Whisky is considered by many as a ‘gentleman’s drink’, often enjoyed as an after dinner digestive. However, Moti Mahal and Caskstrength Creative  are set to dispel this tradition with their Whisky Pairing Menu.

Moti Mahal’s Head Chef Anirudh Arora and the founders of Caskstrength Creative, Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley, have carefully created a five-course pairing menu to demonstrate how unique whisky mixes can be enjoyed by all as an accompaniment to Indian cuisine.

Highlights from the menu include a “Hart Peat” cocktail using 25ml Lagavulin Distillers Edition served with Roe Deer Tikka with Grape Chutney and Mint Parantha, a “Cask-Aged-Old-Fashioned-New-Yorker” using Paul John single cask Indian whisky, old fashioned (barrel aged) whisky-steeped cherry, served with a Morel Biriyani and Warm Quail Pickle and a chilled shot of Clynelish single malt, cut with cardamom-infused water, served at the table to share with Kulfi and Cardamon ‘n’ Saffron Bread Pudding.

The five-course pairing menu costs £120. For a lighter option, courses can be enjoyed individually with prices ranging from £11 to £25. Both Moti Mahal and Caskstrength Creative are strong believers in working with produce when it’s at its best and will change the pairing menu seasonally.

Looking for a culinary experience to excite your tastebuds? Why not try Moti Mahal and Caskstrength Creative’s Whisky Pairing Menu.

]]> http://www.prco.com/uk/experiences-travel-pr/moti-mahal-and-caskstrength-creatives-whisky-pairing-menu/feed/ 0 http://www.prco.com/uk/destinations-pr/gstaad-in-a-nutshell/ http://www.prco.com/uk/destinations-pr/gstaad-in-a-nutshell/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 14:31:06 +0000 Hannah Brewer http://www.prco.com/uk/?p=27455 While Gstaad is best known as one of the largest areas for skiing and snowboarding in Switzerland, it is also an ideal place to visit during the summer months. From 1 June – 30 September, The Alpina Gstaad has exclusively collaborated with outdoor specialists Alpinzentrum Gstaad to offer their guests fun and adventurous activities in the heart of Gstaad’s natural surroundings.

Families

Families travelling with older children can engage in thrill seeking activities ranging from canoeing on the Lake of Arnen and climbing the Via Ferrata mountain route to canyoning.

Those with younger children can look forward to less challenging hiking trails with BBQ areas and playgrounds en route, as well as visits to local sites such as the petting zoo near Berghaus Wisple, the open-air museum of Ballenberg, and the medieval city and castle of Greyerz.

Couples

Active couples are spoilt for choice in Gstaad, as couples staying at the hotel can enjoy tandem paragliding, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and guided horse-back riding. Back at the hotel, in addition to romantic gourmet candle-lit dinners at MEGU, guests can experience private gazebo dinners in the garden and relax together at the hammam at Six Senses Spa.

Outdoor sports

Gstaad offers sport year round. Thrill seekers can take advantage of the close proximity of the new Alpina Coaster at Glacier 3000, which is the world’s highest bobsleigh track, or perhaps enjoy water sports such as river rafting and hydrospeeding. Guests wanting to practice their golf swing can make use of Gstaad’s 18-hole Alpine golf course and those looking to improve their fishing technique can practice at various lakes in the region.

Wellness

According to SpaFinder Wellness 2013 Trend Report, 40% of travellers are health driven – always seeking to rest their body and mind through a combination of healthy eating, exercise and spa treatments. To reflect this demand, The Alpina Gstaad has launched a collection of Wellness Retreats, including a special mountain yoga retreat with Six Senses yogi Julien Balmer from 24 June – 1 July 2013.

To complement the wellness programmes, Executive Chef Marcus G Lindner has carefully created a special Spa Cuisine menu that includes a choice of vegan or detox dietary dishes available upon request. The menu primarily uses local ingredients and will have Japanese elements due to the collaboration of the team at MEGU.

