Where would you travel if all the time in the world to do it, all the money to go
wherever you pleased, and the health, vitality and friends to enjoy it with you?
Dream on…
TOP HOTELS
THE RITZ
LONDON, ENGLAND
Whether the Louis XVI interiors with enough marble, gilding and chandeliers to sink the
Titanic are to your taste or not, the point is, The Ritz is beyond fashion. It’s history.
Undoubtedly, the dress code could make it feel oppressive, but I must confess I simply
felt superior when the plumy couple swept past me, she laden with Gucci shopping, he
braying, ‘Champagne bar?’ to the concierge. ‘I’m sorry sir, I can’t let you in, the lady is
wearing jeans,’ the concierge replied. I stalked past smugly, en route to my room. That was a
thrill, but the biggest thrill was staying in the heart of London with the West End and all its rich
theatre just down the street, Fortnum & Mason on the way to Piccadilly Circus, The Royal
Academy across the road—and the shopping!
SHERATON ON THE PARK
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Check in to a fabulous hotel and experience the real heat of this magnificent city, which
boasts all the laid back charm of a third-world beach bonanza plus the cultural cutting edge of
any first-world hub. Add a higher-than-average concentration of some of the best restaurants
in the world and the luxury of the impossibility of getting a bad cup of coffee.
Few hotels manage to bring it all together as seamlessly as The Sheraton on the Park. It
is a stunning symphony of opposites.: a prime city location gives it all the buzz, but the huge
park opposite gives it the air of a country retreat. Factor in the weight of the Sheraton name,
contrast with the boutique-hotel décor and you’re talking perfection.
THE CAPE GRACE
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Check in to the Cape Grace for a couple of nights: play tourist in your own country and
see the city from a new angle. Décor-wise, it’s a bit like going to stay with your cultured aunt
in England— tasteful, relaxed and comfortable. But it’s not just the sea air that relaxes your
pulse: the stakes are upped by the service, the African-inspired spa with its deep-sigh-worthy
mountain views, Bascule Bar (the coolest whiskey bar with the best bar snacks in town) and
one waterfront (the extraordinary restaurant). Not to forget the delights of the V & A
Waterfront, SA’s top tourist destination—all available on your doorstep. If you ever step out.
NAMIBIA, SOUTHERN AFRICA
Caught between an immense sky and an ancient landscape is a world of vast space and
small detail that’s too dramatic to leave you unchanged.
It’s best to visit in winter when it’s slightly cooler. Make sure you take a hat to protect your
face and a journal to bare your soul. You’ll bring back a feeling of wonder and replenishment.
Don’t leave without contemplating the desert stars.
You’ll never forget the freedom of flying down the dunes on a quad bike.
Extracted from: marie claire magazines ©2005 and elle decoration ©2005
VENICE, ITALY
Nobody really thinks of it as such, but Venice is Europe’s leading island destination. It
might not have palm trees, white beaches or azure waves, but an island city it is—a 117-
island city, to be precise. It also has some 150 canals and 409 bridges. Venice’s main ‘road’
is the Canal Grande, which passes each of the city’s six districts (San Marco, Dorsoduro, San
Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello), so it’s a great starting and orientation point—
although you probably shouldn’t bother. You will get lost in Venice; in fact, that’s half the fun:
there is so much to explore off the beaten tourist track. But if you’re doing a stopover en route
to another European destination and only have a weekend to love it up, there are a few things
that should be on your to-do list.
Make sure you see: Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Basilica
di Santa Maria gloriosa dei Frari, boutiques such as Armani, Versace and Prada, and sample
Venice’s famous home-made gelato or ice-cream.
TAKE A HIKE
NGALA WALKING SAFARI, KRUGER PARK
Nothing beats the solitude of the African bush and being able to experience the wild one-
on-one. The up-close and personal experience you’ll get at Ngala, meaning “lion” in
Shangaan, at the Kruger National Park is one you’ll never forget. While walking in big-five
country is not something for the faint-hearted, with the experienced armed rangers and highly-
trained trackers who accompany you on your safari, you’ll soon feel you were born for the
wild.
THE DOLPHIN TRAIL, GARDEN ROUTE
From Storms River Mouth to the banks of the Sandrif River, this walk along the
Tsitsikamma coastline is a fabulous way to soak up the pristine beauty this part of the country
boasts and enjoy slice of cosy comfort at the same time. The coastline is wild, indigenous
forest and it offers great highlights along the way. The natural rock pools are an enjoyably
splashy way to get right in touch with nature; the suspension bridge a good place to conquer
those fears and a 4x4 ride through the old Storms River Pass a high note to end off on.
THE OYSTERCATCHER TRAIL, GARDEN ROUTE
With the wistful call of the African Black Oystercatcher always in the distance as you
traverse along unspoilt Cape Floral Kingdom territory, you get to recharge with the kind of
vitality only nature can provide. During the walk you’ll find yourself on beautiful golden
beaches, get the chance to bathe and snorkel in rocky pools and gather breathtaking views of
the Indian Ocean from the tops of high sand dunes.
PHINDA WALKING SAFARI, PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The hospitality of the walking safari staff at Phinda, situated in KwaZulu-Natal close to
Lake St Lucia, is legendary. You’ll be right at home with the team who make you feel as if the
guest really is best
Extracted from: marie claire magazines ©2005 and elle decoration ©2005
