Elite Traveler Asia Edition, Issue 4, The Guide, Jakarta

ASIA EDITION

THE ULTIMATE ASIAN GOLF TOUR

18

ISSUE 4

Freak 28’800 Carrousel-Tourbillon, 7-Day power reserve.

Patented « Dual Ulysse » escapement in silicium.

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Nestled into a granite rock face with sweeping lake and mountain views is this most remarkable Canadian wellness resort. Built with European-inspired elegance, it is the ďŹ rst in the world to incorporate Swarovski crystal elements into every aspect of its design. Your personal journey to whole body health and wellness begins at Sparkling Hill Resort & KurSpa.

British Columbia, Canada 250.275.1556

www.sparklinghill.com

CHAPTER ONE® Three of the world’s most renowned master watchmakers have collaborated on a world-first combination of complications featuring a one-minute tourbillon, mono-push chronograph, retrograde date indicator, retrograde GMT indicator, day of the week indication on roller, and patented precise moon phase indication on roller in a fully integrated mechanical movement.

Shown in 18K red gold and limited to 11 pieces.

Maîtres du Temps

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

+41 32 911 17 17

Helvetia Time, Inc. Wilkes-Barre, PA, United States +1 570 970 8888

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER: Model Natalia wears white gold earrings with diamonds, green beryls, tsavorite

FEATURES

garnets, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, US$115,000, and a white gold ring

98

BEST SUITES OF THE MALDIVES

BY TOVA SYROWICZ

The natural appeal of these idyllic Indian Ocean isles is just the beginning; sprawling and deliciously private villa suites make for an

with diamonds, green beryls, tsavorite garnets, rubies, emeralds and amethysts, US$94,000, both by Dior Fine Jewelry (Contact: Bonnie Ho at Dior in Hong Kong, 852-2269-5000; www.dior.com); strapless silk crepe column gown, US$5,950, Marchesa (Contact: Patrick Devlin at Moda Operandi, (212) 796-5704; www.

out-of-this-world stay.

modaoperandi.com).

106 SHANGHAI’S TOP SUITES

BY RACHEL SILVESTRI

From 1930s gangster glam to French Concession chic, these decadent suites in the City of the Future take their inspiration from its colorful past.

112 14 DAYS OF ASIAN GOLF

BY PAUL MYERS

Our VIP golf tour of Japan, China, Thailand, Cambodia and more offers a fortnight of refined accommodations, cultural activities and,

HIGH LIFE 34 NEWS & PREVIEWS The latest updates in luxury travel, services and style, plus Glitterati on the Go, Confidante and a special shopping section.

46 ELITE ACCESS

BY NICK WALTON

Your guide to the season’s most exclusive events in Asia, from jewelry and art fairs to luxury expos, air shows, regattas, polo tournaments and more.

48 FLASH Elite Traveler is on the scene at BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupé launch in Hong Kong, Louis Vuitton’s maison opening in Shanghai and beyond.

18K rhodium-plated white gold and feather cuff with diamonds, US$89,000, Wilfredo Rosado (Contact: Customer Service at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, 8522118-3398; www.wilfredorosado.com); leather and satin sandals with feathers and Swarovski crystals, price available upon request, Diego Dolcini (Contact: Chris Shang at Massimo Bonini in Hong Kong, 852-3521-1325; www.diegodolcini.it).

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM CORBETT; STYLE EDITOR: DREW TAYLOR; HAIR: RODNEY GROVES; MAKEUP: SUSAN MCCARTHY; MANICURIST: RACHEL SHIM

best of all, world-class greens.

A. LANGE & SÖHNE AUDEMARS PIGUET BACKES & STRAUSS BAUME & MERCIER BELL & ROSS BLANCPAIN BREGUET BREITLING BREMONT CELSIUS CHANEL

THE NATURE OF TIME

CORUM DELANEAU FRANCK MULLER FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT GIRARD-PERREGAUX HERMÈS HUBLOT IWC JAEGER-LECOULTRE JOHN ISAAC GENÈVE LONGINES MAURICE LACROIX MONTBLANC OFFICINE PANERAI OMEGA ORIS PARMIGIANI PHILIP STEIN RADO RICHARD MILLE ROGER DUBUIS ROLEX TAG HEUER ULYSSE NARDIN VACHERON CONSTANTIN VERTU ZENITH

THE FINE WATCH ROOM

+44 (0)20 7730 1234 harrods.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HIGH STYLE 58

WATCH TRENDS

BY JESSICA MICHAULT

76

RUNWAY REPORT

BY JESSICA MICHAULT

New, waxing, full or waning: These elegant timepieces help

Sublime haute couture creations for women modernize his-

you track moon phases—and their effects—in style.

toric house codes this fall, and the guys hit their stride, and the streets, in slim-cut suits.

64 HOROLOGY

BY NATE BORGELT

So much more than the prosaic alarm clock, beautifully

80

ACCESSORIES

BY DREW TAYLOR

Ankle boots, playful clutches and imperial embroidery cater to

handcrafted tabletop timepieces are true works of art.

her many moods, while he cozies up for winter in shearling

68

LIMITED EDITIONS

and cigar loafers. Plus, glamorous luggage that makes pack-

BY ELIZABETH DOERR

ing a pleasure.

From the top of Mount Everest to the ends of the earth, these rugged watches from Zenith and Kobold are designed to survive the most harrowing conditions on the planet.

88

FASHION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN DUGGAN STYLING BY CHRISTINE DE LASSUS

70

72

JEWELRY TRENDS

BY DIVIA HARILELA

Pair super-supple leather with diamond sparkle for a look

Even Elizabeth Taylor would have swooned for this season’s

that’s so posh, commanding and sexy, you can toss power

dazzling take on the timeless white diamond.

play out the window.

GEMS & JEWELS

BY DREW TAYLOR

Take the road less traveled with Orient-inspired jade in shades of lavender and off-white, and sultry Tahitian pearls on edgy wrist-wear.

Knuckle box clutch with marabou feathers, US$2,895, Alexander McQueen (Contact: Customer Service at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, 852-2118-3398; www.alexandermcqueen.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR

Entirely invented and manufactured in-house fpjourne.com

Chronomètre Souverain - Ref. CS Collection Boutique 18K solid Gold movement Platinum case Dial with hour circle on blue mother of pearl

THE BOUTIQUES PARIS +33 1 42 68 08 00

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 116 JET FOCUS

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

Topping expectations and busting records, Gulfstream’s G280 is set to enter service towards year-end in grand style.

117 IN FLIGHT

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

Read up on Asia’s latest round of bizjet news, from ABACE’s resounding success in Shanghai to Airbus’s first Japanese order and more.

118 AT SEA

BY NICK WALTON

With these state-of-the-art vessels, you’ll plough the warm waters of tropical Asia in luxury, comfort and style.

119 TEST DRIVE

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

Both intuitive and tricked-out, Audi’s A8 L W12 belies its heavy weight with uncanny handling, plus the sleek BMW Alpina B7 grand tourer and supercharged Jaguar flagship.

120 SERENITY

BY NICK WALTON

For a reprieve from hectic Hong Kong, retreat to one of these luxe urban spas—tranquil, Zen-like sanctuaries in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

122 CHEERS

BY JAMES GREGORY WILKINSON

Crafted in the Highlands of Scotland, these limited-edition whiskeys are taking the Asian market by storm.

123 THE GUIDE Our guide to the hottest new clubs, bars, lounges and restaurants in some of the most happening cities on the planet.

136 PURE DECADENCE

BY NICK WALTON

World-class golf, gourmet dining, a sumptuous spa and splendid accommodations combine to make The Ritz-Carlton a rave-worthy luxury debut on Okinawa Island.

FROM TOP: Antique gold-plated soldered chain necklace with leather and burgundy feathers, US$600, Lizzie Fortunato (Contact: Jawhara Mahdi at N Boutique in Kuwait City, 965-99317658; www.lizziefortunatojewels.com); clutch with hen feathers, US$745, Kotur (Contact: Customer Service at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong,

852-3695-3389;

www.shopkotur.com);

patent leather stilettos with feathers, US$875, Gianvito Rossi (Contact: Benny Chung at Gianvito Rossi in Hong Kong, 852-2522-4001; www.gianvitorossi.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR

ONE CENTURY IN A BOTTLE

©2012 E Rémy Martin & Co.,LOUIS XIII® Grande Champagne Cognac, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc, New York, NY. PLEASE SAVOR RESPONSIBLY.

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

LONDON AND PARIS APPEAL Real estate advisor Knight Frank estimates that nearly 60 percent of new-build property sold in Central London is going to Asian buyers. At least half of those buyers are from Hong Kong, mainland China and Singapore, and in one two-month period there was nearly $200 million in transactions.

The March/April Global Edition (www.elitetraveler.com/MA12) of Elite Traveler gives you an overview of almost 30 top suites to stay in while you are shopping for property in London, and needless to say, Paris is also on many of your flight plans. To that end our July/August 101 Top Suites issue (www.elitetraveler.com/JA12) had a heavy dose of Paris featuring both top suites at the Mandarin Oriental, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Hotel Le Bristol and the Terrace Eiffel Suite of the Plaza Athénée, a personal pick by celebrity judge and watchmaker extraordinaire Richard Mille.

In London, there are two new hotels that will add to the city’s luxe inventory. With a history that dates back to 1863, Café Royal is hoping to recapture the buzz that made it a favorite of Oscar Wilde, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, George Bernard Shaw, Rudyard Kipling and later Virginia Woolf, Noel Coward, King Edward VIII and Diana, Princess of Wales. Led by Louis Sailer whose credentials include The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Raffles and Fullerton in Singapore, where he also opened Fullerton Bay, and Raffles Canouan, the Regent Street icon will have 25 suites, including six historical suites that comprise over 2,000 square feet apiece.

A pet project of now Fairmont President Jennifer Fox when she was leading InterContinental Hotels’ Europe Division, the InterContinental London Westminster opens before the holidays just a stone’s throw—or actually less than an eightminute walk—from Parliament. The short distance means it will qualify to have a special buzzer in its bar to let MPs know when sessions are about to start. Its Blue Boar Smokehouse will provide an American/British grill experience. Probably of more interest are its heavily securitized meeting rooms with the anticipation of requests for highly confidential and safe venues where business executives and politicians can mingle discreetly.

In Paris I am always surprised by how Hôtel Plaza Athénée seems to mix the most regal of venues with unpretentious fun and humor. Last year it was two Barbie-themed rooms, and this year it will be the return of its popular ice skating rink, La Cour Jardin. While there are many rinks in Paris, this venue provides a nice setting where guests with children can sit indoors in supreme luxury with tea and cakes while watching their little ones doing figure-eights. And in the evening, the rink is decked with tables and guests are covered in warm parkas and blankets and can dine on Swiss wintertime staples like raclette.

A short distance away at Place Vendôme, outgoing Van Cleef & Arpels Chief Executive Stanislas de Quercize (he becomes worldwide CEO of Cartier in January) will have closed his tenure by launching L’École Van Cleef & Arpels earlier this year. The school offers seven different classes divided into three chapters. Size is limited to ten pupils, and it is possible to book an entire class privately with fees ranging from €600 to €950 per person.

For de Quercize opening the school was natural, as he is “an ardent defender of the artistic crafts,” and, he adds, “passing on, sharing and teaching knowledge is a duty.” The school’s Honorary Committee includes the likes of Franco Cologni, Hélène David-Weill, Eileen Guggenheim, Henri Loyrette, Alain-Dominique Perrin, Xiao Hui Wang, Michel Serres, Suzanne Tennenbaum, Nicolas Bos and Marie Vallanet-Delhom.

The seven sessions include: Stories and Inspirations, Interpreting the Gemstones, Jewelry Mix and Match, Symbols and Powers of Jewels, Admiring the Unique and Team Craftsmanship, Entering the Van Cleef & Arpels Universe and Having Access to Van Cleef & Arpels creations with personal meetings with the house’s high jewelry artisans. Each session is four hours long, but timing is structured so you can complete the entire program during one visit to Paris. You can, of course, take individual courses as well. To learn more, email contact@lecolevancleefarpels.com or phone 33-1-70-70-34-00.

Wishing you elite travels,

President and Editor-in-Chief doug.gollan@elitetraveler.com

26

For relaxed East-West relations.

An imposing time machine developed with a genuine passion for watchmaking: the Patravi TravelTec chronograph is also an officially certified chronometer and shows three times simultaneously. The patented monopusher conveniently selects the direction of travel – east or west – and jumps over time zones. Carl F. Bucherer’s philosophy, founded on intelligent functions and mechanisms, could not be interpreted more perfectly. www.carl-f-bucherer.com

EDITORIAL TEAM LETTER

MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB / SHENZHEN

VILLA MUTHEE / SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES

COUPLE’S SUITE / SPA AT ANANTARA PHUKET VILLAS

THE TASTING ROOM / MACAU

THE CHAIRMAN SUITE / THE RITZ-CARLTON, SHANGHAI

GRAND ENTRANCE / THE RITZ-CARLTON, OKINAWA

GOLF, GROWTH AND MORE

28

You could say Asia has gone golf mad. Slow to

nities. To the north, Tokyo is also in the limelight

And if you long to escape the big cities for open

pick up the Great Game compared to Europe

with the opening of the acclaimed Palace Hotel

spaces and sun-kissed beaches, our “Best Suites

and the US, the region is more than making up

(p. 36), an opulent reincarnation of the iconic

of the Maldives” piece showcases the most deca-

for lost time. Massive golfing complexes like

1960s house of slumber of the same name. The

dent resort digs on offer in an idyllic locale that’s

Mission Hills in Shenzhen and the group’s new

reinvented property is proudly Japanese, and

no stranger to the private jet set (p. 98).

tropical courses on Hainan Island cater to Asia’s

offers spacious, elegant accommodation and

Wherever you’re heading this season, let Elite

newly affluent, for whom the game lacks heri-

restaurants that are set to light up the local cu-

Traveler Asia Edition be your guide, your host

tage but retains its prestige. Asia now boasts

linary scene.

and your confidante.

some of the world’s most beautiful and chal-

Shanghai is another city on the go, and the

lenging pro-designed courses, as you’ll read

manic construction of the past five years has

about in this issue’s “14 Days of Asian Golf” by

resulted in some of the region’s most beautiful

regional golf expert Paul Myers (p. 112).

presidential suites, as resident writer Rachel

Kind regards,

Speaking of golf, tee-junkies will love the

Silvestri reports (p. 106). In our comprehensive

new Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa (p. 136), a lavish and

Guide section you’ll also find the top new res-

modern country club-styled resort just opened

taurants and watering holes in Shanghai, Hong

NICK WALTON

on the Japanese holiday island, offering tradi-

Kong, Macau, Taipei, Bangalore and other key

Managing Editor

tional hospitality paired with world-class ame-

private jet destinations across the region.

Elite Traveler Asia Edition

MORE POSSIBILITIES...

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SUPERYACHTS HOTELS | RESORTS | SPAS DESTINATION GUIDES WATCH GUIDE GETAWAYS ASIA EDITION Group President/Editor-in-Chief DOUGLAS D. GOLLAN President/Publisher DANIEL WADE Group Publishing Director SIMONA KASTLY Publisher, Asia Edition JAMES LISTER Group Editor MICHAEL D. ESPINDLE Managing Editor, Asia Edition NICK WALTON Senior Director of Marketing LISA WEISS Senior Director of Production & Distribution LORRAINE CHU EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

Editor MICHAEL D. ESPINDLE

ASIA PACIFIC Managing Director and Publisher, Asia Edition JAMES LISTER phone: +852 5148 4281, james.lister@elitetraveler.com

Managing Editor, Asia Edition NICK WALTON Style Editor DREW TAYLOR

THAILAND 11th Floor, Room 11B Vanissa Building, 29 Soi Chidlom, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathhumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand YVAN VAN OUTRIVE, phone: +66 2 252 26 99, fax: +66 2 252 27 01, yvo@immediatethailand.com

Associate Editor TOVA SYROWICZ Assistant Editor SAHAR KHAN Editorial Assistant MADELINE BOARDMAN

DESIGN

INDIA Global Media Network, M-138 Greater Kailash 11, New Delhi 110048, India VIMAL ANAND, phone: +91 11 4058 1544, vimal@gmnindia.com

Creative Director JOANNE GENZONE

INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR Mary Gostelow

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jessica Michault (fashion and watches), Elizabeth Doerr (timepieces), Nate Borgelt (horology)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joshua Samuel Brown, Evelyn Chen, Matt Flemming, Greg Haradiran, Divia Harilela, Paul Myers, Maida Pineda, Isabel Putinja, Sharmila Rajah, Andrea Seifert, Catherine Shaw, Rachel Silvestri, James Gregory Wilkinson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

EUROPE / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street, London EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom Head of Sales, Europe/Middle East/Africa SIMONA KASTLY phone: +44 207 336 5331, simona.kastly@elitetraveler.com ITALY Via Antonio Salandra, 18, Rome 00187, Italy Director GIANFRANCO CAPUTO, phone: +39 06 4227 2162, mobile: +39 338 620 1905, gianfranco.caputo@elitetraveler.com SWITZERLAND 10 Coin Greinge, CH-1270 Trélex, Switzerland Media Representative SUSANNE SAMUELSSON, phone: +41 22 960 0926, fax: +41 22 960 0927, ssamuelsson@bluewin.ch NORTH AMERICA 7225 Crescent Park West, #134, Playa Vista, California 90094, United States ERIK HOOPINGARNER, phone: +1 949 282 3626, erik.hoopingarner@elitetraveler.com 708 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017, United States Director (travel, luxury goods) JONATHAN SPITZ phone: +1 646 430 7913, jonathan.spitz@elitetraveler.com Sales Manager (jewelry, watches, beauty) HEATHER HANSON phone: +1 646 430 7918, heather.hanson@elitetraveler.com

Tom Corbett, Ben Duggan, David Lewis Taylor

MARKETING Senior Director of Marketing LISA WEISS phone: +1 646 430 7909, lisa.weiss@elitetraveler.com Events and Marketing Manager JILL GUTEKUNST phone: +1 646 430 7904, jill.gutekunst@elitetraveler.com Senior Manager of Creative Services & Digital Media GAURI GIDWANI

CIRCULATION / PRODUCTION

phone: +1 646 430 7902, gauri.gidwani@elitetraveler.com Sales and Marketing Executive GINA LEHMKUHL

Global Distribution Director LORRAINE CHU

phone: +1 646 439 1030, gina.lehmkuhl@elitetraveler.com

phone: +1 646 430 7908, lorraine.chu@elitetraveler.com Business Development Manager KAT CZARNECKI

INTERNS

phone: +1 646 430 7907, kat.czarnecki@elitetraveler.com

Editorial: Coleman Bentley, Erin Riley, Emily Misencik; Marketing: Jeffrey

Circulation Director RANDY SILVERMAN

Mouscardy; Business Communications: Deanise Chu, Ashley Efrom

phone: +1 917 626 9799, randy.silverman@elitetraveler.com

ELITE LUXURY PUBLISHING, INC. President DOUGLAS D. GOLLAN Executive Vice President DANIEL WADE

Ozzie Award, Folio Magazine Bronze Winner, Eddie Award, Folio Magazine Winner of 12 HSMAI Adrian Awards for Excellence Benjamin Franklin Award, PIA/GATF Premier Print Awards Awards of Editorial Excellence, APEX Awards for Publication Excellence Awards of Editorial Excellence, N. American Travel Journalists Association Winner, Premier Print Awards, Printing Industries of America Bronze Award, Gold Ink Awards, Production Executives Hall of Fame Award Winner, American Graphic Design Awards

708 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017 phone: +1 646 430 7900 fax: +1 646 430 7901 Editorial Inquiries: editor@elitetraveler.com Art Inquiries: deena.campbell@elitetraveler.com Advertising Inquiries: sales@elitetraveler.com Circulation Inquiries: lorraine.chu@elitetraveler.com Website: www.elitetraveler.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Nate Borgelt joined Antiquorum’s team as a watch expert in January 2011. Beginning with an interest in early American timepieces, Nate eventually expanded his passion to Swiss vintage timepieces and automata. He was previously at Christie’s auction house working as a bid clerk and assistant to the auctioneer and in 2008, while at Patrizzi & Co., became the youngest watch expert in the industry.

Paul Myers is the managing director of Asian Travel Media, a Bangkok-based communications company that specializes in golf tourism throughout Asia Pacific. A native of Australia, he has been a writer, editor and publisher in the travel industry for more than 30 years and now splits his time between Sydney, Bangkok and major golf destinations in Asia.

Taipei-based writer Joshua Samuel Brown is the author of Vignettes of Taiwan (2005) and co-author of ten travel guides, including two editions of Lonely Planet’s Taiwan (2007 & 2010). He has also contributed four stories to the upcoming World’s Best Street Food guide (Lonely Planet, 2012) and is a regular contributor to the Lonely Planet website.

Over the past 12 years, international writer and author Maida Pineda has penned two books (Do’s and Don’ts in the Philippines and Six Degrees of Expatriation) and hundreds of articles on food and travel, capitalizing on her MA in gastronomy from Le Cordon Bleu. Living her dream to eat her way around the world, she has indulged from Bangkok to Singapore on the Eastern and Oriental Express, made spring rolls in Hoi An, market shopped in Hong Kong with Alain Ducasse and stalked balut vendors in Manila.

Singapore-based food and travel writer Evelyn Chen traded her jetsetting career for a critic’s pen and has been eating and drinking on the job ever since. She sits on the Southeast Asian judging panel of the San Pellegrino “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list, and her articles have appeared in a wide range of publications including Condé Nast Traveller, DestinAsian, The Independent and SilverKris.

Isabel Putinja caught the travel bug at a young age, leaving her native Toronto and living in three different countries before settling in Bangalore, South India over five years ago. She enjoys playing with words in a variety of ways as a writer, translator and blogger. She has written articles on the arts and travel for a variety of international publications.

Born in Michigan, Elizabeth Doerr has dedicated most of her waking hours to mechanical watches since 1991 upon visiting the Basel fair. Regularly contributing to high-quality magazines and websites all over the world, Doerr reaches millions of readers every year. Doerr, who lives and works in Germany’s Karlsruhe with her husband and two children, published her first independent book in early 2010: 12 Faces of Time, a “love letter” to independent watchmaking.

Having lived in Kuala Lumpur all her life, Sharmila Rajah knows the city intimately and has been passionately exploring its best food spots, eager to uncover the hottest new restaurants and bars. A writing career that began in 1995 spawned a passion for travel, especially to exotic places like Istanbul, Cairo, Beirut and Sri Lanka. Her work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia, Food and Travel Magazine, Fah Thai and Lifestyle+Travel.

Matt Flemming is a Canadian freelance travel writer based in Seoul, who has been the English editor of Morning Calm, the inflight magazine for Korean Air, for the past year. He quickly developed a passion for the city’s sights, culture and cuisine after arriving in the South Korean capital two years ago. A former sports writer, his assignments have seen him take a more participatory approach, with articles about surfing in Australia, kickboxing in Thailand and skiing in Korea.

Born in Jakarta, Greg Haradiran lived in the United States for 12 years, after which he returned to Indonesia. He continues to scour his new home for the best in luxury dining and nightlife experiences for a wide range of leading publications.

Divia Harilela has been working in fashion and lifestyle media for over a decade and was recently the fashion editor at the South China Morning Post, where she remains a contributing editor. She has often been quoted as a leading authority on fashion in Asia, and can be found navigating the cobbled streets of Paris in her Rupert Sandersons or interviewing design luminaries such as Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani.

Jessica Michault is the editor-in-chief of NOWFASHION. She writes about watches, haute couture, luxury and style, and reports live from the runways of Paris, New York, London and Milan. Michault also covers the luxury watch market for the International Herald Tribune, makes weekly live appearances on France24 television, is a trendspotter for Italian Vogue, a contributor to Vogue Japan and has her own blog at www.jessicamichault.com.

32

Born in Peru to Swedish parents, Andrea Seifert has called seven different countries home, including Italy, Thailand, China, Holland, Singapore and the UK. Asia remains her true love although she enjoys eating, drinking (preferably mojitos), shopping and spa-ing her way around the world. For the past three years she has been honing these skills at the LUXE City Guides headquarters in Hong Kong.

Zambia-born writer Catherine Shaw has lived and worked in Tokyo for over nine years where she writes about art, culture, architecture and travel for Japanese and international publications.

She has contributed to Wallpaper*, Monocle, the Financial Times and South China Morning Post, as well as numerous in-flight and travel publications.

Rachel Silvestri is a freelance writer and editor from rural Cheshire, England. She moved to Shanghai after spending five years in Dubai where her eyes—and stomach—were opened to the world’s cuisines as deputy editor of Spinneys FOOD and Jumeirah International magazines. Specializing in food, drink and luxury lifestyle, she contributes to numerous magazines including Plaza Watch, Emirates Woman and HELLO! Middle East.

James Gregory Wilkinson is a multi award-winning journalist based in Sydney. Formerly “Australian Travel Writer of the Year” for trade reporting, Wilkinson has been the managing editor of the Asia-Pacific region’s highly respected hotel industry magazine, HM – Hotel & Accommodation Management, for the last ten years. He’s also the contributing editor for travel of Time Out Sydney and Time Out Melbourne, and business tourism editor of SPICE magazine.

TIMELY UPDATES FOR THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE

NEWS+PREVIEWS

COSMIC WONDERS King Fook Jewellery Group has a pedigree as flawless as the gems it purveys. The jewelry and timepiece seller—luxury brands include Aaron Basha, Mattia Cielo, Jacob & Co., Stenzhorn and Laurent Ferrier—was established in 1949 in Hong Kong as a gold extraction and gold bar trader, and quickly transformed into the most trusted jeweler in the city-state. The company now includes ten shops across China, four boutiques of which are Masterpiece by King Fook, introduced in 1999 as the first high-end jewelry concept store of its kind. The group’s latest in-house collection, Royal Fan, taking direction from the ethereal elegance of European noblewomen, invites comparison to the cosmos with one-of-a-kind starburst-shaped pieces crafted in 18K white gold and studded with diamonds of the ROYAL FAN NECKLACE / MASTERPIECE BY KING FOOK

finest luminosity. Acting as the collection’s supernova, this necklace abstractly recalls the sun with sinuous rays of 935 pavéd diamonds that burst forth from the glowing nucleus, a 3.2-carat pear-shaped canary yellow diamond, a testament to timeless refinement (about US$153,240).

Contact: Terry Hui at Masterpiece by King Fook in Hong Kong, 852-2270-8000; www.kingfook.com

PAINT THE TOWN BLUE Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Porsche Design Studio have created an exclusive made-to-order private bar concept. Recently launched in Macau, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Private Bar by Porsche Design Studio, of which only 50 will be designed, stands at 7.2 feet tall and is crafted from brushed stainless steel, natural shagreen leather and Australian lacewood. State-of-the-art motion sensors activate its innovative automated opening sequence. When open, the bar reveals a magnum of Blue Label with exterior detailing by PDS, two Johnnie Walker Blue Label 1867 Limited Edition bottles and four crystal glasses, presented on a subtly illuminated surface. A hidden chilled compartment rises out of the bar with the press of a button to reveal a bespoke ice bucket, steel tongs and four more glasses (US$190,000).

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL PRIVATE BAR BY PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO

Contact: Moët Hennessy Diageo’s Georgia Lai, 852-2976-1105; georgia.lai@mhdhk.com; www.mhdhk.com

MADAME ZABRE SPA RETREAT / DESROCHES ISLAND

LUCK UNLIMITED In keeping with the brand’s heavy focus on the Asian market, Cartier has unveiled two new Rotonde de Cartier limited-edition watches, available to the Hong Kong market only. Each timepiece features a motif of the number eight—considered the most lucky in Asian cultures—in Chinese characters, and is available in Cartier boutiques across the city. The watches’ 42mm case houses a caliber 9602MC mechanical movement, and the guilloché and silvered dial, plus a crown set

34

SEYCHELLES SOIREE

with a sapphire cabochon, make

Dubbed the most expensive villa on offer in the Seychelles, the luxurious Madame Zabre Spa

for truly stunning creations. The

Retreat has opened at Desroches Island, which has previously welcomed Sports Illustrated

white gold version is limited

Swimsuit Issue models Chrissy Teigan, Nina Agdal and Julie Henderson, as well as Prince Wil-

to 38 pieces (US$24,700),

liam and Kate Middleton. Named after the famous Madame Zabre beach on the island, this dec-

while the pink gold ver-

adent 6,856-square-foot retreat features three spacious bedrooms, all with private pools, indoor

sion is limited to just 18

and outdoor showers and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean (US$14,600 a night). A modern

(US$23,000).

kitchen, vast entertaining areas and a dedicated team of chefs and butlers make impromptu

Contact: Feony Ho

private dinner parties a breeze. In addition, the villa can be easily configured into a private spa,

at Cartier in Hong Kong,

with an exclusive range of Elemental Herbology treatments and a dedicated masseuse on offer.

