There was a period in the 1980s when no visit to London was complete without lunch at Le Caprice. The salmon cakes were legendary; the people-watching was extraordinary; and the two owners, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, were personifications of urbane charm. The duo went on to open The Ivy, to revive J. Sheekey, and to create The Wolseley. All three restaurants rapidly became London legends and landmarks. Now Corbin and King have opened The Beaumont, a boutique hotel in Mayfair. Given their track record, I assume it will be a triumph.
Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald are veterans of the safari business, having spent 15 years at the helm of &Beyond, a pioneering ecotourism company. Their latest venture is Angama Mara: two camps, each comprising 15 tented suites designed by well-known architect Silvio Rech, that overlook the Maasai Mara from a perch 1,000 feet above the plains. Angama is a Swahili word meaning “suspended in midair,” and the suites boast uninterrupted views of one of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa. The property is the fulfillment of a dream for the Fitzgeralds. It is set to open in June 2015.
I have long been a fan of Fiji, a country with some of the friendliest people in the world. My three recommended properties are all located on small private islands, as I have yet to find a resort on the main island of Viti Levu that meets the required standard. However, this may be about to change with the news that Auberge Resorts has taken over the management of a new property on the southern coast. Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji comprises 24 sumptuous suites and villas, plus a clubhouse and spa. I intend to pay a visit and will report back as soon as possible.
In the ’90s, there was no restaurant I enjoyed more than Stars in San Francisco. Owned by chef Jeremiah Tower, the place made you feel as though you were at the center of the universe. A glass of Champagne magically appeared in your hand when you entered, and the food was inventive and delicious. Tower closed Stars in 1999 and retired to Mexico. So it was with astonishment that I learned that he is taking over at New York’s Tavern on the Green. The beloved restaurant reopened earlier this year after an extensive makeover to disastrous reviews. I can’t wait to see what Tower will do.
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