Back to Cali

The Centre of Events of the Pacific Valley (CEVP) – located in Cali near the Colombian Pacific coast, the world’s most efficient region for sugar cane production – was designed to host events, in a setting influenced by nature. CEVP’s architecture and location were specially chosen to take advantage of the sunlight. It streams in, illuminating hallways and pavilions, while the Pacific breeze ensures a pleasant environment. It has gained our recognition as Best Meetings and Conference Centre, South America, 2013.

A cool afternoon breeze, year-round balmy weather, salsa dancing and welcoming smiles make Cali a unique experience for any guest. Cali was recently ranked 21st place in the Traveller’s Choice Destinations Awards 2013 – one of the most popular destinations in South America. Visitors like Roberto Cavalli, Italian fashion designer, express charmingly: “I am in love with Cali and with the smile of all Colombians, thanks for so much affection Cali, I will come back to you soon.”

CEVP, in its convenient location, is one of the largest and most modern multifunctional spaces in Latin America. A combination of open space and cosy corners creates the right atmosphere to inspire great ideas and  successful business. In the words of OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza, during the sixth Forum for Competitiveness in the Americas: “I have been three times to Cali and once again I reassert its relevance to Colombia. This event positions Cali highly in the continent. Everything was perfectly organised – you have an outstanding meeting centre.”

Easy to set up for any event, CEVP hosts fairs, exhibitions, meetings, congresses, assemblies, forums, panels, concerts, parades and cultural, social, and sporting events. It is also a transitory free trade zone, granting foreign contractors wide possibilities. Its location between the international airport and the city centre means it is ideal for international guests. But most importantly, a professional team will do everything possible to make your event a success.

The city is renowned as the capital of salsa dancing, with shows and academies attracting visitors from every continent

CEVP consists of 130,000sq ft, subdivided into two large rooms. One is fitted to hold five simultaneous meetings and the other is suitable for commercial exhibitions with a maximum capacity of 220 booths. It has a central square with a pool and a fountain resembling the Pacific Ocean, four business rooms on its second floor, an entrance plaza, press areas, VIP lounges, backstage, nursing and other functional spaces. Together, its maximum capacity is 14,000 attendees or, for commercial exhibitions, 500 booths.

An emerging destination
Cali is a fascinating place, with tradition and culture drawn from every area of its multi-ethnic population. Its gastronomy is full of flavours, fusions and contrasts. The city is renowned as the capital of salsa dancing, with shows and academies attracting visitors from every continent.

The Financial Times ranked Cali among the top ten cities with superior foreign investment strategies in Latin America. It is not a coincidence that in 2013 it hosted the seventh presidential summit of the Pacific Alliance, formed of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, aiming to be an economic block comprising 36 percent of Latin American GDP, with goals of free trade and economic integration. Cali has just celebrated The World Games 2013 with 4,000 visiting athletes in 31 disciplines and 112 countries represented, some of whom have Olympic aspirations. The city is also preparing to receive afro-descendent officials from all over the world in their third summit. Recently, Cali’s Rapid Bus Transit system was awarded silver by the China BRT.

Impeccable service
Service is a key element of CEVP’s personality, incorporating not only high corporate standards, but also the most positive characteristics of the region’s people. Consequently, CEVP’s fellows go the extra mile in supporting clients, confirmed by over 100 positive testimonials. The advisory department is another popular part of CEVP. Experienced staff suggest better ways to prepare and conduct events that surpass expectations. As a result, recurrent bookings are common, in spite of CEVP’s youth. Up to 150 high-quality external suppliers are also available.

A major milestone in 2013 was the creation of a new kitchen to enhance the centre’s gastronomic experience. The kitchen is considered among the best in the country thanks to its layout, equipment and a large, efficient team, providing full service for events of up to 4,000 people. The kitchen is operated by Compass Group, a company established in London, UK, and a worldwide player in catering. Compass’s clients include the Royal Family in London and the White House in Washington DC.

The CEVP holds much potential for international gatherings in one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities, with facilities for world-class events and charming and enthusiastic staff and collaborators. Cali, the Colombian Pacific Region and its Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, are ready to help make your event a success.

Further information:
cevp.com

Exotic extravagance

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa sits on Emboodhu Finolhu Island, in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. This tropical isle, known locally as ‘Three Coconut Island’, is ornamented with pale white sand, crystal blue waters and lush flora. Private luxury speedboats, available 24 hours, take guests to and from Malé International Airport in only 15 minutes.

The award-winning resort seamlessly incorporates the island’s natural beauty in its design, even as it offers the finest contemporary amenities. Luxurious rooms, private verandahs, and personal sundecks with endless views of the Indian Ocean, make this the perfect setting for a private retreat. Jiva Grande Spa, an authentic Indian spa, offers a range of special wellness treatments. A choice of bespoke dining options and water sports complete the exclusive experience.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has been voted the Best Resort in Asia and the Second Best in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller USA Readers’ Choice Awards 2012. This year it is Business Destinations’ Best Luxury Hotel, Maldives, 2013.

The luxury of choice
Each of the resort’s 64 villas and suites is furnished in natural tones and textures and offers ocean views. Most of the luxuriously designed villas are perched over the lagoon with nothing but blue ocean waters and glorious sunsets in sight. Every villa is palm-thatched, with exteriors of fine natural wood and interiors delightfully appointed in classic Maldivian style.

Set in series of two adjacent villas along the edge of the island’s lagoon, the 71sq m lagoon villas offer private sun decks with loungers, easy chairs and direct access to the lagoon. Each villa has a double vanity bathroom, rain showers and bathtubs with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Deluxe lagoon villas are even larger and feature a private deck with a freshwater plunge pool and an alluring day-bed area with spectacular views.

At 200sq m, deluxe beach villas come with a private outdoor area, their own stretch of beach and direct access to the lagoon. Each of the luxuriously styled villas offers an oversized plunge pool, a private veranda with sun beds, and a tropical outdoor shower in a private walled garden. Premium beach villas are newly built and come with a master bed, extravagant round bathtub, a private beach, oversized plunge pool, private veranda with sun beds, a tropical outdoor shower in a private walled garden and an infinite view of the lagoon.

