Falstaff Magazin International Nr. 3/2022

travel / HOT LIST

travel / HOT LIST ALMANAC VIENNA/AUSTRIA Ranked the world’s most liveable city in 2022 by The Economist, Vienna has seen a host of outstanding new hotel openings in recent years. 2023 is no exception: the Almanac Palais Vienna is opening for business on Parkring – the young Vienna-based hotel chain’s second destination following its first establishment in Barcelona. Housed in a historic mansion and former post office on the green boulevard that encircles Vienna’s historic centre, the new hotel enjoys a prime location with views of the Stadtpark. The interior honours the city’s cultural heritage with a compelling design that brings past and present together. The 111 rooms and suites radiate an elegant yet modern Viennese charm, highlighting the light, earthy hues and dark wood with subtle gold accents. A stylish spa provides relaxation after a busy day in the city, while shopaholics are sure to find that special something at the in-house concept store. The Almanac also provides various rooms and facilities for meetings and events. AN ADDRESS FOR EPICURES: Culinary culture has always been an integral part of Vienna. No surprise, then, that the Almanac is home to an excellent restaurant complete with bar, as well as the Almanac Coffee Shop. Prices on request. Almanac Palais Vienna, almanachotels.com/vienna Parkring 14-16, 1010 Vienna, Austria T: +43 1 66 113 1894 BANYAN TREE ALULA/SAUDI ARABIA The AlUla oasis is one of the most up-and-coming destinations in the Middle East right now – as indicated by the umpteen new openings between the dunes and bizarre rock formations in the Ashar Valley. Among them is the Banyan Tree AlUla, which opened in October 2022 and draws the inspiration for its luxury tents from the customs of a nomadic Arab tribe called the Nabataeans. The elegant tent villas take glamping to the next level: each of the light-flooded accommodations comes with its own private pool and spacious outdoor areas. The Banyan is also home to a spa with a very special highlight: a rock pool framed by towering cliffs that form a silent guard of honour as you swim towards the desert. The treatments combine the best of Asian and Arab traditions – as does the dining experience: guests can choose between Thai cuisine at the brand’s signature Saffron restaurant and the flavours of Arabia at Harrat. EXPERIENCES: The Banyan Tree AlUla aims to give guests a deeper understanding of the destination’s identity. From the service in the villas to the cuisine and excursions available, the entire experience is designed to open a window into the local culture. Villas from approx. £1,300 per night, incl. breakfast. Banyan Tree AlUla, banyantree.com Wadi Ashar, Tabuk Road, AlUla 43563, Saudi Arabia T: +966 55 184 2203 Photos: Christopher Cypert, Federico Sette, supplied 24 falstaff winter 2022/23

RANCHO PESCADERO EL PESCADERO/MEXICO The quiet coastal village of El Pescadero is situated on the stunning shoreline of Baja California Sur, away from the crowds in Cabo. It was in this idyllic place that the Rancho Pescadero opened for business in November 2022; part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, it nestles between the dunes of the Sierra de la Laguna and fine sandy beaches lapped by the azure waves of the Pacific. Set in 30 hectares of grounds, the adults-only hotel has four pools, a yoga studio, an apothecary and pickleball courts, as well as three restaurants and bars. Many of the products used in the kitchen come from the resort’s own gardens – including herbs, vegetables, honey and eggs. The custom furnishings and artisanal décor in the 103 rooms, suites and villas are inspired by local influences, and some of the accommodations are equipped with private plunge pools and fire pits for a particularly unforgettable stay. HOLISTIC: Surrounded by the ranch’s lush gardens, the spacious El Corazón Spa – complete with gym and lap pool – provides the ideal setting to relax. The spa offers both traditional and innovative treatments that harness the power of nature and use products from the on-site apothecary. Doubles from approx. £700 per night, incl. breakfast. Rancho Pescadero, ranchopescadero.com Camino a la Playa s/n Lote 545, 23310 El Pescadero, Mexico T: +52 612 689 0043 GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ/SWITZERLAND PARTNERSHIP St Moritz has gained a new boutique hotel: the Grace La Margna St Moritz. As insiders might already guess from the name, the new opening actually involves the virtuoso modernisation of one of the skiing resort’s most iconic landmarks, the La Margna. Under the creative direction of Divercity Architects, the luxury art nouveau hotel in the Engadine has been redesigned from top to bottom and will be bringing an urban flair to the idyllic Alpine beauty spot all year round from February 2023. Besides rooms and suites that exude modern, laid-back luxury and come with lots of extras included, the hotel will also be home to what Grace itself describes as an “avant-garde” spa. In addition to relaxing in the pool, whirlpool and sauna, guests can also pamper themselves with a multisensory shower experience, for instance in the exclusive Aquamoon shower. DINE, WINE, DANCE: This is the philosophy behind the ample culinary offering at Grace La Margna, which consists of no fewer than ten restaurants, cafés, lounges and a signature bar. There’s something for everyone: from vegetarian fare, fine dining and Mediterranean cuisine all the way to creative cocktails in the art nouveau ambience of the No. 5 bar. Doubles from approx. £315 per night, incl. breakfast. Grace La Margna St Moritz, gracehotels.com Via Serlas 5, 7500 St Moritz, Switzerland T: +41 81 832 2210 winter 2022/23 falstaff 25