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FEBRUARY 2017 `150

The City Beautiful An overview of Chandigarh

Gainful Investments India’s leading industries in Chennai

INDIA

Press to Start Infotainment systems in cars

Well Groomed Beauty regimes for men

One for the road Revelling in Bengaluru

CONTRIBUTORS

INDIA

SALLY BROWN is a freelance

journalist who specialises in health.

She has contributed to the UK consumer press for more than 20 years and is a part-time physiotherapist. In this issue, she suggests self-help books that can change your thinking, like therapy but at a fraction of the cost (see page 76).

HELEN DALLEY has been based in

Hong Kong for 11 years and writes for newspapers and magazines such as the South China Morning Post and Travel + Leisure, as well as luxury lifestyle titles Prestige and Tatler. She found the research for her story on men’s grooming centres (page 72) eye-opening.“The hottest trends seems to be anti-ageing products, with creams and facials that target wrinkles all the rage. Men are seemingly feeling the same pressure as women to look young!”

EDITORIAL Editor Neha Gupta Kapoor Assistant Editor Akanksha Maker Art Designer Aloysius Dsouza Proofreader James Mathew Contributors Nikhil Agarwal, Sally Brown, Helen Dalley, Jenny Southan, Jeremy Tredinnick and Netra Venkateshwaran PUBLISHING Managing Director & CEO Ravi Lalwani Executive Director Meena Lalwani Business Head Khursheed Mistry Marketing Head - North India Asha Augustine Production P M Anthony PANACEA PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL Managing Director Julian Gregory Global Editor-In-Chief Tom Otley 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

FEBRUARY 2017 `150

The City Beautiful An overview of Chandigarh

Gainful Investments India’s leading industries in Chennai

INDIA

SUBSCRIPTIONS +91 22 4220 2129 Email info@panaceapublishing.co.in

Press to Start Infotainment systems in cars

Well Groomed Beauty regimes for men

One for the road Revelling in Bengaluru

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NIKHIL AGARWAL is the brainchild

behind All Things Nice — a consultant to the wine and spirits industries. He was one amongst five contenders shortlisted by the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2015 (IWSC), for The Julian Brind Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Wine and Spirits Industry from contenders from 90 countries. This month, his experience with Bengaluru’s dynamic pub-culture makes it to the cover. “The trend of brewpubs in Bengaluru is exploding, most hosting interesting events with quality beer and menus fashioned to pair with the brew of choice,” he says on page 54.

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Panacea Publishing Pvt Ltd 20, Vaswani Mansion 120 Dinshaw Vachha Road Churchgate Mumbai 400 020

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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FEBRUARY 2017 3

INDIA

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER:

FEBRUARY 2017

38

58 ONE FOR THE ROAD Browsing through Bengaluru’s breweries to pair with menus fashioned by those with quality are run pleasant choice. All u; the city has the the brew of and offer great like Bengalur and about beer of the time passionate s ities too. weather most tasting opportun to beer, bartenders are bars and brewpub restaurants, creating For those new e of this by on the lagers information take advantag for us to enjoy a brewing happy to share areas guests on the beautiful outdoor and ales; educating conduct tours of beer even drinks. craft few few u’s process. A of Bengalur .

My first taste ago when I their breweries granted that everyone or five years for trip. With and was about four Not taking during a work s offer spirits these brewpub had a free Sunday I visited UB City around loves beer, to do, spotted nothing else to step in, I watering holes wines as well.

I was about about these one 5pm. Just as The best part pocket. A few (thebiereclub.com),on the light on the beer The Biere Club the city, is that they’re for a delicious pint of brewpubs in an of the oldest walked into hundred rupees for.

Intrigued, I and side. ask opposite first floor of taxes) is all one can space on the below are inclusive at the styles almost empty (All prices listed counter. Amazed rst been fi sat at the bar had I had, which a pint in of beer they , I called for TOIT as well, Toit to in Germany in Mumbai the very a introduced Soon to open impressed on it is “brewing claims that and was mighty Bengaluru promises some culture that The Biere first sip. and a revolutionary realise is that to fabulous foods What I didn’t bodacious brews, experience”. It doesn’t tall. I was shocked oors fl agents, Club is three oors were teeming supreme brewpub other two fl chemicals, colouring it dawned see that the ives for the use enzymes, That’s when or preservat is to with beer guzzlers. u, the culture artificial flavouring taste of its brews. in Bengalur the on me that evening or fear of diluting of organic beers includes early in the that as most shut arrive at bars Toit’s selection styled brews day on holidays, locally , the during Naama Beeru some inventive try. For example, trend in before 1am. you should an exploding events Brewpubs is interesting most hosting Bengaluru,

I

TASTE

for the cities to be first Indian is one of the Agarwal lists Bengaluru culture. Nikhil promise for its pub capital that recognised Karnataka’s reweries in pint five microb an enjoyable

42 FEBRUARY

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FIN.indd 42-43

10 UPFRONT Bengaluru

Airline and hotel news worldwide

16 INBOX Your letters and online posts

18 TRIED & TESTED Special: Singapore Hotels — InterContinental; Oasia Hotel Novena; One Farrer Hotel & Spa; Park Regis; Raffles Hotel; Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa; W Singapore — Sentosa Cove

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26 THE CITY BEAUTIFUL Chandigarh’s evolving economic landscape

32 GAINFUL INVESTMENTS An insight into Chennai 38 IN FROM THE COLD Trade and tourism in the Iranian capital 44 LOYALTY Reward and redemption news 4 FEBRUARY 2017

26 Visitbusinesstraveller.com

INDIA

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2017

54 48 NEWS Your global downtime hotlist

50 WHAT’S ON Events worldwide this month

52 FOUR HOURS IN SHANGHAI Unveiling China’s financial hub

54 HIDDEN SANCTUARY Sauntering through the Spanish countryside

62 ARABIAN ALLURE Dubai’s hospitality groups pamper well

68 PRESS TO START

68

Latest automobile infotainment systems

72 WELL GROOMED Tips for men’s wellness

76 TREE OF LIFE Empowering and self-therapeutic reads

72

79 PRODUCTS Picks of the month

80 NIBS OF SOPHISTICATION Limited editions in stationery

82 SNAPSHOT The first ever airline alliance

6 FEBRUARY 2017

52 Visitbusinesstraveller.com

CHECK-IN

T

he aftermath of demonetisation has left the common man with many emotions — disgruntled, relieved, amused — but “indifference” isn’t one of them.

Shortage of low denomination notes remains a nuisance; especially when it comes to paying small bills of vegetable and fruit vendors, taxi drivers and the washerman who still choose cash as their preferred mode of payment.

About 35 per cent of the 2.2 lakh working ATMs across the country have been unable to dispense money 24x7 (at least until the first week of January) — more rampant in the smaller cities and towns.

This means irate customers at most banks, officials of which are left to face the music. Exasperated, and rightfully so, top management of All India Bank Officers’ Confederation stated in mid-January: “It is better to close down the branches for some time than for the staff to face the ire of the public for no fault of theirs.”

Luckily (not to sound smug), a certain ilk of business travellers who depend on credit, debit and travel cards, haven’t felt coerced into altering their flight schedules. This only emphasises on the importance of internet banking in today’s digital world: a rung in the ladder of Prime Minister Modi’s vision towards making India a cashless economy.

Having said that, the issue has been highlighted exemplarily in the feature on Iran that is reopening its doors to tourism (page 38).

Tourists still can’t use ATMs though and global banks are twirling thumbs on the decision to open a branch there.

The other pages speak about India’s ongoing economic growth due to foreign investments; read about Chandigarh’s defining agriculture, IT and retail industries on page 26, and Chennai reigning as India’s automobile exporter and emerging hub for medical tourism on page 32.

Industrial boom boosts the hospitality and aviation sectors. Page 10 rounds up travel news from businesstraveller.com; and on page 82, learn about the first airline alliance for some leisure reading.

We also have interesting information on where to enjoy India’s best brews in Bengaluru (page 58), how to make a weekend in Dubai luxuriously relaxing (page 62), and a truly serene unwinding option in Spain’s countryside (page 52).

Neha Gupta Kapoor Editor 8 FEBRUARY 2017

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UPFRONT Neha Gupta Kapoor compiles the latest news from businesstraveller.com

Emirates allows paid-for access to its Dubai lounges

Emirates has announced that it will allow passengers to pay for access to its lounges at Dubai International airport. Entrylevel Skywards members (blue-tier) can pay US$100/`6,815 for four hours access to Emirates’ business class facilities, or

TAJ HOTELS RESORTS AND PALACES ADDS TWO PROPERTIES TO ITS PORTFOLIO The ninth Taj hotel in Kerala will launch in the first quarter of 2018 under The Gateway brand in Kochi. This is the second Taj property in the city, after Vivanta by Taj — Malabar, Kochi.

The 130-key property is being built within proximity to Kochi’s IT hub, Infopark, and the 246-acre smart city in the Kakkanad region.

For this project, Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels Company has signed a management contract with Muthoot Hotels and Infrastructure Ventures. A Taj official says,“This initiative into the burgeoning [Kerala’s] markets is a key aspect of the domestic expansion strategy. Kochi has been in the forefront of rapid growth of corporate traffic, industry and the retail revolution coupled with a booming entertainment business. The strategic location and timing of the project are key factors in establishing our presence in this important market”.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has also announced the launch of Taj Swarna in Amritsar. The 166-key property opened last month.

The hotel is reflective of Punjab’s art, history and culture, and is a mix of modern design with finishing touches from traditional influences.

Taj Swarna has also announced two inaugural promotions

10 FEBRUARY 2017

US$200/`13,631 to enter the carrier’s first class lounges.

In addition Gold and Silver members – who already get complimentary access to Emirates’ business class lounges at Dubai International – can choose to upgrade to the first class facilities for a fee of US$100/`6,815.

The offer applies only to the carrier’s lounges at Dubai International, and passengers must be travelling on an Emirates flight to be eligible.

The carrier says that access is “subject to capacity restrictions”, with payment being made by credit or debit card (ie: members cannot pay by cash nor by redeeming miles for access).

Emirates stresses that “there is no change to the current entitlement for complimentary lounge access for any Emirates Skywards members”.

Emirates recently completed a US$11 million renovation of its lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International, focusing on three new concept areas with commercial tie-ins: a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee, a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier options, and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge. emirates.com

— the first entails a 10 per cent discount at Jiva Spa and restaurants within the hotel. The second promotion — The Golden Temple Tour — includes the above mentioned 10 per cent discounts, as well as a half day tour of Amritsar.

Both promotions require a minimum stay of two nights, and are valid from January 14 until May 31.

Taj Swarna has one all-day multi-cuisine restaurant — Grand Trunk; The Chinese Room serves Asian food; The Peg is a lounge that houses single malts, boutique rums and exotic Cuban cigars.

Guests can rejuvenate and relax at The Jiva Spa and Salon, the fitness centres, as well as the swimming pool that is accompanied with a Jacuzzi. tajhotels.com

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Vistara to fly to Amritsar and Leh Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, will add Amritsar and Leh to its route map. Both cities are in North India and are popular tourist destinations.

From March 1, Vistara will fly between Delhi and Amritsar on all days except Monday.

Flight UK 957 will depart from Delhi at 1320 and land in Amritsar at 1435. Return flight UK 958 will take off at 1515 and touch down in Delhi at 1630.

A week later, the full-service airline will commence direct flights between Mumbai and Amritsar from March 8. This service too will be available on all days except Monday.

Flight UK 735 will depart from Mumbai at 1325 and land in Amritsar at 1550. Return flight UK 736 will depart from Amritsar at 1625 and land in Mumbai at 1845.

From March 25, the airline will serve the Delhi-Leh route on weekends.

Flight UK 735 will depart from Delhi at 0700 and arrive in Leh at 0830. Return flight UK 966 will depart from Leh and arrive in Delhi at 0905 and 1025 respectively. airvistara.com

Fairfield by Marriott opens in Belgavi Marriott International has launched Fairfield by Marriott in Belgavi, the commercial hub of North Karnataka.

Neeraj Govil, the area vice president of South Asia at Marriott International says,“Growing markets such as Belgavi hold tremendous potential for us as we see millions of people entering the middle classes [from lower classes] across India.

The Fairfield by Marriott product represents great value for transient travellers as the entry price point into the Marriott portfolio.”

Marriott International’s budget property is adjacent to the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway and is a 30-minute drive from Belgaum Airport. Its 114 rooms and suites are categorised into Fairfield room (24 sqm), Fairfield Premium room (32 sqm), Fairfield Studio room (55 sqm) and Fairfield suite (70 sqm).

A well sized desk with an ergonomic chair, free water bottles, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar, iron and ironing board, LED television, wifi (starts from `150/hour), and a shower are available across all room categories. The suites have a bathtub too.

Amongst the leisure facilities in the smoke-free hotel, there is an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. The only restaurant and bar at Fairfield by Marriott Belgavi, Kava, is open round the clock. The menu is a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Kava Bar (open 10am to 11pm) serves wines, spirits and liqueurs.

The hotel offers 345 sqm of event space: the Crystal Ballroom can hold up to 300 people, and the two meeting rooms, termed “Studio” at Fairfield by Marriott Belgavi, are 36 sqm and 50 sqm. marriott.com

ITC Hotels to open its ninth property in Gujarat ITC Hotels, one of India’s leading hospitality groups has begun construction of ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad. It will open doors on December 1, 2020.

The website describes the 5-star hotel as one that will blend culture and history seamlessly with modern design and indulgent facilities.

ITC Narmada will be spread across 55,742 sqm in the Vastrapur area of the city. The site is six kilometres from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and is within proximity to business districts and government buildings.

ITC Hotels’ chief operating officer, Sanjiv Puri says that this will be the “largest and most premium hotel in the state with 300 rooms.”

He adds,“ITC already operates eight hotels in Gujarat under our brand names: WelcomeHotels, WelcomeHeritage and Fortune. This will be our ninth hotel, built over six lakh square feet (55,742 sqm) with an investment of `600 crore. We are also planning to open another hotel in Vadodara under the Fortune brand in the near future. With that, ITC will have ten hotels in Gujarat.”

The hospitality group will reveal more details about ITC Narmada and its facilities in the coming months. itchotels.in Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 11

UPFRONT

Anantara opens new Oman resort Following the opening of its first hotel in Oman, the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, back in November, Thai hospitality group Anantara has just opened the doors of its latest property in the Arabian Peninsula nation.

Located along a stretch of beach and a freshwater lagoon bordering the Unesco-listed Al Baleed archaeological site, the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is in close proximity to a number of cultural attractions, including the city’s frankincense-rich wadis (valleys), souks (markets) and ancient ruins.

The resort has been designed to combine authentic local architecture with tropical surroundings – some 750 coconut palms and numerous water features frame the property’s walkways – and offers activities ranging from hiking and fishing to yoga.

A total of 136 guestrooms and villas are available at the resort with views of the ocean, lagoon or gardens. The resort’s 40 premier deluxe rooms feature hand-crafted furniture and textiles, while its eight one-bedroom villas and 88 one- and two-bedroom pool villas – the only such villas in Salalah to offer private swimming pools – come with separate living areas and personalised villa host services.

The Al Baleed Resort also includes an Anantara Spa combining Thai and Arabic influences.

Salalah’s only hammam (Turkish bath) is part of the spa, which also offers treatments using local ingredients such as pomegranate, coconut and frankincense, and programmes ranging from weight management and detox to relaxation and revitalisation that run across three, five or seven days. A fitness centre, water sports centre, tennis court, beach volleyball court, infinity pool and a separate kids’ and teens’ club round out the resort’s leisure offerings.

F&B options at the resort include an all-day international dining restaurant, a Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant, and a Mediterranean-style beach bar. Events for up to 120 guests can also be held at the property’s boardroom and ballroom.

The opening of the two properties is part of a worldwide expansion by Anantara’s parent company The Minor Hotel Group, which aims to see the company have 230 active properties by 2021 across its Anantara, Tivoli, Avani, Oaks and Per Aquum brands. anantara.com

HOTEL NEWS THE WAREHOUSE HOTEL in Singapore has launched along the waterfront at Robertson Quay. It sits within a converted 19th-century warehouse, also known in Asia as a “godown”. The boutique property offers 37 rooms in six different categories, with many featuring high ceilings and individual looks.

HILTON has signed a total of nine Mexican properties.

They will add nearly 1,200 rooms to the group’s portfolio of 45 existing properties in the country. These include the 226-room Hilton Guadalajara, the 93-room Fives Downtown Hotel Playa del Carmen, Curio Collection by Hilton, the 160-room 1970 Hotel Posadas Guadalajara, Curio Collection by Hilton, the 128-room Hilton Garden Inn Merida, the 189-room Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe, the 134-room Hampton Inn by Hilton Cancun, and the 32-room Zacatecas Centro Historico, Curio Collection

by Hilton.

MUMBAI’S DOMESTIC TERMINAL 1B RENAMED TO T1 Mumbai’s domestic terminal 1B has been renamed to terminal 1 (T1). Officials claim the name change is to make it more relatable to the international terminal — T2 — and hence make it more recognisable to passengers.

There have been instances of confusion with fliers, since certain carriers (Jet Airways, Vistara and Air India) operate their domestic operations out of T2. The Tata Group-Singapore Airlines carrier Vistara was the first airline to begin its domestic operations out of the international terminal in January 2015. Other domestic airlines (SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo) operate out of the renamed domestic terminal — T1.

“The shifting of Air India and Jet Airways to T2 has helped make transit between international and domestic flights convenient for transfer passengers, thereby saving time,” says an airport official. Both T1 and T2 are a part of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. csia.in 12 FEBRUARY 2017

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AIRLINE NEWS

VISTARA ANNOUNCES INTER-AIRLINE CHECK-IN Vistara has announced a partnership with Air France, KLM and Japan Airlines to provide its passengers with “inter airline through check-in”.

Passengers connecting to or from a domestic Vistara flight in India and more than 100 countries across the network of the mentioned airlines, can check-in to their onward connections at the port of departure. Baggage can also be checked-in to their final destination.

“The through check-in facility will offer great convenience to customers connecting from domestic routes on Vistara to our foreign airline partners, while allowing inbound passengers to seamlessly fly the new feeling on Vistara on their domestic onward flight,” says Sanjiv Kapoor, chief strategy and commercial officer at Vistara.

Vistara, a full-service airline, is a joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd. and Singapore Airlines (SIA). It flies to 18 destinations in India. airvistara.com

Lemon Tree plans expansion in East India Lemon Tree Hotels plans to expand in East India, with upcoming hotels across the region in its pipeline.

The Indian hospitality group is looking to launch Lemon Tree Premier in Kolkata and Lemon Tree Hotels in Siliguri, Gangtok and Sikkim.“Asanol, Bhubaneswar and Mirik will also play a role in expansion,” according to Cyrus Madan, vice president of Lemon Tree Hotels.

Lemon Tree Premier in Kolkata will be located in New Town’s Rajarghat and will open in 2018. By 2019, Lemon Tree Hotels plans to own and operate over 8,000 rooms in 60 hotels across 40 cities in the country.

The list of cities it is eyeing include Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Aligarh, Alwar, Bandhavgarh, Bengaluru, Bhiwadi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Dahej, Gangtok, Ghaziabad, Guguram and Goa. lemontreehotels.com Visit businesstraveller.com

LUFTHANSA Group is to roll out its FlyNet wifi service on short- and medium-haul planes over the coming months. By the end of March, 20 A320-family Lufthansa aircraft will be fitted with technology to allow passengers to get online. By April, 31 Austrian Airlines planes will receive the capability; and Upfront by the summer, 69 Eurowings aircraft will also have wifi. By summer 2018, the whole A320 fleet will be wifi-enabled.

QATAR AIRWAYS has officially opened its new premium lounge within Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. It can hold up to 200 passengers and features two terraces (one for smoking) along with a welcome lounge around a fountain, a separate bar/dining area, lounge seating, showers, a prayer room, magazine rack and business centre.

