The Grand TourThe Grand Tour

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O f f f O r a r i x O s a d v e n t u r e

A s I packed my suitcase, it was hard not to imagine unpacking it again at the first stop on our

visit to a host of Rixos hotels. My husband and I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time, not only because it’s giving us a chance to see some more of the world, but also because the Rixos hotel group are a cut above the rest when it comes to meeting holiday expectations. I’m told they treat every guest as a “celebrity” – something I’m very much looking forward to.

My husband’s never without a book, and recently he’s been reading up a little on the meaning behind the Rixos name. It’s really quite fascinating. Around 2000 BC, after the Trojan War, the city of Perge was discovered by colonizers who came from Argos. The group was named after one of the seven hero founders of the city – Rixos. The hotel group itself was actually founded a little after that of course, in Antalya, and now the luxurious chain has properties across seven countries. We’re getting to see most of them, and we’ll even be uncovering a few secrets about the hotels they’re still building. My husband is thrilled about that part. He thinks of it a little like excavation in reverse – uncovering the future, so to speak. I’m really just excited about taking a nose around some brand new properties, and soaking in those world-renowned spas. Apparently, Rixos’s Royal Spas work their magic with the help of true Turkish charm – I can’t wait. On our mini tour through the world of Rixos hotels, we’ll be starting off in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where the Ottoman

Palace by Rixos is still under construction on the sandy shores of the glamorous Palm Jumeirah island. Then we’ll be making a stop in Bahrain, where my husband will no doubt have a great time filling his notepad with details of the up and coming Rixos Bahrain Marina West. After that, it’s time to pack up again for Turkey, where we’ll get to sample not one, not two, but seven Rixos hotels. These are the most established hotels in the chain, a few of which are hugged by an enclave of pine trees and overlook the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Next up, I’m looking forward to our stop in Kazakhstan, where Rixos President Astana and Rixos Almaty promise beauty and relaxation aplenty. In the Ukraine, we’ll be uncovering the healing delights of Rixos-Prykarpattya. I’m told the health benefits here are reason alone to pay a visit. Next, we’ll be embarking to the lovely Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik in Croatia, from which the final leg of our journey will see us head to Austria, for a look at Rixos Vienna – bound to be a luxurious treat in a magical city awash with history, mystery and Mozart. I can hardly believe we’re on our way. Our bags are finally packed. The Rixos world awaits…

Camera? Tick. Passport? Tick. Robe and slippers? Not necessary, says the husband. Those will be provided….

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T he most up and coming Emirate in the UAE, Dubai lures the wide-eyed traveller in with promises of glitz, glamour and gargantuan hotels, and doesn’t fail to deliver. The shopping opportunities are

jewels in its sparkling crown and I’m afraid my husband realized even before we landed, that he was likely to lose me in a mall before our visit was over...

As we pulled up in our car and stepped inside, we realized that the mammoth Dubai Mall is a hub for locals and tourists alike. With hundreds of high-street shops and designer stores, it even has its own Fashion Avenue complete with catwalk. The ice-rink was bustling with skaters and the huge aquarium saw children and adults alike in awe of swimming sharks behind the glass. My husband threatened to join the divers inside, but funnily enough, never did follow up on that. You shouldn’t miss the souks for a slice of true Middle Eastern authenticity. They are situated at the older end of the city: life on the nearby Creek bustles on as it did in days gone by, when it was the busiest port in the region. Spices and textiles aside, there are many jewellery opportunities here, and I’m not the only woman who’s noticed. At the other end of town however, past the climbing Burj Dubai (the tallest building in the world) the Palm Jumeirah creeps out from the shore in the shape of a palm tree. And it’s on this stretch of sandy reclaimed land, amidst the twinkling turquoise ocean, surrounding yachts and sunbathers, that the stunning Ottoman Palace by Rixos is quickly taking shape.

