Luxury Villa in Sicily Offers Italy with a Difference

19 January 2012

Luxury Villa in Sicily Offers Italy with a Difference

Milanese design channelling “isolano” style with all the mod cons on the charming unspoilt island of Favignana – that’s amore.

Casa Faro is a contemporary-style luxury villa owned by former Australian model Linda Keyte, who divides her time between Europe and Australia. Nestled in the heart of a 15-square-kilometre Mediterranean garden, the villa is located on the eastern side of Favignana, with views of Marsala and Trapani on the mainland, 20 minutes away by hydrofoil. Faro means “lighthouse” in Italian, the name inspired by the lighthouse overlooking the beautiful neighbouring cove, Cala Azzurra. Keyte and her family felt it guarded not only the cove, but their new villa as well.

Favignana is the largest of the three islands in the Egadi archipelago, off the north-western coast of Sicily. The woodlands to the west of the island, affectionately known to locals as “butterfly island” for its shape and encircled by idyllic white sandy beaches, slowly rise to a sun-bleached central mountain, where an ancient sandstone fortress stands watch, while the plains of the east undulate towards the sea. The historic port town of Favignana has a charming central piazza, with bars, cafés and restaurants and a welcoming local atmosphere.

Architect Riccardo Emanuele and his company NCB Architettura of Milan designed Casa Faro, completed in late July 2011. Of Sicilian heritage, Emanuele created a home that conformed to Favignana’s strict council guidelines while achieving a modern feel with an open plan and large windows to bring the breath-taking landscape inside. In harmony with the island, the villa is built of cement blocks and tufo, a sandstone from Marsala. Tufo was quarried on Favignana for many decades and the evidence remains in the sculpture-like quarries dotting the island. The result is a uniquely Sicilian-style villa, perfectly integrated with the surrounding landscape.

Caso Faro has two separate, fully contained living quarters, which can be used either individually or as a whole. Both suites are stylishly fitted out with contemporary furniture and clean, crisp finishes, including modern, polished-concrete bathrooms. Under-floor heating and sleek fireplaces in both apartments give guests the opportunity for year-round visits in absolute comfort.

Suite A has a master bedroom with a spacious en suite bathroom featuring a large bath and shower and contemporary chrome fixtures, a sitting room and a spacious kitchen, all fully equipped with modern conventions and appliances. Suite B comprises a large, open-plan living area with kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and an additional twin bedroom with bathroom.

The generous central living quarters include simply adorned sundecks and lounging areas, with a large dining area beneath a wooden pergola. A turquoise swimming pool and al fresco dining area stand away from the house, under the cover of a cream-coloured triangular sail.

Available for stays of one week or more, Casa Faro has vistas of sparkling sapphire water and splendid beaches, offering guests the perfect respite from the bustling European lifestyle and instant access to two of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa, a five- to 10-minute bike ride away.

Services include a deluxe BWA 34 speedboat for fishing, snorkelling and aqualung excursions, a private chef, daily housekeeping, trekking on the neighbouring islands of Levanzo and Marettimo, car rental, scooter and bike rental, as well as private transfer to the town of Favignana, airports and countless other tourist destinations.

Cara Faro gives guests a sense of privacy while affording easy access to the town and numerous restaurants offering beautifully prepared local cuisine, as well as to the mainland.

The modern design of Casa Faro combines harmoniously with Favignana’s rustic charm, inviting guests to unwind in the island atmosphere and making it the perfect launch pad for a tour of Italy or idyllic destination in its own right.

For further details and enquiries on Casa Faro, Favignana, www.casafarofavignana.com.

PR enquiries

The Brandman Agency, Sydney

Susie Westwood, susie@brandmanpr.com

Juliet Love, juliet@brandmanpr.com

T: 02 9328 7123

REGENT SEVEN SEAS ACCOLADE FROM CONDE NAST TRAVELER US READERS

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been voted the world’s best cruise line in the “large-ship” category in the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler US readers’ poll. The ultra-luxury line’s overall score of 92.3, tied with Crystal Cruises.

Regent Seven Seas is the world’s only cruise line to include all-suite accommodation most with private balconies, superb meals, open bars, sightseeing excursions, gratuities and taxes in ultra-luxurious holidays.