SPICEJET ADDS A NEW ROUTE BETWEEN HYDERABAD AND MANGALURU The budget airline now flies twice daily between Hyderabad to Mangaluru.

Flight SG1072 departs from Mangaluru at 1450 and lands in Hyderabad at 1630, while flight SG1071 departs from Hyderabad at 1300 and arrives in Mangaluru at 1430. The airline operates its Q400 aircraft for this service, that accommodates 80 passengers.

Passengers can fly onwards from Mangaluru to New Delhi, Kolkata, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati and Dubai. spicejet.com FEBRUARY 2017 13

UPFRONT

Mövenpick launches in Colombo Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts has opened a new hotel in Colombo.

The 219-room Mövenpick Hotel Colombo is the first international five-star property to open in the city in 25 years, housed in a modern, diamond-shaped building featuring hanging gardens with more than 14,000 plants.

Located in the Sri Lankan capital’s business district, the hotel has seven dining outlets including Colombo’s first in-hotel French restaurant, a Japanese restaurant and an all-day dining option plus a number of lounges and bars.

The hotel’s rooms range in size from 33 sqm to 51 sqm, and

in addition to three suite categories, boasts the largest executive lounge and rooms in the city. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-size bed, work desk, ironing facilities and a coffee/tea maker.

Event space includes five meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual technology, two banqueting venues for up to 180 people, a boardroom and an outdoor terrace. Located on the 23rd and 24th floors, the hotel has a gym, spa, nail salon and outdoor infinity pool.

Further, the Swiss hotel group has made its debut in Indonesia — Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali — and plans to expand into Thailand with three new properties this year. movenpick.com

RADISSON BLU OPENS NEW FARIDABAD HOTEL Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has opened a new property in the Indian city of Faridabad, one of the country’s key business and industrial centres in the National Capital Region.

As well as being home to numerous industries and businesses, Faridabad also attracts leisure travellers, with sites such as Badhkal Lake and Raja Nahar Singh Palace being popular attractions among visitors.

Radisson Blu Faridabad, described by the group as “the city’s first upper-upscale hotel” has 124 rooms, four F&B outlets and meeting facilities, including a pillar-less grand ballroom capable of accommodating up to 1,000 guests. The property’s dining options include: all-day dining restaurant Broadway; pan-Asian restaurant House of Soy, offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine; The Cove, a contemporary bar with retro music; and patisserie shop Tea Studio on the lobby lounge.

“We are confident the hotel will have strong appeal to business and leisure travellers, and redefine expectations,” said the group’s CEO, South Asia, Raj Rana.“We welcome this stylish addition to our growing portfolio of 140 hotels in operation and development.”

Carlson Rezidor’s Radisson Blu brand has been expanding recently, particularly in India. In December, Radisson Blu opened its first property in Coimbatore – described as “the Manchester of South India”, while in August the brand opened the Radisson Blu Resort and Spa in Karjat. Elsewhere in Asia, the group opened the Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin in Thailand in November. carlsonrezidor.com 14 FEBRUARY 2017

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ACCORHOTELS HAS OPENED ITS FIRST PROPERTY IN KOCHI ibis Kochi City Centre Hotel, the budget brand of AccorHotels group, launched in Kochi on January 16. The new property, the first by the hospitality group in the city, is situated on MG Road in the heart of its Ernakulam district.

Kochi airport, Ernakulam Railway Station and the upcoming Kochi Metro station are 30km, 2km and 1km from the property respectively. Additionally, local attractions, shopping malls and commercial centres are within proximity to the hotel.

The 115-key property offers the basic facilities to its guests, such as a work desk, free wifi, minibar, HD television, complimentary water bottles, tea/coffee maker, room service and a shower. ibis Kochi City Centre Hotel has just one inhouse eatery — Spice It. Guests can experience the concept of “You Create, We Cook” here, which means they may use their own culinary skills at live cooking stations. The restaurant provides cuisines from Indian to oriental, European and American. Breakfast is served here from 4am until noon on all days. An a la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner.

The Hub, located in the lobby, serves a variety of alcoholic beverages with quick bar bites. It is also a cyber café of sorts where guests may use the available desktops there to browse the Internet, while snacking.

In addition, the property has a gym, and two meeting rooms that can host up to 70 guests for business and private events. accorhotels.com

Jet Airways deploys the A330 aircraft on key routes Jet Airways now deploys a wide body aircraft on additional domestic and international routes. The decision that put into action launched last month, was been taken after evaluating the rise in demand for seats on certain routes.

From January 15 Jet Airways deployed its A330 on the Mumbai-Chennai-Mumbai sector, the next day on return flights between Mumbai and Jeddah and Mumbai and Bengaluru, and from January 18 on the Mumbai-Kuwait-Mumbai route.

Flight 9W 574 – depart from Mumbai, 2055 – arrive in Kuwait, 2300.

Flight 9W 573 – depart from Kuwait 0030 – arrive in Mumbai, 0640.

Flight 9W 522 – depart from Mumbai, 1905 – arrive in Jeddah, 2200.

Flight 9W 521 – depart from Jeddah, 2330 – arrive in Mumbai, 0625.

Flight 9W 414 – depart from Mumbai 0815 – arrive in Chennai, 1015.

Flight 9W 429 – depart from Chennai, 1535 – arrive in Mumbai, 1730.

Flight 9W 397 – depart from Mumbai, 0830 – arrive in Bengaluru, 1015.

Flight 9W 416 – depart from Bengaluru 1700 – arrive in Mumbai, 1840.

Jet Airways’ chief commercial officer, Jayaraj Shanmugam says,“The introduction of wide body services on our key domestic routes not only allows Jet Airways to scale up capacity in response to increase in demand but also guarantees guests a superior flying experience. The A330, a stateof-the-art aircraft is designed with a spacious cabin, greater leg-room, lie-flat beds in Premiere and all the comforts usually associated with long-haul international travel. It enables us to deliver a world class flying experience and on-board service, making us the airline of choice for our guests.”

Economy class passengers of the A330 aircraft too enjoy a comfortable flight with ergonomically-designed seats in addition to the airline’s award winning inflight entertainment, and a “carefully-curated menu of fine dining options”.

Earlier in 2016, the airline started serving the Mumbai-Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi routes with an A330 aircraft.

Jet Airways’ wide body aircraft comes in a two-cabin configuration with 18 seats in premier and 236 seats economy class. jetairways.com Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 15

INBOX Get in touch at mail@panaceapublishing.co.in or businesstraveller.com/discussion

POST Tony-UK DATE January 2, 2017 00:30

ASEANTraveller January 2, 2017 01:06

MartynSinclair January 2, 2017 13:25

travelsforfun January 3, 2017 10:51

16 FEBRUARY 2017

BA FIRST CLASS LOUNGE ACCESS IN HONG KONG? We are travelling back from Hong Kong in BA first, will we be able to use one of the first class lounges (the one world site lists the Cathay Pacific The Wing first class lounge and Cathay Pacific The Pier, First)? Or will it be the Qantas Hong Kong lounge?

Yes you will have access to the CX first lounges. I highly recommend The Pier, First (one of top three lounges in the world, in my view). Note that the BA flights typically leave from Gates 15-17 and The Pier is located close to Gate 61-63 — but still worth the trek. Take the train to the lounge, but then be prepared for a ten minute walk back to the departure gate. Safe travels.

I agree with ASEANTraveller about The Pier, First. It is well worth the 17 minute walk back to the BA gates.

I can happily spend three hours in the Pier — one of the nicest lounges I am fortunate to be able to access.

I would be interested to hear comments about the service in restaurant. When I was there a couple of weeks ago, the service was not up to the usual high standards. My starter and main were brought out together, the main was very undercooked and had to be recooked. Every request for drinks had to be made twice It seems that since the change of catering company, there are very few managers on evening duty and the waiters really looked in need of management.

I used The Pier, First for the first time in midNovember, it was late (around midnight) but still relatively busy (around 10-15 passengers dining). I do recall that getting the drinks was perhaps not quite as smooth as it should have been, but no complaints otherwise.

And to concur with what most have said, under the Oneworld rules, Oneworld Emerald status Oneworld first class boarding pass will gain you access to the CX first class lounges – and well worth the visit too.

rferguson January 5, 2017 14:24

It’s a Oneworld policy that even with no status you can use an equivalent class lounge belonging to any other Oneworld carrier. From oneworld.com: “Customers flying first or business class have access to the equivalent class of lounge regardless of their frequent flyer status. First class passengers may use a business class or frequent flyer lounge if a first class lounge is not available.” So if you were flying for instance CX first from NRT-HKG where they have their own lounge and direct you to their own lounge you can still gain entry to the JAL first class lounge.

POST Cashsuds DATE January 5, 2017 04:38

FIRST CLASS CRYING BABY BUMPED OFF FLIGHT I commend Delta Airlines for bumping off first class passenger with uncontrollable crying baby on flight from NY to LAX. It is time that all airlines follow suite to make sure all paying passengers have their rights.

I am not saying babies are not allowed on flights but parents have a responsibility to make sure their kids do not annoy other passengers who pay for their respective seats be it in economy, business or first!

Shape up or ship out!

Good one Delta Airlines.

MartynSinclair January 5, 2017 07:50

OK, I will admit I would have fallen into the category of “eyes rolling”. However, moving a passenger in this manner would only happen in USA. It is more acceptable for an airline to have a minimum age for first class travel (or even premium travel).

Cashsuds January 5, 2017 09:44

The first class passenger apparently wanted to stand her ground but did not do anything to comfort her child. She insisted to have the first class seat reclined to sleep next to her to comfort the baby during take off!

A minimum age would be a good idea to fly first. After all they fly free – I think.

Not being a snob — but if adults went into first class with a blaring boom box, I’m sure they’ll be told off. Parents do have a responsibility.

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Your letters and posts

GivingupBA January 5, 2017 14:16

Cashsuds, you do realise that babies are human beings just like all the other passengers, don’t you? And when you say “if adults went into first class with a blaring boom box” you do realise that boom boxes can be switched off, and that babies cannot?

You commend Delta, I condemn them. Of course it’s true as you say — “Parents do have a responsibility”. But when I see parents with a noisy baby (this last happened to me two days ago, the seat behind me, in business class on a 12-hour flight), I am sorry for them and wish them well and hope they’re all right.

POST Ahmad DATE January 13, 2017 10:51

EMIRATES STARTS PAID LOUNGE ACCESS AT DXB

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Received a mail-shot from Emirates today advising that I can use their DXB lounges on payment when travelling on EK or QF, and can also invite an unlimited number of guests.

For those interested in the small print, here are the terms and conditions: *Terms and conditions apply: ■ Please note that if you are flying on an airline other than Emirates, or on Emirates Codeshare flights operated by any carrier other than Qantas, then your companion(s) will not be eligible for this lounge access.

■ There is no change to the current entitlement for complimentary lounge access for any Emirates Skywards members.

■ Emirates Skywards Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay for additional lounge access beyond the complimentary benefit applicable to their membership tier. Blue tier members who would otherwise not be entitled to complimentary lounge access can purchase lounge access.

■ Based on a member’s current tier entitlement, Platinum, Gold and Silver members may choose to pay for additional companion(s); Blue tier members may choose to pay for lounge access for themselves and their companion(s); Gold and Silver members may choose to pay and upgrade their complimentary business class lounge access benefit to the first class lounge.

■ This benefit is available only to members for themselves and any additional

companion(s) they wish to bring along, provided their companion is also travelling onwards on the same Emirates flight; this benefit of paid lounge access is available only at Emirates Lounges at Dubai International Airport.

■ DXB lounge access fees: first class lounges: US$200; business class lounges: US$100; The Emirates Lounge: US$100.

■ Fees to upgrade from business class lounge to first class lounge: US$100.

■ The fees are applicable for one-time access per adult for a maximum stay in the lounge of four hours only.

Cashsuds January 13, 2017 15:57

That is a fantastic idea! Sometimes I pay to get into “generic” lounges and it’s more of a glorified privilege with bad food and poor service.

Emirates has a great lounge and access charges present great value!!

As a “blue” card holder, I was invited free to the lounge and allowed to bring other guests at a small fee!

This is great – as I have top status with Star Alliance and this encourages me to “try” other airlines.

Unlike China Airlines. – I travelled business with my partner with her kid (on Y) but wasn’t allowed access to the business lounge for her kid!! So we all decided not to use the lounge!

Flightlevel January 15, 2017 22:19

Emirates looking at more ancillary income though it seems good value for infants under two years since their alcohol consumption should be low! One can often use paid lounges for less than US$25 that are basic and adequate for short stopovers so they must be impressive at US$100!

middleclass passenger January 16, 2017 17:36

Great idea to generate ancillary revenue, but I’m not sure if EK premium passengers would be okay with it. I’m afraid the lounges would end up being a tourism attraction with tourists snapping loads of pictures and selfies and perhaps also gulping down as much as they can, having paid a considerable amount of money for access. Not trying to sound like a snob here, but it’s natural that anyone would want to make the best of what they have paid for.

FEBRUARY 2017 17

TRIED&TESTED Singapore Hotels

Special: Singapore Hotels

Here is a list of luxury and business hotels that you can look up on your next visit to the city 18 FEBRUARY 2017

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InterContinental BACKGROUND InterContinental opened in 1995. Renovation of its Heritage Tower was completed in 2011 and of its Main Tower in 2016. The property prides itself in connecting guests to art and heritage because of it being centrally located close to cultural districts.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? As soon as you enter, to the left is a lounge that is styled like a Peranakan (descendants of Chinese immigrants in Singapore) living room, decorated in Peranakan prints and curios. Beside it is the concierge desk, and opposite is a guest relations’ desk for IHG Club members. Reception desks are opposite the hotel’s entrance.

Walk east, past the reception, and you will come to an empty space with lifts to access higher floors, two sofa seating sets, one phone booth, entrance to a Japanese restaurant, and The Lobby Lounge.

Throughout the property there are hints of Peranakan culture.

The ceiling of The Lobby Lounge, its carpet and tiles on the pillars display this distinctly. Framed paintings on walls are a bold showcase of this culture too.

WHERE IS IT? It is a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport and within walking distance of art galleries and museums.

ROOM FACILITIES Heritage Tower has rooms on levels two and three – Heritage rooms and Shophouse rooms. This wing is bathed in nuances of Peranakan culture. It shows in the subdued colours, furnishings, motifs on the air conditioning vents, and the runners on wooden floorboards.

Entrances to suites in this wing are designed after ancient Peranakan homes with carved flowerpots, suspended potted plants in decorative holders and patterned tiles.

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rooms are in Main Tower that is more modern in design with gold and turquoise trimmings and carpeted floors. Peranakan culture shows in the painting above the bed perhaps. The only other similarity in design between the two towers is the portable wooden minibar with golden etchings.

I stayed in the Club room, which meant, I was escorted from the reception to The Club Lounge on level two. I was offered a complimentary tea or coffee while waiting for check-in to be completed.

The Club room greeted me with a beautiful assortment of local sweets. A large window provided grand views of the city, the hotel’s swimming pool below and into windows of a commercial building opposite. Guests of Club rooms and suites are given free laundry service for two pieces, and have access to The Club Lounge that has an afternoon tea service, cocktail hour, separate breakfast and all-day tea/coffee and juices.

All rooms have a separate bathtub and rain shower, well sized work desk with ample universal plug points, tea/coffee making facilities, LCD television, free water bottles and a minibar.

Wifi is free to IHG Rewards Club members, sign up to which is free at the time of check-in. The available handy phone in each room and suite can be taken with you outside the property for the day. It provides free internet and local calls, and free international calls to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, UAE and Vietnam.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Lobby Lounge is the allday restaurant; Man Fu Yuan serves “homestyle” Chinese dishes; Ash & Elm focuses on

European dining and serves buffet breakfast; Chikuyotei is a fine dining Japanese restaurant managed by a third party. Victoria Bar is an English-style pub that serves cocktails, beers, wines and whiskies from 5pm until 1am.

MEETING FACILITIES The ballroom can hold 500 people and be divided into three; the two meeting rooms have a capacity for 120 people each that can also be divided into three parts each; a boardroom can hold ten people, and the library is 69 sqm. There is no business centre on the property, but guests can access the computer and iMac connected to a printing, scanning and photocopying machine in the lobby. Alternatively, Club room guests can use similar facilities at The Club Lounge.

LEISURE FACILITIES The swimming pool area also has a Jacuzzi. The fitness floor has a gym stocked with water bottles and towels, as well as steam and sauna rooms, and a yoga studio.

VERDICT It is a comfortable choice for business travellers with ample options to hold impromptu meetings.

TESTED BY Neha Gupta Kapoor

HOW MANY ROOMS? 403 rooms and suites

HIGHLIGHT The afternoon tea service at the Club Lounge.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started at S$288/`13,854.

CONTACT 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966; tel: +65 63387600; ihg.com

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WIFI MINIBAR 24hr ROOM SERVICE 4 RESTRAURANTS BAR GYM POOL 11 MEETING ROOMS

FEBRUARY 2017 19

TRIED&TESTED Singapore Hotels

Oasia Hotel Novena

BACKGROUND This business hotel is a part of Far East Hospitality and is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year.

While it is popular amongst corporate travellers, it is also known for staycations amongst the locals. This is one of three properties under the Oasia brand in Singapore and the fourth worldwide. Oasia Hotel Downtown and Oasia Residence are both in Singapore; Oasia Suites is in Kuala Lumpur.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It has a busy feel to it. The lobby is abuzz with business travellers and families.

Wooden boards layer most of the lobby walls, lending it a cosy feel.

Stone and wooden installations add character to the otherwise bare space. Continuing with the theme are wooden benches just opposite the reception desk that is manned by three people.

On the same level is all-day Marmalade Pantry where the buffet breakfast is served. The rest of the day it serves modern bistro cuisine. Beside it, there is a business centre that can be accessed by all hotel guests.

WHERE IS IT? It is a 20-minute drive from Changi airport. The Novena MRT station is in its basement. Orchard Road is two train stops away. From the hotel’s 20 FEBRUARY 2017

basement one can enter two malls – one dedicated to sports and the other is a general shopping arcade.

ROOM FACILITIES I stayed at the Club room. It is the same size as the Superior and Deluxe rooms – 25 sqm – and the highest category of guest rooms on the property. The next level is the 50 sqm Club suite.

Guests of the Club room and Club suite are allowed free laundry service for two pieces per day. They also have access to The Living Room on the 22nd floor, which has its own swimming pool, breakfast buffet, all-day free non-alcoholic beverages, cocktail hour, and a panoramic view of the city.

In fact, all rooms of the hotel either have a view of the greener side of Singapore that includes an aerial view of the Bukit Timh Nature Reserve in the distance, or of the commercial and residential buildings in the vicinity. My Club room had a green view, which I particularly enjoyed through the large French window whilst working on my iPad at the abutting L-shaped work desk.

The rooms are compact such that there is enough space for two bedside tables. The minibar is tucked into a cupboard that also

has tea/coffee making facilities (Nespresso coffee-making facility in Club category). Packaged coconut water from the minibar is free for guests of the Club room and Club suite.

I particularly appreciated the handy phone placed in all rooms.

Oasia encourages you to carry it when venturing out of the property as it offers free internet, unlimited local calls, and free international dialling to Australia, China, Indonesia, Korea, the UK and the USA. This is available across all room categories, as are the LCD television, free wifi, iron and ironing board (upon request), rain shower (bathtub in the Club room and Club suite), free water bottles, and room service from 11am-6pm daily.

As the corner rooms of the hotel are most sought after by regulars because of the two French windows, Oasia will introduce them as Premier rooms this year.

The category will be one level below the Club room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The only restaurant on the property is Marmalade Pantry.

The all-day diner serves modern bistro cuisine. In the basement, just before the subway station is a street food centre, a recommendation for those feeling adventurous.

MEETING FACILITIES The Courtyard is divided into three rooms and can hold 50 people each; The Boardroom can hold 30 people.