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At the other end of town, past the climbing

Burj Dubai (the tallest building in the world)

the Palm Jumeirah creeps out from the shore

in the shape of a palm tree

Just 30 minutes from the airport, Ottoman Palace by Rixos is perhaps the most anticipated hotel on our Rixos tour, even though it’s not yet open. The historically-inspired Ottoman Palace will boast 460 metres of private beaches, limitless views of those warm and beckoning azure waters, and much to my husband’s delight, a location mere minutes away from world-class golf courses. Stunning vaults, domes and columns, a choice of 19 dining outlets and an 80,000 square metre spa of dreams excite my imagination, with a promise of the world’s largest Turkish bath and a genuine Turkish Hamman inside. The most exclusive and private area of the hotel will be reserved for 20 of the most extravagant suites in Dubai - The Imperial Rooms, which will have a special key for access and a private check in. We’re excited too about the scuba diving lessons on offer – why not make some friends below the sea, as well as on reclaimed land? ‘Mey’ will be the Ottoman Palace’s most luxurious lounge, offering premium, rare Cuban cigars as well as chocolates, hors d’oeuvres, exotic cheeses (my favourite) and coffee concoctions. Amongst the many exciting restaurants planned, Dynasty will serve an all-day buffet, Lalezar is where you’ll head for Turkish fine dining and Le Petit Chateau is a luxury French affair, while Izakaya will carry on the tradition of a Japanese red lantern café. When I told my husband that the sirloin will come served on a sizzling lava rock, he asked if we could book our stay here now. I’m all for the idea. Especially if our room comes with one of their planned in-suite Jacuzzis. Dubai has been delightful. But it’s time to continue this journey to Turkey via Bahrain…

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Stunning vaults, domes and columns, a choice of 19 dining

outlets and an 80,000 square

metre spa of dreams excite my

imagination, with a promise of

the world’s largest Turkish bath and

a genuine Turkish Hamman inside.

T o u c h d o w n 2 b a h r a i n

W e stepped off the plane eager to explore Bahrain and take a look at the glorious upcoming Rixos Bahrain Marina West – another Rixos property set to lure luxury-seekers from afar when it opens soon.

Walking round the site, we can see that Rixos Bahrain Marina West is set to be another oceanfront beauty spot, complete with the most extravagant collection of suites, 286 luxurious rooms, open landscaped terraces with water features, and easy access to the Marina and the boardwalk. There promise to be lots of shops and restaurants all around this area, even an art gallery for those seeking a little local culture. A wedding here would be unimaginably exciting, according to our guide. Elegant bridal settings are being designed around a theme of true Turkish opulence, and it’s breakfast in bed for the bride and groom, as well as a free couple’s massage in the exclusive massage room. I could almost imagine sitting in one of the five promised restaurants, looking out over the ocean while dining on tantalizing appetizers and decadent desserts. Lucky, spoilt couples will also be given a photo memory book, with 24 pictures taken by the hotel’s talented photographers included. What a fantastic touch. Rixos Bahrain Marina West almost makes me wish my husband and I could start again, or at least spend a delicious second honeymoon here, surrounded by Bahrain-styled splendour. But it’s not quite ready yet. And besides, it’s time to move on to Turkey...

r i x O s b a h r a i n M a r i n a w e s t

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t O u c h d O w n 3 t u r k e y

O u r p i n e - s c e n t e d p a r a d i s e .

R i x o s P R e m i u m B e l e k

T h e L u x u r y T r a n s f e r …

On the way out to dinner, we saw some guests flying into the resort by helicopter. A truly extravagant entrance, fit for royalty. I thought perhaps a Prince was landing for a little more 5-star luxury, but, they’re just some other Villa Guests, and that’s how they’ve chosen their transfer. I’ve heard you can also travel to Rixos via yacht and that celebrities, singers and other VIPs quite often take advantage of a transfer by plane. Next time, if my husband and I are visiting for my birthday or another special occasion, we’ll be arriving by air...

T he photos should have hinted at the beauty of Rixos Premium Belek (+90 242 710 20 00), but to my eyes, and nostrils, the reality is better. We can smell

the pine trees as we drive up to the resort and the moment I see an inch of that beach, I know we’ve found somewhere truly special.

When we arrive at Rixos Premium Belek, we are brought to our own four bedroom private ‘Hector Residence’ villa, where we are greeted with refreshments by our butler. The service is fantastic - but even better is the privacy. With our own private pool, garden, stretch of beach and entrance, it feels like we have our own personal boutique hotel within a hotel, tucked away in a forest of pine trees. The library, Turkish bath, barbecue, billiard room, private tennis court and pier just add to the magic of the experience. And the ‘all-inclusive’ concept means we don’t have to think about a thing - whenever we want food, drink, or anything else we just give our butler a call and it’s there.

