INDIA
Emirati Appeal
An iconic landmark showcasing the best of Arabian culture and hospitality, Emirates Palace is situated on 1.3 kms of private beach surrounded by 85 hectares of manicured lawns and landscaped gardens. Our unrivalled facilities cater to the most prestigious events, conferences and exhibitions from around the world, situating Emirates Palace to be the ideal destination for key decision makers. • 394 rooms and suites • Auditorium accommodating 1,100 guests • Ballroom with seating capacity for 2,400 guests • Over 40 meeting and conference rooms • 3,000 sqm of unique outdoor function space, including six large terraces that can host 3,000 guests • 14 award-winning restaurants and bars For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 7951 or email mice@emiratespalace.ae www.emiratespalace.ae
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CONTRIBUTORS
INDIA
SHARMILA CHAND is a freelance
journalist and author, based in Delhi. Her passion for exploring lesser known Indian destinations drives her, where she indulges in local food, music and culture. In this issue she talks about customised dining options offered by hotels (page 68).
EDITORIAL Editor Neha Gupta Kapoor Assistant Editor Akanksha Maker Art Designer Aloysius Dsouza Proofreader James Mathew Contributors Sharmila Chand, Tamsin Cocks, Rashida Jasdanwala, Chris Pritchard, Charukesi Ramadurai PUBLISHING Managing Director & CEO Ravi Lalwani Executive Director Meena Lalwani Business Head Khursheed Mistry Marketing Head - North India Asha Augustine Production Anthony Mark Pereira PANACEA PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL Managing Director Julian Gregory Global Editor-In-Chief Tom Otley
CHRIS PRITCHARD who writes on
Asia’s great rivers in this issue (page 64) is a former BBC contributor and Wall Street Journal correspondent based in Sydney, from where he flies to newspapers and magazines around the world. His favourite Asian river is Myanmar’s Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady), “because it flows so beautifully and lazily through a vast hinterland”, but he’s fond of China’s Yangtze too.
CONTACT Editorial tel +91 (0)22 4220 2127 Email editorial@panaceapublishing.co.in twitter.com/bt_ind facebook.com/BusinessTravellerIndia Advertising tel +91 (0)22 4220 2128 Email info@panaceapublishing.co.in
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FRILLS AND FARES Airlines’ ancillary revenue
A PROLIFERATING LANDSCAPE Powai: Mumbai’s salutary arm
INDIA
INTIMATE SOIRÉES Bespoke dining options
PERPETUAL EXCELLENCE Timeless pieces by Rolex
Emirati Appeal Events and meetings at Abu Dhabi
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Business Traveller India is published by Panacea Publishing Pvt Ltd, by arrangement with Perry Publications Limited. It is printed at Thomson Press India Limited, New Delhi. It is published 10 times a year at our address above. The magazine is entirely independent of all commercial interests within the travel industry. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted for publication. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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When CHARUKESI RAMADURAI is not on the road, she writes for a variety of international and Indian publications such as The New York Times, BBC Travel, South China Morning Post, The National and Mint. In this issue, she visits unconventional locales of one of the most popular cities in the world. Explore New York City her way on page 54.
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CONTENTS
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
30 ON THE COVER: 36 EMIRATI APPEAL Abu Dhabi’s touristic charm
i Abu Dhab MEET IN
Emirati Appeal
ngs that ora of offeri leisure and has a pleth s capital business The UAE’ t planners, and Kapoor attract even Neha Gupta finds tourists,
d: Emirates
Palace
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SPOTLIG
12 UPFRONT Airline and hotel news worldwide
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18 DATA MINE Hotel deals and weekend packages
20 INBOX Your letters and online posts
22 TRIED & TESTED Cathay Pacific; The Waverly Hotel and Residences
24 FRILLS AND FARES Chargeable services by airlines
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30 A PROLIFERATING LANDSCAPE Spotlight on Mumbai’s promising suburb: Powai 42 WELCOME TO WUHAN Industrial development in Central China’s largest city 46 LOYALTY Reward and redemption news 8 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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INDIA
CONTENTS
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
54
50 NEWS Your global downtime hotlist
52 WHAT’S ON Events worldwide this month
54 A SLICE OF THE BIG APPLE
64
Weekend activities in New York
58 BRITISH BAZAARS Must-visit markets and cafes in London
64 LAZING ON THE RIVER Luxury boat cruises in Asia
68
68 INTIMATE SOIRÉES Customised meals in Indian hotels
73 PRODUCTS Picks of the month
74 PERPETUAL EXCELLENCE Rolex’s iconic models
78 SUIT UP How to pick your jacket and wear
82 SNAPSHOT DelSey’s first wheeled suitcase 10 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
74 Visitbusinesstraveller.com
CHECK-IN
D
oesn’t the winter season warm the heart? It seemed like yesterday when Diwali marked the end of the October heat, bringing with it sales and discounts galore. Just as we have managed to shake off the holiday hangover, commercial businesses lure us with yet another burst of offers. There is something about Christmas that nudges hotels into playing Santa. Turn to page 18 for a look at such packages from hospitality brands across the Indian subcontinent. Some benefit the business traveller; most are for those looking for a quick getaway or a staycation in their home cities. If you’re in New York on yet another visit, page 54 will suggest alternative ways to tour the city. Likewise, you can budget your time in London to visit markets in high spirits, mentioned on page 58. While decorations are a delightful sight, the excitement is actually in the food stalls that vend delicacies from around the world there. Food has clearly turned into an art that not only requires culinary skills, but plating is just as important. Chefs today understand that pleasing the eyes takes you halfway to pleasing the diner entirely. Read about three hotel brands in India that endeavour to give you a dining experience curated to your needs on page 68. Finally, dressing for the occasion is an essential too, and so on page 78, let’s go back to the basics of how to carry off a suit to its full potential. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Neha Gupta Kapoor Editor
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DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 11
UPFRONT Neha Gupta Kapoor compiles the latest news from businesstraveller.com
Holiday Inn to open at Dubai Festival City InterContinental Hotels Group has partnered with a leading business house of the UAE — Al-Futtaim — to open Holiday Inn at Dubai Festival City. Set to open by late next year, the property will operate under a management agreement with Al-Futtaim’s Dubai Festival City Real Estate Development LLC that also owns InterContinental Dubai Festival City, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai F.C., Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, and Al Badia Golf Club. The hotel will be situated in Dubai Festival City, that is a well-established mixed-use waterfront community with retail outlets, residential and commercial properties. It will connect to Dubai Festival City Mall that has a wide range of dining and retail options. A 5,000 sqm meeting arena will be built adjacent to InterContinental Dubai Festival City and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. Called the “Festival Arena”, the space will be accessed from a separate entrance and will cater to 5,000 people. Shantha de Silva, head of South West Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group says, “Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City will offer guests from India a fantastic stay while they experience Dubai. Moreover, the new Festival Arena is a great venue for Indian guests looking to host a large scale destination wedding and Indian businesses looking to host international meetings and events.” InterContinental Hotels Group operates 1,200 Holiday Inn hotels across the globe, and 260 hotels in the company’s global pipeline. ihg.com
IndiGo will fly daily between Chennai-Muscat
India’s budget airline IndiGo will fly daily between Chennai and Muscat, December 15 onwards. The airline is offering an introductory fare of ` 7,999 all-inclusive one-way from Chennai. Flight 6E 85 will depart from Chennai at 1100 and arrive at Muscat at 0115. Return flight 6E 86 will depart from Muscat at 0845 and arrive at Chennai at 0155. An A320 aircraft will serve this route. “We are absolutely delighted to announce the new daily and direct flight between India and Oman, and specifically, between Chennai and Muscat. It is an indication of the strong demand on this sector. Expanding operations on these routes are in line with our growth strategy outlined for Oman,” says Aditya Ghosh, president and whole-time director at IndiGo. goindigo.in 12 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
Scoot and Tigerair to integrate Budget airlines Scoot and Tigerair will begin functioning under a single brand and operating licence next year, according to an announcement on Friday, November 4, by Budget Aviation Holdings. The merger is currently expected to take full effect in the second half of 2017, after all regulatory, operational and commercial considerations have been addressed. The integration will include flight scheduling, connections and touchpoint integration for guests, comprising a single website and common contact centre and check-in counters. Speaking about the announcement, Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines and chairman of Budget Aviation Holdings, said: “Scoot and Tigerair have made good progress in their integration since the establishment of Budget Aviation Holdings as a common holding company in May. “The integration has already led to commercial and operational synergies between Scoot and Tigerair that are providing growth opportunities for both airlines, an example being Scoot’s plan to launch its first European service, to Athens, next year. Following a review, we have determined that the logical next step is to pursue a common operating licence and common brand identity to enable a more seamless travel experience for customers.” The integration comes as Scoot has been undergoing a number of changes, including adding new routes to Jaipur and Hokkaido, in addition to its Athens service next year, while axing its existing service to Hong Kong as part of a process to maximise resources. flyscoot.com; tigerair.com Visitbusinesstraveller.com
Jet Airways to launch direct BengaluruSingapore flight
Jet Airways has announced that it will launch a direct daily flight from Bengaluru to Singapore from December 14. The route will be served by a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. Flight 9W 024 will depart Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport at 1110 and arrive in Singapore at 1810. Return flight 9W 023 will leave Singapore at 1915 and arrive in Bengaluru at 2115. Passengers from Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Mengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram will also be connected to Singapore, via Bengaluru. The airline says,“Bengaluru is an established and a key IT and an investment destination for Singapore companies looking to invest in India. All these business activities ensure robust growth of air traffic to and from Bengaluru. Over the past two years, there has been an encouraging 15 per cent year-on-year growth from Singapore to South Indian cities. Guests from Bengaluru can connect to several Asian destinations including Haneda, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang and Shanghai, as well as leading Australian ones such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth over Singapore.” Currently, Jet Airways operates daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai to Singapore. jetairways.com
Bengaluru airport to remain partially closed for three months next year Kempegowda International Airport will remain closed between 1030 and 1700 from February 19 to April 30 next year. The airport will undergo extensive upgradation during this period. It plans to build two Rapid Exit Taxiways (RETs) that will up air traffic movement from 38 flight movements per hour to 48 flight movements per hour. Airport authorities will improve flight handling capacity during operational hours. The Civil Aviation Ministry has allowed airport authorities to work out alternate flight schedules with airlines to compensate for the temporary closure. bengaluruairport.com Visit businesstraveller.com
Rotana to open 16 properties in the Middle East in 2017 Rotana Hotels and Resorts will open 16 hotels by next year in the Middle East. Of them, it will open five properties in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, two in Turkey, two in Iraq, one in Iran, and the group’s first ever property in Oman. In addition, Rotana will launch Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of the year, marking its entrance into Africa. It also plans to open hotels in Africa including Marrakesh, Luanda, Nouakchott, Dar es Salaam and Lagos, emphasising its world-wide expansion plan. “Rotana has an ambitious global expansion strategy and the vast number of property openings due to take place in 2016 and 2017 will not only increase our presence in a range of destinations but also allow us to reinforce our position as one of the leaders in the hospitality market in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe,” says Omer Kaddouri, president and CEO of Rotana. Rotana’s 16 new properties and one extension that will be unveiled in 2017 are as follows: Erbil Arjaan by Rotana, Iraq – Opening Q1 2017 Centro Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017 Centro Waha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017 Centro Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017 Capital Centre Rotana, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q2 2017 Sundus Rotana, Muscat, Oman – Opening Q2 2017 Centro Salama, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q2 2017 The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah – Expansion Q2 2017 Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q3 2017 Creek Rotana, Dubai – Opening Q3 2017 Creek Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai – Opening Q3 2017 Beach Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q3 2017 Rayhaan Imam Reza, Mashhad, Iran – Opening Q4 2017 Sulaymaniyah Rotana, Iraq– Opening Q4 2017 Centro Istanbul, Turkey – Opening Q4 2017 Arjaan Istanbul by Rotana, Turkey – Opening Q4 2017 rotana.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 13
UPFRONT
HOTEL NEWS
Emirates moves to all A380 and B777 fleet Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate a fleet consisting of only Airbus A380 and Boeing B777 aircraft. The Gulf carrier recently retired the last of its A330 and A340 aircraft, and now operates an all-A380 and B777 fleet, with an average aircraft age of 5.2 years. The last A330 to leave the fleet had been in service since 2002 and had flown nearly 45 million kilometres (the equivalent of around 60 return journeys between the Earth and the Moon). Emirates recently took delivery of its 85th A380 superjumbo, and its 125th B777-300ER. The carrier also operates Boeing’s B777-300, B777-200ER and B777-200LR variants. The carrier is set to take delivery of a total of 36 aircraft this year, including the first of its next-generation B777-300ERs featuring upgraded business class seats. Emirates says it will phase out a further 25 aircraft over the course of 2017 and 2018, “to ensure that the operating fleet remains modern and efficient while offering customers a higher level of comfort and safety”. emirates.com
SriLankan Airlines has expanded its network SriLankan Airlines has expanded its network to fly to 11 new destinations in Asia and the Middle East from Colombo. The airline has begun operations to Lahore, Jakarta, Dhaka, Muscat, Kolkata, Madurai, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Bahrain, Mahé and Gan Island. “We have realigned our strategic focus on Asia, Middle East and the far east, as we see excellent opportunities in this high-growth region. We are confident that the linking of so many Asian cities will produce a travel network which will be extremely convenient for our passengers and profitable for the airline,” says Ajith Dias, chairman of SriLankan Airlines. Already in operation are a daily flight to Dhaka and Madurai each, two weekly flights to Varanasi, three weekly flights to Kolkata and Lahore each, four weekly flights to Gan Island, Jakarta and Mahé each, and five weekly flights to Muscat and Bahrain each. The airline hasn’t decided the launch date yet for its service to Bodh Gaya. SriLankan Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet, with narrow-bodied A320-200 and A321200 aircraft and wide-bodied A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft. The developments bring the total destinations connected by SriLankan Airlines to 102 in 47 countries. srilankan.com 14 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
W HOTELS has announced its latest European property, with the 134-room W Algarve scheduled to open in 2018. The hotel will offer three guest beaches, a swimming pool and decking, 930 sqm of spa facilities, tennis courts and a fitness centre. Facilities will also include “a range of cocktail and culinary experiences”, from the W Living Room to “sought after restaurants and dynamic bars”, as well as 500 sqm of meeting space. There will also be 81 W-branded residences for purchases within the development. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL is to add four new Asian properties to its Autograph Collection brand early next year. The collection of independent hotels will welcome The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, located in the Da Dong Hai Bay area on Hainan island, the Art Deco The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the chic urban Hotel Stripes (also in Kuala Lumpur), and the RYSE hotel in Seoul, located in the city’s Hongdae district. There are currently four Autograph Collection properties in the Asia-Pacific region: The Stones Hotel – Legian Bali, The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, The Plaza Seoul, and Pier One Sydney Harbour. PARKROYAL HOTELS AND RESORTS has partnered with tech start-up Townske to launch a new app featuring more than 1,000 guides to cities in which the hotel group has a property. The app, Parkroyal Picks, is available from the group’s website and is available as a complimentary download on iOS and Android devices. Intended to function much like a concierge aide, it provides useful tips and lesser-known sights and secrets, arming users with the knowledge needed to enjoy a truly local experience. Users can also receive suggestions for nearby places based on location. Visitbusinesstraveller.com
Air India Express launched two international flights from Kolkata SpiceJet has enhanced its domestic and international connectivity Low cost carrier, SpiceJet has launched a daily service between Delhi and Jodhpur. The route is served by a Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Flight SG 2695 takes off from Delhi at 1250 and lands in Jodhpur at 1405. Return flight SG 2696 takes off from Jodhpur at 1425 and lands at 1555. Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai are connected to Jodhpur too, but via Delhi. SpiceJet has also launched a daily service between Dubai and Mengaluru, served by a B737-800 aircraft. The airline already connects Dubai directly to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Madurai, Mumbai, and Pune. SG 59 departs from Mengaluru at 1220 and arrives at Dubai at 0240. Return flight SG 60 departs from Dubai at 0340 and reaches Mengaluru at 0830. Other direct flights launched: ■ Ahmedabad to Bengaluru, Goa and Chennai. ■ Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, Delhi and Guwahati ■ Chennai to Ahmedabad and Guwahati ■ Guwahati to Bengaluru, Delhi and Chennai ■ Delhi to Hyderabad Bengaluru and Guwahati ■ Hyderabad to Delhi spicejet.com
Government-owned budget airline, Air India Express launched non-stop flights from Kolkata to Dhaka and Singapore on November 20. The Kolkata-Dhaka and KolkataSingapore routes is served on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Flight IX 912 departs from Kolkata at 1720 and arrives in Dhaka at 1840. ■ Flight IX 911 departs form Dhaka at 1930 and arrives in Kolkata at 1950. ■ Flight IX 922 departs from Kolkata at 2100 and arrives in Singapore at 0330. ■ Flight IX 921 departs from Singapore at 1500 and arrives in Kolkata at 1630. airindiaexpress.in ■
The Maldives plans to increase flights from India The Maldives has asked India for fifth freedom rights so the MEGA Maldives Airlines’ flight from Male’ to Delhi can extend its service to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Fifth freedom rights permits an airline to fly from its own country to a second one, and from there to a third country, and so on. The journey must end at the airline’s home country. “The Delhi-Dhaka route is highly underserved and we foresee a huge growth potential on this route,” says George Weinmann, founder and chief executive officer of MEGA Maldives Airlines. The airline has shared that it hopes to launch a direct flight from Male’ to Mumbai soon, and later expand to South Indian cities. From there, it is looking to extend the service to Jeddah and Medina. Weinmann says,“The Male’-Mumbai flight would fly twice a week and we are also looking at flights from cities in southern India to Jeddah and Medina. We want to focus on [Indian] cities that are not already served.” India is an important market for the Maldives, with tourists making up five per cent of the country’s inbound traffic. megamaldivesair.com
