(continued from previous clipping) Dubai has become a maelstrom of construction, commerce, and tourism. Yet there is one place to shelter from this desert storm; the exclusive, luxury Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve of ‘Al Maha’ Safari activities The reserve has been created with the assistance of international safari and wildlife experts, and is more than just the perfect, exclusive holiday destination. Indigenous species have been reintroduced, including the regions’ first free-roaming herds of endangered Oryx; and over 6,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses have been propagated. The resort surrounds a watering hole, in the classic safari style so as the

Holidays or business trips spent at luxury hotels and resorts can provide superb inspiration and creative ideas that can be incorporated into residential projects – energising you to replicate back home that luxurious, ‘Five Star’ look. Asian influences in interiors and garden design are nothing new. Yet, despite different and new trends appearing all the time, from Africa, Latin America and beyond, Asia remains one of the most inspirational destinations. Taiwan Shangri La is probably one of the most esteemed hotel groups in the world, with each of its properties aiming to reflect the magic of the legendary land featured

Take an indulgent, luxury gourmet & spa break this season and not only eat well and get pampered, but be inspired too, with luxurious, decadent and warm autumnal style. A grand five metre marble table dominates the breakfast room of Vila Joya; its antique patina reflected a long history. It was this unique piece of furniture that inspired Dr. Jung to view this stunning villa overlooking a secluded Algarve cove, whilst on holiday in Portugal. His curiosity and love of art and fine things encouraged him to see the table described by a friend. Yet in the end it was

ATLANTIC ARABIA Experience the exotic and the unexpected in the Bohemian port of Tangier Reading Tahir Shah’s book, ‘In Arabian Nights’ reminded me of the huge role stories & fairy tales play in childhood. Classics such as ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’, ‘Swiss Family Robinson’, ‘Kidnapped’ and ‘Peter Pan’ were amongst my essential reading when young. Yet my favourite was ‘Stories from the Arabian Nights’, with captivating illustrations by Edmund Dulac. This aged scarlet and gold embossed book holds some favourite childhood stories, as told by the Persian Queen Scheherazade, for those ‘A Thousand and One Nights’. Maybe those stories might explain my fascination

Picturesque, unspoilt nature, authentic local gastronomy and a touch of luxury in Southern Spain…