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for us to view a solar eclipse. It was midday when it started to get dark, and we suddenly spotted a leopard coming down from the trees to hunt. As it got bright again, an impala antelope, which usually hides in the bushes after dark,

suddenly found itself standing in the middle of a clearing with the leopard close by. Both animals were completely confused by the eclipse, and in a split second, the leopard had made its kill. The whole sequence took only 10 minutes, but we had the privilege of witnessing both a solar eclipse and an amazing wildlife interaction in one day.

What would you recommend for a five-star safari experience? The Serra Cafema Camp in Namibia is situated at the banks of a river and surrounded by one of the driest deserts on the planet. Despite its remoteness, you are still comfortably ensconced in luxurious

Captivated by his first safari experience in the mid 90s, Victor Dizon left his investment banking job in 2002 and volunteered as a conservationist at a South African reserve. The

experience placed him in direct contact with the animals and further deepened his love for the continent’s rugged landscapes. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, the adventurer now champions the safari experience through his bespoke travel firm, Asia to Africa Safaris.

Did you really skin a whole zebra once? Yes I did. While volunteering as a conservationist at the Shamwari Game Reserve, my travelling group came across one that had just died of natural causes. The head conservationist decided that if we skinned it, we could sell the hide to tanners and use the money to further conservation efforts. The whole process took several hours of hard labour, and the team even had to fend off some hyenas and lions in the process. It wasn’t a typical safari encounter, but definitely one that I will never forget.

What has been your favourite safari experience to date? The staff at Mombo Camp in Botswana once prepared a special breakfast of Eggs Benedict and champagne in the middle of a floodplain

Having tracked a rhino on foot and canoed down the Zambezi river,

safari enthusiast Victor Dizon is a treasure trove of insights into the African continent. He shares his

favourite spots with Amanda Ang.

elevated villas overlooking the river. One of my favourite lodges in Kenya is the Elephant Pepper Camp, located in a private conservancy just outside the Masai Mara. It is an intimate traditional camp with just eight tents, and is one of the best places to witness the great migration. Lastly, Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa is a truly magical 100,000-hectare private reserve that’s totally separated from most of the other lodges in the country. The desert scenery and variety of wildlife are incredible and there is also a wide array of activities for adults and children alike, with stylish suites to boot.

What is usually served at these safari camps? Home-style hearty meals cooked with rustic equipment is often on the menu. In the southern African countries, there is a strong tradition of grilling meats, so a braai (or barbecue) where they serve beef, lamb, sausages and game meats is very popular. In other places like Kenya, which has a strong Italian influence, there are excellent pastas cooked with fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the gardens of the camps. You really can’t beat eating dinner outdoors on a cool starry night with a nice glass of South African Cabernet Sauvignon.

What are some of your favourite places to dine in Africa? The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek offers delicious tasting menus, and I’ve had excellent dishes such as a memorable waterbuck loin with sorghum there. I’ve also had an amazing lamb sweetbread dish and ostrich tartar at La Colombe in Constantia, as well as delicious homemade gnocchi and ravioli alongside grilled kingklip at 95 Keerom in Cape Town. Are there any great destinations for a side trip? Cape Town is a great place to conclude a southern African safari tour because you can ease back into civilisation with top hotels, cool shopping and world class dining. My favourite hotels there include the Cape Grace for its proximity to the waterfront and old world charm, as well as Le Quartier Français in the Cape Winelands, for its location at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains and remarkable food. For a romantic honeymoon, the magnificent Victoria Falls (one of the seven wonders of the natural world) is a must-visit. The River Club boasts a great colonial feel and elegant service right on the banks of the Zambezi river while The Royal Livingstone Hotel has an unbeatable location at the edge of the falls. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton, there’s also North Island in the Seychelles—an amazing private island with crystal clear blue waters and white sand—where they spent their honeymoon. The spacious villas are very comfortable and the service is impeccable. e