852-2522-2963;

Contact: General Manager Renee Leslie, 248-422-9003; renee@desroches-island.com;

www.cartier.com

www.desroches-island.com ROTONDE DE CARTIER / CARTIER

NEWS+PREVIEWS

PALACE SUITE / PALACE HOTEL TOKYO

PALACE SUITE / PALACE HOTEL TOKYO

A PALATIAL RETURN

CONFIDANTE

Located in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, one of

The PuLi Hotel and Spa, part of central Shanghai’s Park

Japan’s most anticipated houses of slumber

Place development, instantly appealed to global connois-

has opened in a stunning moat-side setting near

seurs, and discerning Chinese business leaders, when it

the Imperial Palace. The Palace Hotel Tokyo, a

opened three years ago. Some views look out at Jing’An

luxury 290-room reincarnation of the original

Park, and all rooms have pull-back screens and walls of

Palace Hotel, which opened in 1961, is the result

gray clay blocks. Public areas feature incredibly high ceil-

of a US$1.2 billion investment and promises to

ings, and black Forbidden City-tiled or distressed wood

be a new icon of the city’s hotel and dining scene.

flooring. The 90-foot bar in the lobby dispenses drinks

Described as an unfiltered appreciation of Japa-

and checks you in. A sense of calm pervades everything.

BY MARY GOSTELOW

nese culture, the luxurious property offers guest

No wonder PuLi’s developers, Urban Resorts, led by

rooms and suites boasting open-style bath-

Markus Engel and John Laing, are using PuLi’s designer,

rooms with soaking tubs, top-of-the-line tech-

Johannes Harfuss, for their next project, the 329-room

nology, remarkable views of the Imperial Palace

PuYu opening in Wuhan this December. They have al-

Gardens and interiors by Terry McGinnity. Many

ready announced one more: PuSen, in Shaoxing, 35 min-

suites, including the extravagant 2,745-square-

utes by high-speed train from Hangzhou, will be a 100-

foot, two-bedroom Palace Suite (about US$8,810

room luxury resort in a collection of 60 historic houses

a night), also feature open terraces and balco-

relocated by its owner, Qing Sen.

nies, as well as unique Japanese touches, in-

The idea of historic houses turned into luxury resorts

cluding bath towels from Imabari and delicate

is epitomized at Amanfayun in Hangzhou. There, an en-

Maruyama Nori teas from Tokyo’s Tsukiji district.

tire village of tea plantation homes is now 47 freestanding

Be sure to visit the sushi bar at two-Michelin-

villas, plus restaurants, some rented out. While there, try

star chef Shinji Kanesaka’s restaurant or chill

the Vegetarian House, run by Buddhist monks. In Thai-

out in the 12,916-square-foot Evian Spa Tokyo.

land, car dealer Suchet Suwanmongkol created his own

Contact: Executive Director and

historic “village.” After spending years buying adjacent

General Manager Masaru Watanabe,

plots of land totaling 60 acres, he built what is now the

81-3-3211-5211; yanagiharaf@palacehotel.co.jp;

village-like Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, boasting

www.palacehoteltokyo.com

123 accommodations and embellished with what he says is only 20 percent of his total collection of antiques.

GLOBAL LUXE

Exotic places give elite travelers a sense of fulfillment.

Not only has Qatar Airways seen phenomenal growth in the 15 years since its launch, it

This, says Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman of Shanghai-

has earned some of the industry’s most coveted Skytrax passenger choice awards—proof

based Hurun Report, is what China’s millionaires and

positive that rapid expansion hasn’t come at the cost of exacting luxury standards. Named

billionaires desperately seek. He recently surveyed 150

the world’s best airline for a second consecutive year in 2012, Doha-based Qatar Airways is

of them, and found that they average 3.2 overseas trips a

perfectly positioned as a gateway carrier between East and West. Baku, Perth and Zagreb are

year, with France the current top destination. Next they’ll

among the cities already added to the airline’s 110-plus destinations in 2012, soon to be fol-

be heading for Spain’s Mediterranean coast. In late June,

lowed by Yangon and nonstop service to Tokyo before year-end. A long-haul, business-class

Bart Raaphorst, director of Villa Padierna Hotels & Re-

flight aboard one of the fleet’s new Boeing 777s will fly by: Seats with built-in massage recline

sorts, was in Shanghai to co-host a dinner at the sensa-

to 180 degrees, while in-flight entertainment offers over 1,000 options on your 17-inch LCD

tional House of Roosevelt—it boasts the largest wine cel-

screen. Exquisite Arabic and international fare, plus elite wines and spirits, are available on

lar in China, and its chairman, Tweed Roosevelt, nephew

demand—the service, of course, is flawless (about US$8,000 for a typical round-trip ticket).

of FDR, is also chairman of the Theodore Roosevelt Asso-

Upon arrival in Doha, an entire US$100 million terminal, complete with a spa, games room,

ciation. Raaphorst introduced Marbella’s Villa Padierna

nursery, fine dining and more, caters exclusively to business- and first-class passengers.

Palace Hotel, where Michelle Obama famously stayed in

Contact: Senior Sales Representative Chitipat Manon, 66-2-259-2701-5;

August 2010, to 65 members of the invitation-only Roos-

resbkk@th.qatarairways.com; www.qatarairways.com

evelt Club. They all received membership cards for Villa Padierna Golf Resort with lots of added benefits.

BUSINESS CABIN / QATAR AIRWAYS

Ultra-high net worth Chinese want to give back, says Rupert Hoogewerf. They are looking for good causes, and they are into self-education, health and organic living. Recently Hoogewerf was with a small party climbing a mountain. One billionaire liked it so much he bought it—to set up tea plantations. Perhaps another Amanfayun is in the making.

36

Designed and crafted for you to escape into a private world of views and luxur y. Experience Park Hyatt Sydney. In the moment. Uninterrupted.

Reser vations +61 2 9256 1234 or sydney.park.hyatt.com 7 Hickson Road The Rocks Sydney NSW Australia 2000

The trademarks HYATTTM, PARK HYATTTM and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Š2012 Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

METAL MAGIC

FOLIO NEWS+PREVIEWS

Serenity seekers will rejoice at the opening of the Middle East’s first Iridium Spa, part of the lavish new St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Adding indulgent pampering to one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic developments, the chic spa offers a rare and refined wellness experience to elite travelers passing through the emirate. With a host of expertly crafted precious metalthemed treatments that utilize Babor spa products, Iridium Spa features 12 opulent treatment rooms designed by global hospitality design leaders HBA, including a Vichy suite and three individually themed VIP Spa Suites, each of which boasts a private terrace. Submit to the unique Spas Around the World concept, which brings together signature therapies from the globe’s leading wellness destinations, including the Asian-inspired ShiTao face and body treatments using shiatsu and lava stones, a Khanya of Africa treatment that uses the healing powers of the marula tree and the Sea Creation massage featuring heated tiger shells.

Contact: Director of Spa & Leisure Fatna Fallah, 971-2-4988888; reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com; www.stregissaadiyatisland.com

LUCKY DRAGON / LES MILLIONAIRES

TIME FOR HARMONY Luxury Swiss watch company Les Millionaires has launched its latest collection in Hong Kong, introducing its unique bespoke timepieces in Asia for the first time. Three exclusive collections, Fairy Fauna, Poseidon and Lucky Dragon, are initially available on the brand’s website, where a comprehensive customization process takes place ensuring your watch will be one of a kind. The Lucky Dragon piece in 18K white gold with 627 diamonds and 36 precious stones—the pinnacle of the collection—is an exquisite and eyecatching watch designed for the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The timepiece features a dragon motif fighting with the hour, minute and second hands in order to keep harmony according to feng shui principles (about US$270,000).

Contact: Sales Director Mathias Hug, 41-22-310-94-44; mh@pradervand-geneve.com; www.pradervand-geneve.com IRIDIUM SPA / ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND

MANILA GLAM Offering discerning guests a chance to delve into the often turbulent politics and lavish lifestyles of Manila’s high society, the Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila has created the sumptuous Imperial Residence from a space once dreamed up by Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos to host VIP guests.

The 6,200-square-foot expanse is located on the 11th floor, making it a mansion in the skies above the capital, and features five lavishly appointed suites, which can be booked separately or as a whole. Fashioned by renowned Japanese interior design firm Spin Design Studio, the regal suite is dressed in deep earth tones punctuated by hints of maroon and gold. Mother-of-pearl inlaid doors, capiz light fixtures, custom leather wall paneling and grand sculptures add to the luxe appeal. Ensconced in lavish comfort, you’ll enjoy a ten-seat formal dining room, kitchen with Miele appliances, spacious living area with 72-inch TV and a wraparound balcony with views across Manila Bay. All this, plus access to a personal shopper and private chef, and the option to convert one of the suites to a spa, gym, yoga studio or games den, makes this home away from home hard to leave. But when you do, it’ll be from the hotel’s helipad (US$6,800 a night).

Contact: General Manager Goran Aleks, 63-2-551-5555; 38

room.reservations@sofitelmanila.com; www.sofitelmanila.com IMPERIAL RESIDENCE / SOFITEL PHILIPPINES PLAZA MANILA

“I M P E C C A B L E � *

Distilled in Orkney, Highland Park Single Malt celebrates its distinctive Viking influence. The 1978 Vintage celebrates the wanderlust of the Vikings whose spirit lives on in the intrepid travellers of today.

It is rich, warm and shows perfect balance between sweetness and smoke. The 1978 Vintage clearly displays the intense complexity for which Highland Park is renowned by whisky enthusiasts everywhere.

Available only in global travel retail, this impressive whisky forms part of the Highland Park Vintage Collection.

* 1 9 7 8 V I N T A G E - The cask selection here is impeccable

You are invited to join our club for friends of Highland Park at

and yet another monster Highland Park is unleashed on the unsuspecting public. www.caskstrength.net - whisky blog

www.highlandpark.co.uk/innercircle

www.highlandpark.co.uk

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly

NEWS+PREVIEWS

GLITTERATI ON THE GO

BY ANDREA SEIFERT

ROYAL RETREAT The Taj Coromandel Chennai hosted many celebrities during the latest Indian Premier League Season, including Katy Perry, who performed at the opening ceremony. She was greeted in the newly renovated lobby with a traditional Indian welcome of aarti tikka and garlands before being whisked off to the Royal Suite. The lavishly appointed abode marries traditional and contemporary décor, and two female butlers were designated to cater to Perry’s every need. The singer dined at Southern Spice and proclaimed the highlight of her dinner to be the elaneer payasam, the “most refreshing dessert” she had eaten.

POSH IN TOWN Former pop queen turned designer Victoria Beckham was in Beijing to promote her collaboration with Range Rover for the city’s Auto China Motor Show. The 99-room urban retreat Opposite House in chic Sanlitun IN-POOL LOUNGING / TAJ COROMANDEL CHENNAI

provided a sanctum for her during a busy week. Beckham stayed in a Studio 95 Suite, whose open-plan living space is a temple to minimalist Zen, with brushed oak finishings, black slate walls and a private balcony overlooking Beijing’s embassy district. She dined at Bei, the hotel’s restaurant featuring a fusion of cuisines from China, Korea and Japan, and made use of the fitness center’s Technogym equipment.

BEAUTY AND THE BEACH Australian beauty brand ModelCo commemorated its tenth anniversary with weeklong celebrations on exclusive Hayman Island earlier this year. Dannii Minogue was one of 60 VIPs who partied at the premier AIRY STUDIO / THE OPPOSITE HOUSE

THE RITZ-CARLTON SUITE / THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

playground in the Great Barrier Reef. Minogue slept in sybaritic splendor in a Lagoon Suite, which boasts an elegant fit-out of natural woods and cool marbles, capacious living and sleeping areas done in neutral palettes and a double balcony that offers serene sea vistas.

HONG KONG HIGH On the Asian leg of her “Born This Way” tour, Lady Gaga recently checked into the opulent penthouse suite of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The world’s tallest hotel soars to the 118th floor, and the en-suite marble bathroom of The Ritz-Carlton Suite features a spa bed, sauna and Jacuzzi from which to take in sweeping Victoria Harbour views. It also touts a private study, fully equipped kitchen, spacious living and dining room and walk-in closet. The hotel curated a bespoke experience for the singer, including 24-hour butler service and complimentary massages, plus TROPICAL POOL / HAYMAN ISLAND

LUXURY POOL VILLA / SRI PANWA

monogrammed bathrobes, towels and pillow cases.

FOODIE FIND Celebrity chef Michel Roux recently holidayed at the Sri Panwa resort in Phuket, checking into a Luxury Pool Villa for ten days. The 3,229to 3,767-square-foot villas offer personal infinity swimming pools, jet stream Jacuzzis, outdoor bathing areas with rain showers, and an entertainment system with a fully loaded iPod. The rooftop bar Baba Nest and restaurant Baba Poolclub received a thumbs up from Michel: “As a foodie...I was spoiled for choice on variety and quality, a rare statement for a chef to make. I did not want to eat anywhere else.”

40

NEWS+PREVIEWS | SHOPPING

WORTHY INVESTMENTS Live luxe with the latest and greatest in fine jewelry, fashion, home décor and more.

Taiwan’s Cindy Chao, known for her painstakingly handcrafted high jewelry designs that feature at museums and auctions around the globe, will open her first-ever flagship in Beijing this November. The new boutique will house two exclusive creations from Chao’s coveted “Black Label Masterpieces” collection, including this extraordinary Amazona Colombia necklace with cushion-shaped emeralds, diamonds and sapphires (price available upon request).

Contact: Kate Chao at The Art Jewel Gallery in Beijing, 86-10-8517-2089; www.cindychao.com

Celebrated photographer Mario Testino has shot everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to the late Lady Diana and is responsible for some of the world’s most memorable magazine imagery. Hot on the heels of his first exhibition in China, and on display at the Shanghai Arts Museum this fall, the new Taschen tome Mario Testino, Private View celebrates the best of his brilliant body of work—a must-have for fashion fans (limited-edition hardcover in plastic case, US$700).

Contact: Rebecca Liu at Asia One Photobook Centre in Hong Kong, 852-2976-0913; www.taschen.com

Add a little edge to cocktail hour with this slick decanter by Ralph Lauren Home. Featuring a cheeky skull and crossbones motif in hand-cut cased With design details inspired by the la-

black crystal, it offers one surefire way to stir up conversation (Ayers skull

bel’s iconic trench coat, Burberry’s

decanter, US$495).

newest watch—dubbed The Britain—is

Contact: Jackie Tso at Ralph Lauren in Sydney, 61-2-9267-1630;

a marriage of rich heritage and modern

www.ralphlaurenhome.com

craftsmanship. A distinctive rounded octagonal case houses a Swiss-made movement (BBY1201 43mm automatic watch with alligator strap, US$1,795).

Contact: Candice Xavier at Burberry in Sydney, 61-2-8296-8588; www.burberry.com

Be Inthavong’s artisanal bags—crafted by hand in New York using an exclusive silk and leather weave produced in his native Laos—are already just about as close to made-to-measure as it gets, but this fall the designer is formally rolling out a bespoke option for loyal fans. Clients can customize their handbag with new weaves and special trims, including hand-cut and -dyed lizard in an array of vibrant shades (Vong tote in lizard, US$4,750).

Contact: Customer Service at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, 852-3695-3388; 42

www.beinthavong.com

A hotel designed and created for your utmost enjoyment. Truly breathtaking in every aspect, D-Hotel Maris surpasses expectations. w w w.dhotel.com.tr

Datça Yolu Hisarönü Mevkii, 48700 Marmaris, Muğla, TURKEY, +90 252 441 2000

NEWS+PREVIEWS | SHOPPING

With the holiday season just around the corner, Krug has unveiled the Joseph, a generously sized glass crafted in collaboration with Riedel and named for the prestigious champagne house’s founder. Presented as a set of two in a personalized gift box (alongside a bottle of King Grand Cuvée, of course), it takes the guesswork out of gift-giving (US$200).

Contact: KK Wong at Rare & Fine Wines in Hong Kong, 852-2522-9797; www.krug.com

Spritz on fragrance the chic way with Bottega Veneta’s vintage-inspired poire atomizer, part of the new eau de parfum Deluxe Collection. The accompanying Renowned for its precious pearl designs, Utopia Jewels branches beyond baubles with this ultra-luxurious caviar server.

Featuring a serving spoon and spreader crafted from white gold, motherof-pearl, diamonds and ruti-

refillable flacon houses the label’s signature scent, a refined blend of notes like bergamot, jasmine, pink peppercorn and patchouli (available in November; US$110).

Contact: Customer Service at Bottega Veneta in Singapore, 65-6688-7228; www.bottegaveneta.com

lated quartz, and a hand-cut crystal ice bowl, it makes for an elegant addition to your next cocktail party (price available upon request).

Contact: Serkan Yildirimer at Lydion Jewellery in Antalya, Turkey, 90-242-710-2000; www.utopia-jewels.com

Talk about animal attraction: For the new Ancient America collection, H.Stern drew inspiration from five different creatures that held spiritual significance in pre-Columbian cultures, yielding pieces like a sculptural turtle ring with an onyx and pavé diamond “shell”

44

and these serpent earrings with shimmering scales

Let the chips fall where they may: With Asprey’s Rat Pack-

crafted from black and cognac diamonds (US$4,200).

worthy poker set, you’ll always turn up a winning hand—at

The Brazilian jeweler has its sights set on expansion

least where style is concerned. Supple camel-colored sad-

into Asia with boutique openings in Seoul (October) and

dle hide and a sleek design show off the storied house’s

Shanghai (November and December).

commitment to quality and craftsmanship (US$7,510).

Contact: Ray Park at H.Stern in Seoul, (800) 747-8376;

Contact: Kyoko Hayama at Asprey in Tokyo,

www.hstern.net

81-3-3245-1781; www.asprey.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

THE PRIME LONDON PROPERTY MARKET IS RIGGED AGAINST BUYERS Essential information if you are planning to acquire

your time viewing inadequate homes and then take

property in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia or an-

advice from agents who represent the seller.

other of London’s premier addresses.

outstanding homes • How to negotiate the best terms possible—

BUT WHAT IF YOU HAD A SIMPLE BLUEPRINT Consider this fact: Over 90 percent of buyers start their

• Do this to have first refusal on the most

WHICH GUARANTEED YOU ACQUIRED YOUR IDEAL

eight proven strategies • Four techniques to source London’s most

search for a home by looking at the Internet and reg-

HOME IN LONDON FOR THE BEST PRICE POSSIBLE?

exclusive off-market properties

istering with eight to ten estate agencies (which is in

In 1996 Jeremy McGivern bought his first property

• Why the Internet is not the solution

fact their third mistake). But what these buyers do not

in London. Since then he has personally viewed

• Short Leases Demystified

realize is:

over 22,000 properties and studied the details of

• Why 25 percent of purchases fail even though a

• Estate agents in London are employed by sellers &

over 153,400 more. He has spent over 15 years

price has been agreed

are legally obliged to achieve the highest price

discovering, developing and perfecting the best

and further proven strategies to give you the

possible for them.

strategies and techniques to acquire property in

advantage over other buyers and the estate agents.

• There are over 230 estate agencies in Prime Central London each with their own properties.

London’s most prestigious addresses.

With his free step-by-step report, you are

But why is such valuable information available to you

They rarely share properties (unlike the Multiple

guaranteed to avoid the expensive pitfalls and

at no expense? As you will discover, the report could

Listing System in America, for example), so you

unnecessary bureaucracy that plague the average

be sold for £50 and it would conservatively pay for

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buyer. These are the proven strategies that the

itself a hundred times over.

missing the best opportunities.

company he founded, Mercury Homesearch, uses

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to acquire properties for its select list of members.

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a thirst for knowledge, but wish there were more

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failure.

be advised by a respected expert to achieve superior

• Over 26 percent of the homes valued over £2 million are sold “off-market.”

• Agents will waste your time with unsuitable

• Estate agents and mortgage companies control the majority of the information on the London

results while saving you time and stress… just as you

housing market—they have a vested interest to

IN “THE SEVEN MOST EXPENSIVE MISTAKES

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LONDON PROPERTY BUYERS MAKE & HOW TO

simple reason for offering you the report. But please

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To receive your complimentary copy of “The Seven Most Expensive Mistakes London Property Buyers Make & How To Avoid Them” you may call +44 (0) 800 389 4280 or email info@mercuryhomesearch. com quoting Elite

(Jeremy McGivern was educated at Eton College.

He

founded

Mercury

Homesearch,

London’s

internationally renowned property consultancy, in 2001 because he was annoyed by the poor service, dubious advice and painful bureaucracy he was encountering as a buyer. He is now recognized as a leading authority on acquiring property in Prime Central London and has featured on Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg India and in publications such as Forbes, The Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times to name but a few.

Mercury has represented family offices and preeminent businessmen from Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, Australia, USA, Europe, Brazil and India amongst others. However, you may be surprised to learn over 25 percent of Mercury Homesearch’s clients are themselves Londoners.)

45

ELITE ACCESS

HOT HAPPENINGS YOUR GATEWAY TO ELITE EVENTS AUSTRALIA

BY NICK WALTON

THE 7TH CHINA LUXURY SUMMIT

2012 MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL

When: November 28 to 29, 2012

When: November 3 to 10, 2012

Where: Various venues, Shanghai

Where: Flemington Race Course, Melbourne

Contact: Lawrence Lee, 86-21-3255-3933;

Contact: Dayle Monteith, 61-3-8378-0747;

luxury@clia.org.cn; www.chinaluxurysummit.com

information@racingvictoria.net.au; www.melbournecup.com

INDIA BRITISH POLO DAY

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2013

When: December 15, 2012

When: January 14 to 27, 2013

Where: The Maharaja’s Polo Club, Jodhpur

Where: Melbourne Park Tennis Centre, Melbourne

Contact: Tom Hudson, 44-207-352-0340;

Contact: Craig Tiley, 61-3-9914-4400;

info@britishpoloday.com; www.britishpoloday.com

tareception@tennis.com.au; www.australianopen.com

SOUTH KOREA 2012 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX

AVALON 2013 – AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW

When: October 12 to 14, 2012

When: March 1 to 3, 2013

Where: Korea International Circuit, Yeongam

Where: Avalon Airport, Victoria

Contact: Park Joon-Yung, 82-61-287-5412;

Contact: Ian Honnery, 61-3-5282-0500;

www.koreangp.kr

airshow@amda.com.au; www.airshow.com.au

TAIWAN CHINA

ART TAIPEI 2012

FINE ART ASIA 2012

When: November 9 to 12, 2012

When: October 4 to 7, 2012

Where: Taipei World Trade Centre, Taipei

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,

Contact: Richard Chang, 886-2-2585-0382;

Hong Kong

info@art-taipei.com; www.art-taipei.com

Contact: Andy Hei, 852-9493-3886; sales@aaifair.com; www.aaifair.com

THAILAND KING’S CUP ELEPHANT POLO TOURNAMENT

SALON VENDÔME - THE FINE JEWELRY SHOW

When: September 12 to 16, 2012

When: October 25 to 28, 2012

Where: Somdej Phra Suriyothai Military Camp, Hua Hin

Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, Shanghai

Contact: Tim Boda, 66-3-252-0250;

Contact: Florence Robert, 86-21-5081-3018;

tboda@anantara.com; www.anantaraelephantpolo.com

info@salon-vendome.com; www.salon-vendome.com 26TH PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA SHANGHAI ART FAIR 2012

When: December 1 to 8, 2012

When: November 1 to 4, 2012

Where: Kata Beach Resort and Spa, Phuket

Where: ShanghaiMART, Shanghai

Contact: Simon James, 66-7-627-3380;

Contact: Gu Zhihua, 86-21-6225-4977;

info@kingscup.com; www.kingscup.com

info@sartfair.com; www.sartfair.com

UAE

46

59TH MACAU GRAND PRIX

2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI

When: November 15 to 18, 2012

GRAND PRIX

Where: Macau Street Circuit, Macau

When: November 4, 2012

Contact: Joao M. Costa Antunes,

Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

853-8796-2268; macaugp@cgpm.gov.mo;

Contact: Tariq Zuroub, 971-2-6599-800;

www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo

tariq.zuroub@ymc.ae; www.yasmarinacircuit.com

FLASH

LOUIS VUITTON SHANGHAI MAISON OPENING / SHANGHAI Louis Vuitton celebrated the opening of its first Maison in Shanghai with a star-studded

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party at the new Plaza 66 boutique. Specially designed by architect Peter Marino, and bringing together Louis Vuitton’s leather goods, ready-to-wear collections, luggage,

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watches, jewelry and rare products across four floors, the boutique was celebrated with an “Art of Travel” theme that saw A-list celebrities alighting on the city’s iconic Bund.

Attendants included French actor Alain Delon, TV host and model Alexa Chung, Chi-

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nese actresses Gong Li, Zhu Zhu and Fan Bingbing, designers Luisa Orsini, Antonine Peduzzi and Marc Jacobs, and photographer Alexia Niedzielski.

1 Gong Li 2 Du Juan, Zhai Lei

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3 Fan Bingbing 4 Alexa Chung, Poppy Delevingne 5 Zhu Zhu 6 Coco Brandolini, Alexia Niedzielski

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7 Antoine Arnault, Alain Delon

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8 Katie Grand, Derek Blasberg 9 Alexia Niedzielski 10 Alexa Chung 11 Elizabeth Von Guttman, Poppy Delevingne 12 Gong Li, Yves Carcelle 13 Hu Bing 14 Laetitia Casta

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YOU CAN’T AGE COGNAC IN BOTTLES

Hermitage Cognacs are aged in old casks for hundreds of years, they come from the very heart of cognac.

Many rare and individual cognacs sleep in old cellars, waiting to be bottled by Hermitage; these nectars are the very essence of greatness and share rare vintage values not found in other cognacs

Hermitage Cognacs www.brandyclassics.com tel: +44 (0)1225 863988 fax: +44 (0)1225 863986

FLASH FOLIO

BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPÉ LAUNCH / HONG KONG BMW launched its all-new 6 Series Gran Coupé at an extravagant party at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Happy Valley Race Course.

The fete celebrated the Hong Kong release

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of the third luxurious model in the 6 Series lineup, and in attendance were TV personalities Moses Chan and Aimee Chan, as well as actresses Rose Chan and Zoey Shum, mod-

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els Jocelyn Luko, Madi Ross, Ann Ho and Anthony Sandstorm, and singer Jonathan Wong.

1 Rose Chan 2 Hong Kong singer Angela Au 3 Model Uny Chiu 4 Jonathan Wong

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5 Ann Ho 6 Madi Ross, model Angie Ng, Ann Ho 7 Singer Khloe Chu

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JAEGER-LECOULTRE RENDEZ-VOUS PARTY / SHANGHAI To coincide with the Shanghai International Film Festival, of which Jaeger-LeCoultre is a major sponsor, the brand held a lavish red carpet Rendez-Vous launch party, hosted by its new face, film star Zhao Wei. Zhao Wei was accompanied by many notable celebrities including famed French director Jean-Jacques Annaud, American actor Aaron Eckhart, actresses Chen Chong and Zhao Tao, directors Jia Zhangke and Wang Quan’an, and actress Zhang Yuqi. Also in attendance were Miss World Zhang Zilin, singer Kit Chan, Italian film producer and actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta and more than 1,500 other guests from around the world.