Taj Exotica’s ocean suites have 195sq m of space and boast a living room with pantry, a bedroom with glassed bathroom looking over the Indian Ocean, a large freshwater pool with a private sundeck, a sala for dining, and a beautiful suspended deck filled with powder-soft sand. The luxurious one and two-bedroom duplex beach villa suites are just five metres from the lagoon. Each suite, set on the beach, has a spacious living room, a private courtyard, an oversized plunge pool, private veranda, sunset balcony and a tropical outdoor shower. In the two-bedroom villa, the first-floor master bedroom has an oversized attached bathroom and a private balcony from which to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Guests can experience Jiva Grande Spa treatments in complete privacy in a treatment room attached to the villa.

The Rehendi Suite is Taj Exotica’s impressive two bedroom presidential villa. This tastefully appointed, award-winning villa boasts a living room; a master bedroom with attached his and hers bathrooms; a guest bedroom; a glass-walled bathroom; a 12m freshwater pool with a private sundeck; two salas for relaxing and dining; and a beautiful suspended deck filled with sand; and a hammock over the turquoise lagoon. This suite comes with a host of personalised amenities and services. The glistening waters of the Indian Ocean and mesmerising sunsets provide the backdrop for the two restaurants with menus featuring progressive world cuisine and tasting menus filled with gourmet creations.

A gourmet selection
For all-day dining, try 24 Degrees. The restaurant has an impressive display kitchen, offering a variety of Pan-Asian and European comfort food. The teppanyaki with masterly crafted set menus of fresh seafood, meats and vegetables, is a unique culinary experience. The restaurant has nightly themed menus that cater to different palettes from different parts of the world.

The Deep End is a progressive world cuisine restaurant, serving an award-winning tasting menu inspired by cuisines from Europe. It includes a wide choice of meats, seafood, but also many vegetarian choices, all complemented by the finest wines from the cellars.

After dinner, the Equator Bar offers the perfect balance of mood, music and vibrancy – and a variety of traditional vintages, new world wines, cocktails and cigars. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your accommodation, a vast selection of food and beverages are served 24 hours in the comfort and privacy of your own villa or suite. Or try the Pool Bar and Restaurant. Set beside the resort’s infinity pool, it offers a choice of healthy coolers, snacks, oven-fresh pizza and exotic tropical cocktails.

Your personal butler
Each villa has a dedicated butler to provide personalised attention. From unpacking luggage to filling your private bar with precise beverage preferences, the butlers endeavour to make your stay stress-free. Butlers will offer to draw a bath, arrange scuba-diving excursions and organise al fresco dinners and day trips to uninhabited islands – the ultimate opulence.

Jiva Grande Spa offers superior Indian rejuvenation therapies, ranging from aromatherapy massages, to yoga and meditation. Trained experts, using natural products, in a harmonious setting, deliver the spa experiences. Jiva Grande Spa offers alepa, a signature treatment evoking the fabled and privileged lifestyle of Indian royalty. Alepa – literally, the act of anointing the body – is inspired by ceremonial, time-honoured Indian bathing rituals.

The abundant culture of the Maldives can be understood by visiting the Islamic Centre, the Munnaaru (Minaret) and the shrine of Abdul Barakath Yousouf Al-Barbari, the former presidential palace, the Sultan Park, the National Museum and the tomb of Mohamed Thakurufaanu. This exotic destination has much to offer the discerning traveller.

tajhotels.com

Standing apart

Mondo Hospitality is a promising name in the hospitality industry. With its three distinctive properties of serviced residences in Dubai, and another one in London, the brand is gaining momentum at a fast pace and setting an impeccable benchmark for others. Furthermore, the company has just been named Best Serviced Apartment Provider, Dubai, 2013, in the Business Destinations Travel Awards.

The awards are designed to showcase companies whose products and services represent the pinnacle of the business travel industry. Unique in travel accolade platforms, the winners are chosen not by a select panel of judges but by a vast and diverse cross-section of primary users and purchasers of corporate travel.

The makeup of voters includes corporate travel executives and company travel buyers from Fortune 500 companies, MICE solution providers, members of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), as well as other influential members of the business travel community.

Beyond the competition
On being asked what distinguishes Mondo Hospitality from the main competition, Nila Pendarovski, Managing Director, said: “We are a boutique hotel management company that tailors services to the needs of each stakeholder – associates, guests, investors and owners – through tailored hotel management solutions.”

In the past year, Mondo Hospitality has seen impressive developments and progress, enabling the company to raise the level of its products and services. Pendarovski said: “We have implemented a different set of amenities, CO Bigelow, an organic apothecary product; we are addressing our guests personally on all e-channels; we have improved services significantly and have moved up more than 50 places in all e-evaluations, such as bookers.com and TripAdvisor. Our staff members are trained to personalise service and they are doing so on a continued basis. They are empowered to make decisions, thus providing best results to the end user.

We are a boutique company that tailors services to the needs of each stakeholder

“Mondo’s vision is that we are passionately committed to delivering outstanding guest experience in all spheres,” continued Pendarovski. “Our mission is built on professionalism, discipline and experience; we will work passionately to maximise value for our guests, employees and investors. We are committed to an entrepreneurial approach to business that profitably delivers best-in-class serviced residences, in ideal locations that ensure the success of the property.”

In this time of heightened awareness of global warming and high demand for corporate social responsibility, Mondo’s commitment to sustainable practices has been very apparent in the past year. Pendarovski said: “We have changed all lights to LED lights, we are recycling all waste including all guest room waste, we are promoting waste recycling among our team by recycling batteries, plastic, etc. We have team meetings to further promote ideas, for example, adding organic food to our menus, and much more.”

For guests and owners
Mondo Hospitality is a one-stop shop service provider for investors in, and owners of, hotels and serviced residences. The company is a market leader and a full Hotel Management Company registered with Dubai Government and vetted by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing. It is also a fully fledged Hotel Management Company in London.

Mondo Hospitality’s service is as simple as it is effective. For property owners, it takes on the responsibility of running their properties and making them profitable. Mondo does this by delivering best-in-class serviced residences in premium, accessible locations. For guests, the company offers a fantastic range of exquisitely appointed, stylish and fully furnished modern residences, in ideal places, to suit every taste and budget. Mondo Hospitality’s accommodation has been designed and fitted to the highest industry standards, with ease and convenience in mind.

