The magnificent 7
01-Sep-07
Some may be controversial choices, but the New 7 Wonders are still must-sees, write Stuart Derrick and Alyson Cook.
After 2,200 years, the ultimate 'must visit' travel guide has just been updated. Compiled by Philon of Byzantium, the original Seven Wonders of the World was a sort of travel guide for ancient Athenians. However, with only the Egyptian pyramids remaining from the original list, modern travellers have been deprived of a blue riband ranking for our times.
This has now been rectified by Swiss film-maker and museum curator Bernard Weber, who has spearheaded the search for a New 7 Wonders since 1999.
Unlike the original, which was the whim of one man, the new wonders' list has been an impeccable piece of global democracy. A list of 200 nominees has been whittled down to 21, which were then put to the vote all around the world.
The eagerly awaited New 7 Wonders list was announced on the aptly chosen date of 7/7/7 at a star-studded event held in front of 50,000 people in Lisbon's Stadium of Light.
The 100 million people who registered votes were not the only ones waiting on the outcome. Winning national tourist bodies have been quick to seize on the awards as a marketing tool.
Glauco Fuzinatto, Brazilian Tourist Office director for the UK and Ireland, says its award for the Christ the Redeemer statue will spur efforts in the country's main tourist markets, including the UK. "The fact that three of the seven wonders are in Latin America will be a huge driver."
Mexico's Chichen Itza was another winner. The Mayan temple is already established as a tourist hotspot, so Mexico hopes to use the award to highlight the broader nature of Mayan culture in the Yucatan region.
Mark Taylor, director of events at GRG, which puts together travel programmes for high achievers in blue-chip companies, says that although many of the New 7 Wonders are already popular, they will probably boost tourism to the winning countries.
And for those who do manage to 'collect' all seven, Weber has already launched his next project to name the seven natural wonders of the world on 8/8/8.
CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANEIRO
Why did it win? The 40m statue of Jesus sitting atop the 700m-high Corcovado mountain is an icon of Rio and Brazil, says Steven Wilson, travel consultant at Exsus Travel. "The whole setting of the statue is magnificent. The mountains looming over Rio are unique and provide an inspirational view of the city spread out below."
Best accommodation: The stucco Copacabana Palace is the traditional haunt of those who are looking to do Rio in style. Overlooking Copacabana Beach, the elegant, white facade of the hotel remains a city landmark. The Penthouse costs about £8,000 for the week.
A more recent edition is the Fasano, a modernist pile that is due to open in the chic Ipanema district. The Philippe Starck-designed property is the second hotel from the Fasano family. Suites cost about £7,000 for the week.
Client fit: Party animals - Rio's vibrant mix of sights and sounds is not for the faint-hearted.
Best restaurant: The Copacabana's Cipriani is one of the city's most renowned; however, for those who fancy authentic Brazilian beats, restaurant and bar Scenarium is the place to hang out.
Contacts: www.copacabanapalace.com, www.fasano.com.br, www.rioscenarium.com.br
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
Why did it win? The 8,000ft-high lost Incan city was practically forgotten until it was 'discovered' in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham. Surviving the Spanish invasion, it is the greatest example of Incan architecture. Joanne Soddy, Peru and Ecuador specialist at Audley Travel, says: "Mystery and legends shroud this breathtaking marvel. Machu Picchu should be an absolute must on any traveller's list of places to visit."
Best accommodation: For those who want to get close to the monument, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only property adjacent the site. With just 31 rooms, it is exclusive and 12 rooms offer spectacular mountain views including magnificent sunrises and sunsets (£4,000 for a suite for seven nights).
In the nearby small town of Aguas Calientes, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel has been voted one of the best 500 hotels in the world. Its eco credentials include guided bird watching excursions and beautiful gardens, rich in orchids, butterflies and hummingbirds. Client fit: Historically minded, fit, culture lovers. The best way to arrive is to walk the last part of the Inca Way and see it how the ancients would have done.
