March 2023 Newsletter
- 01 March 2023
JW MARRIOTT DEBUTS IN SPAIN WITH THE OPENING OF JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MADRID
JW Marriott unveils its first property in Spain with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Madrid. Located in the cultural charm of the Canalejas zone, next to the iconic, dynamic, and bustling Puerta del Sol, the luxurious new hotel sits in the heart of the city, moments away from prestigious art institutions and theatres. Designed by Rockwell, JW Marriott Hotel Madrid offers a new standard of luxury, one that inspires guests to achieve balance and become present in body, mind, and spirit. Every detail of the hotel is curated to encourage guests to reflect and recharge. Whether it is soaking in the striking views of the city from the privacy of their guestroom terrace, enjoying the botanical oasis of El Patio JW Garden where ingredients used by the restaurant and cocktail bar are grown, or indulging in the city’s gardens with a picnic of local produce arranged by the hotel, mindful moments can be found and created anywhere. Ingrained in the brand’s belief that true luxury is having the time and space to focus on what matters most – oneself – the new 139-guestroom hotel offers guests an inspiring urban retreat in the centre of the Spanish capital. Most suites have large terraces boasting spectacular views of the city below. In addition to the large and fully equipped fitness room and wellness area, the property has designed special in-room experiences allowing guests to enjoy a personalised wellness journey during their stay. Yoga mats are available in all rooms, and complimentary access through QR codes to video workouts and meditation practices allow guests to nurture their physical well-being. Creating a feast for the senses, the hotel has also partnered with renowned, Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, to create a dining and cocktail concept at the hotel’s restaurant QÚ that elevates and subtly reinvents local flavour.
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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH GRANDI IMMOBILI ITALIANI S.R.L TO BRING THE RITZ-CARLTON TO LAKE COMO
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Grimit S.r.l. to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Italy. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio will be a significant conversion of the former Hotel Grande Bretagne in Bellagio, bringing the brand’s legendary service and elegant aesthetic to Lake Como, one of Italy’s most coveted destinations. Spread over a 16,500 square metre estate, the regeneration scheme will mark the most notable hospitality development project in the Lake Como area in recent years and involve a complete conservative restoration, reimagining the property with the utmost respect for its historical significance. The spectacular waterfront property is slated to offer 59 guestrooms and 46 suites, including two Ritz-Carlton suites boasting luxurious furnishings and panoramic lake views. Resort facilities are anticipated to offer a destination spa complete with an indoor pool, casual and fine dining restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, in addition to extensive parkland which will house an outdoor pool, meditation garden and private boat deck to allow guests’ effortless access to other destinations on the lake. The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio will be strategically located within a fifteen-minute walk of Bellagio’s attractions such as Punta Spartivento, Villa Melzi and the gardens of Parco Villa Serbelloni.
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BOOK A LAST-MINUTE EASTER GETAWAY WITH MARRIOTT BONVOY
With Easter just around the corner, Marriott Bonvoy shares fantastic destinations with last-minute availability to book a fun-filled break for the family across Europe and Africa. Getaways include quintessentially British breaks at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club - perfect for families to have fun in an easter egg hunt set within the hotel’s grand country estate, and a trip to London Marriott Hotel County Hall which offers a front-row view of London’s landmarks including Big Ben and easy access to The Tate Modern. Sun seekers can check-in to the recently renovated Le Méridien Ile Maurice for an ultimate island escape. Set along a kilometre of pristine white sandy beach in Pointe aux Piments, the resort boasts vibrant coral reefs and verdant rainforest acting as a natural playground for families with children of all ages. Alternatively, at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, an authentic Greek Orthodox Easter awaits families with immersive cultural experiences from adorning the “Epitaphios” with flowers on the Holy Friday morning to preparing delicious traditional Easter delicacies with local communities.
TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO SPARKS NEW PERSPECTIVES WITH THE OPENING OF LAÏLA, SEYCHELLES, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO RESORT
Iaïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort marks the debut of Tribute Portfolio in the Seychelles, offering a peaceful oasis perfect for travellers who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community. Located close to Anse Royal, the picturesque white sandy beach on the Southeastern coast of Mahé island, the resort features a harmoniously calming colour palette complemented by pops of green that pay homage to the tropical surroundings. 76 bespoke guestrooms are decorated with nature-inspired aesthetics, featuring a mural of the Seychelles’ plant silhouette and hand-woven macramé bed board. Guests can upgrade their stay to one of the eight suites, including the Senior Suite with a private plunge pool and terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort is home to five restaurants and bars, a water sports centre, swimming pool, 24/7 gym, spa, barbershop and kids’ recreation area. Anchored by the brand’s passion to drive connections with the locale, the resort curates a series of village experiences including Creole cooking classes, weaving demonstrations, and Moutya music experiences. Guests looking to live like a local can join insiders on day trips to explore the village market, embark on a fishing trip, hike through the jungle, or take expeditions to neighbouring islands arranged by native experts.
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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NEOM TO OPEN THREE PROPERTIES WITHIN LUXURY ISLAND DESTINATION SINDALAH
Marriott International, Inc. has announced an agreement with NEOM to open three properties on its luxury island destination Sindalah, situated in the Red Sea off the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia. The multi-deal agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first Autograph Collection Hotels property, as well as two Luxury Collection properties. Offering global travellers a gateway to the world’s most captivating destinations, The Luxury Collection is expected to open two properties in the highly anticipated island destination, featuring transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Slated to open in 2024, a beach resort will offer a mix of 70 luxury guestrooms and suites, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas all featuring private pools. The second Luxury Collection hotel, projected to open in 2024, is expected to be an all-suite property offering 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, and will be situated in the heart of the retail and marina district of Sindalah. Both Luxury Collection properties are set to showcase multiple culinary experiences and leisure facilities. Autograph Collection Hotels are a product of passion inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special. Expected to open in 2024, the Autograph Collection property in Sindalah is anticipated to offer rich immersive moments that will leave a lasting imprint for guests. Plans for the resort include 66 guestrooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa.
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DISCOVER GERMANY THIS SPRING WITH MARRIOTT BONVOY
Marriott Bonvoy has handpicked four German destinations that make a fantastic city break in the cherry blossom season. In Berlin, travellers can be one of the first to experience JW Marriott Berlin, a haven of transformative experiences with a commitment to well-being set in Potsdamer Platz, the capital’s shopping and nightlife district. Alternatively, art lovers can check out Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection, a boutique hotel combining 1920s Art Nouveau and modern design throughout its 87 guestrooms and suites in Charlottenburg, offering easy access to West Berlin’s attractions. Munich will host Frühlingsfest which is known as Oktoberfest’s ‘little sister’ in April, followed by Maibaumfest, another traditional Bavarian festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Located only a ten minutes’ walk from Marienplatz where Frühlingsfest is held, the 184-guestroom Aloft Munich offers an ideal base with urban-inspired décor and Live@Aloft, the brand’s live music event series. Wolfsburg is home to Autostadt, the automotive exhibition complex by Volkswagen AG, Hans Scharoun’s Theatre and the phæno Science Centre designed by the late Zaha Hadid. Here, travellers will be stunned by The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg which sits within the Autostadt complex. After a day of discovery, guests can unwind at the hotel’s free-floating heated infinity pool and indulge in a nine-course gourmet experience at Aqua, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant named Germany’s best gourmet restaurant by the Hornstein Ranking 2022. In Frankfurt, the time-honoured Dippemess will return to Festplatz in April and celebrates its 678th anniversary, bringing back traditional pottery stalls alongside high-tech rides, bratwurst and apfelwein with live folk music. The Westin Grand Frankfurt, which recently completed a 25-month renovation, offers an urban retreat with a wellness-inspired philosophy and a refreshing design. Guests seeking to recover from the celebration fatigue can check in to one of its 372 guestrooms and suites designed with calming earthy colours and enjoy the Heavenly Bath in the redesigned bathrooms.
