The unusually cold weather in early May at last gives place to summer warmth. The cities' squares and streets transfigurate with festive flower beds, fountains and cafes' open terraces.
We offer you some news on Moscow as well as highlights of ballet lovers tour to Russia.

Sincerely,
Helen Isaeva

Moscow News: Zaryadye Park

For many years this question remained in heads of moscowites: what will take place in the heart of Moscow close to Red Square instead of soviet hotel Rossiya, which was demolished in 2006. Finally it was decided that a new park should be developed in this place: Zaryadye Park, following the name of the district (Zaryadye). Many architects from all over the world presented their proposals in order to compete for Zaryadye Park project in the historical area of the capital of Russia.

The winning proposal of the American design studio Diller Scofidio+Renfro for Zaryadye Park, introduced "wild urbanism" to the city centre.

A popular idea in the early stages of the park was that it could be made up of plants that appear all over Russia. Diller Scofidio+Renfro took this further, proposing that native flora be included, but as part of four artificial microclimates that mimic the landscape typologies specific to Russia: the steppe, the forest, the wetland and tundra.

The Romantic idea of wilderness originated in cities where people experienced nostalgia for when "human life was bonded closely with nature". Diller Scofidio+Renfro are similarly interested in reconciling urban life with nature. As a result, the design for the park is completely pathless, so that people and plants can be free alongside each other, and pavilions are created out of folds in the landscape.

Proximity to nature was a goal of Soviet urban planning during the 1920s when the negative consequences of industrialisation were increasingly perceived to be a problem. It was not so long ago that "wild" was a stain on Russia. Despite the fact that plants can grow freely, Diller Scofidio+Renfro's idea of wilderness is that which is not only cultivated but managed and controlled. According to the plan Zaryadye Park should be open in September 2017.

Ballet Itinerary Highlights

It is a well known fact that Classical Ballet is the signature of Russia. Our Ballet Tour programme, which is gaining popularity, includes all the most significant for ballet history places in Moscow and St. Petersburg and inetractive experience. The highlights include: backstage tour of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres, Galina Ulanova prima-ballerina apartment-museum, meeting with a ballerina. Another option of the itinerary is a private kids' ballet performance at a centrally located venue in St. Petersburg with a glass of Champagne. The itinerary can be modified for a client's requirements. Russian Balle is enwrapped by many myths and secrets and we offer you a chance to see this mysterious world on the inside.

Moscow Hotels: New Property and Anniversaries

• Hilton Garden Inn Moscow Krasnoselskaya 4* is a new stylish property in the central district of Moscow. It is located in Krasnoselskiy area, close to the business and historical parts of the city and only a 7 minutes' walk from Krasnoselskaya metro station. It is the biggest Hilton Garden Inn in Europe. Signature attractions of Moscow such as The Kremlin, Sokolniki Park, Park Gorkogo, The Bolshoi Theatre and Christ The Saviour Cathedral are easy to reach from the hotel.

This new hotel offers 292 rooms of different categories. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms include a seating area. There is a 24-hour front desk and a gift shop at the property.

Main features:

• 5 conference halls
• Fitness Centre
• Business Centre
• Lobby Bar 24/7
• Restaurant
• Parking

• Radisson Royal Hotel Ukraina 5* celebrates 60 years anniversary this year. This luxurious palace-like hotel is located at the intersection of Kutuzovskiy Prospekt and Novy Arbat Street and occupies a Stalin skyscraper. As one of the tallest buildings in the city, the Radisson Royal Hotel 5*, stands out along the banks of the Moskva River. The property offers 497 rooms and suites with beautiful views of the river and Moscow's amazing cityscape. Each room comes with 5-star amenities, including free high-speed wireless Internet and access to Royal Wellness Club. The hotel also commands a flotilla of yachts, offering river cruises for a unique way to see the city's landmarks.

• The Ritz Carlton Hotel Moscow 5* celebrates 10 years anniversary. In XIX century this place was occupied by Hotel Paris. In 1970 it was replaced by Intourist Hotel. The new 11- storey hotel building was constructed in 2007. Its facade is decorated in eclectic style, which was popular in Russia in early XX century and perfectly matches the style of historical Tverskaya Street. Located aside the Red Square, next to the Kremlin, The Ritz-Carlton Moscow offers 334 luxurious rooms and suites including world-class dining options. The O2 Lounge, a stylish rooftop terrace, features panoramic views over the Red Square and the Kremlin.