LEISURE FACILITIES There are two pools on the property. One is at The Living Room and the other, open to all hotel guests, is on the eighth floor. Both pools have an adjoining Jacuzzi. The gym has basic cardio machines with attached screens that allow you to surf TV channels, browse the internet or sign-in through preloaded social media apps.

VERDICT A well-equipped property for business travellers.

TESTED BY Ravi Lalwani

HOW MANY ROOMS? 428 rooms and suites.

HIGHLIGHT Panoramic views of the city from The Living Room.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started at S$200/`9,575.

CONTACT 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470; tel: +65 66640333; stayfareast.com

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FREE WIFI MINIBAR 24-hr ROOM SERVICE 1 RESTAURANT GYM 2 POOLS 4 MEETING ROOMS

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One Farrer Hotel & Spa - Skyline Hotel

BACKGROUND One Farrer Hotel & Spa is a 5-star property that is part of Preferred Hotels, a global portfolio of independent hotels. Stretched across 20 levels, the lifestyle oriented building offers everything from business facilities, to an in-house farm, gardens and a collection of over 700 art pieces. It is a hotel-withina-hotel concept offering three types of accommodation.

Further, One Farrer abuts the Farrer Park hospital, run by the same management, which contributes to the large number of medical tourists it receives regularly.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Perhaps knowing that One Farrer Hotel & Spa caters to a sizeable number of medical tourists, adds to the perception of it being well sanitised. Smoking isn’t allowed anywhere near the hotel for this purpose too.

The service is a little slow, but extremely warm when the staff finally attends to you. As you enter the lobby, to the right is a reception, in the middle is a large waiting area and the lifts are to the left. Past the lifts is the all-day restaurant where breakfast is served.

The building houses three accommodation concepts: Urban Hotel, Loft Apartments, and Skyline Hotel.

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All Urban rooms (levels 11 to 15) overlook the in-house farm.

Loft Apartments (levels 16 and 17) require a minimum sevennight booking. Skyline Hotel (levels 18 and 19) is the highest category of the three. The topmost floor has villas.

Skyline Hotel has a separate check-in on level 18, exclusive access to Skyline Lounge with a rooftop swimming pool and a spa, and the Skyline business centre. With focus on business travellers, the lounge doesn’t allow entry to children.

WHERE IS IT? It is above Farrer Park MRT station, a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport.

ROOM FACILITIES All rooms have the same squeaky clean appearance that emanates from soft tones of white and pearl, as well as the natural light that pours in through large windows.

I stayed at the Skyline Studio that has a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The spacious room at 49 sqm has a well sized work desk, pillow menu, minibar (non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are free), a 55-inch smart television, a radio-alarm, tea/ coffee making facilities, free wifi, Natura Bisse toiletries, and a separate bathtub and rain shower. The utility cupboard with bathrobes, bedroom slippers, hairdryer, iron and ironing board,

is placed inside the capacious bathroom. Free unlimited local calls can be made from the telephone inside the room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The all-day Escape Restaurant and Lounge serves local and international cuisine, has live counters, and a breakfast buffet.

The lounge has an interesting selection of wines, and the cafe area serves coffee and desserts.

Local Fresh is the modern selfservice deli that offers takeaway meals, in addition to a sit-down option. Origins of Food is a studio with interactive cooking sessions.

Sunset Bar, by the pool, has a laidback vibe.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Grand Ballroom is pillar-less and can hold 700 people. This can be divided into two - for 450 and 250 people. The meeting room can accommodate up to 240 people or 80 people each in Napier, Read and Spottiswoode. The lobby has a Mac connected to a printer, scanner and copy machine, and is available to all hotel guests.

Skyline Hotel has an exclusive business centre: two meeting rooms for four people each, one laptop, copy machine, scanner, printer, free wifi. Its meeting rooms can be booked for free for two hours daily.

LEISURE FACILITIES Spa Retreat has an extensive menu of treatments, facials, and massages. Traditional Chinese and Thai healing systems can be experienced at Asian Wellness Spa. Total Lifestyle Environment on level six has relaxation gardens, magnesium mineral pools, Jacuzzi, a reflexology pathway, and a 50-metre long swimming pool. The gym is open round the clock.

VERDICT A comfortable stay with tempting leisure options, worth a visit.

TESTED BY Neha Gupta Kapoor

HOW MANY ROOMS? 77 Skyline rooms, studios and suites

HIGHLIGHT Having the sunlight gently wake me up to a marvellous vista of Singapore.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from S$250/`11,873 at Skyline Hotel.

CONTACT 1 Farrer Park Station Road; Singapore 217562; tel: +65 6363 0101; onefarrer.com

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FREE WIFI 24hr ROOM SERVICE 3 RESTAURANTS 2 BARS 2 POOLS 24hr GYM 2 SPAS 3 MEETING ROOMS

FEBRUARY 2017 21

TRIED&TESTED Singapore Hotels

Park Regis

BACKGROUND It is part of StayWell Hospitality Group, a privately owned Australian hotel management company. Park Regis is its upscale brand, while the other one under StayWell is a value-for-money brand. Park Regis has presence in India too — Jaipur and Goa. WHAT’S IT LIKE? The entrance leads into the 24-hour coffee shop. An embellished wall with Chinese curios, stands as a partition between this and Royal Pavilion, the only other restaurant on the property. The reception is on level three. The staff are seated at typical office desks, as opposed to standing behind a counter.

Though it attracts a lot of business travellers, the property has limited facilities for them, and more for visitors looking for comfort and easy accessibility to Singapore’s popular districts.

Further, Park Regis Singapore 22 FEBRUARY 2017

offers two options for laundry: one done by the hotel, and the other is a laundrette where you can do a full load for S$ 8/ `386 — a feasible option for long stay guests.

WHERE IS IT? It is 20km from Changi Airport and five kilometres from the city centre.

Clark Quay is across the road from it.

ROOM FACILITIES All rooms have a handy phone, free wifi, work desk, 42-inch interactive television, minibar, coffee/tea making facilities, free water bottles, and a rain shower. The handy phone allows free local calls, unlimited internet access and free international dialling to Australia, China, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the USA. The rooms have an open plan such that the sink is very much

a part of the bedroom’s layout.

As soon as you enter, to one side is the sink, behind which are the toilet and shower cubicles. The only partition between the room and the “bathroom” is the narrow mirror above the sink.

Perhaps the open plan takes away from the compact room size at 22 sqm. Adding to the ostentatious augmentation of space is the large window that lets in enough natural light to brighten the entire room.

Rooms under the Quay category (also 22 sqm), are on the pool level. Doors open to a partially enclosed space that has two cane chairs and a coffee table.

To access the pool, literally just walk three steps from the room.

I stayed in a Regis room (33 sqm). It also has a dining table, two sinks and an espresso machine. Each floor has one room under this category, which means, all Regis rooms have a view of the pool and two large windows ensuring ample daylight.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Twenty3 Drink & Dine cafe-style eatery greets guests on their arrival. It also has a bar. Royal Pavilion, also on the lobby level, serves modern Cantonese cuisine.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is one meeting room on the property that can accommodate up to 50 people.

The reception area has an iMac with an internet connection; however, printing, scanning and photocopying is assisted by the front office staff.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a 25 sqm swimming pool with a cascading waterfall feature, a gym, and a library — Bondi Book Centre — tucked in a corner of the gym. Guests can borrow bicycles for S$15/`720 per two hours (minimum booking time) to tour the city. Each additional hour is charged at S$5/`240.

VERDICT A comfortable property with facilities to ensure a convenient stay.

TESTED BY Ravi Lalwani

HOW MANY ROOMS? 202 guest rooms

HIGHLIGHT View of the swimming pool with the cascading waterfall feature.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from S$190/`9,094.

CONTACT 23 Merchant Road, Singapore 058268; tel: +65 68188888; parkregissingapore.com

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FREE WIFI MINIBAR 24hr ROOM SERVICE 2 RESTAURANTS POOL GYM MEETING ROOM

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Raffles Hotel

BACKGROUND Raffles Hotel is part of FRHI Hotels and Resorts, which was acquired by AccorHotels in 2016. The luxury brand launched in Singapore in 1887, and on its 100th birthday, the Singapore Government declared it a National Monument.

The hotel is also known for inventing the now world-famous cocktail, Singapore Sling in 1915, and sells about 600 of them daily.

From February 13, Raffles will “embark on a careful and sensitive restoration programme in three phases”. While parts of the hotel will still be accessible to guests, from mid-December until mid-2018 it will be closed to prepare for a grand reopening.

WHAT’S IT LIKE ? Colonial architecture dominates the property’s buildings with dark wood finish, high ceilings (up to 14 metres), period furnishings, and living room style interiors.

On my arrival, a staff member offers to bring me any beverage (free) of choice from water to Singapore Sling, and whisky even.

Once my metal room key has been electronically coded, I’m taken outside the lobby. All suites are cordoned off from public access. I use my key to unlock a metal gate that leads to the suites.

WHERE IS IT? It is a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport and a two-minute train ride from Orchard Road.

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ROOM FACILITIES I’m staying at the Palm Court Suite (60 sqm).

The door opens into a foyer with a dining table for two, and a sofa seating for three around a coffee table. Beside this, on a ledge is a tray with alcohol bottles and an ice bucket. This is the minibar. On the dining table are a fruit basket and a discount coupon book for use at Raffles Hotel Arcade.

I push back curtains to enter a spacious bedroom with an antique-looking vanity table beside the two-poster bed. In fact, all furniture in the suite have a vintage feel to them.

The bathroom is divided into a powder area with two sinks, and the bathing area with a separate tub and shower cubicle.

It is tastefully decorated with a ceramic elephant holding a potted plant and a low table with folded towels. This is common across all suite categories.

The only drawback in the otherwise comfortable suite is the number and location of plug points. There aren’t enough to charge multiple gadgets and table lamps use the ones beside the bed.

All suites include the vanity desk, dining table, potted plants, tea/coffee maker, free wifi, LCD television, DVD player, free water bottles, fruit basket and the minibar.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Raffles Grill is a recommendation

by Michelin Guide Singapore for contemporary French cuisine.

High tea at Tiffin Room has people queuing up before it even opens at 4pm. Italian cuisine is served at Raffles Courtyard.

Ah Teng’s Bakery has delicious pastries, cakes and bread. The bars on the property are Bar & Billiard Room, Writers Bar, and Long Bar where Singapore Sling was invented. Raffles Grill and Tiffin Room will be available until mid-August 2017, and Bar & Billiard Room until full closure.

The others will be shut until the reopening in 2018.

MEETING FACILITIES The business centre is more like a living room where you can watch television, read on one of its cane sofas, and browse the internet at the only computer there. Printing, scanning, and fax facilities are available too.

Ironically, wifi is not the strongest in this part of the hotel. There are also two boardrooms for 12 people each, Casuarina Suites A and B for 120 and 200 people respectively, East India Rooms for 150 people, 30 in Jubilee Lounge, and 388 at Jubilee Hall. The Ballroom can hold 350 people, and The Lawn can hold 300. All, except East India Rooms, are closed as part of the restoration programme until the 2018 reopening.

LEISURE FACILITIES It has an outdoor swimming pool, spa and a gym with basic equipment. Leslie Danker, the resident historian, and author of Memoirs of a Raffles Original hosts guided tours of the property. Raffles Hotel Arcade has shops, restaurants and bars. These facilities will be available until mid-August 2017 as part of the restoration programme. Thereon until December 2017, residents may use facilities at Fairmont Singapore located across the street.

VERDICT Everything about the property is luxury wrapped in old-world charm and warmth.

TESTED BY Neha Gupta Kapoor

HOW MANY ROOMS? 103 suites

HIGHLIGHT Reading in the courtyard while enjoying a Singapore Sling.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started at S$850/`40,483

CONTACT 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673; tel: +65 64121180; raffles.com/Singapore

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FREE WIFI MINIBAR 24hr ROOM SERVICE 4 RESTAURANTS 3 BARS GYM SPA POOL 8 MEETING ROOMS

FEBRUARY 2017 23

TRIED&TESTED Singapore Hotels

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

BACKGROUND Sofitel is the luxury brand by AccorHotels of French origin. Just like every property in the world, it romances French and local cultures. In this case, while all properties have France’s national animal, the horse, this one has a golden lion too, synonymous with Singapore.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It has every element that goes into the making of a resort. Barring the high ceiling and grand chandelier, the lobby has an outdoor feel to it. Reception desks are to its right in an air-conditioned room that displays information on the hotel’s various spa treatments.

Waterbodies flank pathways almost throughout the property.

Some of the man-made ponds have low seats for guests to get an impromptu fish-pedicure.

At the time of my visit, Singapore was expecting heavy showers, and so through the day I could hear peacocks sing.

Most facilities on the resort are outdoor; ceiling fans and water coolers help keep temperatures in check, and having ample greenery around helped battle the humidity too.

WHERE IS IT? It is opposite Sentosa Golf Club and a 25-minute drive from 24 FEBRUARY 2017

Changi Airport.

ROOM FACILITIES Rooms are divided between Tranquility Wing and Peace Wing. While both have a view of the garden, some rooms of Tranquility Wing face the car park.

I stayed in the open concept Junior suite that was nonetheless cosy. The full-length mirror on the outer bathroom wall gave the suite a larger appearance than what it is.

A television sits on the wall separating the living room and the bedroom that has the basics such as a second television set, cupboard, safe and telephone. The living room has a rocking chair in addition to the sofa seating, minibar and work desk. Oddly enough, the only plug points below the desk were occupied by the room’s floor lamps. To charge my gadgets, I needed to use the ones beside my bed. The minibar is designed like a French hat-cumChinese dim sum basket. The former is depicted in the bar’s lid, and the later in its bottom.

All rooms and suites have the minibar, an Illy coffee maker, tea kettle, LCD television, free wifi, mosaic tiles in the shower area, art installation above the bathtub, an entrance foyer, wifi and free

water bottles.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Kwee Zeen serves pan-Asian specialities and classic French fare. Within this is Chocolaterie that is a dream for fans of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory — this is also where breakfast is served.

IlLido At The Cliff is known for its Italian preparations. It has two private dining rooms for small groups who request for privacy.

The Garden is next to So Spa and has a health food menu. LeBar is popular for its afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The events space has a separate entrance, in addition to being connected through the hotel. Straits Ballroom (315 sqm), Saffron Ballroom (198 sqm), Kusu Room (72 sqm), Ginger Room (108 sqm), and Nutmeg Room (120 sqm) can be divided into two; and Sarong Room (170 sqm) into four parts. Cinnamon Room is 81 sqm.

Glass walls in these rooms ensure plenty of natural light. Coffee Corner is the common cafe for the banquets floor and brews Illy beans.

LEISURE FACILITIES Tanjong Beach can be accessed (6am to 10pm) by climbing down 132 steps leading from the outdoor pool. So SPA is a 15-minute walk or a quick buggy ride away, built in a heritage building of 6,000 sqm. It has meditative labyrinths, the hotel’s second swimming pool, float pool, mud pool, six outdoor and 14 indoor treatment rooms. A part of this spa is exclusive to ladies. So FIT, the gym is located there too.

VERDICT It’s a luxurious resort.

Greenery throughout the property, visible from the rooms’ windows add to the cosy feel. In the evenings, the rooms get exceptionally cold, and the warm blankets ensure a snug sleep.

TESTED BY Ravi Lalwani

HOW MANY ROOMS? 215 rooms, suites and villas

HIGHLIGHT The rocking chair that lulled me into a refreshing 40 winks before my dinner meetings.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March for a luxury room starts from S$396/`18,964.

CONTACT 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891; tel: +65 67088310; sofitel.com

R R R R R R R R

FREE WIFI 24-hr ROOM SERVICE 3 RESTAURANTS 1 BAR 2 POOLS GYM SPA 15 MEETING ROOMS

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W Singapore - Sentosa Cove

BACKGROUND This is the only hotel in Singapore where guests can arrive by yacht at any of its seven berths built especially for this purpose. It is also the only W Hotel in the country, a luxury lifestyle brand by Marriott International that opened in September 2012. The hotel chain is often associated with fun, and W Singapore - Sentosa Cove tries to live up to that reputation.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It exudes a somewhat formal persona in comparison to the otherwise laid-back party vibe exuded by W Hotel properties worldwide.

Stairs lead from the entrance to the lobby that is spacious with a cluster of sofa sets in the middle, reception desk to the left, WOOBAR to the far right and a large window with views of the pool area and South China Sea. I was particularly surprised to find a closed bar on my return from dinner (a little after midnight) for the brand is known to have parties spill over from its lobby bar into the reception area. However, quirks of the W brand reveal themselves as you walk around the building.

Music follows you throughout the property. Describing the decor would be hard with its unusual shapes and complex hues. Also, dressing the property Visit businesstraveller.com

are vibrant works of art that liven the space. One exceptional aspect of the decor is the whisper booths. Unless explained, they’re pentagon-shaped suspended “helmets”. In reality, when pulled over the head, the padding within prevents your voice from travelling outside the helmet.

While the common areas are brightly lit, the rooms and corridors have muted lighting.

WHERE IS IT? It is a 30-minute drive from Changi Airport.

ROOM FACILITIES The room categories have interesting names beginning with Wonderful, graduating to Spectacular, Fabulous, AWAY, and Spectacular AWAY; and suite categories are upwards from Marvellous to AWAY, Fantastic, WOW, and Extreme WOW. The accommodation looks like private rooms at a lounge bar with dim, neon lighting, patterned carpets, contemporary light fixtures, colourful sofas, cushions with fun messages, floral motifs on the bed’s elongated headrest, and the random hand holding a feathered “torch” that greets you at the mirror by the entrance. While the decor was pleasing to the eye, brighter lights would have helped me dress at a quicker pace. The large balcony of my Fabulous room threw in

just enough daylight to make up for the lack of bulbs, but in the evenings, it gets a little hard.

All rooms have a minibar, munchie box that has more than snacks (interestingly, a condom too), free wifi, tea/coffee maker, LCD television, and separate rain shower and bathtub. The handy phone available to all guests allows free internet data, free local calls, and free international calls to Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the USA. A knob in the bathroom allows you to control the volume of music that runs throughout the property, and into your room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Visit Skirt for grilled meats and seafood; the kitchen table serves buffet breakfast and international cuisines; WOOBAR at the lobby level says: “Mix, mingle and linger”; WET Bar by the pool offers cocktails, snacks and healthy treats.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Spread over 1,500 sqm, the meeting rooms too have interesting names: Great Room, Strategy, Studio (1 to 4), Connect (1 and 2), and W Lawn. They are divided as per requirements, and for casual gatherings, they offer beanbags and lounge chairs.

LEISURE FACILITIES Start with cardio and weights at FIT, the 24-hour gym, followed by an outdoor yoga session, and finally unwind at the AWAY Spa that has a herbal bath, steam and sauna amongst others. The 24-hour pool, together with the adjoining deck area is known to be one of Singapore’s largest resort outdoor pools at 1,338 sqm, with underwater speakers pumping music through the day.

VERDICT A fun place to be at where there isn’t a dull minute, even when visiting on business.

TESTED BY Neha Gupta Kapoor

HOW MANY ROOMS? 240 rooms and suites

HIGHLIGHT The high tea experience at WOOBAR where the goodies are served in an aesthetically designed birdcage.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from S$340/`16,275.

CONTACT 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374; tel: +65 68087288; wsingaporesentosacove. com

R R R R R R R R

FREE WIFI 24-hr ROOM SERVICE 2 RESTAURANTS 2 BARS 24-hr POOL 24-hr GYM SPA 8 MEETING ROOMS

FEBRUARY 2017 25

SPOTLIGHT ON Chandigarh

City

The

Beautiful

Akanksha Maker understands what makes Chandigarh a promising union territory on the Indian map

26 FEBRUARY 2017

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The Independence struggle followed by the partition of the country in 1947 led to Punjab’s division into two parts. It was separated into east and west Punjab that fell into India and Pakistan respectively. Since the former capital of Punjab — Lahore — fell into Pakistan, India nominated the city of Chandigarh as the next capital of the northern state. The vision of then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, entailed the development of Chandigarh as the first ever planned city of independent India. He hired American planner and architect Albert Mayer to design Chandigarh in 1949, who built it in symmetrical blocks embedded with greenery all across its expanse.