Potential energy

Medellin is a city where life bursts from every corner. Here, progress and innovation can be seen everywhere. An open-door policy is the city’s strongest trait and visitors are welcomed warmly.

The city is taking an exciting urban path towards a democratic and participatory social model; in Medellin, evidence of urban and social metamorphosis is visible all over. See it in the architecture, Library Parks, schools, plazas, sports venues, and all of the other new cultural spaces for citizens.

Alongside this urban transformation, the city is undergoing a profound social change. This is the result of the collective effort of the local government, the private sector, academia, citizen groups, NGOs, workers, and citizens in general. Their warmth, hospitality, and hardworking spirit sum up the paisas.

Medellin has realised its potential for business tourism, culture, nature and health, and the value that the proper management of these activities could add to the city’s economy. Recognising the city’s impressive potential, Business Destinations has named Medellin Convention and Visitors Bureau the Best Destination for MICE, South America, 2013.

Nature and culture
Medellin is a capital of fashion, and Latin America’s industrial centre of textiles and apparel. The Arvi Park contains a range of natural attractions: Nutibara Hill and El Volador Hill, the Explora Park and Aquarium, and the Botanical Garden with its Orquideorama (Orchid Dome). The Orquideorama is particularly beautiful, a cradle of multicoloured flowers and delicious tropical fruits.

Plaza Botero holds 23 sculptures from celebrated maestro Fernando Botero, and the most comprehensive collection of his work – 117 items in total – is exhibited at the Museum of Antioquia. This, along with its museums and entertainment spaces, makes Medellin an important cultural hub.

Getting around
All of the areas of Medellin are connected by the Integrated Transport System of the Aburrá Valley (SITVA), the Metro, Metroplus and Metrocable. They make the whole city accessible, while helping the environment and, in the case of the Metrocable, have even  become a tourist attraction.

The Orquideorama is a cradle of multicoloured flowers and delicious tropical fruits

The Mayor’s office of Medellin, through its development plan ‘A Home for Life’, aims to make Medellin a sustainable and growing territory. It’s on the path to becoming equitable and inclusive, ready to experience proper internationalisation. The work of the Mayor’s office and promotions conducted by Medellin’s Convention and Visitors Bureau has bolstered Medellin’s profile as an important destination for business tourism. The city currently ranks 21st in the world, according to the ICCA in 2012.

Future goals are high; the Mayor’s office has been making progress to formulate strategies, programmes and projects, instigating development by generating jobs, a better quality of life, and welfare for all households.

Medellin has already played host to a number of important events, including: the 38th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States, 2008; The Board of Governors’ Assembly of the Inter-American Development Bank, 2009; the South American Games, 2010; the Latin-American Congress on Culture, 2010; the Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism, 2010; and the eighth Inter-American Water Dialogue D7, 2011.

Infrastructure for events
The city has its own event centre, the Plaza Mayor Convention and Exhibition centre. It boasts 385,000sq m of space, encompassing 22 meeting rooms and five main pavilions, with a capacity of up to 35,000 people. Medellin also has other event spaces, such as the Orquideorama in the Botanical Garden, and many other halls distributed across the city’s hotels, museums, science and technology centres, the planetarium, Library Parks, banquet houses, and much more. Medellin also has a variety of hotels, suiting parties with any size or budget and totalling approximately 5,617 rooms and 9,113 beds.

Medellin is connected to major cities in Latin America, making it easily accessible wherever you are. The José María Córdova (JMC) International Airport has 97 weekly flights, including direct international flights to Panama, Miami, Quito, Caracas, Fort Lauderdale, San José in Costa Rica, Lima, Madrid, Curaçao, and New York. In addition, the JMC has an average of 34 daily flights to and from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.

Innovation is the key factor that has characterised the city of Medellin and its inhabitants. This culture of strength and the creativity to pursue innovative business ventures has gained the city international recognition, earning it the Most Innovative City award in 2013, granted by the Urban Land Institute and the Wall Street Journal. It will also host the seventh World Urban Forum, between April 5-11, 2014.

The city’s vision
By 2015, Medellin hopes to be among Latin America’s top five host cities for international events. The Mayor’s office of Medellin, with the help of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment and its various offshoots, aim to create a higher rate of tourism growth in Medellin than in any other Colombian city. To achieve this, the city has developed a strategic plan that comprises: attracting 105 new events; reporting at least 40 events to ICCA; hosting at least 120 events a year in the city at the national and international levels.

Medellin wants to be seen as a city that creates and builds, with an eye on the future, using innovative and inclusive ideas. The city is moving forward with a positive attitude – an attitude that characterises the Medellinenses people – a strong, creative, enterprising, and visionary attitude.

Meet me in São Paulo

In July 2012, Accor acquired the Posadas Group in South America, and the Hotel Caesar Park International Airport become part of the brand. The hotel was renamed Caesar Park São Paulo International Airport Managed by Pullman.

Pullman is establishing itself as Accor’s international upscale brand. It has hotels and resorts across Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. With properties at the heart of sought-after cities and tourist destinations they cater to an international clientele of seasoned travellers from around the world, who stay for either business or leisure.

A warm welcome and a range of personalised services are part of the efficient experience offered to Pullman guests. The co-meeting offer, designed for corporate events and meetings, provides a dedicated service with access to expert teams and contacts such as an IT Solutions Manager and Event Manager.

The hotel
Thanks to its prestigious reputation and cosmopolitan feel, the Caesar Park São Paulo International Airport hotel has become a hub of business and culture. Service is the top priority and every detail contributes to an experience of luxury and sophistication. Here, service and quality are understood as a must, not an option. Accordingly, Caesar Park ranks first among international travellers’ choice destinations and is Business Destinations’ Best Business Hotel, Brazil, 2013.

In 2011, Caesar Park São Paulo International Airport received the World Airport Award for the Best Airport Hotel in South America. Over 900,000 global hotel clients vote in this nine-month survey to assess 400 leading airport hotels.

