Latest news with #JohnAthimaritis
Forbes
05-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Six Senses Crans-Montana Wants You To Know It's A Summer Getaway Too
The main pool (minus the jaunty beach cabanas) Courtesy of the hotel The beach club, such as it is, is cute. A half-dozen green-and-white-striped changing cabanas have sprung up beside the main pool at the Six Senses Crans-Montana hotel in Switzerland, and an ice cream cart has been docked in the shade. Guests are invited to sip poolside spritzes and lunch on club sandwiches beneath sun umbrellas on the terrace. The nearest ocean beach, of course, is more than 200 miles away. Even the small lakes and ponds in the center of the town of Montana are a 15-minute walk away. But the Six Senses hotel is working with what it has, and what it has is lovely. That's even more true this year, its third summer of operation and its first with all of its warm-weather offerings in place. The 78-room hotel, like the larger region that it's part of, is still undoubtedly a snow sports destination, with its ski-in, ski-out access and slopeside location in one of Switzerland's largest and sunniest winter resorts. (It was acquired by Vail Resorts last year.) In fact, the summery beach club has sprung up on the site of Club Alpin, an après-ski favorite. The overall design, with its pitched rooflines and interiors clad in oak and larch, is the quintessential multimillionaire's take on the classic Swiss chalet. It feels purpose-built for fireplaces and fondue. A deluxe room John Athimaritis But as European ski meccas are seeing erratic winter snowfall and newfound summer interest, some of the smartest hotels and resorts in Switzerland and beyond are upping their warm-weather game. (North American mountains were way ahead in this regard, probably already well aware of the business advantages of operating year-round.) Open-air cinemas, festivals, concert series, pop-up restaurants and even creative-license-taking beach clubs are sprouting all over the continent. Six Senses Crans-Montana does it well. It's helped by the resort's summer offerings. Nearly 200 miles of signposted walking paths and hiking trails crisscross the region, passing by vineyards, green prairies, pine forests, clear mountain lakes and historic villages, with glacial snowcaps in the distance. More than 100 miles of biking tracks run down the hills, with 14 routes suitable for all skill levels, and the hotel's partner guides don't mind taking their snazzy electric mountain bikes along a road with guests who prefer their adrenaline in smaller doses. Or for those who like it in a more controlled form, the hotel has also partnered with a local paragliding outfitter. Their tandem rides soar above the mountain peaks and vineyards down to Sierre (the origin point for the funicular up to the resort). They do this in winter too, taking off at sunset and landing on the famous Crans-Montana golf course. One of the lakes in Crans-Montana Ann Abel There are softer experiences too, like a gentle trip up to a mayen (pasture partway up the mountain) for a hands-on lesson in the region's traditional Alpine-style cheesemaking, complete with a (pre-made) tome d'alpage cheese to take home, and a short jaunt to the hotel property's edge to suit up and observe the five beehives in action. The latter isn't one of those suddenly trending 'experiences' where the beekeeper drugs the bees with smoke so they're calm enough for guests to hold up a honeycomb frame for a photo. Rather, the hotel's sustainability director—every Six Senses has one, and they're deeply committed to meaningful, measurable initiatives—Dominic Dubois, conveys a sense of wonder as he explains the bees' complex social structure and the intricacies of maintaining compliance with Swiss beekeeping regulations. Dubois has a tough job, maintaining the hotel's Earth Lab—something else that's found across the brand—overseeing donations from the hotel-revenue-funded Six Senses Crans-Montana Sustainability Fund to grassroots community organizations, tracking data from the sawdust pellet heating system, and making all of this interesting to a clientele that's perhaps fed up with greenwashing and doesn't want to be lectured in any case. But he does it with enthusiasm and levity, whether it's discussing the mating habits of bees or leading a workshop in making upcycled candles from used kitchen oil. The spa pool John Athimaritis He's part of an international team that seem to bring the same level of enthusiasm to everything they do, whether it's describing the dishes on the new sharable-plates menu at the locavore main restaurant, Wild Cabin (the tomato salad with whipped local ricotta is a summer standout) or signing in guests at the extensive spa. The second of these is especially useful, since there's quite a bit to navigate. State-of-the-art is one of those phrases that get bandied about a little too much, but it's apt here. In contrast to the cute summer poolside cabanas, and somewhat in counterpoint to the hotel's whole 'disconnect to reconnect' philosophy, the spa has gone all in on tech. In addition to four saunas, a sensory floatation pod, indoor and outdoor pools, and a relaxation area with 15,000 hanging 'icicles' and views of a birch forest, it has a tricked-out room full of plugged-in wellness gear. The Biohack Recovery Lounge is a circuit of massaging headsets, Normatec compression boots, Hyperice X contrast therapy devices, and red-light face masks and full-body panels. While it's unclear what a single session with any of these accomplishes, it's an intriguing introduction to a growing corner of the longevity world. And it's another way that Six Senses Crans-Montana is announcing itself as a year-round destination. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Zurich's Dolder Grand Is Known For Art—That Means Its Culinary Art Too By Ann Abel Forbes 10 Reasons To Love Bolzano, The Gateway To Italy's Dolomite Mountains By Ann Abel Forbes This Luxurious Castle Hotel Offers A Fresh Take On Italy's Dolomites By Ann Abel