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AIRLINE NEWS QANTAS has launched a new design for its business class pyjamas, following the recent update of the carrier’s livery and flying kangaroo logo. Created by Australian designer Martin Grant, they feature “a new raglan-style top with a seam from the underarm to the collar bone and draw-string pant in a more relaxed fit”. The new-look pyjamas are being rolled out progressively onto international flights between Australia and Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Francisco, Hawaii, Santiago, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Vancouver, Dubai and London. TURKISH AIRLINES has launched a new in-flight safety video, featuring digital illusions designed to engage passengers during the announcements. The video has been created by US film-maker and social media personality Zach King, and features scenes where viewers are “flipped between reality and illusion” through digital sleight of hand tricks. Laptops magically fold up into jacket pockets, and Zach emerges from a wall during the three-minute video, which has already had around 9,00,000 views on YouTube. DELTA has unveiled details of its new premium economy seat, which will debut on the carrier’s A350 aircraft from next year. Called Delta Premium, the seat will feature a seat width of up to 19 inches, and a pitch of up to 38 inches. There will be adjustable leg and head rests, a 13.3-inch screen with noise cancelling headphones, and in-seat power “for large and small devices”. Passengers will also benefit from a Westin heavenly in-flight blanket and pillow, a Tumi amenity kit, pre-departure beverage service, and the Sky Priority service, for “faster check-in, accelerated security, priority boarding and expedited baggage service”. DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 15
UPFRONT
Sarovar Hotels to open in Dalhousie India’s homegrown hospitality group, Sarovar Hotels will open a property in Dalhousie, a holiday destination in Himachal Pradesh. The 60-key hotel — Presidium Sarovar Portico Dalhousie — is expected to be operational by the end of 2018. The third Sarovar property in the state, it will be built within proximity to tourist destinations, and will have an all-day dining restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, spa and banquet facilities. The other two Sarovar properties in Himachal Pradesh are situated in Mashobra and Palampur. Ajay Bakaya, executive director at Sarovar Hotels, says,“We are happy to open a Sarovar Portico hotel in this charming town of Himachal Pradesh. With its unparalleled scenic beauty, Dalhousie is an important tourism destination with rising number of visitors from across the country. It is an important location for us and a significant addition to our portfolio. This hotel is equipped with all amenities required by a modern day traveller and is set to be the finest in the region.” Portico is a 3- and 4-star brand by Sarovar Hotels, and Presidium Sarovar Portico Dalhousie will operate as a 4-star property. Other brands owned by Sarovar Hotels are: Sarovar Premiere (5star), Park Plaza (upscale), and Hometel (budget). A new Sarovar Portico hotel opened in Bhavnagar on November 15. India will also see three more new Sarovar Portico hotels opening in December in New Delhi, Jaisalmer and Ranchi. Next year, the hospitality group will launch Sarovar Portico in Amritsar, Gorakhpur, Greater Noida, Junagadh, Kerala, and Raipur; a Park Plaza in Jalandhar; a Hometel in Dahisar; and a Sarovar Premiere each in Lusaka, Zambia and Nairobi, Kenya. In 2018, it will open one property each in Rishikesh and Ajmer, under the Portico brand. sarovarhotels.com
Hamad International to open new terminal shuttle service Doha’s Hamad International Airport opened its state-of-the-art terminal shuttle service last month. The new trains transport passengers between the South and North nodes (the latter of which opened earlier this year) of the airport in 90 seconds, compared to average walking times for the journey of nine minutes. Passengers departing from the airport can board the shuttle at the South station behind the iconic Lamp Bear sculpture, arriving at the North station near Concourses D and E. Arriving passengers will take the opposite service to get to the transfer hall and arrivals area located near the South station. Each train has five carriages and can carry up to 190 passengers at a time, with the shuttle travelling at seven metres per second, and designated carriages are available “to maintain segregation between departing and arriving passengers”. Commenting on the new service Qatar Airways Group’s chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said: “The continued investment in HIA, our home and hub, will ensure that it remains one of the world’s most advanced airports, a destination on its own, and meeting the growing needs of more than 30 million travellers who choose to fly across HIA.” dohahamadairport.com
Korean Air launches non-stop flights to Delhi Korean Air (KAL) has introduced a new non-stop service between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi starting from this month. The route adds to the airline’s existing service between the two airports via Bangkok. Beginning December 1, the new route runs five times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Flights depart Incheon at 1245 and arrive in Delhi at 1820, with return legs departing Indira Gandhi Airport at 1940 and arriving at 0550 the following morning. KAL has deployed its 218-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route, which features the airline’s latest seats in first and prestige class along with an advanced AVOD entertainment system. The Delhi route is the second service to India offered by the Korean carrier. KAL also services Mumbai with a thrice-weekly direct flight between Incheon and Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM), along with services via Singapore and Bangkok. koreanair.com
16 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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Etihad and Jet Airways expand UAE-India services Etihad and strategic partner Jet Airways have announced an increase in services between the UAE and India from early 2017. The two carriers will add a total of 28 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and India, with three new cities being added to the network – Tiruchirappalli, Kannur and Chandigarh. Etihad and Jet Airways (in which Etihad owns a 24 per cent stake) currently offer 252 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and India, across 15 Indian cities. This will rise to 280 weekly flights and 18 cities from next year, with the following additions: ■ Jet Airways will launch a second daily service between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi from January 15, complementing Etihad’s thrice-daily flights on the route. ■ Etihad will double its frequency between Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat from February 1. ■ Jet Airways will launch daily flights between Tiruchirappalli in the state of Tamil Nadu and Abu Dhabi on February 1. ■ Etihad will launch a fourth daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Kozhikode in the state of Kerala on March 26. ■ Jet Airways will introduce daily services between Kannur in Kerala and Abu Dhabi, and daily flights from the northern Indian city of Chandigarh and Abu Dhabi. Both routes are due to launch in the second half of 2017. ■ Etihad said that in the 12 months to August 2016, the two carriers contributed over a million guests onto each other’s flights (Etihad contributing 7,17,966 travellers to Jet Airways flights, and Jet contributing 3,96,288 passengers to Etihad services). Commenting on the news James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group’s president and CEO, said,“Today’s [The growth] reflects how we have been working together to enhance our services to give the travelling public more and better choices by using each other’s networks. “Our partnership with Jet Airways has gone from strength to strength. Sharing resources and reaching decisions together are key to our success. Jet Airways is Etihad Airways’ leading equity partner in terms of revenue and passenger contribution, and this expansion is indicative of the years of friendship, strong bilateral relationship, and economic, trade and cultural ties enjoyed between India and the UAE.” etihad.com, jetairways.com
General Hotel Management announces India’s first Chedi Singapore-based General Hotel Management (GHM) and real-estate firm Rajesh LifeSpaces announce India’s first Chedi. The Chedi Mumbai will open late this month (or early next month) in the city’s upcoming financial hub — Powai. The property will feature 316 rooms with five F&B offerings, sprawling meeting spaces, a swimming pool and a spa. “We have always wanted to plant a GHM flag in India and being able to establish The Chedi brand in the thriving city of Mumbai is an honour as well as a challenging opportunity my team and I are eager to face,” says Hans R. Jenni, director and president of GHM. “Our collaboration with GHM is a union of resources that will maximise the potential for this hotel. The GHM team is not only providing hotel management expertise. Their concept for The Chedi Mumbai is one that will metamorphose the current landscape and create a new buzz for lifestyle and quality dining in general,” says Rajesh Patel, the managing director of Rajesh LifeSpaces. GHM operates hotels such as The Nam Hai Ho An in Vietnam, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Indonesia and The Chedi Muscat, Oman. It has about ten hotels in the pipeline in destinations including the Maldives, Taiwan, Japan and China. GHMhotels.com
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DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 17
DATA MINE Deals and weekend packages for business and leisure travellers
n Free laundry service per day for two pieces. Offer valid for booking until December 31, 2016, and stay until June 2017. Cost: Best available rate at the time of booking. conradhotels3.hilton.com
Clockwise from top left: Ceylon Tea Trails, Dimbula; The Imperial, New Delhi; ShangriLa — Eros Hotel, New Delhi; Poetree Sarovar Portico, Thekkady; JW Marriott, Kolkata; Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Nainital; One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives; Conrad, Pune
Ceylon Tea Trails
The Imperial
Dimbula As the name suggests, it’s a cosy getaway to the tea plantations of a Sri Lankan town. The property has five restored colonial bungalows of different categories. The offer doesn’t insist on a minimum stay. It includes the following per stay in a Master Suite or Owner’s Cottage. n A five-course dinner for two at a restaurant of your choice on the property. n A guided trek for two to the mountains. n A guided night-trail to discover the nocturnal wildlife. Offer valid until January 10, 2017. Cost: US$1,298/`88,459 per night (inclusive of taxes). resplendentceylon.com/teatrails
New Delhi A staycation at this luxury property would make for a cosy celebration on Christmas Eve. You could book yourself for a night, into the Grand Heritage room, and avail of the following: n Late check-out on December 25 until 4pm. n Christmas Eve buffet dinner for two at 1911 Restaurant (doesn’t include alcohol). n Buffet breakfast on Dec 25 for two at 1911 Restaurant. Offer valid for one night: December 24, 2016. Cost: `21,999 (inclusive of taxes) theimperialindia.com
Conrad Pune Conrad is offering chargeable services for free, for five-night stays and beyond. These include: n Daily buffet breakfast. n Free wifi. n Transfer to and from Pune Airport.
18 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives On booking for four consecutive nights, the resort will charge you for three nights, and offer the fourth night for free. The package includes: n Free breakfast every day at Reethi Restaurant, excluding beverages. n One free lunch or dinner at Reethi Restaurant, excluding beverages.
one of the following: n Airport pick-up or drop. n Dining credit of `2,500 for the entire stay (not applicable for breakfast and banquet). n Spa credit of `2,500 for the entire stay. Offer valid until March 31, 2017. Cost: `11,750 per person (plus taxes). shangri-la.com
Jim’s Jungle Retreat
n Free luxury boat transfers from/to Malé International Airport. Offer valid until December 18, 2017. Cost: US$1,550/`1,05,674 onwards per night (plus taxes). reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
Poetree Sarovar Portico Thekkady The holiday package is value-for-money with a couple of key attractions in its bouquet. Booking for two nights includes: n Daily breakfast. n One free lunch or dinner. n Free wifi. n An elephant ride for 20 minutes. n Jeep Safari for two hours. n Early check-in, subject to availability. n Late check-out up to 2pm. Offer valid until March 31, 2017. Cost: `18,999 per room (inclusive of taxes). poetreeresort.com
Shangri-La — Eros Hotel New Delhi The property has titled this two-night offer, BonusChoice, thus promising “value-added benefits”, which include: n Free wifi. n Late check-out until 4pm. In addition, Shangri-La Eros Hotel allows guests to pick any
Nainital The wildlife speciality lodge is situated on the southern periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Spread over 15 acres of forest land, it has a total of 18 cottages. There are three ongoing offers based on the number of nights booked. A minimum stay of two nights and three days includes: n Free evening snack and non-alcoholic beverage, per day. A minimum stay of three nights and four days includes: n Free evening snack and non-alcoholic beverage, per day. n One free game drive at Corbett National Park. A minimum stay of four nights and five days includes: n Free evening snack and non-alcoholic beverage, per day. n One free game drive at Corbett National Park. n One hour free massage. Offer valid until September 30, 2017. Cost: A flat 15 per cent off rack rates (not inclusive of peak season dates, which can be confirmed with the property at the time of booking). jimsjungleretreat.com
JW Marriott Kolkata The package is designed for the convenience of business travellers. To activate it, guests must enter TRS in the box that reads Promotional Code. There is no minimum stay for the offer that includes: n Daily buffet breakfast at JW Kitchen. n Daily pickup and drop to and from the office (within 20km radius of the hotel). n Food credit worth `1,000 per night. (Maximum credit of `3,000 for the entire stay exceeding three nights.) n Free wifi. Offer valid until October 12, 2017. Cost: `14,500 onwards per night (plus taxes). marriott.com/Kolkata DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 19
INBOX Get in touch at mail@panaceapublishing.co.in or businesstraveller.com/discussion
DOUBLE TROUBLE POST
POST Isaac Levy, Singapore
Earlier this year, two colleagues and I booked online for a three-night stay at the Marriott Moscow Royal Aurora. The online offer was to pay for two nights, with one night free, for a total of around 13,000 rubles (`14,491) including taxes. This was double the price of another Marriott in the city, however we chose to pay the extra as the hotel was within walking distance of Red Square. We received an email confirmation stating the total invoice for three nights. However upon checking out on August 28, the bill was almost double the amount that had been confirmed. As we were in a rush to catch an early morning flight, we didn’t have time to argue so just paid the amount. When we reached Houston, we emailed the hotel (no reply) and called to sort the issue out, but the hotel denied the responsibility. We cannot comprehend this daylight robbery from such an established chain of hotels and feel cheated by Marriott. Name and address supplied
MARRIOTT MOSCOW ROYAL AURORA REPLIES: We would like to extend our apologies to the guest. The guest booked the offer “Buy Two Get One Night Free”. This promotion presupposes a minimum stay of three nights — two of which are at a certain rate and one night is free of charge. However, the confirmation calculated the rate only for one night instead of two, which is incorrect. We have rectified this technical inaccuracy and apologised to the guest. We have also refunded the guest 6,500 rubles (`6,977), and he confirmed by email that he was satisfied with the measures taken by the hotel.
FLIGHT REVIEW
BUSINESS TRAVELLER REPLIES:
I was disappointed to read your review of Ethiopian Airlines A350-900 London Heathrow to Addis Ababa [available online under Tried and Tested: Airlines]. I flew the exact flight four nights ago in business and feel you are being far too kind. You mention the issue of how late the menus were distributed, which therefore means passengers are expected to eat a meal at 2330, with four hours left of the flight and three hours until breakfast. I am sure you should have been a little less matter of fact on this issue as it is frankly ridiculous. A 2100 take-off means that we leave home at anytime between 1700 and 1830. Surely the airline should know that customers are anxious to eat and get some sleep. On my flight they did not have the desserts as listed on the menu, apologising for the fact that, besides a piece of chocolate, no desserts were on offer. I am confident that had you managed to stay up for dessert you would also have been only offered a piece of chocolate. I tried the call buzzer on the smart screen by the side arm but nothing happened. I went to the front to find the staff chatting away. I also did not feel that the English spoken was fluent and struggled to understand what was being said. The business transit lounge in Addis Ababa is old and in desperate need of a refurbishment, and there are no shower facilities. Sir, I believe your article to not be sufficiently comprehensive and would next time like to read a little more helpful information, giving your devoted readers a real and honest heads-up. You need to pressure-test the system, not get merely from point A to B.
Many thanks for your letter. I’m sure you will agree with me that it’s good news that Ethiopian Airlines is flying daily and direct from London Heathrow to Addis Ababa, and even better news that it is doing so with one of the newest, most efficient and comfortable aircraft in the world – the new-generation A350-900. As you point out, in my review of the night flight I said I thought the service was a little slow, and indeed I went to sleep before the dessert since the flight duration was less than seven hours and I was working the next day. I reviewed the lounge separately, but this can be read online at businesstraveller.com. I thought the service was friendly, and didn’t suffer any problems in making myself understood.
20 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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Your letters and posts
POST MartynSinclair DATE November 15, 2016
esselle November 15, 10:59
Switzerlanding November 15, 20:52
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WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A LETTER DATED 2004 – OFFERING ONE NIGHT FREE? In 2004 (yes 12 years ago) I was offered by the then GM “director of operations”, a complimentary nights hotel accommodation at the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam. The offer was made in a letter, signed by the GM: “To thank you for your comments and to somewhat soften your negative experience, I would like to offer you one complimentary night, including breakfast in our hotel the next time your travel brings you to Amsterdam.” There was no time limited quoted. Accompanying the letter was a voucher, signed and stamped by the hotel, but on the bottom of the voucher there was an expiry date of December 2004. Yesterday, I went to the hotel to show them the letter to see if they would honour the offer. The answer was no, due to the time and the “change of ownership”. The manager I spoke to was highly amused by the letter and asked for copies, which I was happy to allow. I was however offered complimentary breakfast for two (valid for six months), which I asked if it could be changed to a dinner – “No” was the answer to that request. So, on the one hand there is an open offer in an original letter for one nights accommodation and on the other hand there is an expired voucher. Question – what would you do – let it drop or have another go?
I suspect that they won’t honour it to the full extent of the original offer, but think you would have a better chance of getting something from it by writing to the current GM of the hotel, explaining the context, noting that you haven’t used the offer as you haven’t been back to Amsterdam since receiving it, etc. Good luck. Let it go. I’ve a couple of these offers which have long expired and I think unrealistic to push for. I think you did well to get a couple of free breakfasts.
LuganoPirate Sorry Martyn but I’d also say let it go. Good of November 16, them to offer free breakfast though. 05:44 FDOS_UK Shred it, to be honest. November 16, The accomodation voucher was time 14:07 stamped.
GivingupBA I’d let it go. Well done for trying, but if that November 16, was me I’d forget it after one try. I would 14:18 take the breakfast offer, though (to be honest
I think them offering you the latter was a generous gesture on their part).
POST ferguson DATE November 8, 2016
WILLIE WALSH – QUESTIONS BENEFITS OF ALLIANCES.
