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EXPERIENCE A WORLD UNKNOWN: FOUR CULTURES TO SPICE UP YOUR TRAVELS

Unearth the Eurasian oases of Morocco, Turkey, India and Abu Dhabi
By Norah Lawlor

ona fide travelers, read on. Its true that an exclusive getaway to a tropical island doesnt get oldhowever, every jetsetter needs a surge of novel adventure now and then. Explore these fresh ideas for your next travel destination and uncover the most luxurious ways to trek through Morocco, Turkey, India and Abu Dhabi.

(winter vegetables with duck fois gras and wild mushrooms salad) or the Chicken Tagine (with apricots and nuts). Take the time to enjoy Villa des Orangers massage rooms, beauty salon and fitness facility or slow down to sip mint tea and indulge in Moroccan pastries by the intimate courtyard. 6 Rue Sidi Mimoun 40000 Marrakech, Morocco T: +212 (0) 524 385 104 villadesorangers.com

MOROCCO
For centuries, Moroccos second largest city, Marrakech is where travelers have gone to indulge. From the souks tucked away in alleys, to the gardens and lake-sized pools, this is Morrocos city of leisure. Make sure to swing by the city square, Djemaa el Fna and the wondrous Marrakech Museum but most importantly, when visiting, treat yourself to a stay at Villa des Orangersa reason alone to relish in Morocco. A Relais & Chteaux property, Villa des Orangers (a quick walk from the Koutoubia Mosque) is a pleasure palace. Every detail of this hotel has been carefully selected to make guests stays relaxing and sophisticatedfrom the grand dcor and craftsmanship, the lush gardens, to the three swimming pools, a luxury stay in Marrakech has been redefined. The hotel boasts twenty-one apartments, six deluxe rooms and even a private Riad, with 2 solarium suites, a winter lounge and a private pool. Guests can experience gourmet cuisine and the flavor of one thousand and one nights at Villa des Orangers two restaurants. For an authentic taste of Morocco, dig into the Marbr of Quail

TURKEY
Straddling west Asia and southeastern Europe, Turkey is a crossroads where historic castles exist amongst breathtaking mountains and hot springs. With a wealth of unique experiences such as iconic archeological sites, ski mountains and warm Mediterranean waters, it is not surprising that Turkey has risen as a travel hotspot. If youre visiting Turkey and cannot resist the urge for a beachfront holiday, skip Istanbul and Kusadasi and make your way to Bodrum, Turkeys southwest coast. The Bodrum Penninsula, what is regarded by many as the St. Tropez of Turkey, boasts sweeping cliff tops and a sailboat-speckled harbor. The chic seaside village attracts Euro globe-trotters on holiday and bon vivants year-round. The rows and rows of little white houses against a hilly landscape is a spectacle in itself.

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La MaMounia

of Central India, the hotel also features twelve quaint cottage suites, or Kutiyas. Experience the authentic wildlife circuit and safari experience without sacrificing top-tier service and luxury. Mahua Kothi Bandhavgarh National Park Village Tala, District Umaria, Madhya Pradesh 484661, India T: 91 7627 265402/14 tajhotels.com

To match your magical visit to this quaint town, stay at the luxury boutique hotel, The Marmara Bodrum. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this property is a winner of the 5 Star Diamond Award as well. Internationally-ranked as one of the worlds finest boutique hotels, The Marmara Bodrum boasts an elite clientele. Distinctive architecture and design set the 96 stunning guestrooms and suites apart. Enjoy views of the Aegan Sea from your very own private terrace. Yokusbasi Mahallesi Suluhasan Cad. No:18 Bodrum, Mugla 48400 T: 90 252 313 81 30 themarmarahotels.com/The-Marmara-Bodrum