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5 1 Jean-Jacques Annaud 2 Chen Chong 3 Zhang Zilin wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette on the red carpet

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4 Wang Quan’an, Zhang Yuqi 5 Zhao Tao, Jia Zhangke 6 Zhao Wei on the red carpet of the

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15th SIFF opening ceremony 7 Zhao Wei attends a pre-party Jaeger-LeCoultre

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press conference

HENNESSY APPRECIATION JOURNEY AT BANYAN TREE MACAU / MACAU

FLASH

Esteemed cognac house Hennessy recently launched its limited-edition XO Mathusalem designed by Arik Levy at a lavish weekend at the Banyan Tree Macau. The event for 100 VIPs included a private jetfoil from Hong Kong, a decadent multicourse dinner cre-

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ated by Banyan Tree Macau Executive Chef Matías Martínez and an after-party in the exclusive China Rouge club at Galaxy Macau.

The event also celebrated the launch of the

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Musée d’Hennessy at Galaxy Macau. Limited to just 100 pieces, the bottle retails for US$45,000. Celebrity guests included Roger Lau and Candy Lo, Sheila Chin, Alex Law, Mabel Cheung, Olivia Lee-Davies, Sean Lee Davies, Ankie Beilke, Almen Wong Blair and Qinnie Chan.

1 Ankie Beilke, Almen Wong Blair, Julian Chi Lam Cheung, Jade Wong 2 Almen Wong Blair 3 Socialite Elizabeth Lai

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4 Film director Alex Law 5 Managing Editor of Elite Traveler Asia Edition Nick Walton and wife Maggie Chooi 6 Julian Chi Lam Cheung, Mabel Cheung, Alex Law, Chan Wing Luk 7 Actress and model Ankie Beilke 8 Singer and actor Julian Chi Lam Cheung

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PICASSO SHOW OPENING NIGHT / HONG KONG The Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau recently collaborated with Alliance Française and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to exhibit “Picasso – Masterpieces from Musée National Picasso, Paris,” as part of the annual Le France May festival. The opening night event took place at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and in attendance were Tsang Tak-sing, GBS, JP,

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Secretary for Home Affairs; Arnaud Barthelemy, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; casino heir Pansy Ho; shipping magnate CC Tung; model Yvette Yuen; fashion designer Bonita Cheung and socialite Olivia Lee-Davies.

1 Sean Lee Davies, Olivia Lee-Davies and Peter Davies

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2 Mr. and Mrs. William Doo 3 Robert and Sally Lo

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4 Pansy Ho, Yvette Yuen 5 Arnaud Barthelemy, Joseph Fung

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6 Florence Lau, Michael Lau 7 Bonita Cheung

SPA... Privacy

SPA@saudiairlines.com | +966 9200 13310 www.saudiaspa.com.sa

Your SPA in the sky

FLASH

GRAND OPENING OF VAN CLEEF & ARPELS EXHIBIT / SHANGHAI Legendary jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated the opening of its own heritage

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exhibition at Shanghai’s Museum of Contemporary Art with an exclusive soiree attended by the city’s elite. Displayed in a dreamlike setting designed by Patrick Jouin and San-

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jit Manku, 100 years of the brand’s jewelry, watches and precious accessories were on show for the first time in China. In attendance were actresses Fan Bingbing, Gong Li and Zhang Jingchu, jeweler Samuel Kung, French senator Jean-Pierre Raffarin, model Pace Wu and Van Cleef & Arpels’s former president Stanislas de Quercize.

1 Fan Bingbing 2 Actress Qin Lan

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3 Actress Song Jia 4 Pace Wu 5 Samuel Kung, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Gong Li, Stanislas de Quercize 6 Zhang Jingchu 7 Actress and singer Guan Yue, actor Tong Dawei 8 Actor Wang Xueqi

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MONTBLANC FLAGSHIP OPENING / BEIJING Montblanc launched its new four-story flagship store in Beijing with a host of international celebrities from the worlds of film, music and the arts. Located in the Sanlitun, the imposing new boutique is Montblanc’s largest in the world and will exhibit the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco. The extravagant black-tie event welcomed the likes of actor Nicolas Cage and actresses Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, Maggie Cheung and Am-

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ber Heard.

4 1 Outside the new store 2 Actor Clemens Schick, Amber Heard 3 Model Bonnie Chen and guest 4 Naomi Watts, Lutz Bethge, Nicolas Cage, Jessica Alba 5 Model Patina Lin Jia-qi 6 Maggie Cheung 7 Amber Heard, Clemens Schick, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation Ingrid

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Roosen-Trinks 8 Bianca Bai, Hong Weiming

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9 Actor Vic Chow

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BEACH BY HORSEBACK / INTERCONTINENTAL HUA HIN

PERFECT DAY FOR PARASAILING

INFINITY POOL AT DUSK / DEVASOM HUA HIN RESORT

HEAVEN FOR SUNBATHERS

HUA HIN: THAILAND’S REGAL BEACH RETREAT For your next elite beach getaway, follow in the footsteps of Thailand’s monarchs and experience the hidden seaside gem of Hua Hin. Heralded as Thailand’s royal beach resort, tranquil Hua Hin has all the historic charm, stunning scenery and 21st-century luxury trappings of a top-notch coastal destination. Just like the city’s invite-only palace—whose name means “far from worries”—is an idyllic summer retreat for Thailand’s current king and queen, the area’s many luxury hotels promise private jet travelers their own stress-free seaside sojourn. The various resorts are set on Hua Hin’s powdery five-kilometer beach and surrounded by the highest density of world-class golf in Thailand. As one of the only areas that attracts both international jetsetters and local Thai elite, Hua Hin offers visitors a taste of traditional Thai culture with a touch of modern glamour. Mornings can be spent partaking in water sports or on one of the multiple award-winning golf courses, some designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, while afternoons beckon guests to unwind at any of the resorts’ spas, famous for their Thai hospitality and age-old healing techniques. Featuring some of the best authentic Thai cuisine, lavish resorts steeped in local history and fantastic opportunities for golf, Hua Hin is not to be missed by globetrotters seeking solace and relaxation in exotic Southeast Asia. The following pages highlight just a few of Hua Hin’s must-dos and must-stays.

Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.tourismthailand.org 55

POOLSIDE PARADISE / CENTARA GRAND BEACH RESORT & VILLAS HUA HIN

POOL DECK / INTERCONTINENTAL HUA HIN

HOTEL EXTERIOR / WORA BURA

WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO IN BEAUTIFUL HUA HIN

the city’s cultural and natural sights. Sunny skies, pleas-

Lining Hua Hin’s main attraction—five kilometers of powdery,

ideal for outdoorsy types. Adrenaline junkies can parasail

white-sand beach—are all manner of upscale resorts, from

and kiteboard, while animal lovers might opt for horse-

striking high-rises to charming hotels characterized by tra-

back riding along the beach or donning snorkeling gear

ditional low-rise Thai-colonial architecture. Whether you’re

to discover Hua Hin’s marine life. At some hotels, guests

looking for a stand-alone beachfront villa that nods gallantly

can even try their hand at arts and crafts, including candle

to the area’s rich history, or a sleek suite with a modern vibe,

making and Batik and glass painting. A vibrant market is a

this seaside escape has accommodations to suit all tastes.

great place to shop for original artwork and fine silks, while

Lovebirds will find privacy and seclusion in smaller boutique properties, where romance unfolds over candlelit dinSEASIDE ADVENTURES

ant sea breezes and low rainfall year-round make Hua Hin

the local bars and late-night karaoke are an excellent way to let loose come evening.

ners by the beach and rose petal-filled soaking tubs, while

Recommended sightseeing excursions include a trip to

families can choose from numerous hotels with creative

the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, nestled in the area’s mountain-

kid’s club programming and swimming pools for children of

ous region, which greets guests with a glass of fresh grape

all ages. History buffs might find the Centara Grand Beach

juice and gives them the chance to ride on elephant-back

Resort & Villas Hua Hin of particular interest—originally

through the vineyard, sample a selection of wines and

constructed in 1923 as the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, the prop-

pair their choices with a three-course meal served in the

erty paved the way for Hua Hin’s development as an interna-

winery’s restaurant. For a taste of history, spend an after-

tional vacation destination, and today the classic building is

noon perusing the shops at Plearnwan, a “living museum”

both a city landmark and a much-loved local grande dame.

exhibiting Hua Hin’s past through food, drink and music.

Wherever you choose to bed down, though, you’ll be met

A stop at the Pa La-u Waterfall, actually made up of two

with breathtaking sea views, a warm Thai welcome and im-

separate waterfalls, Pa La-u Yai and Pa La-u Noi, promises

maculate hospitality and service for the length of your stay.

visitors striking natural beauty. The waterfall runs over 11

WARM UP

While offerings at the resorts do range, visitors to Hua Hin have access to a tremendous array of activities, from

tiers of rock and is nestled amongst a lush forest that is home to exotic wildlife.

exhilarating water-based sports and world-class golf, to

There’s nothing like the highest density of courses in Thai-

Thai cooking classes and wine tastings, to explorations of

land to keep golfers on their game, and Hua Hin has greens

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB HUA HIN

SOOTHING SOAK / INTERCONTINENTAL HUA HIN

PICTURE-PERFECT SERENITY / CHIVA-SOM

SPA SETUP / INTERCONTINENTAL HUA HIN

to entice and delight all manner of linksmen, from

region’s renowned spas. An afternoon (or several

gamut on cuisine. Sample international delights

casual weekend dabblers to seasoned pros. These

days) of pampering can include treatments that in-

at a beachside open-air eatery, get your pasta

standout courses are designed by golfing legends

vigorate, rejuvenate, melt away tension or simply

fix at an authentic Italian restaurant adjacent to

themselves, including Jack Nicklaus, and are not

get your skin to glow. While massages, scrubs and

a hotel’s lagoon pool or take in some jazz while

only beautiful and challenging to play but also come

facials employ traditional Thai healing techniques,

munching on small plates. A romantic date night

equipped with on-site spas, restaurants and state-

spa menus also draw upon the therapeutic prac-

can be spent at the local bistro, Brasserie De

of-the-art clubhouses. Beautifully landscaped

tices of other nations, including India’s ayurveda

Paris, where fresh seafood is served with a clas-

courses, often two or three at one club, are easily

and Sweden’s famous hot stones. Poolside spa

sic French touch. Or, for guests looking to turn

accessible from the region’s top hotels and make

cabanas, Jacuzzis, steam and sauna are just some

up the heat with some traditional Hua Hin fare,

the most of their lush mountain setting (think strik-

of the other offerings at these wellness oases. In

Sang Thai Seafood serves local shellfish cooked

ing downhill fairways). Among these award-win-

addition to sublime spas, Hua Hin’s high-end ho-

with Thai spices and chilies. Chatchai Market, an

ning golf clubs is one of Thailand’s top ten courses,

tels also boast top-notch fitness centers featur-

outdoor street market, gives visitors the chance

per Golf Digest, as well as educational centers that

ing state-of-the-art gym equipment, as well as a

to mingle with Hua Hin natives while picking up

offer one-off lessons, camps and programs hosted

combination of yoga, tennis, beach volleyball and

everything from vegetables and meat to cook

by PGA-qualified instructors and catering to various

badminton facilities—no need to skip a workout if

back at their villa’s kitchen, to kitschy souvenirs

levels of expertise.

physical fitness is part of your stress-busting rou-

to keep as mementos of the trip.

Golf is such a celebrated part of Hua Hin life

tine! Indeed, Hua Hin is home to one of the most

The offerings of Hua Hin are so vast and varied

that the area is home to various companies

famous health retreats on the planet, Chiva-Som,

that they are sure to please any elite traveler. Truly

strictly focused on organizing golfing vacations.

where guests learn to incorporate healthy eating,

a destination fit for royals, Hua Hin offers jetsetters

Hua Hin even hosts an annual golf festival, held

physical well-being and therapeutic spa time into

the best of the best in cuisine, golf and relaxation.

in August and September, and visiting golfers

their lives in a way that enhances their daily expe-

can be treated like pros at the Hua Hin Amateur

rience and appreciation of the world around them.

Golf Week, with four separate tournaments held over a week this coming March.

For gourmands, Hua Hin has a plethora of tempting eating options in addition to some of

Serenity seekers, meanwhile, can spend their

the best Thai food on earth. Each of the area’s

days soaking up the sun on a quiet spot of beach,

resorts boasts its own restaurant, and in some

or restoring inner balance and calm at one of the

cases up to seven unique venues, which run the 57

WATCH TRENDS

1 MB&F teamed up with Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva to create the HM3 MoonMachine, 1

which uses the HM3 Frog design as a start but takes it light years forward. The passage of two hand-finished rotating moon faces (inspired by Sarpaneva’s own mug) through the central aperture indicates the phases of the moon. The stars on the blue dial reflect light from the movement beneath (US$98,000).

Contact: Linda Lee at L’Atelier by The Hour Glass in Singapore, 65-6509-9268; www.mbandf.com 2 The silver-dial version of the Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1461 watch echoes its moon phase function in a clever, understated way. The selfwinding 43mm watch has a retro design heightened by the brand’s mesh-steel bracelet. The timepiece touts a complete calendar with a 1,461-day memory and is water resistant to about 164 feet (US$9,800).

Contact: Shuichi Ono at Breitling in Tokyo, 81-3-3289-1884; www.breitling.com

OVER THE MOON

3 This limited-edition vintage take on the renowned

The moon phase function is the watch world’s most poetic complication.

Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome Tonneau

Let these timepieces pull you in with their lunar glow.

watch might look back for inspiration, but it still

BY JESSICA MICHAULT

has a contemporary feel. Limited to 65 pieces, the 52-by-37mm self-winding watch features a moon 2

3

phase display, day and month indicators and a chronograph minute counter (US$13,250).

Contact: Gil Jonaton at Dubey & Schaldenbrand in La Chaux-de-Fonds, 41-32-924-93-60; www.dubeywatch.com 4 The lifelike look of the moon phase option on the HD3 Slyde watch comes thanks to its touch-screen dial. Simply slide your finger across the 47mm watch’s screen to change functions. The black titanium PVD case comes attached to a black rubber strap and can be updated with new complications online via a USB cable (US$7,695).

44

5

Contact: Jeffrey Leong at E’Collezione in Singapore, 65-6737-3820; www.hd3complication.com 5 The Masterpiece Tradition Phases de Lune watch from Maurice Lacroix is part of a new line of five contemporary-style watches. The classic lines of this 40mm stainless steel timepiece are enhanced by the “man in the moon” lunar display at 6 o’clock.

A smiling face shows when the moon is full, framed by a starry-night backdrop (from US$4,650).

Contact: Juliana Tan at Maurice Lacroix in Singapore, 65-6339-8787; www.mauricelacroix.de

58

DOWNLOAD A FREE SWISS WATCH GUIDE AT www.elitetraveler.com/swisswatch

Value Redefined ...

The Firs t Premium All-Inclusive Resor t in Maldives‌

Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo South Ari Atoll, The Maldives Tel: +960 668 00 13 | Fax: +960 668 06 46 | sales@lilybeachmaldives.com | www.lilybeachmaldives.com

WATCH TRENDS

6 Traditional style and state-of-the-art craftsmanship marry perfectly in the GlashĂźtte Original Senator Moon Phase Skeletonized Edition. Reworked this year with a new red gold case, the design allows both the mechanism and the function to shine.

On the dial, the power reserve and small seconds indicators balance the moon phase (US$46,500).

Contact: Carol Lee at Elegant Watch Co. in Taipei, 886-2-2781-8222; www.glashuette-original.com 7 The classic Jules Audemars Moon Phase watch

6

from Audemars Piguet is a great investment for any collector. The choice of a thin bezel and baton hour indicators imparts a timeless appeal and a slightly retro vibe, while providing breathing room for the moon phase function. The unexpected 39mm case size makes this watch truly stand out (US$29,800).

Contact: Customer Service at Audemars Piguet in Hong Kong, 852-2525-5478; www.audemarspiguet.com 8 The 43mm L.U.C Lunar One watch from Chopard is chockablock with complications. It features a perpetual calendar and a leap year and day/night indicator in addition to the standard hours, minutes and small seconds hands. It is within the seconds 7

8

sub-dial that the orbital moon phase display circles around the function (US$63,600).

Contact: Robert Li at Chopard in Shanghai, 86-21-6136-7866; www.chopard.com 9 For Carl F. Bucherer, the key to the new versions of its Manero MoonPhase watch was to make all the functions on the dial work in easy harmony.

The rose gold moon is cut in the same shade as the 38mm watch and is balanced on the dial with the day, month and date functions, giving this watch a reserved sophistication (from US$12,900).

Contact: Customer Service at Carl F. Bucherer in 9

10

Dubai, 971-4-2329-8333; www.carl-f-bucherer.com 10 Black and bold, the Torpedo Pirata Barbanegra from Cuervo y Sobrinos uses the moon’s glow to draw in collectors. This limited-edition watch (just 100 pieces) also features 12 hours, 30 minutes and central seconds chronographs as well as a calendar display that circles the edge of the dial. The 45mm case is crafted from bronze, titanium and burnished steel with black DLC coating (US$10,400).

Contact: Customer Service at Takashimaya Tamagawa in Tokyo, 81-3-3709-3111; www.cuervoysobrinos.com

60

DOWNLOAD A FREE SWISS WATCH GUIDE AT www.elitetraveler.com/swisswatch

11 Graff’s bold 48mm GyroGraff watch uses a three-dimensional “gyrograph” lunar display that charts the daily progression of the moon’s phases.

Its off-set placement at 8 o’clock gives balance to the watch’s double axis tourbillon. The watch, limited to ten pieces in rose or white gold, has a 60hour power reserve and the brand’s iconic faceted case (price available upon request).

Contact: Jasper Su at Graff in Taipei, 886-2-2523-8000; www.graffdiamonds.com 12 The IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar watch has filled its midnight blue dial with a number of important functions, but it is the cut-out perpetual and hemisphere lunar display at 12 o’clock that really draws the eye. The 44.2mm white gold watch has a seven-day power reserve, four-digit date dis-

11

play and sapphire glass case back (US$41,000).

Contact: Gary Soloveicik at IWC in Hong Kong, 852-2301-3011; www.iwc.com 13 Ulysse Nardin’s Classico Luna line takes the moon phase function back to basics. The slim watch has its lunar display in a simple, chic aperture that rotates around the center of the dial once every 12 hours. As the satellite’s monthly cycle progresses, the moon disk increases or decreases in size as

12

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the moon waxes or wanes (Ref. 8293-122-2/41: US$8,500; Ref. 8296-123BC-2/991: US$22,800).

Contact: Anita Chen at Ulysse Nardin in Taipei, 886-2-2877-2567; www.ulysse-nardin.ch 14 This Patek Philippe ladies’ mechanical handwound watch (4968R-001) gives its moon phase function pride of place. The mother-of-pearl dial has a clean, readable design, which focuses on the lunar sub-dial at 6 o ‘clock. This beautiful timepiece comes in a 33.3mm white or rose gold case and is framed by 273 diamonds on the bezel (about US$50,169).

Contact: Joe Tsang at Emperor Watch & Jewellery

14

15

in Hong Kong, 852-2526-9699; www.patek.com 15 The original, organic look of the Toledo 1952 watch from Vacheron Constantin resonates nicely with the rounded shape of a full moon. The lunar function, with golden accents against midnight blue, pops off the silvered dial featuring a guilloché center. This 35.7-by-43.1mm watch features day and month indications as well (US$38,200).

Contact: Erin Xu at Vacheron Constantin in Shanghai, 86-21-3395-0800; www.vacheron-constantin.com

61

WATCH TRENDS 16 The Piaget Gouverneur Moonphase tourbillon timepiece is elegance personified. The watch case blends both round and oval shapes, a feat that is subtly enhanced by the style of moon phase appliqué indicators displayed at 6 o’clock. The ultra-thin, handwound watch has a 642P movement housed in a 43mm rose gold case (price available upon request).

Contact: Elaine Kwok at Piaget in Hong Kong, 852-2530-2188; www.piaget.com 17 The 42mm Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre is a beautiful mix of mechanics and emotions. The watch touts a jumping foudroyante seconds hand along with date and moon displays. To power all the functions, this watch offers two independent power supplies: One regulated by the escapement and balance, and the other for the time, date and moon displays (US$38,100).

Contact: Nicola Cagliata at Jaeger-LeCoultre in Beverly Hills, (310) 734-0525; www.jaeger-lecoultre.com 18 The real draw of the Moonwatch Moonphase

16

timepiece from Omega is the shining moon aperture located at 12 o’clock. The crisp, clean design of the other functions (including tachymeter and 17

18

chronograph) looks sleek and stealthy against the watch’s black dial. A display back completes the 42mm stainless steel case (US$11,500).

Contact: Customer Service at Omega in Jakarta, 62-21-5140-2707; www.omegawatches.com 19 The circles-upon-circles design of the 38.5mm Lange 1 Moonphase watch from A. Lange & Söhne echoes the shape of a full moon. The dial poses the off-center hour and minute indicators against that of the moon phase and the dual-aperture outsized date displays (from about US$39,483 in pink gold).

Contact: Patrick Choi at A. Lange & Söhne in Hong Kong, 852-2312-2085; 19

20

www.alange-soehne.com 20 From Breguet’s Heritage collection comes the graceful Phase de Lune Retrograde 8860 watch. The curved tonneau rose gold case is off-set with a round guilloché mother-of-pearl dial for the hour and minute indicators. The moon phase aperture in the upper right corner of the dial gives off a golden glow as the moon’s face winks out to the world (US$28,700).

Contact: Customer Service at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, 65-6338-6006; www.breguet.ch

62

Chamonix, Courchevel 1850, Crans-Montana, Davos, Megeve, Meribel, St. Moritz, Val d’Isere, Verbier, Zermatt

Kings Avenue Sàrl 14, Rue de Rhône, CH-1204 Genève Switzerland +41 22 819 94 07 www.kingsavenue.com contact@kingsavenue.com

HOROLOGY

TABLETOP TIMEKEEPING Timepiece enthusiasts focused on which wristwatch to wear on any given day may overlook the integral role a table clock plays in the home or the office. The clock was the first truly mechanical form of timekeeping and has seen countless iterations over the centuries, reaching its apex during the 1930s Art Deco period. The following companies keep the age-old art of clock making relevant for today’s connoisseur.

64

BY NATE BORGELT

PATEK PHILIPPE

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

CARTIER

Patek Philippe workshops continue to fash-

Invented in the 1920s, the aptly named At-

Cartier’s rich history of craftsmanship in-

ion one-of-a-kind cloisonné enamel dome

mos clock is powered through fluctuations

cludes spectacular clocks and the company

clocks. The renowned watchmaker began

in barometric pressure in the atmosphere.

continues to build beautiful examples for

producing clocks in the 1950s and over the

The Atmos du Millénaire Transparente

their clientele. Part of their Exceptional

years has created a bevy of unique pieces.

Joaillerie is a modern iteration of a mid-

clocks line, the Venetian Inspiration Décor

Diverse and imaginative themes range from

century classic, enhancing the elegance of

Clock channels the brand’s exquisite design

nature scenes to cityscapes and more. The

the case to correspond with the elegant mo-

principles and incorporates Cartier’s 6002

clock is fashioned with precise finesse—the

tions of the movement. The clock, comprised

mechanical movement. The sterling silver

detail and color of each dome is a prime ex-

of 18K white gold with mother-of-pearl and

timekeeper, available in his and her sizes,

ample of quality craftsmanship—to create

diamond accents, displays the time, moon

is finished in palladium and stands on a

vibrant and exceptional works of art (about

phase, month and year up to 3000 (reference

black-lacquered base with red jasper cabo-

US$62,980).

5745102: US$80,000).

chon elements (reference W0100146: about

Contact: Customer Service at Patek

Contact: Nicola Cagliata at Jaeger-LeCoultre

US$23,354).

Philippe in Shanghai, 86-21-5308-1886;

in Beverly Hills, (310) 734-0525;

Contact: Feony Ho at Cartier in Hong Kong,

www.patek.com

www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

852-2522-2963; www.cartier.com

FREE LUXURY INSIDER NEWSLETTER! ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT www.elitetraveler.com or email webinfo@elitetraveler.com

Luxury in the heart of Florence

Located on the historic Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy is the perfect place to absorb the intoxicating Florentine atmosphere, with luxurious accommodation moments away from the city’s famous attractions and fashion houses.

Piazza della Repubblica, 7 50123 Florence (Italy) T. +39 055 27 35 1 F +39 055 27 35 888 reservations.savoy@roccofortehotels.com roccofortehotels.com Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Abu Dhabi, Berlin, Brussels, Edinburgh, Florence, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Munich, Prague, Rome, St Petersburg, Sicily.

Future Openings: Cairo, Jeddah, Luxor, Marrakech.

RESORT FOCUS SPECIAL PROMOTION

METROJET: ENABLING LIFE’S ELITE JOURNEYS From VIP service that rivals the best in the industry, to an operational record that is second to none, Metrojet continues to exceed the expectations of jetsetters in Asia Pacific.

With more than 30 years of regional experience under its belt, leading busi-

customers enjoy the hassle-free mobility that makes their unique lifestyle

ness aviation company Metrojet offers comprehensive private jet charter ser-

possible. A confidential in-flight environment is guaranteed, and onboard cui-

vices, as well as aircraft management and maintenance. An unwavering con-

sine includes signature Peninsula dishes, crafted to the same exacting stan-

viction to deliver best-in-class services has earned this family business its

dards as they are when served on the ground.

six-star status, and a gleaming reputation for consistent, reliable operational excellence, impeccable service and uncompromised luxury.

REST ASSURED Safety, of course, is paramount: Metrojet’s maintenance facility holds a

AT YOUR SERVICE

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Whether you’re a private owner, charter flight customer or industry part-

uals. Touting a fully certified repair station with key maintenance approvals,

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the company works with all key players in the industry, delivering full-service

on delivering meticulous, unmatched levels of service, Metrojet is the only

business aviation solutions, complete with peace of mind.

business aviation group to have its cabin crew trained in VIP service by the world-renowned Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong.

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66

THE KEY TO QUALITY While Metrojet grows to meet the increasing private aviation needs in the

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LIMITED EDITIONS

TIMEPIECES FIT FOR ADVENTURE With so few real adventures left in our world, it is nice to know that you can take part in two genuine ones undertaken over the last year—at least by wearing the same watch.

BY ELIZABETH DOERR

KOBOLD WATCHES HIMALAYA EVEREST EDITION Michael Kobold is not just a watchmaker; he is also an adventurer of sorts. But then again he has to be: The products manufactured by his brand, Kobold Watches, are marketed and sold to military units, police forces and intrepid adventurers. And with good reason, as a Kobold timepiece can take anything that is dished out.

Case in point: In 2008, Kobold spontaneously joined brand ambassador Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by the Guinness Book of World Records as “the world’s greatest living adventurer,” on a Mount Everest bid. Kobold was ill-prepared to climb and did not even expect to reach base camp, the

ZENITH EL PRIMERO

last settlement before serious alpinists scale the earth’s highest moun-

STRATOS FLYBACK

tain. He made it up much higher before both men were forced to retreat.

When Zenith CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour created the program of ambas-

EL PRIMERO STRATOS FLYBACK / ZENITH

The duo topped the summit in 2009, and the Pittsburgh-based watch

sadors called “Legends” in 2009, it was unclear what the program would

manufacturer repeated the feat in 2010 with his wife. During the three

entail. Today, the public is clear on who these legends are: Extraordinary

courageous climbs, the lives of Kobold and his cohorts were seriously

people setting goals that others do not even dare dream of.

endangered. Only by the grace of their skilled Sherpas did they survive.

One of these pioneers is Swedish environmentalist explorer Johan

In his gratitude, Kobold decided to train the two members of the Sherpa

Ernst Nilson, who began a treacherous journey called Pole2Pole without

caste as watchmakers and have them run a new subsidiary in Kathman-

the aid of machinery from the North Pole to the South Pole in April 2011.

du called Kobold Watch Company Nepal (Pvt.) Ltd as co-owners.

He started out on skis, pulling a sled across the North Pole; other forms

The “made in Nepal” Kobold model assembled in Namgel Sherpa and

of transport included a dogsled, bicycle and kite-sled over ice.