Mayer’s master plan was executed by his successor, French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, who fine-tuned the city’s design to inculcate worldclass infrastructure. He beautified it with lakes and gardens, constructed the eminent courthouse and parliament buildings, and gave Chandigarh its symbolic personality. The well-planned city set an example for the rest of the nation and became a sought after destination for businesses in north India. The inception of the Indian state of Haryana

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in 1966 changed Chandigarh’s status; it was not only declared a union territory* but also the capital of Punjab and the then nascent Haryana state — a position it still enjoys.

Farmers of the states heavily invested their monies in the large expanses of fertile land across the region, creating an agricultural ecosystem here.

Chandigarh’s commerce grew by leaps and bounds thereafter, and by 2006 its affluent population achieved the highest per capita income in all of India, at `67,370. With mostly old family wealth of farmers and agricultural traders, Chandigarh’s economic backbone was established by its land management, animal husbandry and farming capabilities. Being the capital of two of the most prosperous and arable states of India, it became the commercial centre of all the trading activities in the north of the country.

Even today, the city’s economic strength rests on millions of tonnes of maize, wheat and vegetable crops that are grown on the arable land of the two states. In fact, last year itself, wheat procurement in Punjab crossed 88,00,000 tonnes during the marketing season, substantiating its title of being the food bowl of the nation. While farming remains the

FEBRUARY 2017 27

SPOTLIGHT ON Chandigarh

While farming remains the largest feather in its cap, Chandigarh has not lagged behind in the rat race of modernisation.

Previous page: Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh Pictured: Assembly building in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh 28 FEBRUARY 2017

largest feather in its cap, Chandigarh has not lagged behind in the rat race of modernisation. It evolved its economic landscape and opened up to small- and medium-sized industries that mushroomed here a few decades ago. It houses about 15 medium-scale and a few large-scale industries that operate in the private sector. It is also home to over 2,500 smallscale units that span across fields of paper, metal and alloy manufacturing, food products, sanitary ware, auto parts, machine tools, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Apart from its industrial disposition, Chandigarh is also known for its educational institutions located in and around an area called Knowledge City — including Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Indian School of Business. These schools impart world-class training to students hailing from different parts of not just India but the entire globe. There was a recognisable imbalance in the opportunities offered to the youth after they completed their education. After all, not all of them wished to become farmers and most were overqualified to join the ground-level job openings at the various industries that operate here.

The administration of the city envisioned a tech project that would not only enhance the profile of Chandigarh, but also provide employment to the youngsters of the region.

Chandigarh’s commercial character underwent

a monumental transformation with the inception of Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP) in 2011. The project anchored by Infosys Technologies saw an investment of `1,500 crore by the Chandigarh administration in collaboration with real estate giant DLF to create a state-of-theart campus sprawling across 350 acres. Today, it houses corporate offices of companies such as IBM, Net-Solutions, Wipro Technologies, Tech Mahindra and Silicon Valley Systech and employs hundreds and thousands of professionals. While the Park has achieved an international footing with its contemporary commercial temperament, RGCTP’s aspirational “Vision 2020” wishes to further enhance its positioning. The plan is to “improve the business environment for the IT Industry, to make Chandigarh a preferred destination for IT companies from within and outside India”. RGCTP also has The LaLit Chandigarh, a hotel and convention centre developed by The LaLit Group, and DLF that has the capacity to host 1,200 delegates for conferences.

The property adds the advantage of accommodation to the IT complex and provides convenience to companies looking to host their employees from other offices in the city. Read more about The LaLit Chandigarh overleaf.

Chandigarh is also interdependent with the cities within the Chandigarh capital region that include the neighbouring satellite city of Mohali, Zirakpur, Visitbusinesstraveller.com

Kharar, Kurali (in Punjab) and Panchkula (in Haryana). The economic landscapes of Chandigarh and Mohali are connected, as the latter paves the way for Punjab’s information technology industry.

Steering this is one of the largest projects of the modest town of Mohali — QuarkCity. It is an ambitious corporate expanse piloted by Denverbased company, Quark that invited an investment of US$500 million in the Chandigarh capital region. QuarkCity has been instrumental in inviting information technology companies that are looking to expand their presence in north India. It is a 46acre multi-use space that houses corporate offices, residential arcades, retail stores and a special economic zone. It also provides accommodation options to the urban youth that has moved to Chandigarh for employment, or wishes to move from the traditional housing set-up of Chandigarh. Equipped with shopping centres, condominium apartments, cinema halls and other entertainment options, it presents a high standard of living in a city with a comparatively humble lifestyle. It also houses 3- and 5-star hotels within the complex itself, offering convenience to companies hosting employees from their other offices.

Some of the technology firms that have invested here are SPAN Infotech, Dell, Philips, FIS Global and Emerson Electric.

With the urban landscape of Chandigarh evolving along with its economy, it has welcomed a wave of overhaul in the aviation and the hospitality industry as well. The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has opened a luxury property here, and budget hospitality chain, Lemon Tree Hotels is also eyeing more property launches in the city. Indian airlines too are constantly improving connectivity to and from Chandigarh. Opened only two years ago, the new eco-friendly terminal laid with plants and open spaces has upgraded the experience of passengers flying in and out of Chandigarh. Currently nine Indian airlines operate domestic and international services from Chandigarh, with a number of routes to be added this year. Destinations including Pune and Leh have recently been added by Air India, while IndiGo has begun flying internationally to Dubai from the city. More international flights by the national carrier to Singapore and Bangkok are expected to launch this year.

The vision of Jawaharlal Nehru was to make Chandigarh India’s first planned city. It’s safe to say that it has gone far beyond; from proving its agricultural prowess to welcoming contemporary corporate cultures — it is the economic powerhouse of not just Haryana and Punjab, but all of north India. *A union territory is a type of administrative division in the Republic of India. Unlike states, which have their own elected governments, union territories are ruled directly by the Central Government.

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WHAT TO SEE “Welcome to Chandigarh. The City Beautiful.” — reads a large, green board upon entering the union territory. The endearing city of Chandigarh is lined with gardens that boast of manicured landscapes, blooming flowers and well-maintained promenades.

With distinctive pleasant weather, a trip to this union territory must involve visiting a few of many lovely gardens here.

Begin with Garden of Fragrance (Sector 36A; open 5am-11pm) to take in the whiff of fresh flora as you walk alongside a carpet of greenery. Some of the flowers that keep you company on your morning walk here are damask rose, plumeria, jasmine and many other fragrant ones. There is also the lovely 20-acre Bougainvillea Garden (Sector 2; open 8am-5pm) that houses 65 varieties of the plants with carefully laid out walking tracks that allow you to run in the company of nature. The garden also hosts an annual bougainvillea show for floral enthusiasts.

Hibiscus lovers will enjoy spending an evening at the namesake Hibiscus Garden (Sector 36; open 8am-10pm). This eight-acre expanse prides itself with 40 different species of the plant. One of the first parks of the union territory, this charming natural haven can be accredited for giving Chandigarh the title of “city of gardens”. Wanderers and photography enthusiasts mustn’t miss Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, that’s lined with 1,600 types of roses, swarming bees and rare birds. This garden conceived in 1967 is a gem in Chandigarh’s crown of natural beauty.

Those interested in the rich history of this union territory, must spend a few hours at Le Corbusier Centre (Old Architect Building, Madhya Marg, Sector 19B; open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm) scrolling through displays and exhibits from the life of the Swedish-French architect that gave Chandigarh its characteristic appearance. The showcase has preserved dated manuscripts, blueprints of the master plan, photos of Le Corbusier along with political letters revealing secrets behind the aspirational project.

Head to the Sukhna Lake, located ten minutes from Le Corbusier Centre, where you can rent boats to enjoy a leisurely cruise on its calm waters overlooking an idyllic view of the Shivalik hills. There are enough restaurants and cafes alongside the lake to ensure a hearty meal after some lazy sailing.

An alternative way to experience this city is on bikes. PedalChandigarh offers cycles for rent on a per day basis. Beginning at Sector 17, you can even opt for its three-hour long bicycle tour that takes you to the charming locales of Chandigarh including the aforementioned Sukhna Lake and Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. Write to pedalchandigarh@gmail.com fore more information.

FEBRUARY 2017 29

SPOTLIGHT ON Chandigarh

WHERE TO STAY JW Marriott Chandigarh Situated in Sector 35-B, the plush JW Marriott Chandigarh has categorised its 164 keys as Deluxe rooms, Executive Club rooms, Luxury suites and Presidential suites. Equipped with modern amenities, overlooking city vistas and spa-like marble bathrooms, the luxe property features a rooftop pool and fitness centre. It also has six restaurants and a bar, that include its signature Indian restaurant Saffron and the Italian outlet Oregano Restaurant & Bar. JW Marriott Chandigarh features two event rooms spanning 781 sqm, with seven breakout rooms for mediumsized business events. The Grand Ballroom with the adjoining lush green lawns can accommodate over 1,000 guests. marriott.com

The LaLit Chandigarh Located in the Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park, The LaLit Chandigarh is an ideal business hotel for corporate houses looking to host their employees in the city’s commercial hub. Designed in a contemporary fashion, with ceiling to floor glass windows, it features 179 keys categorised as Deluxe rooms, Premier rooms, Luxury rooms, Executive suites, Luxury suites and The LaLit Legacy suite (Presidential suite). The hotel has seven F&B outlets including its signature bar and lounge, Kitty Su; Indian restaurant, Baluchi; and in-house patisserie, The LaLit Boulangerie. The meeting space sprawls across 1,966 sqm: CBR Lawns, Crystal Ballroom and Quorum. thelalit.com

Lemon Tree Chandigarh Budget chain Lemon Tree Hotels’ Lemon Tree Chandigarh is located close to the airport. It has 81 rooms and suites that are equipped with wifi, minibar and satellite television. Accommodation categories are Superior rooms, Executive rooms, Studios, Executive suites and a room for differently abled guests. It has its signature F&B outlets — Citrus Cafe for all cuisines and Slounge for drinks and snacks. Lemon Tree Chandigarh features a rooftop swimming pool, spa and a fitness centre equipped with Life Fitness equipment. There is a 24-hour business centre that offers complimentary wifi to guests. lemontreehotels.com 30 FEBRUARY 2017

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OVERVIEW OF Chennai

GAINFUL INVESTMENTS Tamil Nadu’s capital city is a key economic hub of India. Neha Gupta Kapoor explains what makes it globally attractive

32 FEBRUARY 2017

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C

Counted amongst one of the six metropolises of India, on the southeast coast is Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

While each of these tier-I cities have a unique touristic charm to them — Bengaluru’s vibrant bar scene, Delhi’s food and art, Hyderabad’s Nizami heritage, Kolkata’s colonial structures, Mumbai’s glamour — the main category of tourism that Chennai welcomes is medical.

PERSONALITY

Chennai International Airport receives a sizeable chunk of leisure tourists too, but mostly those whose onward travel plans include the picturesque and heritage towns of Puducherry (150km) and Mahabalipuram (55km). In 2015-16 the airport handled 15.3 million passengers. Numbers also include tourists in transit to Coimbatore (70 minutes by flight) that connects to only three international destinations.

From Coimbatore people continue to Ooty and other hill stations. Thus, Chennai naturally becomes the airport hub for Tamil Nadu, and also the gateway to South India, being nearest to most holiday towns in the region.

Leisure tourism to Chennai is rather low in comparison to the other five above mentioned capital cities, because it has been perceived to be orthodox in many ways. Its Marina Beach is good to visit for street food, but women wearing shorts, leave alone swimwear (even for men) would be a culture shock for locals. Besides, this is one of the few “sightseeing” spots; others include ancient temples and churches.

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FEBRUARY 2017 33

OVERVIEW OF Chennai

Clockwise from top: Marina Beach; posters of Kollywood movies; an Ashok Leyland truck

Debates have been aired on national television whether Chennai is one of the more conservative Indian cities or not. Watering holes are permitted only in hotels that have 20 or more rooms to let.

If you visit any one of these, you’ll find that the number of men surpass the number of women by a wide margin. Self-empowered moral police groups have been a nuisance in Chennai. Locals prefer speaking Tamil, and Indians visiting from other states too are often lost in translation as the majority here haven’t learnt the country’s most widely spoken language — Hindi.

Having said that, Tamil Nadu has one of the highest literacy rates in India at 90.33 per cent, thanks to its capital. The city is also why the state’s economic growth curve has been on an upward rise from a GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) of US$48.9 billion in 2004-05 to US$161.1 billion in 2014-15 — published by Directorate Economics and Statistics of Tamil Nadu.

BREAD AND BUTTER

One of the newest industries to propel Chennai’s success is medical tourism that saw a fillip only in the last ten years. The sector can be tracked down to some of India’s top medical schools located in and around here, such as Madras Medical College (Chennai was formerly known as Madras); and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, and Christian Medical College that are two hours from the city centre.

Students graduating from these institutes have an array of training opportunities at the many hospitals in the state capital. To name a few, Apollo Hospitals, 34 FEBRUARY 2017

Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, and MIOT International Hospital have partnered with hospitals overseas for conclusive results through research, as well as for staff training, innovation in treatments, medical programmes and so on.

Travel operators have curated packages that slot one day, out of the itinerary of touring Chennai and the neighbouring towns, for non-intrusive medical examinations like MRI and CAT scans. In return, hospitals too have concierge desks that are handy with information on the city for patients and their companions.

From all the medical procedures bringing in crowds, dental treatments rank high amongst tourists. Chennai has seen an influx of patients from the USA and the UK who club family holidays to the city with dental treatments. About 40 per cent of Shradha Dental Centre’s clientele, for example, is from outside the state. Dr Shradha says, this is because the treatments are about 15 times cheaper than in the west. Apollo Hospitals has designed the “Holi-dent” programme such that patients may continue their treatments at any Apollo Hospitals in India without interrupting their holiday itinerary. It defines this as a “dental vacation”.

Raju Venkatraman, the CEO of Medall Healthcare, a chain of diagnostic centres says, “We can’t predicate the revenue contributed by medical tourism towards Chennai’s GDP, but what I can say for sure is that the future is bright [for this industry].”

Ironically, Chennai’s level of hygiene outside hospitals is questionable, shocking first-time visitors. Traffic is a nightmare with people crossing streets at random, cars daring to defy stop lights, Visitbusinesstraveller.com

and abandoned cattle doing the jaywalk. Yet, it remains alluring to foreigners for its myriad benefits, health and otherwise. The other groups that see an opportunity in investing in the city are manufacturers, especially of automobiles and auto components.

Chennai alone accounts for about 50 per cent of the country’s automobile exports and over 22 per cent of auto component production, making Tamil Nadu a key manufacturing and export hub for India. This success can be attributed to the state’s investmentfriendly environment that includes friendly tax laws for production of automobiles and auto components, encouraging industrial incentives, conducive infrastructure, proximity to sea ports, and the 2014 Tamil Nadu Automobile and Auto Components Policy that strives to put Chennai (ergo India) in the top five worldwide rank for automobile and auto components exports. As per figures of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, with 5,32,053 cars exported in financial year 2016, India is the 20th largest exporter of cars in the world.

It all began when Ashok Leyland set up the first assembling plant here in 1948. Since then, Chennai has received foreign direct investment from global auto making giants such as Ford, Daimler, Yamaha, Nissan, Hyundai and BMW to name a few. In fact, Nissan’s manufacturing unit in Chennai is now its Indian export hub, shipping about 1,00,000 cars each year. Hyundai India though, partner of Chennai Port Trust, remains the largest exporter of automobiles in the country. And these are only examples of the companies that are populating international markets with India-made models.

Reacting to the future of Chennai’s fastest growing business, P Thangamani, Tamil Nadu’s former Minister of Industries had said in 2015, ”Chennai will have an installed capacity to produce 13.8 lakh cars and 3.61 lakh commercial vehicles each year. That is about three cars [produced] every minute, one commercial vehicle [produced] every 90 seconds.”

Currently, a `450 crore research unit — Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) Chennai — is underway. When completed, it will be a huge support for the industry. Its website (garc.co.in) reads: “GARC is a unit under National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) housing the facilities for comprehensive testing services. GARC provides certification testing and R&D support to the automotive vehicle and component manufacturers in India.

The GARC, which Visit businesstraveller.com

is under construction is spread over 304 acres with combined office space and test labs at the SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre near (southwest) Chennai at Oragadam.” Its launch date is yet to be announced.

OTHER TRAITS

The city is divided into five zones — North, South, East, West, and Central.

Presently, businesses see value in launching in the southwest part of the city. This is where the population of technology and financial firms are in the majority as compared to the rest of Chennai.

India’s biggest exporter of software services, TCS has its largest development base with over 40,000 employees here. Mahindra and Wipro are others whose first choice for expanding outside their base cities is Chennai. Other players who have offices here are Accenture, Cognizant, Verizon, HCL, Amazon, eBay, Paypal, Polaris, Patni, and Capgemini to name a few.

The UN estimates that by 2025, the city will expand from housing 7.5 million in 2010 to more than 10 million. This indicates that Chennai is a promising employment generator. It already falls third after Mumbai and Delhi as an employment hub.

The entertainment industry too draws in job seekers by the dozen. Chennai has India’s second largest entertainment industry (after Mumbai’s Bollywood). It is largely enjoyed by Tamil-speaking movie buffs as the language is not vastly spoken in others parts of India. Having said that, there is a huge market for Kollywood overseas. Movies such as Chandramukhi, Lingaa and Kabali have been sold for four-, 21- and 30-crore respectively, internationally.

Of the 35 key countries that have a sizeable Tamilspeaking population, Kollywood finds a huge fan following in Malaysia, USA, Singapore, Europe and the UK, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

CULTURE

Chennai may seem dull to an outsider, but it has a sophisticated vibrant side to it too. For starters, the city is known for its classical music and dance festivals. Madras Music Season in December, lasts for about six weeks every year. Fans fly down from the world over to watch some of the most proficient in the field perform here.

Spread over 100 acres on Chennai’s beachfront, is Kalakshetra known to be a prestigious school for Bharat Natyam, the most widely practiced dance form FEBRUARY 2017 35

OVERVIEW OF Chennai

in the country. It is “a vital centre for the study and performance of fine arts, envisioned and designed with the style and proportion of Indian aesthetics. It was recognised by the Government of India as an Institute of National Importance by an act of Indian Parliament in the year 1993 and is now an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.”

Perhaps, instead of questioning if Chennai is orthodox, it would be nicer to label it as traditional. Apart from earning the country the reputation of being a medical hub, and making it attractive to automobile giants, Chennai has neatly preserved century-old art forms for generations to come.

Besides, with the number of job openings and the number of global giants setting up office here, it won’t be long before Chennai adopts an international flavour.

ONWARD TRAVEL

If snakes, amphibians and lizards are of interest to you, you can stop at The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (madrascrocodilebank.org; entry fee `40; open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm; night safari Tuesday-Saturday 7pm-8:30pm, fee `200), en route from Chennai International Airport to Mahabalipuram. The conservatory is where one can interact and be educated on lizards, snakes, crocodiles and turtles. Stay two nights in Mahabalipuram before heading to Puducherry. The distance between Mahabalipuram and Puducherry is merely 100km or a 120-minute drive.

bestowed the status of one of India’s seven union territories. Falling directly under the rule of India’s Central Government, it has earned certain benefits that include low taxes. Tourists too gain from this in the form of cheap alcohol in comparison to those priced in the other Indian states.

Mahabalipuram (a 90-minute drive from Chennai International Airport)

Relics of the Pallav Dynasty from the 7th century are well preserved in the heart of Mahabalipuram.