“We are proud to be recognised as the best of the best by discerning Condé Nast Traveler readers,” stated Mark Conroy, president, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “As the world’s most inclusive ultra-luxury cruise line, we take great pride in exceeding our guests’ expectations every day. I’m biased, for sure, but our shipboard and shore-side staff is without question the finest at sea.”

Considered among the travel industry’s most coveted honours, the Readers’ Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler celebrate the best-of-the-best cruise lines, hotels, airlines, cities, rental car companies and islands. Travelers evaluated cruise lines on their Itineraries and Shore Excursions, Accommodations, Food/Dining, Crew/Service, Design/Layout and Activities/Facilities to determine the overall score.

Travel + Leisure magazine US’s readers also ranked Regent Seven Seas among the “Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines” in the world. The results of the magazine’s 15th annual World’s Best” survey were published in the magazine’s August issue.

Regent Seven Seas’ fleet is comprised of three smart ships with accommodation in suites for 490 to 700 passengers, that carry guests in luxury to ports in Australia, Europe, Asia, Alaska and the Caribbean. Public areas are resplendent with quality fabrics, textures, and elegant furnishings. Suites are among the spacious at sea, measuring from 300 to 1,200 square feet and offering elegantly appointed living and sleeping areas, a marble bathroom, walk-in wardrobe,, latest technology including a flat-screen TV, and a private balcony. Leisure and business facilities onboard include an outdoor pool, hot spa tubs, a holistic spa by Canyon Ranch and an internet centre. Depending on the ship, guests can choose from up to four, open-seating gourmet restaurants, including Prime 7, a superb, new steakhouse.

APPEALING VALUE-ADDED ASPECTS TO REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Whether you choose to visit the futuristic desert city of Dubai, discover the famous temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia, or walk the Great Wall in Beijing, Regent Seven Seas Cruises gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of a particular place, before or following particular cruises. Fascinating 3 and 4 night pre and post cruise land packages including transfers, luxury accommodation and meals are complimentary with your cruise. Alternatively, you can opt for a saving of US $4,000 per suite off your cruise.

Regent Seven Seas cruises aboard their stylish ships, Regent Seas Voyager, Regent Seven Seas Navigator and Regent Seven Seas Mariner, offer exceptional quality and value with their fully inclusive fares covering fine wines, beer, premium spirits and mineral water, flavourful coffees and delicate teas served throughout the ship, together with meals in a choice of venues from gourmet French Signatures to casual La Veranda, and also unlimited shore excursions.

ALASKA

A comfortable and exhilarating way to experience both the natural beauty and frontier character of Alaska is on a Regent Seven Seas cruise. The smaller scale of Regent Seven Seas Navigator creates a more intimate Alaskan experience as she is able to navigate dazzling ice fields and bays edged with towering ice walls and sculptures. Cruises such as 12 nights from San Francisco to Vancouver take in icy highlights such as Glacier Bay, the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as frontier towns including Juneau and Skagway. Fully inclusive shore excursions are especially appealing for families offering fun activities such as kayaking and dog sledding.

WORLD CRUISE

Since it’s first World Cruise in 2002, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has become known as the leader in luxury world cruising with destinations ranging from classic cities of the world to remote eco-places. Guests may choose from a full world cruise of 131 nights from San Francisco to Rome,  or 145 nights from San Francisco to London departing on January 13, 2011. Shorter segments are also being offered so that guests may create their own extended journey with newly devised cruise combinations. For example, 20 days from Beijing to Bangkok from March 20, visiting Shanghai, Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Min City, Angkor Wat; or 14 days from Rome to London from May 24, calling into Portovenere, Provence (Marseille), Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and Paris (Honfleur).

SOUTH AMERICA

Part of our world in the southern hemisphere, South America is presently high on the radar. Direct flights are adding to the allure for Australians and New Zealanders wishing to visit glamorous cities such as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to take in amazing landscapes such as the Atacama Desert, Chile and the Andes of Peru. Regent Seven Seas has a stand-out series of South America cruises offering the opportunity to visit a range of these exciting and diverse places.

For further details and bookings contact your travel agent or Wiltrans International Pty Ltd, Sydney (02) 9265 7100, Melbourne (03) 9863 9300. www.rssc.com

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES FOR BOOKINGS BEFORE 30 JUNE, 2011

Stylish Paul Gauguin Cruises is currently offering 50% off a selection of its 7, 11 and 14 night cruises of Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, from July through to the end of December, if you book before 30 June, 2011.  