Excellent connections make the hotel ideal for every type of traveller, especially those organising a meeting

Conveniently located near the São Paulo International Airport and only thirty minutes away from the city’s financial district, Caesar Park São Paulo International Airport Managed By Pullman is an excellent option for those travelling on business, to attend events, or for leisure.

With a stylish, modern interior, the hotel was planned to cater to the diverse needs of all guests. There is a free transfer service from the airport to the hotel, and back again; a swimming pool; tennis court; a health club (including both wet and dry saunas); massages; and bath robes in all of the rooms. Broadband internet is also available throughout the building.

The hotel’s convention and business centre is the newest facility in the Guarulhos area and seats 650. The facility can be easily adapted for events of any size, and perfectly prepared food and beverages can be arranged to refresh delegates. The business centre includes private meeting rooms, computers, fax machines, telephones, scanners, CD recorders, broadband internet and other office services.

Located for business
The hotel is located just 4km from Guarulhos International Airport, just 30 minutes away from the financial centre of São Paulo and even closer to Parque Anhembi, the biggest convention centre in the city. The hotel is 20 minutes away from Metrô Tatuapé Station and a one-hour drive from Congonhas-São Paulo Airport.

These excellent connections make the hotel ideal for every type of traveller, especially those organising a meeting or participating in an event. Enjoy all the technology and comfort offered, such as two gourmet restaurants, the cosmopolitan bar, a swimming pool and a large events area.

Designed by Roberto Candusso, the hotel features an exotic glass dome, which ensures that light floods in, enhancing the niches and cutouts designed by the architect. All 377 guest rooms and suites are innovatively designed too. As well as beautiful modern decoration, they all have soundproof windows and are equipped with a safety deposit box and free wi-fi. There are five different room types, with some designed specifically for the business traveller. The hotel also has 182 twin rooms and parking space for cars and buses.

A pleasant modern atmosphere, practical business infrastructure and impeccable services are all vital for successful events – Caesar Park promises all of these elements. The convention centre can cater for groups from small meetings of ten people, too customised conventions of up to 650, and even weddings with 300 guests. There are also two small meetings rooms for 50 people and another 270sq m room, ideal for hosting banquets.

The hotel also offers a range of creative ideas for breaks. The event manager will handle every detail of your event with flair and precision and an IT solutions manager is on hand for multimedia and technology issues. A connectivity lounge is equipped with wireless Microsoft devices, webcam, printers and scanners.

Tailored relaxation
The hotel serves international cuisine, designed for the region’s corporate groups and social events. The atmosphere is casual, so discover the bar and enjoy a private dinner for two or a pleasant chat with your friends. The lobby bar, located on the first floor, is open every day until 1am. This lounge offers a selection of coffees and teas, a large choice of wines, a comprehensive beverage list, as well as light snack and pastries.

Two recognised international chefs – the Mexican Enrique Olvera and the Italian Franco Maddalozzo – designed the special menu at Restaurant Agraz. It focuses on international cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. With its relaxed and pleasant ambience, it is ideal for business meetings. Restaurant Amaranto serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. This buffet-style restaurant offers diners a selection of foods from around the world.

Caesar Park’s spa has an extensive menu of massages and relaxing treatments. The sauna, located on the 10th floor of the building, offers a gorgeous view. There is also a swimming pool, a jacuzzi and leisure activities such as ping pong, snooker, biking, tennis courts, a multi-sports court and a barbecue area.

Accor has properties in 92 countries with more than 3,500 hotels and 450,000 rooms. Accor’s broad portfolio of hotel brands offers everything, from luxury to budget. With more than 160,000 employees in hotels worldwide, the group offers its clients and partners 45 years of know-how and expertise.

Home sweet home gallery

For most of us, Sunday is a day of rest: a time for family and friends, kicking back at home and recharging the batteries for the week to come. For Bologna-based curator Eugenio Santoro, however, there’s a rather more public dimension to Sundays at home. That’s because his centre storico apartment is not just a place to eat, sleep and raise a family, but a busy exhibition space too, where artists from all over the world present work for sale to a curious public.

Since Santoro founded Museo Orfeo nearly a year ago, exhibition openings that see a crowd of complete strangers pile into the curator’s home have taken place most Sundays. Shows run for a week, with news of what’s on spread by word-of-mouth and via social media. A diverse range of artistic practice is represented, from works on paper, paintings and sculpture to video works projected onto the wall across the road. The only real limitation, says Santoro, is space.

A space for artists
The curator keeps the focus of the gallery broad and its programme dynamic so that he can be as responsive as possible to the “needs of artists”. He was moved to open Museo Orfeo last year after becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of affordable exhibition space in Bologna. Santoro has worked as a freelance curator at venues across the city for many years now (an exhibition he put together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the death of Bologna artist Giorgio Morandi is currently touring Italy, having opened in Bologna earlier this year); running what he calls his “home gallery” gives him such satisfaction precisely because it operates outside of the conventions of traditional gallery spaces.

The Emilia-Romagna capital is home to a respected art school, the Academia di Belle Arte di Bologna, and many of the artists showing work at Museo Orfeo are students or alumni. Santoro showcases not just the work of young and emerging Italian artists, but makers from places as diverse as Iran, China and Sweden. This autumn’s programme includes solo exhibitions from Russian painter Irina Tum (October 6-13) and Hong Kong-based graphic artist Michael Cheung (December 1-31), as well as a photography exhibition, So Faraway So Close, that pairs local photographers Fabio Cappellini and Paola Mischiatti (September 22-29).

The show will contrast Cappellini’s witty, irreverent take on the modern world with Mischiatti’s otherworldly images of bodies in motion. While he looks outward, she looks inward; he works in colour, her photographs are in black and white. Santoro hopes that the juxtaposition will open visitors’ eyes to the broad possibilities of photography as an art form.

He’s also excited about Tum’s show, which will explore Italian identity through a painterly examination of typically Italian objects and contexts. Entitled Another View, the show is intended, Santoro says, “to show Italy to Italians”.