Flightlevel November 8, 20:55
Well he should know and since joint ventures are a return to pooled routes its understandable though trust miles cards continue to be used on several airlines.
JohnHarper November 9, 11:20
I think [Star Alliance] was first off the blocks with five members. Back in those days I could see the benefits of it and things like booking across all five members from a single website and through check-in and baggage interlining was a great improvement on what was. It’s interesting that now you can no longer book on any one website to get to a place that isn’t served by the airline concerned and so this is definitely a backwards step. I don’t think it’s any better at Sky Team or oneworld. I can see the alliances changing a great deal in coming years and I think the Etihad model which is evolving is far more promising for the future. It’s really just a question of how long it all takes and who is next. Emirates don’t really need an alliance with anyone but their position is unique.
Came across an interesting article where Willie Walsh says he thinks airlines alliances such as Oneworld and Star [Alliance] no longer give a commercial advantage and that ‘I would be surprised and questioned whether they will exist in ten years from now’.
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 21
TRIED&TESTED Flight
Cathay Pacific A330-300 Business Class Hong Kong-Mumbai
BACKGROUND Cathay Pacific’s A330-300 that it operates on the Hong Kong-Mumbai route has two classes, with 39 business class and 223 economy class seats. The route is served by a daily and an additional thrice-weekly. CHECK-IN I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 1600 for my 2000 departure on CX 663. My request for a window seat was validated and I was invited to experience the airline’s business class lounge — The Pier. After fast-track security I headed to Gate 65 where the lounge is located. Opened this May, it is a resourceful space for business travellers with a range of facilities. I enjoyed some JING lemon grass and ginger tea alongside cookies and canapés at its Tea House, before using the shower facility where an announcement reminded me that it was time to board. BOARDING Gate 40 was a short walk through duty-free. Aboard, I was offered champagne, orange juice and a concoction of rose and cranberries. Hot towels and amenity kits were provided soon after and pre-take off checks began. THE SEAT The configuration of business class is 1-2-1. It is split 22 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
into two cabins with 28 and 11 seats. I was seated in 11A, which is the first seat on the left as you enter the aircraft. Tones of green, tan and light gold emanate the airline’s branding. The seat exudes a homeliness with a sense of privacy. It faces forward at an angle, with a reading light on the side. Headphones are stored in a cabinet on the left and the cocktail side table makes sense if you don’t want to pull out the tray table for a beverage. There is a vanity mirror concealed under a flap inside the side cabinet door, which I only discovered later. Shoes can be stored in a compartment on the bottom right and there is some extra space at the bottom left. A button releases the screen to face you while the arm-rest is also electronically controlled, although it slipped down quite easily with little pressure. All seats are equipped with a universal power socket, but I preferred to use one of the two USB ports to charge my phone. There is also a multi-port connector with an RCA port and an iPhone/iPod connector. Seat controls resemble a luxury car; I toggled with the three buttons until I hit my comfortable
spot. The new business class offering provides usable in-seat width of 20.2-inch. It’s a fully flat bed when completely reclined with usable bed length and width at 75-inch and 26.4-inch (with an added bed extension). Retract the arm rest for some additional space while resting. WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? Couples and companions can select the middle two seats that are angled towards each other, without taking away privacy if seated next to a stranger. Select 11A or 11K for a good view through the window and to ensure you’re one of the first to leave the aircraft. THE FLIGHT To start, I was offered marinated prawn, panfried scallop, French bean, tomato and capsicum that I had to refuse since I am allergic to shellfish. I quite enjoyed the seasonal salad with balsamic vinaigrette and garlic bread. For the main course, there were three options — Cantonese: wok fried prawns with preserved vegetable, bean curd, broccoli, red capsicum steamed and jasmine rice; nonvegetarian Indian: chicken saag curry, basmati rice and pea masala; and vegetarian Indian. Unable to pick the Cantonese option, I went for the non-vegetarian Indian meal that was well-cooked and aromatic. I skipped dessert and opted for Chamomile tea that I enjoyed over a movie. Beverages offered onboard are juices, soft drinks, freshly brewed ILLY coffee, Hong Kong style milk tea, JING teas and hot chocolate. After the meal, I reclined my seat fully flat and slept comfortably without any disturbance or noise until the captain’s announcement half an hour before landing. ARRIVAL We arrived 15 minutes before schedule, which is always a delight. VERDICT The business class offers one of the largest seat pitches amongst airlines and is an overall luxurious flying experience.
TESTED BY Akanksha Maker
DEPARTURE TIME 2000
JOURNEY TIME 6hrs 45mins
AIRCRAFT TYPE A330-300
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
SEAT WIDTH 20.2-inch
SEAT RECLINE 180 degrees
BED LENGTH 75-inch
PRICE Internet rates for a return business class flight from Hong Kong to Mumbai mid-January started from `1,59,285 depending on flexibility.
CONTACT cathaypacific.com Visitbusinesstraveller.com
TRIED&TESTED Hotel
The Waverly Hotel and Residences Bengaluru
BACKGROUND Annexed with the VR Bengaluru mall is this boutique property. It is the hospitality extension of the shopping centre and is positioned as a complete lifestyle offering with its retail stores, cinema hall, restaurants and bars. WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel is in Whitefield, which was Bengaluru’s Anglo-Indian settlement since the 19th century. A colonial charm exudes across the property through curios and details. The lobby aptly titled The Living Room features black and white checkered flooring and a floral wall with a large tan grandfather clock. A ceiling-high bookcase and a fireplace add a European homeliness to this space. An olive green leather armchair is placed beside the reception that’s in front of a mural with graphic British phone booths. The overall feel of the hotel is very welcoming and takes you back to Anglo-Indian “Bangalore” without losing its contemporary touch. Sketches by Paul Fernandez that depict the city’s bygone era are exhibited on walls of the hotel. WHERE IS IT? Located within Whitefield, Bengaluru’s IT hub, the hotel is close to top tech parks and corporate complexes. Kempegowda International Airport is about an hour away and Bengaluru’s bustling Indiranagar neighbourhood is a Visit businesstraveller.com
30-minute drive from there. ROOM FACILITIES The rooms are divided across three floors — Hamilton, Churchill and Wodeyar — with 18 rooms each. I stayed in the 68 sqm Grand room that’s divided into a living room and a bedroom. A curved, ceiling-high window runs across the expanse, providing an undisrupted view of Whitefield. Complimentary water bottles are placed by the bed and the room is equipped with scattered power sockets. The living room features a 55-inch LED HDTV and a charming bookcase with an interesting collection. The modern living room emanates a colonial touch though antiques such as an old school table clock on the work desk and a vintage globe on the bookcase. The bathroom has two sinks and a separate shower area. Depending on the needs of the traveller, the hotel has a wide category of rooms, suites and apartments to pick from. This includes the base-level Waverly room (30 sqm), Waverly Twin (30 sqm), Studio (46 sqm), Loft (59 sqm), Grand Twin (53 sqm), OneTwo- and Three-bedroom residences. RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Whitefield Arms is its inhouse brewery and restaurant that’s awaiting its licence. I tried the delectable Barrack’s Special that’s a coriander and mint marinated chicken thigh served
with saffron yogurt and coriander dip and the pan seared salmon with dil cream sauce and truffle mushroom rice. There’s also an adjoining cafe by the same name. Alt is the hotel’s rooftop bar that plays groovy tunes and serves delicious hors d’oeuvres alongside signature cocktails at the “sky-deck”. There is also an additional Poolside Bar on the same level. Wifi is free. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Waverly Hotel and Residences features the HIVE, a unique co-working space targeted at entrepreneurs and start-ups. Spread across three levels, it spans 5,574 sqm, and comprises of private offices and community style work desks. The HIVE has dedicated collaboration zones and conference rooms that are well equipped with the latest technology. It features quirky British phone booths without any real handsets, for those taking personal calls on their mobiles and “meeting nooks” for quick brainstorming sessions. LEISURE FACILITIES VR Bengaluru mall’s extensive leisure facilities are accessible to hotel guests as well. This includes the mall’s restaurants, PVR Premiere cinema hall with gold class and retail outlets. The Tribe Fitness Club is its dedicated centre that not only has a gym but also holds group fitness classes. There is also a Mediterranean-themed Spa La Vie by L’Occitane, Warren Tricomi Salon, a jogging track and a rooftop heated swimming pool. The “sky-deck” features a wall with an edgy quote by Winston Churchill: “I am easily satisfied with the very best” and a stunning view of the IT city. VERDICT Boutique luxury in the heart of Bengaluru’s IT district. Recommended for business travellers and staycation seekers.
TESTED BY Akanksha Maker
HOW MANY ROOMS? 54 rooms, studios and residences
HIGHLIGHTS HIVE, its co-working space, its rooftop heated swimming pool and Alt.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in January for The Waverly Room started at `6,375.
CONTACT Whitefield Main Road, Bengaluru; tel +91 80 3354 4000; thewaverly.in
R R R R R R R
24 hr ROOM SERVICE 2 RESTAURANTS 2 BARS POOL GYM SPA FREE WIFI
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 23
INSIDE AVIATION
Frills and fares
Airlines are going beyond just transporting you from one point to another. Neha Gupta Kapoor talks about their add-ons and benefits to flyers
24 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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PERKS FOR A PRICE
ordinary through which other airlines too generate additional revenue for themselves. These ancillary revenue sources include in-flight shopping, sale of on-board meals (for budget airlines), ticket cancellation/rescheduling cost, excess baggage fees, and seat selection charge, in addition to non-passenger services such as leasing of aircraft, cargo, merchandise, advertising, tours, and so forth. Basically, they are any revenue generating stream for an airline that doesn’t include ticket sales. “Ancillary revenue, including cargo, accounts for ten per cent to 15 per cent of our operating revenue and it is growing fast,” says Prasad Kholkute, Jet Airways’ vice-president for revenue management. He adds that of all its ancillary products/services, seat selection has been the highest earner. India’s other full service airline, Vistara that launched only in January 2015 doesn’t charge for seat selection. It is free for all passengers. However, from its recently launched chargeable services, FlyEarly is the newest. It allows customers the flexibility to board a flight that leaves up to four hours earlier than their originally scheduled departure — much
ISTOCK
In the last week of August, full service airline, Jet Airways launched Priority Advantage for its passengers. For a flat fee of `400, it allows them to check into an earlier flight, up to 24 hours prior to their originally scheduled flight’s departure time. The service is free for Platinum and Gold JetPrivilege members at all domestic airports, and at select six domestic airports for Silver tier members. Another facility extended to Jet Airways’ passengers in the same month is the option to select a seat at the time of web check-in. Again, it is free for Platinum JetPrivilege members, and free under certain fare categories for Gold JetPrivilege members. Others need to pay between `300 and `600 on domestic routes and from `500 to `3,500 on international routes for window, aisle and bulkhead (front row) seats. As is usually followed by full service airlines, Jet Airways has been providing in-flight meal service and reasonable check-in luggage allowance. Recently, in step with the airline business, it has begun offering and charging for new services, nothing out of the
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DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 25
INSIDE AVIATION
like Jet Airways’ Priority Advantage. The `1,500 FlyEarly fee is applicable across all cabin classes, but free to Club Vistara members. Vistara’s chief strategy and commercial officer Sanjiv Kapoor said that passengers can look forward to many more of such service-enhancing facilities to be launched in the near future.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
While India is warming up to the idea of paying for à la carte products and services by domestic airlines, they are still behind the world in terms of generating sizeable ancillary earnings. CarTrawler Ancillary Revenue Yearbook by IdeaWorksCompany, a US-based consultancy (and research) firm listed ten airlines that have generated, of total revenue, from 19.5 per cent to 43.4 per cent, from non-ticketing sources, in 2015. The report goes on to say that airlines globally have generated US$26 billion in ancillary revenue – with United, American and Delta topping the list. Explaining the scope of how add-on services, if positioned under the right light, can spur an airline’s growth, Michael Cunningham, chief commercial officer at CarTrawler says, “Airlines can now choose from an ever more sophisticated range of ancillary products and technology. The Airline challenge is to ensure that the ancillary benefits do not GoAir (LCC) overshadow the core principles IndiGo (LCC) of customer experience that airlines have built their brands Jet Airways on. The opportunity is to SpiceJet (LCC) deliver a personalised offering Vistara that complements their brand 26 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
promise. Airlines that do this will see ancillary revenue gains, increased brand loyalty and a boost in customer lifetime value.”
FAIR PRICE
Up until Jet Airways and Vistara began offering services for a fee, such sales to passengers was once typical of just low cost carriers (LCCs) in India. Now, it is a strong supporting business for the airline industry, one that needs to be tapped to its full potential. It not only benefits the airlines, but is advantageous to flyers too. For starters, it has taken the pressure off earning from just one stream — ticketing — thus allowing budget and full service carriers to compete in a healthy fare war. In turn, travellers have more choices for feasible ticket prices and flight timings, without needing to filter out the full service carriers for lower fares. Ultimately it boils down to the choice of paying for comfort-enhancing services or not. The chart below juxtaposes lowest available oneway economy ticket prices (inclusive of taxes) of Indian airlines for travel on December 14, 2016. Prices were checked on each airline’s website in the first week of November.
Delhi-Goa
Delhi-Bengaluru Delhi-Mumbai
`5,001
`3,835
`2,649
`5,007
`3,730
`3,527
`4,902
`3,884
`3,100
`4,682
`3,783
`3,891
`5,651
`4,293
`2,872 Visitbusinesstraveller.com
airline US$1,457 million. In its financial overview for FY16 (year ending March 31, 2016), Ryanair reported ancillary revenue of €1,568.6 million (approx US$1,714.38 million). Amongst discounts on services offered by its partners, it too has a membership plan — Leisure Plus and Business Plus.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
BENCHMARKING
Clockwise from top left: Jet Airways’ inflight meal; Indira Gandhi International Airport; Bengaluru International Airport Visit businesstraveller.com
In addition to these, SpiceJet and IndiGo have a Hand Baggage Only fare too for certain flights, wherein passengers pay less for not checking in luggage. They introduced this fare category only in the last 18 months; but worldwide, budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair have already been charging passengers extra for any check-in baggage as per the flown sector. Over the years, they have expanded their revenue options. Today, easyJet has partnered with a car rental company, airport lounges, taxi service, and several hotels for discounts, and even has an easyJet Plus membership. In 2014, as speculated by IdeaWorksCompany, all of these have earned the
During a conversation with a GoAir employee earlier this year, when asked if a loyalty programme would be beneficial to them, he retorted quite simply: “We’re a budget airline.” Fair enough, as the whole concept of an LCC is to get you from Point A to Point B, and to charge you for anything offered over and above that. GoAir takes its “no-frills” airline status seriously, and its “frills” for money include seat selection, inflight meals, excess baggage, and priority check-in that ensures you’re the first to check-in and to receive your baggage. GoHolidays and other such packages give discounts on bookings. GoBusiness (window and aisle seats on select rows) charges more than the regular fare to guarantee an empty middle seat, reserves extra legroom rows such as bulkhead and exit, and includes refreshments, baggage allowance up to 35kg, chauffeur-driven transfer, and lounge access at select airports, in the cost. Though India’s budget carriers don’t have loyalty programmes, giving away otherwise paid services for a flat membership fee isn’t very different. You don’t earn miles, but you do gain from discounts and points. In this case, only SpiceJet amongst the budget Indian airlines has such an option. DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 27
INSIDE AVIATION
SELLING LOYALTY
Clockwise from top: SpiceJet aircraft; GoAir aircraft; SpiceJet extra legroom seats
Members of SpiceJet’s SpiceClub can buy Spice Cash points on the airline’s website. On doing so, they’re rewarded with two Spice Cash points for every `100 topped-up. As for redeeming them, one Spice Cash point = `1. On enrolling, SpiceClub gives away: n Redeemable vouchers: two worth `599 and two worth `100 for domestic flight bookings n Anniversary special: 50 per cent discount on domestic air tickets for a couple n Free priority check-in n Vouchers worth `100 Independent of SpiceClub, the SpiceMAX bundle, “for a modest add-on fee starting at `500 to `1,000 per sector”, includes extra legroom seats, priority check-in, inflight meals, priority baggage handling (bag out first) and boarding (first in line at aerobridge gates). Other SpiceJet add-ons apart from those listed above include: n International SIM cards n Travel insurance
28 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
n Additional 5kg over the regular free 7kg cabin baggage allowance — `300 per additional kilogram n Fly For Sure at `299 guarantees a flight within 24 hours of the originally scheduled departure, in case of a no-show or other flight disruptions n Access to SpiceLounge at Bengaluru, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, and Varanasi — `700 for domestic and `1,300 for international passengers n By paying `1,125 for domestic and `1,250 for international travel, My Flexi Plan allows passengers to “either change the date of travel once or cancel the booking without paying the applicable change/ cancellation fees” Through all these services and products sold to passengers, SpiceJet’s investor presentation displayed an ancillary revenue of `5,617 million for FY16 – an impressive 30 per cent growth from the previous year. GoAir declined to share figures of its ancillary revenue. IndiGo reported earnings of `1,61,399.09 million from operations in FY16. Of this, `20,019.97 million was generated from ancillary products and services, half of which come from 6E Xtras, IndiGo’s passenger related add-ons. These include discounts on group bookings, prepaid excess baggage, pre-booked meals, FastForward service to ensure you get your baggage first, Dubai visa service, travel insurance and 6E Upgrade for unlimited rescheduling benefit, extra legroom seats and meal choices.
