In the Laurentides, Mauricie and Charlevoix regions, leaving behind the summer heat you can still practice open-air sports, like fishing and make kayak and rabaska (the long Indian canoe) excursions, or go through wood paths by foot, by bike, on a horseback or by quad.

In this moment of the year the eyes get lost in the huge maple expanses which create an unbelievable colour vibration: red, orange, gold, brown, the colours of trees losing leaves while waiting for the winter. Between peat bogs and tee-pees, lakes and red-hot woods, from one sucrerie to the other to learn how to make maple syrup, in Quebec in this period one can enjoy a sudden rise of temperature 820-22 degrees) and a fable atmosphere.

To stay in total harmony with nature, there is the Hotel Sacacomie in Saint Alexis des Monts, co-resort fully built with pine trunks, very simple oasis of rustic elegance with 109 rooms, half of which with whirlpool bath, boutique, Spa and panoramic restaurant. After an excursion at the beaver reserve, after reaching an Indian village by canoe, fishing and dining beneath trees branches, after a tour on a hydroplane unveiling the isolation of the place, one can enjoy a Swedish massage or taste a cognac in front of the fireplace.

Of a different kind is the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, obtained by a Victorian palace. A resort with golf field and Spa, whose building has been built with huge cider trunks, rustic luxury hitting right when entering the hall, with at the centre a monumental fireplace. The game reserve surrounding the resort is wonderful: a lodge with 70 lakes, a real escape from the world.

www.bonjourquebec.com/it
www.sacacomie.com
www.fairmont.com

Italian version

In this very international community – the guests of Careyes come from over forty Countries- Alberto Ardissone created his tournament: the Copa Agua Alta. In this magic place, during the Holy Week, since 1999 the fans of polo and not only, et together for ten days of competitions, parties and fun under the Mexican sun.
Originally conceived of as “a couple of games among friends” on the occasion of Ardissone´s birthday, today the Copa Agua Alta – deriving its name from its founder´s spectacular house – attracts, besides players of all levels and nationalities, also important sponsor such as UBS, BMW and Scappino.

On the field in this edition eight teams, made of people coming from Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Columbia, Switzerland, United States, Canada and Peru. International as well is the audience that bets on the games, in doing so helping to collect money destined to the Fondo Memorial Eduardo Vargas, an institution supporting disabled children in the marginal areas of Mexico.

Copa Agua Alta, though, is not only polo; it is, in fact, well known also for the events surrounding the games. Parties in the wonderful local houses and on the boat Odissey owned by Fernando Botero, dinners in the restaurants of the resort and on the splendid beach of Teopa, complete with full moon, entertained the guests throughout the tournament. The event was ended with an award closing ceremony, accompanied by the folkloristic music of the mariachi, local dishes prepared at the edge of the field and, in the evening, a toga party perfectly in line with the essence of Careyes.

It is really the perfect balance between the activities taking place in the field and those outside of it the salient characteristic of this event, attracting more and more people every year, all enthusiastic about meeting in this tropical resort for a week of polo and fun.

Magic places, breathtaking nature, an exclusive and international environment, demonstrate once again that polo and luxury go hand in hand. Where polo is, is luxury; where polo is, regardless whether on an iced lake, an Argentinean field or an exclusive resort on the Mexican coast, there is a life style able to leave speechless even the most demanding.

Allegra Nasi

Italian version

The first meeting is dedicated to the experts of the field and takes place at the Old Harbour of Genova from 4th to 8th May. Will be gathered brokers and charter agencies operating in the luxury navigation.

From 15th to 17th May the protagonist is the Arsenal of Venice with Mare Maggio, tour starting from the past and projecting into the future, in one of the most fascinating areas of the city, symbolic place of the marine and the naval art.

From 8th to 10th May it’s the time of Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show, showing the last novelties in terms of navigation and luxury especially from Asia, through events, concerts and fashion shows, followed by the 14th edition of Internautica 2009, that will take place at the Marina Portoroz in Slovenia and will host the most prestigious brands of the yachting industry, of accessorizes and clothing.

From 15th to 21st May takes place in Rio de Janeiro the Rio Boat Show, with top products presented by the most important brands of the sector concerning also the fans of water sports and fishing, among boat races and testing.

Follows, from 20th to 24th  May, the Beirut Boat Show, important date for the brands aiming to an expansion in the middle-eastern markets. On exhibition, besides sailing boats and yachts, accessorizes, instruments, clothing for the fans of navigation, fishing and water sports.

To conclude, from 21st to 24th May in Australia, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the biggest show on water of the Asia-Pacific region. Besides Australian brands, will be present firms from the five continents that, supported by the dealers of the region, will present their products to an international public. Will be launched novelties, among the others, by Grand Banks, Sunseeker, Montebello.

