliest opportunity. Blue Cube Aviation’s service allows them this possibility.
What is it that you do exactly?
At present I am busy setting up our European offices in Monaco, Istanbul, Marbella and Moscow, which will come under the umbrella of our UK Head Office located in Pinewood Film Studios. My time is also spent planning the various International launches where we will be promoting Blue Cube Aviation and its services.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I have always had a passion for aviation ever since I was a child. Simply being involved in the industry brings me the most satisfaction. Especially as my father was a senior manager for a state owned airline. I see it as kind of continuing a family tradition, which I hope that one day, one of my sons will take on from me. I love being able to visit the hangar, and could quite easily spend the whole day just walking around the aircraft that are in Blue Cube Aviation fleet.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Stockholm – I lived there for approximately 3 years, and loved every moment. I found the Swedes to be very warm and friendly. I try to get back out there as often as I can. Can highly recommend the Nordic Light Hotel.
Miami – Wow… what a city!!! Stayed at the Mondrian Hotel which was just pure luxury!
Tokyo – Spent one glorious week in Tokyo a few years ago, and have it at the top of my ‘places to visit again’ list. Such a vibrant city.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
As I have a home in the South of Spain (Marbella), I guess that I am spoilt when it comes to fantastic fresh seafood. There is a great beach restaurant (chiringuito) located in Marbella called Victors Beach where my fiancé and I usually spend our Saturday afternoons. It’s great because it’s located right on the beach, where on a clear day you actually get to see the peaks of the Atlas mountains in Morocco in the far distance. The restaurant is always full of locals, which adds to the atmosphere.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
It’s hard to be involved in the private jet industry and not come into contact with the rich and famous! It’s almost like an occupational hazard 🙂 With our UK office located in Pinewood Film Studios, we are responsible for making travel arrangements for a number of A-List UK and US celebrities. The important thing is not to get star struck, and focus on getting them to their destination with the minimum amount of fuss as possible.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
Other than another trip out to Tokyo, I really want to visit the Huvafen Fushi resort out in the Maldives. That for me is the epitome of paradise on earth.
Thank you, Joseph. And good luck with getting Blue Cube Aviation on the map.
One of the newer members of the Park Hyatt brand, the Park Hyatt Dubai is a hidden treasure at the waterfront between the world famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, with the city centre, prime business districts and world class shopping just minutes away. This hotel is a peaceful haven harmoniously in contrast to the vibrancy and heart beat of the city of gold, and its Condé Nast award winning spa is utterly exemplary of this feat. This Amara spa is an attractive sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, where exotic rituals are used to create an atmosphere in perfect harmony with the retreat feel of the hotel itself. Park Hyatt Dubai is currently offering a ‘Pamper at the Park’ package which includes vouchers for either the spa or food/beverage alongside half board accommodation.
Madinat Jumeirah – The Arabian Resort of Dubai, is a magnificent tribute to Dubai’s heritage styled to resemble an ancient citadel. Luxurious and ornate, it combines the height of opulence with an overwhelming sense of tradition. Two grand boutique hotels, courtyard summer houses, a tradinational souk, the magnificent spa and unlimited recreational facilities make Madinat Jumeirah one of the most fascinating resorts in the world.
This week Emirates has been showing off the luxury trappings that come with its extravagantly-customised Airbus A380s. The superjet carries 489 passengers in varying degrees of luxury. Shower spas, temperature-controlled floors, 23″ screens with over 1,000 audio and video channels, a bar and 14 first class suites are among the features to look out for. Sounds more like a cruise ship than an aeroplane. Expect a first class ticket New York to Dubai round trip to be around $14,000 (for business class, $9,000).
The areas surrounding Muscat city are diverse in scenery and culturally rich, and for all round sun, luxury and leisure at its very opulent, the Grand Hyatt Muscat is an offer you cannot refuse! A haven for water-sports enthusiasts, Omani waters are home to some of the most amazing marine life in the world, and as the hotel stands on the sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm, guests can conveniently explore what the ocean has to offer. Historic tombs, monuments and forts are also extremely accessible, with tours to the Wahiba Sands or Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams mountains arranged at the hotel, as well as opportunities for caving, hiking and abseiling. The hotel itself reflects the relaxed Omani traditional style, truly enabling guests to really grasp the feel of their surroundings; whether for adventure or for a relaxing break, Grand Hyatt Muscat has much to offer its visitors.
With a unique sense of Arabian heritage, Dar Al Masyaf has been exquisitely designed to reflect an ancient citadel. Savour the atmosphere of the traditional souk before sitting down for fine dining in one of the many restaurants situated within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Enter through an enchanting central courtyard and you will reach the Arabian-style summerhouses. Rooms are furnished in warm tones with traditional style and discreet charm.