DUO MILAN PORTA NUOVA, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL, MAKES ITS SPIRITED ENTRANCE IN MILAN
Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s growing global collection of characterful, independent hotels has welcomed Duo Milan Porta Nuova, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Marking the second Tribute Portfolio property in Italy, the hotel is ideally located in Porta Nuova which is known as Milan’s design, fashion and business hub. Following a captivating transformation of the former Four Points hotel led by Il Prisma, an international architecture firm with Italian origins, the opening combines sincere services and charming Milanese experiences, anchored by the brand’s passion for captivating design. Its 239 guestrooms are adorned with bright colours and indie-spirited details that reference the urban landscape. Guests can mingle at Duo Bistrot, the property’s chic signature restaurant dressed in brass details combined with industrial-inspired touches or unwind in the lively atmosphere of Duo Café after a day of touring the city.
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SUITE DREAMS AT OLD TRAFFORD
Marriott Hotels® along with Manchester United, one of the world’s most popular sports teams, are offering fans the chance to win an overnight stay at Old Trafford. The winner of the Marriott Hotels Suite of Dreams global sweepstakes will enjoy an extraordinary prize with an overnight stay the night before Manchester United’s Premier League home match against Aston Villa on April 30th, 2023. Bringing signature Marriott Hotels experiences to Old Trafford, the winners will enjoy a night in the Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stadium; in-suite dining experiences; a private museum and stadium tour; interact with stadium announcer Alan Keegan; matchday tickets and hospitality; and mix and mingle with club legends throughout. To enter, visit ManUtd.com/SuiteofDreams and complete a submission before 11:59 EST on April 6th, 2023. See website for full terms and conditions. Marriott Bonvoy Moments with Manchester United are currently live through to the end of the season, including an incredible “Play on the Pitch” experience where members can participate in a football match at Old Trafford Stadium in May, coached by Manchester United Legends. Experiences for the 2023-2024 season will be released this summer on moments.marriottbonvoy.com.
MARRIOTT HOTELS DEBUTS IN ALBANIA’S EMERGING CAPITAL WITH THE OPENING OF TIRANA MARRIOTT HOTEL
Marriott Hotels has opened Tirana Marriott Hotel, marking the brand’s debut in the Balkan country of Albania. Offering a fantastic location in the emerging capital city of Tirana, within walking distance to historical and cultural sites such as the National History Museum, National Stadium and Tanners’ Bridge, the modern 24-story hotel has 155 sophisticated guestrooms - including 24 spacious suites - all of which offer panoramic views of the city. Featuring a modern, thoughtful design, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers, who are welcomed by the brand’s signature Great Room lobby - a stylish hub where guests can combine work with pleasure. Guests staying in executive guestrooms can enjoy 24-hour access to the M Club, a residential-style lounge space to relax, connect and socialise with complimentary refreshments and snacks. Terra restaurant offers a fresh take on sharing plates, from dips and crudites to charcuterie, alongside fish and meat dishes, blending the culinary traditions of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines with classic Albanian dishes.
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MARRIOTT BONVOY, THE RITZ-CARLTON AND MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM LAUNCH EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES FOR THE 2023 SEASON
Marriott Bonvoy and The Ritz-Carlton are inviting members to experience the thrill of motorsport through its long-standing relationship with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Starting with the Miami Grand Prix in May, VIP experiences with Marriott Bonvoy Moments will be released throughout the entire 2023 season, allowing members to fully immerse themselves in the world of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Members can use points earned from travel and everyday activities to bid on exclusive packages, including a lap around a race circuit in a high-performance Mercedes-AMG car driven by a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Driver; a sleepover on the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team yacht during the Monaco Grand Prix; behind-the-scenes access to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team over the race weekend and more. Marriott Bonvoy Moments packages with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team are now live for the season at moments.marriottbonvoy.com. Additional Moments packages will be added throughout the season.
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THE GRITTI PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, VENICE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SAVE VENICE TO RESTORE ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN VENICE’S PALAZZO DUCALE
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice has announced a partnership with Save Venice to support its latest campaign to preserve the spectacular ‘Room of Four Doors’ in Palazzo Ducale. Save Venice is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Venice’s historical and cultural heritage. With this partnership, the organisation has committed to funding the conservation of the ‘Room of Four Doors’ elaborate and ornate decorative ceiling - complete with frescoes by Jacopo Tintoretto - and the grand Four Doors from which the room takes its name. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice will support Save Venice's work by bringing increased international attention to the unique challenges facing the historic city and play an important role in leading corporate support for the campaign, financing the preservation of the Door to the Senate and contributing to the conservation of the ceiling. The work is anticipated to commence this spring. The partnership also gives the hotel’s guests a rare opportunity to view a selection of the conservation projects currently underway, as well as recently completed restoration projects around the city, through tailor-made behind-the-scenes visits led by Save Venice experts.