As well, you will be entitled to a shipboard credit of US$1,000 per couple if you choose a 14-night itinerary, and US$500 per couple for all other itineraries.

Accommodating just 332 passengers in suites and staterooms all with a view of the ocean through wide windows and the majority with balconies, The Gauguin, is the most luxurious vessel cruising the clear turquoise waters of French Polynesia. Its size and sporty character allows it to access both spectacular larger volcanic islands such as Bora Bora, and also the shallower lagoons of smaller isles and motus such as vanilla scented Taha’a.

Facilities onboard include a choice of three dining venues, a luxurious nature inspired spa, and a platform that folds down to sea level for watersports such as windsurfing and kayaking, and adventures by Zodiac such as scuba diving and snorkelling, amidst brilliant tropical fish.

Part of the allure of a holiday with Paul Gauguin Cruises is that it is all inclusive with the fare covering accommodation, complimentary beverages - select wines, premium spirits, bottled water, fragrant teas and flavourful coffee throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, as well as leisure diversions such as use of a pristine coral sand beach in Bora Bora with volleyball and snorkelling, and a day on a private islet, Motu Mahana, off Taha’a, with a barbecue and water sports.

For details of 7 night cruises of Tahiti & Society Islands; 11 night cruises of the Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14 night cruises of the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, contact Wiltrans International 1800 251 174 (Aus), 0800 446 376 (NZ).

CRYSTAL SERENITY SUPER-REDESIGN COMPLETE AFTER LINE’S LONGEST-EVER DRY DOCK

One Hamburg shipyard, two weeks, several talented designers, 500+  international staffers, 606 crew, and US$25 million.  Such are the ingredients for the ultra-luxurious redesign of Crystal Cruises’ largest ship, Crystal Serenity.  Just completed after a round-the-clock remodel at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, the dry dock was the company’s longest ever. All 535 staterooms, retail centres, outdoor pool deck, corridors and other spaces received a dazzling facelift, in addition to general sprucing of the entire outside and inside of the vessel.

“In the past year and a half, we have invested well over US$50 million in our ships,” says Crystal Cruises’ President Gregg Michel.  “The striking new spaces serve as a stunning backdrop to the incomparable service and choices that always characterise a Crystal vacation.”

Interior designer Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates summarises the vision:  “We wanted modern classic elegance.  We wanted Fifth Avenue – crème de la crème New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in.”

Sophisticated Stateroom Remodel

All of Crystal Serenity’s luxury accommodations received new appointments.  While Crystal Penthouses were refreshed with new soft goods, Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses, and Penthouse Suites were completely transformed with new, floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, sofas, curtains, pillows and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather and crisp linen textures.  The new sofas also offer more third berths – a nice feature for Crystal’s growing family clientele.  Blu-ray players and flat-screen televisions were added, and new modern lighting features, plus an electronic “do not disturb” and doorbell system throughout the ship, allow guests greater personalisation of their chic accommodations.

Remarkable Retail Space Re-Do

The Apropos boutique was redesigned into three dramatic shopping spaces, against a backdrop of rich Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting and tufted leather seating.   Massive sculptural aluminum screens graphically pop against gray smoked glass walls.  A new area is dedicated to Christian Dior cosmetics.  The Dior shop is exclusive to Crystal and is the largest of its kind that isn’t land-based.  

Not be outshone, the Facets fine jewelry store also received a new, private sales area and a new, overall look mirroring a jewelry box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall and beveled chrome vitrines.                        

Perfectly Posh Pool Deck

Guests can now lounge poolside on bright lime green, azure and mango sofas , lounge chairs, and circular pod beds, a la those recently added to Crystal Symphony’s pool area.
Mood Lighting and Retouched Passageways  

Lighting played a major role in the redesign. Dramatic new mood lighting enhances the romance of spaces, showcases the drama of the headboards, and warms the ship corridors, which also received new, custom carpeting on the floors and engaging art work on newly-textured walls. Thoughtful attention was given to conservation as well as style.

“We were looking to balance the luxurious interiors of Crystal Serenity with saving energy,” says Nick Hogget of DPA Lighting Consultants.  “Like the Crystal product, even the lighting provides the guest with choices.  We wanted to make sure the guest has a wonderful experience in all the different spaces.”