TO CONCLUDE
While it may seem that airlines’ add-ons are directly productive for the sellers, it indirectly works tremendously in favour of passengers too. For one, competition for the lowest ticket price is a boon, and being able to break up the services on offer and pay for what best suits your needs is a welcome choice for many. Of course, a full service carrier matching its airfare with an LCC would mean getting more value for money if one is booked with the former. But that’s a discussion for another time. Until then, skip the buffet for a “customised” journey. n Visitbusinesstraveller.com
BRAND SPEAK
In Nature’s Lap Tucked into North India’s picturesque Aravali Valley, The Lalit Mangar offers the best of luxury, comfort and adventure
D
rive out from Indira Gandhi International Airport, and in about an hour, you will reach The LaLit Mangar. In contrast to the city’s skyscrapers towering above one another, this property rests peacefully in New Delhi’s own backyard, surrounded by a fragile ecosystem and a captivating natural ambience. The LaLit Mangar is an experiential hotel — a retreat that lets you to listen to your heart’s calling and indulge in a myriad of activities you’ve always aspired to do, but have never got the opportunity. From an invigorating yoga session at dawn to celestial experiences at night, The LaLit Mangar will thoroughly pamper you. Relax those knotted muscles at Time Reversal Spa, where Dr. Mosaraf Ali’s therapies will rejuvenate you. Hear the sound of silence and spend hours star gazing. Spot your favourite constellation or planet with our little observatory in a clear wide sky. Dive into your book and connect with the environment as you lay down and relax on your manjhis. Hear the peaceful sound of silence in Mother Nature’s lap as you harmonise with your mind, body and soul. Submerge yourself in the breathtaking views of the valley, while being coddled by The LaLit’s quintessential hospitality. Rejoice, as
you re-connect with yourself and achieve that perfect balance you’ve been yearning for. Adventure seekers can get their adrenalin high with strenuous activities such as rock climbing, well-planned picnics and cycling. Inhale fresh air as you bike through the valley or strengthen those muscles as you climb up terrains. While the physical activity will build up an appetite, it will also help you introspect and look at life from another perspective. Hop down to local villages to observe rustic life as you interact with locals. Let go of banal desires to experience an alternative living; milk a cow, eat food freshly cooked on a chulha or dance the night away to authentic folk music at the hotel. The LaLit Mangar offers 35 opulent suites, all offering stupendous views of the valley and the best of premium luxury and comfort — a signature of The LaLit Hotels. Palatial yet equipped with all contemporary amenities and services, your private room at The LaLit Mangar is an idyllic refuge against city life. For reservations visit lalit.com; email: mangar@thelalit.com; tel: +91 129 715 7777
SPOTLIGHT ON Powai
A Proliferating Landscape Akanksha Maker investigates what makes Powai attractive to startups and hotel chains
30 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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W
hile in conversation with Nicholas Dumbell, general manager at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre, at the Executive Lounge of the hotel’s 36th floor, I peered over the expanse of Powai Lake. The view was unparalleled: an emerald sheath of water lay still as scattered clouds drifted by, altering the hues of sunlight. Dumbell pointed to an isolated island in the middle of the waterbody, and iterated the sighting of crocodiles in winter. “In the early 2000s when the hotel opened, our guests and staff have been known to spot leopards as well,” he said. It was hard to believe this was Mumbai, and only earlier that morning I was struggling to get past suffocating traffic. We continued to discuss Powai’s
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cityscape that towered at a distance, with a group of identical buildings to the right of my vision. “And that’s Hiranandani Gardens,” he said pointing out to the skyscrapers, a few of which were embellished with green domes.
LAND POWER
Synonymous with this suburb since its inception is the Hiranandani family, who can be credited for laying the foundation of Powai. It all started in
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SPOTLIGHT ON Powai
Clockwise from top: Powai’s cityscape; Thyme Bistro
1985, when Niranjan and Surendra Hiranandani purchased 250 acres of land here to kickstart their real-estate business. An urban township with condominiums, apartments, penthouses, bungalows and commercial complexes, Hiranandani Gardens invited denizens of Mumbai looking to breakaway from its clutter. The upmarket township successfully created a haven for young Indians and offered a high standard of living at an affordable price. A neo-classic architectural marvel, the complex is strategically located opposite the serene Powai Lake. Niranjan Hiranandani, co-founder and chief managing director at Hiranandani Group elaborated on how it has evolved into an ideally planned urban habitat that is home to more than 4,000 families. “The township houses academic institutions, medical facilities, retail, hospitality and other utility services. Offering an ideal mix of corporate spaces, which includes an IT Special Economic Zone, it has been the launch pad for many leading business entities to grow in western India.” A number of other builders such as Raheja and Godrej followed suit and invested in this upcoming north eastern suburb during its nascent stage of development. Powai’s attractive real estate invited an array of international companies such as Amazon, J P Morgan and Deloitte to bring their corporate and back offices here. In fact, Indian conglomerate Larsen and Toubro’s (L&T’s) plant is one of the first landmarks you see upon arriving in this suburb from Mumbai International Airport, or the other areas from south Mumbai. Sanofi, L&T Realty and Tata Consultancy Services are some of the other Indian
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players here. “The Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) lies at a short distance (from Powai) and Powai Lake’s bank is home to hospitality ventures. The economic growth of the area has spread to neighbouring localities such as Andheri and Vikhroli, which has helped evolve Powai into the central business hub of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR),” added Hiranandani.
STARTUP VALLEY
There is no dearth of corporate opportunity in Powai. But an interesting ecosystem fell into place a few years ago, from the seeds of entrepreneurial passion laid by Indian Institute of Technology. Known for its high educational standards, the sprawling 550acre campus of IIT Bombay located here churns out quality candidates who get accustomed to the breezy lifestyle of Powai. A startup culture was awakened when graduates realised their business acumen and founded diverse tech startups across the area. Companies such as Ola Cabs and housing.com that were conceived here have soon achieved monumental heights, expanding their presence across the country. Powai Lake Ventures, a network of Mumbai-based angel investors, started operations from their namesake area, with the sole purpose of backing up Mumbai-based startups. The convenience of proximity demanded the company to offer its support to budding firms in the region to begin with, creating a win-win scenario for all Powai-based new organisations. The modest beginnings of these enterprises that started small at coffee shops, have inspired an Visitbusinesstraveller.com
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DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 33
HIRANANDANI GROUP; THYME BISTRO; GHM
entire generation of aspiring businessmen. This phenomenon led to the christening of the area as “Powai Valley”, resonating with the original IT and entrepreneurial hub of the USA — Santa Clara Valley. Firms catering to food-tech, home services, automobiles and sharing economy soon sprouted all over Powai. While atypical corporate spaces were the norm, the youth preferred to work at alternative co-working spaces such as coffee shops, where all they needed was a desk, a power-socket and of course, wifi. A number of cafes identified the growing need of informal offices and began targeting the startup crowd. Speaking to the co-founder of Thyme Bistro, one such F&B outlet that has positioned itself as a
“franchise model that is youth and corporate crowd centric”, gave a better understanding of the startup culture here. Nityanand Shetty’s vision was to provide an option to budding companies apart from the usual options such as Starbucks and Cafe Coffee Day, that don’t serve freshly cooked food. “Powai is home to a lot of startups and young entrepreneurs. The big business districts are shifting from south Mumbai to areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex, Lower Parel and Powai, and the concept of Thyme goes well with this trend. Adjoining areas such as Vikhroli, Bhandup and Kanjurmarg (on Mumbai’s outskirts) have also become corporate hotspots in the recent times. Understanding this, there was a need to create an “enterprise den” in order to cater to this audience,” said Shetty. Along with young entrepreneurs, a large chunk of the expatriate population also engages with startups
SPOTLIGHT ON Powai
and lives in Powai. This self-sufficient hub provides them with a comfortable and modern environment that matches up to their home countries; relatively new infrastructure, spotless boulevards, GrecoRoman style buildings and of course, the stunning view of the lakefront with the hills.
HOSPITALITY MAGNET
Pictured: The Chedi, Mumbai
In 2000, the 600-room Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre was established in Powai to attract staycation seekers along with a large number of MICE movements. It soon became the landmark for Mumbai’s denizens who travelled here, to experience its restaurants or accommodation. With sprawling spaces that boast of natural landscapes and lake views, the hotel made its mark in hosting conventions too. The hotel also has Marriott Executive Suites within its premises, that are serviced apartments typically targeted towards long-stay guests who are in the process of finding accommodation or prefer to reside in the comfort of a well-established hotel group. Wyndham Hotel Group is another hospitality
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firm that invested in Ramada Powai Hotel and Convention Centre here. Hospitality giant, General Hotel Management will make its Indian debut with The Chedi Mumbai in central Powai soon too. The hotel industry is abuzz with this news and is excited to welcome this Singapore-based group in the heart of Mumbai’s enterprising north eastern suburb. The upcoming luxury property will be positioned as a staycation destination as well as a conventions’ hub. The Chedi Mumbai plans to compete with Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre and Ramada Powai Hotel and Convention Centre, that enjoy a similar positioning. This bold move further catalyses Powai’s stance as a lucrative hub for business. Giulio D’Alberto, general manager at The Chedi Mumbai, showed confidence in this decision and expresses faith in the region’s potential. He said, “Powai has grown prolifically and exponentially in recent years to become one of Mumbai’s most upmarket commercial and residential hubs. It has the city’s most cosmopolitan and modernised cultures with a highly sought-after residential address, especially for the expatriate community. Its well-planned infrastructure, proximity to international and domestic airports and commercial business districts, social amenities and network, all contribute towards Powai’s popularity as a hub for work and play. With over 150 multinational offices such as TCS, Deloitte, CRISIL, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Nomura, Larsen and Toubro and startups moving in, Powai definitely has a very promising future.” D’Alberto further said that the demand for residential properties in Powai can be attributed to its well-connected road network, fast-paced urban life, and desirable social infrastructure. “This locality is steadily attracting young entrepreneurs. The reasons are primarily due to the relatively new infrastructure and lower commercial rents. This is the perfect place to be for the urban youth who appreciates state-of-the-art infrastructure, plenty of eating and unwinding options within walking distance of each other, space, greenery and tranquillity while yet enjoying the much needed Mumbai energy.” Once a centralised village, Powai took giant leaps in a short span of time to achieve the status of being a commercial hotspot. With the Hiranandani family purchasing land to the advent of Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre, the birth of enterprising startups and now a luxurious offering by General Hotel Management, Powai’s chronology is an inspiring success story of how an urban jungle can emerge from unproductive land. Urban amenities, lush landscapes, a buzzing nightlife with international and homegrown eateries make this one of the most sought after suburbs by the modern consumer. ■ Visitbusinesstraveller.com
WHERE TO EAT From independent coffee shops to established F&B chains, Powai is bustling with cafes, fine-dining restaurants and fast-food options for its diverse denizens. Here is where you can head for some culinary indulgences. Fratelli Fresh Located within Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre, this fine-dining Italian restaurant is quite popular, not just in Powai, but amongst all of Mumbai. It holds food festivals often and offers its guests a range of fresh seafood and meat preparations that pair well with its extensive wine collection. The restaurant’s scenic location allows for some panoramic views from its glass windows. Try its salmon carpaccio (`920 plus taxes) and tuna tartar (`870 plus taxes) to begin an extended Italian evening. Finish with its paper thin mozzarella cheese pizzas (`800 plus taxes) and scrumptious tiramisu (`400 plus taxes). marriott.com Suzette Creperie and Cafe This French creperie has outlets in Nariman Point and Bandra but its space in Powai is much larger. Run by a Frenchman, it serves authentic crepes, organic salads and delectable smoothies prepared with fresh ingredients. A lovely glass kitchen lets guests look at chefs preparing their food amidst the aroma of just baked baguettes and coffee. You can make your own salad or crepe too but don’t forget to indulge in its melted Belgian chocolate crepe (`270). A healthier option is its Estragon crepe (`470) that has grilled chicken, dijon mustard, tarragon yogurt sauce and emmenthal cheese. suzette.in Neel Indian Kitchen and Bar Serving dishes from across the length and breadth of India, the restaurant attempts to put India’s diverse culture on a plate. Unlike other typical Indian restaurants, Neel doesn’t focus on any particular regional cuisine. From authentic Kashmiri and Konkani dishes to popular street foods of Rajasthan and West Bengal, Chef Mukhtar uses traditional ingredients like mulhatti, pan kajadh, khas ka jadh, dagad ka phool, kebab chini and chandan in his preparations. neel.asia
WHERE TO STAY Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Opened in 2000, it is India’s first Renaissance branded property, attached to the only Marriott Executive Suites in India. Divided amongst its two towers are room categories that offer panoramic views of Powai Lake — Deluxe Lake View, Concierge, Tower 3 Bay, Tower 4 Bay. Junior, Premier, Duplex and Tower Presidential suites. Serving a lavish buffet every day is its Lake View Cafe, while Fratelli Fresh is its Italian outlet. The hotel also houses an Indian restaurant called Nawab Visit businesstraveller.com
Saheb that’s only open for dinner, Emperor’s Court serves Chinese, Mumbai Express is its deli, and A Bar that plays groovy beats and also houses pool tables. Positioned as a convention centre, it’s a premium venue for meetings and weddings. marriott.com
Meluha - The Fern Located within Hiranandani Gardens, in Central Avenue is this boutique property of 141 keys. Room categories are Club, Executive and Standard, with two additional suite types. A 4-star hotel, it doesn’t offer any leisure facilities, but its rooms are well equipped to suit the needs of business travellers with work-desks, an LCD television and direct dial phone services. It’s accessible to restaurants and jaunts of the region, and is close to a range of entertainment and lifestyle options. It has a cafe and bar, a business centre and a gift shop though. Facilities also include in-room dining and airport pickups. fernhotels.com
Ramada Powai Hotel and Convention Centre A part of Wyndham Hotel Group, Ramada Powai Hotel and Convention Centre features Superior and Deluxe rooms and suites. In-room facilities include private safe, LCD television, work-station, data-port, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. It houses two F&B outlets namely Uno Bar and Grill, and SKYY lounge and bar for those looking to spend time within the hotel. A spa, fitness centre and Ozone swimming pool are provided as leisure facilities. Positioned as a meetings destination, it has a sprawling convention centre in a separate building with two ballrooms, a meeting room and lush outdoor lawns suitable for large-scale conferences and events. ramadapowai.com
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MEET IN Abu Dhabi
Emirati Appeal The UAE capital has a plethora of offerings that attract event planners, and business and leisure tourists, finds Neha Gupta Kapoor
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Pictured: Emirates Palace Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 37
MEET IN Abu Dhabi
B
y December 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) will have a new development — Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) with a handling capacity of 30 million passengers per year or 8,500 passengers per hour. Gradually, once it is completed, AUH says it will become “the primary gateway” to the emirate and “the future home of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE”. Currently, Terminal 3 of AUH is dedicated to Etihad Airways’ departures and arrivals, with a handling capacity of “over 12 million passengers per year”. Terminals 1 and 2 serve the 33 other passenger airlines that use the airport, including Etihad’s partner airline, Jet Airways. Together, all three terminals received 5,84,255 international passengers in June 2016. (The number doesn’t include transit and transfer passengers.) Of these, Abu Dhabi Airports Statistics System computed that the highest number of arrivals were from India — 1,29,047 passengers. Despite facing challenges of a stronger dollar and lower oil prices, India has unfailingly made up a sizeable chunk of Abu Dhabi’s inbound tourism. This stirs little surprise as AUH has direct flights to 15 Indian airports to keep up with the demand. Bejan Dinshaw, country manager — India of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ABTCA) says, “With an option of more than 250 flights per week by Jet Airways and Etihad Airways, and being only four hours away, Abu Dhabi is all the more approachable to Indians.”
WEDDINGS
This is also why Abu Dhabi has opened up as an option to India’s wedding parties in the recent past, thus generating big revenue for its hospitality industry. Dinshaw says, “Abu Dhabi as a wedding 38 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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destination is still growing. It is emerging as a promising market with many options of luxurious hotels available to wedding parties. Imagine getting ready within the golden walls of Emirates Palace or walking under Swarovski chandeliers on your big day. There are many other wedding venues available here. If you think of a real royal wedding, Abu Dhabi is definitely the best option.” Emirates Palace has been hosting about three to four weddings annually, on an average. It says that 2017 promises to be a record year for the hotel “as it seems we may do a year’s worth of Indian weddings (by 2016 standards) in just one month, which is fantastic as they are both, a great source of revenue and lovely events to host.” So far, weddings earn the property “approximately AED 3 million (about `5,56,25,865) in rooms, and conference and banqueting, annually”. An average wedding party books 200 rooms for three nights — all of which is a grand affair for guests. When invitees aren’t busy at functions, wedding planners arrange sightseeing tours to keep them entertained.