It really is a historian’s delight. Influences from the Hindu mythological tale of Mahabharata on the former denizens are prominent in the stone etchings, statuettes, and gigantic structures. Most, if not all have beautifully and miraculously survived the 2014 tsunami.

These remains are best enjoyed when visited early morning or just before sunset for temperatures in this coastal town can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.

However, once inside any of the many temples and other such sanctuaries carved out of enormous rocks centuries ago, the body is instantly cooled by naturally controlled temperatures within.

Mahabalipuram has only in the recent years become a popular getaway option for many looking for solace from city-life. This is prominent from the hotel chains that have launched in and around here such as Radisson Blu, InterContinental, and the soon to open, Marriott. ■

Puducherry (a three-hour drive from Chennai International Airport)

Top and bottom: a Bharat Natyam dancer; Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram 36 FEBRUARY 2017

Puducherry is better recognised for its Aurobindo Ashram, and then for its dual-personality. Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) was a philosopher and spiritual leader whose teachings continue to gather an international fan following even after his death.

There is more history to this picturesque town found in backstories of existing historic buildings and wellpreserved museums.

Puducherry’s personality is visibly split between the French and Tamil quarters. The former is quiet, dressed in quaint boutique hotels and cafes, street names in french, and washed in pastel colours. The Tamil quarter is more bustling with narrow or no footpaths, crowded temples at almost every street corner, air redolent with delightful street foods, and is a picture of vibrancy.

This town was once a French colonial settlement until 1954. After it gained independence, it was

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BUSINESS IN Tehran

In from the cold No longer an isolated nation under embargo, a landmark nuclear agreement with world powers means Iran is opening up for business. Jenny Southan reports from the capital

A

s the British Airways (BA) B777 began its descent into Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International airport, I looked out of the window to see Mount Tochal silhouetted against the horizon, a shark’s tooth in the orange of the rising sun.

BA began flights to the Iranian capital only a few months ago, the first plane touched down here on September 1, 2016. At that time, two 19-yearold British men, Charles Stevens and Will Hsu, had completed a four-month charity bicycle ride along the Silk Road — from Beijing to Tehran (beijingtotehran.com) — pedalling 10,000km through nine countries. Stevens had described the country as “an amazing place with green parrots in the trees – a hidden gem if you can get through the high security

38 FEBRUARY 2017

fence”. Driving past in our minibus, however, we were instructed not even to take photos.

LIFTING SANCTIONS

Iran has been isolated from the rest of the world for about a decade, so there is a degree of paranoia to contend with. The US started imposing sanctions as far back as the 1979 Revolution, but the UN clamped down in 2006 after the country refused to cease its uranium enrichment programme. In 2012, Iranian banks were disconnected from the Swift network that enables overseas financial payments to take place electronically.

Sam Cordier, managing director of Tehran-based marketing and communications agency PGT, was educated in the UK but returned to his birth country Visitbusinesstraveller.com

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Left to right: Tajrish bazaar; motorway leading to Tehran’s Milad Tower; street art Tehran Visit businesstraveller.com

According to UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), Iran has the second-largest economy in the Middle East, after Saudi Arabia, with a GDP of US$397 billion in 2015. It has a population of 80 million, 60 per cent of whom are under 30, and 14 million of whom live in Tehran.

Here, the roads are clogged with cars and the air is gritty with dust from the desert. Among the ochre blocks, though, are parks and gardens, lively bazaars, trendy juice bars and beautiful palaces. In the winter, people ski in the mountains beyond.

Oil and gas is the country’s biggest industry (car manufacturing is in second place), but an EU import ban took effect in 2012. Boasting the fourth-largest oil

reserves in the world, sanctions have cost Iran more than US$160 billion in lost revenue over this period alone, according to the BBC. In October 2016, BP, an oil and gas giant, bought its first consignment in four years from the National Iranian Oil Co, and opened an office in Tehran.

Bloomberg reports: “Iran has vowed to recover its lost market share by restoring its crude oil output to pre-sanctions levels of slightly over four million barrels a day.” Royal Dutch Shell and France’s Total SA have started to buy crude this year. In the future, Iran hopes for oil output to hit one billion barrels a day.

Travel to Tehran today and you will not be able to use your debit or credit cards for payments or withdraw money from ATMs – you need to have sufficient cash for your entire trip, which is far from convenient or secure. Traveller’s cheques will not be accepted either. Some banks were plugged back into Swift in February last year, but commentators are reluctant to speculate how long it might take for the whole system to be rewired.

An anonymous source told Business Traveller, “The single-biggest challenge to trade will be the banking industry. Although it is not illegal to do business with Iran, big banks are very cautious about trading with it.” This is because a number have been slapped with huge fines for breaching US sanctions – BNP Paribas SA was forced to pay a record US$9 billion for dealings with Iran (as well as Sudan and Cuba).

HSBC was fined US$1.9 billion, Credit Agricole US$787 million and Barclays US$300 million.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before travelling to Iran, we were informed of the strict dress code for women – hair needs to be covered with a scarf, and clothing must be loose and modest. In reality, younger Iranian women bend the rules, wearing scarves over just the back of their head, skinny jeans, heels and tops pulled up to their forearms. Still, if you overstep the mark, you can expect a reprimand. Men and women don’t tend to shake hands, although people of the opposite sex can be seen walking hand-in-hand without a problem (kissing would not be permissible in public).

FEBRUARY 2017 39

JENNY SOUTHAN

to join the family business in 2009, “just before the worst sanctions Iran has ever faced”. He says, “A lot of our clients were international and the sanctions basically meant they couldn’t work over here. So we lost a lot of business that way. It also affected our rial, which devalued massively. It was a tough period.”

The good news is relations are now improving.

Following a landmark nuclear deal on July 14 last year between Iran and the UK, US, France, Germany, Russia and China, economic sanctions were finally lifted on the country in January 2016 (certain restrictions related to the military, terrorism and human rights remain).

“Lifting the sanctions will unfreeze billions of dollars of assets and allow Iran’s oil to be sold internationally,” the BBC had reported. In return, Iran has had to scale down its nuclear programme significantly, and will need to continue to submit to spot checks from world powers.

Following the lifting of sanctions, President Hassan Rouhani tweeted: “I thank God for this blessing and bow to the greatness of the patient nation of Iran.”

New ties are promised with the global economy and, for the UK, the renewal of a long-standing trading relationship dating back 400 years. Masoud Abdollahi, an export/import specialist in spare auto parts, says, “After the revolution, many, many companies left Iran. And now those companies are coming back. I see all kinds of happiness and hope.”

BUSINESS IN Tehran

Alcohol is completely forbidden, even in hotels, and you must make sure any “sensitive” data that you would not want the authorities to see is deleted from your phone and computer. To be on the safe side, I removed a number of apps such as Facebook and Twitter, which are banned. Instagram is allowed.

Photography in places that aren’t obvious tourist sites, such as outside embassies, or using a laptop in the wrong place could get you arrested for espionage. It sounds extreme, but it’s important to remember that despite the local people being charming and welcoming, and the destination itself being low on crime, Iran is ruled by an oppressive regime that can arbitrarily detain and punish people.

Other challenges include limited internet access (my 3G didn’t work and I couldn’t receive any emails, even via hotel wifi). Make an international call from or to Iran and you may find that the line crackles or goes down. UKTI further highlights the risk of bribery, corruption and bureaucratic delays in conducting business here.

For visitors, one of the biggest cultural hurdles will probably be the Persian concept of ta’arof. Essentially, it is the act of turning down an offer, gift or payment a certain number of times before accepting it. Cordier says, “If you’re in a taxi and the guy has got you to your destination, and you say how much, there is a good chance he will say don’t worry, the ride is free.”

The etiquette requires you insist.

“Iranian businessmen and women are some of the most accomplished in the world. They can be very talented and tough negotiators but it is rare for an Iranian to say no outright,” Cordier says. “There are numerous culturally unique ways to say ‘no’ without ever saying the word. That can sometimes lead to confusion. You can expect to run around the subject for a long time. Deals can be preceded by a lot of chitchat. Only about half an hour into the conversation can you gently start to begin talking about business.”

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Iran has taken quite a journey from the 20th to the 21st century. When Reza Shah Pahlavi came to power in the 1920s, he replaced Islamic laws with Western ones – banning the veil and forcing men to shave off their beards. His son, Mohammaed Reza Pahlavi – the last Shah of Iran – took the helm in the early 1940s, crowning himself king in 1967. The oil industry was nationalised in the fifties, women were given the right to vote in 1963 and good relations were fostered with the US and Europe.

However, by the 1970s, despite great wealth and freedoms for some, 50 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line and countless outliers (in their various perceived guises) were being persecuted.

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In 1971, to celebrate 2,500 years of the Persian Empire, the Shah decided to throw the “greatest party on Earth”, in the desert outside the ancient ruins of Persepolis. It was one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders ever to be seen. The 60 kings, queens, presidents, emirs, princes, princesses, dukes and duchesses were treated to three days of festivities. Maxim’s in Paris did the catering, with more than 160 tonnes of food flown in – including quail’s eggs stuffed with caviar and 50 roast peacocks – along with 25,000 bottles of wine, 12,000 bottles of whisky and 180 waiters. In the end, the inequity was too much for the general populous to bear, and demonstrations culminated with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which forced the Shah into exile.

The US embassy was stormed and staff were held hostage for 444 days. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shia cleric living in exile in Paris who had been vehemently opposed to the Shah’s reign – as well as the “Great Satan” of America – returned and became Supreme Leader. His strict religious views demanded a return to the “old ways” – and the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The love affair with secular Western culture was over.

Although views towards the US have softened only slightly, the lifting of sanctions from other parts of the world shows that the country is willing to make some concessions in the name of progress. For citizens, it’s still a far cry from the liberal lifestyles of the middle and upper classes in the 1970s (and not everyone would want a return to that). Back then, men and women could go to the beach in skimpy swimwear, frequent nightclubs and drive Cadillacs.

In spite of sanctions, a Western mindset has persisted across some sections of society. Talking to local people, I was told that house parties take place every night across the city: “We drink alcohol, we eat pork. There are cool guys here – people do what they like behind closed doors.” Of course, it’s illegal, but there seems to be a certain amount of civil disobedience that goes on. There are also clampdowns – in February 2016, the government banned Valentine’s Day. Some cinemas show films from Hollywood and Bollywood; plastic surgery is wildly popular (Tehran is the nose-job capital of the world); you can buy Coca-Cola and Nike trainers. McDonald’s hasn’t quite made it yet but you can see copycat fast-food joints like Pizza Hat and ZFC. Check out @therichkidsoftehran on Instagram and you will see how Generation Z are living – they are brand hungry and pool-party loving, just like young people everywhere. Versace and Roberto Cavalli have opened stores in Tehran this year. Debenhams, Benetton and Mango have been around for a while, but Sephora, H&M and Zara are tipped to join them.

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TOURIST APPEAL

By 2025, Iran is hoping to attract 20 million overseas visitors a year, up from 5.2 million last year. With the average person spending US$1,700, tourism generated US$8 billion for the economy in 2015. The problem in Tehran is that there is an undersupply of hotels, which means rooms are booked up fast, and standards are lower than in other parts of the world.

One of the best properties is the Parsian Azadi, along with Irani boutique hotel Aramis and the opulent Espinas Palace, which have both opened in the capital in the past 12 months or so. International brands are starting to move in, too. There is an Ibis and a Novotel at Imam Khomeini International airport, and a couple of Rotanas. Spain’s Melia Hotels International is opening the Gran Melia Ghoo in the city of Salman Shahr this year, and Jumeirah is also looking to invest.

In total, 125 hotels are to be constructed across the country over the coming years. One of the biggest and most luxurious projects in Tehran will be the mixed-use Didar Complex. Built on top of an underground car park with 1,700 spaces (a rarity in the city), the tower will have 21,000 sqm of retail space, a hotel with 270 rooms and 56 serviced apartments. It will open in 2019, off Africa Avenue, in the affluent Shemiran part of the city to the north.

GETTING A VISA To get a visa for travel to Iran, fill out a form on iranianvisa.com for an “application receipt” and payment instructions. Depending on the type of visa requested, fees start from US$45/`3,060. A visa authorisation code will be sent within ten working days. You may collect the visa from the Iranian consulate in Hyderabad, Mumbai or Delhi.

Top to bottom: Grand bazaar; Golestan Palace; Farahzad Abshar restaurant Visit businesstraveller.com

One of the developers told Business Traveller: “There are some good vibes coming from the government – they are putting on a lot of conferences and inviting different hotel groups.”

In January 2016, Airbus struck a deal to sell 118 aircraft to national carrier Iran Air. In our June-July 2016 issue, Business Traveller consumer editor Alex McWhirter suggested in his feature “Persian Potential” that Iran Air could become the fourth major Gulf airline, alongside Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways: “Iran has a large population and a good number will wish to travel.”

By September 2016, the US government had given permission for Boeing to sell up to 100 planes of its own. Valued at US$25 billion, if all goes well, it will be the biggest deal for a US company since the Revolution. Iran has its challenges, and a poor human rights record, but isolation from the world is never going to fix this. ■ FEBRUARY 2017 41

BUSINESS IN Tehran

Treasury of National Jewels Housed in the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this mind-blowing collection of crown jewels is the most valuable in the world. There’s the 242-carat Daryaye-Nur pink diamond – the largest on the planet; the Nadir Throne, which is encrusted in more than 26,000 precious stones; and the Globe of Jewels, which is made from 34kg of gold and more than 50,000 emeralds, sapphires and rubies.

Niavaran Palace Complex Set in 11 hectares of gardens to the north of the city, the site has various museums and former royal residences, including the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, which was the home of Shah Reza Pahlavi. You can still see his childhood bedroom, where there is a polar bear rug and a piece of moon rock gifted to him by US president Richard Nixon.

Saadabad Complex A 180-hectare oasis of forests and lawns, Saadabad has 17 museums (once royal households) connected by winding paths. The Shah took up residence in the White Palace in the 1970s – perfectly preserved behind bulletproof glass windows, you can peer into the bedrooms, living rooms, banqueting halls and private cinema he used to entertain in.

TEN TOP EXPERIENCES Golestan Palace This beautiful Qajar-era (1785-1925) royal palace is decorated with hand-painted tiles on the outside, and stunning faceted mirror-work inside. Dozens of crystal chandeliers and 19th-century treasures from around the world furnish the many ornate, high-ceilinged rooms.

Grand bazaar Around the corner from the palace is a 10km network of shopping arcades, where you can buy everything from sour cherries and fresh pistachios to carpets and copper pans. The vaulted roofs and pointed archways are an evocative example of traditional Persian architecture. It’s crowded but you won’t get the hassle of Marrakech or Cairo.

Top and bottom: tourist dressed as the Shah in Saadabad Complex; Darya-ye-Nur pink diamond 42 FEBRUARY 2017

Daf Traditional restaurant This subterranean venue is an atmospheric place to try dizi (also known as abgoosht), a stew of lamb, white beans, potatoes, tomatoes and chickpeas. The broth is strained and consumed first with flatbread, while the rest is mashed in a stone pot.

Azadi Tower Built in 1971 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, this awe-inspiring 45-metre-tall, white marble edifice is one of the most recognisable structures in Iran. There is a museum below and a lift that takes you to the top for panoramic views.

Milad Tower Opened in 2009, the 435-metre-tall tower has a shopping centre at its base, a wrap-around viewing platform near the summit and a rotating fine-dining restaurant.

Darband Set into the base of the Alborz mountain range in northern Tehran is the village of Darband. Narrow paved paths take you past dozens of colourful restaurants and stalls selling pickled walnuts and sticky dried fruit rolls (lavashak), while waterfalls and streams rush down either side. Continue onwards and a hiking trail will take you to Mount Tochal.

Farahzad Abshar restaurant Eat traditional Irani barbecue and smoke shisha at this garden restaurant in the Farahzad neighbourhood.

People recline against cushions under the trees on wooden beds draped in rugs, while platters of grilled meat, saffron rice and crisp salads are delivered. Alcoholfree beer is available.

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Travel in comfort − every flight

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Wherever you are flying, we help you to find the best seat

LOYALTY Netra Venkateshwaran rounds up airline and hotel scheme news and promotions

Banyan Tree and AccorHotels enter strategic partnership

Banyan Tree Holdings and AccorHotels have entered into a strategic partnership that will see the brands collaborate on the development and management of Banyan Tree-branded properties around the world.

The agreement will also give Banyan Tree access to AccorHotels’ global reservations and sales network along with its Le Club AccorHotels loyalty programme.

The agreement comes following numerous recent mergers and acquisitions of major hotel groups, most notably the Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts merger in September last year.

For AccorHotels, the partnership provides an enhancement of its own offerings, particularly in Asia-Pacific, and adds to the group’s own acquisition of Fairmont, Raffles and Swisshotel back in December 2015. banyantree.com; accor.com

Taj InnerCircle revamps its Epicure programme

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces relaunched its loyalty programme, InnerCircle, in 2015 with more benefits to its members. Some of these include: “an easy redemption process with myriad opportunities ranging from accommodation, restaurants and spas, and no expiry of points for active members”.

In December 2016, InnerCircle announced a new set

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Qatar Airways rolls out digital membership cards

Qatar Airways has launched digital membership cards for members of the airline’s Privilege Club programme. Available to all membership tiers, the digital card can be accessed through the airline’s Privilege Club app. It provides the same service as the physical card, but it is now easier for members to earn and redeem miles through a smart phone or tablet.

New Burgundy Privilege Club members will now only receive digital cards, as will their nominated family members. Members can nominate up to nine family members to join the loyalty programme, though nominee miles will be credited to the principal member’s account.

New Silver, Gold and Platinum members will still receive physical cards. qatarairways.com of changes to its Epicure programme, an extension of Taj InnerCircle. It allows diners to earn and redeem points at more than 250 restaurants, 100 bars and 60 spas across over 80 Taj properties worldwide.

The new Epicure programme: n Extends the 25 per cent earning on dining to include spa treatments as well. n Allows members to earn points for a party of any size instead of limiting eligibility to a group of 12 people or under. n Has expanded validity to restaurants, bars and spas worldwide from limiting it to within India. n Has extended the complimentary night, from properties at the resident city where the card was purchased, to all hotels in India and Sri Lanka (except Grand Palaces and Safari Lodges). n Doesn’t have an expiry date for points so long as members have a valid InnerCircle membership. n Includes members of the Silver tier. n Doesn’t issue paper vouchers anymore; all vouchers are electronically fed into the InnerCircle card.

Existing members of the Taj InnerCircle Epicure programme cannot upgrade to the revamped structure. They need to buy a new membership to avail of the benefits. tajinnercircle.tajhotels.com Visit businesstraveller.com

BA re-launches “The Triple Avios” promotion

British Airways allows Executive Club members to enjoy the Triple Avios promotion until March 31, 2017. The promotion is valid worldwide and guests may register online on the website.

Executive Club members can avail this offer upon using their Avios membership number whilst making fresh bookings. The promotions work on the basis of the passenger’s Avios points that have been accumulated through their travels in world traveller plus, business or first class cabins. The Avios points will be transferred on the first eight flight sectors.

The offer expands to BA’s codeshare partners, American Airlines, Iberian Finnair and OpenSkies flights between Europe and North America, Mexico or Puerto Rico. britishairways.com

Marriott and Starwood launch first joint loyalty promotion

Marriott International has launched the first joint loyalty promotion covering its Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood SPG schemes.

To clarify, this means that members can earn double points on their first three stays with Starwood SPG (at participating Starwood properties), and double points on their first three stays with either Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards (these last two are effectively the same scheme, marketed under two names), at participating Marriott properties.

The offer follows the recent merger of Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and the subsequent ability to link loyalty accounts, match status and transfer points between the schemes.

This effectively means customers who are members of both the Starwood SPG, and either the Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards programmes can get double points on six stays, and then combine the points into one scheme as desired.