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Forbes
Six Senses Rome Offers Excitement And Relaxation For The Jubilee Year
Six Senses Rome offers Christian pilgrims a serene retreat. John Athimaritis As Rome continues to celebrate its Jubilee year, attracting by some estimates more than 30 million Christian pilgrims, the Eternal City's holy sites are teeming with activities. Pilgrims visiting Rome will be able to pass through the Holy Doors of St. Peter's Basilica, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Paolo Fuori le Mura, which are all major basilicas in Rome. A wide range of events, including special masses and processions, will be held throughout the Jubilee year in Rome and other designated holy sites, according to the Vatican. Initially, Jubilees were celebrated every 100 years, then every 50 years, and now typically every 25 years. Six Senses provides a respite for rest, reflection and renewal John Athimaritis Rome pulses with vibrant energy, but for those seeking both the city's buzz and a sense of calm, Six Senses Rome offers the perfect balance — a serene, wellness-driven retreat at its heart. With so much happening around the world, many travelers are turning to vacations as a way to reset, looking not just for adventure, but for rest, reflection and renewal. Six Senses Rome not only allows travelers to immerse in the city's culture and history but also provides options for relaxation. Known for its commitment to wellness, sustainability and experiential luxury, the Six Senses brand creates immersive sanctuaries that connect guests to nature, community and self. In Rome, this philosophy is thoughtfully expressed in a serene green oasis in the heart of the Eternal City, blending ancient Roman heritage with contemporary design by Patricia Urquiola. Set within a restored 15th-century Palazzo on Via del Corso, Six Senses Rome features natural materials, calming neutral tones and lush greenery throughout. The ambiance is peaceful yet sophisticated, with elements like travertine, cocciopesto plaster and a modern multi-level spa including Roman baths. Rome is famous for its historical sites. getty Perfectly positioned within walking distance of landmarks like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum, the hotel immerses guests in the rich cultural tapestry of the city while offering a restorative escape. Wellness, sustainability and a strong sense of place define every detail, from the plant-filled rooftop to the biohacking spa rituals. It's a tranquil, luxurious retreat amid Rome's vibrant energy. Hotel guests can experience the Roman baths. John Athimaritis Ancient Inspired Wellness Experiences: In Roman times the bathhouse was a place to meet and connect with people, and at Six Senses Rome guests are invited to experience this tradition through a modern lens with the hotel's Roman Baths featuring a series of thermal pools for relaxing the mind and body. Guests can dine while savoring splendid views of the city. John Athimaritis Oasis for Outdoor Dining: Perched atop the property, the recently reopened NOTOS Rooftop is a serene rooftop escape where guests can savor breathtaking views of the city without the overwhelming crowds. Toast to the sunset with Roman-inspired botanical cocktails, expertly crafted mocktails, live music sessions and a curated selection of delicious bites. Sustainability Rooted in Culture and Community: Located in Rome's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, the hotel combines heritage preservation with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The LEED Gold–certified hotel operates on 100% renewable energy and supports local projects. By fostering community collaboration and sustainable practices, the property invites travelers to connect deeply with Rome while embracing responsible, meaningful travel. Wellness Tailored for the Mindful Traveler: At the hotel's spa, smart technology and expert care combine to personalize treatments, activities, and nutrition. With advanced diagnostics and visiting practitioners, guests deepen their connection to self and surroundings, gaining tools to maintain balance long after their stay. Six Senses Rome is the brand's first hotel to open in Italy. The 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, which Six Senses Rome calls its home, is an expertly restored building that recently received the LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction. The hotel includes sustainable design by architect Patricia Urquoila and various historical architectural layers are preserved throughout the building, including the 600-year-old columns and the 1,700-year-old baptism site that can be seen from the hotel's ground floor. The hotel features a customized lighting control system, and meters on each floor and at each outlet to carefully monitor energy usage. The opening of Six Senses Rome in 2023 also marked the completed renovation of the magnificent facade of the adjacent San Marcello al Corso Church, the first sustainability project sponsored by the hotel. Built over 80 years throughout the XVI century, San Marcello Al Corso Church includes the protected remains of Rome's oldest known baptism sanctuary, dating back to the IV century, and can be found under the shared basement. The hotel's Earth Lab is the epicenter of its sustainability efforts. Guests can partake in interactive workshops and engage with local community members invited for their knowledge of local craftsmanship and sustainability. The hotel hosts Sustainability Talks and Future Monday's series that invite the community to engage in meaningful conversations around environmental and social issues. It also partners with community-based environmental and social projects, and 0.5% of the hotel's revenue goes toward the dedicated Sustainability Fund. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The Uber-Rich Are Flocking To This Small Mountain Town By Roger Sands Forbes How To Best Experience The Great American Road Trip By Roger Sands
