‘Jungfrau Railways’ Heads Towards the Future with the ‘V-Cableway’
Now that international tourism is gradually reopening, many travelers from across the globe plan to revel in the magic of Switzerland. One of the country's unmissable spots is, undoubtedly, the famed Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, where you can witness the fabled snowscape and enjoy a variety of funs in the region. With the launch of the V-Cableway and the Eiger Express, experiencing the top destination of Switzerland is more convenient than ever. The leading-edge V-Cableway has been built to offer visitors a heavenly trip to the Top of Europe with much reduced time, with an emphasis on sustainability. The new cableway will ensure the success of tourism in the Jungfrau region as a whole in the medium and long term, making it a year-round destination for Swiss tourism. It provides the foundation for the region's development into a premium destination and will provide Switzerland with a top winter and summer destination with modern public transport connections. THE EIGER EXPRESS - THE MOST MODERN TRICABLE GONDOLA The Eiger Express, the world's most modern tricable gondola, has been officially launched for a year already, allowing visitors to save 47 minutes on their journey with the direct transport link with the Berner Oberland-Bahn stop at the state-of-the-art terminal in Grindelwald Grund. Additionally, it takes only 15 minutes from Grindelwald terminal to the Eiger Glacier station. The heated seats in modern cabins are equipped to keep you comfortable all year round. THE NEW GRINDELWALD TERMINAL The Grindelwald Terminal has become the most modern terminal in the Alps, featuring a number of shopping options for top Swiss products and international brands, eating experiences, a sports shop and ski depots for rental. For those who prefer to get there by car, there are over 1,000 parking spots available at the multi-storey car park, with advance reservation for spaces allowed. Besides, the Platinum Lounge pampers guests who book a VIP package with free drinks and snacks while they are waiting to get into the luxurious VIP gondola. There is also the COVID-19 walk-in test centre, offering both RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests. BUILT FOR THE FUTURE When designing and constructing the cableways, Jungfrau Railways has placed a huge emphasis on the use of the latest technology while keeping sustainability in mind. The construction periods were planned in accordance with the breeding season of ptarmigans, as well as keeping the existing plant species for re-planting, and other measures to keep the environment flourishing for the future generations. In addition, the tricable (3s) technology offers high safety while requiring only a few supports, ensuring wind stability, all without the need to cut through forests. The modern technology also lets the Eiger Express takes visitors from Grindelwald to the Eigergletscher station in just 15 minutes. Check out the video below for a preview of the marvelous experience or visit www.jungfrau.ch for more further information.
‘Orient Express La Dolce Vita’ – The Grandiose Return of Orient Express
Over 150 years ago, the first luxury Orient Express train was launched, and the one-off experience will return in 2023 with the 'Orient Express La Dolce Vita' to take you on an unforgettable expedition through Italy, offering a new way of experiencing the country: an environmentally-friendly adventure where forgotten roads are explored, hidden treasures discovered and where architectural triumphs take centre stage. Throughout the journey, you will be pampered with 5-star service on board, savouring the Made in Italy' beauty and excellence through award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine. The 'La Dolce Vita' inspired design embodies the Italian art of living and all its beautiful traditions with a more contemporary spirit of travel. The train’s sumptuous decor will adorn 12 Deluxe cabins, 18 Suites, and one Honour Suite and restaurant, all boldly celebrating the craftsmanship, design and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita which will welcome its first passengers in 2023. Six trains will embark through several iconic itineraries across 14 regions and beyond, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split. A magical stopover in Rome will feature the very first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, scheduled to open in 2024.
