away from it all i, me, myself

20 www.kuoni.in away from it all i, me, myself. How many times do you wish you could just switch off from life and escape into a world where you liv...
Author: Godwin Arnold
4 downloads 0 Views 2MB Size
20

www.kuoni.in

away from it all i, me, myself. How many times do you wish you could just switch off from life and escape into a world where you live on your own terms? Where the only thing on the “To Do List” is not work sit back and relax. Away From It All, as we like to define it, are “clutterfree” holidays that give you the opportunity to indulge

yourself. We choose secluded beaches, private islands and other such isolated destinations that take you as far away as possible from civilization, but bring you closer to yourself. So, there’s not much to see and far less to do. The itinerary clearly offers a single benefit: 100% pure, unadulterated relaxation.

21

24

away from it all

www.kuoni.in

Letterkenny Belfast Sligo Hull

Galway

Dublin

Holyhead

ireland

Paihia

TASMAN SEA

great britain

Killarney

Rotterdam

Auckland NORTH ISLAND Hamilton Waitomo New Plymouth

france

NEW ZEALAND

Wanaka Milford Sound Doubtful Sound

galway. Galway is the cultural heart of Ireland and is a regular host of some of the most vibrant festivals, celebrations and events. Its beauty is mesmerizing and its appearance fairly quaint as tiny shop fronts, pubs and cobbled streets give it a Dickens-like village appeal. Northwest of Galway city, the Connemara region is a patchwork of hiking and biking trails, weathered mountains, pastures, knotty villages and a white coastline. While southwards, the city displays its historic heritage of medieval churches and castles, Norman towers and oyster beds. Galway is the stuff that makes legends and lore seem real life.

Knights in shining armour. Maidens swooning in romance. Moats with imposing drawbridges. Mention the word castle and you’re instantly transported to a world of tradition and folklore. You have read about them in history books. They have jumped to life on the silver screen. Now prepare yourself for the ultimate experience by actually holidaying in one. The 13th Century Ashford Castle is set on the northern shores of Lough Corrib, amidst acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and natural forests, and a half hour from the medieval city of Galway on the West Coast of

Ireland. Once the country estate of the Guinness family, it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1939. At first glance, this magnificent stone structure may seem daunting, but this feeling is soon dispelled by the warm and courteous welcome of the friendly staff. Walk through the hotel and you soon realize that the rich paneling, fine period pieces, objet d’art and masterpiece paintings are the castle’s insignia. All guest rooms are appointed with traditional style and refinement and most feature signature views of the delightful lake or river views that embrace it.

It has been voted Best Resort Hotel in Europe by readers of Conde Nast Traveller 2010, Top 10 Resort Properties in Europe by Travel & Leisure 2010 and Number 1 Resort Hotel in Ireland by Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2008 & 2009.

Urewera N.P.

Rotorua

Taupo

Tongariro N.P.

Mt. Cook N.P.

Omarama SOUTH ISLAND

Queenstown

STEWART ISLAND

For those of you with a taste of the outdoors, there is a full range of royal country sports, including falconry, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, an exclusive 9-hole golf course. The modern minded can bask in the modern health centre comprising of a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gymnasium and lake view conservatory.

Coromandel Tauranga

Napier Wanganui Hastings Wellington Martinborough Nelson Picton Kaikoura Greymouth

Orléans

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Whangarei WAIKEHE ISLAND

Egmont N.P.

Roscoff

Bay of Islands

queenstown. The first people to discover Queenstown’s rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Queenstown itself is a treasure chest of magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle. In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping and fabulous culinary experiences.

PACIFIC OCEAN Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand

There are a few questions about New Zealand that will keep coming to mind. Is God partial? If not, how can one country be so scenic-centric? If yes, is Matakauri Lodge God’s own personal canvass? Located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and just minutes from the heart of Queenstown, Matakauri is fully aware of its power to possess you. Few properties in the world have such a magnum opus of arrival as Matakauri Lodge. If you think the drive through the alpine forest bordering the rich blue lake is unforgettable, you’ll enter the

lodge speechless as the towering presence of Cecil Peak and Walter Peak meet your gaze through the floor-to-ceiling picture window. Privacy is a privilege that Matakauri offers its guests, which also explains its unpopulated location. If it is one thing that strikes you, it is the absolute quietness. You may just want to indulge in it and you could easily make that the agenda of the day. If you like something sensory, the spa provides an excellent option, though frankly, the location of the lodge is so therapeutic, it might just end up being an indulgence.

You can enjoy views extending across Lake Wakatipu to the beautiful Remarkables Mountain Range and Cecil Peak during a selection of glorious signature treatments including The Alpine Temptation or The Snowflake Massage. Or choose from a variety of other treatments such as body wraps, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. A gym and swimming pool provide equal opportunities for relaxation. Matakauri Lodge should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

25

52

undiscovered destinations

www.kuoni.in

Atacama Desert Calama Salta

brazil paraguay

pacific ocean uruguay

Santiago

chile

Buenos Aires

argentina

Puerto Montt/ Puerto Varas

atlantic ocean

Calafate/ Perito Moreno Torres del Paine Punta Arenas Ushuaia

russia

Tallinn estonia Pärnu

latvia Riga

lithuania Klaipeda

Ritz Carlton, Chile

Vilnius

poland

santiago. Framed by the Andes to the east and a coastal range on the west, this Chilean capital is one of the largest cities in South America and Chile's center of commerce. Bustling with raw energy, Santiago is quirky and entertaining. Its cultural scene is as ethnic and as diverse as its five million inhabitants. The city is bisected by the Rio Mapocho which gently weaves through from east to west. Santiago thrives with artistic enthusiasm and flaunts an equally booming culinary, entertainment, art and architectural canvas. The city also offers exhilarating possibilities like trekking, climbing, horseback riding, skiing, kayaking and wine tours.

