Luxury Travel Advisor - January 2008 - (Page 9) BY ANNE-SOPHIE GUÉRIN Just a stone’s throw from Africa, Andalucía boasts a vibrant mix of cultures and a remarkable architectural legacy—from the Alhambra in Granada to the Real Alcázar in Seville. This beautiful province offers picturesque courtyards tiled in dazzling colors, the tangled web of ancient alleyways leading to the massive gothic cathedral, the sultry soundtrack of guitars and the clacking heels of flamenco dancers. Suggest a stay in the region’s capital for a taste of quintessential Spain. Seville is the cradle of Andalusian spirit, where crowds congregate for lingering lunches of tapas and sangria, and exuberant nightlife spills into the jasmine-scented streets. The best time to visit Seville is during the April Feria and Holy Week, though the city’s luxury hotels often fill up a year in advance for these world-renowned events, so book early. Three luxury hotels distinguish themselves as the city’s top lodgings. The Hotel Alfonso XIII (www.hotel-alfonsoxiii.com), a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, was designed with decadence in mind. Surrounded by towering palms and garden fountains, it was built in 1929 to be Europe’s most luxurious hotel by mandate of his majesty King Alfonso XIII. To this day, this posh royal palace remains one of the finest hotels in the world and has been featured in numerous films, Lawrence of Arabia the most famous among them. Overseen by General Manager Carlo Suffredini (carlo.suffredini@ luxurycollection.com; 34-954917-007), the Alfonso XIII is celebrated for its exemplary personal service. Head Concierge José Antonio Sierra (34-954917-055) will go out of his way to take care of your clients. No request is too over-the-top for Sierra’s team: from helicopter rides and fireworks displays to exclusive museum viewings and tickets for prime seats at the HOTEL ALFONSO’S opulent guest rooms have drawn countless celebrities (Double Arabe room shown here; facade shown, opposite). most prestigious bullfights (even when they’re sold out). For your VIPs, book the Royal Suite, which, insiders say, is the personal favorite of Doña María de las Mercedes de Borbón y Orleáns, Countess of Barcelona and Mother of King Juan Carlos I. The Royal Suite, however, is not reserved exclusively for royalty; hotel staff tell us that other guests have included Sofia Loren, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lenny Kravitz, Prince Charles and Diana Princess of Wales, Ava Gardner and Brad Pitt, among others. Antiques abound in the 2,153-square-foot Royal Suite, including the mother-of-pearlencrusted chest that was a gift to the hotel from Aga Khan. Your clients will enjoy a spacious bedroom, a lounge/dining room with a table for eight and two bathrooms. It’s also possible to request the adjacent library, which adds an additional bedroom and office to the configuration. Notably, King Alfonso XIII used the desk during his hotel ACCESS: Suggested Tips for Touring Seville The city is full of historical riches. Built on the site of a mosque, the 15th-century gothic Cathedral of Seville (www.travelinginspain. com/sevilla/cathedral.htm) is among the biggest in the world and is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The world-famous minaret, La Giralda, was preserved, incorporated as the cathedral’s bell tower. Soaring above the city, La Giralda can be seen from miles away. The panoramic views of the city are well worth the climb to the top. Your clients can’t miss a visit to the Real Alcázar (www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es/index.php), the dazzling royal palace (closed Mondays). The Museo de Bellas Artes (Plaza Museo 9; 34-954-219-500) displays Spain’s finest collection of works by the Sevilla School painters. Housed in an ancient convent, the museum is itself a work of art with graceful archways and peaceful courtyard gardens (closed Mondays). Take note: A visit to La Corrida de Toros (www.spain.info) is not for the faint of heart. Facing the river, the sun-baked arena dates from the 18th century and is filled to capacity during the April Feria. Inside, the museum offers a fine alternative for clients who are interested in learning about the corrida’s cultural history but might feel squeamish watching a matador take on a charging bull. and fountains. Seville is known for its tapas, and excellent tapas restaurants abound in the Triana and historic Santa Cruz neighborhoods. Advise a stop at La Cava del Europa (C/Santa Maria La Blanca, 40; 34-954-531-652) for award-winning small plates like grilled foie gras, Iberian sirloin steak and manchego with quince paste. Suggested Dining Beware the restaurants next to the cathedral, which cater to tourists. Instead, suggest Egaña Oriza (www.restauranteoriza.com) for the ultimate gastronomic experience. Corral del Agua (Callejodel Agua, 6; 34-954-224842) is a good bet for its charming courtyard setting, practically abutting the high garden walls of the Alcázar. Your clients can enjoy Andalusian specialties like Sevillan veal or bull’s tail while surrounded by orange trees Suggested Nightlife To partake in the city’s electrifying nightlife, clients should see a flamenco show. The most famous is El Arenal (34-954-216-492), where dancers from the Traditional School of Curro Velez dazzle audiences. Los Gallos (34-954216-981) is situated in the picturesque Plaza Santa Cruz a few steps from the Alcázar. Casa de la Memoria de Al-Andaluz (34-954-560-670) has nightly shows with the city’s top dancers and musicians in a beautiful courtyard, though we were disappointed by the short length of the program. 9 www.luxuryta.com January 2008 | LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR http://www.spain.info http://www.travelinginspain.com/sevilla/cathedral.htm http://www.travelinginspain.com/sevilla/cathedral.htm http://www.restauranteoriza.com http://www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es/index.php http://www.luxuryta.com
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