The Tastemaker

The Tastemaker 5

The Suite: The Marylebone, London

The Marylebone Terrace Suites are an extraordinarily beautiful trio of contemporary suites at The Marylebone Hotel.

The largest of the suites is The Marylebone, which spans 860 square feet and features an opulent lounge with a 60” mirrored TV, separate dining area and a fully-stocked private bar. There is an incredible terrace that spans 430 square feet with a bespoke retractable roof, remote control fireplace and TV. It offers spectacular panoramic views over the rooftops of Marylebone, all the way to The Shard and beyond.

The Wimpole and The Harley suites have a similarly luxurious aesthetic, with hardwood floors, arabascato marble and their own decadent outdoor terraces. Guests of the Terrace Suites receive complimentary airport transfers, in-room check-in, an unpack/repack service and a dedicated private 24-hour contact.

@hotelmarylebone

doylecollection.com/hotels/the-marylebone-hotel

The Marylebone Hotel, 47 Welbeck St, London W1G 8DN, UK

The Spa: Chi, Paris

CHI is a private oasis of peace, enchantment and well-being, located within Shangri-La, the finest hotel in Paris and former palatial residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte.

The soaring, vaulted ceiling is painted to emulate a perfect blue sky with whimsical candyfloss clouds. Famed designer Pierre-Yves Rochon anchored the space with a magical 16 metre swimming pool filled with sparkling azure water. The pool, treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness facilities are configured in a harmonious duplex formation, creating an open space bathed in natural light.

The spa offers a range of treatments from facials to massages, based on the finest organic extracts and herbs.There is a 94-square-metre private open-air terrace lined with greenery. There is no better place to let the world slip away, shrouded in serenity and decadence.

@shangrilaparis

shangri-la.com/paris

10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France

The Tastemaker 8

The Destination: Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a haven, formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. The result has likened the dramatic surrounding landscapes to Mars. With the help of mankind, it is filled with historical churches and sacred monasteries carved into the natural contours of caves and mountains.

Argos in Cappadocia is a five-star hotel like no other.This year it was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Best Historical Luxury Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. It boasts an on-site vineyard that produces unique grapes which fill the largest wine cellar in Turkey, whilst in-room swimming pools and exquisite linens provide the ingredients for the most opulent escape.

This is the unforgettable land of fairy chimneys, magnificent wines and breathtaking balloon tours, a magical experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

@argosincappadocia

argosincappadocia.com

Nevşehir Merkez, 50240 Uçhisar Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey

The Tastemaker 9

The Bar: Le Bar Klebér, Paris

History was made in this very room. In 1973 the Paris Peace Accords which ended the Vietnam War were signed within these walls. Nowadays, Le Bar Klebér is a romantic bolthole with soaring ceilings and glittering gilded mouldings that decorate the oak panelling like the icing on a wedding cake.

It houses a world-famous extensive collection of cocktails, fine wines, champagnes, spirits and international whiskies. We recommend ‘Breakfast at Gatsby’s’, an intoxicating concoction of cognac, grand marnier, orange marmalade and champagne and ‘Stormy Island’, a dark mix of spicy rum, Velvet Falernum, barrel aged bitter and ginger beer. There is also a food menu with everything from Oscietre Imperial caviar to Salmon Club Sandwiches.

On sunny days, venture outside through the opulent double-height windows to the La Terrasse Klebér, so you can watch the world go by, cocktail in hand.

@thepeninsulaparis


paris.peninsula.com

19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France

The Tastemaker 11

The Island: Mirihi, Maldives

The Maldives comprises of around 1190 magnificent coral islands, however, if you ask locals which is the most beautiful, most will say Mirihi Island without hesitation.

At just 350 meters long and 50 meters wide, Mirihi is one of the smallest islands. It has an unrivalled natural beauty, palm-fringed beaches with crystalline white sands enveloped by glistening turquoise waters. It houses 30 decadent water villas with private access to the ocean and 6 luxurious beach villas with direct access to the beach.

It is also home to one of the most spectacular house reefs in all of the Maldives; an underwater playground with rainbow-hued fish, mantas, majestic sea turtles and whale sharks. There is even the opportunity to snorkel after dark, observe sleeping tropical fish and experience the true vibrancy of the coral’s magical colours. This is a rare opportunity to explore the underwater world like never before.

@mirihi_maldives

mirihi.com

Mirihi Island Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldivest, South Ari Atoll – Maldives

The Tastemaker 12

The Hotel: Casas Del XVI, Dominican Republic

Located in the historic Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo, Casas del XVI provides the perfect sanctuary from a day of exploring one of the oldest cities of the Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Made up of several houses built in the 16th century, each room is unique and incorporates elements from quaint and charming historical architectural designs, such as original vaulted brick archways and tiled Roman roofs. Enjoy breakfast in the purple open-aired tea room, before strolling off to the serene secluded courtyard and lounge by the pool enclosed in palm trees and tropical fauna.