If that wasn’t enough, there are a wealth of facilities at the hotel to take advantage of after a day out in the mountains, including the Spa’s 25 metre indoor lap pool and outdoor swimming pool. Younger children can use the indoor playroom and the older ones can escape to the games room.

There is a private 3D cinema room which is available for private hire, and when parents need some R&R they can relax at Alpina’s Lounge & Bar, have a private dinner in the Wine Cellar or have an aperitif in the Cigar Lounge knowing that their children are in the safe hands of the hotel’s babysitters.

For more information on The Alpina Gstaad, please visit http://www.thealpinagstaad.ch/.

A bespoke collection of leaders in the hospitality arena have been brought together to ensure Velaa Private Island is a destination that is as innovative as its cuisine, as secluded as its location, as special as its design, as exclusive as its luxury partnerships, and as personal as its guests.

    Born out of a desire for a luxurious resort that provides both privacy and variety, founders Radka and Jiri Smejc have created Velaa Private Island after years of travelling extensively to the Maldives. While there are many private islands in the Maldives, the Smejcs have built a luxury resort that reflects the essence of Maldivian culture, lifestyle and landscape; one which is versatile enough to offer guests desired privacy, but which is also tailored to create memorable moments through carefully-selected experiences.

    Velaa shares its name and its home with the generations of sea turtles that have inhabited the island for countless years.  Comprising 43 private villas and five residences (4-bedrooms) fusing local materials and contemporary flourishes, each private retreat offers a generous outdoor space and private pool. For the epicurean, Velaa Private Island boasts the culinary consultancy of Michelin-star chef, Adeline Grattard from Paris, and the most extensive wine cellar in the Maldives – a collection worth over one million dollars.

A My Blend by Clarins spa, one of only a handful in the world, offers exclusive My Blend facial products and body treatments by Clarins. The spa also will also feature the first ‘snow room’ in the Maldives. Submarine expeditions, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing are among the excursions available for those seeking adventure, and golf lovers can craft their game with the Troon Short Game Golf Academy, designed by Jose Maria Olazabal.

Velaa Private Island is located 45 minutes by seaplane north of Male International Airport.

Omani design with a sense of Zen

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the resort’s design combines contemporary Asian style with subtle Omani nuances. The 158 rooms and suites by Denniston Architects offer views of the sea, mountains and the hotel’s symmetrical Zen gardens.  

     Fine dining under the Arabian stars

With six restaurants, The Restaurant’s fine dining menu is a highlight. Epicureans can feast on seafood at The Beach Restaurant, and from October to April The Arabian Courtyard serves Arabic mezze, shwarma and kebabs to the tune of gentle Omani music. The Shisha Lounge with its colourful divans and lanterns completes the experience. Guests can take shade at the poolside cabanas, enjoying Japanese sushi and Malay fare at The Long Pool Cabana, Asian noodles at The Serai Pool Cabana, and light Mediterranean dishes at The Chedi Pool Cabana.

     Wellness sanctuary

The 800sqm wellness sanctuary, the largest in Muscat, includes 13 light filled spa suites with poolside views. The Spa’s holistic, personalised programmes incorporate Balinese and Indian Ayurveda rituals by REN, ila and Abahna, as well as seaweed based treatments by VOYA. The Health Club features state-of-the-art gym and Pilates equipment with expert personal trainers on hand in a relaxed living room style decor. Guests also benefit from two tennis courts and three outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, including the 103-metre Long Pool, the region’s longest.

    Explore

The Chedi Muscat offers bespoke tours to discover the region. Marvel at The Grand Mosque with its Persian carpet that took 600 weavers over four years to complete. Watch the turtle nesting at Ras al-Jinz nature reserve. Take a 4×4 expedition to Oman’s highest peak, Jebel Shams or a dip in Wadi Shab’s natural pools. Pick up a hand-embroidered ‘mussar’ shawl at the Muttrah souk, sample the world’s most exclusive perfume, Amouage or for a shopping experience closer to home, stop at The Boutique, a cosy enclave nestled within the hotel displaying fine art, hand crafted ornaments, artisan jewellery and leisure wear.