The maximum capacity of the flat is around 35 people, so exhibition openings have an intimate feel

Art for everyone
The focus at Museo Orfeo is on affordable art, with price tags in the hundreds rather than the thousands of euros. This is partly a reflection of the place in the market of the young and emerging artists Santoro likes to champion, but it’s also part of a concerted attempt to widen access to art collecting in general. Most commercial galleries charge prices beyond the reach of ordinary people, the curator feels. The people coming through Santoro’s door – students, academics, white-collar workers – are not big spenders, so the artworks on his walls do not carry hefty price tags. It’s possible to pick up a unique piece at Museo Orfeo from around €250.

Seeing artworks in the cosy environment of the 100sq m apartment that Santoro shares with his wife and their young daughter helps this non-expert public to imagine what a piece would look like in the surroundings of their own homes. “The final destination of a painting, sculpture, et cetera, is a home, so the buyer can see immediately how it can work inside an apartment.”

The maximum capacity of the flat is around 35 people, so exhibition openings have an intimate feel more reminiscent of a house warming than a private view. Santoro does a short presentation at each launch but mostly his role at these events is genial host, ensuring that everyone is having a good time and encouraging people to chat about the work they’re encountering.

Having run a bed and breakfast in the past, he feels not the slightest discomfort at opening his door to strangers. Security isn’t something that concerns him either: “After [welcoming] thousands of people, I’ve understood that the majority of people are good! If we don’t believe in others, we don’t believe in ourselves,” he says, with typical good humour.

A worthy challenge
Santoro takes 20 percent commission on sales and reports that business is good. But there’s no such thing as an average exhibition, in sales terms: at some shows he’ll sell 10 works, at others he’ll have no buyers at all. The unreliable nature of the business is all part of the fun, he says: “I love the thrill; I love the challenge.”

The bottom line is important, of course, but it’s by no means the be all and end all for Santoro. He’s far more interested in the way that the unique context of Museo Orfeo enables a different kind of engagement in contemporary art. In the informal atmosphere of his home gallery, visitors are able to relax and open themselves up to the works they’re seeing, he believes, more than is possible in more formal surroundings.

Photographer Paola Mischiatti agrees. She believes that by opting to visit a non-traditional environment like this one, visitors to Museo Orfeo are demonstrating their openness to new things and are therefore exactly the sorts of people likely to get the most out of the art they come across there.

For Santoro, the impact on visitors to his home gallery isn’t just theoretical, it’s something he observes with his own eyes every day of the week. “I have spent many years in galleries and I have always noticed that the frozen atmosphere doesn’t help. The beautiful thing is that when people arrive here they take off their coats. In a traditional art gallery you keep your jacket on.”

Further information:
facebook.com/serenarte.bologna

Doha abode

A welcome addition to the fast-changing capital of Qatar, Fraser Suites Doha is a striking new presence on the Doha Corniche waterfront promenade. With panoramic views over the Arabian Sea, comprehensive business facilities, a restaurant, café and rooftop pool and spa, this deluxe Doha hotel is the perfect place for discerning guests. It’s our Best Serviced Apartment Provider, Qatar, 2013 and is ideal whether you’re in Qatar for business or pleasure, for a short trip or extended stay.

West Bay luxury
Fraser Suites Doha sits on Doha Corniche, a stunning waterfront cluster of towering skyscrapers and glittering coastline. A convenient five-minute drive from the business district of West Bay, the deluxe serviced apartments are close to major corporate headquarters and government offices and within walking distance of the Museum of Islamic Art and lively Souq Waqif, with its restaurants and cafés. Doha International Airport, Doha Exhibition Centre, The Pearl, Villagio Shopping Mall and Doha Golf Club are all within a ten-minute drive of the conveniently located apartments.

Fraser Suites Doha has 138 serviced apartments set over 14 floors, ranging from studios to more spacious three-bedroom suites. All boast contemporary Italian interior design, state-of-the-art technology and stunning views over the Arabian Sea and Qatar’s
sparkling capital city.

Facilities rival those of the best hotels in Doha: it has a rooftop swimming pool with poolside bar, sauna, gym, restaurant and café, penthouse meeting room with panoramic views, an executive club lounge, shuttle bus, children’s wading pool and kids club. And if there’s anything else you desire, the 24-hour reception staff and concierge at this gold-standard apartment hotel are always delighted to take care of it for you.

Ideal accommodation
Whether you’re only in Qatar briefly for a short conference or meeting, on a longer stay while relocating or training, or simply enjoying a holiday with your family, Fraser Suites has an apartment in Doha to suit your needs. You can have all the luxury facilities of a five-star hotel, with the added advantage of total privacy.

Relish the cool, contemporary interiors of these luxury Doha apartments, featuring Italian furniture, dark oak floors, fully equipped kitchens and cutting-edge technology. In this gleaming modern building you are guaranteed space, peace and privacy.

You can have all the luxury facilities of a five-star hotel, with the added advantage of total privacy

Swoop up to your apartment in a panoramic glass lift; take in the gleaming skyscrapers and bold modern architecture of West Bay. Corporate guests may wish to book an apartment on one of the executive floors and enjoy use of a VIP lounge with Nespresso coffee.

Whatever you wish to do in Qatar’s thriving capital, Fraser Suites Doha’s corniche location is always convenient. This waterfront promenade stretches for several kilometres along the beautiful Arabian coastline, joining the government offices and business district of West Bay to Doha International Airport, just five minutes away.

If you’d rather stay inside the building, Fraser Suites boasts enough opulent features to keep you occupied and satisfied for days. Refresh yourself from Qatar’s hot, perpetually sunny weather with a snack at the restaurant or café. Work out in the gym, relax in the sauna or swim in the rooftop pool. Corporate guests will appreciate the wireless internet, business centre and panoramic meeting room. Executive travellers may wish to book a suite on the special executive floors for access to the VIP club lounge.

With facilities for children including babysitting, a Fraser Kids Club and a wading pool, Fraser Suites is also a convenient choice of family accommodation in Doha, Qatar.

Superior services
Guests and residents staying at the Doha apartments enjoy 24-hour reception, security and concierge, staffed by a multi-lingual team. You can relax in bespoke atrium lounges, the executive VIP club lounge, or by the rooftop swimming pool. Staff can arrange airport transfers, limousine services and city tours, and guests with cars benefit from secure underground parking.