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
See inside the stylish Covent Garden hotel transformed from a dull 80s office building
Cat Thomson takes a trip down memory lane when she returns to her old beat in London on a visit to Covent Garden. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In the 1990s I was a newspaper photographer for local papers in London. Our newspaper's office was in Hammersmith, in the west of the city. But our news patch ranged from Fulham, Marylebone, Paddington, Kensington and Chelsea into Westminster and the city of London. Back then I knew my way around the streets of London like a cabbie. One minute I would take photos of the Queen arriving at the Chelsea Flower Show, and the next I would climb up a crane to get a bird's eye view of a construction site. A conference invite means I have the perfect excuse to revisit some of my old stomping grounds, after decades of absence. The garden bar. PIC: John Athimaritis Despite the vast size of London being overwhelming at first, I quickly felt at home and part of a patchwork of communities. Years later I returned north to Edinburgh for a new role and to raise a family. But I still have fond memories of my twenties, living, working and playing hard in the capital. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Returning here the sense of familiarity hit me in waves. First, the rumbles and dusty smell of the underground, and then the push to get in a crowded tube. Nowadays I opt for the lift at Covent Garden instead of climbing the 193 stairs like I used to. But stepping out in daylight, of James Street the Nag's head pub is still there - although there has been a pub on this site since the 1670s, so it is not a surprise. There's still the same hustle and bustle of performers in Covent Garden Plaza. The 141-bedroom Hotel AMANO Covent Garden has been converted from an office building. PIC: John Athimaritis My room for the night is at the stylish Amano Hotel on Drury Lane. En route, I take a wrong turn and gaze up at the exterior of St Clement Danes School. I know I have been here before, most likely photographing a school concert or a visit from Chelsea pensioners, but the exact details are lost with time. The AMANO Covent Garden is a boutique lifestyle hotel in the stable of the uber-cool Berlin-based AMANO hotel group. They aim to provide beautifully designed spaces in the best city centre locations for a reasonable price. I'm impressed they've transformed a dull 1980s office building and turned it into a stylish 141-bedroom hotel. It's located directly opposite the stage door at The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Currently, it's where Tom Hiddleston is starring in Much Ado About Nothing with Hayley Atwell and Forbes Masson. Perhaps, I should have brought a long lens to snap them leaving like an old-school paparazzi. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Inside the sleek foyer, I see statement lighting and cool features curated by London-based design studio Woods Bagot. The hotel restaurant Penelope's, located on the ground level, is led by London-born Fez Ozalgan. The female executive chef accepted her role in 2022, and with her Turkish Cypriot heritage, her culinary style reflects a melting pot of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Latin Spanish cuisine. The word is that the baklava cheesecake is divine. After an effortless check-in and a short elevator ride, I arrive at my spacious room, with its dark floorboards and sixties-inspired headboard, which oozes way more city chic than I do. The bathroom walls feature charcoal metro tiles and an impressive walk-in rainforest shower. The Daluma toiletries offer divine scents to wash away the city grime. As a weary traveller, it seems rude not to cocoon myself in a luxurious robe and settle in for the night. But London is a city that never sleeps, and I am curious to see what's happening in the 'hood. My room window overlooks the Peabody Trust's Wild Street Estate, which I'm sure I have visited previously. The Bronx-style caged basketball court is a more recent addition. Just beyond I spot The Church of Scotland Court. Despite working here for years, I never knew it existed. Intrigued, I stroll around the block to see what else I've missed on my patch in this corner of Westminster. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At night, the area comes alive. Around Covent Garden, you can find around 20 theatres, so this is the ideal location to stay if you want to take in a show. Operation Mincemeat is on at The Fortuna Theatre, or The Play That Goes Wrong at The Duchess Theatre. I pause my stroll outside the Lyceum Theatre, to witness a sea of pink fluffy illuminated pedal-powered taxi cabs, congregating outside The Lion King; the drivers jostling to attract theatregoers, by blasting out banging tunes on their speakers. I forego that pleasure and instead head back towards Drury Lane walking past Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre, and Tina at the Aldwych Theatre. But if you prefer high culture, the Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet are nearby. There's no shortage of places to eat, drink and be merry, but I have a table for the hip seventh-floor Hotel AMANO Rooftop terrace. I am here solo, so I decide to play it cool and sip a signature cocktail while drinking in the impressive panoramic skyline. The selection of tapas plates makes the perfect accompaniment. Time vanishes for me on the rooftop terrace. Maybe it's the sundowners and sweeping views of the London Eye and Big Ben, but it feels good to be back in London. A stay at Hotel AMANO Covent Garden starts from £160 per room per night.
