Artfully immersive
Esin Gural Argat, Vice President of the Turkish family owned Gurok Group, first envisioned the creation of a sustainable, art-immersive resort on an enchanting island in the Maldives.
With a focus on female empowerment and joie de vivre, JOALI was conceived and built as just that. A place of sparkling moments, sugar white beaches and blissful happiness—“It’s a canvas on which to paint cherished and joyful memories.”
The gallery-like resort is magically located in the Indian Ocean on Muravandhoo Island. It sits amidst vibrant art installations in lush tropical palm trees and is surrounded by sapphire blue waters. After a few years of successful operations, the idea of a second property emerged and came to fruition as JOALI BEING.
On the same spectacular Raa Atoll as its sister property, JB on Bodufushi, is also a tranquil, bohemian paradise. With its own distinctive identity and effortless grace, the nature inspired resort offers guests an exclusive, yet extensive wellness-based agenda that focuses on both ‘weightlessness and holistic healing’ experiences that promises transformation.
And, worth its’ weight in gold, each villa comes with a dedicated personal butler—called a Jadugar (which means “skilled magician” in Dhivehi)—to cater to their guests every whim.
Accessed by local seaplane, after a transfer from Bangkok to Velana International Airport (MLE) on the island of Hulhule (near capital city of Malé), the resorts are both luxurious and wonderfully private.
Source: joali.com
The butler did it
In a second chapter of Raffles cele-brated “Butler is Back” campaign, a glamorous new cast, led by Henry Gowling, is being introduced as the team brings their insider signature service to their London OWO hotel. It’s a clever continuation of the story first told in Singapore that is now set against the grand backdrop of England’s capital.
Blending a sense of theatre with a fashion forward wink, this episode’s narrative unfolds within the storied walls of the Old War Office. Captivating moments are brought to life by the ever-resourceful butler. Each witty, whimsical vignette delivers a playful yet elegant element that, with a hint of intrigue, is true to the unmistakable character of each and every loyal Butler.
In the new Whitehall setting the catchy campaign channels quintessentially posh British sophistication while celebrating the many ways a stay can be intimate, enchanting and effortlessly magical. Think Royal wake up calls delivered by the King’s bagpiper, bespoke adventures that are created just for you and yours and mysterious bedtime stories that will ideally thrill without keeping you up all night.
Raffles has also unveiled fun-filled “The Butler Did it Experiences” for guests staying at its worldwide locations. Expect custom created packages that can be curated by onsite butlers to offer exclusive access in a one-of-a-kind way. Watch for “The Butler” experience in Jaipur, Sentosa, Jeddah, Lake Como, Los Cabos, Shanghai and Tokyo.
Source: accor.com
Snoozing in Vienna
An original soundscape shared by the Vienna Tourist Board and rooted in scientific research is part of ‘The Gold Sleep Ritual’ which is on offer at Almanac Palais Vienna. The ritual which is on offer as part of an overnight stay is a holistic sleep experience that combines sound, aromatherapy, nutrition and gentle movement.
Made of audible sound waves, the soundscape is a result of work done by researchers from the Vienna University of Technology who used high-resolution spectrometry to translate the light frequencies reflected by Vienna’s most iconic landmarks—the Vienna State Opera, Klimt’s The Kiss, and the Church of St Leopold am Stienhoff. Their subtle, shimmering soundscape has inspired the Tourism Board to help the Almanac Palais hoteliers to create a rest inducing experience for guests to enjoy as they gently transition from evening to nightfall and help reset the body’s circadian rhythm.
The unique Almanac Palais ‘Gold Sleep Ritual’ package begins with a gentle declaration, digital devices set aside and the room prepared for darkness and cool temperatures. Guest can also enjoy a calming cranberry and honey evening drink, together with a light almond snack and a deep sleep aromatherapy oil. The package includes a sleep guide with mediation suggestions, breathing techniques and access to what the researchers called the ‘Gold Noise’ playlist. And, with natural light starting the morning reset, guest are provided with a yoga mat for stretching and a ginger and lemon wake-up shot for a bright and refreshing start to the day.
Source: almanachotels.com