Corporate guests have everything necessary for vital work tasks, including a business centre and related services, mail and message delivery, and meeting facilities located on the first floor.

Along with the space, privacy and self-catering facilities of each apartment, guests travelling with families appreciate the babysitting services, children’s wading pool, Fraser Kids Club and playroom.

Further information:
+974 442 43444

Uganda’s rising star

Uganda is blessed with breathtaking scenery, natural resources, diverse culture, great food, good climate and amazing hospitality. This pleasing combination has won the country international acclaim as a key tourism and business destination. With more and more guests visiting the country, exceptional hospitality services are vital.

The perfect base
At the centre of this is the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Uganda’s first five-star hotel, located at the heart of the country’s capital, Kampala. Known for its excellent amenities and incomparable customer care, Sheraton Kampala Hotel is the ideal hotel for business or leisure and has even been named our Best Business Hotel, Uganda, 2013.

Now under the management of Constellation Holdings from Dubai, the Sheraton Kampala Hotel is benefitting from the increasingly dynamic and fast-moving hospitality market and is therefore striving to meet international hotel standards.

Sheraton guests can expect a satisfying and memorable experience thanks to the hotel’s world-class accommodation, diverse food and entertainment, business centre, and Sheraton Fitness Club – complete with a cardiovascular gymnasium. The hotel has a revamped sports bar, Lions Bar, which is one of the best in Kampala and has fast become top choice for the city’s sports lovers.

Sheraton guests can expect a satisfying and memorable experience

Sheraton Kampala Hotel is also a member of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Customers benefit from the expertise of a 1,000-strong hotel network, which spans 80 countries. With the introduction of the Starwood Preferred Guest, the Sheraton Kampala connects customers with the best hotels in the world, rewarding them for their loyalty. Starwood guests from all over the world enjoy exclusive benefits when they visit the hotel in Uganda.

Customer is king
The customer is king at the Sheraton Kampala, which prides itself on a highly trained and professional team, every member of which is passionate about their work and committed to ensuring that guests enjoy their stay.

Sheraton Kampala Hotel goes the extra mile to engage with guests and exceed their expectations. This is what makes them choose the hotel again and again, and even recommend it to business partners, friends and family.

With its combination of world-class conference facilities and prime location, Sheraton Kampala Hotel is the ideal choice for meetings. Indeed, the hotel has hosted hundreds of international summits and conferences that have attracted several world leaders from the world of business and politics. The hotel has also hosted several dignitaries including presidents, expatriates, diplomats, world-famous musicians and businessmen on visits to Uganda. The hotel is also known for its host of useful traveller services, such as tour arrangement and car rental. Sheraton partners with various service providers to ensure guests get the best out of their visit to Uganda.

Sheraton Kampala Hotel believes that its role goes beyond just the hospitality industry. The hotel is involved in several initiatives between the government and the private sector to ensure economic growth in Uganda, especially through tourism, which is one of the leading sources of foreign exchange in the country.

Sheraton’s expertise, experience and legacy as a first-class hotel in the country, and across the region, have inevitably made it the ideal option for business or leisure in Uganda.

A business oasis

Al Ain is 160km from Abu Dhabi city, but the facility has lent an upbeat ambience to the emirate’s second city. Known as the Garden City for its tree-lined streets and abundance of green foliage, Al Ain is a harmonic blend of the UAE’s ancient Bedouin traditions and contemporary aspirations.

An oasis in the midst of the Arabian Desert, the city’s canvas consists of a mixture of landscapes that include the Jebel Hafeet, as well as a series of nurturing oases and the majestic desert that together have sustained over 5,000 years of uninterrupted settlement.

The heart of the emirate
Al Ain is recognised as the spiritual home and cultural capital of Abu Dhabi. It has gained the status of a national treasure with its low-rise buildings and picturesque layout. At the heart of the city lies the award-winning Al Ain Convention Centre. Built in architectural harmony with the city’s traditional buildings, the centre provides exceptional venue facilities for exhibitions, conferences and other special events.

The story of the convention centre began in 2008, when the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) acquired the facility and rolled out a series of renovation activities. The phased approach to redevelopment – from a modest event venue to a world-class conference and exhibition centre – took just over two years, with investment in phase one alone costing AED3.5 billion. However, the investment is paying returns to a city previously known only for its natural beauty. During the course of 2012, the Al Ain Conference Centre hosted nearly 150 events.

During the redevelopment, His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, acknowledged the success of ADNEC’s efforts and highlighted the significant impact that the facility would have in promoting the city of Al Ain as well as the wider Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi.

Built to complement
The 20,000sqm Al Ain Convention Centre features a beautiful canopied roof in a unique architectural style that is in harmony with the city’s traditional Arabic culture. The innovative roof allows the venue to offer a combined indoor and outdoor event space that is convenient for the hosting of large events. The conference centre itself provides 11,900sqm across two large sub-divisible column-free halls.

The Al Ain Convention Centre is situated in the heart of the community, serving as an upscale wedding destination, cultural centre and conference venue that offer an air-conditioned environment, multi-function halls and an auditorium fit for any kind of event.

ADNEC is noted as an environmental champion in the UAE. As part of efforts to protect the earth, the company employs a plethora of initiatives, strategies and practices. This diligence is also evident in their approach to the Al Ain Convention Centre, which not only offers a top quality events venue, but also sits in harmony with the environment. The sustainable design of the development extends the natural ecosystem, with open spaces connected by walkways and beautifully landscaped pedestrian areas. Over 1,000 parking spaces are available for the convention centre’s visitors, within metres of the hall entrance, making access to your event extremely convenient.

Bearing fruit
“We identified an opportunity to transform the existing property into something that compliments the city even while delivering handsome returns on investment,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chief Commercial Officer at ADNEC. “Abu Dhabi is not just a city. The emirate of Abu Dhabi has so much to offer business tourists both in terms of our natural and built-up environments. Al Ain’s intimate feel and warm hospitality contrasts perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s bustling and cosmopolitan vibe. While the two are no more than a couple of hours apart by car, they complement, rather than compete against, one another.”