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THE RITZ-CARLTON DEBUTS IN MELBOURNE CAPTURING THE SPIRIT AND RHYTHM OF ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST DYNAMIC DESTINATIONS
The Ritz-Carlton has opened the doors to The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, debuting an oasis of elevated luxury in the heart of the Australian metropolis. Designed by Australian architects Cottee Parker and interior designers BAR Studios, the hotel’s stunning spaces from the ground floor gallery to the Sky Lobby reception on level 80 showcase an acknowledgement of place and indigenous heritage, expressed through the beautifully curated artworks. Allowing the panoramic city views to take centre stage, the property’s 257 elegant guestrooms are understated with dark wood and simple natural stone punctuated with hand-made glass panels, custom light fixtures and touches of gold. The Ritz-Carlton Suite, one of the city’s largest, spans the length of the building and boasts a separate living and dining room, walk-through wardrobe, and in-room sauna. Reflecting the city’s love for epicurean experiences, the hotel features three distinct culinary venues including the signature restaurant Atria, helmed by Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw in partnership with Culinary Advisor, Mark Best, to present progressive menu concepts featuring hyper-seasonal ingredients and local produce. Cameo, an intimate and sophisticated cocktail bar set high over the city serves up exceptional spirits, rare vintages, and the art of mixology. For those looking for a more relaxed bite, The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge is perfect for casual luncheons, dinners, and drinks.
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HOTEL BRISTOL, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, WARSAW LAUNCHES NEW GIN BAR ‘LANE’S’
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw opens Lane’s, an eccentric bar with a focus on world-class gin and Nikkei cuisine, a combination of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques. Designed by London’s Sagrada, the new bar’s interior showcases a mix of traditional polish accents and contemporary Art Deco influences, creating a timeless space ideal for gin sipping. At Lane’s, guests can expect a bespoke bar ritual curated by the mixologists, who are experts in classic cocktails as well as creating recipes using locally infused ingredients with an extensive collection of rare spirits, such as Xibal Gin and the Norwegian Harahorn Gin. Signature pairing dishes include ceviche, wagyu anticuchos, tempura maki and mini tacos with salmon or tuna.
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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INKS LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH RUA AL MADINAH HOLDING COMPANY TO OPEN EIGHT HOTELS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight hotels in the Holy City of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The anticipated openings will feature approximately 4,400 guestrooms across eight of the company’s brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott. The planned properties will form part of the wider Rua Al Madinah Project which aims to elevate the service and travel experience for visitors to Madinah. The openings in Madinah are part of Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia where the company’s current portfolio encompasses 36 properties and over 10,000 guestrooms across 11 of its brands. Highlights will include The Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinah, which is slated to offer 151 luxurious guestrooms and suites, multiple world-class restaurants and bars, a 500-square metre ballroom, fitness centre and a Ritz Kids space, and the JW Marriott Rua Al Madinah, anticipated to feature 252 well-appointed guestrooms and suites along with multiple dining concepts, a fitness centre and meeting facilities.
VEGAN WILDN RESTAURANT AT SAPPHIRE HOUSE ANTWERP, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION RECEIVES ‘GREEN’ MICHELIN STAR
WILDn, the plant-based fine dining restaurant at Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection has been awarded a 2023 Green Michelin Star for its dedication to sustainable and ethical gastronomy in less than six months since opening. The restaurant is helmed by the talented chef and culinary entrepreneur Bart De Pooter, best known for his restaurant Pastorale which has been awarded two Michelin stars. The first of its kind in Antwerp, WILDn takes plant-based cuisine to new heights with a tasting menu that takes guests on a journey of the best flavours, textures and colours of the season. Serving the finest local vegetables, herbs and flowers - either grown at Chef Bart’s own agricultural project or from local farms - the restaurant embodies farm-to-plate dining with its name even paying homage to the wild herbs and flowers used on the menu. Chef Bart’s signature simplistic dishes include broccolini, chives and peanut ras el hanout with red chicory, white bean and rosemary. The restaurant also serves a selection of natural and biodynamic wines which evolve with the seasons to complement the flavours of the tasting menus.