Opera Gallery’s Installation Arts at Mayfair Sculpture Trail
Throughout October, Bond Street’s Opera Gallery will present 3 outstanding sculptures by Manolo Valdés, Anthony James and Seo Young-Deok as part of the Mayfair Sculpture Trail. Internationally-acclaimed Seo Young-Deok’s meticulous manipulation of bicycle chains in Meditation 1554 can be found at Grosvenor Square. Each iron piece is welded together to become a part of the dynamic system of interconnectivity exhibited in human forms. While the material may be physically strong, the true strength exhibited is that of the human spirit. The exceptional work by the Korean artist often showcases the suffering and decay from the experience of his family’s generation working in Korea’s industrialisation era. Manolo Valdés’ Reina Mariana is just a stone's throw away from Bond Street. As one of Spain’s most famous living artists, Manolo Valdés finds inspiration from old masterpieces by the likes of Velázquez, Rembrandt or Goya, using them as a pretext for creating a new aesthetic. His work possesses the quality of timelessness, creating connections between the past and present, the old and the new. In Reina Mariana, Valdés re-contextualises Diego Velázquez’s Queen Mariana (1652-1653) - a highly recognisable portrait of the second wife of Felipe IV. The change in morphology and meaning that occurs throughout Valdés’ representations of Velázquez’s image can be seen in this work. On display beside Bond Street’s Louis Vuitton store is a mesmerising LED glass vitrine Crystal 001 by world-renowned light sculptor Anthony James, implementing the concept of crystallisation, one that is found in nature, and used computer programming to mimic naturally forming polycrystalline shapes. The artist allowed an organic digitisation which parallels crystals formation, even allowing for external influences to cause variations. The sculpture’s multifaceted mirrors, glass and hallucinogenic surfaces allow the public to engage with the work with its meditative and limitless qualities. Other highlights of the Mayfair Sculpture Trail also include Antony Gormley’s ‘Cinch’ perched on the north façade of Burlington Arcade and Henry Moore’s ‘Time-Life Screen’ above Hermès – what was Time Life Building – also on New Bond Street. The Mayfair Sculpture Trail is a collaboration with Westminster City Council and Art in Mayfair, and in partnership with Burlington Arcade, Cork Street Galleries, Wander Art, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, and Art of London. It has been created with the enormous support of the galleries (Opera Gallery, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Gazelli Art House, JD Malat Gallery, Waddington Custot, The Mayor Gallery + Gormley’s Fine Art, and Timothy Taylor) and their artists, in partnership with which we are delighted to present the artworks which follow.
L’Aiaccia, the Idyllic Tuscan Farmhouse Getaway
Set in Tuscany’s famously beautiful area of Radda in historic Chianti is L’Aiaccia, a full-service luxury villa, designed by Katharine Pooley, the highly sought-after interior designer who has designed many landmark commercial and residential properties around the world, with inspiration from the magical setting in Tuscany. The spectacular views have to be seen to be believed and the light is extraordinary having inspired artists for generations. Originally built in 1788, in the classic Leopoldina-style, L’Aiaccia was a working farmhouse. Katharine was tasked to breathe new life into the villa’s interiors whilst being exceptionally careful to preserve the house’s original character, features and charm as well as adding all modern-day comforts. The property is ideal for up to ten guests with five bedrooms, four in the villa and one in the adjacent guest house – perfectly complemented by a stunning pool and a games barn. The grounds include beautiful gardens and multiple places to relax and dine alfresco which have been revamped by Katharine and her team of designers to concurrently retain the history of the property and showcase its elegance. L’Aiaccia is located within forty acres in the idyllic heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany. The villa is available to rent at athomeinchianti.com. At L’Aiaccia, one can step back in time, with an innate appreciation for all the modern comforts at hand. Immersed in the glorious Chianti countryside, it is hard not to reflect on the hundreds of years history as L’Aiaccia continues its story as a very special, extremely comfortable retreat which the owners are happy to share with their guests.
A Curated Compilation of Aman Destinations
Globally, the Aman collection is renowned for its architectural and design brilliance, along with unparalleled seclusion, first-rate hospitality, refined hints of local culture, and being set amidst pristine nature. To find the right Aman for you, we have compiled a list of Aman destinations adhering to your future special occasions. THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAM Amanpuri, Thailand On a private peninsular of Phuket's Andaman Sea, Amanpuri is designed to reflect the country’s classic architectural style in harmony with its idyllic natural surrounds. With its beautiful isolation, plus its dreamlike beauty, a wedding at Amanpuri makes the celebration even more memorable. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos Islands In the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, on the northwest coast of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos islands, Amanyara is a remote coastal retreat with striking architecture and natural beauty of Amanyara means that almost every turn reveals yet another spot suitable for the exchanging or renewing of vows. Amangiri, USA Amangiri, located in the middle of unique Utah's landscape, your special ceremony can be completely one-of-a-kind, as it can be held across the resort, from on the resort’s patio to the desert, framed by the surrounding dunes, mountains and plateaus. JUST-THE-TWO-OF-US CELEBRATIONS Amanpulo, Philippines Set on a remote private island of Pamalica, at Amanpulo, the entire untouched paradise is all yours. With the powder white beach, gleaming turquoise sea, and vibrant reefs, this is an ideal haven for a romantic getaway. Aman Venice, Italy Aman Venice is situated in a 16th-century Palazzo on the Grand Canal at the best spot to feel the "Venice" way, together with private gardens, interior arts, and opulent design. The venue stands out for a myriad of reasons, in addition to its glamorous beauty. For those who seek somewhere romantic, this is the place. Amanjena, Morocco Revel in the Marrakech romance under date palms and olive trees at Amanjena. GROUP RETREATS Amanruya, Turkey At Amanruya, you can enjoy the breeze and dazzling waters of the beach club with your friends and family, or play some fun water sports together. No matter what activity you choose, it's always a marvelous time. Amanzoe, Greece Amanzoe's collection of villas comprises various kind of stay from one to nine bedrooms, along with the ultimate privacy on the side of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro On Montenegro's coastline, Aman Sveti Stefan is set on both a historic island of Sveti Stefan and the mainland at 19th-century Villa Milocer. The palatial resort is embraced by rich history of the location, as well as soul-soothing nature. Amangani, USA In one of the most astonishing spots in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Amangani is set at the foot of Teton mountains, enveloped by 2 spectacular national parks, making it more than ideal for outdoor activities in both summer and winter, while promising gorgeous panorama of wilderness all year round. FAMILY FUNS Amanera, Dominican Republic For lovers of adventure, Amanera on the legendary Playa Grande Beach can be your family's adventure base to explore the Dominican charisma, and to have fun with adventures in the nature such as kite surfing, mountain exploration, or even a golf-course nearby. Amansara, Cambodia In Cambodia's famous historic city of Siem Reap, Amansara
Discovering Germany From Home!