Members need to register for each promotion by March 15, 2017, and complete their stays by April 15, 2017. marriott.com/MarriottRewards; starwoodhotels.com/ preferredguest

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JetPrivilege partners with SkyMiles

Jet Airways’ loyalty programme – JetPrivilege has expanded its frequent flyer programme partnership with SkyMiles, Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer programme. With this, Jet Airways is Delta Air Lines’ 30th frequent flyer partner.

Members of JetPrivilege can now earn and redeem JPMiles across its new codeshare partner, Delta Air Lines’ entire network of 323 destinations in 57 countries.

The American airline operates 15,000 flights daily, including those from its key hubs at Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Amsterdam, Paris and London. jetairways.com; jetprivilege.com FEBRUARY 2017 45

INDIA

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TIME OUT, TECH & TREATS 48 NEWS 50 WHAT’S ON 52 FOUR HOURS IN SHANGHAI 54 HIDDEN SANCTUARY 58 ONE FOR THE ROAD 62 ARABIAN ALLURE 68 PRESS TO START 72 WELL GROOMED 76 TREE OF LIFE 79 PRODUCTS 80 NIBS OF SOPHISTICATION 82 SNAPSHOT Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 47

BUSINESS TRAVELLER LIFESTYLE News

fashion

Corneliani makes Valentine’s Day special Corneliani launches a wide range of gifting options to make your loved ones feel special this Valentine’s month. The Italian luxury brand introduces a charismatic collection of “essential wardrobe wear” for men. Additionally, a stylish selection of accessories has been launched, which include cashmere scarves, palladium cufflinks, belts and leather products crafted from calfskin.

Corneliani ensures that shoppers will be able to express their love with a suitable range of options created with impeccable detail and eloquence. The prices are available on request in stores located in DLF Emporio in New Delhi, and UB City in Bengaluru. corneliani.com

resort

hotel

Alila Fort Bishangarh opens this February

Alila Fort Bishangarh is all set for its grand opening this month.

The heritage fortress, located near Jaipur has been transformed into a boutique hotel. The architecture of the property shows influences from the Mughals and the British. The luxury property’s 59 suites are a portrayal of 22 different layouts. The rooms consist of opulent conveniences that include spacious bedrooms with a large day-bed and a bathtub. Some of the leisure facilities at the resort are: an outdoor restaurant and grill, Nazara that allows guests to enjoy sunset views whilst devouring authentic Indian cuisine; Kachhawa Lounge, where champagne, tea, coffee and cakes are served; Daawat, a show kitchen-cumdining space; and a spa situated in a dungeon of the main fort.

For meetings and events there is a “Darbar”, which is a banquet hall and a business meeting room, named Saheb. alilahotels.com/fortbishangarh

Atlantis Resort Ko’Olina will launch in Oahu, Hawaii

Atlantis Resorts and Hotels will open its first luxury resort in the United States. China Oceanwide and Kerzner International Holdings have partnered to launch Atlantis Resort Ko’ Olina in Oahu, Hawaii later this year. The luxury resort will encompass extremely sophisticated experiences for its guests with infinite ocean views, large and lush green spaces, and the much talked about Hawaiiinspired lifestyle. The resort intends to offer approximately 800 luxurious guest rooms and suites, and 524 residences. Additional facilities include waterparks such as Aquaventure, The Amabassador Lagoon and The Lost Chamber Aquarium. Guests can taste food by renowned chefs and enjoy fine dining evenings in upcoming restaurants and bars in the resort. atlantisthepalm.com

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watch

technology

Corum’s new collection launches in India

Jacques Alain Vuille, the global vice president of Corum has released a new collection. Just as enticing as it looks, the new generation “Admiral’s Cup” is an iconic addition to the Admiral collection. The watch models display colourful nautical flags against a blue, white or black dial (automatic version). The 42mm twelvesided case is made in a combination of steel and rose gold or just plain steel, which gives an elegant finish. The steel case is water proof up to 50 metres and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

Within the next three years, watch collectors and enthusiasts will be able to access Corum watches at its partner boutiques in India, Ethos, across ten cities. The 16 planned boutiques will showcase a limited set of Corum’s collections, including the Admiral’s Cup, Bridges, Heritage, and the Bubble collections. corum.ch/en

boutique

Master and Dynamic unveils new headphones

New York’s Master and Dynamic has launched its latest set of wireless headphones. Much like its predecessor, the MW60, the MW50 headphones are worn over the ears, but are 30 per cent smaller and lighter at 250gm, and its 40mm beryllium drivers offer superior sound quality. Available in black or brown leather, the headphones can play music up to 30 metres away from a connected device via Bluetooth. It is valued at (£399/`33,530) masterdynamic.co.uk

Hublot opens a second boutique in Moscow

A new Hublot boutique opened in the Russian capital, this year. The store is set in Moscow’s prime spot for tourists and residents. It is on the ground floor of the Metropol hotel that is situated just a few blocks away from Moscow Red Square, and opposite Bolshoi Theatre. All of 116.6 sqm, it is a veritable showcase of the most recent collections from Hublot.

The watchmaker’s first boutique in Moscow is located in the largest luxury department store, TSUM, and has just been renovated. It has not only expanded its floor area, but now also has a curated 40.8 sqm display of the latest selections of Hublot watches. hublot.com Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 49

WHAT’S ON February

ASIA-PACIFIC Sapporo, Japan February 1-12

New Delhi, India February 2–5

SAPPORO YUKI MATSURI The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s biggest winter events that attracts residents of Japan as well as tourists from all over the globe. There are many detailed and impeccable displays of approximately 250 snow and ice sculptures. Venues include Odori Park, Susukino and Community Dome, Tsudome. The city is transformed into a crystal-like winter wonderland in order to bring in the spirit of the festival amongst the community. snowfes.com

is held in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Jaisalmer. It is famous for enticing tourists from all over the world, with the diverse events that take place here. The festival gives visitors a chance to spectate unusual events such as camel races, and turban tying competitions. Most spectators find the moustache competition to be a highlight. Accompanied by fun activities, Rajasthani culture is exhibited by folk singers and dancers through their entertaining and extravagant performances. It is set under the picturesque moonlit sky and the dunes of the Thar Desert. tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

INDIA ART FAIR The annual India Art Fair held in the capital of the country is South Asia’s leading visual arts fest. It’s a platform that boosts upcoming

Colombo, Sri Lanka February 9-20

NAWAM MAHA PERAHERA This annual Buddhist pageant is Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and religious event.

Tourists and fellow Sri Lankans unite to celebrate under a beautiful full moon night.

Its main attraction is the elephants that are embellished with ornaments. Over a 100 decorated elephants paint the streets of Colombo with colour and excitement. The opening ceremony is a spectacular parade that instils pride and patriotism amongst the community. Flags are hoisted proudly for the percussion band members, conch shell blowers, stilt walkers and drummers. helankavacations.com

Hong Kong, China Until February 12

HONGKONG CHINESE NEW YEAR Chinese New Year is the most illustrious and celebrated occasion in most of Southeast Asia. During this time, Hong Kong’s energy and liveliness is palpable in each and every corner of the city. People visit temples to pray for the good fortune of their loved ones. This period is considered especially auspicious, which means extreme crowds at the temples.

Lavish food stalls fill the air with aromas of Chinese delicacies. There are ongoing events during this time such as vibrant parades, performances by international and local dance troupes, and starry fireworks lighting up the sky at night-time. discoverhongkong.com

artists to showcase their talent. There are many diverse and exquisite stalls of paintings, photographs, installations and sculptures.

The fair helps artists meet and learn about one another’s field of interest, thus continuing to expand the cultural community. indiaartfair.in Taupo, New Zealand February 2-5

WANDERLUST It is a festival to embrace a healthy lifestyle in zest. Yoga instructors, music performers, inspirational speakers, artists, and chefs come together to partake in this retreat set against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Lake, Taupo’s Wairakei geothermal valley in New Zealand. It’s an enriching experience for the body, soul and mind as it’s a stress reliever. The festival encompasses a variety of activities such as farm-to table food, outdoor adventure activities and workshops, all of which contribute to a wholesome experience. wanderlust.com

Jaisalmer, India February 8-10

JAISALMER DESERT FESTIVAL The annual Desert Festival, organised by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation,

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Tibet, India February Oaxaca, 27 Mexico November 1-2

Harbin City, China Until February Cayman Brac, 28 Caribbean Sea November 25-27

LOSAR Losar translates to New Year. Tibetans rejoice in the month of February for a fortnight to welcome the New Year. The proceedings include rituals and religious ceremonies that seek to diminish evil. The community unites and comes out on to the streets chanting and passing around fire torches with jubilance. On the last day of the celebrations, monasteries are decked up elaborately, and families dress up in new clothes and ornaments and indulge in rich and tasteful Tibetan delicacies. chinahighlights.com/tibet/new-year

Sweden, Europe Until February 6

GÖTEBORG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL This year marks the 40th year of the Göteborg International Film Festival. Apart from being a platform where films from all over the world are appreciated, the festival is also used to garner recognition and fame for Nordic films.

Moviegoers can enjoy 1,031 screenings from over 84 countries, across the world.

In addition, the festival incorporates other attractions that include concerts, seminars and art exhibitions. giff.se/en

HARBIN ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL Harbin Ice and Snow Festival draws tourists to a unique side of China. The beautiful city of Harbin lights up in preparation for the world’s

best Ice Snow festival. Visitors can embark on an adventurous tour to see the fun-filled events being showcased — festive fireworks, ice lantern shows, a snow sculpture expo, ice sculpture competitions and outdoor activities.

The two highlights of the festival are the lustrous exhibitions held at The Sun Island and The Ice and Snow World. harbinice.com

AMERICAS Quebec, Canada Until February 12

EUROPE

CARNAVAL DE QUEBEC The Quebec Winter Carnival is listed as one of the top carnivals in the world. There are activities that are based on the Quebec lifestyle such as canoe races and dog sledge races. Snow sculptures of different styles enhance the spirit of the event. There are various performances that are put up for audiences to relish and visitors can enjoy sleigh rides and skating on the ice rink. This year, the theme of the snow sculpture contest is to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Canada. carnaval.qc.ca

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London, UK Until February 26

MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL This festival in London is a collection of art installations and lanterns. The lanterns come in various forms and shapes. The theme for this year is “Explore The Silk Road”. The highlights are lanterns that depict the story about the trade route between Europe and ancient China. Additionally, the festival bring to visitors, international food and beverages, and a mini funfair with games, a synthetic ice-rink, festival merchandise stalls and 3D lantern photo opportunities. magicallantern.uk

Viareggio, Italy February 5-12 and 18-28

CARNEVALE DI VIAREGGIO One of Europe’s quirkiest festivals, Carnevale Di Viareggio, is a long established tradition.

Being marked as one of the best events in Europe, Viareggio in Italy brings spectators from all over to attend the grand parades. They exhibit large floats made of papier-mache and bring with them a sense of liveliness along the extraordinary Liberty seaside boulevards.

These large floats express the story of the ancient “Trionfi” (war-victory feastings) during the Renaissance period. It is said to be a symbol of pride for Viareggio residents. The highlight of the festival is that the entire city immerses itself in the celebrations as bars, restaurants and hotels host flamboyant masquerade parties. viareggio.ilcarnevale.com FEBRUARY 2017 51

4 HOURS IN...

SHANGHAI

An afternoon on and around the Bund provides insights into Shanghai’s past, present and future, writes Jeremy Tredinnick

1

THE BUND Once a muddy riverbank where boats unloaded and took on heavy bales of merchandise via rickety wooden planking, this 1.5-kilometre stretch of the Huangpu River has morphed into one of the most visited of China’s many tourist sites – in fact, foreigners will feel distinctly outnumbered as they wander down the broad pedestrian promenade that fronts onto the river, dodging hawkers and snapping photos of groups of Chinese ballroom dancing or doing the fan dance.

Starting at Suzhou Creek and the iron arcs of Garden Bridge, you’ll pass through Huangpu Park – originally open to foreigners only – and its Monument to the People’s Heroes, a concrete pyramid that seems more

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suited to the modern architectural jungle of the Pudong district on the river’s far side. Lining the Bund’s length is a procession of grand buildings created by the foreign banks and great trading houses of Shanghai’s early 20th century heyday. Neoclassical edifices stand shoulder to shoulder – a reminder of the pomp and splendour of that exciting time.

Standouts include the Peace Hotel (formerly Sassoon House), whose artdeco lobby and stained glass is worth checking out; the Shanghai Customs House with its distinctive clock tower; and the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (formerly the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation building), in front of which a huge bronze bull apes New York’s Wall Street icon. Bund 18 should be explored, as the

renovation of its interior is exquisite – it now houses top-end retail and dining/ drinking establishments (as does Three on the Bund farther down).

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NANJING ROAD EAST The Peace Hotel stands on the corner of one of old Shanghai’s main thoroughfares: Nanjing Road. The stretch from the Bund up to People’s Park is two kilometres of chaotic shopping mania. Expensive brand names jostle for space with mainstream high-street stores, souvenir shops and eateries of every description. It claims to be the busiest shopping street in the world – and if the crowds I’ve had to deal with are anything to go by, that’s a fair bet. Whether you’re a shopaholic or not, a stroll up this street is an experience.

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M ON THE BUND Before reaching the southern end of the Bund, head into the former Nissin Shipping building at No 5 for lunch at M on the Bund. Located on the seventh floor and boasting a rooftop terrace with tremendous views up the curving Bund, this was one of the first Western restaurants to open in the city.

Its menu is rooted in classical European cuisine but with novel twists thrown in, and Middle Eastern and North African dishes also feature. The décor is warm and refined, referencing Shanghai’s glamorous past with some style. Lunch 11.30am-2.30pm (Monday-Friday), dinner 6-10.30pm; 7/F No 5 The Bund (corner of Guangdong Lu); tel +86 21 63509988; m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund

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YUYUAN GARDEN Where the Bund ends, at Yanan Road East, turn “inland” for a block then south (left) – you’ll soon be part of a stream of people heading into the old Chinese quarter, a rambling network of streets and alleys whose focal point is the Yuyuan Garden. This Visit businesstraveller.com

restored classical 16th century Chinese garden, built by government official Pan Yunduan for his parents, is a beautiful example of Ming-era landscaping. It covers more than two hectares and is filled with pavilions linked by covered corridors and bridges, open courtyards, streams, ponds, ancient trees and stands of bamboo.

Sadly, you’re unlikely to find the peace and tranquillity it was designed to inspire, since you’ll be sharing it with hordes of mostly Chinese tourists, but nevertheless, wandering its winding walkways, pausing in ornate pavilions with curving eaves, and gazing into carp-filled pools by weeping willows is a wonderful antidote to the city strife outside. The Wall of Cloud-piercing Dragon, Exquisite Jade Rock, Inner Garden and Hall of Heralding Spring are all highlights.

Next to the garden’s entrance is the famous Mid-lake Pavilion Teahouse with its zigzag bridge – a cultural must-do if you’re willing to fight the crush – and after that it’s time to work your way back through the kitsch of the bazaar to the Huangpu River. Yuyuan

Garden is open 8.30am-5.30pm; entry RMB40 (`408); 218 Anren Jie (Street).

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HUANGPU RIVER SUNSET CRUISE Back at the southern end of the Bund’s pedestrian promenade, a fleet of riverboats line the riverside, all touting sunset cruises ranging from 30 minutes to three hours plus, depending on how far up or down the river you’d like to float. The shorter sunset cruises are a great way of finishing your day. As night falls, the old colonial edifices of the Bund light up like Xmas decorations on one side, while on the other, in Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the 21st century stands brash and vertiginously tall, with skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Financial Center and the latest – and tallest– Shanghai Tower piercing the sky in a neon show that matches any metropolis for architectural swagger.

Many companies along the river wharves offer cruises; prices generally range from RMB60-150 (`612-`1,564) with a one-hour cruise costing around RMB100 (`1,020). n FEBRUARY 2017 53

ESCAPE TO Alicante

54 FEBRUARY 2017

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Hidden sanctuary

A Left and above: La Escondida Visit businesstraveller.com

crescendo of hollow-sounding bells woke me from my late afternoon post-Cava nap. The sun was streaming through the open door of my wooden cabin, and outside I could see the rocking chair on my porch moving slightly in the warm summer breeze.

Getting up to investigate the noise, I discovered that in the valley below was an enormous flock of sheep moving across the fields. There was no shepherd or sheep dog in sight, and yet they seemed to know exactly where they were going – hundreds of them all leaping over a ditch into an olive grove, and then running to catch up with their companions.

Each was wearing a bell around its neck, the clanging and gentle bleating creating a special kind of music in the otherwise silent Spanish countryside.

More than 58 million tourists visit Spain every year – according to Spanish politician and former

Industry, Energy and Tourism Minister, Jose Manuel Soria. While many head for the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, I sought out a more bucolic retreat away from the crowded beaches.

I landed at Alicante airport, and picked up a hire car from Sixt. In less than an hour, a network of empty, winding roads took me through sunbaked pastures and sleepy villages to La Escondida, my home for the next few days.

Set on 200 hectares of pastoral perfection, populated with almond trees and dusty hiking trails, this former 19th century hunting lodge was opened as a boutique hotel at the end of 2014 by former England and Barcelona football manager Terry Venables. Despite initial plans for a soccer pitch, there are no goalposts in sight. In fact, its ten rooms and two rustic lodges don’t even have television sets – instead you will find welcome scrolls at the end of the bed with instructions on how to meditate, and FEBRUARY 2017 55

JENNY SOUTHAN

Jenny Southan retreats to the rolling foothills of Alicante to enjoy some sun and solitude

ESCAPE TO Alicante

56 FEBRUARY 2017

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Left: Playa del Pinet Top and bottom: La Escondida; El Huerta del Cura gardens Visit businesstraveller.com

copies of Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. Terry’s wife, Yvette, says that at first they wanted to open a sports academy on the grounds but instead settled on a simple hideaway for people to recharge in. The pair spend a considerable amount of time here and happily interact with guests – the beautiful game, no doubt, being a common topic of conversation.

Football, I confess, is low on my list of interests.

Morning runs followed by cool swims, on the other hand, rank much higher. There was so much space and serenity that the only time I saw other people was at mealtime. My quiet reading time by the pool in the heat, was interrupted just once and by a waiter delivering iced water and strawberries.

One afternoon, a local tried to persuade me to go paragliding off a nearby hilltop, but I wasn’t in the mood for an adrenalin rush. However, feeling guilty about spending so much time doing nothing, I opted for what I thought would be the less perilous activity

of horse riding. Staff at reception can book activities in advance but need a couple of days’ notice – spa treatments, golf, hunting, mountain biking, tennis and archery are all available.

A 30-minute drive to some stables and it wasn’t long until I found myself mounted high on the back of a grumpy horse who didn’t like beginners. Two motorway bridges later and a trek through steep forest trails, on which my steed was determined to drag me through low-lying branches and spiky bushes, my nerves were shredded. I tried to tell the guy on the horse in front that I wanted to go back to “mi casa” but he didn’t seem to understand. That’ll teach me for not speaking the lingo.

La Escondida, it turns out, really is quite remote.

There are no nearby restaurants to try in the evening – when I drove to a local cerveceria late one afternoon, I found the entire village shuttered.

Only the door to the church was open, the faint waft of candle smoke and incense lingering in the darkness. Gin and tonics back on your veranda are no hardship, however.

Alcoy is one of the bigger towns, 20 minutes away, and somewhere you can seek out a hearty bocadillo de tortilla (baguette stuffed with Spanish omelette).

If you are content to stay put, the hotel’s chef serves up good-quality modern European cuisine, with the likes of salmon en croute, tuna tartar and confit of lamb featuring on the menu.

Venture a little further and you can take a day trip to the town of Elche, one hour away, and home to the magnificent El Huerta del Cura botanic gardens (jardin.huertodelcura.com). The UNESCO-protected palm grove has rock gardens, ponds with turtles, flowering cacti and wandering peacocks, but the highlight is the 165-year-old Imperial palm. Balanced on a single trunk, it is crowned with an additional seven “child” trees that have grown as offshoots rising 17 metres up to the sky.