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CARO & SELIG, TEGERNSEE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION OPENS IN THE HEART OF TEGERNSEE
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels championing individuality, has welcomed Caro & Selig, Tegernsee, Autograph Collection to its portfolio. Named after Caroline von Baden, the first queen of Bavaria in the 18th century, the hotel creates a place where her legacy can live on in a contemporary way. Its stylish curved shape with rounded walls creates a comforting atmosphere across 125 guestrooms and suites, all offering plenty of daylight with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the mountains, the city or the lake. The property’s spaces radiate a warm and cosy décor with traditional Bavarian materials such as loden, leather and wood, and an elegant colour scheme of Bavarian white and blue complemented with stylish details in light grey and gold. Foodies can enjoy FREYHEIT, helmed by Chef Sebastian Neiderhell who combines Bavarian cuisine with international influences on a seasonal menu, spanning a range of grilled dishes with a vegetarian focus, or sip a cocktail at NI Bar, the stunning rooftop terrace offering stunning views of The Alps. Those seeking relaxation after a long day in nature can be pampered at the hotel’s Spa which features two saunas, a steam bath and an indoor swimming pool.
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THE ST. REGIS MARDAVALL MALLORCA UNVEILS TERRA RESTAURANT
The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort has reopened for the season with a new dining venue, Terra - a farm-to-table restaurant designed by Lázaro-Rosa Violán delivering a gastronomic experience in a Majorcan manor house setting. The restaurant perfectly blends the heritage of Mallorca with the brand’s exquisite design, decorated with canvas, thread and Ikat fabrics, wood and stone, and a range of colours reminiscent of the Balearic Islands. The menu highlights fresh local and seasonal produce with its signature dishes such as carpaccio, smoked octopus, wild asparagus, white bean hummusand grilled sea bass. Terra also serves gourmet breakfast for guests and locals offering traditional specialties made with ensaimada (Mallorcan pastry), sobrasada (cured sausage) and Mallorcan chorizo, along with freshly made juices and smoothies.
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MOXY BELGRADE IS HERE TO PLAY
Moxy Belgrade has arrived in Serbia’s capital city to welcome the young at heart. Designed by local architects from Paviljon Studio, the hotel’s interior is inspired by art and architectural movements from the 20th century and the rise of modern Belgrade. The property showcases artwork by young local street artists with six murals taking pride of place in the public spaces. The 131 stylish guestrooms maximise comfort and promise a good night’s sleep with amenities including motion-activated LED lights under the bed. The hotel’s all-day dining venue, Gastro Bar Park is a bright, open plan space with communal tables, offering the perfect place to socialise over delicious international and locally inspired cuisine. The hotel benefits from an excellent location in the city centre, situated within one of the oldest and most vibrant cultural neighbourhoods of Belgrade with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants on its doorstep. The property is located just a few minutes’ walk from Slavija, one of the biggest and most famous city squares, and city landmarks including the Temple of Saint Sava, the Nikola Tesla Museum and Republic Square.
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ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS REVEALS A HAVEN OF SEASIDE GLAMOUR WITH THE DEBUT OF THE ST. REGIS KANAI RESORT, RIVIERA MAYA
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, a destination-defining oasis that captures the undiscovered glamour of the Mayan Riviera. Inspired by the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an Reserve, the resort is designed by Edmonds International with interiors by Chapi Chapo Design with a minimal construction footprint. It is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. Leading into the main lobby is a multi-story water installation, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves, lush gardens and an outdoor lawn with direct access to two miles of an undisturbed white sandy beach. The resort offers the legendary St. Regis Butler Service for all guests checking into its 124 guestrooms and 19 suites, including a two-bedroom Presidential Suite offering mesmerising ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool. It is a short drive from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and offers a gateway to the wonders of the region from the luxuriant biodiversity of its natural parks, the vivid blues of the sea and the cultural richness of its archaeological sites.
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