Even though traveling is on hold, you can still experience the best of Germany while sitting comfortably at your home, with the #DiscoverGermanyFromHome. The virtual experiences for breathtaking destinations in all 16 states are available for you to enjoy all day long, dreaming about relishing in delightful nature, rich history and culture, as well as being stunned by glamourous castles, and plan to visit this magical land later. You can also try cooking German fares with recipes available on the site. Click here to discover the one-off charms of Germany.
The Un-Brie-Lievable Destinations Behind Your Favourite Cheeses
Research reveals that nearly six in 10 global travelers pick their vacation destination because of the great food and drink on offer. So for the cheese-lovers amongst us, why not journey further than the fridge or local cheese shop to uncover the origins of some of the world’s favorite cheeses? In celebration of the most cheesiest month, we have identified some of the cheesiest stays for cheese lovers around the world to indulge in while exploring the destination that created some of their favourites. Gouda, Netherlands For cheese fans, this Dutch city is all Gouda, with its namesake cheese accounting for a massive 60% of Dutch cheese production**. Produced in the surrounding region, travelers to Gouda can purchase wheels of the local delicacy at the city’s Thursday morning market that takes place from April through to August. Having first started in 1395, this bustling market has kept its traditional charm, with farmers and traders ‘clapping hands’ to confirm a sale in front of the historic city hall buildings. Travelers should also visit “de Goudse Waag”, which means the Gouda scale, built in 1669 and originally used for weighing - you guessed it - cheese. Now it’s home to the tourist information office as well as the Cheese and Crafts Museum, which offers cheese tasting, tours and craft demonstrations. Where to stay: The Tannery Lane holiday home is the perfect home from home for cheese loving travelers, just a short stroll from the location of the Thursday morning market. This guesthouse, which is found on the city center’s smallest street, was originally built in 1879. From the outside it boasts a traditional charm, while inside the property houses all the modern conveniences needed for a comfortable stay in Gouda. Cheddar, UK Cheddar cheese is now the UK’s most popular cheese choice, accounting for 51% of the annual cheese market locally***, but has humble beginnings in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. Local legend says that Cheddar cheese was discovered by accident when a milkmaid accidentally let a pail of milk stored in the cool caves go bad, turning it into hard cheese. Adventurous visitors to the village of Cheddar can explore these chilly caves at Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in the UK. After exploring and working up an appetite, cheese-lovers can stop by the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, where visitors can see the cheese being made from start to finish at the working dairy and visitor center. Where to stay: Just a short walk from the Cheddar Gorge caves, The Bath Arms Hotel offers adult-only accommodation that is as charming as the picturesque village itself. With an onsite restaurant and bar, visitors will find all the amenities they need for a comfortable stay. The restaurant serves a daily menu with traditional pub favorites and during the warmer months guests can even dine in the outdoor beer garden. Monterey, California, USA Named after both its place of origin and the entrepreneur who began selling it commercially, Monterey Jack cheese has become a staple of many Americans’ fridge or cheese board. This white, semi-hard cheese made
A Slow Walk Through Central Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a lively city with a central downtown district that does not find time to rest. Here, remnants of the city’s maritime past are interwoven with elements of contemporary life that include bars, shops, cafés and vices with a broad spectrum of appeal. The liberal Dutch society tolerates cannabis usage and prostitution, much to the delight of those from neighbouring countries who travel here to celebrate buck’s parties or inquisitive tourists hailing from countries that are more conservative. While the legality of cannabis is hazy, this raunchy side of Amsterdam appeals to some while most are simply inquisitive and curious onlookers. When most travellers think of Holland and its largest city Amsterdam (The Hague is the capital), images of windmills, wooden shoes called clogs, wheels of Gouda cheese and fields of multicoloured tulips spring to mind. However, the reality is that the closest encounter most visitors will have with these Dutch icons is the endless rows of souvenirs displayed in tourist precincts like Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market. However, visitors will definitely encounter bikes, dykes and lights while exploring the sights of this lively, multicultural