The centre has hosted a number of major events, including the Agriculture Exhibition and the Fourth Al Ain Reads Books Show. The success of these prestigious events contributed heavily to the centre bagging the title of Best Meetings and Conference Centre, Middle East, 2013 at the Business Destinations Travel Awards.

Supporting the city
With its well-developed infrastructure and proximity to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Al Ain has tremendous economic potential. A modern international airport, shopping malls, and specialised education and healthcare establishments make Al Ain an ideal destination for business.

In particular, Al Ain provides great possibilities to real estate developers with an abundance of untapped economic potential. Key developments like the Al Ain Industrial City are at the forefront in promoting Al Ain as a magnet for economic development, and the convention centre sits at the heart of the city’s economic rise.

Cape comfort

Gone are the days where business was conducted during strict hours at the office or in a boardroom. Gone are the days when there had to be a distinct line between business and pleasure. The increasing effect of globalisation and the digital age on companies has resulted in a growing need for corporate travel and a growing trend to work out of office – even on one’s holiday.

Whether you need accommodation for business, leisure, or a combination of the two, 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno is the perfect choice for a stay in Cape Town. Named Business Destinations’ Best Luxury Hotel, South Africa, 2013, this boutique villa hotel is unique to the South African market thanks to its location and exclusive services.

Sunset sumptuousness
26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno is an ultra-luxurious, five-star property. Nestled up on the slopes of the Atlantic Seaboard, next to the Sandy Bay Nature Reserve, the property overlooks Sunset Rocks in the prestigious residential suburb of Llandudno, Cape Town.

Each day begins with breathtaking sea and mountain views from the upper deck, the living area, the six identical suites and the loo – that’s right, a loo with a view. Guests can enjoy a Nespresso coffee while reading a newspaper of their choice, before being treated to a champagne breakfast. Or if there’s pressing business to attend to, hold the bubbles until you’re ready to toast a new client, merger or acquisition later in the day.

There’s rarely any need to leave the property, (staff even handle any shopping guests want done) but, should guests wish to, chauffeurs and transfers, full concierge services, customised activities, tours and itineraries are all available. The comfortable lounge areas with their large glass tables, both inside and out, are ideal for business meetings, and the home theatre system satisfies all audio-visual requirements. If you’ve got time to relax, take advantage of a private yoga class, massage or beauty treatment.

There’s rarely any need to leave the property, but, should guests wish to, chauffeurs are available

In the evening, guests can watch a blissful sunset from the 80sq m main deck. The deck provides 180-degree views over the ocean, the sound of waves crashing metres away, and a feeling of utter tranquillity brought on by the serene environment. The smell of the sea breeze while enjoying culinary delights rounds off the experience.

Exclusive extras
Guests of 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno – be it a honeymoon couple, family, group of friends or business associates – have sole use of the facilities and exclusive access to all services. Expect a heated swimming pool, steam room, home theatre system, gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, under-floor heating, modern barbecue, coffee and ice machines, and private sun decks. In addition, state-of-the-art technology lends itself to the business savvy traveller, with uncapped wi-fi throughout and a fully functional business centre. Services include printing, copying, scanning, fax and courier services, to name a few.

The property’s very own private chef, villa manager, butler and daily cleaning service are on-hand to ensure that guests focus on what’s really important – business and pleasure. The all-inclusive rates also mean that you don’t have to reach for your wallet every time you want breakfast, coffee, a snack or a glass of wine. The staff has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, and exhibit the warmth and kindness that has become synonymous with South African hospitality. The private chef, Charmaine Lilje, honed her skills working alongside celebrated chef Luke Dale-Roberts at one of South Africa’s top restaurants.

Barefoot business
The hotel’s corporate ethos centres on the simple concept of ‘barefoot luxury on sunset rocks’. It strives to become the preferred supplier in the Western Cape of luxurious accommodation and unforgettable experiences to all high-end corporate and private travellers. The serenity of the villa’s location, the high standard of the product offering, and impeccable service all assist in the pursuit of this goal.

With an ever-increasing need for companies to go green, the hotel now recycles almost 100 percent of all recyclable waste. All plastic items have been replaced with glass counterparts, and solar panels now heat the geysers and the pool. These initiatives have made the hotel’s environmental footprint that little bit smaller.

As the villa’s backdrop is South Africa’s mother city Cape Town, there is plenty to see and do. The dynamic city is a hive of activity, with diverse cultures, traditions and a rich history. There are numerous leisure activities and various business opportunities right on the doorstep. The villa is located within walking distance of two of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, and a mere 20-minute drive from the central business district. Cape Town is also the World Design Capital 2014, boasting an environment that inspires creativity and development – quite fitting, given that 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno was designed by award-winning architect Johann Slee.

Further information:
26sunsetavenue.com

Relaxing in Riyadh

At the heart of the Al Faisaliah Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are the 330 rooms and suites of the Al Faisaliah – a Rosewood Hotel. This ultra-luxurious sanctuary offers unparalleled service and unsurpassed attention to detail – all of the hallmarks of Rosewood.

Since the hotel opened, it has been a beacon for discerning business executives and government delegations visiting the city. Beyond business, visitors to the city take advantage of Al Faisaliah’s facilities to extend their stay and enjoy a leisure break in Riyadh.

Designed by royalty
The much-acclaimed Al Faisaliah suites, the 106-suite wing of Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel, combines contemporary elegance with arabesque architectural details and residential styling. It’s the modern ideal of hospitality. Every guest enjoys intuitively personalised service; butlers are available at all hours, and thoughtful amenities and indulgent comfort are woven into every detail of the spacious suites.

This $50m expansion project designed by HH Princess Al Anoud bint Khalid Al Saud, owner and founder of Al Dar Design, complements the elegance of the original property with a stylish, modern design.

Each of the 106 suites is decked out in one of 13 unique aesthetics and is outfitted with the finest furnishings and state-of-the-art communication and entertainment systems. The Royal Penthouse is a full 576sq m of luxury, while the sumptuous Oasis Suite features its own personal spa.

The Al Faisaliah suites also boast a dining venue – La Cucina. Featuring fresh, contemporary Italian cuisine, the restaurant has already garnered a large and loyal following in Riyadh.

