TRAVEL NOTES
SHA’s new “absolute rejuvenation programme”
Spain’s famous SHA wellness retreat has launched a new 14-day programme that’s one up even on its regular course of wellness enhancement. This one features macrobiotic nutrition to purify and rebalance the body and mind while scientific and holistic spa treatments try to physically iron out any kinks. It’s fairly hardcore: in the first week, guests will experience a series of examinations so that treatments are tailored to each person’s needs. Then it’s a regular festival of homeopathic treatments, “bio-compatible hormones”, nutritional boosts and antioxidants. Only the hardcore need apply. www.shawellnessclinic.com
Super-cool Grace hotel comes to Beijing art district
Boutique chain Grace, of hot-listed Santorini fame, has opened shop in Beijing, in what was formerly the Yi House Hotel. The award-winning brand makes its first entry into the Asian market with a location in Beijing’s 198 Art District, a thriving cultural centre and a focal point for fashion, design and art. There are 30 luxury rooms and suites, and modern art and furniture is spread throughout in an original take on the Ming Dynasty. The Yi House restaurant offers modern Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, serving fresh fish and seafood, with a copious wine cellar. www.gracebeijing.com
Pink limited edition Tumi hand-luggage range
Did you think you need something to perfect your travel experience but weren’t sure quite what? Well, if you’re feeling like refreshing your stock and helping breast cancer research at once, consider stylish but practical brand Tumi’s new limited edition range, which offers luggage tags, eyeglass case, iPad cover, cosmetic case, and a couple of carry-ons with wheels. Brought out to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month, October, Tumi will be donating 20 per cent of sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. These are pink, yes, but not brash, so they get our style vote, too. Available at www.tumi.com
Four Seasons annouces resort at Disney World, Florida
Set to open in Orlando in 2014, the development will include a 444-room Four Seasons resort plus up to 40 Four Seasons Residence Club units and up to 90 Four Seasons Private Residences. Within the resort will be several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with Magic Kingdom views; a 1,300 sq m spa with 18 treatment rooms; a fitness centre; three pools and a “lazy river”; sports facilities including tennis courts, basketball court and climbing wall; two recreational centres for children, teens and families; and approximately 3,500 sq m of meeting and event space. Watch this spot. www.fourseasons.com