Lady Weinberg, nee Anoushka Hempel, has been conspicuous by her absence from the hotel world of late. Now she is back working on a Brazilian eco-resort, inspiring an ideal hotel sojourn with a distinctly South American flavour.
Where are we?
In the Brazilian rainforest.
Who are you sharing your room with?
My housekeeper, my mammy, who is a perfectionist and completely dedicated to unpacking me and settling me in, anywhere in the world. Her name is Manuella.
Who"s at the concierge desk?
Signor Del Vai from The Four Seasons in Milan.
And the owner / manager?
Neville Ablitt of Blakes Hotel, along with David Tang.
Describe your room...
Minimalist, jungle inspired, with panther and jaguar eyes.
Who designed it?
I did.
What"s the view like?
Wet, steamy, sensational, and skin-friendy.
Who are you dining with this evening?
Tom Cruise, Albert Einstein, Sir Mark Weinberg, Marilyn Monroe.
Who"s manning the stoves?
Tom Aitken, Aiden Byrne and Neville Campbell.
And what"s on the menu?
Starter: Warapura and crab ceviche with a wasabi sorbet
Main: Brazil nut cheese souffle and palm jellies with basil
Dessert: Caipirinha mouselline with lime and ginger
Would you like something to drink with that?
Mojitos, mojitos, mojitos!
What CDs would like in your room?
Simply Red, Rolling Stones, James Blunt, Brooke & Brockner, Finlandia by Sibelius
What"s on the movie channel?
Remains of the Day, Finding Neverland, Some Like it Hot, Pride & Prejudice, Collateral
And a book at bedtime?
Birdsong & Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks,
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
What"s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
Basilica shots, a vodka-based pesto shot, oyster shots, and a chocolate vodka shot, all in small square pots, chilled of course. And to snack on Pierre Marcolini chocolate (85% cocoa)
Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning?
The Financial Times and Daily Telegraph, with the latest issues of AD, Domus, Elle Deco,, Vogue, Herald Tribune, The Week, and The Spectator.
What toiletries would you like to freshen up with in the morning?
Blakes grapefruit soap and the new Hempelens spa products.
Full English, continental or something different?
Fresh fruit lassis of all sorts and coconut pandan yoghurt
Swimming pool, spa or gym?
All of the above...the works.
Early morning alarm call or late check out?
I prefer the personal touch and a morning call from my housekeeper or a close friend.
Bath, hot-tub or power shower?
If a room has all these then I think I have got the best I can wish for but I would like to have a spa combined with my room / accommodation.