When we venture out of the villa, we find a brilliant themed waterpark filled with exciting rides and an exciting Dolphinarium, which keeps us enthralled for hours. For dinner we choose L’Amante, which is French a la carte, and my fish was as fresh as the day it was caught… most probably this morning. Luckily we’ve got the week to try the myriad other options too.

T his was always one to look forward to in Turkey. Rixos Premium Beldibi (+90 242 824 97 00) covers a sprawling 38,000 metres squared and consists of one main building with five floors. A comfortable Mercedes Vito brought us to the hotel’s location in Kemer

and on the way our driver kindly pointed out that the Beldibi shopping centre is just a 5 minute walk from here, so I might wait until my husband is pre-occupied with his fitness activities…

Here, we get to stay in the gorgeous King Suite. It has quite possibly the biggest bed I’ve ever seen outside of the movies, with about a hundred fluffy pillows on top that might well take all night to move before we go to sleep. We made our reservations for one of the four on-site a la carte restaurants, the Seder Restaurant, where the food was so delicious that I had to ask the chef for his pilav recipe! The fish specialties at Calypso are allegedly incredible, too. Whispers on the resort are that the Bugulama is to die for. I argued with my husband this morning. I said that working on my tan was still work, but he said it wasn’t as much work as he’d been putting in at the Fitness Centre. This said, I decided to challenge him to a game of beach volleyball. It’s tough to run on sand you know. I think I’ll blame that for my terrible game, but it was great fun and the staff were never far away with cool towels, water and fruit. It’ll be a shame to leave before I’ve had the chance to prove myself at the game, but tomorrow, we’re heading to Rixos Sungate…

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Ringed by coastal cliffs, beautiful Antalya is also blessed with inspiring mountains, including the imposing Tahtali Mountain, which is huge fun for climbers. The region calls out for boat trips and fishing cruises, as well as long, picnic-fueled rambles. The countryside just begs for you to click that camera at every turn. The main city, Antalya, is extremely attractive too. An award-winning marina sits on the glimmering Mediterranean, shady palm-lined boulevards tempt you to a late night stroll and a picturesque old quarter – Kaleiçi – offers narrow winding streets and old wooden houses. Kaleiçi has excellent cafés and restaurants, and I was pleased to discover its shopping opportunities are filled with historical character. While we’re here, my husband wants to explore the intoxicating Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures… There’s lots to do in Antalya, but it would be a shame to miss Duden Falls – just a short trip from Belek. My husband and I loved walking behind the huge cascade, feeling the force of mother nature at work behind the natural wonder...

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antalya

Ringed by coastal cliffs, beautiful Antalya is also blessed with inspiring mountains...

T he sea, the sand and the sun. A perfect harmony of nature and comfort comes to life before your eyes here at the beautiful Rixos Sungate (+90 242 824 00 00), which sits along the

magical Mediterranean coastline.

Rixos Sungate is home to some fantastic Family Lake Houses as well as regular rooms - there’s even a luxury Presidential Villa, which has attracted the great and the good in need of relaxation. The VIPs come frequently, according to a smiling member of staff, though she wouldn’t tell me which ones - spoilsport! Perhaps she spotted my husband with his ever-ready camera... Anyway, we checked in to a lovely Lake House,

then made our way to the excellent Aqua-Park for an afternoon on the slides. For business, the Convention Center is the biggest in the region, built to hold 6,000 people and three big congresses at the same time. For pleasure, the Royal Spa covers an area of 8,000 square metres and is all beautifully designed in accordance with Feng Shui philosophy. I myself will definitely be indulging in a massage by one of their professionals, along with many mothers who’ve no doubt entrusted their children to the Kids’ Kingdom – a huge entertainment area with games and spacious labyrinths, a kids’ aqua park with three water slides, even a children’s cinema. Activities and daily themes here are built around key resort experiences, such as entertainment, culinary arts,

discovery, sports and leisure including water sports, 17 hangout spots, luxury boutiques and, in case it all takes its toll, a gym salon with personal trainers. We sampled a few of the 10 à la carte restaurants, in which award-winning chefs create exquisite dishes of different cuisines from all over the world. The husband tucked into a steak at the end of a hard afternoon on a jet ski. I preferred a salad having had a healthy day in the spa. I didn’t tell him I had a sneaky cake when he wasn’t looking this afternoon… We’ll be distraught to leave our lovely hideaway villa where we have both total privacy and wonderful service - but we’re looking forward to seeing Rixos Tekirova.