The only member of Leading Hotels of the World in Oman, The Chedi Muscat is located in Al Ghubra, 20 minutes from the old city of Muscat and 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport.

With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, many parents are cramming in some last minute research before booking their family break. With this in mind, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ Have Family Will Travel blog has just launched a new Kids’ Concierge tool, to make the process a lot easier. Take a look at some of their suggestions for the perfect family holiday:

For Culture-Loving Families

Parents who prefer to immerse their children in a spot of culture will enjoy activities available in Hangzhou and Budapest. With a guide or using maps created by Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, families hop on bicycles and tour the region Marco Polo called “heaven on earth,” and see for themselves the historic “ten scenes” first identified during the Qing Dynasty.

On the banks of the Danube, children can join in classes conducted by local music teachers at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, who expose a new generation to the wonders of folk and classical music, and opera.

A Walk on the Wild Side

In the jungles of northern Thailand at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, families can spend time with local mahouts, learning how to ride and care for rescued elephants and participate in research programmes. Further south in Malaysia, an on-staff naturalist at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi leads a three-hour boat safari of the mangroves, chock full of wildlife wonders.

Closer to home, the most popular staff member at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is Oliver, a lab who loves join to guests on walks or when children head to the chicken coop to collect their own breakfast egg. For children and teens begging parents for a pony, the Hotel also offers an experience that teaches young guests how to ride and take care of one they can call their own for the day.

Helping Teenagers Grow

Teenagers often need to be kept busy during the holidays, so families will find plenty to stimulate active minds in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Young adults with an interest in hospitality will enjoy the Hotelier Apprentice Summer Camp at Four Seasons Resorts Lanai, Hawaii. The programme gives children a behind-the-scenes look at both resorts’ operations and has them participating side-by-side with the teams who make them run smoothly.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica connects guests with community members in need via the popular Growing Together volunteer program. They can help out by providing local families with basic necessities, and bringing backpacks with supplies for schoolchildren. Active families can even lend a hand by painting a local school.

After all this adventure, Four Seasons invites families to upload stories, tips, photos and videos from their own Four Seasons holidays on Have Family Will Travel. The new, user-friendly Parents’ Insider Guides to Family Travel makes searching blog posts by destination a breeze. To follow the conversation on Twitter and Instagram use hashtag #FSFamily.

“We are delighted to be amongst the proud winners of this prestigious World Travel Awards” said Mr Michael Wieser Chief Operating Officer, of Lily Hotels. “With a strong innovative team combined with our best expertise, we meet and exceed Guest expectations daily, we are very proud of our Team for playing a leading role in Hospitality and Tourism industry at the Maldives.”

The World Travel Awards recognises and acknowledges excellence in travel tourism and hospitality within the travel industry. The awards demonstrate a hallmark of quality given by consumers and industry professionals who recognise the very best in each region.

For a full list of winners, see here http://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2013-9

48% of people surveyed said they’d been on holiday to somewhere they had visited as a child and a third had returned to that destination in the last two years. Country favourites like the Cotswolds; the Lake District, Devon and the mountainous backdrop of Wales are increasing in popularity. With its breathtaking countryside and coasts, abundant wildlife, and rich history and culture, the UK provides some of the most attractive holiday destinations in Europe. Why venture any further?

Here are some of our all time favourite hotspots in the UK that have us coming back time and time again.

Devon

Situated in the most southerly part of Devon, Salcombe is a harbour town with an extensive waterfront. Due to its enviable location, it has become one of the most popular places for pleasure sailing and yachting in the UK. Surrounded by picturesque villages, secluded beaches and situated on the coastal path, Salcombe is an ideal base to explore this stunning corner of our country. 

