Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - 241
LE manOiR aUx QUat’ saisOns Oxford, England Fronted by far-reaching rows of heavenly scented lavender, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, an OrientExpress Hotel, is a gourmand’s dream come true. Raymond Blanc heads a two Michelin-starred restaurant featuring modern French cuisine – the menu has been described as “a twist of imaginative genius.” Return to your spacious bedroom; each of the 32 rooms is individually designed for a unique English country house experience. The entire estate, including the restaurant and gardens, is available should you wish to plan a family reunion or wedding on the premises; the staff are completely at your beck and call. DistancE fROm LOnDOn aiRPORt (LhR): viRtUOsO amEnity $100 food and beverage credit, once per stay, and complimentary parking for duration of stay. in thE KnOW The Raymond Blanc Cookery School is the only cooking school in the world where visitors can learn and practice in a two-Michelin-starred kitchen. 40 mi/64 km schLössLE hOtEL taLLinn Tallinn, Estonia History lovers adore the Schlössle Hotel Tallinn for its proximity to the city’s medieval sights and historic Town Hall Square; just steps away is a palace dating back to the feudal era of Danish King Waldemar II and the Czars. Inside, antique furnishings and green and plum accents give the hotel an aristocratic aura of its own, complemented by modern comforts: 24-hour room service, valet service, Wi-Fi access and limousine service, to name a few. Be sure to dine at the Stenhus restaurant, a local favorite for its elegant tapestried dining rooms, log fireplace, vaulted ceilings and, of course, imaginative cuisine. DistancE fROm taLLinn aiRPORt (tLL): viRtUOsO amEnity EUR25 (approx. US$35) food and beverage credit, once per stay, and complimentary sauna access. in thE KnOW The Schlössle Suite features wood-beamed ceilings, exposed stone, lavish bedding and a massive bathroom with rain shower and Jacuzzi. 241 E U R O PE 4 mi/6 km viLLa GaLLici Aix en Provence, France Set in the capital of Provence (a provocative city boasting over 100 fountains), Villa Gallici is an Italianate masterpiece in the midst of a Florentine garden. Cézanne lived and painted here, and the villa itself dates back to the 18th century. Today, 22 guestrooms and suites outfitted in vibrant colors and comfortable furnishings cater to discerning guests, along with a renowned restaurant serving Provençal, French and Mediterranean specialties – ask to dine on the vine-trellised patio for a romantic rendezvous. From here, it’s just an hour’s drive to Cannes and two hours to Monaco, so be sure to get out and explore. DistancE fROm maRsEiLLE aiRPORt (mRs): viRtUOsO amEnity Welcome refreshment during check-in, fresh flowers and homemade delicacies in room and afternoon tea daily. in thE KnOW The hotel welcomes you to the Provence experience with a glass of local Rinquinquin wine and in-room tray with Calissons d’Aix and red roses. 19 mi/31 km