Sensual spa experience
Al Faisaliah suites will also offer an exclusive ladies-only spa and wellness centre, which is scheduled for completion soon. In an exquisite environment of luxury and tranquility, the spa will be a private oasis for women and cater to an exclusive clientele. The spa will offer an extensive range of therapies, spa treatments, and personalised services. The spa’s signature treatments, inspired by the history and heritage of the region, pair local traditions with indigenous ingredients, and follow global trends in wellness. Topped off with lavish décor, this will be the finest spa in the region.

The spa’s unique design includes a Swarovski crystal wall and a starlit hamam. Thirteen magnificent treatment rooms, including two VIP suites, span four floors. The services will include access to a sophisticated hamam and offer private vitality showers and steam rooms.

An expertly trained team of therapists offering extensive options and equipped with luxury product lines will make the spa a destination for elite visitors. The exclusive experiences will harmonise the body and mind, leaving a lasting impression of serenity, radiance and well-being.

To amplify the mind-body-spirit connection, aromatic ingredients will be laced in soft-scented mists and custom-blended products. Guests will experience unique aromatherapy blends and scrubs reflecting the local culture and indigenous botanicals. The spa’s signature scent is inspired by the history of the region, and has been selected for its ability to help engage and relax the mind and body. Both energising and fortifying, the seductive blend of spice, musk and amber will enhance the overall spa experience.

Further information:
rosewoodhotels.com

Fit for a goddess

It is said that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility, emerged from the glistening waves of the Mediterranean Sea and took her first steps on the shores of the island of Cyprus. Her fabled birthplace, Petra tou Romiou is marked by a dramatic formation of rocks, which has been the inspiration for generations of artists and poets the world over. Within sight of this legendary landmark lies the majestic five-star Aphrodite Hills Resort: one of the most magnificent and luxurious residential resorts on the eastern Mediterranean coastline.

Arisen from the foam
Nestled in the undulating coastal landscape and embracing two breathtaking plateaux separated by a deep canyon, it elegantly combines the traditional with the modern, offering residents and visitors an idyllic lifestyle. But what ultimately sets this unique resort apart from any other is its diverse range of facilities. It is unrivalled in its versatility and yet luxury, quality and service are never compromised.

A multi-award-winning establishment, Aphrodite Hills Resort comprises a five-star InterContinental Hotel complete with its own fully equipped business centre with stately conference and banqueting facilities.

Beyond business, there is an 18-hole championship golf course with a golf academy, driving range, clubhouse and shop; a state-of-the-art Greco-Roman retreat spa and fitness centre; world-class tennis and multi-surface courts with an Annabel Croft tennis academy and professional shop; the Pirates Village Kids Club; a charming village square with shops, bars, restaurants and the Byzantine-style St Catherine’s Chapel; two private beach clubs; a horse riding club; nature and bike trails; and luxurious, privately owned residential and rental apartments, townhouses and villas.

Olympus-quality options
Scenically situated at the heart of the resort, the five-star InterContinental Hotel offers the ultimate in accommodation, facilities, service and entertainment. It is a paradise for guests seeking sheer luxury and is the first resort hotel of its kind in Cyprus.

It is unrivalled in its versatility, and yet luxury, quality and service are never compromised

Within the hotel’s 290 spacious guest rooms and suites, all interiors are a subtle fusion of contemporary design and traditional Cypriot décor. Deep orange, red and gold fabrics pay heed to the year-round sun, while hand-carved solid wooden cabinets and locally crafted ceramics introduce a natural warmth and elegance. Spacious bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and oversized baths come as standard. All rooms contain the latest technology and feature private terraces, with stunning vistas.

The hotel has a variety of dining establishments with a plethora of choice to cater for guests from around the world. Each has its own unique style and culinary influence, allowing visitors to eat and drink something different every day of their stay.

For those who prefer the independence of self-catering accommodation, Aphrodite Hills Holiday Residences offers over 100 privately owned properties available to rent across the resort. The luxurious selection ranges from spacious one-bedroom apartments to grand six-bedroom villas.

Ballrooms and banquets
Combining seamless service with first-rate facilities, the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel offers an unparalleled setting for corporate and private functions of all kinds – from company gala dinners and award ceremonies to international conferences. At 592sq m, the Morpheas Grand Ballroom can seat as few as 50, for an intimate conference, or as many as 460 guests for a banquet, and can also host receptions for over 1,000 people. It can even be partitioned into four separate rooms for smaller events. Adonis, Kinyras and Pygmalion are three additional smaller meeting rooms, which can be opened up into one large function area of 111sq m.

Aside from these rooms, guests and delegates can also make use of a large pre-event foyer. This substantial area can also be utilised for coffee breaks or as an exhibition space. Smaller functions, for as few as ten people, can be held in one of the hotel’s four meeting rooms. There are also several outdoor venues; the beautiful Olive Courtyard lies adjacent to the meeting rooms and is the preferred choice for al fresco events and entertainment.

The business centre is conveniently located in the hotel and is always open. Secretarial and translation services combined with the latest technology ensure guests experience smooth and flawless global communications.

The professionals of the events and banqueting department are always ready to implement special touches to make every client’s event perfect, while the expertise of the hotel’s internationally acclaimed chefs means everything from coffee breaks to grand gala dinners are impressively catered for. State-of-the-art audio-visual and lighting equipment is also available.

Bespoke business
The events department creates bespoke business incentive events, which can include golf and spa days. Home to many domestic and international tournaments throughout the year, the awe-inspiring 18-hole championship standard golf course is visually spectacular and a perfect mix of challenging bunkers, manicured fairways and tiered greens. It spans two plateaux and is separated by a dramatic ravine.

The award-winning Retreat Spa is a tranquil haven away from the stresses of everyday life, with its serene monastic interior and fragrant gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Expert staff ensure total pampering for the body and mind across 27 treatment rooms, and the spa restaurant and juice bar allow clients to savour the most healthy refreshments.

Aphrodite Hills Resort is a luxury sport and leisure resort, and a world-class business and holiday destination; it successfully offers an idyllic lifestyle to all who visit or reside there. Explore and enjoy the wonders of Aphrodite Hills Resort and discover why it really is fit for the gods.

Further information:
aphroditehills.com
+357 26 82900