Bosuns is a top floor apartment situated within a Victorian house complex, only a short walk to Salcombe town centre, sandy beaches and Salcombe Estuary. The property offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms and a fully equipped, contemporary kitchen. Externally, guests have use of the heated outdoor swimming pool.

For more information on staying at Bosuns in Salcombe visit Blue Chip Holidays.

The Lake District

The Lake District is the shining star of northwestern England, the scenery once being the muse for poets Wordsworth and Coleridge as well as Beatrix Potter. For jaw-dropping, picturesque splendour, few places in our isle can measure up to the magnificence of the Lake District. The landscape of the lakes is akin to what you would stumble upon in the renowned Swiss Alps – and right on our doorstep, we’re truly spoilt.

     Kendal Cottages, a luxurious riverside apartment occupies a beautiful riverside location in the heart of Kendal town with views of the River Kent, Stramongate Bridge and Kendal Castle beyond. This self-catering holiday property in the market town of Kendal was voted the overall winner in the Holiday Lettings Hall of Fame, incredibly beating more than 45,000 properties from 116 countries to the title. It is ideally positioned between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Over 1,000 square feet, the apartment can sleep up to four people. It has an airy, open plan kitchen, living room and dining area, two bedrooms with super king size beds, one of which can be converted to a twin if preferred, and two bathrooms.

A generously proportioned balcony allows you to sit out and savour the view down river, over the ancient Stramongate Bridge and towards Kendal Castle. Kendal Cottages is the ideal place to rest your head after carefree, adventurous days exploring the local national parks of which this place is famed for.

For more information on staying, click on Kendal Cottages.

North Wales

An outdoor enthusiasts paradise, the stunning mountainous walks, coastal trails, sweeping beaches and limestone cliffs found in Wales comes up trumps for those seeking a holiday close to home.

Gilar Farm is an outstandingly beautiful and unique Grade II* Listed farmhouse set in 500 acres of idyllic farmland with its own mountain, ancient woodlands and lakes. Built around 1600AD as the seat of the High Sheriff of Denbighshire, original features such as beams, large fireplaces and oak panelling give this period house great charm and character.

     Through all four seasons visitors to Gilar can observe the workings of the farm, walk or cycle on the many local paths and tracks, go fishing in nearby lakes, or simply relax in front of a roaring log fire.

  This stylishly furnished house, which stays loyal to its period features is perfect for all the family, with five spacious bedrooms, sleeping up to nine people. With Snowdonia National Park just two miles away, Gilar Farm makes for the ultimate resting place.

For more information on staying at Gilar Farm visit North Wales Holiday Cottages or Stately Holiday Cottages.

 What’s your go-to destination in the UK that never lets you down?

The 7-bedroom Villa La Pausa came onto the market recently, giving us a rare peek inside this architect-designed property, and an insight into the life of one of the twentieth century’s greatest designers.

La Pausa stands on a plot of land gifted to Chanel by her lover, the Duke of Westminster – one of the world’s wealthiest men. With unbroken views over the Côte d’Azure, six acres of grounds and olive groves to the rear, that’s some present.

Chanel commissioned the architect Robert Streitz to design and build her dream home, with seven bedrooms, a sweeping staircase, lofty atrium and grand reception rooms. Its minimalist palette, clean lines and classic French elegance all belie the designer’s personal aesthetic.

The French Riviera was only just being discovered as a fashionable summer destination in the 1920s, partly thanks to innovators like Chanel (she was one of those responsible for popularising bronzed, sun-kissed skin) and the bright young things of the Jazz Age that F Scott Fitzgerald depicts in Tender Is The Night. It’s now one of the most sought-after real-estate destinations in the world.

Villa La Pausa is a majestic property in its own right, but its unbeatable fashion pedigree will only add to its value: Knight Frank are listing the property at £33.9 million.

Here are two more fashionable properties that have come onto the market in recent times – each one offering a tantalising glimpse into the private life of a brilliant creative mind.