Destination hits 95 KEEROM95 Keerom StreetCape Town 8000, South Africa Tel: +27 21 422 0765 CAPE GRACEWest Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town 8002, South Africa Tel: +27 21 410 7100ELEPHANT PEPPER CAMPNarok, Mara North Conservancy Maasai Mara, Kenya Tel: +254 20 600 3090LA COLOMBEConstantia Uitsig Wine Estate Cape Town, South AfricaTel : +27 21 794 2390LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS 16 Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek 7690, South Africa Tel: +27 21 876 2151

MOMBO CAMPMoremi Game Reserve, Botswana Tel: +44 20 7471 8780NORTH ISLAND North Island, Seychelles Tel: +248 4 293 100 SERRA CAFEMA CAMPKunene River, Namibia Tel : +27 21 702 7500THE RIVER CLUBNakatindi Road, Livingstone, Zambia Tel: +27 21 702 7500THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTELMosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia Tel: +260 21 3 321122TSWALU KALAHARIKuruman 8460, South Africa Tel: +27 53 781 9331

Into the wild

VICTOR DIZON

BUTTERROASTED CAULIFLOWER, AMASI, HAZELNUTS, GRANDAILLA, THE TASTING ROOM

Elephant Pepper Camp’s canvas dining and bar mess

tent offers family-style dining with a self service bar.

Raised riverfront Meru-style tents at Serra Cafema overlook a lush oasis. .

The sun-kissed deck at Tswalu Kalahari’s main property—The

Motse faces westward across the grasslands.

Guests seated in a Land Rover enjoy the sight of a zebra herd passing by.

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Charmed by Europe

W ith over 30 years of experience in the travel industry in firms such as Contiki Holidays, German tour operator ITS and Insight Vacations, John Boulding understands the importance of knowing his product. This passionate globetrotter is known for his hands-

on approach to the business, travelling extensively throughout the year to meet his sales teams and unearth hidden gems for guests. Having spent 50 of his 58 years in Europe, Boulding is

uniquely positioned to showcase the timeless treasures of the region, which currently

accounts for 60 percent of the company’s business.

What are some of the new tours that Insight Vacations has planned for 2013?

We have many exciting new itineraries along the beautiful Mediterranean

coast. Treasures of Greece and the Islands takes you through Athens and lets you enjoy unrivalled sunsets from your hotel on

In his role as president and chief executive officer of Insight Vacations,

John Boulding spends over half of his year trawling through Europe’s

treasures. He shares his favourite travel destinations with Amanda Ang.

Rome’s famous Spanish Steps is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Swallow’S NeST iN Crimea

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Destination hitsaZUre reSTaUraNTTwelve Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town Tel: +27 21 437 9029BomBaY BraSSerieCourtfield Road, LondonSW7 4QHTel: +44 20 7370 4040BreeZe52nd floor, The Dome at lebua1055 Silom Road, Bangkok Tel: +66 2 624 9555 hoTel imPerial, VieNNa Kärntner Ring 161015 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 1 501 100 le STella133 Avenue Victor Hugo, ParisTel : +33 1 5690 5600Primo al PiGNeToVia del Pigneto 46, Rome, Italy Tel: +39 06 701 3827ramBaGh PalaCe JaiPUr Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur 302 005, Rajasthan, India Tel: +91 141 221 1919The CaPri PalaCe hoTel & SPa 14 Via Capodimonte, 80071 Anacapri Island of Capri, ItalyTel: +39 081 978 0111The oBeroi amarVilaSTaj East Gate Rd, Agra 282 001, IndiaTel: +91 562 223 1515

Mykonos and Santorini. Spanish Gold, from our extra luxurious Gold series, leads you through the cultural centres of Spain, including a stop in Toledo, which is rarely visited by other tours. Just beyond the Mediterranean, we also have Highlights of Portugal, where we take you to taste the country’s succulent seafood and iconic wines like Madeira and Port.