ATTRACTIONS
Top to bottom: Abu Dhabi from the sea; Ferrari World; Flying Aces rollercoaster Visit businesstraveller.com
Abu Dhabi has a host of attractions, some historic, others amusing, and a few upcoming (Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum). However, topping the list is Ferrari World (ferrariworldabudhabi.com) on Yas Island, a visit to which is deemed sacrosanct for most tourists. F1 junkies can test their driving skills through a simulator where you “drive” around the Yas Marina Circuit as a racer would. The real races on the circuit take place in late November, which garners crowds in multitudes. This year Ferrari World added the Flying Aces rollercoaster to its bouquet of thrilling rides. At a
51-degree incline, it takes you to a 63-metre height, from where it drops, reaching speeds of 120 kmph. The journey to the end is through several loops such that at certain points you’re hanging with your feet in the air. It’s a symbolic ride that takes inspiration from Italy’s celebrated fighter ace, Count Francesco Baracca. It is his emblem of the prancing horse that is the official Ferrari logo today. Another attraction for thrill-seekers is flowboarding at Yas Waterworld (yaswaterworld.com), known for aqua adventures. This is where you can try your balancing skills on man-made waves that rise up to three metres and rush towards you at speeds of up to 45 kmph, pumping 7,000 litres of water per second. There are 45 more exhilarating rides, slides and attractions in the park that guarantee an adrenaline rush. However, queues are longer at Dawwama, “the world’s first hydro-magnetic tornado waterslide”, and Bandit Bomber, “the globe’s first interactive water and laser rollercoaster”. These are just a few of the myriad activities on Yas Island. Golf courses, music concerts, a day of sailing, and shopping are others that captivate leisure and business travellers. Development of this once barren land began in July 2006. An investment of over US$40 billion and a decade later it is hard to imagine Yas Island without the vivacity it exudes today. Next on the horizon is the US$1 billion Warner Bros theme park that will open in 2018. Each attraction on the island is merely a seven-minute drive from each other, a convenient layout for the 25 million visitors it receives annually.
INBOUND TRAFFIC
Drawing from visitor trend, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ABTCA) judges India as a promising source market for the island. In October, the tourism body hosted the 63rd Travel Agents DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 39
MEET IN Abu Dhabi
Association of India (TAAI) convention at Emirates Palace. A day was reserved to show delegates around Yas Island so they could sell their experiences more convincingly, back home. Dinshaw adds, “Just days after the convention, stakeholders started receiving calls from tour operators across India, inquiring about the packages. The travel fraternity also got clarity on the destination in order to sell the packages back in India. At the convention, Indian travel agents met local stakeholders too, which furthermore strengthened their personal relationships for longterm associations.” At the TAAI convention, His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash asserted India’s paramount importance to the Emirate by emphasising on the 20 per cent year-on-year increase in check-ins by Indians who account for seven per cent of Abu Dhabi’s overall hotel occupancy. As per ABTCA, their average length of stay is 3.4 nights per visit. Agreeing with His Excellency, Emirates Palace says, “Between 2014-2016, we received many Indian guests, and we are always keen to grow this market share. There has been an increase of 41 per cent in Indian guests staying with us between those three years. Of these guests 46 per cent stayed with us leisure, 51 per cent were attending weddings and three per cent were here on business.”
MICE
Top to bottom: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Mangrove Forest; Liwa Oasis
Dinshaw insists that MICE groups too find it worth their while to visit Abu Dhabi. He draws attention to Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau that was launched only two years ago. “There will be continued investment in the Convention Bureau to position the emirate as a leading destination for business events. Indians already see it as an opportunity to host major conferences and meetings. It works in a coordinated joined-up approach bringing government, government-related entities, public and private sectors together under “one Abu Dhabi”. It enables bidding developments to target with ease, conferences, congress and association meetings from sectors identified as pillars of Vision 2030 – education, medical, transport, environmental, sustainable energy, etc.” In short, the vision is to push Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for dynamic global events. The Convention Bureau’s Advantage Abu Dhabi programme aides international event organisers operate smoothly and catalyses their growth within the emirate. ABTCA describes it as a “one-stop shop for all business event planning requirements”. It is highly probable that the upcoming Al Maryah island will further boost overall inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi by a wide margin. This one is more
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popular amongst business travellers as it juxtaposes work and leisure. Cleveland Clinic of US-origin opened here in 2015. From the hospital, a bridge connects to The Galleria, a luxury mall that is also home to Four Seasons and Rosewood — both luxury business hotels. Al Maryah Central, the second mall that will open on the island in 2018 promises to be the “next generation mall”. Its 2,14,000 sqm space will house 501 retail stores, over 100 cafes and restaurants, 21 cinema screens and five urban parks. As is evident, Yas Island and Al Maryah Island cater to different groups. One focuses on those visiting purely for leisure, and the other focuses on time-strapped visitors seeking retail and food therapy within proximity to the business hub. Needless to say, the hospitality industry identifies Abu Dhabi as a promising market, which means new and upcoming hotel launches are in the offing. To name a few: n Four Seasons opened in 2016 n Marriott Downtown opened in 2016 n Beach Arjaan by Rotana will open in 2017 n Capital Centre Rotana will open in 2017 n InterContinental Grand Marina will open in 2017 n Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas will open in 2017 n Hilton Saadiyat Island resort will open in 2018 n W Abu Dhabi will open in 2018 n DoubleTree by Hilton will open in 2020 n Nobu Luxury Hotel & Residences hasn’t announced its launch date. Visitbusinesstraveller.com
OTHER ATTRACTIONS SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE The architectural wonder, built on the waterfront of Abu Dhabi is one of the largest mosques in the world. It has a capacity to hold 40,000 visitors at a time under its 82 majestic domes. Beguiling floral ornamentation is embossed on 1,000 white columns. The shrine exudes an enchanting aura with golden etchings on the wall plates and ceiling, completed with 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers — the largest chandelier is 10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighs 12 tonnes. Reflective pools surrounding the mosque not only amplify its allurement, but emanate a sense of serenity too. It is most beautiful at sunset. (Open SaturdayThursday 9am-10pm, 4:30pm-10pm on Friday; tel: +971 2 4191919; visit szgmc.ae/en for free guided tour timings.) MANGROVE FOREST Abu Dhabi’s thick mangrove forests on its saline waters are home to hundreds of bird and marine species. The 70 square kilometres of lush, dense mangrove trees are protected by the government such that they’re picturesque spots through which one can enjoy hours of kayaking. Islands dot the waters, some of which can be approached for a rest, while others are tiny land masses, enough to hold just one water bottle. Suggested tour: Noukhada Adventure Company (noukhada.ae). The high-tide tour has “access through the trees but little shore life”, the low-tide tour let’s you “paddle through the bigger channels with little access through the trees but more shore life.” Each tour lasts from 90 minutes to 120 minutes and requires a minimum of four people; price: AED 160/`2,966 per person; operational timings 8am and 3pm in winter, 7am and 4pm in summer. LIWA OASIS Manoeuvring a four-wheel drive over 300 metres of sand dunes and through wide and narrow sand valleys is an adrenaline thrill induced only in this part of the world. It is also possible to ski on the sand dunes, a skill very different to skiing down snow mountains. A day of adventure can end with camping in cosy tents and a barbecue feast under the stars. The area is populated with Bedouin (ancient tribes) villages, which means, a slight detour can take you to an Arabian market from where one can source typical Emirati spices and curios. Visit visitabudhabi.ae for a list of desert activities. n Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 41
INSIDE CHINA Wuhan
Welcome to
Wuhan
Industry is thriving in the largest city in central China, finds Tamsin Cocks
42 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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A
s first impressions go, the “seven-star” Wanda Reign Wuhan’s “Imperial Welcome” service was definitely memorable. Two tuxedo-clad chauffeurs greeted me at Wuhan Tianhe International airport in a sleek black Bentley replete with seat massagers, wifi and a jazz playlist. The 25km drive to the city centre took only half an hour thanks to ring roads that provided congestion-free passage. The luxury arrival set a high standard, but the city continued to impress. Divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan has long been an important inland port for both Chinese and foreign merchants, and boasts stunning colonial architecture alongside striking modern sculptural edifices. Hundreds of surrounding lakes add natural beauty, while 3,500 years of history provide plenty of cultural interest. Meanwhile, commercial areas, shopping hotspots and entertainment outlets show that the city continues to thrive today. From a business point of view, Wuhan is booming. The capital of Hubei province is the largest city in central China, with more than ten million people. Traditional industries include huge automotive and steel enterprises, attracting the likes of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, China’s third-largest automaker, along with major international outfits such as Honda, Nissan, Renault and Citroen. The city benefits from international investment in diverse sectors, with a disproportionately high level of French companies concentrating their efforts on the central Chinese city– from retail giants Carrefour to insurance firm AXA. Branching out from traditional manufacturing, Wuhan has developed a number of special economic zones, science and technology parks, research institutes and enterprise incubators. Wuhan University and other leading education facilities have helped to develop the city’s drive into new technological spheres, with strong capabilities emerging in the telecommunications, opto-electronics and bioengineering sectors. Ironically, environmental sustainability is also one of Wuhan’s emerging industries – although the thick blanket of smog that pervaded during my visit was perhaps not the best champion of this.
Wuhan Tianhe International is the 13th-busiest in China, serving 23 international destinations including Paris, Seoul, Tokyo and San Francisco, plus more than 50 domestic locations. A new runway accommodating A380s began operations in August 2016, and a third terminal is expected to follow. One advantage for international travellers is that Wuhan offers a 72-hour visa-free transit, perfect for those on a short business stopover. Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 43
ISTOCK
GETTING THERE
INSIDE CHINA Wuhan
Being centrally located within China also makes the city a natural transportation crossroads and major transit hub, with dozens of arterial rail and highways linking east to west and north to south.
TIME TO EXPLORE
East Lake Scenic Park is a famous natural site, with botanical gardens and hiking opportunities. Visiting in March, I was lucky to catch the brief flowering period of the cherry blossom (sakura) trees more commonly associated with Japan. Boat cruises of the area are available, but the pollution made that a decidedly unappealing idea. The highly recommended Hubei Provincial Museum was a better option. For more commercial tastes, head to the Wuhan Central Cultural District. Han Street is one of the longest shopping avenues in China, stretching 1.5km from one end to the other. Elegantly designed, it’s home to major global high-street brands including Gap and Marks and Spencer, as well as restaurants and attractions such as the 3D-photo “Alive 44 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
Museum”. There are also a few nightclubs for those who aren’t ready to go home. Top and tailing the entertainment district is the Han Show Theatre at one end, and the Wanda Movie Park at the other. The theatre’s red lantern design dominates the skyline of this part of the city, and inside is a spectacular overwater performance by Franco Dragone – famous for his work with Cirque du Soleil – that takes place on a “stage pool” (from RMB380/`3,742; thehanshow.com). Wanda Movie Park, which is shaped like Chinese golden chime bells, offers six multidimensional cinemas, plus rides and “6D” experiences. Across the river is Hankou, the financial centre. Wuhan has a colonial Bund to rival Shanghai, spread over three separate areas. Standing on what’s referred to as the “French Bund” are the red-brick fortresses of Banque de l’Indochine and the former US consulate. Wander through the Riverside Park to Wuhan Tiandi and you’ll discover a spacious outdoor complex with a bustling hive of independent stores, cafés and bars. ■ Visitbusinesstraveller.com
WHERE TO STAY Wanda Reign Wuhan Part of Chinese group Wanda Hotels and Resorts’ premium brand, the Wanda Reign has 413 luxurious rooms and suites, a 1,500 sqm ballroom and 13 function spaces, as well as a billiard room, gym and large indoor pool. Dining options include international dishes at Café Reign, classic Chinese fare at River Drunk restaurant, and the excellent He Japanese. Well located in the “new” town centre, adjoining the Han Show Theatre, the hotel overlooks the East Lake Scenic Area. wandahotels.com Marco Polo Wuhan Situated on the Bund, the Marco Polo is close to the central business district in the Hankou area, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. Opened in 2007, it is one of the older properties and could do with a refresh; however, the 356 rooms and suites offer high-speed wifi, free minibars and cable TV. Café Marco serves Asian and international cuisine, while Chinese fine-dining is offered at Shangdu Tao Yuan. The health centre includes a gym, pool, spa bath, sauna and steam rooms. marcopolohotels.com New World Wuhan Located in the heart of the Hankou business district, this five-star property is a convenient choice for business. There are 327 stylish guest rooms and suites, plus two restaurants – Italian fare at Jia Kitchen, and Chu Chinese Dining – while snacks and drinks are available in the elegant lounge. There’s also an outdoor pool, an archery club and a business centre providing a full range of services, from secretarial support to printing and binding. wuhan.newworldhotels.com
Clockwise from left: Han Show Theatre and Wanda Reign exterior; Wanda Reign interior; New World Wuhan; Sheraton terrace and lobby Visit businesstraveller.com
Sheraton Wuhan Hankou Opened in 2014, this Starwood hotel has 500 guest rooms, including 55 suites. Positioned in the main business district, it’s a ten-minute drive from Hankou train station. All rooms offer contemporary furnishings, 46-inch TVs and Apple docks, and there’s an executive lounge with city views. Other facilities include three restaurants, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a spa and 15 meeting rooms. starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 45
LOYALTY Akanksha Maker rounds up airline and hotel scheme news and promotions
Vistara partners with Booking.com
India’s full service airline, Vistara has partnered with online accommodation booking portal, Booking.com. The partnership particularly benefits members of the airline’s loyalty programme, Club Vistara (CV). They earn two CV points for every `100 spent on Booking.com via Vistara’s hotel booking website, hotels.airvistara.com. Members also enjoy the following benefits, as listed on airvistara.com/trip/deals-and-offers/Booking.com: n Book now, pay later n Zero booking fees n Free cancellation on most rooms n Best price guaranteed n 24×7 customer service support Sanjiv Kapoor, Vistara’s chief strategy and commercial officer says, “The partnership with Booking.com is in line with our objective of providing them (CV members) with more opportunities to earn CV points through their travel and lifestyle activities with leading brands and service providers across segments.” David Peller, director of strategic partnerships – Asia Pacific at Booking.com says, “At Booking.com, it’s our passion to connect both business and leisure travellers with the world’s best accommodation options, whatever their budget or preferred accommodation type is. We’re thrilled to be able to provide Vistara’s [members] with a massive selection of accommodation, from apartments, 5-star hotels, B&B’s, villas, hostels and more, while helping them earn CV points.” vistara.com
Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La join forces
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced a partnership aimed at giving Golden Circle and Krisflyer members enhanced benefits. The new programme, Infinite Journeys, provides access to perks such as accelerated membership upgrades, room upgrades and lounge access. Golden Circle and Krisflyer members who stay at Shangri-La properties can now earn double rewards. Golden Circle Diamond and Jade members can enjoy an accelerated upgrade to Krisflyer Elite Gold status, offering access to SIA’s airport lounges. SIA’s PPS Club and Krisflyer Elite Gold members get an accelerated upgrade to Gold Circle Jade status, offering room upgrades and welcome amenities. Golden Circle Award points can be redeemed for Krisflyer miles and vice-versa. infinitejourneys.com 46 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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Quantas partners with Airbnb
Quantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn points when booking stays with Airbnb. Members will receive one Quantas point for every AU$1 (`51.16) spent when booking Airbnb accommodation through the airline’s website. quantas.com
Earn up to 30,000 bonus American Airlines miles
Members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage programme can earn up to 30,000 miles for return flights on AA, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Openskies between Europe and the US. First class tickets will earn members 15,000 bonus miles per flight; 10,000 for business class; 5,000 for premium economy and full-fare economy; and 2,000 for all other economy fares. Book and fly by December 11 using code NAF16. aa.com
Emirates revamps corporate scheme
Emirates has made changes to its Business Rewards programme, allowing members to use Business Rewards Points to book any available seat at any time. It has also introduced a “guest traveller” function, which lets organisations and “non-company persons, such as consultants, or clients who travel on behalf of an organisation, to still earn Business Rewards Points”. Organisations can earn one Business Rewards Point for every US$1 (`67) spent, but this applies only to the base airfare and excludes taxes. Business Rewards Points are only earned on Emirates flights, and not on codeshare, interline or other partner flights. emirates.com Visit businesstraveller.com
Delta offers 1,000 bonus miles for two-night Starwood stays
Delta Skymiles and Starwood Preferred Guest members will earn 1,000 miles on stays of two or more nights at Starwood Hotels and Resorts in North and Latin America. Members must book using their Skymiles number of the bonus will be awarded in Starpoints. Valid for stays booked and completed by December 31 with code AIRPRODL. delta.com DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 47
INDIA
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TIME OUT, TECH & TREATS 50 NEWS 52 WHAT’S ON 54 A SLICE OF THE BIG APPLE 58 BRITISH BAZAARS 64 LAZING ON THE RIVER 68 INTIMATE SOIRÉES 73 PRODUCTS 74 PERPETUAL EXCELLENCE 78 SUIT UP 82 SNAPSHOT Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 49
BUSINESS TRAVELLER LIFESTYLE News
spa
Ananda in the Himalayas presents visiting master Toby Maguire’s workshops
Ananda in the Himalayas presents visiting master Toby Maguire’s special workshops and private sessions. Toby has been extensively featured for his work on stress management and corporate wellness retreats. Having spent 13 years in South East Asia, his extensive knowledge on Tai Chi, Qi Gong and meditation will be presented from December 1, 2016 January 1, 2017. Some of his workshops include hypnotherapy, microsystem acupuncture, reiki and Qi Gong. Ananda in the Himalayas is a luxury destination spa spread across 100 acres of expanse overlooking Rishikesh and the river Ganga. There are 80 treatment rooms where focussed programmes on Ayurveda, detox and weight management are offered. anandaspa.com
restaurant
automobile
Jaguar unveils its first electric concept car
Jaguar unveils its first electric concept car — Jaguar I-Pace. Expected to hit the roads in 2018, it made its debut at the LA Auto Show in November. This all-electric SUV can accommodate five passengers. Jaguar claims the automobile will be able to travel 500 kilometres on one charge. It will accelerate from zero to 159 kilometres per hour in approximately four seconds.“The I-Pace Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing, cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design. jaguar.in
