january-2012

BIGHORNLODGE
BRITISHCOLUMBIA
Revelstoke, an old mining town in
British Columbia, has long been an elite
heliskiing hotspot. However, the launch
of Revelstoke Mountain Resort in 2007
placed it fi rmly on the international ski
map, making it the world’s only resort to
off er lift, snowcat, heli- and backcountry
skiing from one village base.
Th is winter’s hottest ticket in
Revelstoke (‘Revy’ to those in the know)
is Bighorn Lodge. Named after the local
sheep, the palatial timber-framed lodge
is located in an exclusive enclave on the
resort’s lower slopes. Not content with
ski-in/ski-out access, Bighorn’s owners
built a helipad in the back garden, so
guests can heliski from their doorstep.
Probably the most sumptuous ski
lodge in British Columbia, Bighorn
aff ords unbroken views across the
Columbia River and Monashee
Mountains from its triple-height
Great Room, eight spacious suites and
outdoor hot tub. Th e property boasts
snazzy contemporary design and is
home to a private cinema, extensive
spa and wellness area, games room
with pool table and bar, and even a
teppanyaki chef ’s table in the kitchen.
Bighorn is available for exclusive use for
16 people from Can$64,500 including
seven nights’ catered accommodation,
with house wines and in-resort transport.
www.bighornrevelstoke.com
ILSALVIATINO
FLORENCE
With more fi ve-star hotels than any other city in Italy, Florence
is no stranger to luxury. However, even the Florentines are
raving about the city’s newest fi ve-star off ering: Il Salviatino, a
much-remodelled 15th-century palace in Fiesole.
Famous for its sweeping views over Florence, hillside
Fiesole is just 15 minutes’ drive from the magnifi cent Duomo
and its surrounding churches and palaces. After a busy day’s
sightseeing, you can retreat to Il Salviatino’s terrace or sink into
the swimming pool to savour the views and cool breeze.
While the Ojetti and Marcello suites vie for the best views
in the house – the former boasting a private rooftop balcony
and the latter, 360-degree views from its second-fl oor dining
room – the Aff resco Suite features a frescoed ceiling painted
by Bruschi in 1886, best contemplated while soaking in the
Roman bath discovered in Il Salviatino’s gardens.
Deluxe bed and breakfast from €450 per night. www.salviatino.com
Seventeen
DWARIKA’SHOTEL
KATHMANDUNEPAL
Named after its founder, Dwarika
Das Shrestha, Dwarika’s Hotel is the
embodiment of his determination to
preserve Nepal’s rich yet threatened
cultural heritage. While jogging
one morning in 1952, the hotelier
rescued some intricately carved
wooden pillars from ancient Newar
buildings, which were being replaced
with concrete blocks. By 1977,
Shrestha was able to construct
a small hotel from his rescued
timber frames, fascias and shutters,
furnished exclusively with locally
crafted tiles, terracotta, wooden
furniture and hand-woven linens.
Today, Shrestha’s family continue
his legacy – the hotel now boasts 79
rooms and suites, all constructed,
furnished and decorated by local
craftsmen. Hand-carved 15thcentury
window shutters open out
onto a secluded courtyard, in which
terracotta and wood carvings of
Hindu gods overlook fountains,
refl ecting pots overfl owing with
vivid bougainvillea, azaleas and
marigolds. Dwarika’s is also home
to an award-winning spa and three
restaurants, including Krishnarpan,
which showcases the best Nepali
cuisine in the country.
Double room from $225 per night.
www.dwarikas.com