TRAVEL NOTES
Graydon Carter’s Monkey Bar
Heading to New York? You really mustn’t miss out on the hottest new-old restaurant in town. Manhattan’s legendary Monkey Bar, with a list of regulars that has included Dorothy Parker, Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando, has been given an overhaul by none other than Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, the new owner. Along with his partner Ken Friedman, Carter has assembled dream team of the best chefs and mixologists. Damon Wise’s cooking draws on the bold flavours and ingredients of America’s regions and heartlands: think roast red grouper with heirloom beans, cockles, guanciale, sourdough and celery leaves; Colorado lamb with matsutake, Swiss chard and horseradish, and cinnamon panna cotta with roast pumpkin and rosemary. The Elysée Hotel, 60 East 54th Street, monkeybarnewyork.com.
For Italian style try the Amalfi Coast monastery hotel
For an Italian getaway this spring or summer, book in at the hotly tipped Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa, opening in May. Suspended over the Bay of Salerno, the hotel was a 17th century monastery and consists of 20 guest rooms and suites, all with sea views, a restaurant, a heated infinity pool, stunning landscaped gardens spread over five tiers, a historic herb garden and a private 12th century chapel. The spa incorporates a labyrinth of historic monastic spaces and outdoor pavilions. Opening 17 May. Rooms start from €375 plus Tax on a b&b basis. www.monasterosantarosa.com
ITC opens a new flagship venture in Chennai
Chennai is to gain a 600-room luxury hotel from April with the opening of the ITC Grand Chola, located between the airport and the business district. The 10-storey property is named after the Chola Empire, which reigned over most of south India from the 9th-13th century. www.itchotels.in/ITCGrandChola