Ling Ling now open at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Ling Ling aims to create a new experience inspired by izakayas of the east, where food accompanies drinks and dancing. Guests can avail of an innovative cocktail list, small plates of Cantonese dishes and soundtracks by Hakkasan’s resident DJ in London, Pathaan. Some of the dishes that feature on the menu include peking duck, oscietra caviar, a dim sum platter and cocktails such as the golden lingyu made with tequila, geranium, peach liquor, ginger, vanilla, chilli, lime and apple. Mandarin Oriental has introduced a special package to celebrate the opening of the restaurant called Taste of Ling Ling that starts at €1,125 (`81,224) per night. It includes accommodation in a Mandarin Pool Villa, daily breakfast buffet, a tasting at Ling Ling with two signature cocktails, complimentary wifi, airport transfers and fast track airport service. mandarinoriental.com 50 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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partnership
watch
Bvlgari launches Hora Domvs, the frequent flyer’s timepiece
Bvlgari launches Hora Domvs, a multitime zone timepiece that provides an exceptional city display in two spacious apertures. By selecting the destination city of a given journey via the 4 o’clock pushbutton on the case-band, the watch wearer can view its name through the aperture pointed to by a dedicated arrow. The time of the visiting destination is indicated by a solid hand, while home time remains visible permanently via the small cut-out hours hand. The timepiece is equipped with Calibre BVL191, developed and produced by the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Bulgari in Le Sentier. bulgari.com
resort
Good Earth collaborates with Rohit Bal
Indian design house Good Earth collaborates with Rohit Bal to launch an exclusive home and apparel collection called Husn-e-Taairaat. The special collection brings to life wildlife, nature and the Persian arts inspired by India’s Mughal era. The artwork upon fine bone china features Bal’s signature motifs such as multi-coloured lotuses, fruits, flora, long-tailed exotic peacocks and fauna rendered in the antique Pichwai style of painting. Hues of royal blue, jade and ivory are used with 24-carat gold and platinum. Pieces are available at Good Earth’s flagship stores in New Delhi and Mumbai. goodearth.in Visit businesstraveller.com
Anantara to launch in Europe
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas will launch its first property in Europe in Algarve, Portugal. It is a luxury brand, managed by Minor Hotels, which has recently acquired the Tivoli Hospitality Group. What has been operating as Tivoli Victoria, will now be known as Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort from spring 2017. The 280-room property is a 15-minute drive from Faro International Airport and overlooks the Oceânico golf course. Dining options on the property will include EMO Restaurant and Terrace that will serve local cuisine with a subtle contemporary twist. Mediterranean cuisine will be available at two restaurants: Sensorial and Bartini. The infinity pool bar serves sushi, and the Aqua Pop Up Bistro has more Asian options. Champagne Bar promises interesting cocktails. Dining by Design will offer bespoke experiences. anantara.com DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 51
WHAT’S ON December-January
ASIA
in) this charity run (5km) for which hundreds dress as Santa. Last year, over 9,000 runners participated in the event and this year there are hopes to see over 10,000 Santas run. lvcva.com
Kalibo, Philippines January 8-17
ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL It is one of the most spectacular visions of the Mardi gras celebrations. The Filipino version of this event takes place in January each year, and is in tribute to Santo Nino (Roman Catholic title of Jesus Christ) — a representation of baby Jesus. Traditions during the festivals include: traditional dances, music created on ethnic instruments or blasted through speakers, bright costumes, and a show of time-honoured weapons. Festival promoters describe the revelry as a “Catholic practice, cultural performances and a prominent tourist attraction”. itsmorefuninthephilippines.com
AMERICAS Miami, USA December 1-4
Las Vegas, USA December 3
ART BASEL MIAMI The four-day festival that made its American debut in 2002 is a strong ecosystem for varying talents. Miami Beach Convention Centre is the venue that sees hordes of artists and admirers of art. It has a strong international presence, and to be able to exhibit there is a big deal. From canvases to sculptures, installations, videos, photographs, audios, and performances, the displaying kiosks aren’t limited to just the main building. Satellite art fairs pop up on the beach, in hotels and even at neighbouring cafes. It’s not possible to leisurely browse through everything on display; the best way is to mark the genres/artists you fancy exploring and sticking to the agenda. artbasel.com/miami-beach THE LAS VEGAS GREAT SANTA RUN It is one of the most important fundraisers of the city that supports programmes and services for individuals with disabilities. The day is recognised as a holiday tradition in the USA that draws in crowds in thousands. It’s not just local families but tourists too — business and leisure both. People especially book flights to witness (or even participate
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Nassau, Bahamas December 26-Jaunary 1
JUNKANOO PARADE This one is a sight for sore eyes. One of the most culturally important festivals on the Bahamas, it is a celebration of freedom and life. There are many theories to the significance behind this pomp. One of them traces its roots to West Africa. It says that in the 17th century, on the behest of an African tribal chief, slaves were given three days off to celebrate cultural traditions. This included feasts with family and friends, dance and music. Today it is about elaborate costumes, high-power dancing, catchy music, and contagious merriment. This is where the word “carnival” comes to life. my-bahamas-travel.com
South Lake Tahoe, USA December 29-31
SNOWGLOBE MUSIC FESTIVAL It is a three-day New Year’s Eve celebration, with dance, music, and a display of skiing and snowboarding skills. Close to 50 DJs, bands and rappers entertain with electro-pop, post-dubstep, booty house, hip-hop and other genres. Music performances vie with professional snowboarders who acrobatically throw themselves into the air, as if to the music beats. There are heated tents with a bar, lounge, close-up performances of experimental artists and even an igloo full of entertainment that add to the experience. snowglobemusicfestival.com
EUROPE Brighton, England December 21
BURNING THE CLOCKS Marking the shortest day of the year, art community Same Sky initiated this event two years ago. The agenda is to bring people together for a winter carnival. Locals are encouraged to participate, and are offered benefits in return such as handmade personalised lanterns, VIP viewing tickets, and even access to lighting the main bonfire in the heart of all the revelry. A parade (starts at 6:30pm), as large as 2,000 people walk through the city displaying their homemade paper and willow lanterns, which ends with tossing them into the blazing bonfire to signify the year’s end, and the start of new beginnings. samesky.co.uk Visitbusinesstraveller.com
WEEKEND IN New York
A Slice Of The Big Apple New York is a cove of experiences, finds Charukesi Ramadurai on her recent visit
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Y
ou think you have seen all there is to see in New York City – climbed to the top of the Empire State Building, eaten at internationally acclaimed restaurants, revelled at open-air concerts at Central Park and spent hours browsing through the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But there is more to this city that delightfully surprises you at every corner. Each visit (even if to the same areas) unveils a new experience; from scintillating musicals to soul food by truck diners and tours to the city’s “other” side. Here is a look at a few of them.
DO
There is no doubt that Central Park is a wonderful sprawl of green space in the throbbing heart of the city. However, there is another urban oasis, tucked away from the hubbub of midtown Manhattan, 30 feet above the ground. High Line is a stunning piece of renewal work — a park repurposed from an abandoned railway line. The once defunct space was on its way to being torn down in the 1990s, but was saved by the timely intervention of ordinary citizens who wanted to preserve it as a recreational green expanse. Thus, High Line came into being as a narrow stretch of parkland, running for across two kilometres, from the hip Meatpacking District to the bustling West 34th Street. It is surreal to walk at almost eye level with higher floors of neighbouring buildings, even as cheery summer flowers wave in the wind along the sides. The outer walls of these buildings provide visual boundaries to the park, separating it from the rest of the city, but never shutting it out. From striking graffiti on their facades to quirky metal installations on the pathways, there is no dearth of interesting sights in High Line. Entry to the park is free; open from 7am throughout the year, closing times vary according to season; thehighline.org.
SEE
Broadway: been there, seen that? Instead of yet another conventional musical or drama, how about a Cirque du Soleil show. This entertainment company, originally from Canada, puts together some of the most dazzling theatrical performances of the world today. Here, foot-tapping song and dance meets mindblowing stunts in a drama that is also part circus. Not surprisingly, the cast of Cirque du Soleil, in addition to actors, typically includes skilled acrobats and athletes, sometimes over 100 of them in a single show. Pictured: View of New York from under the Brooklyn Bridge Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 55
WEEKEND IN New York
Cirque du Soleil first came to the USA in 1987, and since then, has been performing across the country, from the west coast to the tri-state area (Greater New York). In the Big Apple, the shows take place both, on and off Broadway. On my recent visit to New York City, I managed to catch a show of Paramour, a story about love, ambition and disappointment, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Everything seemed larger than life to me, especially when we had to crane our necks upwards to watch a dazzling performance unfurl above us. (Visit cirquedusoleil.com for the schedule; ticket prices start from US$65/`4,341.)
EXPLORE
Visit the Lower East Side for a food tour of this immigrant neighbourhood with Big Onion Walking Tours. A bulk of the immigrant population who came to the city between the 19th and 20th centuries settled here. Alternatively, go off the grid with the edgy “Art, Sex and Rock and Roll” tour to understand the ways in which New York City has contributed to popular culture across the world. The 56 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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or exploring Lady Liberty along the harbour, seeing New York by water is a completely different experience. Ticket prices start from US$29/`1,937 for adults; circleline42.com.
EAT AND DRINK
Clockwise from far left: Aerial view of New York City; scene from Paramour; Lady Liberty; High Line Visit businesstraveller.com
tour explores “the many waves of artists, musicians, and cultural figures who have found creative expression in the City”. Tour prices start from US$25/`1,669 for adults; bigonion.com. On another day, sign up with Free Tours By Foot to delve into the African-American history of Harlem, or explore the lanes of the artsy Greenwich Village. Tap into your inner ghost-buster on a late evening “Dark Side of the High Line” tour or see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks bathed in moonlight on a night-walk in midtown Manhattan. There are no fixed rates for the tours, pay as you wish; freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours. If walking sounds like too much work (and it can be in a large city such as this), hop on to a boat with Circleline Sightseeing Cruises. Whether it is seeing the best of the city within three hours
Continue your discovery of New York City by spending lunch hours with locals at trendy food trucks that line the streets of Manhattan. There is even a dosa (Indian rice pancake) cart right on Washington Square, and a favourite for most residents and visitors, alike. From thin crust pizzas, falafels and tacos to lobster rolls and pork barbecue sandwiches, there is something for everyone (even vegetarians like me, who usually get a raw deal). It may be your best opportunity to indulge yourself with a dessert of sinful homemade chocolate ice cream or a creamy fruit smoothie. If you’re thoroughly confused about what to eat and where to find it, take your time browsing through a list of food trucks on nyctruckfood.com. You can learn about the food through reviews, and leave one after your meal too. If you’re in the mood for gourmet shopping, Grand Central Market may interest you. It is a row of artisanal food stalls right inside the area’s landmark railway station. It’s a vibrant bazaar that sells pungent cheeses, wines, designer chocolates, fresh roast coffee, and organic vegetables, amongst other treats. Open 7am-9pm on weekdays, 10am-8pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday; grandcentralterminal.com/market. Finally, wash away fatigue at New York City’s rooftop bars, which serve views with cocktails. One of the more bustling and hip terrace haunts in the city is 230 Fifth Avenue. It is also the largest, with space for 500 revellers. Try the vodka-based NYC Mule for US$14/`935. Open from 4pm daily until late, kitchen closes at midnight; cocktails start at US$14/`935; tel: +1 212 7254300; 230-fifth.com. Top of the Strand is another trendy venue, next to the imposing Empire State Building. Its retractable glass roof means that it stays open through the year, even in the colder months when al fresco dining is impossible elsewhere. Open from 5pm daily until late, kitchen closes at 10pm on weekdays; cocktails start from US$15/`1,001; tel: +1 646 3686426; topofthestrand.com. And for a dose of high culture and sweeping views of Central Park along with cocktails, head to the MET Roof Garden and Martini Bar on the fifth floor of the scintillating Metropolitan Museum. Open early May through October: Sunday-Thursday 11am-4:30pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-8:15pm; tel: +1 212 5703711; metmuseum.org/visit/met-fifth-avenue. ■ DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 57
TIMEOUT IN London
British Bazaars
London’s markets have a charming appeal, and its eateries go beyond appeasing the senses, says Neha Gupta Kapoor
Marylebone High Street
It is a beautiful walk amongst Georgian architecture, contemporary design, and cobblestone pathways in Central London. Idling hours browsing through small, independent shops, or over a hot cup of French pressed coffee, coupled with a snack, is easy. My favourite is La Fromagerie on Moxon Street (open 8am-7:30pm Monday-Friday; 9am-7pm Saturday; 10am-6pm Sunday; tel: +44 20 79350341 lafromagerie.co.uk). Coffee beans are sourced from the outskirts of Florence, and recently they’ve included coffee and herbal teas from France too. The shop has a great selection of cheese, nicely preserved in a cordoned off room that reeks of rich fermentation. If you ask, the staff will oblige with a tasting. La Fromagerie also has regional vegetables delivered from Italy and France that make for excellent food souvenirs — rose garlic from Toulouse, roscoff onions from Normandy and noirmoutier potatoes from La Guerande in western France. Why should you visit? It’s a delight for anyone who romanticises food. The Conran Shop (open 10am-7pm MondaySaturday, 11am-6pm Sunday; tel: +44 20 77232223; conranshop.co.uk) is another recommendation. 58 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
This one pleases the eye and aesthetic sensibilities. Designers from the world over pride themselves on having their furniture, lighting, home accessories and curios showcased here. Parts of the shop are curated to display similarly themed items or those from the same designer, together. The rooftop, Conran Garden, open year round, displays outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories, including vintage outdoor finds and decorative items. The shop’s concept is contemporary with clean lines, making essentials such as ice buckets, vases and cutlery interesting with unusual, yet smart forms. Why should you visit? The designs aren’t easily available elsewhere, and are interesting gifts. There is much more to see and do in Marylebone. It takes just one visit to find your favourite haunt, or two.
Columbia Road Flower Market
It began as a market from where florists sourced their stock each Saturday. As the population on Columbia Road expanded, the flower market grew in popularity too. The website, columbiaroad.info explains, “Plants were brought by handcart from nearby market gardens in Hackney and Islington and Visitbusinesstraveller.com
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LA FROMAGERIE, THE CONRAN SHOP
Left and right: La Fromagerie and The Conran Shop
market pitches were claimed on the day on the blow of a whistle.” After the road saw a decline in 1970 due to negligence in upkeep, the locals had to fight against its demolition. It bounced back in 1980 and has since been at par with international standards. Today, most florists who own stalls here have been around since 1972 or later. As for the flower species, the range is vast. (Open 8am-2pm on Sunday.) Why should you visit? It’s cheery and fragrant; it’s a pretty street to walk down. There is something quaint about Columbia Road and its by-lanes; perhaps it is because of the independent shops (apart from florists) that vend antique and vintage outdoor decor, eclectic home furniture and furnishings, tableware, and colourful pottery amongst others. There are a few art galleries too in the neighbourhood with reasonably priced canvases from emerging artists. Being a weekend market, a lot of families visit, lending it a happy vibe. Stop at Jones’ Dairy for organic, local produce, and Fairtrade products. It has been around since a century when it was once just a shop that sold milk, butter and cheese, and kept eight cows behind what is a family-run cafe today. Visit at lunchtime for a light meal of homemade bread and soup, cheese, fresh fish, and oysters to name a few. (Shop: open
TIMEOUT IN London
8am-1pm Friday-Saturday, 9am-2pm Sunday; Cafe: open 9am-2pm Friday-Saturday, 8am-3pm Sunday; tel: +44 20 77395372; jonesdairy.co.uk). Why should you visit? The homemade bread variety is absolutely delicious.
Smithfield Market
This flat piece of land is inured to bloodshed. In the early 13th century criminals were executed here. When Mary Tudor reigned, 200 people were burnt to please the gods. It has also been a crime scene on several occasions. As the area left behind its bloody past, it became a livestock market where the most good looking animals were traded. In the 1860s, Sir Horace Jones, architect of Tower Bridge gave it a makeover. Today the 10-acre site is known for serious trade of meat products. Businesses start setting shop at 2am, readying themselves by sunrise when buyers and visitors are advised to arrive. You can visit earlier, but there really isn’t much laid out to see. By 7am, the entire market is bustling, loaded with fresh stock. Boxed, 60 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
canned, cured, frozen, processed, red and white meat, fish, carcass, offal, and sausages, the range is vast. Prices aren’t displayed at the “stalls”, but you’re guaranteed a better price than what the city offers because it is a wholesale market. As for haggling, it depends on how the seller feels about it. Restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and even tourists are regulars at Smithfield Market. London’s official tour guide company, City Guides (cityoflondonguides.com) takes bookings for a 90-minute early morning walk around the area once or twice a month. You can visit on your own too (closed Saturday-Sunday and on bank holidays, open on weekdays until stock lasts; tel: +44 20 72483151; smithfieldmarket.com). The website insists that you “have a good walk round the market before buying anything”. Cash payment is more common than cards here. Why should you visit? High quality products at reasonable prices. On exiting Smithfield Market, walk no more than 130 metres towards the left. You will arrive at Comptoir Gascon, (open 11:45am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm Tuesday-Saturday; tel: +44 20 76080851; comptoirgascon.com) a delicatessen that has been a Bib Gourmand since 2008. The wooden shelves on bare, brick walls and the large counter are crowded with duck confit, cassoulet, cured meats, terrines, oils and vinegars, conserves, a variety of fresh cheeses, bread, croissants and chocolates. Skip the restaurant if you’re a vegetarian. Meat-lovers however, must visit on an empty stomach. It has a wide selection of duck and pork preparations, in addition to meat cuts served on a wooden trey for one or on a platter for sharing. The “specials” change every day, and Visitbusinesstraveller.com
are usually lighter meal options such as fish, salad or a small dish. Its burgers are popular too, but for a first-timer, order Piggy Treats (£7.50/`619) for a sampling of Bayonne ham, saucisse confit, boudin noir, saucisson and pâté. Why should you visit? Excellent food is one reason, presentation is the second.