Best restaurant: Foot-weary travellers might want to head back to the Illary restaurant in the luxurious Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco.
Contacts: www.inkaterra.com, www.machupicchu.orient-express.com, www.audleytravel.com
PETRA, JORDAN
Why did it win? This incredible ancient city is tucked away in a remote valley in the heart of Jordan's southern Shara Mountains. Carved out of pink rock by the Nabateans more than 2,000 years ago, it was only rediscovered by Westerners in 1812.
The highlight of any trip is the 1.2km walk (or horse/carriage ride) through a narrow gorge, flanked by 80m high rocks, known as the Siq, to the Al-Khazneh (Treasury), Petra's most famous landmark. Clients should stop for lunch in the shade of one of the few trees there, at the Basin restaurant, before they then climb the 800 steps to the Monastery, its biggest facade. On The Go Tours is offering a six-night package with Marguerite Van Geldermalsen, the acclaimed author of Married to a Bedouin, as a guide. Married to a Bedouin is her story of meeting her future husband Mohammad Abdallah Othman, a Bedouin souvenir-seller from Petra while backpacking in 1978, and proceeding to bring up three children while living in a 2,000-year old cave.
"Petra is ideal for short breaks from the UK, combined with a trip to the deserts of Wadi Rum, as well as relaxation at the Dead Sea," says Paul Bondsfield, marketing communications manager, Explore. At night, walk through the Siq following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouin. Tours start at 8.30pm, finish at 10pm.
Best accommodation: The atmospheric Taybet Zaman hotel, a restored 19th century Ottoman village that has been converted into an open-air hotel, is a 15-minute drive from Petra.
Located at the entrance to the city, the Movenpick Resort Petra has 183 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, bars, roof garden, wellness centre with outdoor swimming pool, steam bath and gymnasium.
For spectacular views, the 100-room Petra Marriott Hotel is just a five-minute drive from the Petra Valley. Free shuttle service available.
Client fit: Film-loving families - Petra made its Hollywood debut in 1989 when it featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Best restaurant: Visit Petra Kitchen where clients can learn to cook traditional Jordanian food.
Contacts: www.visitjordan.com, www.petramarriott.com, www.movenpick-petra.com, www.onthegotours.com, (www.petramoon.com/cuisinetours.htm)
CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO
Why did they win? According to Jenny Geal, marketing manager, Journey Latin America, Chichen Itza is one of Mexico's most spectacular Mayan sites. "Highlights include the statue of rain god Chacmool, holding a bowl that is thought to have held the hearts of human sacrificial victims; El Castillo, which houses a stone jaguar throne with eyes of jade, and the Observatory, a monument to the Mayan's interest in architecture and astronomy."
Best accommodation: For a hotel nearby, the charming Hacienda Chichen is a boutique option full of character. The property dates from the 16th century when it was a local seat of power for the Spanish and also housed a monastery. The master suites cost about £1,100 for seven nights.
For urban chic and luxurious world-class hotels, Mexico City is the place to be. The uber-trendy W hotel in fashionable Polanco district provides the modern pleasure-seeker with every imaginable piece of pampering. From £1,650 for seven nights.
Client fit: The spiritually minded will find escape in the midst of the 1,000-year-old Mayan culture.
Best restaurant: Hip seafood restaurant Contramar on Avenida Durango in Mexico City serves up crab tacos, shrimp rolls and seafood cocktails. It's only open for lunch, though.
Contacts: www.haciendachichen.com, www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk, www.starwoodhotels.com
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Why did it win? The Great Wall, built and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century, snakes its way for 6,700km from east to west and is famously visible from space.
Kylie Organ, Asian product manager at Abercrombie & Kent, says visitors should visit its less touristy areas. "We take our guests to the quieter section at Mutianyu, north-east of Beijing. This section winds through imposing craggy mountains for about 2.2km and held a prominent place in Chinese military history."