Located in the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the Ritz Carlton is synonymous with luxury travel in Santiago. Its architecture is memorable and from the vaulted lobby ceilings to the 205 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, this hotel is at once regal and modern.

Decorated in an old world style, it oozes luxe comfort. Designed for travelers with high expectations, this hotel surprises you with its great service and facilities. The entire hotel offers a sense of space which is more apparent in the stunning rooftop solarium and spa, framed by panoramic

Kaunas

views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding city. Down below, you'll find an inspired blend of South American and Mediterranean cuisine along with a fantastic collection of French and Chilean wines.

The Three Sisters Hotel, Estonia

belarus

tallinn. A rooftop view of Estonia looks like a giant pop-up book of dark spires, candy coloured houses, churches and castles standing tall and mighty. Peer in and you will find a mix of urban-medieval madness. Talinn, Estonia's crown jewel, boasts dozens of cafes and restaurants which provide much needed relief after a hectic exploration of churches, ruins and galleries. Outside of Talinn, smaller towns with old fashioned charm peddle hidden treasures such as verdant forests, unspoilt beaches, coastal trails, spa resorts and more medieval history.

When three of Tallinn’s splendid merchant houses built in 1932 are renovated and united, you get The Three Sisters, the Baltic’s only boutique hotel that is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group. A hotel with character, modern design superimposed

against medieval history gives you the fabled Old Town feeling with new age familiarity. The rooms are elegant and unusual such as the Angels Room which looks up to an 18th century handpainted ceiling. An intriguing nest of chambers, walkways, secret

staircases, balconies and galleries add a touch of intrigue. You can easily explore all of the city's cobbled medieval passageways, taking in the wealth of historical sights on your doorstep.

53

58

59

www.kuoni.in

romantic escapes simply magical. When you’re in love, there’s nothing more you want than to shout it out to the world. We understand this, which is why we offer you some of the best getaways in the world that let you indulge in your emotion. Whether it’s your honeymoon or your Silver Anniversary, Romantic Destination is what every lover wants. You can

just laze around looking into each other’s eyes, or you can relive exciting moments with adventurous activities. You can proclaim your love in never imagined places and you can even take it to new heights. We have designed our holidays around stunning locations, privacy and luxury to make your love magical and memorable.

62

romantic escapes

www.kuoni.in

BORA BORA HUAHINE

RANGIROA

MOOREA

Papeete

TAHITI

bar efoot lodge

YASAWA ISLANDS

DENARAU ISLAND

Nadi

VITI LEVU

Port Denarau

Inter Continental, Bora Bora Islands

tahiti. Tahiti is proof that even volcanoes have a heart. Formed from volcanic activity, this “lovers’ paradise” is high and mountainous with a tassel of coral reefs. If you are expecting brochure cover vistas of white sandy beaches with lazy hammocks strung between palm trees, you might be in for a surprise. Still, this main and most inhabited French Polynesian island has its own star cast of scenic seductions.

Hues of white and turquoise embrace each other to create a perfect paradise for love. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located between the “two hearts” of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef. Two wishboneshaped docks extend out to

the lagoon, branching out to 82 rooms including overwater bungalows. Each thatched-roof structure hovers over lazy waves, as its interiors pay homage to the artistry of the great Polynesian artists who have created its authentic style. The Thalasso Spa creates a magical experience

Namale Resort and Spa, Fiji

combining the soothing powers of the islands and the European therapeutic regimen of deep seawater's curative benefits. The resort is ecologically inclined and is the first hotel in the world to use an air conditioning system operating with deep sea water.

denavaru island. Only Fiji offers you 330 ways to proclaim your love with its overwhelming islands. If the picture in your head paints powder-white beaches, lazy foliage and an overdose of blue surrounding you, you won’t be disappointed. Denerau Island is home to many international standard resorts. From here, you can drive south along the coastline to the Coral Coast, the main island's major tourist destination. The paved highway meanders through a spectacular scenery of villages, sugar cane fields, coral lagoons and beaches which are great for snorkeling. Head there for a different romantic experience.

Where rainforest meets ocean, Namale starts. Fiji’s leading, multiple award winning 5 star boutique resort ignites the senses. Built in 19 units of accommodation and 525 acres of sprawling rainforest, it serves romantic seclusion at its best. The distinctive and spacious bures are built in traditional Fijian style

with luxurious amenities. The 10,000 square foot spa is built on volcanic uplifts with amazing views of the Namale Blow Holes and the Koro Sea. It features modern luxury and local ancient healing methods. The cuisine is an eclectic mix of international dishes with a gourmet tropical flair, an adventurous vegetarian

selection, and a healthy Spa Cuisine menu. Romance finds expression in unusual activities from private candle-light dining to a walk under the stars to an adventurous horse ride. Every effort is made to create a wonderful picture book of memories.

63