Thundu Sherpa’s workshop is called the Himalaya. Housed in a 44mm

Nilson faced extreme climates on his odyssey, far below zero in the

stainless steel case made in the US, the brown or black dial—character-

Arctic and Antarctic regions to more than 50°C in the Mexican desert and

istic of Kobold in its clarity—is placed beneath sapphire crystal and over

cloying humidity in the Mexican jungle. On December 14, 2011, he cele-

a special automatic movement. Caliber K.2651 is based on a vintage

brated the centennial of pioneering explorer Roald Amundsen’s conquest

Förster movement from Pforzheim that currently only Kobold utilizes.

of the South Pole on ice before finally reaching his goal on February 17,

The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters and has an alligator strap.

2012. The two explorers have more than just their Scandinavian heritage

To celebrate the opening of the Nepal branch, Kobold created the lim-

in common; they both wore Zenith watches on their historical journeys.

ited Himalaya Everest Edition with a dial crafted from Mt. Everest lime-

During his Pole2Pole expedition, Nilson wore the limited-edition El

stone plucked from the summit and carried back down in 2009 by Kobold

Primero Stratos Flyback, a watch he has literally put through every test

himself. A German company then spent 24 months crafting beautiful

for robustness and reliability imaginable. This chronograph, limited to

5mm-thick dials from this rock—making each of these 25 special time-

500 pieces, is housed in a 45.5mm blackened alloy case outfitted with a

pieces retailing for $16,500 inimitably unique.

nearly scratchproof black ceramic rotating bezel. The black dial, whose

Contact: Kobold Watches' Brian Satchell, (412) 722-1277;

markers and hands are inlaid with Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility

brian@koboldwatch.com; www.koboldwatch.com

even under the harshest of conditions, is protected by a domed version of the second-hardest substance known to man: Sapphire crystal, which only diamond can injure.

HIMALAYA EVEREST EDITION / KOBOLD WATCHES

This tough watch, available on a metal bracelet or a fabric or rubber strap, is powered by Zenith’s own automatic El Primero movement, a legend in itself. The durable flyback chronograph is completed by a telemetric scale, which Nilson could use for measuring distances. Finally, the date window at 6 o’clock certainly helped remind him of the passage of time over the course of his perilous journey, from which he returned with cracked ribs, frostbitten toes and other maladies that required an immediate hospital stay. Secured by a black triple folding clasp, this bold watch, a tribute to Nilson, retails for $8,900.

Contact: Customer Service at Zenith in Shanghai, 86-21-5204-2886; www.zenith-watches.com 68

JEWELRY TRENDS

WHITE DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Nothing screams luxury more loudly than diamonds.

Both classic and elegant, white diamonds have long been treasured for their intrinsic beauty and value. For fall, these timeless gems have been given a modern update with artistic designs, contrasting materials and cuttingedge settings.

BY DIVIA HARILELA

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1 The fluid movements of a ballerina are recre-

Contact: Chris Lau at Graff in Shanghai,

exotic diamond brooch with a pearl at its center.

ated in De Beers’s Swan Lake Red Carpet col-

86-21-6321-6660; www.graffdiamonds.com

The brooch, part of a traveling collection, debuts

lection. Sweeping lines cross to form this unique

in Hong Kong in October (price available upon re-

rhodium-plated white gold bracelet. Fancy-cut

3 Cartier’s new Secrets et Merveilles high jewel-

quest).

diamonds totalling 41.28 carats are set in half

ry collection celebrates diamonds in all their glo-

Contact: Kan Au at Chanel Fine Jewellery in

bezels to create a look of lightness (US$450,000).

ry with styles fit for a queen. The elaborate pen-

Hong Kong, 852-2869-4898; www.chanel.com

Contact: Jackie Liu at De Beers in Beijing,

dant earrings are made from platinum and come

86-10-5738-2668; www.debeers.hk

to life with shapes ranging from modern cushion

5 When Louis Vuitton launched its high jewelry

cuts to pear, baguette, square and brilliant-cut

line in 2008, the brand chartered new ground with

2 Inspired by classic Chinese scroll paintings,

diamonds (price available upon request).

its own exclusive diamond cuts. The flower cut,

Graff’s Scroll necklace evokes a sense of Old

Contact: Sally Han at Cartier in Beijing,

based on the house’s iconic monogram print, is

World glamour. It features various diamond

86-10-8517-1221; www.cartier.com

the focus of its Les Ardentes ring, which features a 1.5-carat diamond surrounded by 152 brilliant

shapes ranging from traditional round to pear,

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4

with a heart shape taking pride of place as the

4 Coco Chanel’s trip to Venice in the 1920s is the

diamonds totalling 1.3 carats (price available

central stone in some designs. Elaborate swirls

starting point for the new Secret d’Orient collec-

upon request).

create a sophisticated look (price available upon

tion by Chanel. Referencing the Byzantine style,

Contact: Customer Service at Louis Vuitton in

request).

her signature camellia is transformed into an

Singapore, 65-6788-3888; www.louisvuitton.com

DOWNLOAD A FREE ELITE JEWELRY GUIDE AT www.elitetraveler.com/jewelryguide

6

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6 American jeweler Tiffany & Co. celebrates its

Contact: Cherry Lo at Damiani in Hong Kong,

diamonds totaling 25.95 carats. Diamond leaves

175th anniversary this year with a collection that

852-2196-8798; www.damiani.com

dangle from the bottom to create volume and

recreates some archival pieces while paying trib-

movement—another unmistakable trait of the

ute to its most iconic designs. Favorites include

8 Hong Kong-based Wallace Chan has the privi-

house (US$215,000).

the sunburst diamond earrings in platinum de-

lege of being the first Chinese jeweler to exhibit

Contact: Brenda Shek at Bulgari in Macau,

signed by Jean Schlumberger, who was known

his work at the upcoming Biennale des Anti-

853-2875-2386; www.bulgari.com

for his whimsical creations (debuting in October;

quaires in Paris. His latest collection includes

price available upon request).

the Circles of Light earrings featuring a pair of

10 Piaget’s new jewelry collection is inspired by

Contact: Cindy Lo at Tiffany & Co. in Macau,

three-carat old-cut diamonds and a pair of one-

the award-winning Yves Piaget rose, which was

853-2872-3660; www.tiffany.com

carat emerald-cut diamonds, mixed with crystal

cultivated in 1982. The Piaget Rose collection is

(price available upon request).

a tribute to this unique flower, characterized by

7 Paying homage to one of Italy’s most beloved

Contact: Maggie Hong at Wallace Chan in Hong

its 80 petals. Highlights include the 18K white

actresses, the Sophia Loren necklace from Da-

Kong, 852-2523-2788; www.wallace-chan.com

gold diamond ring featuring six brilliant-cut dia-

miani is definitely a statement piece. This white

monds, seven pear-cut diamonds and white chal-

gold necklace is made up of circles embellished

9 Smooth contours characterize Bulgari’s lat-

cedony for a modern touch (about US$49,110).

with 1,352 diamonds totalling 81 carats for a bold

est high jewelry collection, which includes this

Contact: Cate Hsu at Piaget in Beijing,

and fashion-forward look (US$720,000).

stunning bracelet made from white gold and pavé

86-10-6533-1486; www.piaget.com 71

ACCESSORIES GEMS+JEWELS

1

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JADE PALACE

Go beyond green—carved jade jewels feel fresh and feminine in delicate shades of white and lavender.

BY DREW TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR

1 Jade cuff with wood, colored sapphires and brown diamonds, US$45,600, Wendy Yue. Contact: Customer Service at Wendy Yue in Hong Kong, 852-2142-8188;

www.wendyyue.com. 2 18K white gold earrings with jade, sapphires and pavé diamonds, US$26,000, Mimi So. Contact: Naoko Kaburagi at Isetan in Tokyo, 81-3-3225-3142; www.mimiso.com.

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1 Lavender jade necklace, US$6,600, Dana Rebecca Designs. Contact: Kelly Durbin at Broken English in Santa Monica, Calif., (310) 458-2724;

www.danarebeccadesigns.com. 2 18K white gold earrings with lavender jade and diamonds, price available upon request, Paolo Costagli. Contact: Jenny Chu at Jenny Chu Consulting in Hong Kong, 852-2868-9772; www.paolocostagli.com. 3 Lavender jade earrings with diamonds, US$21,400, Bochic. Contact: Joshua Jones at Jean Brown in Brisbane, 61-7-3257-2888; www.bochic.com.

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ACCESSORIES GEMS+JEWELS

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PEARL JAM

These aren’t your grandmother’s pearls: Forgo simple strands in favor of a statement-making, sculptural cuff.

1 Rhodium-plated sterling silver cuff with Tahitian pearl, US$1,033, Misaki. Contact: Customer Service at Jewellery Gallery on Hay in Perth, 61-8-9221-4433;

www.misaki.com. 2 18K white gold bangle with Tahitian pearls and diamonds, US$19,000, Mastoloni Pearls. Contact: Amir Mozaffarian at Amir Mozaffarian Jewelers in San Francisco, (415) 391-9995; www.mastoloni.com. 3 18K white gold bangle with pearls and diamonds, US$50,000, Mikimoto.

Contact: Customer Service at Mikimoto America, (800) 223-4008; www.mikimotoamerica.com. 4 18K white gold bangle pendant with Tahitian pearls and diamonds, US$49,500, Yael Sonia. Contact: Anna Cheng at AME Gallery in Hong Kong, 852-3564-8066; www.yaelsonia.com.

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Photo: www.jimmynelson.com

Explore the Energy of Creation

0.90 ct & 0.50 ct white G/vs diamonds, white G/vs diamond pavĂŠs, 18K white gold & sapphires.

Available at LANE CRAWFORD Hong Kong London | Paris | New York | Los Angeles | Miami | Las Vegas | Dallas | Moscow | Doha | Hong Kong | Barcelona Copenhagen | Oslo | Amsterdam | Hamburg | Munich | Zurich | St Tropez | Courchevel | Knokke | Andorra | Kiev | St Maarten

www.shamballajewels.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

RUNWAY REPORT

VIKTOR & ROLF

CHRISTIAN DIOR

CHRISTIAN DIOR

CHRISTIAN DIOR

CHRISTIAN DIOR

BACK TO THE FUTURE As Asian buyers turn up at the season’s haute couture runways en force, the world of high fashion puts on an unforgettable show, always keeping the past in mind while paving the way for the future.

BY JESSICA MICHAULT

The pendulum for purchasing haute couture has swung away from Europe and towards Asia. It is from the Orient that a growing number of style-savvy clients have flocked to Paris to take in the shows and tick off which one-of-a-kind looks they want to call their own.

As luck would have it many of these newcomer couture buyers were witness to some of the most unforgettable haute couture creations in recent memory, the pinnacle of which was the debut of the Belgian designer Raf Simons at Christian Dior.

For many the arrival of Simons at Dior marks a new era in fashion. The show was the final chapter in what was a yearand-a-half-long drama that started when John Galliano was fired from the house in disgrace after hurling racist slurs at a couple in a Parisian bar. What followed was a long and very public search for Galliano’s replacement. But with just three months to create not only his first collection as the creative director of Dior, but also his first ever haute couture show, 76

CHANEL

VERSACE

VIKTOR & ROLF CHANEL

CHANEL

VERSACE

VERSACE

Simons sent out a tour de force collection that will go down in

the house and make them look modern. In a palette of grays

the annals of fashion history.

and pinks the designer showed a collection of covetable tweed

WHERE TO BUY

coats and lovely long and lean eveningwear. But the real muse

CHANEL

amazed his audience by covering a series of rooms—from

of the Chanel show was none other than Lagerfeld’s new kit-

Contact: Wilson Tay,

floor to ceiling—in over a million fresh flowers. Each room

ten, Choupette. The bride’s dress was inspired by the de-

65-6733-5120;

had its own bloom, from pink roses and white orchids to yel-

signer’s feline companion (who has her own Twitter feed—@

www.chanel.com

low mimosa and blue delphiniums. A modern minimalist, Si-

ChoupettesDiary—with almost 12,000 followers), and the new

mons is a 180-degree change in fashion direction from the

Chanel handbag has also been baptized Choupette.

Even before Simons sent out his first look he had already

CHRISTIAN DIOR Contact: Bonnie Ho,

embellished romantic style of Galliano. But for his first collec-

Another fashion moment at the shows was Donatella Ver-

tion, the designer made the perfect move by paying homage to

sace’s first Atelier Versace haute couture runway show in

852-2269-5000;

Mr. Dior and his iconic 1947 “New Look” collection. And more

15 years. She returned to the Ritz, where the designer’s late

www.dior.com

specifically, its most famous ensemble—the Bar.

brother Gianni Versace once showed his mythical creations.

She sent out a show that was pure Versace. All the codes of

VERSACE

1950s with a reserved and streamlined sensibility that looked

the house were in the collection: The hip-high slits on gowns,

Contact: Moliuedee

thoroughly modern. In this haute couture collection Simons

pastel chain mail, body con construction and skin on display.

Wamnarit, 66-2-610-9889;

proved, with his delicately embroidered mini ball dresses worn

But there was nothing nostalgic about this show. Versace was

www.versace.com

over cigarette pants, gowns crafted from bands of pale pink and

able to update the DNA of her brand via the patchwork motif

blue feathers, strips of organza or a pointillism effect of chiffon

she used on dresses and “venetian blind” outfits crafted from

tabs, and curvy brightly colored coats, that architectural con-

leather strips. The looks were undeniably sexy but explored

struction would be a key element to his future designs.

the concept in an original way.

The sculptural show fused the hourglass shapes of the

But the Dior show was not the only impressive collection

What these collections prove is that the future of fashion

on display during haute couture week. Karl Lagerfeld created

lies in remembering its past. But as any haute couture buyer

a Chanel collection called “New Vintage,” which explored the

knows, it takes a real artist to transform a brand’s history into

idea of how to reinterpret the past codes, shapes and styles of

its future.

77

RUNWAY REPORT

BURBERRY PRORSUM

HERMÈS

SUIT YOURSELF Get ready to close the deal of a lifetime in the

It was from a distance and he was walking up the steps to the Petit Palais in Paris to catch a Stella McCartney show when he was in the thick of buying up brands for Gucci Group. I had no idea at the time

perfect power suit—meticulous tailoring, sleek

that it was Ford I was glimpsing. What I did know

lines and fine fabrics impart striking sophistica-

right away was that, whoever the man was, he was

tion and confidence this fall.

wearing a fantastic suit.

BY JESSICA MICHAULT

Luckily for those men looking for the long-distance “Tom Ford” impact, there are a lot of suit op-

The summer already feels like a distant memory and

tions to choose from this season and a number of

for many men the casual attire that goes with holiday

brands (like Z Zegna) are finally starting to make

vacations has no place in their wardrobe come fall. It

slimmer suit versions of their catwalk looks.

is time to take things seriously, sartorially speaking, and that means investing in a well-tailored suit.

Z ZEGNA

The business suit is the uniform of the corpo-

came out with a dapper gray version in a higher cut

rate world. And just like with military attire, when

that featured six buttons to create a super snug fit.

a businessman goes into battle, he needs to look

And fit is the key to getting the double-breasted suit

sharp and focused. The power of a well-tailored

right. If you don’t want to look like a reject from a

suit is so strong that its force can be felt even before

gangster film skip the shoulder pads and keep the

the man wearing it comes into view.

double-breasted jacket trim and short.

I will never forget the first time I saw Tom Ford.

78

One of the biggest suit trends of the moment is the double-breasted variety. Burberry Prorsum

The most popular suit option continues to be the

DRIES VAN NOTEN

GIVENCHY

WHERE TO BUY two-button, but designers are trying to spice up the old standby in a few creative ways. At Hermès and Z Zegna the introduction of a bit of shine into the fab-

BURBERRY PRORSUM Contact: Candice Xavier, 61-2-8296-8588; www.burberry.com

ric gave the suits some extra pizzazz. At Dries Van Noten the addition of a pocket square drew the eye up to the torso, making it a great accessory for any man looking to keep the focus off his midsection.

While at Givenchy, designer Riccardo Tisci went for tone on tone black suits that are a perfect way to look both sophisticated and cool.

DRIES VAN NOTEN Contact: Customer Service, 81-3-5766-8607; www.driesvannoten.be GIVENCHY Contact: Customer Service, 86-21-5213-7838; www.givenchy.com

But if you can only invest in one new suit this season then stick with the classic two-button gray incarnation. It is the male equivalent of the little black dress. It works in almost any situation. Just make sure that the gray shade is right in the middle of the color spectrum (not too dark, not too light).

The gray Louis Vuitton suit designed by Kim Jones

HERMÈS Contact: Peppermint Zhang, 852-2525-5900; www.hermes.com LOUIS VUITTON Contact: Celia Huang, 86-40-0658-8555; www.louisvuitton.com

is a perfect example. Pair it with a white shirt and a dark solid tie, and you are guaranteed to get noticed both from a distance and then, if you are lucky, up close and personal as well.

Z ZEGNA Contact: Joy Zhou, 852-3417-3088; www.zegna.com

LOUIS VUITTON

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ACCESSORIES

1

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REBOOT

From exotic skins to sexy stiletto heels, there’s nothing basic about fall’s fiercest ankle booties.

BY DREW TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR

1 Python boots, US$1,090, Devi Kroell. Contact: Sujeong Kim at Super Normal in Seoul, 82-2-511-0991; www.devikroell.com. 2 Suede and python boots, 80

about US$733, Aquazzura. Contact: Yasemin Atadeniz at Harvey Nichols in Istanbul, 90-212-319-1100; www.aquazzura.com.

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1 Tweed, suede and patent leather boots, US$295, Jean-Michel Cazabat. Contact: Customer Service at Villa Rouge in Beijing, 86-10-6417-5045;

www.jeanmichelcazabat.com. 2 Leather and calf hair booties, US$1,250, Donna Karan New York. Contact: Yude Yoko at Donna Karan in Tokyo, 81-3-5414-5500; www.donnakaran.com. 3 Crocodile-embossed leather tassel booties, US$1,094, Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra. Contact: Customer Service at Le Lutin in Shanghai, 86-135-855-77653; www.josephaltuzarra.com. 4 Suede and leather ankle booties, US$550, Sigerson Morrison. Contact: Customer Service at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, 852-3695-3389; www.sigersonmorrison.com.

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ACCESSORIES

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SO CLUTCH

Books, dice and even rubber duckies do double duty in these quirky-cool, tongue-in-chic minaudières.

1 Embroidered canvas book clutch with Liberty print lining, US$1,830, Olympia Le-Tan. Contact: Noda Nwaearu at Adam and Rope in Tokyo, 81-3-5728-6320;

www.olympialetan.com. 2 Leather clutch, US$895, Diane von Furstenberg. Contact: Rick Lippiner at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, (310) 275-4211; www.dvf.com. 3 Perspex box clutch with Swarovski crystal detail, US$1,195, Charlotte Olympia. Contact: Pat Chan at On Pedder at Joyce in Hong Kong, 852-2118-3489; www.charlotteolympia.com. 4 Brass minaudière, US$650, Kotur. Contact: Customer Service at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, 852-3695-3389; www.shopkotur.com. 5 Perspex clutch, US$390, Lulu Guinness. Contact: Emily Wong at Alter Style in Shanghai, 86-21-6302-9889; www.luluguinness.com.

6 Minaudière with sunflower Austrian crystals, US$4,995, Judith Leiber. Contact: Customer Service at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, 852-2118-3398; 82

www.judithleiber.com.

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IMPERIAL EMPIRE

Evening-ready accessories take a regal turn with lavish adornments and Qing Dynastyinspired designs.

1, 2 Jade beaded box clutch, US$1,805, and brocade stilettos, US$625, both by Jason Wu. Contact: Customer Service at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, 852-

2118-3398; www.jasonwustudio.com. 3 Satin clutch with tassel, US$450, Kotur. Contact: Customer Service at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, 852-3695-3389; www.shopkotur.com. 4 Clutch with crystals, US$3,295, Marchesa. Contact: Shizuka Onozawa at Hatsuko Endo in Tokyo, 81-3-3563-1411; www.marchesa.com.

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ACCESSORIES

1

2

BAGGAGE CHECK

Round out your luggage collection with sleek travel essentials, from a go-anywhere duffel to a timeless, vintage-inspired trunk.

1 Leather and twill bag, US$795, Ghurka. Contact: Hirose Tetsua at Beams in Tokyo, 81-3-3470-3946; www.ghurka.com. 2 Metallic calf leather suitcase, 84

US$4,315, Brunello Cucinelli. Contact: Kimura Sumie at Brunello Cucinelli in Toyko, 81-3-5467-5155; www.brunellocucinelli.it.

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1 Suitcase with leather trim, price available upon request, Valextra. Contact: Customer Service at Valextra in Tokyo, 81-3-3535-9651; www.valextra.it.

2 Leather suitcase, US$3,150, Louis Vuitton. Contact: Moli Hitime at Louis Vuitton in Tokyo, 81-3-3567-1211; www.louisvuitton.com. 3 Leather trolley bag, US$6,250, Brioni. Contact: Customer Service at Brioni in Tokyo, 81-3-3289-6111; www.brioni.it. 4 Coated canvas wardrobe trunk with leather trim, about US$6,990, Tumi. Contact: KC Eng at Tumi in Singapore, 65-6222-1611; www.tumi.com.

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ACCESSORIES 2

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SHEAR GENIUS

Stay cozy, look cool: Touches of shearling heat up men’s outerwear and accessories this season.

1 Wool and leather bag, about US$2,660, Ermenegildo Zegna. Contact: Nicole Hooper at Ermenegildo Zegna in Sydney, 61-2-9222-9355; www.zegna.com.

2 Sheepskin jacket, US$3,780, Bruno Magli. Contact: Tomoko Kda at Takashimaya Nihombashi in Tokyo, 81-3-3548-8085; www.brunomagli.it. 3 Calf leather 86

and shearling boots, US$1,150, Bally. Contact: Kuen Kinyung at Ocean Centre in Hong Kong, 852-2736-8068; www.bally.com.

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VELVET UNDERGROUND

In updated prints, textures and embellishments, the classic smoking slipper never goes out of style.

1 Velvet loafers, US$1,350, Angelo Galasso. Contact: Artem Kapturov at Angelo Galasso in Moscow, 7-495-650-4517; www.angelogalasso.com. 2 Pony hair shoes, US$735, Dries Van Noten. Contact: Nishikawa Masahi at Land of Tomorrow in Tokyo, 81-3-5766-7462; www.driesvannoten.be. 3 Leopard-print pony hair loafers, US$995, Christian Louboutin. Contact: Kerensky Hou at Christian Louboutin in Hong Kong, 852-2118-6502; www.christianlouboutin.com. 4 Velvet slippers, US$500, Bruno Magli. Contact: Tomoko Kda at Takashimaya Nihombashi in Tokyo, 81-3-3548-8085; www.brunomagli.it. 5 Brocade moccasins, about US$580, Alberto Moretti. Contact: Customer Service at The Swank in Hong Kong, 852-2363-8160; www.albertomoretti.com.

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RESORT FOCUS FASHION

SHE’S THE BOSS Take charge in the luxe leather and borrowed-from-the-boys tailoring of the season’s most seductive styles.

PHOTOGRAPHY

BEN DUGGAN

18K white gold and black rhodium ring with multicolored diamonds, US$36,000, Loree Rodkin; 18K gold bracelet with black and

STYLING

CHRISTINE DE LASSUS

white diamonds, US$81,700, H.Stern; silk crepon top, US$1,995, and leather leggings, US$3,495, both by Jean Paul Gaultier; suede lace-up booties with chinchilla fur trim, US$1,093, Brian Atwood.

ON HIM:

88 88

Cotton tuxedo shirt, US$1,190, and wool tuxedo pants, US$1,500, both by Kiton; suede and patent leather shoes, US$575, Jean-Michel Cazabat.

18K white gold and diamond earrings, US$164,000, Coomi for Forevermark; calfskin bracelet with silver-plated hardware, US$1,150, and suede lambskin skirt, US$5,700, both by Hermès; satin top, US$820, Carven; lace-up booties, US$1,250, Giuseppe Zanotti Design.

18K rose gold and diamond ring, US$15,000, Gumuchian; gold-plated cuff with Swarovski crystals, US$1,040, Mawi; 18K rose gold cuff with white diamonds, US$33,800, Mattia Cielo; suede jacket, US$2,500, HervĂŠ LĂŠger by Max Azria; viscose twill shorts, US$350, Mulberry; leather platform pumps with gold zipper detail, US$921, Brian Atwood.

RESORT FOCUS

92

18K white gold and diamond bracelet, US$296,700, Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern; 18K white gold and diamond ring, US$32,600, Mattia Cielo; georgette shirt with pleated scarf, US$1,150, calf leather riding pants, US$2,750, and crocodile belt with studs, US$890, all by Gucci.

ON HIM: Wool tuxedo pants, US$1,500, Kiton; suede and patent leather shoes, US$575, Jean-Michel Cazabat.

18K white gold necklace with diamonds, US$75,300, H.Stern; platinum and diamond rings, both prices available upon request, both by Harry Winston; suede bra, leather skirt with lace inserts, and leather coat, all prices available upon request, all by Kanye West; leather boots, US$340, Jean-Michel Cazabat.

18K white gold bracelet with diamonds, US$30,000, Gumuchian; 18K white gold cuff with diamonds, US$125,000, Hoorsenbuhs for Forevermark; platinum bracelet with diamonds, price available upon request, Harry Winston; silk dress, US$3,660, Cushnie et Ochs.

WHERE TO BUY 88

89

BRIAN ATWOOD P. 89, 91

HOORSENBUHS FOR FOREVERMARK P. 95

Contact: Jerick Enclan, (323) 930-2230;

Contact: Allen Chen, 886-2-2777-4288;

www.brianatwood.com

www.hoorsenbuhs.com

[Available at Nordstrom in Los Angeles]

[Available at Club Designer in Taipei]

CARVEN P. 90

JEAN-MICHEL CAZABAT P. 88, 92, 94

Contact: Customer Service, 81-03-6228-7898;

Contact: Customer Service, 86-10-6417-5045;

www.carven.fr

www.jeanmichelcazabat.com

[Available at Carven in Tokyo]

[Available at Jean-Michel Cazabat in Beijing]

COOMI FOR FOREVERMARK P. 90

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER P. 89

Contact: Teresa Hanner, (310) 550-5900;

Contact: Laura Gambucci, (858) 551-0214;

www.coomi.com

www.jeanpaulgaultier.com

[Available at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills]

[Available at Laura Gambucci in La Jolla, Calif.]

90

91

CUSHNIE ET OCHS P. 95 Contact: Customer Service, 852-3695-3388;

KANYE WEST P. 94

www.cushnieetochs.com

Contact: Jordan Shoe, (212) 255-8588;

[Available at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong]

www.kanyewest.com [Available at Kanye West in New York]

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG BY H.STERN P. 92

KITON P. 88, 92, 93

Contact: Ray Park, (800) 747-8376;

Contact: Customer Service, 86-10-6505-5198;

www.hstern.net

www.kiton.it

[Available at H.Stern in Seoul]

[Available at Kiton in Beijing]

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI DESIGN P. 90

LOREE RODKIN P. 89

Contact: Cesar Quezada, (310) 858-1990;

Contact: Leejung Eun, 82-2-542-8006;

www.giuseppezanottidesign.com

www.loreerodkin.com

[Available at Giuseppe Zanotti Design in Los

[Available at Boon the Shop in Seoul]

Angeles]

92

93

MATTIA CIELO P. 91, 92 GUCCI P. 92

Contact: Stephenie Wong, 852-2822-8572;

Contact: Tobbie Chan, 852-2524-4492;

www.mattiacielo.com

www.gucci.com

[Available at King Fook Jewellery Group Ltd.

[Available at Gucci in Hong Kong]

in Hong Kong]

GUMUCHIAN P. 91, 95

MAWI P. 91

Contact: Stephanie Lee, (408) 938-2688;

Contact: Pat Wong, 852-2810-1120;

www.gumuchian.com

www.mawi.co.uk

[Available at CH Premier Jewelers in Santa

[Available at Joyce in Hong Kong]

Clara, Calif.]