Italian version

One of the most popular islands among the fans of extreme holidays is the Komodo National Park, stretching across the Rinca Island, Padar and the Komodo Island, 400 km away from Bali. After forgetting any kind of comfort, you can visit the only human settlement, the small fishing village Kampung Komoso, half hour walk from Loh Liang, the only tourist camp endowed with wooden cabins, with only one grocery shop, or the Loh Buaya camp on Rinca, without any comfort. Here “all” you can find is the exclusiveness if a holiday consecrated to adventure, in the company of the prehistoric “dragons”, the huge reptiles that derive their name from the island, excellent guided walks, game with buffalos, birdwatching and seaside lifestyle. Two alternatives: go on board of one of the glass-bottomed local ships, or go to the discover of a tropical fauna explorable 365 days a year, featuring whale sharks, sunfish, mantas, razzas and eagle rays and a micro paradise of tunicates and corals.

For the fans of diving, the Maldivian Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa allows to observe closely the giant mantas with a wing span beyond five meters. We are talking about the Addu atoll, in the northern Maldives, and of the Villingili Island, where the expert divers of the Eco Centre identified three special spots for diving with a program for detection and pictures of the sea bed. The most expert Jacques Cousteau who will immortalize these kites of the abysses will contribute to the photographic archive of the Eco Centre, aiming at completing the study on the population and the displacements of the giant mantas.

Not only. For a special evening, the Villingili Resort offers a mask service of Dine By Design, whereby the guests will be able to choose among a dinner consecrated to the jungle – to plunge into the exhuberant vegetation of the resort -, or a lunch by the Equator line on board of a luxury yacht, or a barbecue on an uninhabited island with personal chef, or a tasting of prestigious wines with a gourmet dinner on a beach where to shore on a dhoni, the typical Maldivian boat.

As an alternative, why not “relax oneself” swimming among the sharks in the Indian Ocean, choosing the La Digue Island, one of the most uncontaminated of the Seychelles? To welcome the most adventurous tourists there will be a virgin forest and uncontaminated tropical beaches, such as the notorious Anse Source d’Argent, incredible resource for the fans of snorkelling, diving and fishing. About 20 minutes diving where to go as deep as 26 meters, although already at 18, at Red Point, Curieuse Island, one can have a pleasant meeting with mantas, razzas, tortoises and sharks.

For the explorers of the Earth eschewing the traditional circuits, the Drive Out Travel Consulting consents to discover the North of Vietnam, an exceptional region in ethnological terms. During the trip it is possible to meet incredible populations, still linked to very ancient habits and customs, surrounded by a thousand-year atmosphere made of temples, floating markets in the delta of the Mekong and rice fields with country women with panama hats, leaving and returning to Hanoi.

On 20th June, instead, starts a special Safari in Iceland, an adventure on a 4×4 guided by the professional reporter Guido Bissattini, Italian champion for naturalistic photography 2006, already winner for the special theme “animals in digiscoping” in 2007. On this holiday it will be possible to personalize the itineraries, agreeing it with the troupe, and to choose to cross severe landscapes, to observe closely the eternal glaciers or the typical geysers. A world of intense colours, from the black of the lava to the azure of the sulphur sources, to catch in the shots of the holiday, made even more special by the suggestions from famous authors.

Komodo:
http://www.divetheworldindonesia.com/it/it-komodo-diving-sites.htm
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort: www.shangri-la.com
Isola di La Digue: http://www.ladigue.sc/ oppure http://www.paradisoseychelles.it
Vietnam – Drive Out Travel Consulting: www.driveout.it – tel 02 48519445
Safari in Islanda: http://www.impronteviaggi.com

Italian version

Manufacturer of footwear for horse-riding, very appreciated in the horse world – sixty per cent of the two hundred top Italian horsemen uses its riding boots -, approached polo only few years ago, stimulated by the willingness to discover a very particular and unique reality.
In this sport, in fact, the materials have peculiar characteristics: besides being comfortable and elegant and from allowing freedom of movement, they also have to protect from the contact with opponents, with the sticks and with the ball, that can reach a 180km/h speed.

The boots, usually in leather brown and with frontal zip – facilitating their removal in case of incidents -, are thought to offer, besides comfort and protection, also a good stability on the saddle.
The knee-pads, in various styles and sizes, are also made of leather and padded and, although they repair the articulation, must not interfere with the contact between horseman and horse.

