Glacial pace
The French hotelier Maisons & Hotels
Sibuet has applied the Sibuet family’s
customary élan to a remote alpine
retreat in the Mont-Blanc range, high
above the ski town of Chamonix. Built
in 1880 for mountaineers, Terminal
Neige Refuge du Montenvers is
perched on the edge of Mer de Glace
glacier, which is visible from all 19
rooms and suites, a 10-bed dormitory
and the two restaurants. The journey
here is part of the adventure – guests
depart Chamonix on the little red
Montenvers train that climbs through
pine forest to the lodge, in time for a
traditional Savoyard lunch on a terrace
beside the mighty glacier. Rooms from
€190. refuge.terminal-neige.comCasa a Noto, south-east Sicily
Gather 15 pals for aperitivi on the terrace with
views of vineyards and the nearby town of Noto,
renowned for its World Heritage-listed Sicilian
Baroque architecture. An hour’s drive south of
Catania airport and half an hour from the city of
Siracusa, the villa is surrounded by groves of
olives, citrus, figs and almonds on a wine estate.
Too relaxed to fuss in the kitchen? There’s a
cook on hand. The closest beach is five minutes’
drive, though guests might find it hard to stray
beyond the swimming pool in the garden, and
more aperitivi on that terrace. bellinitravel.comVilla Il Galero, Asolo, Veneto
Though only an hour’s drive from Venice Airport,
the hill town of Asolo is charmingly unspoilt.
The 17th-century Villa Il Galero is an elegant
launchpad for daytrips to La Serenissima or
the prosecco vineyards of Valdobbiadene, and
an easy passeggiata from the town’s historic
centre. Surrounded by olive groves, lawns and
gardens, the villa sleeps 13 in style, with an
assortment of ornate drawing rooms and shady
terraces for dining and lounging. The best views
of the valley and the town’s fortress are from
the heated swimming pool. bellinitravel.comVilla Robilant, Todi, Umbria
About 10 minutes’ drive from the peaceful
Umbrian town of Todi, this contemporary villa
sleeping up to eight teams traditional design with
uncommon features: a private cinema, cutting-
edge sound system, and a spa with steam bath,
plunge pool and gym. Eat in the big family kitchen
or in one of several dining rooms and terraces, or
throw a party in the garden house, with its own
outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and armchairs
surrounding a fireplace. The split-level garden has
an infinity pool on the lower level with views of
the gentle Umbrian countryside. bellinitravel.com3 OF THE BESTVillas con amici
For a taste of the high life Italian style, gather friends and family in a villa with a view.
MYSTIC RIVER
A seven-night cruise on the Mekong is a highlight of a 13-day
tour of Cambodia and Vietnam by APT in partnership with
Gourmet Traveller. It’s one of a series of journeys scheduled
next year in collaboration with GT. Departing Siem Reap on
2 February 2018, the tour takes in the World Heritage-listed
treasures of Angkor, city tours of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh
City, and leisurely detours to Mekong villages and floating
markets aboard the AmaLotus. aptouring.com.auMust visitCommonwealth Street in Surry Hills is shaping up as Sydney’s hottest ’hood. Due to open
early next year, the 29-room Paramount House Hotel will have simpatico neighbours
including an eatery by the Ester team, Paramount Coffee Project, the basement Golden
Age Cinema and co-working hub The Office Space. paramounthousehotel.comNews
28 GOURMET TRAVELLER