MULBERRY P. 91 H.STERN P. 89, 94

Contact: Michael Lucero, (888) 685-6856,

Contact: Ray Park, (800) 747-8376;

ext. 6; www.mulberry.com

www.hstern.net

[Available at Mulberry in San Francisco]

[Available at H.Stern in Seoul]

94

95 HARRY WINSTON P. 94, 95 Contact: Janice Lee, 852-2301-2131; www.harrywinston.com [Available at Harry Winston in Hong Kong] HERMÈS P. 90

Photographer | BEN DUGGAN Photography Art Direction | EDDIE VAN NARC Stylist | CHRISTINE DE LASSUS @ ART DEPARTMENT Style Editor | DREW TAYLOR

Contact: Customer Service, 852-2525-5900;

Creative Director | JOANNE GENZONE

www.hermes.com

Art Director | DEENA CAMPBELL

[Available at The Galleria in Hong Kong]

Makeup | WENDY KARCHER @ AIM ARTISTS

HERVÉ LÉGER BY MAX AZRIA P. 91 Contact: Luga Grinblat, (310) 275-2550; www.herveleger.com [Available at Hervé Léger in Beverly Hills]

Hair | ELSA CANEDO Models | OLGA @ SOUL MODELS JERRETH @ DNA MODELS Location | LAFAYETTE HOUSE IN NEW YORK

TOP SUITES

BEST SUITES OF THE MALDIVES

In this almost mythical land where “one island, one resort” is the rule, not the exception, the newest über-luxe hideaway is always on the horizon (rumor has it Louis Vuitton’s Cheval Blanc is next up in 2013).

This, of course, keeps Maldives’ high-end hoteliers on their toes, ensuring even the most well traveled of jetsetters an unforgettable, incomparable and decidedly private stay. Whether you love an eco-chic vibe or prefer something sleek and sexy, whether you want the beach at your doorstep or can’t wait to live over cerulean waters, there’s a suite to suit every fancy in our top picks for this legendary Indian Ocean Eden.

BY TOVA SYROWICZ

98 FLYING LOW OVER THE MALDIVES BERLINER DOM / BERLIN

POOL DECK / OCEAN REVIVE

MASTER BEDROOM / OCEAN REVIVE

JUMEIRAH DHEVANAFUSHI OCEAN REVIVE

LAP POOL / TWO-BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA

FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT LANDAA GIRAAVARU

Key selling points | Heaven for honeymooners, this vast over-

TWO-BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA

water villa touts the largest bed in the Maldives (a three-by-

Key selling points | The indoor/outdoor living experience in

two-meter marvel) and perfect privacy. Seamless floor-to-

this sunset-facing expanse is ideal for elite family getaways.

ceiling windows offer unobstructed ocean views, even from

Soaring vaulted ceilings, dark teak furnishings and soothing

the massive rain shower. Frolic in your personal infinity pool,

cocoa and coral color accents set the scene for indulgent

take a dip in the lagoon teeming with tropical fish and après

relaxation, while lush foliage between the 66-foot lap pool

dinner, sink into a sumptuous outdoor bubble bath for two.

and powder-white beach ensures guest privacy.

Standout service | Upon a guest’s request, staff anchored a

Standout service | The staff has sourced everything from a

Sultans of the Seas yacht—very hard to secure in peak sea-

specific brand of baby formula to Australian goat’s milk to

son—just outside the guest’s villa for the length of his stay.

make guests feel perfectly at home.

Style | Sleek island luxe with pops of turquoise, by Blink

Style | Contemporary Maldivian, by Murhad Ismail, 2006

Design Group, 2011

Special amenities | L’Occitane bath products, 42-inch

Special amenities | Apple media center, two 46-inch

plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, twin massage beds in garden courtyard,

flat-screen TVs, Bose sound system, Wi-Fi, full-size Kelly

large circular and overflowing bathtubs, outdoor showers

Calèche and Terre d’Hermès bath amenities, maxi bar

Square footage | 3,367, plus 9,580 of outdoor space

stocked with all your favorites, 24-hour private butler

Number of rooms in suite | Three

Square footage | 1,528, plus 1,377 of outdoor space

Number of bathrooms | Three and one half-bath

Number of rooms in suite | Two

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 102 villas

Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath

Who’s slept here? | Celine Dion and Cameron Diaz have

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 38 villas

stayed at the resort.

Who’s slept here? | Hollywood A-listers, Russian oligarchs

Nightly rate | US$10,000

Nightly rate | From US$1,750

Location | Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll

Location | Meradhoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll

Contact | Reservation Manager Hassan Ziyad,

Contact | General Manager Chris Ely, 960-682-8800;

960-660-0888; hassan.ziyad@fourseasons.com;

chris.ely@jumeirah.com; www.jumeirah.com/dhevanafushi

www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg 99

TOP SUITES

SUNKEN IN-POOL DINING / JUNGLE RESERVE

LIVINGRESERVE AREA / CHAIRMANMASTER SUITE BEDROOM / TWO-BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA LIVING ROOM / JUNGLE

SONEVA FUSHI JUNGLE RESERVE

100

FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA

Key selling points | Completely secluded amid a gorgeous

TWO-BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA

tangle of rainforest, this enormous villa comprises four

Key selling points | Your own, private stretch of pristine

bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with wine cellar, dining

beach makes this retreat—nestled amid a blooming gar-

for ten and a private spa sanctuary—all connected by pictur-

den—truly unique. In addition to a spacious sundeck, gazebo,

esque walkways and plenty of outdoor lounging space. Built

377-square-foot infinity-edge pool and traditional Maldivian

of sustainable local woods and accented with earthy colors

swing, you’ll enjoy a breezy interior living area with high

and crafts, it is the epitome of barefoot, beachfront luxury.

sloping ceilings, dining for eight and endless water views.

Standout service | One young boy forgot to pack his toys, so

Standout service | For a couple getting married at the resort,

the carpentry department crafted some beautiful wooden

staff decorated the entire suite with thousands of rose petals

ones based on descriptions of his favorites from home.

and monogrammed all the linens with the couple’s initials.

Style | Castaway chic, by Soneva Group Creative Director Eva

Style | Natural-hued elegance with local flair, by HBA, 2006

Shivdasani, 2011

Special amenities | Sodashi bath products, three 42-inch

Special amenities | 52-inch flat-screen TV, Technogym

flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Wi-Fi, Jacuzzi in the master

equipment, sauna and steam rooms, couple’s massage

suite, outdoor showers, soaking tubs, walk-in closets

room, adult and kiddie pools, dedicated 24-hour butler

Square footage | 2,120, plus 2,756 of outdoor space

Square footage | 7,535, plus 10,979 of outdoor space

Number of rooms in suite | Three

Number of rooms in suite | Ten

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of bathrooms | Five

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 96 villas

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 65 villas

Who’s slept here? | Australian rock star Kirk Pengilly,

Who’s slept here? | Daryl Hannah, Edward Norton and Richard

surfing champ Mark Occhilupo

Branson were guests of the island’s SLOW LIFE Symposium.

Nightly rate | US$8,000 to US$11,500

Nightly rate | US$6,000 to US$17,000

Location | Kuda Huraa, North Malé Atoll

Location | Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll

Contact | General Manager Tulio Hochkoeppler,

Contact | General Manager Laurie Burr, 960-791-8753;

960-664-4888; tulio.hochkoeppler@fourseasons.com;

laurie@soneva.com; www.sonevafushi.com

www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh

MASTER BEDROOM / VILLA MUTHEE

POOL DECK / VILLA MUTHEE

MASTER BATH / SUNSET WATER VILLA

POOL DECK / SUNSET WATER VILLA

SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT AND SPA, MALDIVES

CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND

VILLA MUTHEE

Key selling points | Perched on stilts in a secluded portion

SUNSET WATER VILLA

Key selling points | True to its name (meaning “pearl” in

of the lagoon, this stunning abode with a chromotherapy

Dhivehi), this one-bedroom over-water haven reflects the

infinity pool and floor-to-ceiling windows boasts a private

natural light and beauty that envelops it. A 52-foot pool and

speedboat for travel to and fro. A circular bed rotates 270

shaded dining pavilion offer breathtaking views of Technicolor

degrees for the perfect view of the setting sun night after

sunsets, while indoors, striking timber rafters and Asian

night, while glass floors in the living room grant glimpses of

artwork elevate the space.

passing stingrays.

Standout service | A villa host noticed that a couple had for-

Standout service | When a guest decided 20 minutes before

gotten their camera at home, so he offered to lend them his

departure that her hand luggage had been too damaged by

own or acquire one at a local island on their behalf.

her child to use, her butler gave her his own to take.

Style | Contemporary tropical vibe with Asian influence, by

Style | Modern with a soothing, tropical lilt, by Design2000

LTW Designworks, 2009

and Niru Studio, 2011

Special amenities | Bose sound system, two Samsung LCD

Special amenities | Frette linens, 52-inch flat-screen TV,

TVs, Pañpuri bath amenities, couple’s massage room, daily

Bose sound system, Wi-Fi, Philippe Starck lamps, iPod,

complimentary spa treatments, personal villa host, golf cart

Bulgari toiletries, outdoor Jacuzzi, telescope, private butler

Square footage | 2,960, plus 3,175 of outdoor space

Square footage | 3,767, plus 1,098 of outdoor space

Number of rooms in suite | Two

Number of rooms in suite | Three

Number of bathrooms | One

Number of bathrooms | Two

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 132 villas

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 150 villas, including

Who’s slept here? | Filipino celeb couple Mariel Rodriguez

six suites

and Robin Padilla celebrated an anniversary at the resort.

Who’s slept here? | Paul McCartney, Dita Von Teese

Nightly rate | From US$5,200

Nightly rate | US$7,000

Location | Villingili Island, Addu Atoll

Location | Rangali Island, South Ari Atoll

Contact | General Manager Rene D. Egle, 960-689-7888; rene.

Contact | General Manager Carsten Schieck, 960-668-0629;

egle@shangri-la.com; www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort

aishath.reena@conradhotels.com; www.conradmaldives.com 101

TOP SUITES

EXTERIOR / REHENDI SUITE

LIVING ROOM / REHENDI SUITE

TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA MALDIVES

102

POOL DECK / OCEAN HAVEN

LIVING AREA / OCEAN HAVEN

W RETREAT & SPA – MALDIVES

REHENDI SUITE

OCEAN HAVEN

Key selling points | No need to choose between surf and

Key selling points | A circular design motif that carries from

sand here, as this two-bedroom over-water home touts

the large plunge pool with bubbling Jacuzzi seats to cool cus-

a suspended deck with its very own powder-white beach.

tom sofas imparts a sense of sleek timelessness matched by

Based a half mile from the resort’s hub, you’ll enjoy sweet

infinite ocean vistas. Cathedral ceilings, transparent floors

seclusion and 280-degree ocean views as you lay on the

and sliding glass walls amplify the two-bedroom over-water

hammock or cool off in the 15-foot freshwater pool.

space complete with a wraparound sundeck.

Standout service | When a guest reported her wedding ring

Standout services | Staff members have accompanied

missing, security staff searched everywhere until it was found

guests who are afraid to swim alone into the lagoon, while

at the bottom of the infinity pool, stuck in a suction cleaner.

taking others on private tours of the house reef.

Style | Classic, neutral-toned Maldivian, by David Edwards,

Style | Island village meets modern W luxe, by eco•id

2010

architects, 2006

Special amenities | 400-thread-count Frette linens, 40-inch

Special amenities | King-size W bed, two 42-inch and one

Sony LCD TV, Molton Brown toiletries, Ploh and Kimono-style

50-inch Samsung plasma TVs, DVD library, Wi-Fi, Bliss Spa

bathrobes, Internet, outdoor showers, oversize bathtubs

bath amenities, rainforest showers, wine fridge, barbecue

Square footage | 2,605, plus 2,777 of outdoor space

Square footage | 5,296

Number of rooms in suite | Three

Number of rooms in suite | Four

Number of bathrooms | Two

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 64 villas, including

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 76 retreats, including

six suites

four suites

Who’s slept here? | English singer and actress Issy van

Who’s slept here? | Kate Moss, Kevin Spacey

Randwyck stayed at the resort.

Nightly rate | US$7,200 to US$15,000

Nightly rate | US$14,000

Location | Fesdu Island, North Ari Atoll

Location | Emboodhu Finolhu Island, South Malé Atoll

Contact | Managing Director Marcus Reinders,

Contact | General Manager Ranjit Phillipose, 960-644-2200;

960-666-2222; marcus.reinders@starwoodhotels.com;

ranjit.phillipose@tajhotels.com; www.tajhotels.com/maldives

www.whotels.com/maldives

LIVING ROOM / THE PRIVATE RESERVE

AERIAL VIEW / THE PRIVATE RESERVE

GILI LANKANFUSHI, MALDIVES

LIVING ROOM AND MASTER BEDROOM / GRAND BEACH VILLA

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

THE PRIVATE RESERVE

GRAND BEACH VILLA

Key selling points | Sustainable woods, traditional fabrics

Key selling points | This exquisite family retreat—the second

and a natural coral pool and sea garden blend effortlessly

bedroom has two queen beds—melds beautifully rendered

with life’s modern luxuries (think fully loaded spa and

tropical design with a coveted beachfront spot and ocean-

entertainment room) in this lagoon-locked, three-bedroom

facing private pool. Two huge sunken terrazzo bathtubs sit

expanse accessible only by private boat. You’ll adore playful

window-side, while a personalized in-room bar plus pillow

touches like a hammock strung between pieces of driftwood

and aromatherapy menus make for a fully custom stay.

and a roof terrace-to-lagoon waterslide.

Standout service | A staffer arranged a cooking class so a

Standout service | When a guest’s wedding ring accidentally

couple could recreate at home a meal they had really enjoyed.

dropped into the water, the butler jumped in after it without a

Style | Refined Malaysian with bright accents, by Jean-

moment’s hesitation.

Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects, 2005

Style | Rustic chic, by Piyal Illeperuma, 2012

Special amenities | Lady Primrose bath products, 40-inch

Special amenities | Bose surround entertainment system, 60-

Samsung LCD TV, DVD player, surround sound, high-speed

inch and 70-inch flat-screen TVs, organic bath products, kitch-

Internet, private golf cart, dedicated 24-hour concierge

enette, 24-hour butler, two-person outdoor bathtubs, gym

Square footage | 2,357, plus 1,109 of outdoor space

Square footage | 12,206, plus 2,863 of outdoor space

Number of rooms in suite | Four

Number of rooms in suite | Eight

Number of bathrooms | Two

Number of bathrooms | Three

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 130 villas, including

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 45 over-water villas

nine Grand Villas

Who’s slept here? | Blake Lively, when the resort was known

Who’s slept here? | Mariah Carey, Katy Perry and Naomi

as Soneva Gili

Campbell have all stayed at the resort.

Nightly rate | US$8,500 to US$15,000

Nightly rate | From US$5,785

Location | Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll

Location | Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll

Contact | General Manager Iain McCormack,

Contact | General Manager Mark S. Hehir,

960-664-0304; iain.mccormack@gili-lankanfushi.com;

960-664-8800; mark.hehir@oneandonlyreethirah.com;

www.gili-lankanfushi.com

www.oneandonlyreethirah.com 103

TOP SUITES

INDOOR-OUTDOOR POOL / OCEAN PAVILION

LIVING AREA / TENTED POOL VILLA

HUVAFEN FUSHI

104

POOL DECK / TENTED POOL VILLA

BANYAN TREE MADIVARU

OCEAN PAVILION

TENTED POOL VILLA

Key selling points | At the end of a jetty open only to guests

Key selling points | One of six exclusive suites on the entire

of the resort’s two Ocean Pavilions, discover a laid-back,

island resort, this safari-style villa comprises three white

two-bedroom gem with a fiber optic-lit pool that starts in

canopied “tents”—one master bedroom, one spacious bath-

your living room. An infinity Kohler tub (it overflows and fills

room and one vast living room with a romantic dining nook.

from the ceiling), sundeck Jacuzzi and spa shower complete

Though your private pool, timber deck and canvas castle

this over-water wonderland.

are tucked away amid verdant jungle, virgin white sands and

Standout service | A butler surprised a guest who loves to

azure waters are mere footsteps away.

cook with a private lesson hosted by the chef of the guest’s

Standout service | One couple wanted live shellfish served

favorite resort restaurant.

daily, so staff arranged for an overseas shipment every other

Style | Clean-lined natural elegance, by Carl Ettensperger, 2012

day of an 11-night stay to ensure optimal freshness.

Special amenities | Frette linens, large Sony plasma TVs,

Style | Sub-Saharan glamping goes tropical, by Architrave

Bose surround sound, REN bath products, dedicated 24-hour

Design & Planning, 2012

Thakuru (butler), welcome Dom Pérignon and caviar

Special amenities | Dedicated villa host, outdoor shower,

Square footage | 2,368, plus 1,184 of outdoor space

soaking tub, a pair of spa beds for in-villa treatments, Wi-Fi,

Number of rooms in suite | Four

42-inch Sony TV, Sony DVD player, iPod and speakers

Number of bathrooms | Two

Square footage | 1,774, plus 1,067 of outdoor space

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 40 bungalows, three

Number of rooms in suite | Two

pavilions and one residence

Number of bathrooms | One

Who’s slept here? | Elizabeth Hurley, George Clooney and

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | Six tented pool villas

Kate Moss have stayed at the resort.

Who’s slept here? | Music and film stars traveling incognito

Nightly rate | US$9,200

Nightly rate | US$2,995

Location | Nakatchafushi, North Malé Atoll

Location | Ethere Madivaru Island, North Ari Atoll

Contact | General Manager Marco den Ouden,

Contact | General Manager Mohamed Musthafeez,

960-664-4222; marco.den.ouden@huvafenfushi.com;

960-666-0760; mohamed.musthafeez@banyantree.com;

www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com

www.banyantree.com/en/maldives_madivaru

LIVING AND DINING ROOM / PRESIDENTIAL BEACH RESIDENCE

DINING ROOM / THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

EXTERIOR / THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

ANANTARA KIHAVAH VILLAS

CONSTANCE HALAVELI RESORT

PRESIDENTIAL BEACH RESIDENCE

THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

Key selling points | Fronting a 250-foot stretch of idyllic

Key selling points | This two-story Maldivian manse crafted

beach, this lavish yet distinctly Maldivian home touts three

from rich woods, gleaming marble and striking decorative

cleverly spaced master bedrooms, a massive living/dining

elements touts chic living and dining rooms with soaring

area with kitchen, two swimming pools and a Jacuzzi. Enjoy

ceilings, plus three sizable en-suite bedrooms. Prime ocean-

shisha in your private beach cabana-cum-hookah lounge, a

front real estate, a giant pool, private gym and spa make for

massage in the garden-ensconced spa pavilion, dinner under

a dream beach hideaway, while a personal chef customizes

the stars and a nighttime soak in the sunken open-air tub.

meals (lovely in the outdoor dining gazebo) upon request.

Standout service | One family enjoyed straight-from-the-

Standout service | The IT manager spent many hours help-

sea-to-their-doorstep tuna, caught by locals and prepared on

ing a Russian couple on honeymoon recover all the photos on

demand in a mobile kitchen set up next to their residence.

their camera, which they thought had been permanently lost.

Style | Contemporary with local textiles and coral reef-

Style | Contemporary Maldivian luxury, by Inter Arc Pvt. Ltd.

inspired accents, by August Design, 2011

Singapore, 2009

Special amenities | Outdoor rain showers, your choice of bath

Special amenities | Mauritian bath products, outdoor Jacuzzi,

amenities, Wi-Fi, 42-inch LED TVs, 24-hour villa host, private

bronze bathtub, 40-inch Philips flat-screen TV with cable,

golf cart, wine cellar, stocked super-size fridge, barbecue

Bose entertainment system, Wi-Fi, 24-hour butler service

Square footage | 12,432, plus 17,018 of outdoor space

Square footage | 5,480, plus 2,830 of outdoor space

Number of rooms in suite | Four

Number of rooms in suite | Ten

Number of bathrooms | Three and one half-bath

Number of bathrooms | Three and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 78 villas, including

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 86 villas

four suites

Who’s slept here? | Roger Federer, Middle Eastern royalty

Who’s slept here? | Roger Federer

Nightly rate | US$7,100 to US$15,411

Nightly rate | From US$10,000

Location | Halaveli Island, North Ari Atoll

Location | Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll

Contact | General Manager Renato W. Chizzola,

Contact | General Manager Dietmar Koegerl, 960-660-1020;

960-794-9010; gm@halaveli.com;

dkoegerl@anantara.com; www.kihavah-maldives.anantara.com

http://halaveli.constancehotels.com 105

TOP SUITES

SHANGHAI’S TOP SUITES With its blend of Art Deco architecture, modern Asian style and traditional Chinese culture, Shanghai is a city of contrasts for the intrepid elite traveler. Its top five-star suites are no less diverse—just take a look at what they have to offer.

BY RACHEL SILVESTRI

GLITTERING SKYLINE / SHANGHAI

106

BERLINER DOM / BERLIN

MASTER BEDROOM / THE PENINSULA SUITE

LIVING ROOM / THE CHAIRMAN SUITE

THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI, PUDONG

DINING ROOM / THE PENINSULA SUITE

THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI

THE CHAIRMAN SUITE

THE PENINSULA SUITE

Key selling points | Overlooking the Huangpu River, with

Key selling points | Soaring ceilings, a self-contained guest

floor-to-ceiling windows granting panoramic views of the

suite and extensive layout including a gym, study and dining

Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower, the suite features a

room for 12 combine with state-of-the-art technology to

separate sauna room, Italian marble bathroom, library and

provide elite travelers with everything they need in this Art

ceilings up to 19 feet high.

Deco-inspired suite.

Standout service | When a guest forgot his medication in the

Standout service | The hotel helped a guest plan an elabo-

suite, checked out and traveled to Hong Kong, a member of

rate proposal for his girlfriend, complete with roses, cham-

staff flew to deliver the medicine personally to the guest the

pagne and photographers to capture the special moment.

very same day.

Style | Chinese Art Deco glamour, by Pierre-Yves Rochon,

Style | 1930s Shanghai elegance meets sleek, contemporary

2010

luxury, by Richard Farnell, 2010

Special amenities | Life Fitness gym equipment, signa-

Special amenities | Martini bar, private workout room, HD

ture Peninsula in-room technology including nail dryers,

Blu-ray player, mahjong table for four, dining room for 12,

complimentary international phone calls, marble bath with

Kohler bathroom fixtures, Acqua di Parma amenities

whirlpool bathtub, plush bathrobes and slippers

Square footage | 4,413

Square footage | 4,305

Number of rooms in suite | Nine

Number of rooms in suite | 15

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 285, including 52 suites

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 235, including 44 suites

Who’s slept here? | Shaquille O’Neal, Paris Hilton

Who’s slept here? | Kurt Russell is one of the many celebs to

Nightly rate | From about US$18,846

have stayed at the newest Peninsula hotel.

Location | Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong

Nightly rate | About US$16,496

Contact | Regional Vice President and General Manager

Location | 32 The Bund, Huangpu District

Rainer Burkle, 86-21-2020-1888; rainer.burkle@ritzcarlton.

Contact | General Manager Joseph Chong, 86-21-2327-2888;

com; www.ritzcarlton.com/shanghaipudong

josephchong@peninsula.com; www.peninsula.com

FREE LUXURY INSIDER NEWSLETTER! ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT www.elitetraveler.com or email webinfo@elitetraveler.com

107

TOP SUITES

MASTER BATH / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

LIVING ROOM / PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

LIVING AREA / CHAIRMAN SUITE

WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI ON THE BUND

108

PARK HYATT SHANGHAI

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

CHAIRMAN SUITE

Key selling points | Elegantly furnished and touting views

Key selling points | The highest top suite in mainland China,

of both the Bund and the Pudong skyline, this suite features

this airy, Zen-like space has 21-foot ceilings, a private dining

two generously proportioned bathrooms, two bedrooms, a

room, personal butler service and incredible views over both

private living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen.

sides of the Huangpu River.

Standout service | Discovering, from a published interview,

Standout service | For an avid collector of Chanel bags, the

one guest’s penchant for a certain type of candy available

butler contacted the Chanel boutique at the city’s IFC Mall

only in the US, the butler team special-ordered and placed

and had every style available in China delivered so the guest

the treat in the suite before the guest’s arrival.

could shop from the comfort of her suite.

Style | Classic Art Deco with a modern twist, by HBA, 2010

Style | Sophisticated and modern residential Chinese, by

Special amenities | Whirlpool bathtub, 24-hour personal

Tony Chi, 2008

butler service, walk-in closets, LCD flat-panel TV with satel-

Special amenities | Personalized menus cooked in the

lite, DVD and CD players, in-mirror TV, Hermès and Agraria

suite’s open kitchen, two king-size beds, oversized Japa-

toiletries

nese-style bathtub, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Aroma-

Square footage | 2,798

therapy Associates bath amenities

Number of rooms in suite | Five

Square footage | 2,088

Number of bathrooms | Two

Number of rooms in suite | Six

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 260, including 54 suites

Number of bathrooms | One and two half-baths

Who’s slept here? | Michelle Yeoh, Prince Consort of

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 174, including 14 suites

Denmark Henrik

Who’s slept here? | Alain Ducasse, LeBron James

Nightly rate | About US$13,965

Nightly rate | From about US$13,825

Location | No. 2 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District

Location | 100 Century Avenue, Pudong

Contact | General Manager Simeon Olle, 86-21-6322-9988;

Contact | General Manager Christophe Sadones,

simeon.olle@waldorfastoria.com;

86-21-6888-1234; christophe.sadones@hyatt.com;

www.waldorfastoriashanghai.com

www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com

MASTER BEDROOM / SASSOON PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL

MASTER BATH / CHAIRMAN SUITE

GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI

SASSOON PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

CHAIRMAN SUITE

Key selling points | The restored former penthouse resi-

Key selling points | In addition to 24-hour personal butler

dence of legendary Shanghai figure Sir Victor Sassoon was

service, 180-degree Bund views from floor-to-ceiling win-

the city’s most decadent party spot in the 1930s and takes up

dows and private steam and sauna rooms, this suite features

the entire tenth floor of the historic Bund landmark Fairmont

a dining room that can seat 12 people in one of Shanghai’s

Peace Hotel.

most iconic buildings.

Standout service | The first guests to stay in the suite after

Standout service | A famous Australian singer born in the

its recent refurbishment did so to fete Will and Kate’s wed-

Year of the Rabbit checked in on Easter Sunday, so the hotel

ding, so the executive chef created a special British menu for

team surprised her with two giant Easter bunnies made of

the celebration thrown in the suite.

chocolate.