CHRISTMAS
If the winter festivities warm your heart, you may want to explore these experiences too. Clockwise from top left: Winter Wonderland; The Gingerbread Cabin; Comptoir Gascon Visit businesstraveller.com
Winter Wonderland
It is loud, crowded, bright, and smells like Christmas. More than 1,00,000 fairy-lights twinkle from strings, abstract webs, and other shapes. Each year a part
of Hyde Park is occupied by kiosks selling mulled wine, ginger- and cinnamon-flavoured goodies, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, decorations, stoles, and everything “christmassy”. In addition to traditional British fare, there is enough sugar to keep your spirits high. A 60-metre observation wheel, rollercoasters and fairground rides add to the thrill. The carousel, on my last visit, seemed to be the most popular amongst all age groups. An ice-skating rink, irrespective of whether you know the skill at all, amplifies the winter fun; skates are available to rent. Themed bars and legal bonfires at some places add an element of cosiness. Why should you visit? If you want a dose of holiday cheer, this is where you should be. This year Winter Wonderland celebrates its tenth anniversary. To mark the occasion, it has included three new attractions: a 60-minute musical performed on ice — The Nutcracker on Ice (£18.95/`1,569); a walkthrough the Arctic region that tells you to “look out for icebergs, a shipwreck trapped in an arctic ice floe and explore a lost island in search of the Palace of the Polar Bears” (£10/`828); and a puppet show for kids (£8.50/`703). Entry is free; open 10am-10pm until January 2; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
The Gingerbread Cabin
Instead of visiting a regular pub after work this season, try The Gingerbread Cabin pop-up by York & Albany, a hotel in Central London. The wooden cabin is decorated like a living room with gingerbreadshaped cushions, colourful walls and furnishings, DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 61
TIMEOUT IN London
candles, and has blankets on hand for guests to wrap themselves in. It says on the website that the “home” is “cookie-coated”. Mixologists on the job have taken Christmas very seriously here, to name a few, they have fashioned cocktails such as Gingerbread Espresso — Gingerbread-infused Grey Goose l’Orange, Kalhua, Amaretto, espresso; I am hot and ginger, so what? — Cider, Bacardi Gold, spices, lemon, gingerbread; and Ace! “The Gingerbread Man Drink” — Woodford Reserve, Martini Rosso, Chambord, gingerbreadinfused maple syrup. The cabin is available for group sizes up to 12 people; cost for each person starts at £30 (`2,486) and includes two cocktails and a snack platter; tel: +44 20 73875700; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/yorkand-albany Why should you visit? It’s different from a regular outing with colleagues.
Jubilee Market Hall
Above: Jubilee Market Hall
It is a building on Covent Garden Piazza that is open year round. It sells items such as jewellery, arts and craft, leather goods, clothes, home accessories, food items, and more. On Mondays, Jubilee Market hosts an antiques market too. This is also where you can enjoy a traditional English breakfast, French crepes, and jacket potatoes at any time of the day. (Open 5am-5pm Monday, 10:30am-7pm Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday-Sunday; tel: +44 20 73794242; Jubileemarket.co.uk) Why should you visit? It’s a goods place to sample British fare. In December, the buzz heightens. At 5:30pm until the kiosks pack up, Jubilee Market spills onto the piazza’s cobblestones with even more food stalls
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than on a regular day. You can enjoy a feast from a huge spread that includes regional cheese and olives, marinated meats, food tossed with homemade sauces and served in a bread-bowl, barbecue, hot drinks, something for the sweet tooth, as well as jarred items to take home. Brace yourself for long queues at the more popular food stalls and restaurants around. Carry enough change. Covent Garden Piazza looks stunning enough during this time of the year that you will want to take pictures as memories. This year the theme is cheekily romantic with mistletoe chandeliers hung at several places. The enormous Christmas tree will radiate on one side of the square, just like it does each year, as does the lit up reindeer on the opposite end. Adding to the buzz, shops in the square have attractive sales, and the piazza has performers entertain the crowds. They aren’t impromptu shows, but those that have been approved after auditions that take place once every three months. coventgarden.london Why should you visit? It’s an eye-pleaser to begin with, and the merriment is contagious. France’s popular tea room, Ladurée situated here, takes on the festive cheer too with delicate decorations and a special menu. Visit at sunset and request for a seat in the balcony – sip on wine, binge on macarons and finish with a strong espresso shot. This is also the best view for any winter-special performances at the piazza below. (Open 8am-11pm Monday-Thursday, until 11:30pm Friday-Saturday, until 10:30pm Sunday; tel: +44 20 72400706; laduree.com) Why should you visit? For the rose petal macarons (£2.20/`190) and Strawberry Millefeuille — caramelised puff pastry, fresh strawberries and vanilla cream (£6.70/`570). ■ Visitbusinesstraveller.com
RIVER CRUISES Asia
Lazing on the river Chris Pritchard kicks back on a selection of luxury boat cruises that highlight the natural and cultural wealth flanking Asia’s great rivers
A
sia’s great rivers are suddenly hot – and the phenomenon hasn’t peaked. The continent’s rivers are now second only to European waterways as anchors for upscale breaks. Cruises have long been popular along North American rivers, while they’re increasingly available in South America and Australia, and Africa offers more than just the Nile. But Asia provides the biggest challenge to European dominance, with huge growth occurring in the past decade – particularly at the opulent end of the market. Consider this: Myanmar (Burma), until recently a tourism backwater, now has 18 cruise vessels travelling up and down the Ayeyarwady (still advertised as the arguably more exotic-sounding Irrawaddy, so we’ll use that) where there were none 15 years ago. Even greater numbers of vessels cruise the Mekong (almost all on its Vietnamese and Cambodian reaches), and China’s Yangtze is busiest of all. Some voyagers deal directly with cruise companies. However, most use travel agents – some of which reinvent themselves as cruise specialists, the rest generally touting links to companies which have their own vessels or ties to operators that do. For instance, Aqua Expeditions recently launched a round-the-clock travel agents’ portal which CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro believes “streamlines the booking process”. This is an industry of deep discounting. Shop around, either online or by studying brochures – prices can vary markedly for the same cruise. (The best prices are sometimes offered by vessel operators rather than commission-shaving agencies.) Luxury river cruise vessels tend to be shallowdraught and barge style – the waters are mostly calm. Passenger numbers are typically small, between 40 and 80 in large-cabin environs much like boutique hotel rooms, with satellite TV and wifi standard and balconies optional.
THAILAND
Time-strapped visitors to Bangkok can add short but memorable cruises to the beginning or end of business trips – a particularly good idea if a partner meets you in the Thai capital or you have the family in town. 64 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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Clockwise from left: Ancient ruins at Ayutthaya, Thailand, with rice barges in foreground; exterior of Cruiseco Adventurer; luxury accommodation aboard Myanmar’s Cruiseco Explorer; bedroom of the Cruiseco Adventurer; the Anantara Song passes Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River Visit businesstraveller.com
The Chao Phraya – a major waterway used by cargo ships, ferries and barges – snakes through the city, brushing against riverside skyscrapers and a string of historic buildings (including the famed Mandarin Oriental). Sightseeing is heavily skewed towards the nation’s Buddhist faith. Attractions seen from the river include the Grand Palace, National Museum and Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Rice barges, some 100-plus years old, are stylishly refurbished in Thai style for 80km overnight cruises to the 665-year-old, temple-studded city of Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s most visited destinations. Service is friendly and attentive aboard these shiny teak barges. I travel on the 12-passenger, six-cabin Anantara Song (run by the Manohra Cruises branch of the upscale Anantara resort chain), spending much of my time watching the passing scene while trailing my feet in the Chao Phraya. The experience is mirrored on the same company’s Anantara Dream, but other operators have similar offerings. From a distance these rice barges are much like those still used as freight-carrying workhorses – but, close up, they ooze opulence. Day-trip cruise options between Bangkok and Ayutthaya also exist – but they’re more rushed. On the Anantara Song, by contrast, I am in unhurried mode – enjoying Thai cuisine, stopping at sacred temples, exploring Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and rambling amid ancient city ruins.
CAMBODIA & VIETNAM
In Indochina’s Mekong Delta region, increasing
demand has seen operators boost the number rather than size of vessels to retain their “boutique” feeling. Often replicated in French-colonial style, most carry about 50 passengers. One-week trips, in either direction, cruise the Mekong between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern metropolis, and Cambodia’s Siem Reap, a mere five kilometres from the spectacular ruins at Angkor Wat – unsurprisingly, a voyage highlight. Time is usually added on for accompanying land excursions at either end. Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly called Saigon, is itself one of Southeast Asia’s most interesting conurbations, with fascinating landmarks such as the elaborate Central Post Office, designed by Frenchman Gustave Eiffel (best-known for the Eiffel Tower); Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon; the 119-year-old Municipal Theatre, and the intricately decorated City Hall (often called by its French name, Hotel de Ville). Cruises include a stop at Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh – and days savouring the Mekong, which narrows at some points for some atmospheric Apocalypse Now daydreaming as the jungle presses in. Some cruises visit villages and rural markets close to the riverbanks.
MYANMAR
Cruises begin and end in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) or Mandalay, with passengers cruising the Irrawaddy in either direction. Passenger numbers and choice of vessels are growing rapidly in Asia’s newest tourism hotspot, and accommodation before and after your cruise is in upscale lodgings where service standards now rival those of more visited locales. Sightseeing is usually included in cruise packages; Yangon tours encompass major attractions like the Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule Pagoda, as well as other temples in this overwhelmingly Buddhist nation. There’s generally time, too, to explore a city where numerous once-grand British colonial buildings have decayed into delightful decrepitude. Many are wedged between steel-and-glass high-rises DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 65
RIVER CRUISES Asia
Top to bottom: A large cruise ship passes through one of the Yangtze’s Three Gorges; Ganges Voyager on the great Indian river
showcasing Myanmar’s recent embrace of foreign investment. After a northbound cruise, I join fellow passengers atop Mandalay Hill, gazing down on a modernising Asian city that retains its distinct Buddhist identity, with pagodas dominating the view. Later, a tour for passengers takes in the “world’s biggest book” – 729 stupas bearing lengthy religious inscriptions, located within Kuthodaw Pagoda’s 5.25 hectares. At sunset we walk across 165-year-old U Bein Teak Bridge, still used, crossing a shallow lake and linking two villages 1.2 kilometres apart.
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The cruise itself is generally on modern vessels with design influences from the days of the British Raj. We pass rusting freighters filled with sacks of rice, tankers, fishing boats and tugs towing raft-like clumps of logs. At Yandabo, a village famed for pottery making, I eyeball a barge being piled high with clay pots for a Yangon-bound downstream voyage. We call at venerated temples, crowded markets, jewellery workshops and a school. Cruiseco Explorer’s Captain Mg Mg, whose 32-strong crew looks after 58 passengers, reveals he’s “travelled up and down the Irrawaddy for 32 years and I never tire of it. Kids from remote villages wave from riverbanks – and we often spot Irrawaddy river dolphins arcing in and out of the water.” Meals blend Western and Myanmar cuisines, with an emphasis on the former. On-board entertainment includes traditional puppet shows, cooking classes and lessons in tying longyis (traditional cloths worn as skirts by both sexes) and applying thanaka (a yellowish paste made from pounded bark – universally worn as antiseptic, sunscreen, cooling agent and facial decoration). In Bagan, we go ballooning above an estimated 2,200 pagodas and stupas – or wander through art-filled pagodas such as Ananda, built nine centuries ago. A recent addition to Myanmar’s ever-expanding cruise options is the luxurious Coral Discoverer, which travels through the Irrawaddy Delta visiting remote fishing villages, while several cruises now head up the Chindwin River, a shallow tributary of the Irrawaddy, to access farther-flung areas.
INDIA
With an astonishing 2,816 kilometres of navigable waterways, India’s river cruising market is playing catch-up with the country’s extensive and renowned Visitbusinesstraveller.com
railway network, which carries grand tourist trains on journeys evoking bygone times. Most popular cruises start in West Bengal’s Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and explore the lower Ganges, Hooghly (also spelt Hugli) and Brahmaputra, passing through wildlife sanctuaries, visiting archaeological sites, skirting traffic-choked towns and gliding into rural India – stopping at village markets, artisans’ workshops and schools along the way. Alternatively, seven-night cruises leave Patna, renowned for its archaeological sites, and stop at the sensory overdose that is Varanasi, where hundreds of revered Hindu temples serve the faithful. You can also cruise from Kolkata to the World Heritage-listed Sundarbans National Park, where tigers swim amid the mangroves.
BANGLADESH
Only the most intrepid travellers pick Bangladesh for a holiday – but those who do report positive experiences. It’s arguably the world’s best tigerspotting destination, with sightings all but guaranteed. Short cruises to see Royal Bengal tigers – which are expert swimmers – are safe and conducted by experts. Cruises cover the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, traversing the rivers that crisscross India’s populous neighbour. There are half-day or full-day trips through teeming Dhaka, emphasising the historic “old Dhaka” district (for eight to 30 passengers aboard replicas of traditional wooden boats), or four-night packages that probe the Sundarbans Reserve Forest, adjoining India’s Sundarbans National Park, with tigers a big lure. The cruise boats are comfortable rather than opulent, but I spotted a satisfying range of wildlife, including leopard cats, crocodiles, turtles, spotted deer and many bird species. For adventurous river cruise fans wanting to see wild nature, this is about as authentic as it gets in the modern world.
CHINA
The Asian giant boasts the continent’s most developed cruise industry. At last count, more than 60 vessels were based on the 6,300-kilometre Yangtze, the world’s longest river in a single country – and many of them cater for the mass market. Cruises concentrate on a scenic stretch including the main attraction: the Three Gorges, always visited during daylight hours to enhance viewing. The Three Gorges Dam Project, completed seven years ago, involved flooding towns and villages – creating an enormous reservoir to generate hydroelectricity and ease insatiable Chinese demand. The demise of cruising was widely forecast, but instead it’s grown with a widened, deepened river Visit businesstraveller.com
accommodating bigger vessels. Yangtze cruises remind many passengers of ocean travel: a few ships hold more than 500 people. Even the 124-passenger Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, a top-drawer option, is considered small, despite accommodating more than double the number of passengers generally carried on Asian rivers. Consequently, opulence is comparatively inexpensive. Cruising from Shanghai to Chongqing takes 11 nights. Far more popular are three-night Chongqing– Yichang cruises encompassing the gorgeous gorges. Big ships come with gyms and cinemas. Shore excursions feature Chinese banquets, opera, acrobatic displays and the like. Listening to other passengers, it’s clear that the Three Gorges elicits the most intense anticipation – it’s what they’ve come to see. And, as we travel for 120 kilometres between spectacular walls of rock and foliage, it’s clear they aren’t disappointed. A less “exclusive” experience it may be, but this is still one of the world’s iconic river trips. ■ RIVER CRUISE RECONNAISSANCE Many passengers leave it all to their travel agents. These days agents process numerous river cruise bookings and have good networks of contacts. But here’s a selection of websites to explore for detailed information about vessels, schedules and shore excursions – and most take bookings directly: ■ abercrombiekent.com – many cruise destinations
including India’s Ganges River ■ anantara.com – this Bangkok-based resort chain
offers Ayutthaya barge cruises ■ assambengalnavigation.com – an Indo-British
company offering long-distance river cruises in India ■ avalonwaterways.com – one of the best Yangtze
information sources ■ chinatours.com – an excellent overview of Yangtze
options ■ classic-barges.com – offers cruises along
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya to Ayutthaya ■ contic.net – concentrates on small-vessel cruising
in Bangladesh ■ coralexpeditions.com – one of its itineraries
explores the Irrawaddy Delta ■ cruiseco.com – operates its own vessels on the
Irrawaddy and Mekong, handling bookings for other river and ocean cruises internationally ■ cruising.com.au – comprehensive worldwide information ■ dhakaholidays.com – specialist in Bangladesh river cruising ■ pandaw.com – its own vessels cruise along the Irrawaddy and Mekong ■ silversea.com – offbeat Asian itineraries including seldom-visited destinations
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 67
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Intimate SoirĂŠes
Bespoke meals and dining experiences are becoming an obvious choice for corporate groups and gatherings with family and friends. Sharmila Chand lists three hotels that ensure epicurean pleasure 68 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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P
icture this: you are seated in a plush, private dining room of an upscale 5-star hotel with the executive chef by your side who indulges you with an amusebouche to begin the evening. The objective is clear — to give you one of the best dining experiences of your life. To achieve that, each element is woven beautifully to the other with luxury; an elaborate table setting, expensive bone china crockery, spotless wine goblets, logo-embossed silver cutlery and a well crafted menu listing the chef’s specials from the ingredients you fancy that night. This is clearly the new concept of hospitality, which has taken many strides beyond just a comfortable stay at a hotel. The chefs have taken centre stage here, regaling guests with their creativity and innovation, and their kitchen posing as the property’s ambassador.