Gianfranco Ferré’s Italian castello

This celebrated Italian designer became the creative director of Christian Dior and once called this fairytale castle home. With views out over Lake Maggiore and not one but two private beaches, there’s plenty of room to get creative here. (Guide price: £3.1 million. Agent: Agenia Immobiliare Francesco Papurello.)

Santo Versace’s Milanese townhouse

The grandfather of Italian style really did eat, sleep and breathe fashion by setting up home right at the heart of things: his 1950s townhouse is located in Milan’s fashion district. (Guide price: £41.6 million. Agent: Milan Sotheby’s International Realty)

]]> http://www.prco.com/uk/property-pr/the-world%e2%80%99s-most-fashionable-real-estate-coco-chanels-villa-comes-onto-the-market/feed/ 0 http://www.prco.com/uk/hotels-and-resorts-pr/greek-goddess-graces-soho-neighbourhood/ http://www.prco.com/uk/hotels-and-resorts-pr/greek-goddess-graces-soho-neighbourhood/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 16:45:27 +0000 Bahar Ayasli http://www.prco.com/uk/?p=26972 Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon and magic, seems a fitting protector of the new Nadler Soho, nestled in a neighbourhood famous for its colourful nightlife and international appeal.

With the Nadler Soho poised for its launch 1 June, the unveiling of the statue, which is to grace the facade of the new hotel, was a welcome excuse to take a look inside the contemporary foyer, drink bubbly, and enjoy delectable canapés.

As well wishers, neighbours from the Soho community, and close friends of the Nadler family streamed outside in anticipation and excitement, all eyes were focused on the white tarp hiding the much awaited contemporary piece of work by Hew Locke, British sculptor and contemporary visual artist.

Hew, who was commissioned by The Nadler to create a figurative sculpture representing sleep, stated that he, “wanted to make a classical statue with a contemporary twist, partly inspired by Art Nouveau designs of dreamy women, but with a feel of intensity and ritual”.

Robert Nadler, CEO of The Nadler hotels and base2stay, along with Hew Locke, commemorated the event with a few words before the tarp was slowly lowered and the goddess “Selene”, with her magical features, was visible to the awe of the audience.

“Selene”, a full rounded over-life size bronze figure, was shown floating at the centre of a galaxy of stars, ceremonially offering garlands representing magical potions associated with sleep and love.

According to Hew, the garlands, made up of the plants belladonna and pansies, were to allude to Shakespeare, and the distinct relationship between Soho and the arts, while the winged masks of the Greek personification of sleep, Hypnos, were to tie in the bond between the neighbourhood and new hotel.

Truly a work of art, “Selene”, and the hotel it graces, will surely become favourites for anyone visiting Soho.

For those looking to stay up to date with the hotel can check out their web site at http://thenadler.com/soho.shtml .

Governors’ Camp Collection is the ideal location for your first adventure as man and wife. Set in the heart of the Maasai Mara – a wilderness acclaimed for its vast and empty panoramas, adventure awaits at every turn. Venture on game drives to try and spot the big five and enjoy spectacular dinners under a blanket of bright stars, serenaded only by the soundtrack of the wild African bush – the ultimate romantic getaway. 

Each property offers the perfect combination of privacy and luxury. Between the “top cottage” at Loldia, Governors’ Camps’ “Justus Suite”, Little Governors’ “tent 17”, “number 1” and “number 10” at Il Moran and Mfangano Island Camp’s “Victoria Suite”, Governors’ Camp Collection have the ultimate in honeymoon accommodation. Why not organise something special for your loved one – a surprise candlelit dinner in the bush, evening cocktails on Lake Victoria or Lake Naivasha – any number of things are possible with Governors’Camp Collection.

If that wasn’t enough to persuade you, Governors’ Camps’ hot air balloon rides will no doubt put Kenya at the top of your honeymoon hotlist. Glide over the serene beauty of the Mara and admire the Africa plains from the sky. A honeymoon that you’ll remember for the rest of your days.