Style | Flawless 1930s Shanghai Art Deco, by HBA and local

Style | Neutral-toned contemporary with Art Deco accents,

historians, 2010

by Bilkey Llinas Design, 1998

Special amenities | Direct access to the 11th floor private

Special amenities | Full kitchen, baby grand piano, spacious

dining room and roof terrace, Jacuzzi, 52-inch flat-screen TV,

study, massage bed, marble bath with separate tub, walk-in

Bose iPod dock, Blu-ray DVD player

shower, heated fogless mirrors and 12-inch LCD TV

Square footage | 2,885

Square footage | 3,067

Number of rooms in suite | Six

Number of rooms in suite | 12

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 270, including 38 suites

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 555, including 45 suites

Who’s slept here? | Author Chen Danyan and other luminaries

Who’s slept here? | Ricky Martin, Tony Leung

Nightly rate | About US$12,568

Nightly rate | From US$7,745

Location | 20 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District

Location | Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Avenue, Pudong

Contact | Communications Manager Teresa Du,

Contact | General Manager Foued el Mabrouk,

86-21-6321-6888; teresa.du@fairmont.com;

86-21-5049-1234; foued.elmabrouk@hyatt.com;

www.fairmont.com/peacehotel

www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com

109

TOP SUITES

DINING ROOM / JING’AN SUITE

THE PULI HOTEL & SPA

110

MASTER BEDROOM / PENTHOUSE PLUS

JIA SHANGHAI

JING’AN SUITE

PENTHOUSE PLUS

Key selling points | Views over the tranquil Jing’An Park, a

Key selling points | The ultimate party pad, this suite has

separate living room and two master bedrooms, each with its

a full bar with barman service, DJ table and a Bose sound

own walk-in closet, characterize this sprawling and peaceful

system that runs throughout the penthouse, even into a

suite.

bathroom with a four-person Jacuzzi. An adjoining studio

Standout service | So that a guest wouldn’t have to miss din-

apartment expands the penthouse into a two-bedroom suite.

ner at his favorite restaurant due to a delayed flight, a staff

Standout service | When a guest throwing a late-night after-

butler ensured the kitchen remained open until the guest’s

party in the suite wanted better music, the concierge had one

arrival at midnight.

of Shanghai’s hottest clubs send along a DJ immediately to

Style | Modern with local Chinese flair, by Johannes Hartfuss

keep the party going.

of the Layan Design Group, 2009

Style | Warm and modern with theatrical touches, by BURO

Special amenities | Dining table for four, LCD TV in every

Architects, Hecker Phelan and Guthrie Interiors, 2011

room, complimentary afternoon tea and apértifs, 24-hour

Special amenities | Back-of-house elevator access, Wii Nin-

butler service

tendo, private balcony, spa shower, steam room

Square footage | 1,399

Square footage | 1,700

Number of rooms in suite | Five

Number of rooms in suite | Seven

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath

Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 193, including 36 suites

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 45, including 14 suites

Who’s slept here? | Gérard Depardieu, the royal families of

Who’s slept here? | Maroon 5, Tony Leung, Jackie Chan,

Saudi Arabia and Dubai

Roger Federer, Maggie Cheung, Daniel Wu

Nightly rate | From US$4,524

Nightly rate | About US$1,885

Location | 1 ChangDe Road, Jing’An District

Location | 931 West Nanjing Road, Jing’An District

Contact | General Manager Martijn van der Valk,

Contact | Operations Director Marcus Treamer,

86-21-3203-9999; martijn.vandervalk@thepuli.com;

86-187-1771-0500; marcustreamer@jiaboutiquehotels.com;

www.thepuli.com

www.jiashanghai.com

DINING ROOM / GRAND DELUXE SUITE

MASTER BEDROOM / COURTYARD SUITE

MASTER BEDROOM / GRAND DELUXE SUITE

JUMEIRAH HIMALAYAS HOTEL SHANGHAI

SPA TREATMENT ROOM / COURTYARD SUITE

URBN HOTEL SHANGHAI

GRAND DELUXE SUITE

COURTYARD SUITE

Key selling points | The romantic round bathtub in the

Key selling points | This carbon-neutral suite’s interiors are

middle of the spacious bathroom isn’t all that will sweep

made from 100 percent locally sourced and recycled materi-

guests off their feet: Wraparound views of Pudong through

als, and feature a private courtyard and spacious bathroom.

floor-to-ceiling windows are simply mesmerizing.

Standout service | After one guest struggled to find a taxi on

Standout service | The Jumeirah Junior kids’ program pro-

a rainy day, a member of staff called her husband who picked

vides young guests with an iPad to use during their stay, as

the guest up and escorted him to his destination.

well as a camel toy and Jumeirah cap.

Style | Contemporary Chinese fusion using salvaged Shang-

Style | Lavish, luxurious and culturally conscious, by KCA,

hainese elements, by The Space Group and A00 Architecture,

2011

2008

Special amenities | L’Occitane bath products, Illy coffee

Special amenities | Outdoor courtyard, spa treatment room,

machine, iPod dock, goose down comforters and pillows,

Jacuzzi, custom bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-

rain showers, 52-inch flat-screen TV in each room, fastest

screen TV

complimentary wired and wireless Internet in Shanghai

Square footage | 969

Square footage | 861

Number of rooms in suite | Two

Number of rooms in suite | Two

Number of bathrooms | One

Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 26, including one suite

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 401, including 62 suites

Who’s slept here? | Olivia Wilde, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Ad-

Who’s slept here? | Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker,

ams and Samantha Morton have stayed at the hotel.

Fan Bingbing, Yoon Eunhye and Yundi Li have been spotted at

Nightly rate | From about US$439

the hotel.

Location | 183 Jiaozhou Road near West Beijing Road,

Nightly rate | From about US$865

Jing’An District

Location | 1108 Meihua Road, Pudong

Contact | Sales Manager Alessio Rescigno,

Contact | General Manager Akram Touma, 86-21-3858-0888;

86-151-2106-4351; alessio@urbnhotels.com;

jhhinfo@jumeirah.com; www.jumeirah.com/shanghai

www.urbnhotels.com

111

14 DAYS

14 DAYS OF ASIAN GOLF Golf tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel sectors globally, and for the past five years, Asia has been leading the way. While Thailand has attracted golf enthusiasts for more than a decade, other Asian nations—including Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Malaysia— now have a worthy collection of world-class golf and resort facilities to attract the most avid and discerning players. This journey takes you to many of Asia’s best courses, where, increasingly, the quality of golf is not only as good as in more established golf markets, but is matched by exquisite accommodation, food and wellness experiences.

BY PAUL MYERS

112 FAIRWAY AT DUSK / MISSION HILLS RESORT HAIKOU

WOODLAND COURSE / HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE

DONGGUAN CLUBHOUSE / MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB, SHENZHEN

DAY

1

ARRIVE IN NISEKO, JAPAN At about 6,227 feet, Mt. Yotei’s peak stands tall above the farmlands and rolling hills around Niseko in Japan’s western Hokkaido.

Yotei is the focal point of everything here, from winter skiing on pristine powder snow to a large selection of outdoor warm-weather activities, including golf. There are more than a dozen golf courses within an hour of Niseko, which are just some of the 169 courses on Hokkaido, an island of only five million people. The Yotei golf group represents the best of them. On arrival Belinda White, the

DAYS

2+3

AERIAL VIEW / MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB, SHENZHEN

MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB, SHENZHEN, CHINA

local manager of SkiJapan.com and Sum-

Officially recognized by the Guinness Book of

and private butler (about US$6,100 a night).

merJapan.com, the area’s major inbound

Records as the world’s biggest golf complex,

The golf is equally amazing, especially the

tour operators, will whisk you off to your

Mission Hills Golf Club is located just outside

José María Olazábal-designed eponymous

656-square-foot top-level executive suite at

Shenzhen, a thriving city in southern China.

course that this October will welcome the

the Hilton Niseko Village, home to one of the

Each of its 12 courses is designed by a great of

world’s best players in the HSBC Champion-

best golf courses, including a monster 721-

the modern golf era, including players Nick-

ship. Alternatively try the Greg Norman layout,

yard par-6 hole (about US$2,455 a night).

laus, Faldo, Norman, Olazábal, Sorenstam,

regarded as the toughest. After golf, there is

After your round, head to Hilton’s indoor/

Duval, designer Pete Dye and coach David

nothing better than a two-hour recuperative

outdoor onsen facility, one of Japan’s many

Leadbetter. Your two-level, approximately

spa treatment at the nearby Mission Hills Spa

must-try experiences.

3,767-square-foot Presidential Suite at the

center.

SkiJapan.com/SummerJapan.com:

Dongguan complex, which has hosted Tiger

Mission Hills: Executive Golf Director

General Manager Belinda White,

Woods and numerous international dignitar-

Iain Roberts, 86-755-2802-0888;

81-136-224-611; belinda@skijapan.com;

ies, comes with its own 12-seat dining table,

iainroberts@missionhillschina.com;

www.yoteigolf.com

massage and spa facilities, outdoor Jacuzzi

www.missionhillschina.com 113

14 DAYS DAY

4

DAYS

MISSION HILLS RESORT HAIKOU, CHINA Hainan Island, an hour’s flight from Shen-

Golf Club, were designed respectively by Co-

Blackstone golf course, set in a lava field

history, culture, proximity to the UNESCO-

lin Montgomerie and Greg Norman. Laguna

next to the five-star hotel complex, is a short

listed cities of Hoi An and Hue, as well as My

Lang Co, the course that’s about to open, has

walk from your two-level Presidential Suite,

Khe Beach, which served as a home to US

the personal stamp of six-time Majors win-

which features a fully equipped office, mas-

Marines during the Vietnam War. It is now

ner Sir Nick Faldo and promises to be one

sage room and state-of-the-art home the-

becoming especially renowned as an interna-

of the best in Asia. Situated about 31 miles

ater system (about US$6,100 a night). Black-

tional golf destination following the opening

north of Danang near the fishing village of

stone is the star attraction at the ten-course

of two world-class courses in the past three

Lang Co, the Laguna resort is being built by

complex, including a par-3 layout. Host of the

years and a third due to open at the end of

the Banyan Tree group; as well as the golf

biannual World Cup and the World Celebrity

the year. Your approximately 3,304-square-

course and associated villas, the resort com-

Pro-Am, Blackstone combines challenge,

foot, three-bedroom Ocean Villa with three

plex will boast five-star beachfront Banyan

scenic beauty and attentive caddies.

marble bathrooms at the brand new Hyatt

Tree and Angsana resorts.

Mission Hills Resort Haikou: Vice President

Regency Danang is close to the beach and

Montgomerie Links: General Director

of Hotel Operation Yum Srew Wan, 86-898-

offers magnificent South China Sea views

Jon Tomlinson, 84-9-0586-5518;

6868-3888; yumsrewwan@missionhills

(about US$757 a night). Danang’s two golf

jon.tomlinson@montgomerielinks.com;

china.com; www.missionhillschina.com

courses, Montgomerie Links and Danang

www.montgomerielinks.com

SHADOW DUNES COURSE / MISSON HILLS RESORT HAIKOU

PALM TREE-LINED FAIRWAYS / ANGKOR GOLF RESORT

114

5+ 6

DANANG, VIETNAM Vietnam’s third largest city is famous for its

zhen, hosts Mission Hills’ second resort. The

SEASIDE GREENS / DANANG GOLF CLUB

DAYS

7 +8

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Each year, hundreds of thousands of visi-

water on all but one hole and concludes with

tors flock to Angkor Wat, located just out-

the signature double water carry 9th that

side Siem Reap, to see the Hindu temples,

offers a daunting final shot onto an island

which were built in the 12th century by King

green. On your second day in Siem Reap, play

Suryavarman II as his capital city. Among a

at Angkor Golf Resort, a Nick Faldo design,

plentiful selection of luxury accomodations,

which has won widespread acclaim among

the 969-square-foot Prestige Suite at the

international golfers and which notionally

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra boasts Hermès

spans almost 1,000 years of local history.

bath amenities, signature Sofitel beds, 24-

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra: Golf Operations

hour butler service and a combination of ele-

Manager Jack Hedges, 855-12-882-882;

gant French and Khmer architectural design

golf.manager@sofitel-royal-angkor.com;

(US$350 a night). The resort’s world-class

www.phokeethragolf.com

golf course is 25 minutes away and is one of

Angkor

three beckoning golfers to the region. The

Adam Robertson, 855-88-777-2217; adam@

challenging championship layout features

angkor-golf.com; www.angkor-golf.com

Golf

Resort:

General

Manager

DAYS

9+10

DAY

11

KUNMING, CHINA As the center of Yunnan history, cuisine and

Majors winner Jack Nicklaus. Your accom-

known for its culture, history and, in recent

culture, Kunming is an up-and-coming golf

modation on the second night is at Brilliant

years, great year-round golf. The Chiangmai

and tourism destination. The city’s interna-

Resort, a Zen-like retreat beside Yang Zong

Highlands is a mountainside course perched

tional appeal is enhanced by a new airport,

Lake. The perfect spot for restorative Chi-

1,000 feet above sea level that includes nu-

the third largest in China. Your first night

nese spa treatments, its lakeview pool villas

merous downhill holes, like the par-5 fin-

is spent in a spacious Executive Suite at

feature a private garden with beach area on

ishing hole that skirts the edge of a hillside

the beautiful Green Lake Hotel, overlook-

the lakeshore (about US$828 a night). Hot

before falling to a gushing creek before the

ing Green Lake, a focal point for locals and

springs with different healing properties are

final shot to an elevated green. Your accom-

visitors alike. About an hour southwest of

scattered throughout the hotel’s gardens.

modation is at The Chedi in a lavish oversized

the city are two extraordinary golf complexes

Spring City Resort: Marketing Manager

Chedi Club Suite, featuring contemporary in-

that rank among the best in Asia: Spring City

Peggy Yang, 86-871-767-1188;

teriors, terrazzo soak tubs and views across

Golf and Lake Resort and Stoneforest In-

peggyyang@springcityresort.com;

the Mae Ping River through floor-to-ceiling

ternational Country Club. Spring City’s two

www.springcityresort.com

glass doors (from about US$300 a night).

36-hole lake and mountain courses were de-

Stoneforest International Country Club:

Chiangmai: Sales Coordinator Fandar Puang-

signed, respectively, by acclaimed golf course

General Manager Justin Chiu,

khajee, 66-53-261-354-9; sales.co@chiangmai

architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and 16-time

86-135-2908-3608; en.shilingaoerfu.com

highlands.com; www.chiangmaihighlands.com

TIERED HILLSIDE COURSE / SPRING CITY GOLF AND LAKE RESORT

DAY

12

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND The former Lanna Kingdom of Thailand is

BREATHTAKING VISTAS / SUTERA HARBOUR RESORT

DAYS

HUA HIN, THAILAND Hua Hin, the Thai royal family’s holiday home, is a popular escape. You will stay at the Sofi-

13+14

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA

Malaysia has wonderful golf resorts, but none

phaned primates are nurtured for life in the

tel Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, a

is better than Sutera Harbour Resort, a two-

wild. The resorts’ two glorious courses are

colonial-style hotel that stands on 40 acres of

hotel complex, and the Shangri-La Rasa Ria,

designed respectively by Graham March and

beachfront facing the Gulf of Thailand. Your

near Kota Kinabalu. In the lavish Presiden-

Ted Parslow. Sutera can organize a golf les-

Deluxe Pool Villa features a 161-square-foot

tial Suite in Magellan Sutera Harbour, look-

son with British PGA pro Neil Douglas, whose

marble pool within a private walled garden

ing out to the Manukan Islands in the South

Borneo Golf Academy is on-site. Shangri-La

(about US$850 a night). The stunning 18-hole

China Sea (about US$2,710 a night), or in one

Rasa Ria’s wonderful course winds between

championship Black Mountain course is ide-

of the Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s beautifully fur-

the Tambalang and Mengkabong rivers and

al for golfers of all levels. An accompanying

nished Garden Wing Suites, with its separate

features water on all but one hole.

par-3 course is a challenging test even for the

sitting room and dining area (from US$485 a

Sutera Harbour: Golf General Manager Brian

best players and serves as a perfect warm-up

night), you can while away your time taking in

Werner, 60-88-318-888; brian.werner@sutera

before tackling the championship layout.

the stunning seaside settings of these North

harbour.com.my; www.suteraharbour.com

Black Mountain: General Manager Harald

Borneo resorts. Don’t miss the colonial-era

Shangri-La Rasa Ria: Golf General Manager

Elisson, 66-817-635-665; harald@bmghua

North Borneo Railway, a visit to Mt. Kinabalu

Aaron Johnston, 60-88-791-188; aaron.john

hin.com; www.blackmountainhuahin.com

or Rasa Ria’s orangutan sanctuary, where or-

ston@shangri-la.com; www.shangri-la.com 115

JET FOCUS

GULFSTREAM G280

FOCUS ON

GULFSTREAM G280 The much-anticipated super-midsize replacement for the G200 is, apparently, quite a little speed demon, recently setting speed records for four city pairs, two on its recent trip to EBACE.

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

Slated to enter service by the end of the year, the G280 not only beats the performance of the older G200 it

GULFSTREAM G280

program was launched in 2008 as the G250. With such extensive flight testing, Gulfstream has been able to

Price: About $24 million

weave the data into a quick-and-easy Q&A app for its PlaneBook iPad application.

Passengers: Typically 2 crew, 4 passengers

“We want to ensure our operators are as comfortable as possible with this aircraft,” Gulfstream SVP

Certification: FAA provisional March 2012

Pres Henne told us. “This application is a nice complement to the hands-on training our customers

Range: 3,600NM (4,143 statute miles)

will receive. The information in the app will en-

External dimensions: 66 feet,

hance their operational experience and ensure

10 inches long; 21 feet, 4 inches high;

they’re ready to go when the aircraft is. What’s

63 feet of wingspan

more, they’ll be able to contribute questions of

Internal dimensions: 25 feet, 10 inches long;

their own, thereby building up the knowledge

6 feet, 3 inches high; 7 feet, 2 inches wide

base for the aircraft.”

Maximum speed: .85 Mach

For the record, the speed records set by the

Engines: Two Honeywell HTF7250Gs

full interior, passenger-loaded serial number

Contact: Regional Vice President

2004 jet were: Dallas to Washington, DC (502.25

Asia/Pacific Jason Akovenko,

mph); Washington, DC to Geneva (525.59 mph);

65-6256-8301;

Paris to New York (469.95 mph); and New York to Dallas (489.52 mph).

116

FAST FACTS

is to replace, it has routinely exceeded the performance capabilities it was expected to produce when the

INTERIOR / GULFSTREAM G280

jason.akovenko@gulfstream.com; www.gulfstream.com

IN FLIGHT

INTERIOR / ACJ318

LEGACY 650 / EMBRAER

PRIVATE JET NEWS The ABACE conference reboots in Shanghai, Airbus goes big in Japan and Metrojet welcomes its first Embraer to the fleet in this issue’s business jet update.

ABACE REBIRTH

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

While further details on the deal for an ACJ318

and are committed to delivering service and opera-

Last held in Hong Kong in 2008, the new-and-im-

large-airframe jet were not provided, COO-Cus-

tional excellence to all our customers.”

proved ABACE (Asian Business Aviation Confer-

tomers John Leahy commented: “Our first Airbus

Contact: Metrojet Director of Marketing Wyn Li,

ence & Exhibition), held in Shanghai in spring 2012,

corporate jet sale in Japan builds on the growing

852-2523-6407; wyn.li@metrojet.com;

was a resounding success by all reports. Perhaps

presence of our modern airliner family, as well as

www.metrojet.com

the most significant news to come out of the show

encouraging greater use of business jets to help

was the formation of the new China Business Jet

grow what is, today, the world’s third-largest econ-

GULFSTREAM’S APPLETON FACILITY

Shanghai Alliance by leading aircraft financial firm

omy. Cabin comfort and space are key in our busi-

GETS CAAC APPROVAL

Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. The new initiative

ness, and Airbus corporate jets offer more of this

Gulfstream’s aviation service center in Appleton,

is led by the Civil Aviation Administration of China

than any other business jet.” Airbus has logged 170

Wisconsin recently earned an approved mainte-

(CAAC) and is the first official industry organization

business jet orders since the ACJ concept was in-

nance organization (AMO) designation from the

in the People’s Republic to connect major business

troduced about 20 years ago.

Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

aircraft manufacturers with big Chinese operators

Contact: COO-Customers John Leahy,

With this clearance, aircraft registered with the

like Capital Airlines, China Eastern, Donghai Jet,

33-5-82-05-17-40; corporate.jet@airbus.com;

CAAC can undergo maintenance, repairs, altera-

Nanshan Jet, Zhuhai Helicopter and First Manda-

www.airbus.com

tions and inspections at the facility. “Foreign au-

rin Business Aviation. The show itself featured over

thorizations are important to our customers, par-

150 exhibitors in 43,000 square feet of floor space

METROJET EXPANDS FLEET WITH EMBRAER

ticularly from countries such as China where our

at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Avia-

An Embraer Legacy 650 has been added to the fleet

fleet has grown from zero to more than 40 in about

tion Service Centre at Hongqiao Airport. In addi-

of Hong Kong-based private jet operator Metrojet.

11 years,” said Gulfstream Product Support Presi-

tion, about 27 aircraft were on display in the static

With a managed fleet size nearing 30, Metrojet CEO

dent Mark Burns. “Chinese operators who are in

area, and the entire event was sold out two months

Björn Näf was bullish on the Asian bizjet market

the United States for business or leisure can now

ahead of its opening.

after the delivery: “It is an exciting time for the

have their aircraft serviced [with us] on the East

Contact: China Business Aviation Group,

business aviation industry as we are seeing a lot

Coast, West Coast and Midwest.” Appleton is the

Chairman and CEO Jason Liao, 86-10-5981-7666;

of activities across the Asia region. After becoming

third company-owned service center to earn AMO

jasonliao@cbajet.com; www.abace.aero

Embraer’s first authorized service center in Great-

approval from the CAAC, joining facilities in Savan-

er China, we are now managing our first Embraer

nah, Georgia and Long Beach, California.

AIRBUS’S JAPANESE SUCCESS

aircraft. I am confident that we will continue to wel-

Contact: Regional Vice President Herman Chai,

An undisclosed private customer placed an order

come more Embraer aircraft to our fleet. We look

86-10-8535-1866; herman.chai@gulfstream.com;

for Airbus’s first ACJ product in Japan.

forward to a long-term partnership with Embraer

www.gulfstream.com

117

AT SEA

IN PROFILE / CALISTO

AERIAL VIEW / VERTIGO

SUNDECK JACUZZI / BIG FISH

WINTER ESCAPES As the mercury starts to fall, affluent cruisers head for the warm waters of tropical Asia, where a fine selection of luxury yachts make wintertime cruising a breeze.

118

BY NICK WALTON

CALISTO

VERTIGO

BIG FISH

For a slice of history with comfort at sea, char-

Cruising the Andaman Sea in winter 2012/2013,

The multi-award-winning Big Fish is the first in

ter the 138-foot Calisto. The yacht was originally

Vertigo , named “Sailing Yacht of the Year 2012,”

a new generation of expeditionary superyachts

commissioned for the US Navy but served with

is currently the largest sailing yacht built in the

that can circumnavigate the globe in style. Built

the British as a YMS-1 Class minesweeper. Now

southern hemisphere, stylishly accommodat-

in 2011, this 147-foot beauty accommodating ten

owned by Eric Merlin, founder of travel company

ing 12 guests. Rumored to be owned by media

guests in lavish staterooms is as comfortable

Exotissimo, Calisto is perfectly placed to cruise

mogul Rupert Murdoch, this is the first time this

anchored off Bora Bora or Monte-Carlo as she

the dramatic islands of southern Thailand, the

vessel has been available for charter. Opulent

is in Antarctica and the Amazon. Interiors are

acclaimed diving spots of the Similans and even

interiors by French designer Christian Liaigre

earthy and welcoming thanks to the use of natu-

the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, an increas-

offer an “urban at sea” persona, including a

ral timber tones, energy-saving LED lighting and

ingly popular cruising ground of over 4,000 is-

natural palette of walnut, cream and chocolate.

floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure plenty of

lands. With seven beautifully restored cabins—

Built in New Zealand by Alloy Yachts Interna-

natural light. Innovations include double-height

including a master stateroom decked out in rich

tional, this 220-foot superyacht features spa-

atriums with LED screen walls and fold-down aft

mahogany, Egyptian linens and Molton Brown

cious, minimalist cabins, elegant outdoor and

“beaches” that offer an unprecedented 45-foot

amenities—Calisto boasts an elegant, Old World

indoor entertainment spaces and a large Jacuzzi

swimming platform. Big Fish also comes with

ambience after years of entertaining Europe’s

on the aft deck from which to watch the day’s

big toys, including a 26-foot tender, scuba equip-

social elite. She caters to 12 guests and nine

end. The active will enjoy scuba equipment and

ment (plus two onboard scuba instructors), two

crew with a professionally equipped kitchen,

an Avon Jet Rib boat, while a limo tender and

RS Feva sailboats and a jet ski. Alternatively,

spacious living areas and modern technology.

two Nautica tenders make exploring deserted

take a dip in the aft sundeck Jacuzzi or stargaze

Charter rates start at US$50,000 a week.

beaches and busy cities a cinch. Vertigo char-

from the innovative crow’s nest. Charter rates

Contact: Fraser Yachts’ Massima Piras, 377-93-

ters from about US$279,167 a week.

start at US$245,000 a week.

100-496; massima.piras@fraseryachts.com;

Contact: Y.CO’s Tom deBuse, 377-93-50-12-12;

Contact: Y.CO’s Tom deBuse, 377-93-50-12-12;

www.fraseryachts.com

charter@ycoyacht.com; www.ycoyacht.com

charter@ycoyacht.com; www.ycoyacht.com

TEST DRIVE

LFA / LEXUS

QUICK TAKES

A8 L W12 / AUDI

JAGUAR XJ SUPERSPORT a real sense of style

ALL DIALED IN

(check out the 20-inch

Audi’s top-of-the-line city sedan delivers punch, power and panache that can stand

wheels,

toe to toe with any long wheelbase four-door big boy. But, more often than not, what

A touring sedan with

bright

red

brake calipers, black

sets the A8 L W12 Quattro apart, are the little things.

BY MIKE ESPINDLE

grille and panoramic glass roof), this special 510hp supercharged V8 version of Jaguar’s flagship is certain

The luxury sedan game is played out on a scale of millimeters. Oftentimes subtle engineering,

to evoke double takes. The style continues inside with

throbbing engine power and cutting-edge design all pull together in the cockpit, where nuances

cutting-edge carbon fiber touches, easy-to-read digital

of dash instrumentation, pedal feel and wheel and control locations can make all the difference.

dials lit by pools of soft blue light, red-stitched black

Simply said, the Audi A8 L W12 possesses one of the most intuitive and effective driver’s sides

leather, purple felt in the glove box and on the center

I’ve ever experienced.

console, and a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound sys-

On my exclusive mountain test drive, the shift paddles practically dropped onto my fingertips

tem. Base price: About US$112,000.

when it was time to goose the seamless eight-speed transmission and explore the true power

Contact: Jaguar Singapore, 65-6473-7755;

of the W12 engine (which, needless to say, was pretty uncanny). Braking, so critical for such a

www.jaguar.com

heavy vehicle (4,773 pounds), was intuitive to the point of being almost eerie, like the car knew what I wanted to do before I did. A large center stack offers a plethora of functions, but all were

BMW ALPINA B7

easy to decipher and locate with a quick glance. Seat comfort is world class, and the Bang & If the artfully sculp-

Olufsen sound system quality is comparable to much more rarefied luxury sedans.

tured flanks of the

Besting a base A8 by five inches of wheelbase, 128 horses and 2.1 liters of displacement (the

BMW Alpina B7 grand-

power plant is officially rated at 6.3 liters, 500hp), those seemingly small improvements, like

tourer don’t hook you,

the finely tuned interior approach, again make a big difference. You’ll experience a 0 to 60mph

the

theatrics

surge in just 4.4 seconds, with stable and controlled high-speed performance that defies the

surely will. Open the soft-close automatic door and the

length and weight of this monster. It looks big at the curb and handles small behind the wheel.

cabin

sills light up with the phosphorescent blue B7 logo. Am-

You can’t discuss the A8 L W12 without delving into the back seat, since the car is eminently

bient light pools gently around the discreetly hidden han-

“chauffeur-able,” and the price tag brings it up towards those “gentlemen’s saloons” often as-

dles, and a stretch of hand-stitched leather and piano

sociated with hired drivers. Leg room, leather quality, ride comfort, entertainment technology

black beckon you inside. Power up the 4.4-liter V8 twin

(dual ten-inch screens with a rear-seat DVD slot)…any critical factor of being a passenger in

turbo (500hp) engine, and you’ll tuck into one of the most

this car compares favorably with a more expensive competitive set. Speaking of the price, Audi

luxurious AWD performance cars you’ll ever experience.

lists US$133,500 as the base, but the maker’s Exclusive program offers a selection of 15 leath-

Base price: About US$137,725.

ers, seven woods and other options that can bring the final cost of a personalized A8 L W12

Contact: BMW of Japan, 81-3-6259-8333;

closer to US$180,000.

www.bmw.co.jp

Contact: Audi Hong Kong, 852-2528-1862; www.audi.com.hk 119

AT SEA SERENITY

120

ORIENTAL SPA

SPA AT THE FOUR SEASONS

LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL

FOUR SEASONS HONG KONG

CHUAN SPA LANGHAM PLACE MONGKOK

Located within the confines of one of Asia’s

One of the city’s most innovative wellness

Subtly lit and dressed in warm earth tones,

most luxurious hotels, the Oriental Spa at

retreats, the Spa at the Four Seasons Hong

Chuan Spa is perched on the 40th floor of the

the Landmark Mandarin Oriental combines

Kong benefits from some of Hong Kong’s most

chic Langham Place Mongkok. Inspired by

award-winning spa facilities with a Pilates

captivating views. With 17 private spa suites,

the wellness philosophies of Chinese medicine

studio, indoor swimming pool, modern fitness

be sure to opt for one of two VIP suites, each

and the five elements of wood, metal, fire, air

center and yoga suite across two levels. This

boasting over-the-tub rain showers, daybeds

and earth, the spa boasts more than 60 treat-

urban oasis also boasts amethyst crystal

and twin massage beds. A host of new Organic

ments conducted in ten spacious and private

steam rooms, experience showers, a Turkish

Pharmacy-created experiences have just been

spa suites. Local master therapists practice

hammam for the guys and a Moroccan rasul

added to the spa’s enviable treatment list,

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and offer

for the ladies. The spa’s menu features a host

including a 90-minute resculpting massage

everything from acupuncture and moxibustion,

of indulgent treatments, including Mandarin

using ginger and chili oil to stimulate circula-

to the art of Ho Guan cupping, which draws

Oriental’s own signature series, all of which

tion, a seaweed cleansing cocoon wrap that

out impurities from the skin and muscles.

include Oriental meridian massages using es-

rids the skin of pollution and toxins, and a

For something a bit more contemporary, book

sential oils custom-made for the hotel. Be sure

vitamin C antioxidant facial that exfoliates and

the Chuan Spirit VIP Suite, with its private

to spoil yourself with the Oriental Harmony

reduces discoloration in the skin. The Organic

Jacuzzi, and try the Serenity Shen treatment

treatment (from about US$302), a lavish ritual

Pharmacy Facial (about US$399) is a signa-

(about US$254). This three-hour journey begins

that includes a warm scrub and four-handed

ture 120-minute treatment that firms the skin

with a stone therapy massage, followed by a

massage conducted by two well-trained

using acupressure massage to stimulate the

refreshing foot treatment, a facial using essen-

therapists. Finish off with a simultaneous head

lymphatic system. Finish off with a rose crystal

tial oils and, finally, a revitalizing cool marine

and foot massage to feel truly uplifted, and be

and antioxidant serum and an anti-aging mask

algae mask. The spa also offers a wide range

sure to visit the newly opened Pedi:Mani:Cure

to leave you refreshed and ready to tackle the

of treatments suited for travelers, as well as a

studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

city in style.

selection of signature Thalgo facials.

