26Isea& iIAUTUMN 2009 where in the [ GRAND HOTEL CAP FERRAT F ollowing a multi- million euro revamp, the legendary Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat in France reopened in May with redecorated rooms and suites, new restaurants, freshly landscaped gardens and a cutting- edge spa. The belle époquehotel, located in one of the Côte d'Azur's most fashionable spots, is set on the top of the Cap Ferrat peninsula. Opened in 1908, this grand and classic hotel has welcomed the great and the famous for the past 100 years, including politicians, artists and Hollywood movie stars. Interior designer Pierre- Yves Rochon has revamped the hotel using an abundance of white throughout to create a light and airy atmosphere from the lobby to the suites. Set in 17 acres of parkland, the Grand Hotel, as it is most commonly known, sits imposingly at the top of the Cap looking down over a sweeping lawn surrounded by pine and cypress trees that lead to the famous Club Dauphin beach club and to the sea beyond. For further information, visit www. lhw. com sea& ibrings you the latest luxury travel news world.]

AUTUMN 2009I sea& iI27 LUTON HOO T he stately English home of Luton Hoo - designed by the celebrated 18th century landscape designer Capability Brown - has now been renovated and transformed into a hotel surrounded by 1,000 acres of fields, woodland and lakes. The house and gardens have played host to memorable guests overthe years, but it was at the turn of the 20th century that it really came into its own when it was bought by wealthy diamond merchant Sir Julius Wernher, the man who went on to found De Beers. In 1947, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip spent part of their honeymoon at Luton Hoo as friends of Sir Julius' daughter-in- law, Lady Zia. Bought by Elite Hotels in 1999, with the help of English Heritage, the stately home has been renovated in keeping with the Edwardian blueprint and today the décor pays homage to its past with silk- lined and panelled walls, marble fireplaces and ornate ceilings complete with original chandeliers. Dine in the marble- lined Wernher restaurant, which was formerly the state dining room and is covered with stunning tapestries; or for a more relaxed dining experience, Adam's Brasserie is housed within the historic stable buildings, just a stone's throw from the new pool and spa. Other facilities on the estate that are available to guests include formal gardens, boating and fishing lakes, and an 18- hole golf course. For further information, visit www. lutonhoo. co. uk Game for anything The recently opened Mara Plains is a small camp located within Kenya's private Olare Orok Conservancy. Just a few hundred metres to the north of the Masai Mara National Reserve boundary, the camp is situated within the hunting grounds of many of the big cats. Experience wildlife at its most natural with night drives and walking safaris. The camp caters for 12 guests in six luxurious canvas rooms built on raised decks, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains and riverine forest. The camp was designed as an environmentally friendly concept that supports the local community, and the conservancy is made up of land leased from Masai landowners who benefit directly by earning a monthly income. For further information, visit www. ultimatesafarisandislands. com Wellbeing at Carlisle Bay A favourite of sea& i, Carlisle Bay is at the centre of the cruising map in the Caribbean. Situated on a secluded beach on Antigua's south coast, the resort is the perfect location for a soothing, wellbeing break. Together with a team of nutritionists, yoga experts and personal trainers, the hotel has launched a ' chill out' programme focusing on health. Guests can indulge in tennis, guided nature walks in the rainforest, yoga and Pilates, watersports, and treatments at the spa, along with special nutritional menus. For further information, visit www. carlisle- bay. com