Do you have a favourite city in Europe? Rome pulls me back to its bosom time and again, not simply because of its infinite variety of dining and sightseeing options, but also for its electric mix of ancient history, trendsetting culture and Bohemian style. To relax with a chilled Prosecco on a hot summer night beside the great fountains of Bernini, or to ascend the route of poets and artists on the Spanish Steps, is for me la dolce vita. My favourite restaurant there is Primo Al Pigneto—a medium-sized, relaxed establishment with chic décor and a no-frills menu comprising an excellent seared tuna with green pepper and basil.

Tell us about some hotels that have left a lasting impression on you. The Hotel Imperial, Vienna was built in 1863 as a palace, and has since been converted to a five-star hotel, which has seen emperors, Queen Elizabeth II, Presidents Kennedy and Clinton, and the nobility of the Hapsburgs walk through its doors. The grandeur of its hallowed hallways and staircases channels a sense of occasion that only 19th century Viennese culture could impart. A favourite of royalty, statesmen and film stars, this is the place to be seen in Vienna. Another must-visit is the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa; it is airy, light and modern, yet full of Italian flavour, and offers extraordinary service. I also can’t forget The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, which affords sweeping views of the

Taj Mahal, as well as the Rambargh Palace Jaipur, a luxurious ex-residence of the Maharaja. Both are beyond imagination in opulence, scale and service.

What are some of the more surprising destinations you have encountered on your travels? The Swallow’s Nest in Crimea is an incredible Neo-Gothic castle perched precariously over the edge of the Aurora Cliff. The observation deck provides guests a dramatic view over the Cape of Ai-Todor. Also, Romania’s Bran Castle, known by some as ‘Dracula’s Castle’, is an eye-opener with its narrow corridors and secret chambers.

What restaurants are on your must-visit list? Bombay Brasserie in London has charcoal-fired ovens that produce flawless fluffy naans. The char-grilled prawns there are also deliciously tender and moreish. Across the Channel, Le Stella executes French classics like the steak tartar, steak au poivre and the sole meunière perfectly. I also love Bangkok’s Breeze, which serves delectable lobster spring rolls and a memorable wok-fried Kobe beef tenderloin dish with black pepper and Pinot Noir. Finally, I recommend Azure in Cape Town for its delicious beef fillet and elegant colonial décor. eimPerial hoTel VieNNa

CaPri PalaCe hoTel & SPa PalTrow-SUiTe

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Capitals of chicRenowned make-up artist Ellis Faas regularly jet sets between the fashion hubs of New York, Paris and Milan but says her best hotel and meal experiences are actually in Asia. By Amanda Ang

Since she bid farewell to a professional career in photography, Ellis Faas has enjoyed a swift ascent in the fashion world, with her work earning her the label of “one of the most influential make-up artists of her time” by Vogue. Discovered in 1999 by famed

Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, Faas has since collaborated with some of the world’s most celebrated fashion designers, models and stylists on campaigns for elite fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Moschino. With her eponymous make-up collection and a hectic globetrotting schedule to juggle, Faas tries to seek out the little pleasures while on the road. What is your favourite city? The more I travel, the more I feel glad to be back in Amsterdam. The beautiful architecture, combined with the fact that you can practically walk or cycle anywhere you want to go, makes the city very special. I like that it is close to the airport, the sea, museums, cinemas, and concerts halls; there are also many bars, restaurants and markets to enjoy. While the city can feel rather small and sometimes gives you the urge to escape, its layout is actually rather complicated, so you can easily discover hidden gems as you walk around. My favourite time of the year there is spring, when flowers and plants seem to appear everywhere.

10 CORSO COMO

THE BOWERY HOTEL

ELLiS FaaS

THE FRaGONaRD ROOM, THE FRiCK COLLECTiON

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What’s an intimate spot to relax with friends in New York? I like this cosy restaurant in the West Village called The Spotted Pig. It serves seasonal British and Italian dishes like Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnudi and Smoked Haddock Chowder, and stays open until 2am nightly. With the look and feel of a local pub, the setting takes you out of the hectic New York pace and puts you in a very relaxed mood. I also like Washington Square and Union Square to sit and watch musicians or artists perform. The latter

organises a great organic farmers’ market.