Contact: Director of Spa Charlotte Chen,

Contact: Director of Spa Shoshana Weinberg,

Contact: Director of Spa Victoria Childs,

852-2132-0011; charlottec@mohg.com;

852-3796-8901; shoshana.weinberg@four

852-3552-3510; victoria.childs@langham

www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark

seasons.com; www.fourseasons.com/hongkong

hotels.com; wwwchuanspa.com

HONG KONG’S TOP SPAS With Hong Kong’s high-paced lifestyle, it’s little wonder that the Fragrant Harbour is also home to some of the region’s most cutting-edge and indulgent urban spas. Infusing the healing philosophies of China with those of India, Thailand and beyond, Hong Kong’s hidden citadels of seduction guarantee to poke and prod you into submission.

BY NICK WALTON

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA BY ESPA

THE PENINSULA SPA

THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

PENINSULA HONG KONG

MIRASPA THE MIRA HONG KONG

The city’s newest home of wellness and the

Boasting 14 lavishly appointed private treat-

Located just off Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui,

highest hotel spa in the world, The Ritz-Carl-

ment rooms and awe-inspiring views across

The Mira Hong Kong combines chic design

ton Spa by ESPA is located on the hotel’s 116th

Victoria Harbour, The Peninsula Spa at the

and world-class service; its decadent spa is

floor, affording stunning views of Victoria Har-

Peninsula Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s

no exception. An elegant and modern refuge

bour and the Outlying Islands. At 9,257 square

top urban wellness retreats. Peninsula teamed

from the city, MiraSpa showcases cutting-

feet, ESPA boasts nine deluxe treatment rooms

up with ESPA to create a unique experience

edge skincare and body treatments created by

and two couple’s suites, each with floor-to-ceil-

that draws on Eastern and Western healing

acclaimed French cosmetolgist Anne Semonin,

ing windows and cutting-edge design. The spa’s

philosophies using treatments designed ex-

including vita fusion facials, muscle melt mas-

extensive menu features aromatherapy mas-

clusively for The Peninsula Spa. The two-story

sages and unique black sand treatments. Take

sages, anti-aging facials and a great range of

oasis fuses Chinese elements and contempo-

time out of your busy day to try the Haute Cou-

rituals designed for men. But for the real ESPA

rary flair with accents of marble, aged wood

ture Platinum Facial (US$175), a unique treat-

experience, book one of the signature treat-

and textured granite. Book ahead for one of the

ment that uses the pure revitalizing extracts

ments (all from about US$206), including the

Private Spa Suites, and start your journey with

of apricot kernel oil and seaweed paste. The

Lava Shell Body therapy, during which heated

a session in the Crystal Steam Room, part of

105-minute treatment also includes products

lava shells are used to soothe tired feet prior to

the innovative Thermal Suite, where an array

tailored to guests’ skin type, as well as bespoke

a full body massage, and the Radiance Facial

of cooling and heating environments relax and

eye and décolletage therapies. If you’re looking

with Jade Stone Eye Treatment, which uses

revitalize body and mind. Then try the Spirit of

to shake off the strains of the day, therapist

a special application of ESPA Skin Radiance

Peninsula (about US$257), which begins with a

Eric Lee is renowned in Hong Kong for his

Moisturizer to brighten the skin. Finish off with

foot bath and salt body exfoliation, followed by

intuitive massage skills and knowledge of com-

a swim in the hotel’s unique indoor swimming

a warm fragrant oil massage and a detoxofying

mon body ailments. He specializes in tradi-

pool, with its underwater speakers and ceiling

hand, foot and scalp mask, made with seaweed

tional Chinese and deep-tissue massages that

LED screens.

extracts, lemongrass and peppermint.

soothe body and mind.

Contact: Spa Director Siti Alawiya,

Contact: Regional Spa Director–Asia Sharon

Contact: Director of Spa Tracy Lord,

852-2263-2041; siti.alawiya@ritzcarlton.com;

Codner, 852-2920-2888; sharoncodner@

852-2315-5500; miraspa@themirahotel.com;

www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong

peninsula.com; www.peninsula.com/hongkong

www.themirahotel.com 121

CHEERS

SINGLE MALT STARS Scotland’s leading whiskey houses are trying to capture a greater share of the Asian market and in the process are giving the region a growing number of exclusive releases—but you’ll need to be quick because they are turning up in extremely limited quantities.

BY JAMES GREGORY WILKINSON

The Glenfiddich name has been synonymous with “single malt Scotch whiskey” since its foundation by distiller William Grant back in 1887. While the brand’s much-loved 21-years malt, with its Caribbean rum barrel finish, remains popular with true connoisseurs the world over, it’s the distillery’s limited-release 1974 Vintage Reserve, launched at Hong Kong International Airport, that’s been captivating Asia Pacific since its unveiling in late December. Despite an initial launch of only 200 bottles, retailing at US$1,130 each, demand mirrors the distillery’s previous limited-edition release, Snow Phoenix.

“After the pioneering launch of Snow Phoenix, which was created by combining single malt whiskeys of different strengths, ages and finishes, it’s wonderful to release another vatted whiskey in the form of the 1974 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve,” says Glenfiddich master distiller Brian Kinsman.

The 1974 Vintage Reserve also follows the exclusive releases in Taiwan of vintages from 1961 and 1976 (in 2010) and the 1972 (in 2009), but to the joy of many aficionados, the latest release is more widely available.

(Contact: WG&S Marketing Director for India Aparna Batra, 91-1244-99405; glenfiddich.enquiries@wgrant. com; www.glenfiddich.com) With Asia Pacific’s demand for blended and single malt whiskey, it’s no surprise that other leading distillers, including Glenlivet, are focusing on special Asian releases. Glenlivet’s exclusive Asian release, the 12-year-old Glenlivet Excellence, has been a star of the show since its release in November 2011 (about US$68). Paying tribute to Glenlivet’s founder George Smith, the Excellence combines the brand’s signature floral style with a “higher proportion of whiskey matured in ex-sherry casks,” according to Chivas Brothers’ Brand Director for Malts Neil Macdonald.

Macdonald says Smith was known for “his determination that ‘only the best will do,’” and that’s reflected in the Excellence, which comes in an elegant, clear glass bottle with a distinctive gold label. The Excellence is not just about looks—sure it does come encased in a gold-foiled carton—but on the palate it’s about vibrant fruit, pear and honey, while the nose is filled with vanilla, orange zest and a dash of hazelnut—characteristics that have proven popular among Asian whiskey drinkers. “The launch of The Glenlivet Excellence reflects our ongoing commitment to growing the brand in this increasingly important market,” says Macdonald. (Contact: Brand Manager for The Glenlivet in Hong Kong Chris Yeung, 852-2378-7946; chris.yeung@

pernod-ricard.com; www.theglenlivet.com) Not to be outdone, luxury spirits distributor Moët Hennessy Diageo released 12- and 18-year-old single malts under The Singleton of Glen Ord brand last summer, targeting Asia’s whiskey fans (12YO: about US$62; 18YO: about US$155).

“The Singleton of Glen Ord has been very well received by whiskey adorers in both mature and emerging markets alike,” says Diageo’s brand ambassador Drew Mills. Part of a collection of specific expressions targeting key markets, The Singleton of Glen Ord’s deep shining amber color, warm fruity aftertaste and dark chocolate nose are sure to make it a hit with new and established whiskey drinkers in Asia. Diageo also launched The Singleton of Glen Ord 35YO in February, seeking to entice Asia’s most discerning whiskey drinkers (about US$1,354). (Contact: Brand Manager Georgia Lai, 852-

2976-1105; georgia.lai@mhdhk.com; www.diageo.com) 122 18YO / THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD

THE THE GUIDE GUIDE

AROUND THE REGION ANYONE WHO HAS VISITED ASIA WILL TESTIFY TO THE REGION’S CONTRASTS, FROM TOWERING MOUNTAINS TO POWDERY BEACHES, TRANQUIL RURAL LANDSCAPES TO METROPOLISES THAT ARE REDEFINING HOW WE LIVE. ASIA IS NOTHING IF NOT MULTIFACETED, SO IT SHOULD BE OF LITTLE WONDER THAT ITS

MUTE / SEOUL

ENTERTAINMENT SPACES FOLLOW IN KIND, OFFERING ONE-STOP-SHOPS THAT TANTALIZE THE SENSES.

Read on to discover some of the multi-experience venues

Asian entertainment scene, fine dining continues to lead the

opening across the region, including Macau’s Sky 21, which

pack, with the opening of View 62 at the Hopewell Centre,

combines pan-Asian fine dining and al fresco mixology with

home to the avant-garde cuisine of Spain’s influential Mi-

a private shopping opportunity unprecedented in the casino

chelin-starred chef Paco Roncero, while nearby local foodie

city. In Seoul, District is the latest Itaewon hot spot to take

institution Chez Patrick has been reincarnated in chic new

the city’s late-night live music scene by storm, drawing in-

digs, where it continues to thrill visitors and locals alike.

ternational DJs to one of Asia’s most engaging and dynamic

And in Shanghai, a city that’s always innovating, roof-

destinations with its industrial-chic persona. In Taipei, a city

top cocktail bars on the Bund continue to captivate travel-

that’s no stranger to a good night out, MYST offers extrava-

ers thanks to startling skyline views. Newcomers include

gant experiences for the affluent jet set, combining a cutting-

Shook!, located atop the new Swatch Art Peace Hotel, and

edge club scene with cityscape vistas.

the elegant House of Roosevelt at Bund 27, both of which

In Hong Kong, a city that’s often at the forefront of the

offer visitors the ultimate taste of modern China.

123

THE GUIDE

BANGALORE

BY ISABEL PUTINJA

TASTE NO EVIL One of the newest additions to residential Indiranagar’s fine dining scene is I & Monkey, a restaurant that’s being noticed for its cheeky name and quirky menu. The managing partners, Reji Thomas and his son Sathish, are veterans of Bangalore’s F&B scene, having run the city’s landmark Windsor Pub for the past 14 years. The idea behind I & Monkey was to take the much-loved menu at The Windsor and transform it into an upmarket dining experience.

The outcome is an understated and elegant setting, an innovative menu and a relaxed atmosphere. The dazzling white walls contrast with the dark hardwood floors and furnishings. Photographs of jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Harry Edison and Illinois Jacquet grace the walls, and, fittingly, a soundtrack of jazz and blues will accompany your meal. Book ahead for a quiet table on the semi-al fresco terrace.

The menu is a culinary journey across South India with forays into continental cuisine and some fun twists thrown in. The “Backwater Fried Meat” is a Kerala Syrian Christian specialty of tender beef cubes stir-fried with roasted spices and coconut. The shikari-style shredded meat is a revamped traditional recipe and a house specialty; made with finely shredded sun-dried beef, it is double fried with shallots and spices. An example of the inventive flavor combinations on offer is the pickle paneer lasagna, made with paneer cheese and tangy mango pickle. The wine list features a selection of Indian, Australian, Italian and French varietals, with the Domaine de Saint-Ser and Domaine Gigondan Côtes du Rhône Reserve Saint Just being some of the finest picks.

Contact: Managing Partner Sathish Thomas, 91-88619-86902; iandmonkey2012@gmail.com

URBAN ISLAND The Island has made a smashing entrance on the city’s lounge/bar scene and is buzzing with the in-crowd on weeknights and weekends. True to its name, this high-end nightspot, located off a busy road in Indiranagar, is an urban oasis. The open-air courtyard is set amid pools of water and cascading waterfalls, and the hammocks, thatched parasols and bamboo tables and chairs complete the tropical beach theme. The reggae and retro music provides the perfect backdrop to the laid-back atmosphere; this is the ideal place to unwind with a cocktail under the stars or on the candlelit terrace. The most LIGHT-DRENCHED DINING ROOM / I & MONKEY

coveted seats are in the cozy covered loft overlooking the courtyard.

In keeping with the tropical theme, the drinks list features favorites like

THATCHED CHIC / THE ISLAND

Long Island Iced Tea and Blue Lagoon cocktails, as well as margaritas and martinis that are spruced up with local exotic fruits. The pineapple coconut martini is hugely popular as is the watermelon margarita and one infused with cactus pear. The signature cocktail is the Island Jumbo, made with white rum, vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, cranberry, lime juice and fresh mint leaves, and served up in a huge martini glass perfect for sharing. The wine list features mostly Australian and French vintages; notables include the Bird in Hand pinot noir and the La Patache Médoc cabernet sauvignon.

A tempting selection of international appetizers includes Texas-style spicy chicken wings, nachos con queso, Afrikaner braai kebabs, and tequila-spiced mushroom and pepper skewers. Island mixed grill of lamb, beef and chicken; the pan-fried Chilean fish fillet; and Thai red curry are popular mains. Reservations are recommended for the immensely popular Sunday brunch.

Contact: Owners Pankaj Bhatia and Khanindra Barman, 91-99453-01267; pankaj@kpgroups.in

124

BY NICK WALTON

HONG KONG

THE GUIDE

EAST-BOUND & UP One of Hong Kong’s culinary icons has made the bold move to shut up shop in its Central location, and move east to Wan Chai, helping shift the city’s gastronomic landscape in the process. Anyone who dined at Chez Patrick’s iconic Peel Street spot, hidden beneath the bars and boutiques of Soho, could be forgiven for shedding a tear for the end of an era. Fortunately the new Chez Patrick has not only survived the move, but is already in bloom, offering diners a new level of fine dining and elegant palate pleasers, packaged in a chic, welcoming setting that’s a fresh breath of air to the city’s foodie scene.

The new location features soaring ceilings, muted tones, delicate handpainted gold wallpaper and intimate lighting, all of which combine to create

FRENCH FLAIR / CHEZ PATRICK

an elegant ambience. The look, a contrast to the Central venue’s minimalism, is the brainchild of Darryl Goevas from Pure Creative International, and calms loyal guests come to see if the spirit of Peel Street remains.

Happily it does, with signature dishes like the smoked trio of foie gras, salmon and yogurt, and fresh tuna carpaccio with pastis and lime, found on a dedicated classics menu and still impressing diners new and old. But a host of new selections, including marinated Hokkaido scallops with watercress and wasabi dressing; French ‘’Charolais’’ beef fillet with dauphinois gratin; and a mild ginger and orange zest comfit soufflé are winning new punters thanks to chef Patrick’s fresh and innovative take on timeless French cuisine.

The degustation menu is the best way to bring back fond memories of Peel past, or to forge new links with this culinary icon. Restaurant Manager JeanNoel Narbeburu is still greeting guests, and ensuring that despite the stylish new digs far from the ruckus of Soho, Chez Patrick continues to serve the elegant dishes that have made it a favorite on the city’s culinary landscape.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Jean-Noel Narbeburu, 852-2541-1401; www.chezpatrick.com

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE With an approach to cocktails that’s as scientific as it is inventive, Hong Kong’s newest molecular concept bar, Quinary, has opened on Hollywood Road on the cusp of Soho. Headed up by award-winning mixologist Antonio Lai and fronted by Charlene Dawes, owner of nearby whiskey bar Angel’s Share, this

DELIGHTFUL DELICACIES / CHEZ PATRICK

SULTRY SPACE / QUINARY

chic cocktail divan brings back an old-school elegance, married with lashings of new-age innovation, using food science to concoct cocktails.

Antonio was at the forefront of the city’s fling with molecular mixology and while he’s not carrying his canister of liquid nitrogen around with him anymore, Quinary is every bit an extension of that creativity. Behind a traditional long bar and within a space of low-slung rafters, dark timbers, deep booths and subtle lighting, Antonio and his team engage all five senses as they create classic concoctions with modern, often surprising twists.

The Quinary Sour is an Asian twist with Ballantine’s whiskey, licorice root and Chinese black sugar, while the Earl Grey Caviar Martini features Absolut, apple juice, elderflower and Cointreau, and is served with tea-infused molecular caviar. Things get more scientific with the Quinary Bloody Mary, made with wasabi-infused vodka crafted in the bar’s own re-distiller—a Hong Kong first—while the Crystal 24 uses crisp centrifuge-spun grapefruit juice and Beefeaters 24 gin. If you get peckish, a bar menu features truffle fries, Bloody Mary mini beef burgers and foie gras served with balsamic strawberries.

Contact: Owner/Managing Director Charlene Dawes, 852-9123-8987; charlene@quinary.hk; www.quinary.hk

125

THE GUIDE

JAKARTA

SOARING VIEWS / FABLE LOUNGE & DINING

BY GREG HARADIRAN

COMFORT FOOD / FABLE LOUNGE & DINING

A FABLE IN THE MAKING Perched on the second floor of the circus-like complex known by hipsters as “ex-Bengkel,” which already boasts an exotic car showroom, the wildly popular premium barber Ugo and a rooftop bar-cum-garden-cum-doggie day care, Jakarta’s newest elite playground is not out of place. In fact, with a long, narrow and darkened tunnel that leads to a cavernous structure that resembles a glass bird cage, Fable Lounge & Dining fits right in.

On its opening day, Fable featured no fewer than six international DJs, including David Morales, Moto Blanco and Supernova; nine local DJs and a VIP celebrity list that partied from 6 p.m. till 6 a.m. It was an unprecedented feat for a lounge/nightclub opening in Indonesia.

Owners Jason Kurniawan and Feisal Hamka, former event promoters, not only designed Fable’s winning music programs—anything from live acoustic to hip hop to svelte house—but also the entire place. Built as a separate extension on the annex of the Fairgrounds complex, the result is an intimate yet spacious and sexy yet friendly hideaway in the heart of the busiest district.

To cater to their celeb guests, who regularly include Cathy Sharon, Dian

QUEEN OF HEARTS COCKTAIL / FABLE LOUNGE & DINING

Sastrowardoyo and soccer player Diego Michel, the dynamic duo have also designed two private rooms that offer maximum privacy. One is on-site and the other, a wee bit off-site, is thoroughly private, though a touch less ambient.

COLORFUL TREATS / FABLE LOUNGE & DINING

Don’t miss Fable’s signature cocktails, including the Fable Royal Mojito, a fresh and energizing concoction of rum, crème de cassis, sparkling wine and lime, and the Nutella Passion, a unique drink made of Baileys Irish cream, rum and chocolate hazelnut spread. Pair these with Fable’s blissful desserts such as the sultry Black Velvet Cake, Caramel Crust Pie or Watermelon Menthol, and you just might find it impossible to leave this fairytale wonderland.

Contact: Marketing and Relations Manager Ursula Wantah, 62-812-8877-5611; ursula.wantah@fable.co.id; www.fable.co.id

DOUBLE THE DECADENCE The newly opened Double Bay restaurant, located in the posh neighborhood of LUXE SEATING / DOUBLE BAY BAR/THE BAR AND RESTAURANT

Menteng (not far from the former residence of US President Barack Obama), might strike as a somewhat odd conjuncture of the Prohibition, Rococo and Georgian eras—think red velvet, boudoir chairs, leopard prints and hanging stag heads. But Double Bay pulls it off, presenting a chic but unapologetically American style, with sinful offerings including huge racks of ribs and melt-inyour-mouth foie gras burgers—thick patties sandwiched between generous slabs of foie gras and melted cheese.

Owner William Gomez’s years studying in LA have left him with fond memories of not only great American food, but also the 24/7 Hollywood party culture, and Double Bay is decidedly La-La Land. He set up the restaurant as a 24-hour eatery, with the focus being on the late-night and early morning romps rarely catered for elsewhere, complete with spinning DJs and a sexy vibe. Gomez designed the place himself, adding the stag heads, lavish chandeliers, plush velvet sofas and a great cocktail list designed to keep affluent punters happy through the night.

ESCARGOT / DOUBLE BAY

RED VELVET CAKE / DOUBLE BAY

Double Bay is now one of Menteng’s hot spots, with local celebs like Mario Lawalata, Lulu Tobing and Limbad relaxing in the sultry space, sipping signature cocktails like the Captain America—a fusion of fresh strawberry, strawberry vodka, blue curaçao, Frangelico and Southern Comfort—with abandon.

Contact: President/Director William Gomez, 62-812-711-5111; gowilliammez@gmail.com

126 126

BY SHARMILA RAJAH

LOFTY AMBITIONS

KUALA LUMPUR

THE GUIDE

CHAMPAGNE ROOM / VIEW ROOFTOP BAR

Kuala Lumpur has countless places to sip a mood-setting cocktail but nothing quite like the View Rooftop Bar atop the G Tower Hotel. Sprawling vistas over the city skyline give this hideaway an extra edge. Take the lift up to the 29th floor and choose your favorite nook—the funky al fresco Absolut Bar serves delicious original cocktails; for pure luxury, the GH Mumm champagne room is a jewel box of plush velvet seating and seductive lighting; and in between, the mod Glenlivet whiskey lounge is just right for top-level entertaining. The distinct interiors offer a unique experience within each enclave.

A long bar and deep, curved banquettes set the stage for unparalled views at the outdoor Absolut Bar. The talking piece—an interactive i-bartop with touch-screen function displaying images—is guaranteed to elevate your sensory experience. An extensive list of cocktails includes View-Illusion, a combination of Absolut Blue Vodka, strawberry, honeydew, egg white and homemade syrup, and the View-Quaalude, a mix of Absolut Blue Vodka, Baileys and Frangelico liqueur with chocolate chips. Alongside your tipple of choice, enjoy spiced nachos, duck spring rolls or breaded calamari.

The intimate Glenlivet whiskey lounge is outfitted with individual custody cases for bottle keeping; simply store your unfinished whiskey and carry the key home. Order the most coveted from the Glenlivet range—its rich, complex

CAPE RHYTHMS / ROMANZA LE RESTAURANT

25-year-old; the menu also lists the single malt Macallan.

The premium champagne room, with its kaleidoscopic views, is a futuristic space with cup-shaped bar seats, rich drapery and sunken lounges. A small dance space fronts the DJ console; pop open a bottle of Dom Pérignon and party from dusk to dawn.

Contact: Bar Manager Edward Maria Dass, 60-3-2168-1881; manager@view.com.my; www.view.com.my

RETURN TO AFRICA Romanza Le Restaurant is winning the Malaysian capital over with its inventive cooking. The restaurant embodies a modern take on classic luxury, offering a delicious menu that features innovative French Mediterranean cuisine with a distinctive South African slant. The French-trained, South African head chef Steven Kruger experiments with familiar dishes like wild mushroom risotto and lamb shank by injecting them with unusual flavor combinations.

The result is a dazzling display of technical expertise and exquisite tastes.

Warm pea soup comes with a scoop of salmon ice cream; your ostrich fillet is served with aubergine spiced beef croquette and a citrus-infused fig compote. Chef Kruger, formerly of Opal Lounge in Cape Town, doesn’t hold back on the finest of ingredients—expect truffle and foie gras to elevate flavors.

In keeping with the South African flair, the compact wine list features predominantly South African drops; there are also carefully selected varieties

LAMB SHANK / ROMANZA LE RESTAURANT

from France, Chile, New Zealand and Australia. Be sure to give the Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2008 from the Paarl Valley a try.

The black, white and red dining room, which seats 100, boasts polished details like chandeliers, bold wallpaper, embroidered chairs and large crescent-shaped banquettes for bigger groups. After dinner, retreat to the plush cigar lounge for the finest Cuban cigars or head out to the al fresco bar where Zimbabwean mixologist Michael Tonderai serves decadent cocktails like the white chocolate martini, mango piña colada and strawberry coconut mojito.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Jo Arnold, 603-4252-6058; jo@romanza.com.my; www.romanza.com.my

127

THE GUIDE

MACAU

BY NICK WALTON

A TASTE FOR INDULGENCE Macau’s culinary scene has had a pleasant shock to the system with the opening of The Tasting Room at the expansive City of Dreams on the Cotai Strip.

The elegantly appointed restaurant is located on level three of the five-star Crown Towers, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views across one of Macau’s busiest precincts.

The Tasting Room boasts a contemporary European persona and brings to the city’s foodie scene a series of revolving and well-thought-out tasting menus. Each showcases innovation and an inherent respect for the world’s best ingredients, including jet-fresh seafood, beef cuts from French presidential supplier Hugo Desnoyer and a coveted collection of fine cheeses.

Guests can choose from a range of dining atmospheres, including the intimate, spacious circular dining room, which is drenched in natural sunlight during the day and offers stunning evening views of the city’s neon nightscape. Alternatively book ahead for the decadent private dining room, complete with padded armchairs, Rosenthal china and Stölzle glassware.

CIRCULAR HAVEN / THE TASTING ROOM

CAVIAR-TOPPED SALMON / THE TASTING ROOM

Start off with slow-cooked Scottish salmon with caviar and hazelnut oil, or a half lobster steamed with ginger and coconut milk, before moving onto the likes of Atlantic sea bass with veal jus and espelettes pimento, or Bresse pigeon cooked two ways and served with an Arabica jus. The best way to get a true cross-section of chef Guillaume Galliot’s talent is with the eight-course Tasting Room Chef’s Menu, which changes daily with the whims of the chef.

Match your meal with one of Macau’s best wine collections; a state-ofthe-art Enomatic wine machine serves 16 wines by the glass, perfect for the indecisive, while choice drops from the menu include vintages from Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Petrus, as well as top-notch vintage champagnes.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Carlo Carreon, 853-8868-6681; thetastingroom@cod-macau.com; www.cityofdreamsmacau.com

ALL IN (TWENTY) ONE Twenty-one floors up isn’t particularly high in Asia, but for Sky 21, Macau’s newest nightspot, it affords guests quite possibly the best views in town. Ca-

HOUSE OF BLUES / SKY 21

tering to the city’s affluent visitors, Sky 21 is a multimillion dollar, multifaceted entertainment space that floats above the cityscape, bringing together cutting-edge pan-Asian cuisine, luxury private shopping, an exclusive nightclub and both terrace and rooftop cocktail bars with vertiginous vistas.

SASHIMI / SKY 21

Start your night at Sky 21’s elegant Zen-inspired dining room, and take over the private space with its sumptuous décor and stellar views across the city. After trying the delectable dishes of chef Daniel Brolese, which fuse the culinary traditions of Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Macau, head upstairs to Sky B, the chic cocktail lounge that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor areas. Here, the terrace tables offer stunning views across the water to the Macau Tower and Nam Van Lake. Be sure to try one of the rare cognacs

BERRY GARDEN COCKTAIL / SKY 21

or a tipple from the bar’s extensive champagne and cocktail list.