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T he wonderful Rixos Tekirova (+90 242 821 40 32) is located on the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean.

It’s surrounded by pine trees in a bay of its very own and I can even hear the trees singing in the breeze here. Built on a 95,000 metre square site, the hotel is 10 minutes’ walking distance to the Tekirova shopping and entertainment complex, 19 km from Kemer and 73 km from Antalya Airport.

Kemer is a seaside resort and district of Antalya Province. One of the major attractions of Kemer it seems, is its dizzying natural beauty; mountains and pine forest blend with the blue of the sea all year round, and we were blessed with sunshine on our arrival. The shore from around Tekirova consists of unspoilt beaches in bays of differing sizes, and the town of Kemer itself has some remains of antique Idryos, Byzantine buildings and a Seljuk Turkish hunting lodge. We are going to spend a couple of glorious days at Rixos Tekirova and then set our sights on Bodrum…

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Before arriving at each hotel or

resort, we check it out at rixos.com,

where the beautiful images whet our

appetite for the next stage of the trip

and we can plan activities, from

parasailing to scuba-diving...

Beautiful Bodrum is a bit of a hub, with the marina at the centre of the action. There’s plenty of opportunity to cruise along the spectacular shoreline in a yacht here, (we’re planning on that later) or take to the water on a famed Blue Cruise in a traditional wooden gulet. When we first arrived, we decided to pay a visit to a few of the fascinating sites and ancient ruins, including the site of King Mausolous' Tomb, Bodrum Castle, the Amphitheatre, and the underwater city of Mindos. If you visit some of the Turkish villages you’ll experience a much slower and tranquil pace of life, whereas a trip a little further afield might find you at the ancient city of Ephesus, or the calcified rocks at Pummukale. Just don’t forget the camera.

Beautiful Bodrum

C ompletely surrounded by pine trees and overlooking the delightful Zeytinlikahve Bay, Rixos Premium Bodrum (+90 252 337 11 22) seems the perfect place to get away from it all. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the magical turquoise sea...

Rixos Premium Bodrum has superb villas as well as regular rooms – we’re checking in to the fantastic Villa Royal Resident. Again, it’s a real haven of privacy, with four beautiful big rooms, a terrace with lovely view, and a private stretch of beach and swimming pool. If you’re like us and you like to really get away from things on holiday, this is the place for you. We were welcomed with flowers and headed straight out to the beach to catch some rays and swim. One of the major draws of this resort is the private island which lies just offshore from the resort. We wandered over here to find a perfect patch of beach in the sun - apparently it’s a very popular place to get married, and you can see why. It’s picture perfect and very romantic, just ideal for a wedding. After a day on the beach I headed to the Royal Spa for a Turkish Bath and as I sat there and soaked, I tried to think of a way to get out of the tennis I promised I’d play tomorrow. It’s just one of the activities on offer here, but I’m not entirely sure my skills are up to the standard of my husband’s. Maybe I can persuade him to go canoeing, pedalo-ing or surfing or suggest some archery, aerobics or beach volleyball instead...

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Presidential Suite terrace

O ur next stop in Turkey is in Konya. My husband uncovered in his research that this spot was a rather prominent source for

the export of costly, richly-patterned textiles and carpets to Europe during the Renaissance. These were draped over tables, beds, or chests to ensure that everyone knew of the wealth and status of their owners. I decided we should try and bring one back from our trip…

Also interesting to note in Konya is the Alaeddin Mosque, and the Ince Minaret Museum - a 13th century medrese (school) that was built between 1258 and 1279. This features the most beautiful stone and wooden artifacts I’ve ever seen, dating from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods and, most regretfully, not for sale. Located 15 minutes from Konya Airport, the Rixos Konya (+90 332 221 50 00) is walking distance from the city railway station, so exploring is easy, and is equipped with 278 rooms, along with 8 suites and 2 presidential rooms for the VIPs. As standard, I decided to test the staff on their pillow menu here. I chose goose-feather, while the husband, needing to rest up his back, chose the pedic option. Those who prefer something a little firmer might opt for something called an ‘iron table’. Sounds a little too rigid for my liking. After some scrumptious international offerings for dinner at the Kazan Restaurant, which operates an open buffet, we headed to Revan Lobby bar for a quiet glass of chilled juice. However, my husband, exhausted from his trek around the attractions of Konya was almost falling asleep in his chair. We decided to feed off the energy for a while at Foga café, which seemed to be bustling with night owls, before getting a good night’s sleep, ready for the next leg of our journey…