Where do you like to dine when you are in Paris? I always eat around rue Montorgeuil in the second arrondissement. Because many streets in the area are designated for pedestrians only, it is intriguing to stroll about and watch the interaction between the residents, workers and tourists. There are also many market stalls to browse through, and if you don’t feel like cooking, you can easily pop into one of the many restaurants in the area. Stohrer, a pastry shop which has been on rue Montorgeuil since 1730, sells the best croissants.

What other destinations do you enjoy there? My favourite museum in Paris is the Musée National Picasso Parais in the Marais. It is set up in a beautiful mid 17th century mansion, and you get a fantastic overview of Picasso’s development through his various artistic periods. Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest planned square, is also particularly magical with its beautiful architecture and pleasant eateries bordering the well-manicured garden.

Tell us about the best hotel experience you have had. This would be the Pangkor Laut Resort, located on a 300-acre private island off the West Coast of Malaysia. The property has exclusive use of the pristine beaches and boasts Sea Villas perched on stilts over the sea. When I was there, the staff was very hospitable and made me feel really pampered and well looked after.

Where did you have the best meal of your life? It was at a Vegetarian Kaiseki restaurant in Taipei called Yu Shan Ge. I have been a vegetarian since I was a child, but it has not always been easy to have filling and delicious meals without meat or fish in Europe. However, there I had a stunning multi-course dinner with a wide variety of gorgeous dishes that were made with ingredients like monkey head mushroom, which I had never tasted before. e

What is a good place for fashion deals in Milan? I always visit 10 Corso Como, an eclectic store owned by the sister of Italian Vogue’s chief editor. The converted garage houses a multifunctional space comprising a gallery, bookstore, three-room hotel, as well as a design and fashion store that sells the best designer goods and household items. Some clothes are from last season, but I have found great dresses, shoes and winter hats there. If you just want to window shop, Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone’s fabulously decorated shop windows are a great joy.

Do you frequent any hidden gems in New York? My favourite hotel is The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side. It feels like an English gentlemen’s club but without the stuffiness. I also enjoy art, but don’t like strolling around museums for too long, so I prefer art galleries and smaller museums like The Frick Collection. The building used to be a wealthy industrialist’s mansion, and the historic space transports you away from New York once you enter. I find it fascinating to walk through what used to be someone’s home and look at what other people collected during their lives.

Destination hits10 CORSO COMOCorso Como 10, 20154 Milan Tel: +39 0265 4831

MUSÉE NaTiONaL PiCaSSO PaRiS Hôtel Salé, 5, rue de Thorigny 75003 Paris. Tel: +33 1 4271 2521

PaNGKOR LaUT RESORT Pangkor Laut Island, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia Tel: +60 5 699 1100

STOHRER51 rue Montorgueil 75002 Paris. Tel: +33 1 4026 4164

THE BOWERY HOTEL 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 Tel: +1 212 505 9100

THE FRiCK COLLECTiON 1 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021. Tel: +1 212 288 0700

THE SPOTTED PiG 314 West 11th Street, New York, NY 10014. Tel: +1 212 620 0393

YU SHaN GE14 Beiping East Road, TaipeiTel: +886 2 2394 5155PH

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In search of the perfect meal For acclaimed Financial

Times restaurant correspondent Nicholas Lander, traversing the globe to uncover hidden gems is just part and parcel of the job description. He shares some of his favourite destinations with Amanda Ang.

The Bar at Union Square Café.

C redited with transforming L’Escargot into one of London’s hippest restaurants in the 1980s, Nicholas Lander understands firsthand what it takes to succeed in the toughest business in the world. Now restaurant critic of the Financial Times and best-

selling author of The Art of the Restaurateur—a tribute to the individuals behind some of the world’s best restaurants—Lander continues to captivate readers with his unique insights into some of the globe’s most exciting dining destinations.