and cosmopolitan city of just 800,000 residents. CENTRAL AMSTERDAM Holland has always intrigued me and even more so, when I realised that a quarter of the country is below sea level with its gateway Schiphol Airport situated on a former lake, several metres below sea level. As my KLM plane approached Schiphol, I checked beneath the seat for the lifejacket, just in case. Of course, planes do not land on water thanks to Holland’s ingenious network of ancient dykes and polders that keep the seawater at bay. I checked a map of Amsterdam to appreciate that the city and surrounding areas are indeed a network of canals, lakes, rivers and dykes holding back the waters of the North Sea. Amsterdam’s famous dykes are not so obvious but without retaining walls and floodgates to keep out the seawater, there would not be much to see of Amsterdam as basically it, and much of Holland, has been reclaimed from the sea. This reclamation has been ongoing for centuries and explains why the Dutch are such great hydrological engineers. I also discovered that one of the functions of windmills in days gone by was to pump water from the land out to sea to keep the seawater in check. Canals are one of the main attractions and a canal cruise is the best way to admire just how important these were for Amsterdam’s original settlers. While the River IJ divides Amsterdam, most visitors do not appreciate it as the main tourist attractions are in central Amsterdam just to the south of the river. From an elevated vantage point at the rear of the main railway station, I appreciated that the River IJ waterfront divides central Amsterdam and Amsterdam Noord. Both parts of the city are visible from the Centraal Station located in a lively port precinct where large ocean-going cruise ships moor at the nearby docks. Visitors emerge from the city side of Centraal Station on
Live Like Shakespeare’s Famous Couple in Juliet’s House this Valentine’s Day
For those Thais looking for the ultimate romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, Airbnb announces that one lovestruck couple will be the first to spend the night in the historic home of Shakespeare’s Juliet in Verona, Italy. Casa di Giulietta has inspired generations with its iconic balcony that reflects Shakespeare’s description in Romeo & Juliet. And now one winner and their partner will be given unprecedented access to the 13th century building, to step back in time and relive the powerful words of Shakespeare. To enter and have the chance to win this unique Only On Airbnb stay, Thais must pen a letter to Juliet, sharing their own poignant love story and explaining why they and their partner would be perfect guests. Entries can be submitted at airbnb.com/juliet until 11:59pm EST on 2nd February 2020 (11:59am on 3rd February 2020 Thailand time). Working with an Italian architect, Airbnb has transformed the centuries-old building into a sumptuous stay fit for a modern day Romeo and Juliet: one couple will be waited on by a personal butler and treated to a romantic candlelit dinner prepared by two Michelin star chef Giancarlo Perbellini in a glittering dining room filled with crystals, candles and flowers. And after a busy day of feasting, exploring and reading Juliet’s love letters, they will retire for the night to Juliet’s medieval-themed bedroom which features “Letto di Giulietta”, the original bed used in Zeffirelli’s classic 1960s movie ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The 13th century townhouse is a celebrated landmark and museum in the center of Verona and thanks to Airbnb and Verona’s Municipality, the building will be turned into a home for the first time since the 1930s. “Juliet’s House is the most important museum in the City of Verona, attracting millions of visitors every year. Partnering with Airbnb brings the widely known Shakespearian myth of Romeo and Juliet to life in a way never before offered. We are excited to promote our cultural heritage, share traditions that were previously safeguarded, and bring international visibility to the City of Verona,” said Federico Sboarina, Mayor of Verona Municipality. Highlights from the Stay include: A Romeo and Juliet inspired exploration of Verona, the city of love. Private tour of the most romantic home in the history of literature. Reading and replying to some of Juliet’s most recent love letters. Exclusive access to Michelin star chef Giancarlo Perbellini while he prepares the romantic feast. Candlelit dinner for two prepared by Giancarlo in Juliet’s sumptuous dining room. A night in Juliet’s traditional bedroom transformed for the evening into a romantic boudoir. “Every day countless new connections are made across the world by people travelling on Airbnb - creating new friendships and sometimes new love. Since 2008, an estimated one million guests have hosted their weddings on Airbnb. This Stay will give one couple the unique chance to celebrate their love in what is possibly the most romantic home in the history of literature,” said Giacomo Trovato, General Manager for Italy at Airbnb.