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that’s entertainment One of the nicest things about staying at Rixos properties is that they put on a lot of top entertainment. The resorts are particularly great at this – expect to see international shows, concerts and performances, as well as acrobats, festivals and parties: there’s always something on…

T he legendary Rixos Grand Ankara (+90 312 410 55 00) is a city landmark - it was the first five star hotel in Turkey and is set in a building which was completely refurbished and modernised by Rixos.

The hotel also has impeccable green credentials – it produces its own electricity and has been designed to minimise its ecological impact. Rixos Grand Ankara happens to share its local area with the Turkish Parliament House and many other embassies. In fact, the choice of accommodation here includes private suites, built especially for visiting heads of state. My husband did his usual note taking: 18 floors house 215 deluxe and superior rooms, including suites. He was extra happy to note that if you book a premium room or a suite, you get a complimentary shoe-shine and suit dry cleaning – perfect little added extras for the business traveller. Public space includes a grand ballroom, (note to self: buy a fabulous new dress before visiting again) and an exhibition hall, but business aside, we are both impressed by the 1500 square metre Fitness Centre, featuring another tranquil Royal Spa, a heated indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. No matter how well they seem to cater for the business traveller, Rixos never fails to note that everyone has to let off a bit of steam, occasionally. Next up, we’re heading to Kazakhstan. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the next, fascinating country on our journey…

R i x o s G R a n d a n k a R a

The choice of accommodation here includes private suites, built especially for visiting heads of state...

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Rixos President Astana (+7 7172 24 50 50) is located just 12km from Astana airport. Known as the most luxurious hotel in the country, it opened in 2005 and its facilities and service are still drawing droves of business people, as well as curious travellers like us. It’s also a major draw for international statesmen as it’s close to the presidential palace. Thankfully, for those who travel in the depths of winter, or in the blazing months of summer, every luxurious guestroom has individual climate control air conditioning. As usual, in the morning, I thought I’d cast my eye over their impressive range of treatments, available in the Royal Spa. I loved my massage here, for which they used a bath glove made of coarse cloth to rub away all my cares - not that I have many on such a lovely trip.

I’ve always been excited about visiting the world’s ninth largest country.

My friends can hardly believe we’re touching down in the most

mysterious, yet economically advanced of the ‘stans’ – and what is

essentially a prosperous, surprisingly modern Eurasian nation.

We’re visiting Rixos properties in both the pretty, commercial and

social hub, Almaty, and Astana in the north, which is quickly turning

into a 21st-century style capital, complete with endless photographic

opportunities when it comes to its charming mix of Islamic, Western,

Soviet and impossibly futuristic architecture.

Astana is a medium-sized city, and in the winter I’m told you need to bring a thick coat as it can get pretty cold in these parts. It replaced Almaty as the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and ever since then, the impressive skyline has risen year by year - it’s growing so fast that it’s seen by some as a second Dubai. The architecture is certainly very fancy here. My husband must have taken about 200 photos even before we got to the resort. There’s quite a lot to do and see in Astana when you arrive. The aquarium is unique for being located over 3,000 km away from the ocean! History lovers should also check out The President’s Museum of Kazakhstan.

R i x o s p R e s i d e n t a s t a n aExploring Astana

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There seem to be so many glitzy, international shops lining the streets in Almaty that I feel almost as though I could be in Europe. My husband actually counted the numerous Mercedes and Audis we saw weaving their way through the streets during the peak-hour jam as we drove before the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau in the distance. Essentially, Almaty has always been a city heavily influenced by Russia. These days however, it seems to have myriad Western-style coffee shops and bars, ski resorts and 24 hour supermarkets. Plus, we’ve seen many green parks and colourfully lit fountains dancing for our photographs along the way. We saw quite a few groups of tourists wheeling bicycles around, suggesting that the area is a fantastic starting point for hikes, tours, treks and drives. If you’re staying a while, which we are obviously not, Kyrgyzstan (the border is just 25km south) is apparently the best starting point for a trip to central Tian Shan, in Kazakhstan’s far southeastern corner.