INDIA
India is one of those destinations that cannot be explored in just one trip. With a rich history of vast empiresa trip to India has the power to change a travelers perspective. Jaipur tends to be home to luxury and the playground for billionaires, Mumbai a palace where colossal business deals are made and Goa is known for being the trendy Europeans hideaway during the winter months. Of course, for anyone looking for a cultural trip, New Delhi is home to the world s biggest Hindu temple and beach babes should head to Kochi, the southern coasts ocean retreat. Forget what you think you know about Indiafor a new twist, stay at the Mahua Kothi, nestled in the vicinity of the Bandhavgarh National Park. Conveniently located in central Madhya Pradesh, near the major airports of Khahuraho and Jabalpur, the hotel is easily accessible from Delhi and Mumbai as well. The first of the Taj Safari Lodges, the park is home to exotic Indian wildlife and Indias most beautiful treesthe Madhuca Indica. Just 230 kilometers from the Kanha tiger reserve, the Mahua Kothi is breaking new ground in the Indian tourism industry. Enjoy the cozy guestrooms, feauturing high ceilings, terracotta tiles, overhead fans, a fireplace, gigantic windows and private courtyards. Built to replicate the charming style

ABU DHABI
Embark on the journey of a lifetime and experience one of the most luxurious destinations in the world at the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, where the epitome of opulence and distinction lies. Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most impressive hotels that has ever been built. The world-renowned hotel is perfect for business or leisure travelers providing pure luxury to suit any individuals need. Thirty-minutes from Abu Dhabi airport, this elegant escape sits on a white sand beach surrounded by lush gardens. This mesmerizing landmark offers guests an unforgettable experience with 302 Grand Rooms and 92 Suites all which combine Arabian regal splendor with state of the art technology. Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 39999 Abu Dhabi, UAE T: 971 2 6909000 emiratespalace.com

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TIME TRAVEL
The Langham Hotel in London
By norah LawLor he Langham Hotel is one of the largest and best known traditional style grand hotels in London, England. It is in the district of Marylebone on Langham Place and faces up Portland Place towards Regents Park. The hotel was built between 1863 and 1865 and at the end was the largest and most modern hotel, recently it underwent a renovation costing an estimated 80 million. This hotel has been delighting guests with enchanting hospitality since opening as Europes first Grand Hotel. Guests are captivated from the moment they step into the dazzling lobby. It has a fine range of rooms and suites, a ballroom, a chic and glamorous bar, Artesian, a fine dining restaurant, the Landau and Palm Court, home of afternoon tea, plus a superb health and fitness club with swimming pool. You will be delighted by this charming Victorian London hotel and its exceptionally rich heritage. Indeed, the celebrated history and distinguished reputation of this unmistakably fine establishment sets it apart. It remains a veritable icon among London hotels, offering impeccably luxurious surroundings on Regent Street, one of the citys premier locations. This luxury London hotel today continues to impress discerning travelers with its legendary service with poise. The Langham offers its customers many pleasures, first of all its impeccable 5-star luxury accommodation and lounge bar as well as an excellent health club, Langham Service Stylists, 16-meters indoor swimming pool and Wi-Fi internet access throughout the public areas.

Leading interior designers have converted the bar and restaurant in an oasis of style. The main restaurant, the Landau, serves modern European cuisine with traditional English signature dishes. The chic and glamorous bar Artesian specializes in rum and offers an extensive menu of cocktails. Palm Court, the centre piece of the hotel has re-opened, famed as the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born over 140 years ago, an indulgence that lives on today. To dine in the restaurant of this London luxury hotel, is to encounter a world of fine cuisine beloved by bon vivants everywhere. The kitchens, of course, are legendary, and have the advantage of more than 140 years of experience sourcing fine produce and wines from around the world. The Landau one of the premier dining concepts in London hotels, offers the finest contemporary European dishes, with the best of British seasonal ingredients and a few intriguing twists. Artesian, the glamorous cocktail bar of the Langham combines exotic Orientals with the romance of new nostalgia and some decidedly alluring, contemporary touches. The Langham Club, a hotel within a hotel, offers 47 rooms and suites, with enhanced in-room amenities, advanced technology and bathrooms with separate shower stalls. Guests staying in Langham Club rooms also have access to the Club Lounge where they can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day, as well as afternoon tea and cocktails, and canaps in the evening. For more information check out london.langhamhotels.co.uk

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