Best accommodation: The Peninsula Hotel Beijing has been lauded as the best hotel in the city and possibly China, after a recent $35m (£17m) facelift. The 10-room Peninsula Suite cost $1.5m (£738,000). Its design mixes Chinese notes with a modern approach. Seven nights will cost just short of £20,000.
Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski Beijing features dramatic views, plus a private path to the Great Wall, a swimming pool, and cinema.
St. Regis Hotel Beijing exemplifies luxury, elegance and impeccable service and is superbly situated in the heart of Beijing's shopping and diplomatic districts.
Client fit: The bold adventurer who likes to immerse themselves in local culture and experience.
Best restaurant: The Peninsula Beijing's Huang Ting has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of the city's traditional noble courtyard houses. Four private dining rooms provide an exclusive option.
Contacts: beijing.peninsula.com, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk, www.stregis.com, www.kempinski.com
THE COLOSSEUM, ROME
Why did it win? "Although there are other amphitheatres in better shape, The Colosseum is unrivalled in size and historical background," says John Saunders, managing director of Exosphere. "It is instantly recognisable and symbolises everything the city of Rome and Roman imperial power stood for." The site could accommodate 50,000 people in its heyday and was the largest amphitheatre ever built, remaining in use for almost 500 years.
Best accommodation: The Duke Hotel lies in the heart of the highly exclusive Pariolo area of the city. It is still family-owned and offers an attentive and personalised service. The luxurious sixth floor apartment suite costs £6,250 for seven nights.
For those who find the traditional Italian style of decor overpowering, The Portrait Suites are a contemporary alternative. Opened last year by the Ferragamo family, owners of the Lungarno Hotels chain, the award-winning property is located in the heart of Rome.The best suite is Penthouse Suite 51, from £2,750 for seven nights.
Client fit: Style icons - best suited to those who are not afraid to throw some money at a long weekend. It is expensive, but Rome has to be seen in style.
Best restaurant: La Pergola is the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the city, located on the roof garden of the Cavalieri Hilton.
Contacts: www.exosphere.com, www.thedukehotel.com, www.lungarnohotels.com, www.cavalieri-hilton.it
TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
Why did it win? Not only is the Taj Mahal a magnificent edifice, its story is enough to soften the heart of any cynic, says Marcus Potter, India product manager at Scott Dunn. "It's what the building stands for that touches people. The Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum to his favourite wife, and then ended up in nearby Agra prison, where he could still see it. Get there first thing in the morning just as the sun's rays are bouncing off the building."
Best accommodation: Just 600m from the Taj Mahal, Oberoi Hotel's Amarvilas' location is reason enough to choose it as a base. A deliciously eclectic choice of cuisine is served in the hotel's two restaurants. Seven nights in the opulent, two-bedroom Kohinoor Suites cost around £12,400.
After the hustle of Agra, many visitors like to get out and see rural India. Head west to Amanbagh, a peaceful resort that was once home to the Maharajah of Alwar's tiger hunting camps. Seven nights at one of the pool pavilions is £3,250.
Client fit: Incurable romantics will feel inclined to ponder their own grand gesture at the sight of the Taj Mahal.
Best restaurant: Head back to Delhi for dinner at Bukhara in the Maurya Sheraton. Bill Clinton and Vladimir Putin have both been thrilled by its north west Indian cooking.
Contacts: www.scottdunn.com, www.oberoiamarvilas.com, www.amanbagh.com, www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
THE OTHER CONTENDERS
The Acropolis, Greece
Alhambra, Spain
Angkor, Cambodia
Statues of Easter Island, Chile
Eiffel Tower, France
Hagia Sophia, Turkey
Kiyomizu Temple, Japan
Kremlin/St. Basil, Russia
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Statue of Liberty, USA
Stonehenge, United Kingdom
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Timbuktu, Mali