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The Rixos Almaty will be set right in the middle of the action here, in a lovely old building with French balconies on each room, giving views over the city. The hotel’s central location puts it close to cinemas and lots of other entertainment options, although it certainly seems set to provide its own too. There will be two themed restaurants on the mezzanine floor, one of which will have an outdoor terrace – when the weather’s nice this will be a lovely place to hang out. The Noodle Bar in the lobby looks set to become extremely popular and there will always be a mini party going on somewhere, thanks to the 24 hour lounge and Cigar Parlor. Plus, with eight massage rooms in the Royal Spa, there will never be an excuse not to have a facial prior to a session in the rain and steam rooms... We’ve had an eye-opening experience in the awe-inspiring Kazakhstan and hope to see many more of the ‘stans’ in the future. For now though, we’re packing our bags for the Ukraine.

Uncovering Almaty

U kraine, means ‘borderland’, which is fitting as we’re constantly crossing them on this tour. It’s such an interesting place. The Ukraine seems to draw on numerous historical influences – you can see them in its architecture and although the

dominant culture is Slavic, there is still plenty of Scythian gold to peer at through the glass in the history museum at Kyiv’s Kievo-Pecherska Lavra.

Byzantine mosaics too, attract a million telephoto lenses at the capital’s St Sophia’s. It’s a nation that, whilst beautiful in itself, seems to be searching for 21st-century symbols to unify them with both neighbouring Russia and the EU. What a fascinating place though, with its rocky outcrops of awe-inspiring Crimea, its Turkish architecture, music and dance rituals, and my husband’s favorite - cave cities. We weren’t expecting skies of blue, but that’s exactly what we go on arrival. Beautiful Lviv, the city’s well-preserved and stunningly historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is thus protected – except from my husband and his camera of course. The Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok) captured our attention, and his zoom lens, as locals and tourists alike bustled about looking busy, buying and selling all sorts of tempting items. Lviv in Ukraine’s west was founded in the 13th century and has actually changed flags several times since then. It has been a vital part of Poland, Austria-Hungary and the Soviet Union in its time. For great views, I’d climb the tower at the town hall – and make it close to sunset for a photo you won’t forget. For a little bit more culture, the Opera House has its own ballet and opera company which my husband has promised to take me to visit before our stay is up. Ticket prices are very reasonable and we’ve both got our formal evening-wear ready to hang, steam or iron. There’s no reason not to sort that out once we get to the Rixos Prykarpattya; just a pleasant drive away from Lviv to Truskavets.

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The focus here at the world-renowned balneal resort (+38 032 477 11 11), famous for its underground sources of mineral waters, air of the Carpathian Mountains and picturesque vicinities, is, purely and simply, health and wellbeing. This is an extra special Rixos development, operating as a luxury holiday hotel, as well as a diagnostic medical treatment and rehabilitation resort complex. It wasn’t hard to find. Rixos-Prykarpattya is located close to the center of Truskavets and surrounded by glorious mountain landscapes in harmony with elegant architecture. I felt at peace, even before we stepped through the doors. Here, you can combine diagnostics and treatment, rest and recovery, and also test progressive methods of effective rejuvenation on your own deserving body. What a fantastic place to visit as our penultimate stop on this tour.Rixos-Prykarpattya occupies area about 57,000 square metres and has 370 comfortable rooms and their own mineral water pump-room, as well as the obligatory and beautiful array of restaurants, bars and conference halls. We had our first dinner in the new Portus restaurant - a real boon for gourmets. The aptly named Alter Ego is always reassuringly busy, as is the Chaos Bar – an interesting choice of name for a place that encourages tranquility. We only poked our heads in there, although it’s open till 3am every night. We thought we’d skip the disco, bowling, billiards, and exercise room here. Even my husband said this was the perfect place in which to do absolutely nothing, except indulge in stone, aroma and thalassotherapy. I think he’s coming around to my way of thinking about spa treatments. Finally. Thanks to the best achievements in world medicine, modern equipment from leading manufacturers, advanced technologies in local balneal therapy and physiotherapy, guests and visitors are receiving diagnoses and medical treatments here daily. We both feel absolutely refreshed and after our evening at the Opera, I feel we’ll be just about ready to head to Croatia.