What sparked your interest in becoming a restaurateur and what prompted you to become a writer afterwards?My restaurant career only began when I started to import wine from California and realised I needed an outlet to sell it to make a decent living. L’Escargot was housed in an 18th century, five-storey townhouse, which was stunning, but needed a lot of repair. Despite the difficulties, we took on the challenge, and I ran the restaurant until 1988

when ill health forced me to sell. The following year, I became the Financial Times restaurant correspondent after I sent in an article that appealed to the editor because it combined the customer’s perspective with inside knowledge of how restaurants work.

Are there any winerie restaurants in California you would recommend visiting?étoile Restaurant at Domain Chandon—the only fine dining restaurant in Napa Valley within a winery. It proposes seasonal menus to diners and currently serves dishes such as Anderson-Avilla Farm Rabbit with roasted squash, apple chutney, hazelnut gremolata and thyme. In addition to étoile, I have happy memories from supper at the Robert Mondavi winery during the jazz concert season.

nicholas lander

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Destination hitsalMadraBa ParK hoTelAvinguda Díaz Pacheco, 70 (Platja de l’Almadraba), 17480 Roses, Costa Brava Nord, Spain Tel: +34 972 256 550ciBrÈoVia Andrea del Verrocchio 8r, Florence, ItalyTel: +39 055 234 1100ÉToile resTaUranT1 California Drive, Yountville, CA 94599, USA Tel: +1 888 242 6366 Opt. 2FraTelli Fresh WaTerloo7 Danks Street, Waterloo, NSW, Australia Tel: +61 2 9699 3161le serGenT recrUTeUr 41, Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle, 75004 Paris, France Tel : +33 1 4354 7542reKondoPaseo de Igeldo, 57, 20008

Which restaurant in recent memory has most impressed you? Le Sergent Recruteur on the Île St Louis in Paris boasts friendly, knowledgeable service and a terrific wine list. We had an excellent sea urchin dish with butternut squash and a savoury pithiviers full of duck, foie gras and slices of truffles with a well-dressed green salad. It was truly fantastic. The pithiviers, a round pastry dish named after the town of Pithiviers in France, can contain either a sweet or savoury filling. It is my all-time favourite dish.

What are some of your favourite restaurants around the world? I enjoy sitting at the bar at Union Square Café in New York with a bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine. I also like Zuni Café in San Francisco for their oysters, Cibrèo in Florence for its offal dishes, Fratelli Fresh in Sydney for a Campari and soda in the sunshine, Semilla in Paris for their desserts, and Rekondo in San Sebastian for anything on their grill and wine list. Finally, there’s The Quality Chop House in London, which my son opened in November last year, for its rhubarb trifle.

What has been your most memorable meal to date?To celebrate my 60th birthday, I took 40 of my friends and family members to the Almadraba Park Hotel in Roses, Spain, for three nights in June 2012. The restaurant there is perhaps my favourite in Spain; we had a cherry gazpacho, ‘fisherman style’ sea bass, a broad bean salad with ham and mint, and suquet, a Catalan fish stew. Everything was delightful. ePh

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Broad bean salad with ham and mint, Almadraba Park hotel.

Donostia, San Sebastián, SpainTel: +34 943 212 907roBerT MondaVi WinerY7801 Saint helena highway, Napa, CA 94574, USATel: +1 707 226 1395seMilla54, Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, France Tel : +33 1 4354 3450The QUaliTY choP hoUse 92-94 Farringdon Road, London eC1R 3eA, United KingdonTel: +44 20 7278 1452Union sQUare caFÉ 21 east 16th Street, New York, NY 10003, USATel: +1 212 243 4020ZUni caFÉ1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, USATel: +1 415 552 2522