Whilst the amiable colonial interior transports you back to another time, the contemporary embellishments such as Bose speakers in each suite, and an iPhone to keep you in touch with your own personal butler, makes it a truly unforgettable stay.

@casasdelxvi

casasdelxvi.com

Calle Padre Billini No. 252, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The Tastemaker 13

The Restaurant: L’oiseau Blanc, Paris

Almost kissing the sky, L’Oiseau Blanc is the most elegant restaurant in all of Paris. This aviation-themed rooftop eatery showcases one of the best views in all of the city of lights, including; an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower which glitters enticingly after dark.

L’Oiseau Blanc serves exemplary French cuisine, highlighting the finest French ingredients which are handpicked everyday at the market by Chef Sidney Redel. Each week, he curates a new menu inspired by seasonal ingredients. We recommend the Seam Bream Ceviche with mango, crunchy carrots and enokis mushrooms, carrot juice with finger lime to start, followed by Roasted Wild Turbot with Satsuma, green beans and snow pea for the main course and L’Oiseau Blanc’s signature L’Envol dessert with chocolate custard, coconut biscuit, passion fruit and mango.

Outside the intimate glass atrium of the main restaurant, there is a spectacular rooftop where you can dine alfresco whilst soaking in the panoramic views underneath the stars.

@thepeninsulaparis


paris.peninsula.com

19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France

The Tastemaker 14

The Pool: Monastero, Amalfi Coast

Located atop a cliff, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is the perfect luxurious Mediterranean escape. What was once a 17th century monastery, home to several nuns, is now an illustrious sanctuary where guests come to relax and unwind, whilst enjoying an element of spiritual ambience.

Boasting incredible breathtaking views all around, the glorious Amalfi Coast can be admired from every suite, whilst sat on the Sunset Terrace soaking up the sun, relaxing in the beautiful tiered gardens, dining alfresco on the restaurant’s terrace or during a refreshing dip in the magnificent vanished-edge, heated infinity pool.

During high season, the hotel is filled with travellers hoping to flee the hustle and bustle of their hectic schedules, whilst catching the glorious Southern Italian rays. During the shoulder season, guests can indulge in the ‘Health & Hike’ package – a revitalising guided hike across the majestic Italian coastline, followed by a soothing spa treatment, with the option of a tour of the hotel’s very own herb garden by the distinguished Executive Chef, Christoph Bob.

@monasterosa

monasterosantarosa.com

Via Roma, 2, 84010 Conca dei Marini SA, Italy

The Tastemaker 15

The Bakery: Dominique Ansel, London

Dominique Ansel is the pastry extraordinaire and entrepreneur who introduced the world to the Cronut®. This magical croissant-doughnut hybrid became an instant global sensation in 2013, with the Cronut® selling out from his New York bakery within 15 minutes on a daily basis.

Dominique Ansel now has five bakeries around the world; Los Angeles, Tokyo, Soho New York, West Village New York and London. Dominique Ansel London is a beautiful space that houses 25 guests and a quaint garden with a retractable roof that is bathed in natural light. The menu is rooted in French techniques and is an extraordinary example of the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury. You can’t not try the Cronut® but the real gems on the menu are Dominique Ansel’s personal favourites, the ‘Croque Monsieur’ dripping in golden cheese and the ‘Banoffee Paella’ with caramelised bananas with light-as-air dulce de leche mousse.    

Dominique Ansel has been officially crowned ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’ at the 2017 ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ awards. He has proved that the Cronut® was just the beginning, 2013 may have been the year of the Cronut® but 2017 is most definitely the year for its creator.

Photo by Thomas Schauer

@dominiqueansellondon

dominiqueansellondon.com

17 – 21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London, UK

The Tastemaker 16

The Resort: Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

A boutique resort located on the magnificent coast of Punta Cana, within the prestigious gated community of Cap Cana. Eden Roc offers a luxurious experience like no other.

Each guest is provided with a golf buggy, the perfect way to explore the resort. There are 34 charming pastel coloured villas and suites, each adorned with tropical flowers and wisteria. The opulent accommodation, created by Milanese interior designers, Carlo Belgir and Marina Novacome, come complete with a pool, outdoor shower and jacuzzi.

Experience golf on the emerald-green fairways that hug the majestic coastline. Enjoy one of the resort’s six restaurants; La Palapa is great for trying the delightful authentic Dominican cuisine. We recommend the BocaChica fish with fried plantain and avocado salad, followed by the Dominican Cream with tropical fruits and chocolate tuille for dessert.

@edenroccapcana

edenroccapcana.com

Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Provincia La Altagracia, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic