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Railway above the clouds

On the road in the Andes with the new Belmond luxury train

It is an area like from another time: mysterious, fabulous even. And majestic! It is the former Inca Empire through which these tracks pass – between the peaks of the Andes, from Cusco at 3,400 metres up to Lake Titicaca at 3,800 metres.

The train, which has been navigating this land of adventure since May 4 is called the ‘Belmond Andean Explorer’ and it is something like the South American equivalent of the legendary ‘Eastern & Oriental Express’ in Asia, or the ‘Venice Simplon Orient-Express’ in Europe: with all the luxury one could wish for. Elegant cabins, gourmet cuisine – and panorama windows! My favourite spot: the Observation Car with the open viewing platform. There are two current arrangements, one is three days with two overnight stays on the train and the other is two days with one night on board. Will they become lasting memories? Definitely.

Photo: © Belmond

Shangri-La Paris

Experience the sea of lights of Paris in a unique way – Shangri-La Paris offers the perfect setting for this. Its elegant façade alone reminds us that this city palace was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte’s great nephew. The view from the terrace of the room says more than a thousand words.

With competent advice and detailed planning, we ensure that you can fully enjoy your valuable time with your loved ones.

First in Business

Test the new Business Class from Qatar, a class for itself high above the clouds

If you’re a frequent flyer like myself, you are probably familiar with the high standards of Qatar Airways. However, Business Class has now been improved even further: with a new design and high-quality equipment including pleasant mood lighting, large screens, USB, HDMI and NFC ports, an entertainment package with 3,000 options, completely flat beds and even suites with doors that allow for complete privacy. A feel-good evening service with pillows, a quilted mattress, a soft plush blanket, an elegant ‘The White Company’ pyjama and slippers ensures a good night’s sleep. And the Amenity Kit with skin care products from the Italian luxury brands BRIC’s and Castello Monte Vibiano guarantee a perfect look at your destination.

Enjoy casual luxury…

...in the new, trendy nature hotels in Salzburg

Maybe you’ve noticed it yourself: nature hotels are sprouting out of the ground like mushrooms: no matter if the new Puradies, the Forsthofalm, the Forsthofgut or Mama Thresl. Especially in Leogang in Salzburg, no stylish hotel can manage without suites made of Swiss stone pine wood, fireplaces with open wood fires or natural swimming ponds anymore. In the restaurants, it smells wonderfully of freshly baked bread and the guests are served plates with tasty organic delicacies from the region. Thanks to innovative local hoteliers, it is now possible to be pampered in a sustainable way and to stylishly lodge in Alpine chic. It does not matter whether you come for the ski slopes or if you are already drawn to hiking in the spring sun.

Tranquility as the new luxury

5-star hiking in Austria

Hiking is currently undergoing an enormous image change as it has become an absolute leisure trend. Even urban people are drawn out into nature and up the mountain. Switch off, shift gears, feel the nature, just find yourself – that is the new leisure motto. After all, is this not what we all long for in these hectic times?

By no means will you have to do without comfort and enjoyment: luxurious huts, cozy chalets and stylish nature hotels with spa, sauna and wellness area invite you to relax, recharge your batteries and linger after an extensive hike. No matter which accommodation you choose, you are in the midst of marvellous nature and at any time can you embark on your next hike. With that in mind: why not put on your hiking boots and enjoy the fresh mountain air!