TRAVEL NOTES
Spa retreat in Taiwan
Situated in Taipei’s scenic hot springs district of Beitou, Villa 32 is one of Taiwan’s most stylish and modern spa retreats. Offering five deluxe Japanese and European-style suites and open-air public baths overlooking mist-covered hills, Villa 32 is a haven of tranquillity. The resort offers packages including one night’s stay in a deluxe European suite, chef’s special dinners for two and a 60-minute tailor-made spa for two for £415 plus a 10 per cent service charge.
Suite rates start at £300. Visit www.villa32.com for reservations.
Big Apple fine dining
If foodies needed another reason to head to New York, here’s one. The man credited with inventing the boutique hotel concept, Ian Shrager, has got together with restaurateur extraordinaire Danny Meyer to open Maialino, an Italian restaurant at the rather smashing Grammercy Park Hotel. Inspired by Rome’s trattorias, the place will be serving dishes like Carpaccio di Polpo (octopus and potato salad) and Malfatti alla Maialino (suckling pig ragu with torn pasta and arugula). It’ll be fully operational in January. For hotel reservations, visit www.gramercyparkhotel.com.
Romantic cruise for two
Referred to as the “Bentley of the Seas,” luxury yacht Cookielicious (don’t let the name put you off) is offering couples a new series of romantic getaway cruises for 2010 in either the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Packages include three meals per day and activities such as waterskiing and windsurfing. The new schedule offers travel to the Grenadines in mid-January, as well as visits to Sardinia or Croatia during select weeks in 2010. Cruise rates start at £4,500 per couple. Call 01473 688 888 or visit www.cookie72.com.