Still to come…

Like all remodeling projects, not all materials arrived on schedule.  By end of June, the spacious Penthouse and Penthouse Suite verandahs will sport new furnishings and the stateroom design will be augmented with decorative coverlets.  Silk Road will also unveil new carpets and fabrics.

Giving to Those in Need

Furnishings, electronics, and accessories removed from Crystal Serenity were donated to needy communities around the world.  Donations began during the ship’s final, pre-dry dock voyage up the western coast of Africa when bedspreads were donated to Senegal during the ship’s call there.  An extensive donation plan was instituted in Hamburg, with hundreds of sofas and televisions loaded onto eight 40-foot containers, and shipped to the Salvation Army in New Jersey.

“We not only delivered a show-stopping new look for our guests’ home-away-from-home, we delivered much-needed goods to those less fortunate,” says Crystal Cruises’ President, Gregg Michel.

Crystal Serenity emerged from dry dock to begin a series of Baltic, British Isles, and North Cape cruises.  Come August, the ship sails to the Mediterranean for a variety of late summer and fall cruises, where guests can not only enjoy the resort’s new look, but exceptional value from a huge Fall Fare Sale, up to US$2,000/couple “All Inclusive. As You Wish” spending credits, and other amenities.

Crystal Cruises ethos of warm and friendly attentiveness, proffered by top-trained service staff from around the world, has earned the line a reputation for elevating hospitality to an art form.  With no guest request left untended, Crystal Cruises has been the perfect choice for luxury travellers for over two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact Wiltrans International on 1800 251 174 (AU) or 0800 446 376 (NZ).

CRYSTAL TO GO ALL INCLUSIVE IN 2012

Gratis Gratuities, Wines and Bar Service Added

Crystal Cruises is enhancing its already expansive host of luxury services and amenities.  Effective spring 2012, holidays on the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.  The complimentary gratuity amenity also includes Penthouse butler service as well as service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar.

“Our ‘All Inclusive’ is an evolution of Crystal’s luxury services and responds to the desires of today’s upscale cruise traveller,” says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises.  “As many lines throughout our industry have itemised their services for additional charges, Crystal is maximising the guest experience by eliminating additional transactions — further enhancing the ease and luxury of a Crystal cruise.  We believe this service will offer greater convenience, simplicity and comfort.”

The new benefits begin with each ship’s first Trans-Atlantic cruise next year: Crystal Symphony’s “Beyond the Sea” sailing from Miami to Lisbon on 19 March 2012, and Crystal Serenity’s “New World to Norway” voyage from New York to London on 8 May 2012.

A complete list of 2012 Crystal itineraries, with fares, for all cruises is now posted on Crystal’s website, www.crystalcruises.com, and all cruises are now open for booking.  Also included with all cruises is a generous air credit.  

Since its inception, Crystal Cruises has added to its award-winning luxury holiday experience each year with more and more complimentary amenities, services, workshops and dining opportunities.  
Always included at no additional cost are: all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks and fresh juices; all meals, including dining in specialty restaurants that feature the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio; high tea; ice cream and frozen yogurt bar; gym, steam, saunas and whirlpools; numerous fitness classes such as Spinning and group Pilates Reformer instruction; golf lessons with PGA pros; Walk-on-Water weighted vests and Nordic Pole walking equipment; Yamaha keyboard classes; Berlitz language classes; paddle tennis; dozens of computer/technology classes; art classes; Crystal Visions lecture series, featuring Crystal Visions lecture series featuring distinguished speakers; award-winning entertainment; in-stateroom movie and CD rentals; film screenings in the onboard cinema; dance lessons; dedicated junior cruiser facilities; early embarkation luncheon; welcome champagne; comfortable shuttles to town; pillow menus; self-service laundries; twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown service; and 24-hour room service.  

Penthouse accommodations also include personal butler service, pressing, stocked bar, and other amenities and services.  
All guests enjoy Six-Star service from gracious European-trained wait staff, concierges who belong to the prestigious “Les Clefs d’Or,” and sommeliers certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.  

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact Wiltrans International on 1800 251 174 or visit www.wiltrans.com.au
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MEDIA: contact Susan Westwood, (02) 9327 5836, mobile (0416) 109 160, susie@susiewestwood.com. IMAGES: contact Bronwyn Martin, (02) 9265 7108, Bronwyn.Martin@wiltrans.com.au.