Take time out to browse exclusive Sky Luxe, a private shopping experience that offers a revolving treasure trove of luxury brands featuring hard-to-find watches, limited-edition accessories and fine jewelry. You can finish up by dancing the night away at Sky Life, an ultra-modern lounge space complete ZEN ENTRANCE / SKY 21

with international DJs, a great sound system and enviable city views.

Contact: General Manager Ken Cho, 853-2822-2122; dining@sky21macau.com; www.sky21macau.com

128 128

BY MAIDA PINEDA

LOCAL INSPIRATION

MANILA

THE GUIDE

FRESH AND FRIED / ARACAMA FILIPINO CUISINE

Chef Fernando Aracama, a respected contender in regional culinary competitions and a judge for TV’s Junior Master Chef, has a whimsical knack for Filipino ingredients. He turned Chocnut, a cheap local chocolate peanut candy, into a gourmet gelato that has been copied by ice cream manufacturers and other restaurants. His latest mission is to elevate the quality of Filipino food in restaurants with his newly opened Aracama Filipino Cuisine.

Aracama and his partners boldly converted Embassy, formerly the most popular club in Manila, into a three-story benchmark for the championing of local fare. Aracama’s décor evokes the elegance of a countryside hacienda: Airy interiors, wrought-iron designs, white ceiling fans, woven wicker chairs and a plethora of tropical plants. For a more intimate experience, opt for one of three private rooms, catering to a dozen apiece.

The food shines with Filipino appetizers like salpicao, made with 24-hour

sous vide beef riblets instead of the usual tenderloin beef cubes. Inspired by the cocktail Gin Pomelo, Aracama adds pomelo sea salt to deep-fried baby

SPICY SIPS / ARACAMA FILIPINO CUISINE

shrimp. His mother’s milkfish spring rolls are spiced with a tamarind and green chili dip, while classic dishes like pancit molo, pork wontons in chicken broth; crispy pata, deep-fried pork hock; and kare-kare, oxtail stew, all grace the menu. The chef also pays homage to his hometown, Bacolod, with dishes like kansi, shank soup cooked in lemongrass, tomatoes and batwon.

Aracama does a splendid job with tupa tim, braised lamb shank with Oriental flavors of star anise and hoisin sauce, and with his signature dish, miso sea bass. Match your dishes with the Montes Cherub rosé or the Jules Taylor pinot gris, both of which pair splendidly with the flavors of Filipino cuisine.

The chef, who disikes sweet cocktails, collaborates with New York mixologist David Dennis to create curious concoctions using locally sourced ingredients; try the signature Aracama tipple, a blend of gin, vodka, vermouth, pickled shallot brine, local green chili and cracked pepper.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Michael Jovellanos, 63-917-257-2524; michael@aracamamanila.com

REVVING UP AT THE ROCKET ROOM Rocket Room, the newest hot spot to open on Bonifacio High Street Central,

FLAVORFUL PLATE / ARACAMA FILIPINO CUISINE

CRAFTING COCKTAILS / ROCKET ROOM

is a dimly lit, cozy setting with retro blue tiles, tall bar stools and a few intimate dining tables. Enticing the city’s social set are eclectic beverage choices ranging from house-made liquor and tropical fruit infusions, including a lychee-infused sake, to cocktails using French boutique spirit Pure Green Vodka, made from organic wheat. Signature elixirs like The Girl With Violet Eyes, a sweet mojito with mixed berries, apple rum, honey, lychee and mint, are complemented by a selection of hot and cold tapas, including utterly addictive crispy pork belly chips. A wood-fired oven cranks out gourmet snacks at Rocket’s sister restaurant next door, including stuffed mushroom skewers.

Mediterranean tapas dishes include spicy gambas, grilled pulpo and croquettes, and roasted truffle mushroom pizza, which oozes with earthy flavors.

What the Rocket Room excels at is great live music. On Friday and Saturday nights, Rocket brings in top DJs to pump out rhythms popular in the underground party scenes of Saigon, Manila, Bangkok and Tokyo. Groove to fresh mixes from the likes of Ms Badkiss, Stockholm’s funk-soul-electro duo Amalia+Opolopo, DJs Minister Zero and Danger, Complex and Supreme Fist.

Contact: Rocket Room Manager Rhona Coronel, 632-621-3222; stella.rocketroom@raintree.com.ph; www.raintreerestaurants.com

129

THE GUIDE

SEOUL

WINE COLLECTION / L’ANGOLO

BY MATT FLEMMING

NEON MARKER / L’ANGOLO

ITALIAN SEOUL Armed with 25 years of experience, including a stint as executive chef consultant at three-Michelin-star Ristorante La Pergola in the Rome Cavalieri Hilton, chef Sebastiano Giangregorio has created L’Angolo, a traditional yet creative Italian restaurant and bistro perched on Mount Namsan in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood. Since opening earlier in the year, L’Angolo has seen high-powered executives as well as a number of ambassadors as regular customers. In June, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz held an event in the restaurant’s small concert hall, which also serves as a private dining room.

Giangregorio imports 90 percent of his ingredients from Italy but also uses Hanwoo beef (Korea’s answer to Wagyu) and pork from Jeju Island off South

COZY SEATING / L’ANGOLO

Korea’s southern coast. Giangregorio’s specialties are his pastas, particularly the tagliatelle bolognese, which he serves up himself tableside from a large wheel of Parmesan cheese. A decadent new addition to the menu is a sureto-please pizza topped with foie gras, Russian caviar and truffles.

Of the more than 190 bottles on the wine list, about 70 percent are Italian, including choice drops Gaja Barbaresco, Amorone Masi and Sassicaia. There’s also an excellent selection of Bordeaux beauties, including drops from Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild.

Giangregorio designed the restaurant’s interiors himself, seeking to create an atmosphere similar to dining in the home of a well-to-do friend. The

EXTRAVAGANT INTERIOR / MUTE

ALLURING DETAILS / GLAM

ground floor features a lounge with leather couches adorned with throw pillows and blankets, where guests can enjoy an espresso with a slice of cake.

The rooftop patio provides excellent city views while a number of private rooms throughout the building are great for those seeking extra privacy.

Contact: Executive Italian Chef Sebastiano Giangregorio, 82-2-792-5571; italianexecutivechef@gmail.com

THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT The neighborhood of Itaewon in central Seoul was long known as a hangout for the city’s Western expats. But in recent years, the neighborhood has LATTICED CORNER / PROST

transformed as more and more upscale Western-style establishments pop up, drawing in hip, young locals, and Itaewon becomes a higher-end cultural destination in its own right. The street behind the Hamilton Hotel has been at the heart of this transformation and since its grand opening earlier in the year, District has been the street’s major landmark.

This massive entertainment emporium is made up of three venues, Prost, a casual, yet sophisticated alehouse and grill; Glam, a luxuriously appointed lounge; and Mute, a state-of-the-art nightclub. With an old-fashioned factory facade and tall arched windows, the three venues at District have a similar

LAID-BACK LUXE / PROST

décor motif, designed by Kim Chi-ho. Prost features classic European styling and iron latticework with an 80-year-old steel stove still in place. Glam has a candlelit ambience, with hints of black, bronze and gold, and a smattering of handpicked antique furniture. Mute has quickly been established as one of Itaewon’s top clubs, with one of Asia’s most talented DJ lineups complemented by visiting international DJs such as Mendo, Sante and Troy Pierce.

District’s top drops—available at all three venues—include Ballentine’s 30 Year, Armand de Brignac Brut Gold, Cristal Brut and Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 1998, while Glam serves up Chef’s Choice sashimi and Japanese tapas for when your appetite keeps up with the music.

Contact: District General Manager Sook Young Kim, 82-2-796-6853; districtgm@gmail.com; www.districtitaewon.com

130

BY RACHEL SILVESTRI

SHANGHAI

THE GUIDE

ALL SHOOK UP Located in Shanghai’s Bund district, atop the beautifully restored Swatch Art Peace Hotel, once part of the iconic Peace Hotel owned by Victor Sassoon (the other half across the street is now a luxurious Fairmont hotel), the new Shook! Rooftop Terrace turns the staggering, other-worldly cityscape of Puxi, the lazy Huangpu River and the bustling Bund escarpment into a dynamic, ever-changing backdrop that thrills and tantalizes the senses.

Taking its rather curious name from Malaysian slang (owners YTL are based in Kuala Lumpur), this rooftop recluse follows the success of Shook!

Restaurant on the chic 1906 Renaissance-styled building’s fifth floor. The terrace matches the stunning vistas with an innovative cocktail menu, extensive wine offerings and one of the best collections of vintage and non-vintage champagnes in the city, including Krug’s Clos Du Mesnil, Dom Pérignon Rosé and, exclusive to Shook!, Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blanc Épernay.

The bar’s cocktails are a tribute to Shanghai’s emergence on the regional mixology scene and include cucumber and mint gimlets, a decadent truffle martini and a frozen champagne mojito. Appetites will be sated with the likes of snapper and prawn chips, Wagyu beef burgers with foie gras, and slightly spicy crab meat tarts from the bar menu.

Be sure to book ahead for either a coveted al fresco lounge space, perfect

STUNNING CITYSCAPE / SHOOK! ROOFTOP TERRACE

AVANT-GARDE AESTHETICS / LE SHENG

for elegant open-air bottle service, or one of two private rooms housed in defining twin domed towers.

Contact: General Manager Andrew Jordan, 86-21-2329-8522; info@shookrestaurantshanghai.com; www.shookrestaurantshanghai.com

EAST MEETS WEST Traverse from the glamour of the Bund to the quiet leafy boulevards of the French Concession, where Australian Greek chef and local culinary icon David Laris has opened his newest venture to critical acclaim. Le Sheng is Laris’s first Chinese restaurant and presents a modern interpretation of Shanghainese cuisine in a boutique, intimate setting.

Named for the harmonious moment when all instruments begin to play, Le Sheng has two chefs, Laris, who has been in Asia for 15 years, and local talent Zhang Yingzheng. Together, they blend cultures to create a menu that’s not as flashy as fusion but is still a delightful departure from the culinary norm.

BUDDHA JUMP / LE SHENG

Le Sheng is a refreshing change from the overly palatial Chinese restaurant; interior designer Andy Hall has decked out the narrow, double-level eatery in dark timbers, cozy lighting and Chinese panels featuring a poem about tea by Li Bai. To one side a colorful collection of Chinese tea leaves immersed

QUIET SOPHISTICATION / LE SHENG

in resin is backlit to great effect.

Book ahead for the intimate lower-level private dining room or smaller seclusions upstairs, and have Laris and his team select from the 150-dishstrong menu. The selection includes popular favorites like xiao long bao, Shaoxin drunken chicken and hairy crab, as well as less known, more traditional delicacies like “Buddha jump,” steamed abalone with fish maw in broth. A more modern take can be seen in dishes like the yellow croaker fish spring rolls and Hong Sau Rou braised pork with quail eggs. Be sure to match these innovative dishes with Le Sheng’s collection of Chinese teas, handpicked by a local Chinese tea master, or with one of the unique cocktails infused with Chinese baiju rice wine, peaches, chrysanthemum, plums and hibiscus.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Adrian Yuan, 86-21-5406-6011; info@leshengsh.com; www.leshengsh.com

131

THE GUIDE

SINGAPORE

BY EVELYN CHEN

POLLINATED PERFECTION Barely six months after opening the 19-seat Esquina Tapas Bar, Jason Atherton is zipping into Singapore again, this time to put the finishing touches on Pollen, his second restaurant in the city with renowned hotelier/restaurateur Loh Lik Peng. Sequestered away in a temperature-controlled Flower Dome in the newly debuted Gardens by the Bay, the restaurant is accessed via a breezy buggy ride past towering Avatar-esque super tree structures. Anchoring the glass-paneled dome—together with a host of Mediterranean vegetation including fig and olive trees—is a smart, double-tiered space helmed by Executive Chef Colin Clague.

The terracotta-tiled upper deck beckons with a long bar proffering signature cocktails including the Eastside Julep, prepared with Bombay Sapphire gin, elderflower, fresh lemon juice, cucumber and garden-plucked Japanese mint. These are served alongside your choice of finger foods like jamón Ibéri-

co or nibbles from the à la carte menu.

To experience the essence of Atherton’s take on modern European fare, make a reservation at the dark wood-swathed ground-floor dining room, where the starched linen-blanketed tables and inspiring bay views set the scene for discovery. Atherton’s Mediterranean-accented creations include Sydney rock oysters served in a dashi broth with soy and pickled shallots; JOHN DORY AND PRAWN HEAD BISQUE / POLLEN

and John Dory fish with baby courgette. Like its London flagship, Pollen also features a stand-alone dessert bar where resident pastry chef Andres Lara,

GARDEN WHIMSY / POLLEN

BEETROOT SORBET / POLLEN

an El Bulli and Noma alumnus, crafts sublime desserts like beetroot sorbet with salt milk chocolate; and hibiscus-compressed granny smith apple, to end your meal on a high note.

Contact: Restaurant Manager Christophe Vitalien, 65-6604-9988; christophe@pollen.com.sg; www.pollenstreetsocial.com

HEFTY HEIFER Built as an annex to a Japanese-inspired beef atelier of the same name, Singapore’s new Fat Cow Lounge is, like its moniker suggests, a high-end chillout bar for the stream of affluent diners who grace the chi-chi steak house for their fix of premium marbled beef cuts. Its discreet location, buried behind closed doors on the ground floor of Camden Medical Centre, at the fringe of Orchard Road, offers the privacy that the deep-pocketed yet low-key crowd SHOGA MULE / FAT COW LOUNGE

KURAI TENSHA / FAT COW LOUNGE

hankers for.

In a windowless space overhung with latticework, flickering candles illuminate the low-lit lounge where mixologist Richard Gillam concocts cocktails with Japanese flair, like the Yamazaki 12 years-accented Kurai Tensha, with Kyoto maple syrup, and the Kyoho Flip, infused with homemade Kyoho liqueur and Ron Zacapa Guatemalan rum.

Pair these with Wagyu beef-studded eats from the kitchen, including a Wagyu cheesesteak and delicious Wagyu gyoza. If you’re in the mood to impress, ask sommelier Agnel Sathiananthan about his secret stash of vintage wines, some dating back to the 1960s. From his Sommelier’s Collection, Sathiananthan may suggest a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée Conti Grand Cru 1964 burgundy, or a Domaine des Comtes Lafon Montrachet Grand Cru 1992 burgundy, subject to a 24-hour advance order. In the interest of discreetness, uncork your choice of vintage vino in the 28-seat screen-shielded semi-private room (advance reservation required).

Contact: Restaurant Manager Dax Taparan, 65-9452-7814; enquiry@fat-cow.com.sg; www.fat-cow.com.sg

132

BY JAMES GREGORY WILKINSON

COUNTRY ROAD

SYDNEY

THE GUIDE

LUSH LAWN / CHISWICK

Matt Moran has been a familiar face on the Sydney dining scene for the last two decades, particularly with his iconic Aria restaurant that overlooks the Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay. The chef, who is a member of Singapore Airlines’ culinary panel, responsible for signature business- and first-class dishes between Sydney and Singapore, opened his first restaurant, Paddington Inn Bistro, in 1991, and now, more than 20 years later, has again taken up residence in Sydney’s fashionable and wealthy inner-Eastern Suburbs.

Chiswick, Moran’s latest venture with business partner Peter Sullivan, is a stone’s throw from Paddington in the leafy consul-lined suburb of Woollahra.

Occupying one of the largest blocks in the residential neighborhood and surrounded by lush green lawns and gardens, Chiswick is not just Sydney’s hottest dining spot for the crowd it attracts—Formula 1 ace Michael Schumacher, billionaire James Packer, News Limited heir Lachlan Murdoch and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins have all dined here since it opened earlier in the year—but also for its refined country-in-the-city dining.

The restaurant itself is a light-filled, white-dominated dining room with a mixture of communal tables and seating for couples and groups. Outside, the green lawn splits the restaurant from bustling Ocean Street, while out the back a 1,614-square-foot garden supplies produce for the kitchen that

GARDEN-FRESH FARE / CHISWICK

emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients in each dish.

Highlights on the menu are the baby Kinkawooka mussels with tomatoes, chili and garden herbs; chicken liver parfait with date puree; roasted king salmon with celeriac, walnuts and bois boudran sauce; and local grass-fed beef from Moran’s family farm. On the boutique-inspired drinks menu your palate will be tempted with a Chiswick Mule that’s twisted with kaffir limes and lemongrass, or a bottle of the 2008 Hugh Hamilton Saperavi from McLaren Vale in South Australia.

Contact: Manager Marta Presciutti, 60-2-8388-8688; info@chiswickrestaurant.com.au; www.chiswickrestaurant.com.au

HAIL TO THE CHIEF Sven Almenning loves good booze. So much so that the former Sydney mixology consultant put forward his own extensive collection for the consumption of connoisseurs when he first opened Eau de Vie in hip Darlinghurst.

Alongside well-crafted classic cocktails, his fine selection of tipples helped Eau de Vie win “World’s Best New Cocktail Bar” at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans last year, an event that’s recognized as the top of the world drinks industry. So when Almenning opened his latest venture, The Roosevelt, down the road from Eau de Vie in sister suburb Potts Point, expectations were high. Exceeding them, Almenning created a cocktail

OCEAN TROUT TARTARE / THE ROOSEVELT

den that tantalizes the palate like few bars in Sydney.

The Roosevelt features three rooms: A main bar area highlighted by ban-

THE VIP EXPERIENCE / THE ROOSEVELT

quettes, images of nearby Kings Cross from days gone by and Almenning’s collection of antique cocktail shakers; and two cocktail and food degustation rooms that are home to gastronomic matching nights and private events.

Hallmarking the drinks list are the “cocktails on wheels:” Staff roll out a trolley that’s all about twisted classics such as The Roosevelt Blazer, with muscatel, figs and burnt orange, or futuristic creations such as the Revolu-

FROTHY TIPPLES / THE ROOSEVELT

tion Mule, which is charged in a bath of nitrogen.

Contact: Owner Sven Almenning, 61-404-175-348; sven@behindbars.com.au; www.theroosevelt.com.au

133

THE GUIDE

TAIPEI

BY JOSHUA SAMUEL BROWN

STAYING IN Anticipation ran high when three-Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno opened Simple Table Alléno Yannick (STAY) on the fourth floor of Taipei 101, the Taiwanese capital’s most coveted address.

STAY’s dining area, simple without being spartan, incorporates a sleek, minimalist design created by American firm Tag Front, whose signatures include the BOA Restaurant in West Hollywood. The mosaic ceiling, wing-like screens at the entrance and bronze sculptures all give a modern, Art Deco feeling, while the tastefully designed private dining rooms—one of which has a window looking into the kitchen—tout a more exclusive atmosphere. Both of the private rooms, as well as STAY’s sharing table, offer customized menus and private waitstaff.

From the delicately mingled saltiness of anchovies and slight sourness of capers found in the traditional vitello tonatto appetizer, to the colorful lobster à la nage, a full New England lobster, de-shelled over diced summer vegetables, Yannick’s culinary creations are simple to the eye yet complex to the palate. Oenophiles will appreciate STAY’s extensive wine list, including the Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2006 and the Château Cheval Blanc 1995, the latter a steal at about US$2,500.

Chef Yannick’s first passion is famously pastry, and diners drawn solely to STRIKING SPACE / STAY

his sweeter creations will appreciate STAY’s signature pastry library, a full table from which dedicated pastry chefs produce Yannick’s signature confections. Those on tighter schedules can visit the chef’s newly opened Sweet Tea, a traditional Parisian tea salon located on the fourth-floor atrium just across from the main restaurant.

Contact: Marketing and PR Manager Ellie Chou, 886-2-8101-8177; ellie.chou@staytaipei.com.tw

MYSTICAL NIGHTS Located on the tenth floor of the recently refurbished ATT4Fun building in the heart of the trendy Xinyi district, MYST is Taipei’s newly opened house of fun, offering chic décor, thumping music and a wide selection of libations.

Built to hold 2,000-plus patrons dancing to the latest hip hop and electro hits pumped out by recent headliners like Hyper Crush, the Jump Smokers and DJ Snake (Lady Gaga’s official tour DJ), the main room is practically a city in itself. Softly lit wood-grain walls surround the exterior, which has lush couches for VIPs craving bottle service for their small parties on the edge of the packed dance floor. Each VIP booth comes with its own server, and reserSOUP DU JOUR / STAY

vations for the prime tables need to be made weeks in advance.

To escape the madness of the main room, a smaller side space doubles as

GETTING DOWN / MYST

GOOD TIMES / MYST

a chill-out zone. This dimly lit area is good for making conversation with new friends, talking to the bartenders about their selection of top-notch whiskeys or listening to up-and-coming DJs play a mélange of classic hip hop and house tunes.

MYST’s biggest selling point may be its massive open-air 17-table balcony that wraps around the building’s corner and offers exquisite views of the city’s tallest building, Taipei 101.

Wednesday is ladies’ night, so expect to find a younger and distinctly more ladylike scene. Friday and Saturday nights are the big ones, naturally, when the club is packed wall to wall with Taipei’s stylish and well heeled.

Contact: Business Manager Devin Koo, 886-958-914-777; jh@club-myst.com; www.club-myst.com

134 134

BY CATHERINE SHAW

TOKYO

THE GUIDE

MEMBERS ONLY? The Tokyo American Club, one of Japan’s most exclusive private members clubs, opened its doors to the public last year inviting non-member gourmands to dine at the newly opened restaurant Decanter. The venture—the first time in 83 years that the club has welcomed non-members—has proven such a success that this August sees the launch of Flatiron, the club’s newest dining venue, again welcoming non-members.

Flatiron’s sleek third-floor dining area includes a curved washi artwork sculpture by Eriko Horiki and floor-to-ceiling wine cellars—home to more than 10,000 bottles including verticals of Château Palmer, Opus One, Château Latour, Bond Estate and Penfolds Grange reaching back 20 years.

The signature Behind the Velvet Rope cocktail, a heady combination of Grey Goose vodka, black raspberry liqueur and agave nectar, infused with strawberries and basil with cranberry is a firm favorite. There is also an excellent selection of whiskeys including a ten-year-old Nikka Single Cask distilled and matured at the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido and available in Japan only.

The food at Flatiron, masterminded by chef David Kristiaan Ueno, melds aspects of molecular gastronomy, sensory cooking, immersion bath technology, flash freezing and searing into a true culinary journey.

The multicourse, seasonally inspired set menu includes imaginative creations like frozen heirloom tomato pops that are taken through “a molecular transformation,” whereby rapid blast freezing removes all of the tomato’s liquids and crystallizes its essence. Guests fill their tomato with piping hot gazpacho, which is then blasted with liquid nitrogen—when the smoke clears the diner taps what looks like a tomato, shattering it and leaving shards of tomato mingled with a delicious hot soup. Flat-

THE SCIENCE OF FOOD / FLATIRON

iron only seats eight guests a night, so advanced reservations are a must.

Contact: Food and Beverage Director Brian Marcus, 81-3-4588-0245; brian.marcus@tac-club.org; www.tokyoamericanclub.org

PALATIAL INDULGENCE Thanks to the meticulous attention given to the design of the chic interiors, aesthetic presentation of each dish and a fleet of serene kimono-clad staff, dining at Wadakura, Palace Hotel Tokyo’s newly opened Japanese restaurant, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese heritage and hospitality.

Two-Michelin-star chef Shinji Kanesaka is in charge at Sushi Kanesaka, one of four specialized dining areas within Wadakura, which in total offers 118 seats. Named after one of the six moats surrounding the Imperial Palace, Wadakura also has a six-seat tempura bar called Tatsumi (referencing the ancient Imperial watchtower visible from the ten private dining rooms) and Go, an area dedicated to teppanyaki-grilled premium Japanese beef.

Executive Chef Keiji Miyabe’s multicourse seasonally inspired tasting

KAISEKI COURSES / WADAKURA

MEDITATIVE MODERN / WADAKURA

menus are a melody of colors, flavors and textures from corn dumpling with water shield, small melon and fresh yuzu, to clamato capellini paired with sea urchin, caviar and Japanese green pepper—an innovative twist on ItalianJapanese flavors. In the main dining room, enjoy palace garden views as you dine on Japanese favorites from sukiyaki to shabu-shabu and kaiseki.

Wadakura’s interiors celebrate minimalist Japanese aesthetics with organic textured walls crafted by master plasterer Naoki Kusumi, wave-like naguri-style woodwork and a serene cascade of water down a stone wall.

Contact: Food and Beverage Director Masahiro Yamamoto, 81-3-3211-5303; yamamotom@palacehotel.jp; www.palacehoteltokyo.com

135

PURE DECADENCE

EASTERN EMPYREAN

BY NICK WALTON

Okinawa has, for decades, been a strictly Japanese destination, a sliver of paradise wreathed by talcum powder sands and coral reefs that they liked to keep off the map.

But all things change, and the tiny island chain between Japan and Taiwan has become a regional hot spot, as the rest of Asia discovers this once little-known tropical hideaway. Newcomers now have somewhere equally decadent to stay, with the opening of the lavish new Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa golf and spa resort.

GRAND ENTRANCE / THE RITZ-CARLTON, OKINAWA

Inspired by the traditional castle guesthouse or gusuku, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa boasts sweeping views across the East China Sea and adjacent Kise Country Club,

LIVING AREA / THE RITZ-CARLTON SUITE

and blends traditional Japanese elements, including Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds, with cutting-edge technology and gastronomy.

Be sure to stay in the ILYA Corporation-designed Ritz-Carlton Suite (about US$5,744 a night), a palatial two-bedroom presidential-style retreat that features an expansive terrace with private Jacuzzi and telescope, and a bathroom boasting Asprey amenities, individual rain showers and Yukata robes. In the living room and bedroom you’ll find a 52-inch LCD TV with Dynamic Sound System and an iPod docking station with preloaded apps and music.

The resort is also returning fine dining to the island, with the opening of ChuraNuhji, an elegant Italian restaurant that will offer al fresco dining, golf course views and the culinary musings of acclaimed Executive Chef Koji Hayakawa. Alternatively Kise, a modern teppanyaki eatery, will serve up locally caught seafood and renowned Okinawan Kuroge Wagyu beef cuts.

The resort also features a Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA nestled in its own enclave overlooking the ancient Yanbaru Forest. The spa touts four treatment suites, four dry rooms and coveted outdoor cabanas for shiatsu and Thai massages. Book ahead for one of two special Retreat Suites, each boasting private decks and stone baths.

Contact: General Manager Jun Yoshie, 81-980-43-555; jun.yoshie@ritzcarlton.com; www.ritzcarlton.com/okinawa 136

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF / KISE COUNTRY CLUB

COLLECTORS INFORMATION: THE R22 MARK I - MECHANICALLY PERFORMING BELT BUCKLE CALIBRE BY ROLAND ITEN BUGATTI EDITION - CODENAME: ETTORE 100% MANUFACTURED IN GENEVA UTILISING HIGH PRECISION WATCH-MAKING MACHINERY. PATENTED EXPANSION AND «REVERSE GRENAGE» GEAR SYSTEMS. CALIBRATION RANGE OF 22MM. ISSUED IN SOLID WHITE AND ROSE GOLD WITH TITANIUM ARCHITECTURE AND SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL IN A LIMITED SERIES OF 22 PIECES. CHF 75’000.

ROLAND ITEN COLLECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT: LES AMBASSADEURS GENEVA / HARRODS LONDON / CHRONOPASSION PARIS / GINOTTI ANTWERPE / BOUTIQUE DOS RELOGIOS PLUS LISBON / CRYSTAL GROUP KIEV / WESTIME LOS ANGELES / THE HOURGLASS SINGAPORE / RIVOLI PRESTIGE DUBAI & DOHA / TIANJIN YOUYI EXQUISITE STORE TIANJIN / VENDOME SYDNEY. FOR PURCHASES IN OTHER LOCATIONS PLEASE CONTACT: INFO@ROLANDITEN.COM / WWW.ROLANDITEN.COM