TASTEFUL SELECTIONS
The luxury of a five-course meal paired with fine wine is a rare privilege for Delhi’s gourmands. Amongst the few in the city is one by award-winning Italian chef, Diego Martinelli. His magic comes to life at a French-Italian fine-dining restaurant, Le Cirque, the pride of The Leela Palace. Equipped with an impressive wine collection stocked in a walk-in cellar, the restaurant has an al fresco option as well. While his customised menu scarcely ever fails to impress, Martinelli urges guests to try dishes such as the creamy lobster bisque with poached rock lobster tail, Le Cirque caviar experience served with homemade blinis (buckwheat pancakes), and zucchini crusted turbot. Each course is paired with a different wine; and for those who are particular, the walk-in wine cellar has much to choose from. (A fivecourse meal with wine costs around `15,000 inclusive of taxes, per person.) As is the norm of fine dining, dishes are styled to please the eyes before the taste buds. The executive Chef Mellor of The Leela Palace, Delhi says, “To let our guests remember us on a sweet note, our desserts are presented very uniquely. For example, we present our tiramisu on a trolley over which all ingredients are assembled and displayed together; special techniques are deployed in front of our guests to create the drama between tiramisu, coffee and smoke.” Alternatively, a traditional bespoke experience can be enjoyed at Jamavar at The Leela Palace. Its Maharaja Table is a unique showcase of the country’s regal past. The accent is on serving dishes prepared from age-old recipes, most from erstwhile royal kitchens. Pictured: Jamavar at The Leela Palace, New Delhi Visit businesstraveller.com
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 69
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Jamavar’s signature is the leg of a kid lamb marinated in spices and a splash of rum to tenderise it, before grilling it in a tandoor. The lamb is specially sourced from Jaipur, known for its high quality meat. The grilled chicken is popular too. For vegetarians, sorrel and mushrooms in a rich tomato gravy, is anything but simple. The only break at this quintessential Indian restaurant are its cocktails. Baileys blended with paan (betel leaf) is an interesting alternative to dessert. Though the menu is pre-decided, guests are welcomed with a kesar thandai sherbet, and gifted a spice-box each on their departure. (A bespoke meal for eight at Jamavar costs around `45,000 plus taxes.)
PLAYFUL PRESENTATIONS
This page, top to bottom: Le Cirque at The Leela Palace, New Delhi; zucchini crusted turbot; grilled chicken. Next page: The Park Hotels’ The Park Picnic and Back To School presentations 70 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
The Under the Table experience by The Park Hotels is the brainchild of Priya Paul, chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels. The theme is in step with Alice’s crazy adventures in Wonderland. Invites, part of the bespoke package read, “Invited you are” instead of “You are invited”. “Well, that’s the whole concept,” says Priya Paul. “You are invited to a memorable evening where nothing is quite as it seems and anything is to be expected; where square is round and everything is anything but ordinary.” It is meant to be casual, and the hospitality group insists it isn’t just for children, but is designed to break away from the seriousness of adulthood. Sharad Dewan, regional director of food production at The Park Hotels, adds, “You are seated on low Visitbusinesstraveller.com
chairs from IKEA and a fat cushion placed on your lap is the table. Your food is served in courses, and you use hands to eat food.” Since its launch, the edgy concept has been successful at The Park Hotels in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai. Dewan admits that the first few times after its launch, Under The Table wasn’t prepared for an all-vegetarian meal. “When we hosted this concept in Kolkata, we faced a challenge with vegetarian guests. They were all food lovers who wanted something unique. So I made some twists in the original menu to enhance the experience.” Continuing the play on nostalgia from childhood days, he added a course called Back To School. Dewan says, “For one group, we presented cottage cheese and roomali roti in a traditional steel tiffin box, which most guests have used at some point in their school years. No one sees them now. And as it turns out, it ended up being the most talked about Visit businesstraveller.com
course of the whole experience because it touched a soft nerve.” (Under the Table starts from `6,000 inclusive of taxes, per person.) Promising a customised, bespoke meal for a closed group is where the real challenges arise. Dewan says it takes several meetings and trials before the menu is decided on. Number of guests, occasion, average group age, diet restrictions and logistics play an important role. “A tasting session is recommended in many cases. Once the plan is frozen on, we do the costing. In most cases the guest does not give us a pre-budget as they know it’s a unique experience and you cannot restrict creativity by leashing it on budgets.” The Park Hotels has gone a step further by redefining in-room dining too. It isn’t bespoke, but is a fragment of the presentations described above. Titled The Park Picnic, it draws inspiration from probable occurrences during adolescent years. The entire meal is delivered in colourful tiffin boxes to recreate a delightful picnic in your room. “The picnic concept has just been launched (August 2016), and it is getting a fantastic response already. We do at least two picnics every day,” says Dewan. The themed room-service, offered in several different permutations and combinations, is available at seven properties across Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru.
SERVE WITH VERVE
Chef’s Studio at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is a unique dining experience, perhaps like no other in the country. “It offers exclusive access to the hotel’s best kept secret,” says Raghu Deora, the senior sous chef, at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 71
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Above: Chef’s Studio at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
He explains, “It is a by-appointment room in the Palace wing of The Taj Mahal Palace that has been created for very exclusive guests who can appreciate the finer things of life. Guests of Chef’s Studio are usually top industrialists and royalty. It is a place where they can enjoy their privacy and entertain lavishly.”
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Chef’s Studio has its own attached kitchen geared with an interactive interface so guests can have closeup views of how their meal is being prepared. The table is laid out for diners (maximum group size: eight) with customised menus suited to individual tastes. The kitchen gets in touch with the guest 48 to 72 hours before the meal for his or her preferences. Options extend from what is exclusive to Chef’s Studio to dishes from any Taj restaurant in the city. Versace designed Rosenthal dinnerware and Ercuis silver and flatware in navy and vermilion colours, and long-stemmed glasses, mouth blown Riedel wine goblets, Limoges porcelain and Bernadaud candle votives add to the extravagance. For a smaller table for two people, Casablanca room at Souk, at The Taj Mahal Palace, is an extension of Chef’s Studio. The couple is seated in a beautifully lit private dining room situated at the rooftop with a stunning view of the entire harbour and Gateway of India. When being ushered into the restaurant, the lady is presented with a bouquet of flowers (guests are asked about their favourite flowers beforehand). At the table is a personalised seven-course Middle Eastern menu, dishes from which are served on Versace crockery and accompanied by a flute of Moët & Chandon champagne (or a non-alcoholic drink). Further, privacy is paramount, and the servers ensure it by being available only when summoned. Talking about the response, Deora is happy when he points out, “Setting benchmarks for elegance and sophistication, both (Chef’s Studio and Casablanca) the venues have become popular with guests over the years. In fact, Casablanca is our much sought after venue for couples who wish to celebrate this special bond and would want to start a new chapter on a gastronomic note. The menus at both these dining places evoke artistry and craftsmanship showcased by the culinary team making it an ultimate bespoke dining experience.” (A meal for two at Chef’s Studio starts at `1,50,000 inclusive of taxes and for every additional guest an amount of `25,000 is charged. A meal for two at Casablanca starts at `50,000 inclusive of taxes). Dining is no longer limited to a communal menu presented at the table. Bespoke experiences are created from ingredients of choice, sometimes cooked in front of the guest, and artistically presented because as the saying goes: you eat with your eyes first, then nose and finally the mouth. It is also a great way to experiment with different foods, because the entire meal is about pleasing you. If the dish isn’t to your liking, it will be taken back to the kitchen for an alternative. ■ Visitbusinesstraveller.com
PRODUCTS DECEMBER-JANUARY
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1 Two tone olive/brown leather chelsea boot by Brune; PRICE `9,999; voganow.com 2. Carl F. Bucherer Patravi TravelTec II; PRICE on request; carl-f-bucherer.com 3. Park Avenue Luxus collection; PRICE on request; raymond.in 4. Luminance Bracelet by NIRAV MODI; PRICE on request; niravmodi.com
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WATCHES Rolex
Perpetual Excellence Akanksha Maker lists new versions of iconic Rolex models
OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA
Introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was created to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. The dependable chronograph allows drivers to measure average speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour, with its tachymetric scale equipped bezel. This year, Rolex launched the new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 904L steel, with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel, in black ceramic. It offers a number of benefits to watch connoisseurs: it’s corrosion resistant and virtually scratch-proof. The colour of the watch is also known to be unaffected by UV rays. A thin layer of platinum deposit in the numerals and graduations via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process, has made the tachymetric scale on the bezel comfortably legible. The crystal is held firmly in place by the mono-bloc Cerachrom bezel, that makes the watch waterproof as well. 74 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING
The watchmaker’s connect with aviation dates back to 1933, when Oyster timepieces accompanied the Houston Expedition, as it flew over Mount Everest in harsh weather conditions. A year later, Owen Cathcart-Jones and Ken Waller aviated a twin-engine De Havilland Comet from London to Melbourne, using Rolex as their choice of chronometer. With reverence to the heritage of the original Oyster, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual AirKing. With a 40mm case in 904L steel, the new version features a striking black dial with a combination of three, six and nine numerals marking the hours in bold. A distinctive minute scale for accurate aviation readings sits on the dial along with “AirKing” inscribed in the same type used in the 1950s. The seconds’ hand is prominent in green, the signature colour of the brand, rotating over the green and yellow Rolex logo. Visitbusinesstraveller.com
OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST
A timeless classic, Rolex’s Datejust was conceived in 1945 as the first selfwinding waterproof chronometer to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. It also carried all the significant innovations of the watchmaker until then. Since its inception, this model has held the throne of being an archetype of not just the brand, but watches in general. Rolex unveiled the all new Datejust 41 in yellow or Everose (Rolex’s exclusive patented pink gold alloy) Rolesor* versions. The design of the watch has also been updated with a 41mm case and carries the Rolex calibre 3235. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. *Rolesor, a signature feature of Rolex watches since 1933, is a combination of steel and gold on the timepiece. The bezel, the winding crown and the centre bracelet links are made of 18-carat gold (yellow or Everose), while the middle case and the outer links of the bracelet are made of 904L steel. Visit businesstraveller.com
OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE
Adorned by dignitaries including heads of state, leaders and visionaries, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date made its first appearance in 1956. It was the premier wristwatch to spell out the date and day of the week in a window on the dial. Also known as the “president’s watch”, the Day-Date was available only in 18-carat gold or platinum until last year. In 2015, Rolex introduced Day-Date 40, with a modern design and the watchmaker’s new mechanical movement — calibre 3255. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the masterpiece with a radiant, new green dial, Rolex’s symbolic colour. This exceptional version is now offered exclusively in 18-carat Everose or white gold. A characteristic feature of this model since 1956 is its fluted bezel, that is carried forth in this year’s version as well. The “president’s bracelet”, another atypical aspect of the original Day-Date, is also reflected in the contemporary avatar. DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 75
WATCHES Rolex
OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER
Rolex’s sporty nautical watch model Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master has been well appreciated by seagoing professionals. With large hour markers and broad hands against a sand-blasted, matt background, the polished numerals stand out well. It is waterproof until 330 feet, with a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel in 18-carat Everose gold. The wearer is able to calculate sailing time between two buoys thanks to this special bezel, that also adds to the visual identity of the timepiece. The watchmaker unveiled the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in Everose Rolesor, with a chocolate dial. It has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and a 40mm case and is incorporated with bidirectional selfwinding movement via Perpetual rotor. There is also the Yacht-Master 37, that comes in Rolesium, a creation specific to the Yacht-Master. In this version, the case and bracelet are made of 904L stainless steel, while the bezel is made of 950 platinum. 76 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER
Rolex shares perennial connect with exploration since the1930s, when timepieces of the watchmaker were worn on expeditions to the Himalayas. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were equipped with Oyster watches, when they summited Mount Everest. Another classic model of the brand, Oyster Perpetual Explorer was launched in the same year as the accomplishment of this feat, carving a milestone for the brand. The new version of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer features a completely luminescent chromalight display, that allows improved legibility in any conditions. The model’s three, six and nine numerals are now filled with a material that emits a blue coloured glow. The hands of the timepiece are also broader and longer to make it easy on the eye. Made of 904L steel with a satin finish and black dial, the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer is waterproof up to 330 feet. Visitbusinesstraveller.com
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FASHION
78 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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Suit Up Rashida Jasdanwala tells you how to pick and wear your jacket to make an impression in and out of the boardroom
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DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017 79
FASHION
for formal occasions. In the last few years, the former have successfully taken over the urban male’s style sentiment. And it’s no surprise that their simple yet suave feel is unparalleled, helping him make a breezy statement at soirées of all kinds. Picking a good jacket means having an eye for details. Here is what you should look for.
FABRIC
A
man looks his best when dressed in a well-fitted suit — is a statement that won’t find much objection. This is one garment that has sustained itself through time, thanks to its versatility. While its classic appeal hasn’t faded, the option of being able to wear it casually too, has made it to contemporary style norms. “Jackets can only be paired with trousers” — doesn’t hold entirely true today; simpler options like jeans and chinos work surprisingly well with it. It is nothing less than an art to combine classy fabric and good tailoring with intricate details to create a snazzy jacket. Single-breasted ones bear an informal look and are picked as everyday attire for that reason, while double-breasted kinds are chosen
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Fabric, but of course, is chosen on the basis of weather; light options like cotton and linen are absorbent and ideal for warm and humid days. Pick pastels such as powdered yellow or pale pink in these light fabrics for that quintessential summerlook. Pair them with subtly contrasting chinos for a daytime affair. Woolen and flannel ones won’t just keep you warm in the cold but will also add sufficient character if chosen in pattern or texture. Choose between twill, houndstooth, herringbone, Glenurquhart check or Windowpane check to enhance the look of your jacket. Consider fabric to be the backbone of your masterpiece, and pay attention to details such as how you wear your buttons, vents and lapel of the jacket for final touches.
BUTTONS
The number of buttons you employ depends essentially on the style of the jacket, whether singleor double-breasted. A single-breasted jacket could handle anything between one and three buttons to maintain its casualness. In case it has three buttons, the middle button must be closed at all times; Visitbusinesstraveller.com
the bottom and topmost ones can remain open. When the piece has two buttons, leave the bottom one unbuttoned; a jacket with one button looks best buttoned up. The buttons on a suit are also essential in deciding its fit. Watch closely, if the fabric stretches, pick a bigger size.
LAPEL
The lapel is the folded flap on the front of your jacket, and it comes in three styles: notch, peaked and shawl. When the lapel is sewn to the jacket’s collar at an angle, mostly at 75-90 degrees, it creates a notch lapel or a step lapel. It is used most frequently because of its versatility, and is found in single-breasted suit jackets, blazers and sports coats. The peaked or “pointed” lapel is striking and more formal, with its edges pointing towards the shoulders. The shawl lapel — slightly arched — exudes opulence with its continuous curve and is worn mostly at black-tie events along with a bow-tie for that classic look. The occasion and your confidence must be the only two factors influencing your lapel choice.
VENTS
A slit in the bottom rear of the jacket is a vent. These cuts contribute significantly to your comfort, especially when seated. They depend on the style of the blazer and on the country of its origin (mostly Italian, American and English). The Italian jacket is narrower from the back compared to the American or English type, since it lacks any vent(s). The American style is single-vented, dividing the back of the jacket into two equal halves. Relatively “open” is the British style, with two side vents for added comfort. Shoulders are lightly-padded and armholes are higher for closer-fitting sleeves. All three kinds are considered timeless and formal; the kind of vents you pick, depend solely on your body type and the fit you prefer to adopt.
POCKETS
Left and right: Made-tomeasure blazer by Ermenegildo Zegna; fall-winter collection by Corneliani Visit businesstraveller.com
Apart from minimal practical usage, pockets are now making a mark on a jacket’s aesthetic. A patch pocket (made from a separate piece of cloth sewn on the outside of a jacket) is simple and informal. Ticket pockets, with their British history of being the go-to pouch for equestrians who needed to access change at toll points, are more formal. They are sewn as a small flap placed just above the right main hip pocket on a man’s jacket. Though not a contemporary necessity, these pockets still add immense sharpness to a jacket, especially when worn by a tall man. Angled and flap pockets look as dapper but are considered casual. Jetted pockets are the inner pockets with a slit and can add a minimal sophistication to your jacket. ■
TIPS ■ Pay most attention to the fit and length of your jacket. It should end at half an inch above the shirt’s sleeve. A piece with sleeves too long or short could single handedly degrade your look, despite perfect fabric, buttons, vents and lapel. ■ Grey and navy blue colours are appropriate for everyday work wear; black is mostly a colour of choice for formal occasions. ■ When pairing the suit jacket with a pair of jeans, avoid unnecessary cuts and patterns. Hem the ankle portion of the jeans if needed. If not, opt for chinos as an alternative, younger option. ■ Even though the suit jacket is a versatile piece of clothing, it’s often worn more with trousers.
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SNAPSHOT
DelSey’s first wheeled suitcase Valerian Ho recalls the launch of rolling luggage
F
ew people these days have any idea what their luggage weighs as they approach check-in. Why? Because virtually everyone pulls or pushes their bag courtesy of either two or four small wheels attached to its base. This seemingly simple invention is not as old as you might imagine – but who actually came up with the idea? In 1970, Bernard Sadow – former vice-president of US Luggage – was on his way back from Aruba with his wife and kids, lugging two heavy cases. Passing through customs, he watched a worker moving a machine on skids equipped with wheels. An inspired Sadow went home, crudely attached four wheels underneath a suitcase and added a strap. It worked – although it looked like he was pulling a dog on a leash. He applied for a US patent, but his competitors went to court and broke the patent two years later. The way was now clear for DelSey to become the first luggage maker to create a rigid trolley case on two wheels, which it launched in 1972. The wheels were positioned at the back in moulded recesses, to keep them out of harm’s way when it was in transit, and popped into position when the handle was pulled out. Rolling luggage has come a long way since – and so has DelSey. It celebrated its 70th anniversary in June 2016 with a pop-up store in Paris’s Marais district (23 Rue du Roi de Sicile; until June 19), where some of its early luggage were on display. ■ 82 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2016-2017
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