Down on the coast, 20 minutes away, near the Dunes of Pinet, is a curious windswept strip of beach with semi-derelict concrete residences fronted by shady archways. Stroll along the water’s edge and you’ll come across the bustling restaurant at Hostal Maruja (hostalmaruja.com). A quirky pitstop on your way back to the airport, you can share a rich and tasty paella served in a huge black pan for little more than €10/`710. Of course, you can get sausage, egg and chips too, but that’s okay – Brexit or not, Spain is the closest place we have to a second home. n La Escondida is open year-round except for the first three weeks of January; room rates in Aoril and October start from €215/`15,285 per night; hotelescondida.com n Car hire from Alicante airport with Sixt starts from £64/`5,365 a day; sixt.co.uk n FEBRUARY 2017 57

TASTE

for the Bengaluru is one of the first Indian cities to be recognised for its pub culture. Nikhil Agarwal lists five microbreweries in Karnataka’s capital that promise an enjoyable pint 58 FEBRUARY 2017

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I

like Bengaluru; the city has pleasant weather most of the time and the restaurants, bars and brewpubs take advantage of this by creating beautiful outdoor areas for us to enjoy a few drinks.

My first taste of Bengaluru’s craft beer was about four or five years ago when I had a free Sunday during a work trip. With nothing else to do, I visited UB City around 5pm. Just as I was about to step in, I spotted The Biere Club (thebiereclub.com), one of the oldest brewpubs in the city, on the opposite side. Intrigued, I walked into an almost empty space on the first floor and sat at the bar counter. Amazed at the styles of beer they had, which I had first been introduced to in Germany, I called for a pint and was mighty impressed on the very first sip.

What I didn’t realise is that The Biere Club is three floors tall. I was shocked to see that the other two floors were teeming with beer guzzlers. That’s when it dawned on me that in Bengaluru, the culture is to arrive at bars early in the evening or during the day on holidays, as most shut before 1am.

Brewpubs is an exploding trend in Bengaluru, most hosting interesting events

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with quality menus fashioned to pair with the brew of choice. All are run by those passionate about beer and offer great tasting opportunities too.

For those new to beer, bartenders are happy to share information on the lagers and ales; educating guests on the brewing process. A few even conduct tours of their breweries.

Not taking for granted that everyone loves beer, these brewpubs offer spirits and wines as well.

The best part about these watering holes is that they’re light on the pocket. A few hundred rupees for a delicious pint of beer is all one can ask for.

(All prices listed below are inclusive of taxes)

TOIT

Soon to open in Mumbai as well, Toit in Bengaluru claims that it is “brewing a revolutionary culture that promises some bodacious brews, fabulous foods and a supreme brewpub experience”. It doesn’t use enzymes, chemicals, colouring agents, artificial flavouring or preservatives for the fear of diluting the taste of its brews.

Toit’s selection of organic beers includes some inventive, locally styled brews that you should try. For example, Naama Beeru

FEBRUARY 2017 59

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uses millet seeds or raagi, an important component of Karnataka’s traditional recipes, and gets its sweetness from the malt and jaggery used. Another one is Basmati Blonde that uses India’s prized basmati rice. I personally preferred Dark Knight though, a dark coloured, creamy textured, fullbodied beer with notes of dark chocolate and coffee.

It tastes even better when paired with barbecued pork chops.

The food menu at Toit is a good mix of comfort foods such as pastas, pizzas, and burgers to go with copious amounts of fresh beer.

Open Monday-Tuesday 12:30pm-11:30pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday noon-1:30am; Thursday and Sunday noon to 12:30am; cost for a pint of beer starts at `225; tel: +91 90197 13388; toit.in

BIG BREWSKY

Previous page: District 6; Toit 60 FEBRUARY 2017

I love visiting this outpost at nights because that’s when they have a live band playing. It’s a vibrant setup with a theme or gig every night, and interesting props (thought bubbles, expression cards, wigs, etc) at times to pump up the fun quotient. Visiting alone doesn’t mean you will be all by yourself; the bartenders ensure you have a good time, or so I experienced.

Big Brewsky has al fresco seating, and like I said earlier, the weather in Bengaluru is almost always fantastic. Amongst the many fresh brews here, my favourite would have to be Weizenbock with flavours of biscuit malt, caramel, cocoa and coffee.

India Pale Ale is just as good, but more bitter with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits.

The food options seem to be endless, and it could take a while to narrow down on something that goes well with your brew of choice. I particularly enjoyed the garlic pepper chicken with a pint of Weizenbock and the Har Gau dim sum with India Pale Ale.

Open daily 12:30pm-1am; cost for a pint of beer starts at `280; tel: +91 080 39514766; bigbrewsky.com

ARBOR BREWING COMPANY

Not just an ode to Arbor Brewing Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the USA, this is a partnership that intends to recreate the essence of Arbor Brewing Company in India. Locals know it better as ABC. ABC has a cosy vibe with wooden interiors, and a great variety of beers ranging from your tropical stouts and porters to wheat. It has an interesting collection of spiced and fruit beers too.

Each month has an exclusive ale or lager on tap — there is one for the IPL season in April that has a cooling effect before the hottest month of the year arrives. Independence Lager, on tap from August 15 until stock lasts, has dried mango powder and white pepper added to it when being brewed for a “tangy and spicy kick”. A hunky looking mascot for Mr Delicious, inspired by ABC founder Matt Greff, whose birthday falls on February 24, will be on tap from then until the keg is dry.

For me, a pint or two of their Hafeweizena medium bodied wheat beer with tropical fruit notes, paired with a sausage platter was enough to keep the spirits high.

The pepper corn steak is delightful too and goes well with a pint of stout – a full-bodied, creamy, dark beer.

Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-12:30am, FridaySaturday until 1am; cost for a pint of beer starts at `180; tel: +91 80501 44477; arborbrewing.in

WINDMILLS CRAFTWORKS

This is anyone’s sort of place, to be honest. It takes jazz music seriously and the vibe is great especially with warm ceiling lamps, plush sofa seating, and dare I say sophisticated with a wall-to-wall books display, should you wish to leaf through one on a solo visit.

From Monday to Friday the after-work vibe is Visitbusinesstraveller.com

great to unwind with chargrilled kebabs, handcrafted ales and craft cocktails. The food menu has a healthy selection too for the calorie-conscious.

Sit outside on the terrace or watch the band inside up close, chomp on some delicious kebabs and wash it all down with Windmills Craftworks’ version of Helles – a light, refreshing and floral beer. I’m also a big fan of the stout here, a bitter dark creamy beer with a touch of sweetness for balance, which pairs perfectly with the Jumbo Meltdown Burger.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-11:30pm, FridaySaturday until 1am; cost for a pint of beer starts at `425; tel: +91 88802 33322; windmillscraftworks.com

DISTRICT 6

I had stopped by here just after a big dinner with wine. Almost sated, or so I thought, on arriving at District 6 I couldn’t resist the six variants of beer on offer. Each drink is served in a special glass that one may choose from a list of “best served in”. If the pub is crowded, and it usually is, the bartenders pick a glass for you.

I started with a wheat beer (The Chief) with tropical fruit aromas and flavours. If you must eat, pair it with the beetroot and goat cheese salad. Next was The Dark Lord, a full-bodied beer that is best complemented with a healthy portion of Weisswurst (traditional Bavarian sausage).

Open daily noon to 1am; cost for a pint of beer starts at `230; tel: +91 72599 06666; thedistrict6.com Clockwise from left: District 6; The Biere Club; Windmills Craftworks

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FEBRUARY 2017 61

LUXURY

Arabian Allure Dubai is a tempting staycation destination with its myriad hospitality options.

Neha Gupta Kapoor lists five such buildings with a promise to pamper

W

Left and right: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel; Shangri-La Hotel 62 FEBRUARY 2017

hen Dubai is just a four-hour flight from India, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to label a weekend of pampering at one of its many hotels a staycation. Besides, with more than seven airlines flying between India and Dubai, flight options cross more than ten per day, making the planning easier.

A viable break away from work, the ritzy emirate’s Tourism Sector Performance report says it received 12,28,000 Indian travellers between January and September 2016, only 56,000 less than Saudi Arabians who ranked first on its list of “Top 20 Source Markets for Visitors to Dubai”. The UK ranked third with 8,87,000 visitors. Of the 10.74 million total inbound visitors to Dubai during this period, 5-star hotels reported a 75 per cent average occupancy rate, with an average stay of 3.6 nights.

Here are a few options you could explore for a three-day staycation where activity can be restricted to shuffling between your suite and the spa.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL

The property on Sheikh Zayed Road is self-sufficient with a dozen dining options. This means there is one new eatery to explore for each meal of a threeday stay, between spa treatments and lounging in the suite: Deluxe Corner, Executive or the twobedroom Penthouse. Of course, unless room service is more tempting.

The large window in the bedroom provides a spectacular view of Dubai to wake up to. While you prepare the bathtub for a dip, the coffee maker in the living room promises an aromatic “wake-me-up”.

In-room breakfast can either be enjoyed at the dining table in the living room or at the coffee table by the other large window here, while Dubai passes you by below.

When the need to relax demands more than a soak, a hydrotherapy treatment at Saray Spa would be a good option. It was recognised as the best for hydrotherapy treatments by Middle East Pool and Visitbusinesstraveller.com

Spa Awards in September 2016. Apart from this, the 200-minute Exclusively Yours treatment is a popular one that includes a “customised and results-focused facial, customised nourishing body wrap, and your choice of massage to maximise the therapeutic effects”.

For a true Arabian experience, there are five hammam rituals, ranging between one and two hours. Alternatively, a two-hour treatment with Dead

Sea salts or with honey and milk replicate luxurious Middle Eastern relaxation methods.

Internet rates for a weekend stay in March started at AED 1,372/`25,425 for the Deluxe Corner suite. marriott.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

Amongst the 302 luxury guest rooms, there are One-bedroom and Presidential suites on the top four

floors of the 42-level building. Checking into any of them promises a splendid Arabian Sea vista or a sweeping city view.

Request for a suite with a cityscape because when you look down from your window, the bird’s-eye view of the neat web of flyovers is surreal. And at night, standing at the window, looking down at the twinkling emirate, has a very Batman-like appeal.

Unfortunately the views don’t follow into the bathroom where the tub awaits. The deep soak with creamy L’Occitane bath products can end with tying the cosy bathrobe around the waist before jumping into bed with a favourite DVD while propped up on as many pillows requested for from the menu.

A quiet stay assured, the 42nd floor is where the indoor Jacuzzi, temperature controlled swimming pool and separate gym are situated — exclusive to guests of floors upwards of 39. The views are even better from here. Simply put, these floors are more Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 63

LUXURY

treatments are designed to match Arabic techniques.

Luxurious strokes on the skin with Arabic coffee scrub, a blend of dates, coconut milk, almond, vanilla and brown sugar or a combination of rose oil and rhassoul clay transport you to the gilded treatment rooms of yesterday’s Arabian lands. For vegans there is a separate menu altogether; there is also one customised for a man as well as for a traveller.

Internet rates for a weekend stay in March started at AED 1,530/`28,349 for the One-bedroom suite. shangri-la.com

TAJ

Left and right: Taj; Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay 64 FEBRUARY 2017

like a limited access hotel-within-a-hotel; a cosy staycation, literally reducing interaction with the world to a minimum.

However, if you feel social, there is another pool located on the lower level, accessible to all hotel residents. The spa is common to all guests too, but the treatments of course, are private. Entrance to CHI, The Spa on the fourth floor opens with a sense of calm — a candlelit walkway over blue pools populated with fragrant petals. While it pledges to use the “finest European skincare products”, its

Though inherently an Indian property, its decor resonates with Arabic culture in royal colours and rich fabrics. However, treatments at Jiva Spa are “drawn on the rich and ancient wellness heritage of India, the fabled lifestyle and culture of Indian royalty and the healing therapies that embrace Indian spirituality.” Even the treatment names take from one of the oldest Indian languages, Sanskrit.

The 120-minute Taghthia Amiqa involves an aromatic foot bath, head massage, a date, saffron, cactus gel and almond oil mask, and a soak in camel’s milk.

Champi that literally translates to head massage is a 45-minute hair invigorating scalp treatment with a blend of typical Indian herbs such as amla — Indian gooseberry, brahmi — water hyssop, jatamansi — Visitbusinesstraveller.com

spikenard, curry leaves and neem. This one is known to have a sedating effect.

The post-massage lethargy, back at the suite, gently fades away as the natural light pours in through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed to please the leisure traveller, Taj has six suite categories to choose from: Junior, Luxury Junior, Luxury Burj View, Grand Luxury, Maharaja and Presidential. Each one has a Posturepedic mattress for relaxation, yoga kit, Molton Brown bath amenities, pillow and bath menus, and round the clock butler service so all you need to do is be pampered. Morning breakfasts are best enjoyed in the living room where one glass wall is all that separates you from the rest of the emirate.

Internet rates for a weekend stay in March started at AED 1,975/`36,597 for the Junior suite. taj.tajhotels.com

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY A suite with flowers on the wall over the bed, immediately lends a homely feel to the space that is bathed in beige and grey tones. Adding to the tranquillity is a large window through which plenty of natural light pours in. Enjoying peaceful views of Dubai canal and the Business Bay skyline from here doesn’t let you feel the lack of a balcony. Access to this luxurious view needn’t cease should you wish Visit businesstraveller.com

FEBRUARY 2017 65

LUXURY

to immerse in a warm bath. The glass wall between the bedroom and the bathroom allows direct access to breathtaking vistas, night and day. The bathtub is strategically placed such that one can even watch television while amidst relaxing bubbles.

Floral elements continue into the spa, either as part of the decor or as fresh bouquets. The menu is pretty global with a European Massage, Traditional Balinese Massage, and Relaxing Oriental Foot Massage.

Additionally, the rest of the menu has varying therapies to ease out any stress. Its 120-minute Babor and Thago massages include the use of lavender and mint; some focus on just the neck and shoulders or simply get a 90-minute facial. Alternatively, a dip in its open air swimming pool, surrounded by towering glass buildings while sipping on a cocktail is as close to a resort feel as it can get.

Internet rates for a weekend stay in March started at AED 1,550/`28,729 for the Junior suite. steigenberger.com

RAFFLES

Pictured: Raffles 66 FEBRUARY 2017

What better way to start the morning than by walking into your private balcony, watching the world rush by, while you have the option of cuddling into bed, knowing that your personal butler will arrange for that pre-ordered breakfast in bed. If interaction must be kept to a bare minimum, the butler ensures this, leaving you with an iPad through which you may control your room service needs such as dining, lights, temperature and entertaining media. If songs should be your only companions for the weekend, they will follow you throughout the suite; and also into the bathroom where the speakers

are synced with the iPad and television. One might as well dive into a fun session of a therapeutic deep soak or a rhythmic shower to the beats of the music.

Alternatively, Raffles Spa that was a finalist of the World Luxury Spa Awards in 2015 has treatments inspired by Asian, Middle Eastern and European traditions. It is easy to spend most part of the day at the 1,200 sqm relaxing zone. With six treatment suites, Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room, therapies range from the 120-minute Moroccan Gold Hammam to a 30-minute foot revival massage. For the best of this wellness floor, start with a quick dip at the pool and a light snack seated on a lounge chair before indulging yourself in a day with hot, wet and dry massages and baths.

Internet rates for a weekend stay in March started at AED 2,291/`42,468 for the Diplomatic suite. raffles.com â– Visitbusinesstraveller.com

INDIA

FEBRUARY 2017 `150

Catch the latest on travel, aviation, hospitality, technology and lifestyle.

The City Beautiful An overview of Chandigarh

Gainful Investments India’s leading industries in Chennai

INDIA

Press to Start Infotainment systems in cars

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CARS Technology

Press to start Infotainment systems do more than just play music as you rev up your latest set of wheels. Akanksha Maker lists the popular ones on the market.

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hile the drivability of your vehicle is important, automobile manufacturers have understood the importance of a good infotainment system too. The car you drive is your very own entertainment cocoon; and the right music and ambience can make even the longest journey an enjoyable breeze. Here is a list of some of the latest technology built into the newest wheels on the road in India.

CHEVROLET CRUZE — MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

The new Chevrolet Cruze comes equipped with MyLink Infotainment System that claims to change the way you speak to your car. The system can be synced to your mobile phone through Bluetooth technology, which lets you answer and make calls, and stream music from it, without having to look at the device. To further ensure that you focus on the drive, the “Text to Speech” functionality converts your text messages to voice (the phone’s software 68 FEBRUARY 2017

must support this feature though). There is also a USB Connectivity feature that allows USB drives to play music in the vehicle. Siri Eyes Free mode for iPhones takes convenience to the next level by allowing you to compose text messages and access notifications without really using your smartphone.

This is possible by pressing down on a button on the car’s steering wheel to activate Siri. The Enhanced Voice Recognition system also allows you to give your Cruze simple voice commands to play music of choice, access files within your smartphone, and make or take phone calls. Other features include automatic door locks and frequent warning signs that ensure safety when driving/parking. chevrolet.co.in

FORD ENDEAVOUR — SYNC 2

The latest Ford Endeavour is in-built with a large range of “intuitive and practical” technologies that add an edge to this beast. It makes sure your drive is not just enjoyable, but also smart. Ford’s globally Visitbusinesstraveller.com

MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS — COMAND ONLINE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

Clockwise from top left: Chevrolet Cruze — MyLink Infotainment System; MercedesBenz S-Class COMAND Online multimedia system; Ford Endeavour — SYNC 2

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renowned in-car connectivity technology, SYNC 2 enables you to not just sync your mobile devices to the car (via Bluetooth), but also connect to other data devices via an SD card reader, and audio/video RCA connectors. Easy voice commands can control the infotainment system to even set the right cabin temperature. This advanced system prides itself on an eight-inch touch screen with colour codes that allows simple navigation between phone (yellow), climate (blue), entertainment (red) and navigation/ information (green). SYNC 2 lets you customise different aspects of your infotainment system too, such as speech, commands and wallpaper. There is also a “first-in-class” ten-speaker sound system that comes integrated with a subwoofer and prides itself on high quality bass and accurate sound reproduction. india.ford.com

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers excellent, hard-disc based navigation guidance by using top quality topographical 3D map display.

This high-end system can be accessed via voice control thanks to LINGUATRONIC that allows navigation, music search, voice calls and control of Mercedes-Benz apps. When the car is stationary, the system allows you to access websites and MercedesBenz apps when on the go. A seamless Bluetooth connection allows you to be “hands-free” with the text message reading function. You can stream music and use all multimedia functions too without losing focus on your drive. There is also an 80GB hard disc, two USB ports, and one SD card slot in the control panel that is equipped with an advanced ergonomic touchpad with a rotary controller. Being a long saloon, Burmester sound system amplifies sound in the interiors. It is equipped with 24 speakers that give a total output of up to 1,540 watts providing unparalleled sound experience. mercedes-benz.co.in

HYUNDAI ELANTRA — AUDIO VIDEO NAVIGATION SYSTEM

The brand new Hyundai Elantra comes with an advanced Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system that features an 8.0 high-definition touch screen.

When the navigation mode is turned on, the screen “constantly updates information on road conditions, traffic and detours so that one can readily avoid delays when on the road”. The rear view camera FEBRUARY 2017 69

CARS Technology

Clockwise from top left: BMW 7 Series — iDrive; Nissan GT-R MultiFunction Display system; Audi Multi Media Interface Navigation Plus; Hyundai Elantra — Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system

offers improved visibility, making parking and reversing a breeze. The system, once synced with your smartphone, allows you to access and use its applications and voice controlled search capabilities. This is the first time that Hyundai Elantra has collaborated with Arkamys, a software and audio signal processor, to create a “smart surround system”. The car is equipped with six high performing speakers that promise to deliver a crisp music experience making sure you are entertained on the go. hyundai.com/in

BMW 7 SERIES — IDRIVE

The latest BMW 7 Series comes with an intuitive technology called iDrive. It has a control display and controller (dial on the central console) that can be used with one hand, without taking your eyes off the road. The four most frequently used functions (media, radio, telephone and navigation) have assigned buttons around the controller. The futuristic system also has Gesture Control that recognises six pre-defined hand movements for volume control and answering or rejecting of phone calls to name a few. It also features BMW Touch Command, an innovative system fitted into a seven-inch tablet designed for the rear passengers to control entertainment and comfort options. You can use iDrive’s Navigation System Professional that offers a 3D design combined with a glare-free display that adjusts itself to the cabin’s brightness.