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• INVERLOCHY CASTLE, SCOTLAND Nestled amongst the spectacular glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland is this stunning Relais & Châteaux property. Royals and celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth and Anthony Hopkins have stayed at this stately hotel, which boasts 18 elegantly decorated bedrooms, roaring fireplaces and a one Michelin-starred modern British restaurant highlighting local ingredients like crabs from the Isle of Skye and produce from the hotel’s own garden. At select times during the year, the castle also offers outdoor enthusiasts various hunting, fishing, walking and photography tours. Highlight: Inverlochy Castle serves a popular daily afternoon tea in its drawing room with freshly made sandwiches and scones. Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN. Rates from £320 (S$622) per night. For reservations and enquiries, call +44 1397 702 177 or visit www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

Regal retreats Make your royal fantasies come true with a stay at these beautifully restored properties.

• TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR Built on a four-acre rock in the middle of Lake Pichola, this marble palace was originally constructed in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a secret spot for his moonlight picnics. Today, this ‘island unto itself’ channels the opulent lifestyle of yesteryear with its 83 luxurious guest rooms, delicately restored pavilions, and cusped archways. Adding to the old-world charm are scenic terraces and charming courtyards, where Ph

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the chandraprakash suite, taj lake Palace.

the drawing room at Inverlochy castle.

INVERLOCHY CASTLE

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DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL All year-round, sun-seekers flock to this vibrant city for its infectious rhythms, spectacular views, and gorgeous people.

• Experience Rio’s vibrant art scene in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood. As you explore its cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks and galleries, stop by a traditional Brazilian eatery to sample local treats such as Feijoada, a black bean stew with pork or beef, and pão de queijo, a chewy cheese bread.• Give in to the beat of the sexy samba and party with free-spirited locals at the live music venues of Lapa, which come alive after dark. Classic late-night spots include Scenarium, celebrated for its vintage décor and impressive line-up of Brazilian music, as well as bars like Nova Capela, which has been serving classic Brazilian dishes since 1903. • Mingle with the cariocas, or Rio natives, at the city’s most iconic beaches—Ipanema and Copacabana. Join in seaside sports like futvolei, the Brazilian version of volleyball played without using hands. On Sundays, Ipanema’s Crafts Market offers a wide selection of jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs. • Spend a day exploring the great outdoors at Rio’s Tijuca National forest—the world’s largest urban rainforest with over 3,200 hectares of flora and fauna. On a clear day, hike to the summit of Pedra Bonita Mountain and hang-glide off its ramp for a bird’s eye view of Rio’s iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado Hill.

guests can feast on specially tailored degustation menus or traditional Rajasthani meals under the stars. Highlight: Cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola at sunset on a 150-year-old ceremonial barge once featured in the James Bond classic Octopussy. Lake Pichola, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India. Rates from Rs35,500 (S$825) per night. For reservations and enquiries call +91 294 242 8800 or visit www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Taj-Lake-Palace-Udaipur/Overview.html

• AMBERLEY CASTLE, GREAT BRITAINThis 900-year-old medieval retreat is located in the picturesque village of Amberley in the West Sussex countryside. Within its 18 metre-high curtain walls sit 19 lavishly appointed bedrooms, each furnished with antiques and outfitted with an en-suite whirlpool

bath. With 12 acres of landscaped gardens and an 18-hole putting course, the castle allows guests to enjoy a leisurely stroll or round of golf while taking in the views of the South Downs. Lucky visitors might even spot one of the resident alpacas or Bob the white peacock making their morning rounds. Highlight: Book Mistletoe Lodge, the Castle’s tree house nestled amongst poplar trees, for a private meal with magnificent views of the estate. Amberley, Nr Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT. Rates from £315 per night. For reservations and enquiries call +44 1798 831 992 or visit www.amberleycastle.co.uk

a private terrace at the taj lake Palace.

the bedrooms at amberley castle are decorated with precious antiques.

sun-seekers relaxing on Ipanema beach.