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t O u c h d O w n 5 u k r a i n e

Even my husband said this was the perfect place in which

to do absolutely nothing except

indulge in therapies...

T here’s so much to do in Croatia. At first glance it’s a bit of an attack on the senses. Along its 1,778km coastline, the sea gives way to beautiful bays and rocky coves that cry out for swimmers and sunbathers to explore. A fascinating sight are the Istrian

ports, still humming with busy fishermen – a touch of authenticity that never went away, much like the ancient Roman ruins reminding us of the history that permeates the region.

I’m told that during holidays and festivals, you’ll see costumed dancers spinning and whirling to traditional tunes across the country. There’s a strong central European edge to the beautiful baroque architecture in Zagreb, and Italian food and style creeps into every crack of this incredible land. All in all, Croatia is a mind-boggling melting pot, and there’s even more to see, so we’re told, in Dubrovnik. Delightful Dubrovnik is currently a must-see destination, included in every eastern Mediterranean cruise itinerary and known as the 'jewel of the Adriatic'. I’m in love with this place already, the sights, the sounds, the smells. The shimmering diamond is its magnificent 13th century harbour. Much to my husband’s delight the Franciscan Monastery even has a working pharmacy, dating from 1317. Of the beautiful beaches, the best is probably Banja – think, crystal clear waters and snow white sand. Dubrovnik even has an annual Summer Festival in the months of July and August, when international stars bring music to the peak tourist season. You may well want to book your stay at the Rixos Libertas well in advance if you’re planning to come at this time.

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A landmark of what so far seems to be exceptional Croatian hospitality, the beautiful waterfront Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik (+ 385 20 200 000) took our breath away. It’s the oldest hotel in the city and is only 15 minutes from the centre of the old town. The stylish interior design extends to its contemporary rooms and suites – 254 in total. Ours was no exception. We were offered the stunning signature suite – 450 square feet of splendour, overlooking the awe-inspiring Lokrum and Adriatic sea. Our butler was always on hand, and most helpful when we ran out of shampoo. It’s amazing how they always seem to have exactly what we need up their sleeves. The husband was impressed with their state of the art conference facilities when he went to check his email and confirm our flight on to Austria. There are five hangouts and three dining outlets here, and I saw all manner of people loitering around the patisserie. After indulging myself, I visited the gym facilities and then took a look at the Royal Spa and wonderful outdoor pool. Dubrovnik is a phenomenal location and has a stand-out Rixos property. We have truly experienced the fusion of tradition and urban five star living here. But now, it’s time for the final leg of our adventure – we’re just a plane ride away from Vienna...

SHAW THINGIn admiring Dubrovnik we’re in good company - when writer George Bernard Shaw saw it, he said ‘those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik’.

R i x o s L i b e R t a s D u b R o v n i k

T his hotel is set to open in 2010, but is already well underway in the shadow of the city’s biggest museum. We were lucky enough to get a little tour and a taste of what its 33 suites, 176 rooms, spa, sauna and indoor pool will look like. Aside from the fact that it’s set to be

a luxury city centre hotel, much of its finer details remain a mystery until a later date, but if the beauty of Vienna is anything to go by, it’s bound to be as stunning as some of the others we’ve seen on this trip, if only to blend in with the Austrian architecture.

I can hardly believe we’ve finally come to the end of our Rixos journey. It’s been the trip of a lifetime and I can truly say we’ve been treated like celebrities at every turn. It’s been entertaining, romantic, delicious and a dream. Here’s some of the things we won’t be forgetting…

THE RESORTS, from the wonderful Rixos Premium Belek to the fabulous Rixos Sungate, all in beautiful locations with outstanding facilities and all offering the all-inclusive deal which makes a stay so easy and pleasurable.

THE VILLAS, with their private pools and gardens, their masterful levels of service and the way they allow guests to relax and enjoy themselves in total tranquility.

THE CITY HOTELS, from Ankara to Almaty which give first class, central access to some of the most intriguing, vibrant cities on the planet.

THE LUXURY TRANPORT, which allows guests to arrive by limousine, helicopter or private jet, or even to glide in on the luxury ‘Moon Star’ yacht.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip around the world of Rixos. To plan your trip, visit www.rixos.com.

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