The helmets are present in various models and colours. Since head injuries are the most frequent in equestrian sports – as well as the most dangerous -, must be not only light but also able to absorb the shock of possible impacts. The eyes are protected by shockproof glasses conceived, with the lenses resistant to the impact with the ball and the structure to that with the stick, moving up to 40 km/h. Besides the glasses, one can also choose to wear a protective steel mask, installed on the helmet.
Together with the classic and very elegant white trousers and to the tops carrying the team’s name, these items constitute the polo players’ outfit.

Besides the technical characteristics, however, in a world made of trend-setter, elegance and style gain even more importance. This sport is, in fact, practised by people who demand the most; people who go on holidays on the most exclusive locations, who drive luxury cars, who wear clothes by the best designers and who, even on the field, choose materials that reflect their image.

It is exactly this union between technical and aesthetic qualities is the winning card for Alberto Fasciani, who find in this reality a new challenge: the challenge to enter an environment with its own rules and in which the password is fashion statement. “My experiences with polo, to the time being, are definitely excellent – says Fasciani enthusiastically -; although I am familiar with the horse riding world, this is one if its very interesting varieties, that stimulates me to find innovative solutions to offer to my clients products that fulfil their expectation”.

Thus, even for a brand like Alberto Fasciani, polo really seems to be a passport to the world, as defined by Winston Chirchill; a world reserved to few, aspired to by many and never trivial.

Allegra Nasi

Italian version

One of the least popular, and as such most precious, resorts is Vulcanello, at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago, that holds back for his guests the sight of its spectacular islands.

In this framework, as dark as the lava stone that generated it, and in the blue reflex of the Mediterranean waters stand out Therasia Resort, paradise of hospitality and elegance.

The harmonic lines of the structure in clear “Aeolian” style welcome the modern Ulysses coming from the sea, while those coming from the build-up-centre, only 1km away, can appreciate the bond with Sicily in the local materials with which the resort was first created ( in 2006) and then restructured.

The heat of the place coincides with the elegance of the rooms, 95, all framed by light architectures and vaults pending in the exuberant Aeolian nature. Different solutions are available: Classic, with balcony or patio with garden view; Superior, wide with terrace or balcony with lateral sea view; Comfort, with balcony with sea view; De Luxe, with terrace with sea and islands view; Junior Suite, with balcony with sea view and, some, with four-poster bed and with terrace with sea view; Master, with swimming-pool with sea view and Jacuzzi for two on the terrace; Suite, with sea view swimming-pool and Jacuzzi on the terrace.

Besides the benefits offered by the resort, the nature and sport lovers will have the chance to venture into the beach “Black Sands”, only 800 meters away, enjoy the diving centre or, eventually, go for a walk dedicated to trekking. To rest, the garden offers two swimming-pool one of which is whirlpool and with waterfall but there is also a life path tucked away among succulent plants. It is also possible to choose among the restaurants “Il Cappero” and “Arcipelago”; the last one is distinguished by the Sicilian menu and by the excellent wine selection, to taste by candlelight on the terrace on the sea.

For the body and the minds there is the Wellness Centre “Therasia”, ideal to give oneself up to the available treatments while admiring the wonderful sunset on Lipari, soothed by the seawater swimming-pool. Alchemic aromas, scented oils, relaxing baths and advanced massage techniques to move away tiredness and stress.

A “mythical” stay that, only for the readers of Luxgallery.it will be rendered unforgettable by a special package for a 4 nights stay including accommodation and breakfast. It will be enough to call the number 090-985-2555 specifying you are a reader of Luxgallery and that you want tomake use of the package.

Here are the solutions:

In Classic Room: € 460 per person until 15 June; € 520 per person until 3 July; in Comfort Room sea view: € 580 per person until 5 June; € 660 per person until 3 July.

Supplement half board: € 45 per day per person.

The exclusive proposal for Luxgallery includes also a trekking walk on the volcano with guide (45 minutes to the peak, average difficulty, to reach with suitable shoes) and 2 entries to the natural mud Pool, with endless healing dowry.

Who doesn’t want the “package”, can choose, as alternative, for a minimum of 3-nights stay, an excursion to Stromboli to watch the splendid show of the “gold sciara”, stopping at Panarea on the way there.

For reservations and information:
+39 090-9852555
info@therasiaresort.it
www.therasiaresort.it/

Italian version

Planned and built with exquisite taste in the best Arabic-Andalusian style, the The Residence Tunis is located in La Marsa, near Carthagen and Sidi Bou Said, overlooking a large stretch of golden sands that leads to the sea. The hotel, a reference point for élite tourism has been built in Kasbah style, thus recreating a refined and fascinating atmosphere: surrounded by palm gardens and Mediterranean maquis gently sloping down to the sea, positioned on the beach of Les Cotes de Carthage, only twenty minutes away from the centre of Tunis, it is to this date the only Tunisian hotel of the group “The Leading Hotels of the World”.