The innovations don’t end here — the BMW Remote Control Parking and BMW Display Key can allow you to park your car in a tight space, without even being inside it! The cabin experience is one of a 70 FEBRUARY 2017

kind too; the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system with 16 speakers (optional feature available at an additional cost) has a total output of 1,400 watts. bmw.in

AUDI A, Q AND PERFORMANCE RANGES — MULTI MEDIA INTERFACE NAVIGATION PLUS

The Multi Media Interface Navigation Plus with MMI touch in most of Audi’s top range models comprises of a 21cm monitor that spoils you with an array of technological choices. The Audi Voice Dialogue system understands voice commands and also connects to smartphones’ (iOS and Android) voice assistant. There are eight customisable buttons that let you access stored files in your phone, including contacts and media, and shuffle between your favourite radio stations. It has inbuilt Audio Navigation that merges with the MMI to provide an advanced and accurate navigational system (a part of Audi Genuine Accessories — this feature can Visitbusinesstraveller.com

With a reduced number of hard buttons, the 2017 Nissan GT-R uses intuitive technology to ensure a drive in this super car is an enthralling experience.

also equips its Audi A4, Audi TT, Audi Q7 and Audi R8 with a virtual cockpit that lets you switch between two views by pressing a button on the steering wheel, to access navigation maps, phone lists, radio and media areas alongside the tachometer and speedometer. audi.in

NISSAN GT-R — MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY SYSTEM

be installed only on navigation-ready cars). With two card readers, the Audi Music Interface has a DVD drive, aux port, 10GB of flash storage and a Bluetooth interface. Exceptional sound quality is guaranteed with its 19-speaker BOSE sound system and Bang & Olufsen sound system. While the Audi A8 L comes equipped with wifi and Audi Rear Seat Entertainment System with twin ear screens, the Audi Q7 offers an all-in-touch control panel with multi-touch capability with haptic feedback. Audi Visit businesstraveller.com

With a reduced number of hard buttons, the 2017 Nissan GT-R uses intuitive technology to ensure a drive in this super car is an enthralling experience.

The car has a large eight-inch multi-touch screen that is fitted with a configurable Multi-Function Display system. The superior display provides the driver with information on the car’s key performance parameters such as the engine’s performance, braking and acceleration. Also included is the factory preset screen, which is a stopwatch display activated from the steering wheel to record your driving time.

These track times can be stored on a flash drive using the two USB ports in the centre console. There is also a dial called Display Commander that allows you to navigate within the multi-touch screen with ease. Rotate the dial or push it to the left or right, to scroll through all the menus available on its infotainment system. However, what stands out still is the three-mode dynamic system that allows on the fly adjustment of data transmission, suspension and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) stability control. nissan.in ■ FEBRUARY 2017 71

BEAUTY

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BEAUTY

“...try using razors with the least blades. Television advertisements often mislead the audience by showing multiple blades for the cleanest shave...they cause the most damage in the long run.”

Above and right: Kama Ayurveda store; Truefitt & Hill salon 74 FEBRUARY 2017

Derma-Care line to meet this growing demand.“The men who started this wave in male grooming in the late 1990s are now reaching their 40s and 50s and are looking for topical, non-invasive ways to maintain their youth,“ Bonnefoy says.

Dr Jyotsna Makker, a consultant for Kama Ayurveda emphasises that the modern man finds no shame in taking care of his skin and himself. “There were times when men used to apply rose infused moisturisers and anti-aging creams of their partners, but modern men understand the that their skin is different. Because of higher collagen density, more thickness and more

sebum, men actually need different kinds of skin care regimes.”

The Indian line of beauty products has designed a range exclusively for men. This includes chemicalfree balms such as Kumkumadi serum and skin brightening night cream, in addition to face cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, body cleansers and moisturisers, hydrating day creams, and above all, a shaving foam.

The high levels of pollution and extreme humidity found in many parts of Asia can play havoc with the skin. To combat this, regular treatments, even certain home rituals, when followed diligently, can

help keep the skin fresh. Krishna Gupta, the managing director of Lloyds Luxuries, the company that brought Britain’s Truefitt & Hill to India, throws light on how men can infuse health to their skin, while shaving too.“We have a pre-shave oil, which is essential for every shave and I cannot stress enough on its importance. It adds a layer of protection on your skin for when you use the blades and reduces/avoids razor burn. Using a badger brush further helps open up the pores on your face, thus allowing the cream to really get in the right places. Also, when shaving yourself at home, try using razors Visitbusinesstraveller.com

with the least blades. Television advertisements often mislead the audience by showing multiple blades for the cleanest shave. On the contrary, they cause the most damage in the long run. Personally, I prefer using an old school single edge razor, which has one blade that you screw on. It has always given me the closest and cleanest shave. It takes a little getting used to, but trust me, it’s the best thing for your skin.”

Beauty experts further recommend regular hydration, rejuvenation and detox facials for not just clean skin, but for an hour or more of destressing. Bonnefoy recommends a bimonthly facial to “cleanse, scrub and hydrate and a multivitamin or steam facial to remove the excess oils and toxins that many business travellers are exposed to during their journeys”.

Acknowledging that a busy Visit businesstraveller.com

lifestyle can come in the way of salon visits, Gupta says,“If you don’t have time for facials, I would advice men to moisturise their skin two times a day. I would go on to suggest that you wash your face every time you return from the outdoors, to rinse out the dust/dirt your skin has most likely collected.”

He adds that Truefitt & Hill salon in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai often see dry and sensitive skin, and dandruff as a common problem amongst his clientele.

This is also why its beauticians recommend the Royal Facial, which is an intensive skin-cleansing 60 minutes regime that addresses these problems. When strapped for time, the 30 minutes Peel-off Mask is a quick treatment that promises to be just as effective.

By throwing in grooming treatments like the Indian head

massage, and hand and foot therapies, one can truly benefit from a day of complete relaxation. Truefitt & Hill salons in India receive about 1,000 customers on an average per month. Identifying the number of regular customers who visit monthly for grooming and hygiene, the salon has found a demand in its annual memberships — unlimited treatments for ₹`59,000 per month under the Royal package (daily) and for ₹`49,000 per month under the Classic package (not applicable on weekends).

Gupta says, “The popularity for manicures and pedicures is definitely growing and is one of the more sought after services thrown into the membership packages.

Most of the users are men above the age of 35 years.”

It is believed that such massages and relaxing treatments can help combat jet lag too. Makker says that it is important to fight off jet lag as soon as we can as it disrupts the body on a major scale causing fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, irritability and sometimes nausea or digestive upsets. Massages with oils helps in fighting jet lag too as they allow the internal body clock to adjust to a new time zone naturally by stimulating circulation and general well-being.

A spokesperson of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces’ Jiva Grande seconds this: “We have a lot of our residents, guests and members who travel extensively and book in spa visits to counter travel, stress and jet lag. The most popular treatments are the Indian aromatherapy massages, Vishrama — a deep muscular massage, and Sushupti — an indulgent body and facial experience.” The spa has five types of facials too on its menu; and all treatments employ “100 per cent natural products”.

So when checking into a hotel in a different time zone, calming the nerves with a soothing treatment, even if just for 30 minutes could be enough to ready yourself for the next scheduled meeting. ■ FEBRUARY 2017 75

WELLBEING

Tree of life Sally Brown reveals the self-help books that will truly transform your thinking

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ou only have to browse an airport bookshop to see that self-help is big business. But don’t judge the whole sector by the latest bestseller claiming you can unleash “unlimited power” by repeating a mantra in the mirror every morning. Not every self-help book is cleverly packaged to mislead, exploiting our insecurities and desire for quick fixes and

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easy answers. Many respected academics now write for the self-help market, publishing books that are truly helpful, offering intelligent insight into the way the mind works and what stands between you and a happier life. The right book can create a shift in your thinking, much like a course of therapy, but at a fraction of the cost. Here’s our pick of the best.

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MINDSET: CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK TO FULFIL YOUR POTENTIAL

by Carol S Dweck (Crossword, `339) Stanford psychologist Dweck argues that it’s our mindset that determines how successful we will be. Originally published in 2012 and now a worldwide bestseller, Dweck identifies two main mindsets – “fixed” versus “growth”.

Her theory is this: when we operate with a fixed mindset, we believe skills are innate characteristics, and success depends on convincing everyone else we’re smart. With a fixed mindset, you subconsciously close off from anything you don’t fully understand, or feel you’re not good at. People with a growth mindset, on the other hand, take the approach of “there is always more to learn”, and soak up knowledge from everyone they come into contact with.

READ IT IF your career has plateaued, you struggle with failure, or you’d like to impart some energy in your lacklustre team.

BONUS BENEFITS You will learn how to apply the principle to relationships and family life.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “People in a growth mindset don’t just seek challenge, they thrive on it.”

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WHAT’S STOPPING YOU? WHY SMART PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS REACH THEIR POTENTIAL AND HOW YOU CAN

by Robert Kelsey (amazon.in, `998) Kelsey shares personal insights from his past professions as a financial journalist, banker and entrepreneur, along with current thinking in psychology on what really works when low self-esteem is sabotaging your career and relationships. It helps that he is a great writer, and open about his own debilitating fear of failure, which grew from poor confidence. The book is about recognising when insecurity is sabotaging you, and coming to accept that side of you, which is the first step to change. The second half is a practical guide to taking control of your life by discovering your own values, and writing a personal constitution.

READ IT IF you suffer from Imposter Syndrome.

BONUS BENEFITS It may give you the insight you need to manage that disruptive colleague who is making life difficult.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “Those suffering from fear of failure are often able to take extreme risks in situations where failure is almost certain. Meanwhile, they find themselves paralysed by everyday situations that involve only moderate but very public risks.”

MINDFULNESS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FINDING PEACE IN A FRANTIC WORLD

by Mark Williams and Danny Penman (amazon.in, `947) A big myth about mindfulness is that it means turning your mind into a blank screen and relaxing. Stress reduction is a welcome benefit, but the primary aim is to become more aware, so you’re tuned in to the world around you. Williams argues that we use up energy by resisting our experiences. This is arguably one of the best mindfulness books out there – it’s a summary of the science behind using it to regain a sense of purpose, and a practical guide on how to do it. Daily practice is the key, and the free CD of meditations is a great way to start.

READ IT IF you’re stuck in a busy trap, would like to find a sense of purpose, or are prone to recurrent depression.

BONUS BENEFITS Mindfulness, at its heart, is about improving relationships.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “What we really need is a parachute to use when life starts to become difficult. Mindfulness has been compared to weaving such a parachute.

We have to weave [it] every day, so that it’s always there to hold us in an emergency.”

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WELLBEING

THE CHIMP PARADOX: THE ACCLAIMED MIND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE SUCCESS, CONFIDENCE AND HAPPINESS

by Steve Peters (amazon.in, `349) This readable introduction to neuroscience is written by a psychiatrist who has worked with Olympians Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton. He explains how the most primitive part of our brain, the limbic system – or our “Inner Chimp” – spots danger and keeps us alive, often by generating feelings of anger or paranoia. If you lurch from disaster to chaos, chances are your Inner Chimp has taken control.

You can, however, train your mind to operate from the pre-frontal cortex – the “Inner Human” – which provides rationality, reasoning and decision-making.

READ IT IF you feel stuck in old behaviour patterns, you frequently apologise for impulsive actions, or procrastinate.

BONUS BENEFITS Reducing stress by learning how to put your Chimp back in its box, and trying to see if you have overreacted.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “The Chimp operates with a Jungle Centre that is based on instincts and drives. Major problems arise when the Chimp applies its jungle drives in a human society.”

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MINDSIGHT: TRANSFORM YOUR BRAIN WITH THE NEW SCIENCE OF KINDNESS

by Daniel Siegel (amazon.in, `373) Siegel, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA, packs a vast amount of information into 300 pages but manages to draw it all together into a palatable blend of neuroscience, philosophy and psychotherapy, all underpinned with case histories from his clinical work. Acting like a personal training programme for the brain, the theory is that by strengthening the neural connections in the pre-frontal cortex and achieving “bilateral integration” – collaboration between the emotional right hemisphere of the brain with the analytical left side – we can take control of our minds.

READ IT IF you’re thinking about going into therapy to understand why you’re feeling a certain way.

BONUS BENEFITS You learn how your life narrative (the stories you tell yourself) shapes your experience of the world, and how to change it.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “One of the key practical lessons of modern neuroscience is that the power to direct our attention has within it the power to shape our brain’s firing patterns, as well as the power to shape the architecture of the brain itself.”

THE REALITY SLAP

by Russ Harris (amazon.in, `947) If you’re facing divorce, redundancy, illness, bereavement or bankruptcy, this book is like a wise friend. GP-turnedtherapist Russ Harris addresses that gap between what we hope for, and what we get. He outlines a four-step technique to help you close the gap, and to regain your equilibrium. His approach is based on the so-called “Third Wave” of therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (known as ACT), a technique aimed to change your relationship with negative emotions. He argues that it’s not the negative thoughts themselves that disrupt our lives, but the way we tend to deal with them. But by learning to “sit with” difficult feelings, while detaching from them emotionally, we limit the power they have to disrupt our lives.

READ IT IF you’re aware of the gap between the reality you want and the reality you have, and need to take the sting out of it.

BONUS BENEFITS You clarify your personal values – a powerful antidote against envy – and your next career move.

TYPICAL INSIGHT “When we pay attention to the threatening, unpleasant or painful stuff inside us... then we are likely to discover something useful.” ■ Visitbusinesstraveller.com

PRODUCTS February

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1 Tanzanite and diamond detachable ear studs by Entice; PRICE on request; entice.in 2 The Baume & Mercier Clifton GMT Power Reserve; PRICE on request; baume-et-mercier.com 3 Limited edition “artful” silk pocket square by Sunil Mehra; PRICE on request; sunilmehra.co.in 4 Migliore tan shoes by Alberto Torresi; PRICE on request; albertotorresi.com

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FEBRUARY 2017 79

STATIONERY

Nibs of sophistication Akanksha Maker suggests limited edition pens for signing in style

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tationery enthusiasts understand the value of a good pen. Your choice of writing instrument reflects your sense of style — important in making a dynamic first impression or a statement in the boardroom. Here are a few limited edition pens that will definitely pique the varied tastes of a frequent business traveller.

1. MONTBLANC — GREAT CHARACTERS EDITION ANDY WARHOL FOUNTAIN PEN

Montblanc’s limited editions backed by years of intrinsic research go the extra mile in terms of design detailing. One of their most notable creations is the Great Characters Edition Andy Warhol Fountain Pen that pays reverence to the pop-art movement stalwart, who has inspired generations of art-lovers.

Warhol’s distinctive colour palette from his Coloured Campbell’s Soup Cans series of 1965 is reflected in the perfect contrast between the cobalt blue resin of the barrel and the narrow orange rings on the cone and forepart. The special edition pen has a striking dollar

sign engraved on the handmade, rhodium-coated gold nib, while the design of the clip emanates the squeegee he used in his famed silkscreen printing style. The cap ring of the edition bears an engraving of Warhol’s signature — making it an alluring souvenir for the artist’s fans. montblanc.com

2. MONTEGRAPPA — UEFA CHAMPIONS PEN

The Italian stationery brand launched a special edition last year to celebrate 60 years of the first UEFA European Champions Club fixture that took place in 1955. The limited writing instruments collection introduced as 600 Sterling Silver and 60 solid 18k Gold pens, is meant for football aficionados looking to bring their passion for the game to their work-desks or in their pockets. The pen embodies the spirit of the “beautiful game” in all its intricate details: subtle UEFA Champions League blue resin lines that represent sportsmen’s socks and the signature clip that shares the profile of the Cup’s handle. The pen’s cap is gold plated inside just like

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the original Cup and declares the name and year of each and every champion of the game since 1955.

Place it on your desk as a symbol of pride and adoration for the sport, or keep it protected inside a drawer; this limited edition by Montegrappa is a definite keeper. montegrappa.com

3. NOBLIA — LAKSHMI PEN

Noblia is an Indian brand that is known for its carefully designed pens. Under its “Aastha” (faith) collection, it celebrates gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. It pays tribute to the deity of wealth — Goddess Lakshmi — through its Lakshmi pen that embodies spiritual elegance through detailed artistry.

The hand-made collection carries a representation of the Goddess, crafted using precious metals such as 925 silver, two genuine full-cut Burmese rubies, one radiant pink cat’s eye semi-precious stone and gold inlay. Engraved with a fluid design, the limited edition is also available in 23-carat gold plating (fountain pen), rhodium plating (rollerball pen) and the pictured two-toned pen with silver and gold plating (fountain pen). This pen, sold in a handcrafted wooden box with lacquer finishing, is ideal for showering loved ones with the blessing of good fortune, or bestowing it upon oneself. nobliapens.com

4. CARAN D’ACHE — YEAR OF THE MONKEY PEN Swiss stationery manufacturer — Caran d’ache — celebrates Chinese zodiac signs with its limited edition writing instruments. Last year, it raised a toast to the “Year Of The Monkey”, with the namesake special collection. Reflecting the zodiac

sign, it incorporates genuine Chinese black lacquer in its making. There is a dynamic contrast in the colours of the pen, making it strikingly beautiful.

It has a gold-plated trim along with a motif of the monkey in yellow, adorning the writing instrument.

A stunning rhodium-coated 18k gold nib is available in several widths to suit your preference. Caran d’ache has used the services of a master calligrapher to apply the Chinese ideogram of the monkey onto the body of the pen. The special edition has launched 888 fountain and 888 roller pens, with respect to the Chinese lucky number, eight. carandache.com

5. VISCONTI — VINCENT VAN GOGH COLLECTION

Florentine manufacturer Visconti has a beautiful collection on Vincent van Gogh’s works of art.

The Dutch Post-Impressionist painter’s artworks have been painstakingly recreated by Visconti, for which it has utilised resins of different colours from his extensive palette of oil-paints. From natural variegations from his landscapes to the definition in his self-portraits, each pen in this collection is singular to the artist’s style. The manufacturer incorporates its eighteen-faceted design, giving the pens a quintessential Visconti look. From the profoundness of the enchanting Starry Night to his most famous work, The Sunflowers, this collection symbolises historic brushstrokes with the name of the artist delicately carved on the centre ring. Each pen from this edition comes packaged in a unique box that is complemented by a reproduced canvas of the painting. visconti.it ■

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FEBRUARY 2017 81

SNAPSHOT

1997

The first airline alliance Valerian Ho looks back at the birth of Star Alliance

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n the mid-1990s, a group of like-minded airline CEOs predicted that growing globalisation would require carriers to offer a worldwide network to cope with the new demand. They realised that a new form of co-operation had to be developed that would allow carriers to offer customers global travel without having to serve every destination themselves.

The chief executives were from Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and United – the founding members of Star Alliance, launched in 1997.

The partnership meant passengers could receive all boarding passes for their entire journey at the first point of check-in, while baggage would be checked through to the final destination and transfers between airlines made as convenient as possible. Loyalty programmes were also converged so that flyers could earn and burn miles throughout a single network.

Two years later, Oneworld became the second global airline

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alliance, with Skyteam following in 2000. Star Alliance remains the largest of the three, with 28 member carriers connecting 1,300 airports in 192 countries (98 per cent of the world’s countries) with 18,500 daily departures. ■ Visit businesstraveller.com