The palace, built in Arabic-Andalusian style, hosts 170 rooms, 9 of which are suites, well distributed over 4 floors with private terraces. Almost all of the rooms enjoy sea view and are built with original noble materials. The hotel offers a stay marked by unforgettable experiences; traditional Tunisian dinners at the El Dar, with traditional music, dances and singing; Pecheur dinners, with the best spiced seafood.

The restaurants cater for all tastes: the Oliver offers a cuisine, which the chefs themselves call “sunny”, rich in colours and smells of the best Mediterranean tradition; at Li Bai, in the decor of claustras, red lacquered seats, delicate china, artistic works and serene music, our Chefs serve a large selection of subtle dishes from every corner of millenary China; while at the Poolside Bar e Grill, you can enjoy in your swimsuits light salads, vegetables and pizzas. For those guests who really have to or want to stick to their diets, the Le Neroli offers light meals with controlled nutritional value and, through the assistance of a dietician, allows to plan personalised nutritional programs.

Heir of a long tradition of hydrothermal treatments, Tunisia is nowadays the second destination worldwide for wellness tourism and the Thermes Marins de Carthage is the most famous centre for thalassic therapy in the country.

Entirely surrounded by pillars, patios and fountains, the centre recreates the magical atmosphere of ancient Roman thermal baths and of oriental hamman, Turkish baths, to welcome guests and make them feel at the centre of every attention. The hotel spa offers Thalassotherapy treatments, while the modern fitness centre provides professional advice by specialists, including doctors, hydro-therapists, cinesi-therapists and fitness instructors. It is the ideal place to relax and practice sports while dipping into the blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

Speaking about sport, Residence Tunis has chosen Robert Trent Jones II, international acclaimed designer for his talent and his ability to combine the pleasure of game with natural environment, to build its splendid The Residence Golf Course: an exceptional golf course, located in the heart of a natural reserve where migrating birds surround and accompany the player along the 18 holes. The Residence golf course enjoys an idyllic position and a sunny climate throughout the year. Characterised by wonderful views overlooking the landscape, it is rich in connections around the lake shores, where intricate fairways dotted by water obstacles alternate. Particular attention has been paid to the integration of the 18 holes with the landscape, in order to respect the natural shape of the place and its ecological bonds, thus creating not only one of the best golf courses in the Mediterranean area, but also one of the most environmentally friendly.

This PAR 72, 6,451 m long, where a 26 HCP is advised, offers an incredible view and the sensation of being in a another world. But the mild climate and the all-year-round sun must not make the player forget the challenges of the track. This place, where competition is constantly present and game corners are stimulating, is sometimes caressed by sea breeze and sometimes swept by African winds, a very emotional experience for the guest. Golf players can find a sufficient number of obstacles that challenge their skills, requiring strength and precision of shots.

Robert Trent Jones II has designed over 240 golf courses in 4 continents: The Residence Golf course represents his first work in North Africa. With its 4,000 square metres, the Club House is an majestic architectural jewel, whose exceptional accommodation and services are exactly what ever could be desired for a relaxing after-game. The restaurant and its contemporary atmosphere offers to choose between an internal dining room and a big terrace. The menu, incredibly inspired by the flavours of the entire world, is able to satisfy even the more demanding gourmets. With its swimming pool and welcoming atmosphere, players will be glad to have a stop in this place, which combines wonderful Zen peace with a certain glamour.

The Residence Golf Course provides all the services required by the standards of an international level classy golf: training classes, lessons for beginners and advanced players, golf carts rental, carts and bags produced with the most recent design, a spacious grass driving range hosting up to 80 players, two bunkers and pitching green, a pro shop, caddie and restoration services along the whole track.

It is said that in 1680, due to the passion for the scent of orange blossom by Italian Princess Nerola, this fragrance become fashionable in the entire city of Rome; the denomination Neroli was indeed adopted to designate the scent of orange blossoms. The hotel chose this delightful soothing fragrance of orange blossom as its own signature to delicately perfume the glamour atmosphere of the hotel. The lobby and the rooms are scented by the delicate aroma to subtly mark our memories of a serene stay.

The Residence – Tunis Hotel & Golf Course
Les côtes de Carthage
BP 697 – 2079 La Marsa Tunisia
Phone: (0021671)910101 – Fax: (0021671)910144
www.theresidence.com
sales-tunis@theresidence.com – golf-tunis@theresidence.com